Elected delegates representing local churches, pastors, the Moderators of the eight Associations, and members of Conference bodies, assembled in Annual or Special Meetings of our Conference, adopt Bylaws, budgets, and resolutions, elect a Board of Directors, and call Conference Ministers and Associate Conference Ministers.  The Board of Directors, made up of Conference Officers, Department Chairs, Association Representatives, and Members-at-Large acts for the Conference between meetings. An Executive Committee, elected by the Board, can act on matters between Board meetings.  The Annual Meeting elects members of four program Departments – Church and Ministry, Mission, Christian Education, and Stewardship - and a Nominating Committee, a Personnel Committee, and an Annual Meeting Committee.  These Departments and Committees all report to the Board and the Annual Meeting.

Each of the four Program Departments has developed a structure to meet its special responsibilities.

The Department of Church and Ministry includes committees with broad responsibilities, such as Ministerial Standing and Standards and Church Growth, and those focusing on specific areas such as Healing Ministry and Continuing Education. 

The Department of Mission operates as a body or through special-purpose task forces.  It supports, and then works to implement, Conference initiatives such as Open and Affirming, Prison Justice and Uprooting Racism.  It works closely with ecumenical, interfaith, and other non-profit groups on tasks ranging from Camp Agape to the Campaign for a Livable Wage.  It encourages local church mission efforts and provides opportunities for sharing through the annual Mission Connection event and Peacemaker Breakfasts. 

The Department of Christian Education supports the Conference Resource Center and the Vermont Academy of Spiritual Training (VAST), provides outdoor ministry and other statewide opportunities for youth and children, and offers support services to local churches. 

The Department of Stewardship has responsibility both to seek resources and insure careful use of those that are available.  It includes such committees as Finance, Investment, Properties and OCWM.