How do decisions get made that affect the life of the congregation at Saint Pauls?
As a congregation of the United Church of Christ, Saint Pauls is governed by representatives of the congregation. There is a constitution and by-laws and an elected executive committee who work in conjunction with a council of church members and the senior pastor in determining all matters of weight. Officers of the congregation are elected and the annual budget is approved at the annual meeting of the congregation. Other major decisions , such as the call of a new senior pastor, are voted on at special meetings of the congregation. All active members of the congregation have a vote in such meetings. Saint Pauls supports the United Church of Christ, locally, through the Chicago Metropolitan Association, regionally through the Illinois Conference, and nationally through the Office of General Ministries. These bodies, in turn, provide resources and opportunities for fellowship to local congregations such as Saint Pauls, but they do not determine policies or decisions on the local church
