FCC is affiliated with the United Church of Christ.

The structure of our church governance requires a wide involvement of our members in leadership. There are over 100 opportunities to serve on our various committees and boards. Fortunately, we are blessed with a membership that is willing to donate their time and talent to our success.

The Church Council meets monthly to decide church wide matters such as budget issues, strategic decisions, and contractual obligations. The sixteen members of the council represent the varied interests of the membership to assure sound decisions on church matters. The council also manages the development and operation of the strategic plan of the church.

Member Meetings

First Congregational Church of Houston is affiliated with the United Church of Christ, but we are an independent entity. We make our own financial, strategic and pastoral decisions. The ultimate authority in our governance structure is the membership convened at a membership meeting.

Boards & Council

The FCC Constitution establishes seven boards responsible for the operations of the church. The boards are composed of church members who volunteer their time and talents to help their board fulfill its responsibilities. The boards have yearly goals and operate independently within the restrictions of their constitutional authority and yearly budget.

The FCC Boards:

• Deacons – responsible for worship services of the church.
• Trustees – responsible for the financial well-being of the church and the upkeep of facilities.
• Communications – responsible for external communications of the church.
• Christian Education – responsible for ongoing education programs for all ages.
• Missions – responsible for financial and volunteer support for organizations providing aid to those in need.
• Church in Society – responsible for civic action around issues of social justice and political engagement.
• Hospitality – responsible for building member connection through hosting after worship gatherings, receptions and other social events.

Annual Budget

The annual budget is the tool used by FCC to assure our expenses are reasonable while maintaining services and activities for a robust church life.

Our budget work starts with our stewardship drive in late fall. Our Treasurer adds a conservative projection of other income to the financial pledges from members and friends to achieve a projected total income for the coming year.

Each of our seven boards makes a budget request for the coming year. The requests consider current and anticipated expenses to maintain our campus, support our staff, and maintain our visibility in the community. Our Treasurer then compiles a projected budget. Any discrepancies between projected income and projected expenses are resolved by the church council.

Our responsible yearly budget process assures financial stability for our spiritual community. For 2022, our actual income was 19% greater than our budgeted expenses. We are a growing and prosperous Christian church at a time when many churches are floundering.