Skip to main content

ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL

Purpose & Role

The Administrative Council at Wesley United Methodist Church (Baton Rouge, LA) serves as the executive leadership body that guides and supports the ministries of our congregation between annual Charge Conference meetings.

As outlined in The Book of Discipline (¶244.1), the Council exists to:

  • Plan, coordinate, and evaluate the life and mission of the church

  • Develop strategic vision for a healthy and effective congregation

  • Lead with faith and stewardship in alignment with the global United Methodist mission:

“To make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.”
— The Book of Discipline, ¶120

1. Vision, Mission, & Ministry

The Administrative Council helps the congregation see the big picture — shaping how Wesley UMC lives out its mission in our community and beyond.

Council members are called to:

  • Envision and plan ministries that transform lives

  • Implement and support church-wide programs

  • Evaluate effectiveness and adjust for growth

Each member models Christian leadership through personal devotion, service, and discipleship — inspiring others to live faithfully and joyfully join in God’s mission.

2. Leadership & Administration

The Council coordinates and oversees all major areas of church life, including:

  • Trustees

  • Finance Committee

  • Staff/Pastor-Parish Relations (SPPRC)

  • Nominations & Leadership Development

  • Discipleship, Outreach, and Community Service Ministries

Every decision is made through the lens of our mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ.
The Council also ensures the church budget aligns with ministry priorities by asking:

  • How does this ministry help us make disciples?

  • Are we empowering others to serve?

  • Are resources being used to grow God’s kingdom?

Faithful, visionary leadership keeps Wesley UMC strong, united, and mission-focused.

3. Evaluation & Growth

An essential role of the Council is to evaluate, adapt, and improve our ministries.
We believe that healthy churches stay in the groove—actively growing and seeking God’s guidance—rather than in a rut of repeating the same actions without impact.

The Council regularly reflects on questions such as:

  • How are we making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world?

  • What ministries are thriving?

  • What areas need improvement or re-visioning?

  • What new opportunities could expand our reach and impact?

Through evaluation, prayer, and collaboration, Wesley UMC continues to evolve as a Christ-centered, Spirit-led congregation.

Our Core Process for Making Disciples

Following ¶122 of The Book of Discipline, Wesley UMC fulfills its mission through these essential steps:

  1. Proclaim the Gospel – Seek, welcome, and gather people into the body of Christ

  2. Lead to Commitment – Invite others to commit their lives through baptism and profession of faith

  3. Nurture Spiritual Growth – Deepen discipleship through worship, sacraments, and spiritual practices

  4. Send into Service – Equip disciples to live out Christ’s love through acts of service, justice, and compassion

  5. Continue the Mission – Keep reaching, welcoming, and building the body of Christ

Commitment to the Mission

Our Administrative Council members are servant leaders devoted to prayer, purpose, and people.
Together, they:

  • Guide the congregation with integrity and faith

  • Align ministries with the mission of the United Methodist Church

  • Inspire others to live out God’s call to love and serve

“Each decision we make reflects our desire to bring God’s kingdom closer to our community.”