What Is a Vestry?

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A vestry is a body of baptized Christians set apart to guard the material structures through which the spiritual life of the parish flourishes. The vestry ensures that resources are aligned with mission, and holds the parish accountable to its commitments. It creates the conditions in which Word and Sacrament may be faithfully proclaimed. And, it provides continuity through transitions.

The biblical roots of such shared leadership are visible in Acts 6. As the early Church grew, a conflict arose over the distribution of food to widows. The apostles, recognizing that practical oversight was essential to the Church’s unity and witness, appointed seven individuals to oversee this ministry. those seven individuals were described as “full of the Spirit and of wisdom.” The issue was administrative, but their qualifications were spiritual. Those chosen were not merely competent; they were faithful.