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Appendix D-8: Office of the Moderator of the General Assembly

Role of the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church

1) Purpose

a) To strengthen and unite the Presbyterian Church in understanding of, and commitment to, its mission;
b) To moderate the General Assembly;
c) To speak for the Presbyterian Church to its members and to the community;
d) To represent the Presbyterian Church on formal and ceremonial occasions.

2) Relationships

a) Council of Assembly
b) Assembly Executive Secretary
c) Service Team leaders
d) Moderators of Presbyteries and Synods
e) Leaders of other denominations

3) Knowledge, Skills, Personal Attributes, Experience

Knowledge

a) Of the mission, direction, structure and processes of the Presbyterian Church
b) Of reformed theology, history, ethos
c) Of New Zealand society which is the context of the Mission of the Presbyterian Church

Skills

a) Communication - preaching, teaching, advocating
b) Inter-personal - listening, negotiating
c) Intellectual - analysing and applying knowledge
d) Ability to work with other people
e) Capacity to see the "whole picture" (to see detail in the context of the whole mission)

Personal attributes

a) Commitment to the Church’s mission statement and direction set by the Assembly
b) Ability to inspire confidence, growth and action
c) Ability to examine and challenge policy proposals
d) Sensitivity and grace towards people of different ethnic or cultural background, opinion, gender and orientation.
e) Willingness to trust others

Experience

a) Membership in a congregation of the Presbyterian Church
b) A record of effective ordained leadership (ruling or teaching) in "Making Jesus Christ known in nurturing and teaching, in loving service, in proclaiming the gospel, in transforming society, and in caring for creation."

 

4) Key Result Areas

Key Tasks

  • Mission Inspire, encourage and affirm the Presbyterian Church in "Making Jesus Christ known in nurturing and teaching, in loving service, in proclaiming the gospel, in transforming society, and in caring for creation", taking account of the Church’s principal strategies and directions.
  • Faces of Mission Offer leadership in developing to greater depth one or more of the five aspects of mission.

Policy Formation

  • Contribute a prophetic voice and mission focus to policy formation through membership of Council.

Unity and Resolve

  • Moderate General Assembly, its worship and work, to inspire energy and enthusiasm for mission.

Information and Identity

  • Speak for the Presbyterian Church, expressing the vision, beliefs, values and direction to the membership and to the wider community, religious and secular, national and international.

Ceremonial, Celebration

  • Represent the Presbyterian Church in confirming and celebrating achievement in mission at congregational and regional levels. Represent the Presbyterian Church at formal occasions in wider community.

Proceedure for Election of the Moderator of the General Assembly

  1. The Assembly invites parishes to submit names of suitable nominees to their Presbytery.
  2. Each Presbytery nominates, for the consideration of Presbyteries and Sessions/Parish Councils, one person and sends this nomination to the Convener of the Nominating Committee. The nomination is to be supported by a 150 word statement setting out the reasons for the nomination.
  3. The Convener notifies nominees and seeks their consent for the inclusion of their names on the total list of nominees that is then sent back to the Presbyteries and Sessions/Parish Councils along with the supporting statements.
  4. Presbyteries, Sessions and Parish Councils consider this list and recommend one person for the consideration of the Assembly. The Presbytery or Session/Parish Council sends that name to the Assembly Clerk.
  5. The Assembly Clerk collates the replies and informs the Nominating Committee.
  6. The Nominating Committee reports the recommendation of the Church to the Assembly.