Resources for Church Leaders

• Annual Report and Financial Report of the Diocese of Delaware in PDF format. 3 August 2011
• Supply Clergy List
  in PDF format 2/7/2012
• The Active Clergy Guide 2012. This 38-page PDF document reviews clergy cash compensation and benefits as well as guidelines for supply clergy. It also includes updated 2012 IRS mileage rate included in Appendix B. 12/4/2011
• 2011 Supplement to the Active Clergy Guide for Contractual and Part-Time Clergy. This 13-page PDF document offers definitions of part-time, consultative, active, assisting, and retired clergy. A sample letter of agreement is included, as well as a checklist to assist Sunday supply clergy and guidelines for compensation. 7/5/2011
• Social Media Guidelines for the safe and responsible use of social media in youth ministry. These guidelines should be of interest to anyone using social media in the church. The Episcopal Church addressed this issue in an article, "Clergy must navigate traditional boundaries in new social media world. Developing policies is a challenge, observers say." 10/26/2011
• Parishes in Transition This 21-page PDF document outlines the transition from one rector to another, beginning with goodbyes to the former rector, preparing to call a new rector, making the call, evaluating candidates, and welcoming the new rector. 1/11/2012
• Theological and liturgical resources for the blessing of same gender relationships are available on the national website of the Episcopal Church.
• Cycle of Prayer 2011-2012. Pray each week for different ministries in the Diocese of Delaware. 8/31/2011
• Manual of Business Methods in Church Affairs. (PDF) This 154-page manual (in Acrobat PDF format) offers advice to church leaders about responsible methods of financial management including budgeting, internal controls, bookkeeping, taxes, clergy discretionary funds, audits, insurance, parochial reports and records management. The appendix lists many forms commonly used by treasurers of congregations, and provides instructions for obtaining copies of them. Samples of some generic forms are on the pages immediately following the Appendix.
• Vital Practices for Leading Congregations and Practical Resources for Vestry Members! If you are a vestry member, you will want to know about the Epicopal Church Foundation's Vital Practices, a service that provides a wealth of practical resources on vestry leadership, year-round stewardship, conflict management, evangelism, and more. Get the support you need for your ministry as a vestry member. Register here to start receiving twice-monthly email blasts on critical issues in vestry leadership. If you want to learn more about ECF Vital Practices, click here.
• Stewardship Resources for Congregational Leaders by the The Episcopal Network for Stewardship (TENS). Stewardship resources you can put to work in your congregation, diocese or ministry right away.
• The Advance and Development Committee provides financial assistance for parishes throughout the state that have a need for renovations, repairs or new construction. It also provides funding to promote growth for individual parishes.
• The Church Report Company: Parish Statistical Reports - This document puts Parochial Report data to use for the benefit of your church. It examines a church’s statistics in relation to the diocesan and national benchmarks, and in relation to itself. These reports are available to each congregation. To request a copy of your church's report, contact us. Please include your congregation’s name and your name.
• Alcohol and Drug Abuse Policy (PDF) This 4-page document outlines the Diocese of Delaware's position in regard to alcohol and drugs, including the serving of alcoholic beverages at church functions.
• Investment Guidelines (PDF) This 5-page statement of investment objectives and policies governs the investment management of the endowment assets of the Protestant Episcopal Church of the Diocese of Delaware known as Master Fund “A” (the “Fund”). updated May 11, 2011
• Constitution and Canons of the Diocese of Delaware (PDF) As of April, 2008. A 58-page document.
• Constitution and Canons of the Episcopal Church 2009 (PDF) As adopted and revised, 2009. This 270-page document includes the Rules of Order.
• Tax Guide for Churches and Religious Organizations From the IRS (U.S. Internal Revenue Service): a 32-page PDF document.
• Interfaith Resource Center The Interfaith Resource Center strives to encourage and equip congregations by providing support and resources. Their on-line database lists most of what they have and it is searchable.
• Internet Resources Here are listed three easy ways to maintain your website, plus a host of other recommendations for better communications over the Internet.
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Resources for Employees and Employers

• Employee Top Health Plan Questions and Answers 12/6/2011
• Active Lay Employee Handbook 2011 (PDF) This 37-page document states current policies and procedures for all active lay employees of the Diocese of Delaware. The appendix includes forms for extended benefits and personnel evaluation, as well as a harassment incident investigation form. 2/21/2011
• Employee Benefits On-Line for the Episcopal Diocese of Delaware including medical and hospitalization benefits, dental benefits, disability benefits, life insurance, pension, retirement savings plan, flexible spending account, and Blood Bank of Delaware.
• Safe Church Training, which is mandatory for all clergy, full and part-time church staff, volunteers who provide individual pastoral care, eucharistic visitors, and supervisors of children and youth. It is recommended for Sunday School teachers and all lay leaders in supervisory or leadership roles. Re-certification is required every five years.
  • Safe Church Personnel Manual. (PDF document) This 23-page document provides guidance for hiring employees, guidelines for employees and volunteers, a sample misconduct prevention policy, a sample anti-harassment policy, a sample form for those transporting children and youth, best practices for those working with children and youth, and incident reporting guidelines. 6/15/2009
  • Clergy Safe Church Policies and Practices (8-page PDF document). We want the Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Delaware to be a good place and safe place for everyone to worship, work, and serve. 7/1/2011
  • Diocese of Delaware's policy of a professional work environment. (PDF document) This 5-page document outlines our policy, especially in regard to sexual harassment and other forms of harassment. It recommends sexual misconduct awareness training for all employees and many volunteers. 4/17/2009
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Other Resources

• Help Wanted, Delaware
  Jobs available in the Episcopal Church in Delaware.
• Employment Services for Job Seekers and Career Changers. Those who register at the Job Center can complete a self-directed assessment to guide them toward the types of jobs that best match their skills and interests. Also available are training in Internet searches, basic computer skills, resume writing, cover letter writing, and small business startups.
• Delaware Money School. The Money School, the signature program of the nonprofit Delaware Financial Literacy Institute, offers more than 600 free, no-hassle personal finance classes a year. Classes are held throughout the state.
• Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Maryland and Delaware has helped thousands of people since 1966. Does your church have a program to assist members with money problems? Unemployment? Increased credit card debt? Contact CCCS. Click the above link to learn more about CCCS, including several how-to articles about good financial practices.
• Creating fillable forms using Adobe Acrobat Pro.