What is a Rector? is a question I hear often, both from members of a parish and from outsiders. Everyone has met a Rector, and most people have some ideas. I thought we might take a deep dive into the question together as we wait for a new Rector for Christ Church to be named.

Here’s the definition from the Episcopal Church Dictionary:
Rector: The priest in charge of a parish. Typically, a rector is the priest in charge of a self-supporting parish, and a vicar is the priest in charge of a supported mission. The rector is the ecclesiastical authority of the parish. The term is derived from the Latin for “rule.” The rector has authority and responsibility for worship and the spiritual jurisdiction of the parish, subject to the rubrics of the BCP, the constitution and canons of the church, and the pastoral direction of the bishop. The rector is responsible for selection of all assistant clergy, and they serve at the discretion of the rector. The church and parish buildings and furnishings are under the rector’s control. The rector or a member of the vestry designated by the rector presides at all vestry meetings.

Well, that tells us a little, but not a whole lot. We can layer in some of the Episcopal Church Constitution and Canons:

“…The Rector, or such other member of the vestry designated by the Rector, shall preside in all the meetings of the Vestry.” [I.14.3];
“…The Member of the Clergy shall have final authority in the administration of matters pertaining to music. In fulfilling this responsibility the Member of the Clergy shall seek assistance from persons skilled in music. Together they shall see that music is appropriate to the context in which it is used.” [II.5]
“The Rector shall have full authority and responsibility for the conduct of the worship and the spiritual jurisdiction of the Parish, subject to the Rubrics of the Book of Common Prayer, the Constitution and Canons of this Church, and the pastoral direction of the Bishop.” [III.9.5(a.1)];
“…The Rector shall at all times be entitled to the use and control of the Church and Parish buildings…and to access to all records and registers maintained by or on behalf of the congregation.” [III.9.5 (a.2)];
Still not a very complete picture, is it?

Here is a sentence from the Contract “Covenant” each Rector signs with their church:
“The relationship between a Rector and a Vestry (on behalf of or as proxy for a parish) is unique, and it evolves within a larger covenant of mutual trust and ministry to each other.”

Mutual trust and ministry with each other is the unique character or charisma of the ministry of Rector.

It isn’t a job description as much as it is a setting in which mutual ministry will arise.

Over the next few weeks, I hope to explore with you some of the aspects of a Rector’s work — bearibng in mind that each is unique and unfolds in a unique setting.

Our Diocese does not provide a template for a Rector’s job description–largely because , as one of the oldest Diocese in the Episcopal Church, many Rector’s positions have evolved and changed over time.
The parish profile is a good place to begin looking at the scope and nature of the work: click here
I have also edited a sample job description from the Episcopal Diocese of South Florida to make it more germane to our Diocese: click here.

Please feel free to ask any questions you may have when you see me on Sunday!

from The Rev. Rebecca Black, Interim