The Church Manager carries the operational load, but is deliberately kept separate from governance. They are staff who execute what the eldership and Saints decide — they are not a member of the Committee, and they carry no Committee voting rights. This keeps the person who runs operations distinct from the body that governs, funds, and audits those operations, so no one oversees their own work.
They may, of course, be a confessing member of the church, and as a member they vote at General Meetings on the matters reserved to the Saints — exactly like any other member. The Committee oversees the Church Manager’s management and performance: appointment, supervision, and review.
| The Church Manager… | Position in governance |
|---|---|
| Sits on the Committee? | No. The Church Manager is a staff role, not a governing officer — the framework’s “professional support, not added committee members” (Doc 6 Part Ten; Doc 13 §6). |
| Carries Committee voting rights? | None. They do not vote on the Committee. The person who runs operations is kept distinct from the body that governs and audits them. |
| May be a church member? | Yes. They may be a confessing member of the body like any Saint. |
| Votes as a member? | Yes — at General Meetings, on the matters reserved to the Saints, exactly as any other member. |
| Who oversees them? | The Committee. It oversees the Church Manager’s management, supervision, and performance review. |
A role for Saints with the deacon gifts
The Church Manager is not a secular hire dropped into the body. It is a serving role, and it suits a particular kind of Saint: one carrying the deacon gifts. This is the Acts 6 pattern again — the seven appointed over the daily distribution were chosen from among the body, “full of the Spirit and wisdom.” The role itself remains a staff position overseen by the Committee, and consistent with Doc 6 the deacon profile is open to qualified men and women (Romans 16:1) — but the profile to look for is the deacon’s.
| Suited gifts — the deacon cluster (Docs 2 & 6) | Character qualities (1 Timothy 3:8–13; Acts 6:3) |
|---|---|
| Helps — practical service that frees others for their own work Administration / leading — ordering people, resources, and process (the steersman’s gift) Giving — cheerful, faithful stewardship of resources Mercy — care delivered gladly to those in need Hospitality — welcome, making room, the logistics of care Faith — steady confidence in God’s provision when resources are tight | Full of the Spirit and wisdom (Acts 6:3) Worthy of respect Sincere — not double-tongued Not indulging in much wine Not pursuing dishonest gain — vital where the body’s money is handled Keeps hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience Tested first; serves after proving faithful Faithful in marriage; manages children and household well |
“Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.” — 1 Timothy 3:13 (NIV)