The Role of the Personnel Committee and the Task of Leadership 

In recent years, many churches and presbyteries have begun to reformulate the tasks of the Personnel Committee, based on a new appreciation for the joint leadership of Pastor, staff, and officers (Session and Deacon members) working together. An often-cited source for this approach is the book by Jill Hudson, “When Better isn’t Enough,” and the twelve leadership characteristics for the 21^st Century church it presents. In this workshop, we will discuss Trinity’s recent experience, based on this book, for evaluating the leadership effectiveness of both ministers and Officers during a mutual, phased process over a three-year period. Explanations and forms will be shared for discussion. We will also examine several basic principles for this process, such as “ground rules” for giving effective feedback, mutual goal setting, ways to support staff throughout the year, and helpful COM resources from other Presbyteries.  We will consider a timeline of how this process can be incorporated in the context of the normal schedule of the church calendar year.  

Brenda Wiegand Williams is currently serving as an elder in the class of 2021 at Trinity Presbyterian Church, Springfield, and is co-chair of the Worship and Music and Personnel Committees. She recently retired from her career as a health and rehabilitation psychologist. She is married to Barry Williams, a teaching elder in the PCUSA. Her most fun role is being Oliver’s grandmother, and she also enjoys cooking, gardening, reading, time with family and friends, and long walks. During the past year, although she has greatly missed singing with others in choir, along with a host of other activities, she has still found music to be a source of deep comfort and joy during the long days away from church and concerts.