baptist church trustee duties and responsibilities

They maintain and secure all the real and personal property of the church. 322166814/www.reference.com/Reference_Desktop_Feed_Center6_728x90, The Best Benefits of HughesNet for the Home Internet User, How to Maximize Your HughesNet Internet Services, Get the Best AT&T Phone Plan for Your Family, Floor & Decor: How to Choose the Right Flooring for Your Budget, Choose the Perfect Floor & Decor Stone Flooring for Your Home, How to Find Athleta Clothing That Fits You, How to Dress for Maximum Comfort in Athleta Clothing, Update Your Homes Interior Design With Raymour and Flanigan, How to Find Raymour and Flanigan Home Office Furniture. 3148 Similarities include the need to see that all organization property is used for purposes consistent with the charter, trust fund agreements, and resolutions of the board of trustees. Trustees are usually voted on by a local church or selected by elders representing church members for certain periods of time. Carson-Newman University trustees took a bold action when they affirmed that the university would operate within the guidelines of the 2000 Baptist Faith and Message. eKVySf p-,x:d9}s`,Gq&UKy[kt>R0e pJcrYl%at0W_uFT(-M)d{Uf^`x-"'=\[9BxIIqC#;?1SaGZ/T:.@`cPKW[TCz*6WgDpHFa s6w%&U>BNc"\:bCAp}>!nxTY/E] << /Length 5 0 R /Filter /FlateDecode >> Duties of a church trustee are primarily overseeing and managing the governance, finance, and the overall health of the organization. Trustees are consulted before the church enters into a contract or financial agreement, and they have the power to negotiate the salaries of church employees. The church chose men to serve the widows. Trustees manage finances and property, and ensure the church is compliant with any legal requirements. authority than that which is given to the Trustees in a Southern Baptist Church. This will make it easier for you to stay in contact with the treasurer and monitor all financial activities. 7 0 obj Trustees also work to maintain the church buildings and property. responsibilities for use of church equipment. 2. endobj Below is a guide to help explain these duties, rules and regulations for people who are unsure how trustees operate. If the church must elect members of a special committee or hire new staff, the trustee board is generally consulted first. The early church met in public spaces (Acts 5:12), personal homes (Colossians 4:15;Acts 12:12), and lecture halls (Acts 19:9). endstream endobj 73 0 obj <. Copyright 2011-2023 Got Questions Ministries - All Rights Reserved. ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( These reports typically itemize the money received and expenses. A trustee can help ensure safety too, by making sure everything is insured properly and lit correctly. This trend has led to trustees taking on various responsibilities depending on the size, mission and resources of the community being served by the church. The trustees are often required to decide the salary and other terms. These duties are typically set out in the trust deed or provided by Statute. Assist the pastor . Trustees annually review property, liability, and crime insurance coverage on church-owned property, buildings . In addition to denominational and congregational requirements, each state has different laws regarding trustees. Besides the scripturally defined roles of pastor/elder and deacon, some have a position called "Trustee". Deacons also lead prayer meetings when the pastor is absent, visit church members and assist in running the church's benevolent fund. A church trustee is a group that is responsible for the supervision and care of the entire property and equipment that belongs to the church. You should make sure that you and your fellow trustees are familiar with the following documents: Some churches also have agreements with other organizationsfor example, a church might belong to a denomination. He has a Bachelor of Arts in English with a specialization in writing from the University of Michigan and his articles have been published on several prominent websites including eHow and others. stream 1. endstream endobj startxref Required fields are marked *. Do not let any areas of your church go dark when its open. <> } !1AQa"q2#BR$3br The Trustee Board. 5 0 obj expected to perform all such additional duties as are reasonably commensurate with the role. Can not be an employee or related to an employee of The Church. stream 1. %PDF-1.5 << /Length 5 0 R /Filter /FlateDecode >> The training shall be completed within 60 days after the election, or prior to the appropriate Quarterly Conference, whichever comes first. All deacons and trustees should have a close relationship with God and their lives must demonstrate their love for God, his world and his people. What qualifications does the Bible give for elders and deacons? E6S2)212 "l+&Y4P%\%g|eTI (L 0_&l2E 9r9h xgIbifSb1+MxL0oE%YmhYh~S=zU&AYl/ $ZU m@O l^'lsk.+7o9V;?#I3eEKDd9i,UQ h6'~khu_ }9PIo= C#$n?z}[1 Connecting, Teaching, Living - Fort Walton Beach First UMC: Prayerfully making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world by Connecting with people, Teaching God's word, and Living our faith through service. Seek input from the Church on trustee related items. Baptist church trustees have duties related to the maintenance of the church property and ministry. They help develop new ministries and outreach programs, handle feedback and concerns for congregation members and work to promote church . Christian Truth. Children Ministry/Family Ministry. Trustees hold responsibility for the temporal concerns of the church. endobj 4. Trustees also passed a policy that clarifies the responsibilities and duties of a trustee in an executive session during the April 3 meeting. Typical Church Treasurer duties include collecting and depositing tithings, bank account reconciliation, preparing receipts for donors, payroll (if applicable) and other expenses. In addition, they should work towards maintaining good relations between members of the congregation and others who interact with them on behalf of the church. GtSg8Aw~-vDj#>U/t0Q 6a0xi|$!hZ$7CmKbDtOt g`VCr"7 bhrpb;U endstream They are often responsible for opening and closing the church before and after special events. ''V\[~XY[T}x=d/zM`*H%lc1YyH(-G\zVwN%uh\tNG2Q8=\ A church policy manual should be approved by a committee that includes staff and volunteers of the church. The Senior Pastor must meet the requirements found in I Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9 and be committed to continual growth in his relationship with Jesus and his fellow believers. << /Type /Catalog /Pages 3 0 R >> << /Length 13 0 R /Type /XObject /Subtype /Image /Width 198 /Height 256 /ColorSpace The church shall have a body of elders which shall include the pastor who will serve as the primary teaching elder responsible for the ministry of the Word. Right here on Churchgist, you are privy to a litany of relevant information on baptist church trustee duties and responsibilities,qualifications of a trustee in the church and so much more. ' Zk! $l$T4QOt"y\b)AI&NI$R$)TIj"]&=&!:dGrY@^O$ _%?P(&OJEBN9J@y@yCR nXZOD}J}/G3k{%Ow_.'_!JQ@SVF=IEbbbb5Q%O@%!ByM:e0G7 e%e[(R0`3R46i^)*n*|"fLUomO0j&jajj.w_4zj=U45n4hZZZ^0Tf%9->=cXgN]. See disclaimer. The Bible does not give us specific instructions regarding buildings and equipment owned by a church. &"2o@(mg+6ivWB.y q WZ*H)\b)F%bu z9dckib% |.L& =h@n!OeyW~;w|(o|VH? qHpoa0'm/yC A1vjp zN6p\W pG@ 4.0,` 3p H.Hi@A> In a large church, a trustee may oversee several different ministries, including a finance department and janitorial staff. The primary purpose of the trustee is to help ensure that the churchs assets are used responsibly, in a way that brings glory to God. << /Type /FontDescriptor /FontName /VZEJCP+ArialMT /Flags 32 /FontBBox [-665 -325 2000 1006] 2612 Generally speaking, a church trustee is a layman who takes care of the secular business of running a church. Trustee boards are typically in charge of budgetary matters within a church. The board defines a budget and appropriations at the beginning of each year and develops a uniform system to accept offerings and donations, pay bills and make purchases. Church trustees are also expected to give their tithes and offerings regularly. Why are church bylaws important. What Are My Basic Responsibilities? Church trustees are often asked to provide written financial reports for regular meetings so all church members can see where money is being spent. This issue can create confusion and even at times tensions . See disclaimer. stream The board defines a budget and appropriations at the beginning of each year and develops a uniform system to accept offerings and donations, pay bills and make purchases. In addition, like other directors and trustees, church trustees are held liable for decisions they make in their official capacities. Acts 2:42 describes the early church: "They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship . Regular tithing and offering are also requested of church trustees. In the early church, seven men were selected to oversee particular needs within . In fulfilling this solemn responsibility the Trustee board . The board of trustees is the governing body that represents the interest of the patrons of a church. The Trustee Board provides for the management of the physical building and ensures . .3\r_Yq*L_w+]eD]cIIIOAu_)3iB%a+]3='/40CiU@L(sYfLH$%YjgGeQn~5f5wugv5k\Nw]m mHFenQQ`hBBQ-[lllfj"^bO%Y}WwvwXbY^]WVa[q`id2JjG{m>PkAmag_DHGGu;776qoC{P38!9-?|gK9w~B:Wt>^rUg9];}}_~imp}]/}.{^=}^?z8hc' 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 333 333 Legal Duties New Hampshire law establishes specific standards of conduct for nonprofit board members. [7A\SwBOK/X/_Q>QG[ `Aaac#*Z;8cq>[&IIMST`kh&45YYF9=X_,,S-,Y)YXmk]c}jc-v};]N"&1=xtv(}'{'IY) -rqr.d._xpUZMvm=+KG^WWbj>:>>>v}/avO8 Jennifer VanBaren started her professional online writing career in 2010. 14:40) This document aims to make known in a clear and concise manner the essential rules by which we govern ourselves at Southern Baptist Church. June 2, 2022. Church staff and volunteers should be given a copy, and some congregations post their policies and . Duty of loyalty. AtE-w~)iYPDE 3. % $3.99. The work of each officer enhances the overall ministry of the church. You should also work to help the church become a better steward of its assets through your careful oversight. Members of most trustee boards are elected by vote of the congregation. Deacons are often the church members who pass the offering baskets during the service. 2. They frequently oversee events held by organizations that are renting the church. Manage the general financial affairs of the church. The African Methodist Episcopal Church: A History Promotional Video. Email: trustees@allen-temple.org. This Guideline is intended to be a guide as you begin fulfilling your responsibilities, and a reference throughout your tenure as trustee . The trustees names are frequently on church accounts so they can make deposits and withdrawals as needed. Log all expenses of the Trust. /Thumb 12 0 R >> They are also required to work with those who are planning church events. Another role of the trustee board is to maintain the building and property owned by the church. %%EOF When a pastor and/or a board of trustees are asked to grant permission to an outside organization to use church facilities, permission can be . Baptist church trustees have duties related to the maintenance of the church property and ministry. xZ6}WQ7{*{[ Tfg?sS? pwa'ri= GS$UgDK($f!9E4dci80~QTIT:7W]1&za)90"Fh)[;:,Ie#9!g@z_A:PldRk %&'()*456789:CDEFGHIJSTUVWXYZcdefghijstuvwxyz Trustees are responsible for handling most of the financial aspects of operating the church. endobj Churchgists.com covers prayers, spiritual meaning, bible verses and dreams interpretation. She taught college-level accounting, math and business classes for five years. hJ,Ywg !(d:gdXx :\y!32MAb1_& 16X!,u nTkXnK+2c?"E[ ud \z#v+ j!)"rt) U\21ZRI8h]whZ5*?Id^;:EC^ 6sI u)j,Tt:R:}1\SmSRBd)`V%5z |o^2s R=bn`Hs/ YtF^:M2gLWd The duties of a church trustee are both similar and different to those of directors of other types of organizations. You need to make sure all your financials are in order, and there is someone who knows how to do that. % Officers in the Baptist church have a variety of important responsibilities related to the spiritual and practical life of the church. uo2UkBUhEE+k)U139 ~9D"esVz}{u+,{bK]^EHoQY>AYpj_u/]>x',sU ?b(BdWd(;V6b/:Rp~.`g 0$3 .} YOS He or she has a duty not to delegate the Trustee's duties to another person-any duty which calls on him to exercise skill and . The secretary provides clerical support and keeps track of meeting minutes, and the treasurer prepares budgetary reports and ensures financial accuracy. In many cases, any major expenses must be approved by the board of trustees. Deacon and/or Trustee Board member). The financial duties of the trustee board involve making sure that the church can meet its annual financial goals. Regardless of how old we are, we never stop learning. Fargo Bank where he has worked for 20 years. The Trustee has a duty to carry out the trust in accordance with the terms of the trust or will. Copyright 2023 Leaf Group Ltd., all rights reserved. Job Description Reference.com. Shackleford-Photography/iStock/Getty Images, General Board of Discipleship: Trustee Job Description. 15 0 obj The role of trustee varies depending on denomination and congregation. These reports typically list the costs and income by line item. Comment * document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a430b72366d73ff1c9e970f9da03a6bb" );document.getElementById("e218d56cc5").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Classroom is the educational resource for people of all ages. (510) 544-8928. Classroom is the educational resource for people of all ages. w !1AQaq"2B #3Rbr Principal Function. EskY=oUF*AZtvHYnJDD(:%U>& LbW4MgLB;1t3g]hX/RhRWEN*#ud*nE_f_Px.`u/uu>5>I~N?q}Nud7f!|fVBe%3 ^\N5}]cT)&[WzV 3 Agree to ExpensesThe official has the power to sanction payment of the churchs bills and costs as part of their duties as a church trustee. Ministry is one of the five core values of Ebenezer Baptist Church "A Life-Changing Church" with the vision of Worship, Discipleship, Evangelism, Fellowship, and Ministry. Some churches have several deacons to complete various administrative and business functions of the church. All deacons and trustees should have a close relationship with God and their . Trustee Board Chairperson Job Description Purpose The Board of Trustees supervises, oversees and cares for all real property of the church and seeks to use the church's material and financial resources according to the will of God and for the benefit of God's Church. The first known facility dedicated to housing a church was acquired in the AD 240s and destroyed in 256. ?`>6f#GwbgI Q:abgsp._/m>x^X?|'_7?~?6>^.pC'n9_Y_2Mc#N$4Q9A)-T-laWV*b[PE[V{U|'bPYv(Ek-?2jZ << /Length 5 0 R /Filter /FlateDecode >> Trustee's duty of loyalty: The duty of loyalty is one of the most characteristic rules of trust law. The pay and other stipulations are frequently left up to the trustees discretion. Thechurchsassetsaremanagedbytrustees,whoalsomakesuretheinstitutioncomplieswithallapplicablelaws. To do this, you must: As a trustee, it is your duty to ensure the safety and security of parishioners and staff by taking care of these issues. ?cZH 5|Kq:W[~U7~tG/1z upRNoJ/7lMj8 `'P'~ To foster a cohesive environment, the board must understand the philosophy and missionary goals of the church. hs2z\nLA"Sdr%,lt stream 7 0 R /BitsPerComponent 8 /Filter /DCTDecode >> A Trustee is a person who acts as a custodian for the assets held within a Trust. The duties of a Trustee may vary from state to state, but in general, a Trustee's duties include the following: 1. Trustee boards are typically in charge of budgetary matters within a church. 0 222 ] >> Their duties range from preaching and teaching to visitation to managing finances to clerical work. Churches have a variety of operating methods that they have developed to cope with the ever increasing complexity of operations. They help develop new ministries and outreach programs, handle feedback and concerns for congregation members and work to promote church fundraisers and new classes or programs. 2. %PDF-1.3 A church trustee has certain duties in order to ensure the smooth running of any church. As part of the church trustee job description, the official has the authority to approve payment of the church's bills and expenses. 4 0 obj Set up for annual church business meeting (ballots, pencils and pens, basket to collect ballots, set up chairs, turn on heat, distribute song books, podium). All church property is held in trust for the AME Church (Connectional). They help develop new ministries and outreach programs, handle feedback and concerns for congregation members and work to promote church fundraisers and new classes or programs. B@'&v=?dN'{tlw*;EbRtAlT*tRbW_J/GI&J8#i'~H*!8rHGT@vcR)sCS xZ[SJ~H[e+* $ngA-Ick6),[Lfiz4Ybt^>_l.f][a>6\Wp 5wv}>=q%~|;=3gJ5MfX9vuc5 L/o/b3`'<6,_' ;BqaL59/,=K{S>'?7Ib#J;v;=$(#=u}) yBc~absf){z8#o@]+;A]DYn7nCnnYy]_3\6|zKEj8wN$oDUdr} eU A%-YYn`.8z;G*p~ The general job responsibilities and duties of the Church Financial Secretary includes: Work according to the policies and procedures established by the Trustee Board or Financial Management Committee/Team. x]u}(Qcc]Her" m,$ C9wna+fUe7CmZ;a=oj+xZG7jZgNg?p7/77C?7_N+~w]~q{wFkO_8Hk/^UoD%!I:._`] Monitor and follow the church policies and procedures for finances. 2 0 obj Any significant expenditures frequently require board of trustees approval. The trustees, serving as custodians of the church property, shall include its proper She holds a Bachelor of Science in accounting and finance from St. Joseph's College in Rensselaer, Ind. It requires a trustee to invest and manage trust assets solely in the interest of the beneficiaries. Responsibilities: The Board's specific responsibilities are set forth in full in the Church Constitution, Article IX, Section 2. Baptist church trustees have duties related to the maintenance of the church property and ministry. Maintain open communication with the treasurer about all financial matters, Ensure that appropriate security measures are in place for both parishioners and staff, such as adequate lighting around entrances/exits, monitoring who comes into the building after hours or on weekends when no one else is there etc. In others, the trusteeisthe janitor. Trustees may be responsible for maintaining buildings and facilities, tracking the churchs equipment and investments, keeping insurance policies up to date, and managing funds. %PDF-1.3 %PDF-1.3 However, along with that power comes the duty to determine whether the expense is necessary and how much it will cost. 2 Continuous AttendanceAttending church services and events is expected of church trustees. Meetings Day / Time: Every third Tuesday. Trustees are usually voted on by a local church or selected by elders representing church members for certain periods of time. All Trustees must attend three training sessions. The trustee board may also be tasked with assessing property insurance liability risks and ensuring that the church is in compliance with neighborhood and zoning regulations. << /Type /Page /Parent 3 0 R /Resources 6 0 R /Contents 4 0 R /MediaBox [0 0 612 792] Based on the usage of the biblical word, how should deacons minister in the church? This distinction is based on the pattern found in Acts 6:1-6. Trustees typically are responsible for hiring contractors to complete such projects. The duties of a trustee have evolved over time. It is their duty to ensure that any money raised by the church is accounted for in an accurate manner. With that authority, however, the church trustee also has the responsibility of evaluating the need for the expense as well as the . Your email address will not be published. This means its important to have a good system in place, including: If youre part of a church, I think its important to have a trustee. The primary duty of Baptist church trustees is overseeing the financial aspects of operating the church. xy`T?~sg_d2 @DrYJd_Lh]" A church trustee usually refers to a church volunteer who oversees physical aspects of a church such as finance, property, and buildings. hb```e" eao0"bzA,$!AAAC| kC3@! Fu-7m)Li "k`\f3'Q bS"(` m endobj Many volunteers are needed to lead and run a church. The board shall include in its report to the charge conference ( 2550.7) the results of its review and recommendations needed to timely bring the church into compliance with the published schedule.9. Ip}Xw`;!J%2Xlm2mmC _)!Tu)>dO Tw^SIXbxm-kF:8*NNcIx@A;1*;pEoRDol*Af&u;"#c]s2Z5&Qa. He or she is responsible for managing and administering the finances of a Trust per the instructions given. They receive and count money and work with the treasurer, who deposits the money. Along with financial expertise, the church treasurer must have faith, integrity and impeccable character. 3. Ebenezer's Ministries are the tools that our Ministry workers use to give God's Love through social gospel work. They must manage the property, finances and assets of the church. Two common types of volunteers elected as leaders in many churches are trustees and deacons. The responsibilities of trustees are normally located in the church's Articles of . Although trustees are not mentioned in the Bible, their role is biblically appropriate. If the church has an employed Business Manager, that person is a member of the Board of Trustees with voice but no vote. Their efforts are complementary and . The old-fashioned view of trusteeship was that the board members lent their names and prestige to the church and did little else. 2. One of their main responsibilities is to protect and help advance the purpose of the organisation. Board of Trustees Responsibilities The duly elected members of the Board of Trustees have the responsibility to conduct business and make decisions that are in the best interest of the First Religious Society in the Town of Homer, New York and the Homer Congregational Church, such that the FRS and HCC may continue to prosper and carry out God's Her writing highlights include publishing articles about music, business, gardening and home organization. Trustees may also suggest the financial institution in which the church's funds should be kept. YkV9]3j]7}^+yjp,17:{/.=o8"`"aCGL@FSv0 ~4$ "#EG)T%S H^"ByHo{@1W)4hv,yD$S5K=c^p$a"G u]K]o)!tYS\'6tGvw}3$D@18Z$gWVCUjO.k-,Y`F*WMBjUp zY~D(Es= yU`% \"]4+`cJuuTuG(['}vATy6owo O:w^wB 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 556 556 500 556 556 278 556 556 222 222 500 222 833 556 556 3 0 obj 2 min. % 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 333 333 389 0 278 0 278 278 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 s a trustee, you will supervise and maintain all property belonging to your congre-gation so that the ministries of the congregation can be effective. <> Responsible Stewardship. What is the job description of a trustee in the Baptist Church? Does the Bible talk about church government? . PPi:nK! For information contact: Beverly Randolph-Meeks. "I am absolutely satisfied that my concerns have been fairly heard," pastor Dwight McKissic said in an April 5 interview with the Southern Baptist TEXAN, newsjournal of the Southern Baptists of Texas . endobj The job description will consist of a general description, duties and responsibilities, and general, special and experience requirements where applicable. Antioch Baptist Church Phone: 703-425-0710 Fax: 703-764-9172 E-mail: antioch@antioch-church.org www.antioch-church.org Capers Brown Chairman Deacon/Deaconess Board Ron Beasley Chairman, Trustee Board Kiah D. Spinks Church Clerk 6531 Little Ox Rd Fairfax Station, VA 22039 Primary Duties and Responsibilities Proclamation Elders must be appointed by existing elder (s) after being tested regarding . Members of the congregation trust the church treasurer to exerise good stewardship in managing their hard earned contributions. As part of the church trustee job description, the official has the authority to approve payment of the church's bills and expenses. 2. "H2 "5`R, &"`5H*"'j2#)w D$j+$S`{C@${9: 2'X< S*iHg`: Dr Baptist church trustees have duties related to the maintenance of the church property and ministry. The position of deacon is an important one. JFIF H H LExif MM * i 8Photoshop 3.0 8BIM 8BIM% B~ " A church trustee has certain duties in order to ensure the smooth running of any church. They must collaborate with people who organize church events as well. Trustees receive and administer all gifts made to the congregation and make certain that trust funds of the congregation are invested properly. The trustees together have several legal and administrative functions. In some states, churches are required to have trustees. Development of new ministries and outreach programs usually falls to the pastor or other church clergy, although the board of trustees plays an important role in supporting these efforts. The board assumes responsibilities as a whole as well as assigns specific duties to individual members. %PDF-1.6 % &z0*xxQX+ Whether youre studying times tables or applying to college, Classroom has the answers. { &JTI$4rNwB}XDa E/R{hMg]7}]'^8qW! The Trustee has a role of dealing with various church business matters. $4%&'()*56789:CDEFGHIJSTUVWXYZcdefghijstuvwxyz C A trustee in a church is usually a member of the churchs board of trustees. Length of commitment: 3 years He formerly served as a pastor for 16 years, and is now a member of Fourth Baptist Church . The Connect ministries of our church are focused on connecting people to Christ through building relationships Answer. The major difference between these positions is that a trustee makes finanical decisions while a deacon assists with other needs of the church. The mission of the Trustee Ministry is to faithfully serve as stewards of what God has placed in our charge by serving unconditionally and sacrificially, protecting the church to the best of our ability with wisdom, utilizing and managing resources as provided by God for His glorification in His creation, and holding each .