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The Daily Insight

What does the board of trustees do in a church?

Author

John Thompson

Published Feb 17, 2026

A trustee in a church is usually a member of the church’s board of trustees. Trustees are responsible for handling most of the financial aspects of operating the church. They receive and count money and work with the treasurer, who deposits the money.

What are the duties of a trustee in the AME Church?

Trustees

  • They shall guard, for the connection, all real estate, church, parsonage, and any other property obtain by the local church.
  • Make all improvements upon property or real estate when authorized to do so by the majority of the legal members of the church.

What is the purpose of a trustee?

The trustee’s role is to administer and distribute the assets in the trust according to your wishes, as expressed in the trust document. Trustees have the fiduciary duty, legal authority, and responsibility to manage your assets held in trust and handle day-to-day financial matters on your behalf.

How many board members should a church have?

In an earlier blog (here), I argued for church boards made up of 5 people minimum, at least 3 of whom could be considered “independent.” According to our survey findings, the optimal size from boards rating themselves as highly effective is 7 or 8 people, with boards close in size rating themselves almost as highly.

What do stewards do?

A steward assists in keeping a restaurant, bar, or lounge clean and sanitary, assists in cleaning dishes and tends to customers’ needs. The steward may also perform basic administrative tasks, such as answering phones, taking reservations, and giving out basic information.

What are the duties of a steward in the church?

This group is responsible for the overall needs of the Local Church: finances, Pastor and the general welfare of its members. The Stewards also assist the pastor in delivering communion to the sick and shut-in members of the church. The pastor appoints a president pro tempore in his/her absence.

What powers do trustees have?

However, a trustee will normally be given the following powers:

  • investment;
  • dealing with land;
  • delegation to agents, nominees and custodians;
  • insurance;
  • remuneration for professional trustees;
  • advancement of capital;
  • maintenance of minor beneficiaries;
  • to pay, transfer or lend funds to beneficiaries.

    Can a church board fire a pastor?

    Board-led – In a board-led church, the board is self-perpetuating. The board selects the pastor and votes on his continuing to serve the congregation. This may include hiring and firing pastors and setting budgets, compensation, programs, capital expansion, and more.

    What are the responsibilities of a church board?

    However, church boards typically provide direction for faith communities; ensure compliance with denominational policies as well as with local, state and federal laws; manage a church’s facilities; and help ensure strong relationships within the local community.

    How do you legally remove a pastor?

    A pastor can be removed from his position if the majority of the church is in agreement, but there has to be a serious and a proven charge against him for this action. If he’s in immorality and not willing to change, or if he is teaching false doctrine then he can be dismissed from his position.

    What is the difference between a pastor and a minister of the gospel?

    A Minister is a person who performs religious functions such as teaching. A pastor is the religious head of a single church. The minister has to maintain the coordination in the church activities such as in administration, teaching, preaching, ministerial sacraments, etc.

    What skills do stewards need?

    Steward Requirements: A friendly, polite, and courteous nature. Strong customer service and team working skills. Physical stamina to work long hours on your feet. The flexibility to work shifts, nights, weekends, and holidays.

    What is responsible stewardship?

    Responsible stewardship means furthering protection of the public and the environment by undertaking near-term or midterm action to remediate a site when no permanent solution exists.