This is part of a series of articles on United Methodist church committees. To learn about other committees click here.
What is the purpose of the board of trustees?
The board of trustees provides oversight of all property and physical assets of a local church or charge. This includes managing and reviewing the church’s property insurance and ensuring the upkeep and maintenance of the parsonage.
Trustees also receive and administer bequests made to the church, ensuring that all funds are used in accordance with the wishes of the deceased. Additionally, they oversee any specific trusts, foundations, endowments or investments on behalf of the congregation.
Each year, the board conducts an accessibility audit of the church building and grounds to ensure the property is fully accessible and welcoming to individuals with physical disabilities. Trustees then make recommendations to eliminate obstacles to inclusion, such as building ramps, installing elevators or adding more handicapped parking spaces.
Who should serve on the board of trustees?
The board must consist of between not less than three and no more than nine people appointed by the committee on nominations and lay leadership and confirmed by the charge conference. No pastor or person currently employed by the congregation may serve on the board. All voting members must be of legal age to serve on a financial board in accordance with state law. At least two-thirds of the trustees must be professing members of The United Methodist Church. A balanced representation of male and female trustees is encouraged.
At the first meeting of the year, the board elects the following officers to serve a one-year term: chairperson, vice chairperson, and secretary. Additional officers may be elected as needed.
When selecting trustees, consider individuals with relevant experience and wisdom. The average age on this committee may be slightly higher than others. Trustees should be active in the congregation and familiar with the church’s property. Consider individuals with backgrounds in insurance, finance, law and property management. Additionally, church members with disabilities or those who have family members with disabilities can offer important insights on accessibility improvements.
Trustees should also possess the right spiritual gifts. Members must be trustworthy, generous and prudent. They should be good listeners, sensitive to the needs of others and willing to learn new things.
How often does the board of trustees meet, and how long do trustees serve?
The board of trustees meets at least once a year, with additional meetings scheduled as necessary. Meetings are called by either the chairperson or the senior pastor. Each board member serves a three-year term and may be reappointed for multiple terms. If a seat becomes vacant, an interim trustee is elected to serve until the next charge conference.
Best Practices for board meetings
- Begin with prayer: Opening meetings with prayer helps center members and reminds them of their spiritual purpose. Committees gather in Christ’s name, seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Here’s an example prayer to begin a meeting.
- Host an orientation: Use the first meeting to elect officers and review board responsibilities. Provide an overview of the church’s insurance policy, current endowments and investments. Discuss key decisions from the previous year’s board and other committees. The church treasurer and/or finance committee chairperson may be invited to answer financial questions.
- Consult the experts: All board members should receive a copy of Guidelines for Leading Your Congregation: Trustees and review it before the first meeting. For financial and insurance-related questions, consult the General Council of Finance and Administration. For accessibility improvements, seek guidance from the Disability Ministries Committee of The United Methodist Church.
- Engage with the congregation: Regularly seek input from church members regarding property and facility concerns. Church members will usually be the first to notice problems with the property.
- Be good stewards: While the board of trustees has administrative responsibilities, members should remember they are stewards of the church’s assets. As they make decisions they should always be asking “how are we helping the church more effectively show radical hospitality to its community and make disciples of Jesus Christ?”
Additional resources
- Guidelines for Leading Your Congregation: Trustees 2025-2028 (Cokesbury 2024)
- Annual church accessibility audit form (GCFA)
- Insurance worksheet (GCFA)
- Proper Insurance Coverage Standard (GCFA)
- Accessibility and Accommodations resources (Disability Ministries of The United Methodist Church)
This content was produced by ResourceUMC on March 6, 2025. Philip J. Brooks is a writer and content developer at United Methodist Communications. Contact him by email.