What does the PCC do?
The PCC is responsible for the overall wellbeing, practical as well as spiritual, of their Church, the Church members, and the Church buildings.
The PCC also has a duty to promote the mission of the Church within the wider community. Some of the responsibilities are devolved to the Vicar and Churchwardens, but to quote from the Parochial Church Council (Powers) Measure 1956 section 2 “It shall be the duty of the minister and the PCC to consult together on matters of general concern and importance to the parish”.
Members of the PCC have the right to be consulted, to know what is proposed, and to have the opportunity to express an opinion on it.
The Vicar is Chair of the PCC, although they may on occasion ask another member to chair a particular meeting. A treasurer, a secretary and vice-chair will usually be elected to office at its first meeting after the APCM1.
The PCC will also appoint a standing committee, typically with the Vicar as chair, the churchwardens, the treasurer and two elected members.
Prayer and worship
Prayer and Worship are at the heart of the work of the PCC. The PCC should ensure that appropriate arrangements are in place for public worship and provide an opportunity for people of all ages to meet for prayer and worship. In practice this might mean agreeing on the format and timings of services that will meet the needs of the Church members, providing facilities for younger members and families, setting up Bible study or prayer groups etc.
Mission and outreach
The PCC has an important part to play in promoting the mission of their Church, amongst the congregation and in the wider community, and members of the PCC should demonstrate their commitment to the Christian ethos, through leadership, by example and by witness, in the parish.
Pastoral care
The PCC and its members have a duty to support their clergy, both prayerfully and personally. They have a duty to support the members of the congregation and to extend a welcome to all who visit the church, to members of the Church community and to those visiting the church at other times. The Church has a duty of pastoral care to all who live in our communities, whether members of the Church or not, and PCC members are expected to take the lead in demonstrating that care.
Finance
The PCC will appoint a treasurer, and sometimes an assistant treasurer, to manage the day-to-day finances of the parish. The treasurer does not need to be a qualified accountant, but they must understand how to maintain books, must have a good knowledge of the parish and the work of the Church, and importantly must have the full confidence of the PCC membership. The treasurer will keep members informed on the financial situation and present a full report to each PCC meeting.
PCC members are also trustees of a charity and are responsible for managing the Church’s finances. They must ensure that all funds are properly accounted for, the books properly maintained, and the PCC annual accounts inspected or audited, and formally approved by the PCC, prior to the APCM.
In law, the PCC is a body corporate. This means that it is a separate body from the people who serve on it so PCC members are not liable for any debts incurred by the PCC. However, the trustees do have certain responsibilities under the Charities Act and members should acquaint themselves with their obligations.
Buildings
The PCC is responsible for the care and maintenance of the fabric of the church building, and any other buildings or land owned by the Church. At St Mary’s this is primarily the responsibility of the Buildings, Facilities and Finance subcommittee, but the PCC members should be aware of any issues relating to the buildings and they have the responsibility of deciding on them and voting on items of expenditure.
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Annual Parochial Church Meeting ↩