Leadership Council

Royston First UMC operates with a Simple Accountable Structure (SAS) model for our church council. Our Leadership Council meets each month to oversee the administrative functions of the church.

Leadership Council Members

Term Expires December 31, 2026

Dan Smith
Mike Smith

Term Expires December 31, 2025

Dave Forney (Trustees)
Julie Lewis (Staff-Parish Relations)

Term Expires December 31, 2024

Patty Adkins
Stan Dilworth (Finance)
Judi Hillis (Chair)

Lay Leader

Amy Skelton

Extended Leadership Council Members (No Voting Privileges)

Janet Brown, Financial Secretary
Julie Lewis, Membership Secretary
Ann Ashworth, Treasurer
Janet Brown, Alternate Annual Conference Delegate

Nominations and Leadership Development Committee

If you are interested using your gifts to serve in leadership at Royston First UMC, you can self-nominate at anytime during the year by e-mailing Pastor Matt. The Nominations and Leadership Development Committee meets at various times during the year to discuss current and future leadership opportunities.

2023 Committee Members:

Rev. Matt Parker (Chair)
Amy Skelton (Lay Leader)
Julie Lewis (Membership Secretary)
Dave Forney
Judi Hillis
Rodney Ridgway
Stan Dilworth
Sallie Watkins

Group Reports

Ministry areas and missions of the church provide the Leadership Council with reports on their activities throughout the year. The report should include:

  • Ongoing activities
  • Recently completed activities
  • Upcoming activities
  • Action items  

New Business

Leadership Council meetings are open meetings and anyone is invited to attend. If you would like to share an idea or concern with the council, you may request to be added to the agenda by contacting Pastor Matt or Judi Hillis at least one week before an upcoming meeting. The council meets each month on the second Monday. Council meetings are listed on the church calendar (accessible through the website), listed in the bulletin on Sunday mornings, and included in the weekly e-mail sent out on Friday mornings.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often does the board meet?

The Leadership Council meets every month on the second Monday of the month at 7 PM. 

Who can attend these meetings?

Anyone from the church may sit in on the council meetings except when the council is discussing personnel matters. If there is a need to discuss personnel matters, the council will have closed session at the end of the meeting.

Who can speak and vote at meetings?

Only the nine board members of the Leadership Council plus the Lay Leader can vote at meetings. The pastor has voice but no vote. Visitors have no voice unless invited to speak related to an agenda item. The Extended Leadership Council has voice but no vote.

How does one get an item on the Agenda?

The meeting agenda is set at least one week prior to each meeting. New agenda items can be submitted at anytime, but should be submitted at least one week before the next meeting. To request an item be added to the agenda or to request permission to address the council about an idea or concern, please contact Pastor Matt or Judi Hillis.

What is in the Agenda Packet?

At least one week before a scheduled board meeting, a packet of information is emailed to the council members. This packet provides a means of communication about the church and allows the council members to prepare questions and other discussion points prior to the meeting.

What happens at a meeting?

Meetings are expected to last 60-90 minutes. During the meeting time, the council will hear updates on the ministry and mission of the church discuss administrative functions that are on the pre-approved agenda. 

Is it possible to know what was discussed at a meeting?

All of our council meetings are open for anyone to attend. If you would like to know more about what was discussed at a council meeting, you can ask any of our council members or contact the church office to request a copy of the minutes from the meeting (please note: minutes of the council meetings are not approved until the next council meeting).

How can I become a Board member? 

Each year, three members are rotated off the board and three new members are added to the board. If you are interested in serving on the Leadership Board, please e-mail Pastor Matt or speak with a member of the Nominating Committee.