The diocese’s Congregational Business Consultants are a group of experienced, committed business people with years of expertise in church operations who volunteer to serve other congregations.  Members have served as treasurers, wardens, auditors and vestry members.  Their professions span accounting, law, financial services, architecture and ordained ministry.

James Wagner (center, with Bishop Cederholm and Chris Meyer, consultants coordinator) was named "Consultant of the Year" for his outstanding volunteer service.The Congregational Business Consultants are commissioned to bring those skills to the congregations of the diocese.  For more information, contact Chris Meyer at cmeyer [at] diomass [dot] org or see the Congregational Business Consultants brochure attached below.

The Congregational Business Consultants also work with the Compensation and Benefits Committee and the Congregational Coaches. 

Resources
The Congregational Business Consultants have developed these resources, attached below:

•  Resource Guide:  A collection of resources to help vestries manage parish business matters.

•  Financial Policies, Procedures and Controls:  A template document that can be tailored to suit parish needs.

•  Guide to Utilization of Church Property:  Helps identify new ways to use facilities.

Workshops
The Congregational Business Consultants annually provide Business Practices Workshops in three convenient locations.  These cover such topics as the computation of the parochial assessment; preparation of the Parochial Report; management responsibilities of the vestry; and administration and bookkeeping. 

Workshops are scheduled on these Saturdays in 2012:   March 10 at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul in Boston; March 17 at St. Peter's Church in Weston; March 24 at St. Peter's Church in Buzzards Bay; and March 31 at St. Paul's Church in Lynnfield.  Go to any of these dates on the Events calendar to register.

Other Resources
•  Manual of Business Methods in Church Affairs:  A comprehensive, user-friendly manual which supports the increasingly complex work of all treasurers and parish administrators.  Includes forms, such as the Parochial Report Form, with instructions.   Note:  Chapters are updated individually.  Check for revisions before using.

•  Church Payroll Services:  A payroll processing service is available at a price negotiated for the Episcopal Church. 

•  Church Insurance Company 

•  More publication resources from Church Pension Group:  http://www.cpg.org/formspublications/

Attachment
Congregational Business Consultants Brochure.pdf
Congregational Business Consultants Financial Policies & Procedures.pdf