A Short Guide to Church Structure and Lay Leadership

The congregation of United Church of Chapel Hill is a community of people from diverse religious traditions; from that diversity comes much of its richness and strength.

In keeping with the heritage and policy of our denomination, the United Church of Christ, and our local church, United Church of Chapel Hill is a congregational church, governed by the will of the congregation through elected governing boards that establish and supervise our policies and programs. This democratic process ensures that United Church, its ministry and programs remain vital and relevant to the congregation and the community we serve.

Your input is vital!

• Participate in June's Congregational Meeting to elect the the members of the Church Council and Boards
• Participate in October's Congregational Meeting to consider the budget
• Serve on a board or committee
• Make your wishes and concerns known and seek answers to your questions

Church Council (6 officers, Board Chairs, 4 at-large, 2 youth)

Responsible for church's mission and ministry

Serves to give direction and to provide coordination between various programs and ministries.

Board of Deacons (12)

Spiritual welfare of the congregation

Equips us to care for one another, to be a household of faith and to grow into a welcoming community of love.

Board of Fellowship (12)

Community welfare of the congregation

Equips us to be together – to eat together, to play together, to live together – as a congregation.

Board of Justice, Outreach and Service (12)

Outreach mission of the church

Equips us to serve God and our neighbor, to grow in our discipleship and to work towards the day when “steadfast love and faithfulness will meet; righteousness and peace will kiss each other." (Ps85:10)

Board of Trustees (10)

Supervision of all finances and custodians of church properties

Equips us to be good stewards of our financial resources whether they are the resources of our church household or of each of us individually so the mission and ministry of the church may happen. Assists us in maintaining our facility as place of ministry and mission for our congregation.

Board of Adult Ministries (9)

Education and nurture of adults

Equips us to nurture adults in the unfolding of their lives, to continue growing in faith and to experience the presence of God.

Board of Youth and Young Adult Ministries (9)

Education and nurture of youth and young adults

Equips us to involve our youth and young adults in discipleship, to experience the good news of God, and to celebrate the growth God gives.

Board of Children’s Ministries (12)

Education and nuture of children

Equips us to rejoice in God’s gift of children, to teach the story of faith, and to rejoice in the good news.

Board of Membership Engagement & Stewardship (12)

Strengthen our congregation's resources

Equips us to nurture our members' church identity and engage their time, talents, and financial resources to fulfill the mission plan of our congregation.

For more information, see the Handbook.