HILL STREET BAPTIST CHURCH

In the Baptist Church, a trustee is an individual who is appointed or elected to oversee the management and stewardship of the church’s physical and financial assets. The role of a trustee is deeply rooted in the principles of trust, responsibility, and accountability. Trustees are entrusted with the tasks of safeguarding the church’s properties, including real estate, buildings, and financial resources, ensuring that they are utilized in a manner that aligns with the church’s mission and values.

The trustee position in the Baptist church is not merely administrative. Furthermore, trustees in a Baptist church are often guided by the principles of servant leadership. They are called to serve the congregation and the broader community by exercising prudent judgment in managing the church’s resources. The responsibilities of a trustee in the Baptist church are multifaceted and encompass a wide array of duties that are integral to the effective functioning of the church.

There are primarily six (6) key responsibilities of a trustee in the Baptist Church. 

1. Property Management – oversight and maintenance of the church’s physical property and assets.

2. Financial Stewardship – a crucial aspect of a trustee’s role is the prudent management of the church’s financial resources to include overseeing budgets, financial planning and ensuring transparency and accountability in financial matters. They work closely with the financial team to develop sound financial plans and practices.

3. Legal Compliance – Trustees are responsible for ensuring that the church operates in compliance with relevant laws and regulations governing nonprofit organizations and religious institutions.

4. Risks Management- Trustees must mitigate risks that may affect the church’s assets or operations. This includes identifying potential risks, implementing safeguards, and obtaining appropriate insurance coverage to protect the church from unforeseen events.

5. Community Engagement- Trustees often play a role in representing the church within the broader community.

6. Advisory Role – Trustees may be called upon to provide counsel and guidance to the church leadership on matters related to property, finance, and risks management.

While the trustee role is very important in the church, we cannot stray away from our area of responsibility. We face challenges internally and externally. We have to remain strong in our responsibilities to ensure that Hill Street Baptist Church provides the spiritual leadership that is needed by our congregation and our community.