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Appendix E-17: Ministry Regulations
(As amended 2002)
<typohead type=2>I) Order of Reference</typohead>
The Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand will maintain an effective ministry of word and sacrament to serve the Church as part of the ministry which belongs to the whole people of God by:
a) Challenging Church members with the call to ordained ministry;
b) Receiving ministers from overseas as well as from other Churches;
c) Encouraging development of a variety of opportunities for continuing education and in-service training;
d) Keeping under constant review the basic stipend, car allowance scales and general living conditions of everyone in the ministry of word and sacrament.
II) Terms of Call / Appointment
<typohead type=4>2.1) Standard Terms of Call or Appointment</typohead>
2.1.1) Standard terms of call or appointment are defined as follows: basic stipend, basic expense allowance, car allowance, by way of reimbursement, as per Assembly scale, removal expenses, manse with furnishing as approved by Assembly, free telephone other than private tolls, secretarial assistance as required, five weeks annual leave, not more than four weeks to be taken at any one time, study leave as defined by Assembly unless otherwise stated and approved by Presbytery.
2.1.2) Accommodation Regulations
Standard accommodation requirements:
The accommodation shall provide:
a) Adequate living space separate from and in addition to space used for church activities;
b) Facilities for offering hospitality;
c) Study/office with adequate public access and shelving (if not provided in other plant);
d) Washing machine and refrigerator with adequate freezer space;
e) Floor coverings in all rooms;
f) Wardrobes in every bedroom;
g) Drapes or blinds;
h) Adequate heating for living areas and study;
i) A house and grounds where, as appropriate, all practicable steps have been taken to eliminate, isolate, or minimise any potential hazards. (Such hazards could include inadequacies in the exterior lighting, fencing, paths, steps, drainage, decking or verandahs, interior wiring, plugs, appliances, staircase railings, provision for safe keeping of dangerous substances, hot water temperature control, smoke detectors, emergency exits.)
Location
The accommodation will be located within a reasonable radius of the main worship centre of the Congregation or in a location determined by the Congregation/Charge and the Presbytery.
Alternatives
The accommodation may be provided in one of the following ways:
a) Accommodation of an approved standard owned by the Congregation/Charge;
b) By leasing a house owned by the minister;
(The rental payable to the minister would be at the lower of the market rental of appropriate accommodation that is available within either a reasonable radius of the house owned by the minister or within a reasonable radius of the main worship centre.)
c) By leasing a house from an independent owner;
d) By providing an accommodation allowance;
(The allowance payable to the minister would be at the lower of the market rental of appropriate accommodation that is available within a reasonable radius of the worship centre or within a location determined by the Congregation and the Presbytery.)
<typohead type=4>2.2) Study Leave</typohead>
2.2.1) As part of his or her continuing ministry formation each minister shall be entitled to study leave which shall be accumulated at the rate of one day for each month of consecutive service.
2.2.2) Study leave may be taken only with the approval of Presbytery.
2.2.3) Usually the stimulus to take study leave will come from the minister but it may be appropriate for Presbytery to recommend to a minister that accumulated study leave be taken.
2.2.4) Study leave must be a planned programme which may use all or part of the study leave entitlement in ways appropriate to the effective achievement of the programme’s goals.
2.2.5) The Session/Parish Council shall be consulted and express its mind on the matter. The minister shall then apply to the Presbytery giving details of the proposed programme, where it is to be taken, and details of any supervision.
2.2.6) When a Presbytery grants study leave to a minister, the Assembly Executive Secretary shall be advised. A written report on the work done shall be submitted to the Session/Parish Council, the Presbytery, and to the Continuing Ministry Formation Work Group of the Mission Resource Team.
2.2.7) Study leave may accumulate to a maximum of 84 days (12 weeks) and may be used in units less than the total accrued. Further study leave can only be accumulated when the balance of leave due is less than 84 days.
2.2.8) Study leave shall normally be taken during the tenure of a call or appointment and may not be taken:
a) Before the expiration of two years service in the minister’s current parish or appointment; or
b) Within two years of reaching the compulsory age of retirement.
2.2.9) Accumulated study leave is transferable from one parish or appointment to another. However, when a significant period of time has elapsed between appointments the Presbytery shall decide what proportion of any previously accumulated study leave shall be transferable. Presbytery shall ensure that the amount of study leave available to a minister and carried forward from one appointment to another is made known to all parties.
2.2.10) Te Aka Puaho appointees shall normally accumulate study leave within each seven year period of consecutive service within Te Aka Puaho.
2.2.11) Assembly, Committee and special appointees shall be eligible for study leave. Where appropriate the provisions relating to parish ministers shall apply.
2.2.12) The provisions of regulations (7), (8) and (10) may be modified only where Presbytery accepts that special circumstances apply and gives its express approval to a specified departure.
2.2.13) Study leave not used by a minister may not be recovered by a financial payment in lieu thereof.
2.2.14) The minister shall be supported during the period of approved study leave, by the parish or other employing body at the current stipend rate together with the payment of current allowances.
2.2.15) The Presbytery, through an appropriate committee, shall have oversight of the parish during the period of study leave.
<typohead type=4>2.3) Continuing Ministry Formation (CMF) Courses</typohead>
2.3.1) The Church believes that continuing ministry formation is an integral part of ministry and encourages ministers to take advantage of the wide variety of short term courses available through the churches and the wider community. Parishes are also expected to encourage their ministers to attend courses contributing to continuing ministry formation as part of normal work.
2.3.2) Courses contributing to continuing ministry formation under this regulation are defined as being of up to one week (seven days) duration. They are NOT to be considered as study leave.
2.3.3) Ministers attending courses contributing to continuing ministry formation shall be entitled to receive, from their parish or employing body, payment for actual cost of travel and/or accommodation expenses, with the maximum payment for any one course being limited by the Mission Resource Team from time to time. Such reimbursement to be available not more than twice in any one five year period.
2.3.4) Over a seven year period of active ministry within New Zealand, ministers shall accumulate 70 CMF units. Such units may be accumulated in either or both of the following ways:
a) Each one unit event (being an event held during a morning, or an afternoon, or an evening) shall be one CMF unit;
b) CMF units shall accrue during study leave at a rate of one unit per day, with a maximum of 50 such units in any one seven year period, but subject to Presbytery sustaining the study leave report. Presbytery is to forward a copy of the report to the Mission Resource Team.
2.3.5) Presbytery is to keep an up to date record of study leave available to and taken by every minister within its bounds. Each year Presbytery is to notify the Mission Resource Board of study leave available to and taken by each minister.
2.3.6) Accumulated units and events attended are to be recorded on Minister’s Information Form. Each year the Mission Resource Team will send forms for recording events attended and units accumulated during the next calendar year. These forms shall be returned to the Mission Resource Team through the Presbytery Ministry Committee by March of the next year. Presbyteries shall record and pass on to the Mission Resource Team any comments about events which raise issues. In a dispute between a Minister and the Presbytery as to the appropriateness of any course, the Mission Resource Team’s decision will be final.
2.3.7) The MRB will confirm and record CMF events and units. It will also monitor accumulated units to encourage ministers to plan ahead for their continuing ministry formation. In year five of any seven year period, the Team will contact Presbyteries of ministers who it is anticipated will not accrue 70 units by year seven.
2.3.8) A Presbytery shall monitor, identify and promote CMF events within its region.
2.3.9) Sessions, Boards of Managers and Parish Councils shall recognise and make provision for their minister’s absence while undertaking continuing ministry formation.
2.3.10) Presbytery shall ensure that the amount of study leave available to a minister and carried from one appointment to another is made known to all parties concerned.
<typohead type=4>2.4) Parental Leave</typohead>
2.4.1) Ministers, appointed under terms of call, may apply for Maternity or Paternity Leave (as appropriate) and/or Parental leave. All other employees of the church shall be subject to the Parental Leave and Employment Act 1987, subject to any specific agreement between the employee and the Church to the contrary.
2.4.2) Maternity Leave: A maximum of 14 weeks maternity leave may be taken. The first eight weeks of leave is at normal stipend, the remaining leave is unpaid. Leave may begin up to eight weeks prior to the expected date of delivery. The actual starting date of maternity leave shall be negotiated between the Presbytery, Parish and Minister and should be agreed upon at least four weeks prior to the first day of leave. Free use of the manse shall continue throughout the whole 14 week period. This leave may also be taken by adoptive mothers if the child to be adopted is less than five years old.
2.4.3) Paternity Leave: A maximum of two weeks leave may be taken. This leave is to be paid at normal stipend. Free use of the manse shall continue through the two weeks. The leave is to be taken at the expected date of delivery or after the actual date of birth. The Minister is to notify the Presbytery and Parish of the expected date of leave at least four weeks prior to the first expected day of leave. However, the Minister shall be entitled to advance or delay the taking of this leave if necessary, to coincide with the actual date of delivery. This leave may also be taken by adoptive Fathers if the child to be adopted is less than five years old.
2.4.4) Parental Leave: On application to the Presbytery a minister is entitled to a maximum of 52 weeks parental leave which will include the period of maternity or paternity leave, subject to any existing arrangements as to tenure. Parental leave (excluding the eight weeks period of maternity leave and two week period of paternity leave) shall be unpaid. Parental leave may also be taken by ministers who are adopting if the child to be adopted is less than five years old. On application for Parental Leave the minister must:
2.4.4.1) Give at least three months notice to the Presbytery of his/her intention to take parental leave.
2.4.4.2) Indicate the approximate dates when leave will begin and end.
2.4.4.3) Give a written declaration that the minister and partner between them are taking no more than 52 weeks leave (this only applies to a minister whose partner is also in employment).
2.4.5) Ministerial Advisor: During the period of maternity leave and parental leave the Presbytery in negotiation with the minister and the parish will appoint a ministry advisor whose tasks will include:
a) Pulpit supply;
b) Pastoral care of the parish;
c) Moderate session, managers or parish council; or
d) Arrange for tasks (a) to (c) to be undertaken by suitable people;
e) Pastoral care of the minister and family;
f) Liaison between the minister, presbytery and the parish as requested by any of these parties.
2.4.6) Use of the Manse: The minister retains the right to occupy the manse throughout the period of parental leave, except where for special circumstances the Presbytery determines otherwise and then only in respect of the period after the 14 weeks maternity leave or two weeks paternity leave. Where the parish has to pay for the housing of a stated supply minister for the period of parental leave, the Presbytery, on behalf of the parish, may negotiate an appropriate rental of the manse taking into account the cost to the Parish of alternative accommodation. Where the parish will not be required to pay for alternative accommodation for stated supply ministry, a rent of no more than 17.5% of the basic stipend may be charged for the period of parental leave.
2.4.7) Early Return to Work: Any minister on parental leave is entitled to return to work prior to the date stated at the commencement of the leave period. However, the minister must give notice to the Presbytery and the Parish of her/his intention to return to work. The period of notice should be negotiated prior to the commencement of leave and should be not less than four weeks prior to the desired date of return to work.
2.4.8) Minister may not be compelled to take leave: No minister shall be compelled by either the Presbytery or the Parish to take maternity, paternity or parental leave.
<typohead type=4>2.5) Sick Leave</typohead>
Refer to Regulations 196, 197.
<typohead type=4>2.6) Supervision</typohead>
2.9.1) Supervision of the minister or ministers is to be one of the topics included in the discussion during the course of the Presbytery’s visitation to a parish or the minister’s employing body.
2.9.2) Boards of Nomination are to include in their discussion, the importance of supervision for the minister they may nominate and how the parish or employing body will encourage a minister to seek supervision.
2.9.3) Presbyteries are to encourage ministers to seek supervision by maintaining lists of suitable supervisors and organising training courses for supervisors, but it is the responsibility of ministers to arrange for their own supervision.
<typohead type=4>2.7) Part-Time Appointments</typohead>
Refer to Regulations 271, 272.
Where a Presbytery/UDC is satisfied that circumstances warrant part-time ministry (see also Regulation272) the ministry functions, stipend and allowances within a part-time ministry model will be calculated in terms of units worked. Units for full-time ministry equate to 624 units per annum, or 12 units per week. (see also E-19: 5.6)
2.10.1) Light Duty Charges (repealed)
<typohead type=4>2.8) Four Strands of Ministry of Word and Sacrament</typohead>
Four strands of ministry of word and sacrament are recognised within the Presbyterian Church – these being:
a) National Ordained Ministry (NOM) – nationally recognised through national assessment and training and confirmed through a call to a particular ministry charge.
b) Local Ordained Ministry (LOM) – recognised through a careful process of discernment at congregation and presbytery level and confirmed through ordination and induction.
c) Local Ministry Team (LMT) – A team of people inducted to fulfil the tasks of ministry, recognised through a careful process of discernment at congregation and presbytery level and confirmed though presbytery commissioning as a team ministry.
Within such a team individuals may be recognised by presbytery for training and ordination to a ministry of word and sacrament. These people would not be commissioned apart from a team.
d) Amorangi ministry – self-supporting ministry in Te Aka Puaho, as outlined in the Book of Order, Appendix E-29 B.
<typohead type=4>2.9) Termination of Tenure</typohead>
(see also Regulation 274, 275)
2.9.1) The presbytery/UDC shall give not less than six calendar months notice in writing to the minister and to the parish of the date on which the ministry shall terminate.
2.9.2) From the date on which the ministry terminates the minister shall not perform any ministry in the parish.
2.9.3)
a) Where a ministry terminates in accordance with these regulations, a parish shall allow the minister time, as part of the minister’s regular parish duties, in which to seek another position. This will include activities such as seeking guidance with regard to future employment opportunities, exploring other ministry options, attending interviews.
b) The presbytery/UDC shall ensure that the minister and parish come to an equitable arrangement with regard to the time allowed for this purpose.
III) Appointment Procedures
<typohead type=4>3.1) Filling Vacancies in a Pastorate</typohead>
3.1.1) When a vacancy occurs in a pastorate of any congregation the Presbytery Clerk shall notify the co-Director of the Mission Resource Team responsible advising the name/s of the interim Moderator and Nominator. (see also Regulation 214)
3.1.2) In the case of an appointment or call for a limited term the Presbytery shall review the situation not more than 12 months and not less than six months before the term is due to expire, and report its recommendation or decision to the Board.
3.1.3) A congregation of a vacant charge may, where the provisions of Regulation 238 apply, by resolution waive its right of call and apply through the Board of Nomination to the Presbytery for an appointment to be made by the Mission Resource Team.
3.1.4) In special cases the Team may assist with removal expenses in connection with a call or appointment.
3.1.5) The Team may assist towards the removal expenses of a minister coming from overseas to serve in the New Zealand Church provided he/she has produced evidence of status as required by Regulation 279 and provided he/she has given an undertaking to remain in the service of the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand for at least three years. Should this obligation not be fulfilled the minister shall be required to refund a proportionate amount of such removal expenses. Should a minister thus assisted be called by a Congregation after arrival, all or part (as the Team may determine) of the amount advanced shall be refunded by the parish to the Team.
<typohead type=4>3.2) Appointments to a Pastoral Charge</typohead>
3.2.1) When the Team under Regulation 238 appoints a minister to a pastoral charge other than an approved cooperative venture, it shall normally do so for a term of not more than five years in the first instance, nor less than three years, extendable by up to three years following review as provided by (3.1.2) and (3.1.3) above. (see also E-17: 3.5.1)
3.2.2) The Presbytery inducts a minister, or ordains a licentiate, so appointed by the Team.
3.2.3) When a minister resigns a charge to take an appointment by the Team, the resignation shall take effect from the date of induction to the new charge.
3.2.4) During the term of an appointment made by the Team the congregation may decide to call its minister. (Note also (3.3.1) below.) If the minister is called by the congregation the Presbytery shall mark the change by a service of recognition.
3.2.5) Appointments to assistantships in terms of Regulation 273(4) as well as appointments to special ministries are normally appointments by Presbytery.
<typohead type=4>3.3) Aid Receiving Charges</typohead>
3.3.1) Before sustaining a call from an aid receiving charge the Presbytery shall ensure that the Board of Nomination has obtained the approval of the Team. (see also Regulation 233)
3.3.2) Each charge requiring financial assistance shall make annual application for a grant through Presbytery on the schedule available from the Team. When applications have been considered by the Presbytery they shall be forwarded with Presbytery’s recommendation to the Team.
3.3.3) Where possible parishes are expected to reduce the amount of grant required each succeeding year and ultimately to become self-supporting.
3.3.4) Payment of grant shall cease when a charge is vacant.
<typohead type=4>3.4) Availability of Retired Ministers</typohead>
3.4.1) Subject to the following provisions, a minister after retirement may be appointed to a full or part-time ministry. These provisions shall also apply in the case of retired ministers appointed to light duty charges.
3.4.2) The parish or appointment shall be other than the one from which the minister entered retirement.
3.4.3) The terms and conditions for such appointment, whether of a full-time, part-time, paid or honorary position, shall be negotiated with the parish, normally by the Board of Nomination approved by the Presbytery.
3.4.4) Remuneration shall be at the rate of 90% of basic stipend or part thereof for part-time appointments unless the Minister elects honorary status.
3.4.5) The terms and conditions, including tenure of office, shall be subject to annual review by the Presbytery through the appropriate committee in consultation with the parish or employing body.
3.4.6) The question of moderatorial status shall be decided by the Presbytery.
3.4.7) Such ministers shall not be required to take Presbytery responsibilities, but may elect to do so.
3.4.8) Appointments under this regulation shall not jeopardise the Beneficiary Fund annuity.
<typohead type=4>3.5) Co-operative Ventures</typohead>
3.5.1) Unless a parish requests the Committee to appoint a minister under Regulation 238, the normal procedures for filling a vacancy through a Board of Nomination shall apply to Union and Co-operating parishes, except that the call shall be for a term as provided in the Common Provisions in Co-operative Ventures. (see also Appendix F-5, CP 212, 215, 216)
3.5.2) Before sustaining such a call the Presbytery shall ensure that the Board of Nomination has obtained the approval of the Mission Resource Team. (see also Regulation 233)
IV) Supply
<typohead type=4>4.1) Ministerial Supply</typohead>
4.1.1 For a period not exceeding three months, a congregation is authorised to appoint a minister of the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand to act as supply to conduct worship, administer the sacraments and undertake pastoral responsibilities.
4.1.2 Before a session or Parish Council or Interim Moderator makes any approach to a minister to serve as Stated Supply the Interim Moderator shall confer with the Assembly Office as to that minister’s status and standing and any other relevant information, and shall report that information to the Session or Parish Council.
4.1.3 The Board of Nomination shall continue to function in all respects and the Interim Moderator shall moderate the session/parish council.
4.1.4 The remuneration or allowances to be paid shall be approved by the presbytery/UDC.
4.1.5 For terms exceeding three months the appointment of the minister and the terms of appointment shall be subject to the approval of the presbytery/UDC before any supply arrangements shall be entered into.
4.1.6 In the event of a parish wishing to engage the services of a minister who is not a minister of the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand the approval of the presbytery/UDC must be gained prior to the supply arrangement being entered into, whatever the length of term. If the term is to be longer than three months the presbytery/UDC should seek the guidance of the Personnel Work Group of the Equipping the Leadership Policy Group before entering into a supply arrangement.
<typohead type=4>4.2) Lay Supply</typohead>
4.2.1 For a period not exceeding three moths, a congregation is authorised to appoint a person to act as lay supply (‘lay supply’) who shall conduct worship and undertake pastoral responsibilities.
4.2.2 The lay supply may not administer the sacraments of baptism or communion, unless, in the case of communion, that person is specifically authorised to do so under the relevant regulations.
4.2.3 The Board of Nominations shall continue to function in all respects; the interim-Moderator shall moderate the session/parish council and either conduct, or arrange for an ordained minister to conduct such communion and baptism services as may be required.
4.2.4 The remuneration or allowances to be paid to the lay supply shall be subject to the approval of the presbytery.
4.2.5 For terms exceeding three months, the identity of the lay supply, and any agreement or terms of appointment shall be subject to the approval of the presbytery before any supply arrangements shall be entered into. Presbytery shall not normally approve lay supply for longer than six months. Where a congregation is seeking longer supply Presbytery shall work with the congregation to explore appropriate local ministry options.
4.2.6 In case of lay supply, termination of appointment shall be by one month’s notice by either party.
V) New Initiatives
<typohead type=4>5.1) Church Extension, Redevelopment and New Area Development</typohead>
5.1.1 It is the responsibility of Presbyteries to be alert to new housing and land development and to take the necessary steps to promote church extension. The early acquisition of strategically located sites is essential.
5.1.2 (repealed 1998)
5.1.3 (repealed 1998)
5.1.4 Responsibility for developing new areas rests with the Presbytery and where appropriate a sponsoring congregation.
5.1.5 Requirements under the Resource Management Act 1991 must be complied with at all stages. Attention is directed in particular to section 105 of the Act relating to ‘discretionary activities’.
5.1.6 Before embarking upon any new area building programme the congregation shall obtain all relevant information from the Presbytery, the Church Architecture Reference Group and the Mission Resource Team. Careful consideration shall be given at all stages to the type of development envisaged, the nature and resources of the parish, and its building requirements, and where appropriate an architect’s brief shall be supplied. (see also Regulation 170(d))
5.1.7 A full site-development plan, with sketch plans together with architect’s brief where appropriate and estimated cost of initial buildings shall be submitted to the Presbytery in triplicate. Presbytery shall then send the plans with its comments to the Church Architecture Reference Group and the Mission Resource Team.
5.1.8 The Church Architecture Reference Group and the Mission Resource Team shall then report to the Presbytery and through Presbytery to the Congregation concerned.
5.1.9 The Presbytery shall then:
a) Authorise the Congregation to proceed with working drawings and specifications and call for tenders, or
b) If major modifications are recommended require the Congregation to submit amended sketch plans.
5.1.10 When tenders have been obtained they shall be submitted to the Presbytery for approval before a contract is let.
<typohead type=4>5.2) New Forms of Ministry and Mission</typohead>
Where persons seek recognition of a form of Ministry or mission under Regulation 172(c) the procedure shall normally be:
5.2.1 Application shall be made in the first instance to the Presbytery which shall first seek to determine how genuine is the basis of the application, and the willingness of those involved to be accountable to the courts of the church.
5.2.2 The Presbytery may grant recognition for an initial period of up to two years, only after receiving a report from the Team on the Proposal.
5.2.3 Presbytery should establish a review procedure to be followed during the initial period.
5.2.4 At the end of the initial period Presbytery may grant recognition for such further periods as it may deem appropriate.
5.2.5 A mutually acceptable procedure of reporting to Presbytery must be established.
<typohead type=4>5.3) Experiments in Ministry - Guidelines for Grant Applications</typohead>
(repealed 1998)
<typohead type=4>5.4) Guidelines for Lay Appointments</typohead>
A congregation considering the establishment of a full-time or part-time paid lay appointment (other than those of choir-master, organist, church officer and other subordinate officials covered by Regulations 86 and 118(f) is required to:
5.4.1 Consider
a) The wide spectrum of opportunities ranging from a close association with the work of the minister to work focussed almost entirely within the community.
b) The role and ministry appropriate to the congregation in its present sociological setting.
c) The age/sex profile of the congregation and the relative strengths/weaknesses and resources available from within its membership.
5.4.2 Decide
a) On the specific area of work (‘target’ or client group) for which the ministry will be set up.
b) On the links and relationships the proposed ministry will have to the ongoing life/thrust of the congregation within the wider community.
c) On the skills, training and qualifications appropriate for carrying out the work involved.
d) On the appropriate degree of church affiliation for the task to be undertaken.
e) On appropriate and realistic expectations, as well as procedures to facilitate support and accountability.
f) The specific areas of responsibility related to the appointment.
g) On how the appointee is to relate to the minister/s and church courts/committees of the congregation.
h) The working facilities and resources required for efficiency and job satisfaction.
i) The salary, allowances, accommodation and term of appointment; (the minimum hourly rate shall be that which the Mission Resource Team shall from time to time decide).
j) Where ultimate responsibility for hiring and firing lies.
5.4.3 Produce
a) A purpose statement setting out, in as specific detail as possible, the goals and objectives of the proposed ministry in the light of discussion and decision.
b) A job description setting out how it is expected that the goals and objectives will be met by the appointee.
c) A schedule setting out conditions of employment and factors relating to accountability, support and continuing education or training; remuneration and allowances and accommodation; term of appointment and review.
5.4.4 Seek appropriate approval and support from the congregation and Presbytery.
5.4.5 Set up advertising, interview, and selection procedures.
5.4.6 Establish
a) A support group or appoint a person to whom the appointee can relate. It is also important to provide a consultant for the appointee, outside direct lines of accountability, but with some expertise in the field.
b) A flexible approach to interpreting or modifying the job description in the light of actual developments and the appointee’s strengths and interests.
c) Clear channels of communication with appropriate committees, courts and groups.
d) An open attitude towards agencies within the wider community related to the sphere of activity.
e) Appropriate procedures for evaluation and review.
5.4.7 NOTE:
a) That for full time lay appointments Regulations 86 and 170(e) should be consulted.
b) That a model job description for a full time lay appointment is given on pages 135-136 of the 1980 White Book.
c) That in providing for lay appointments the Presbyterian Church does not intend to set up a career structure.
VI) Church Travelling Expenses
6.1.1 It is intended that having regard to the travelling necessary for the effective and efficient working of a parish, ministers should be reimbursed for church related travel.
6.1.2 The standard terms of call provide for a car allowance, paid by way of reimbursement, as per Assembly scale. This scale will be reviewed annually by the Mission Resource Team. In setting the scale the Team will take into account the requirements of the Inland Revenue Department with regard to tax-free allowances.
6.1.3 In order to be reimbursed ministers will need to maintain a log book for any vehicle which they use for church related travel. Guidelines for claims for car travel reimbursement are available from the Financial Services Department for the use of ministers and treasurers. Log books can be purchased from the Resource Centre.
6.1.4 Church related travel includes:
a) Travel done in order to fulfil the requirements of the ministry being exercised within a parish or other designated area of ministry e.g. chaplaincy;
b) Travel incurred in fulfilling responsibilities to the presbytery/UDC and the wider church;
c) Car travel incurred in attending in-service training events;
d) Car travel incurred while on study leave, as provided for in (6). below. It does not include travel from manse/minister’s home to office, if the minister’s office or study is in a place other than the manse or minister’s home.
6.1.5
a) In April each year ministers and their sessions/parish councils or employing body should determine the anticipated annual church related travel so that appropriate budget provision can be made for the reimbursement of church related travel.
b) In the event of agreement not being reached, the presbytery/UDC shall determine what amount should be paid. Guidance for the presbytery/UDC is available from the Mission Resource Team and the Financial Services Department.
6.1.6
a) When a minister is taking study leave in New Zealand it is reasonable for a parish or employing body to reimburse the minister for car travel incurred while taking the study leave, provided that the amount claimed is not more than the average reimbursement for the period of time involved.
b) In the event of a dispute arising between minister and parish or employing body the presbytery/UDC shall determine what amount should be paid. Guidance for the presbytery/UDC is available from the Mission Resource Team and the Financial Services Department.
6.1.7
a) In a parish with a ministerial vacancy it is expected that the parish will provide reimbursement for the car travel incurred on its behalf by the Interim Moderator.
b) It is recommended that the parish or employing body of the Interim Moderator pay the total car travel reimbursement each month and then claim the amount relating to the kilometres incurred on behalf of the parish with the ministerial vacancy from that parish.
c) Similar provisions apply for a Nominator for a parish with a ministerial vacancy if the Nominator is a minister involved in active ministry.
d) It is also expected that a parish will offer reimbursement for reasonable car travel expenses to nominators who are presbytery elders or ministers emeritus and to presbytery/UDC representatives on the Board of Nomination. The rate of reimbursement will be at a prescribed rate per kilometre. The current rate is available from the Mission Resource Team and the Financial Services Department.
<typohead type=4>6.2) General</typohead>
A copy of these regulations, together with a statement of the financial indebtedness (if any) of the parish to the church shall be supplied to each newly established parish.