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Council News August 2005
Introduction
Continuing the theme of previous meetings, the introduction focused on the concept of “deeds not words”, confirming our intention for deliberations to be action-based.
As part of our gathering, members of the Assembly Service team gave brief summaries of the work they do on our behalf. Through their “a day in the life” presentations, we were fuelled in our discussions on mission, leadership, and the future of the church. Councillors also reported on their engagement with presbyteries over recent times, and spoke of the challenges and opportunities faced in their regions.
On Sunday morning, a short silence was observed in recognition of the passing of former Prime Minister, David Lange. Council’s sympathies for Mr Lange, his family and friends were extended during a prayer.
Church of the future: New ways of being church
A lot of time was spent deliberating about how, collectively, we can be more intentional about shaping the Church of the future, and what the pathway forward might look like.
The discussion was based on a paper put forward by the Rt Rev Garry Marquand, Moderator of the General Assembly, and was informed by National Mission Enabler John Daniel’s presentation. John emphasised the relational, intentional and strategic approach to “mission possible” and spoke of the “fantastic people” with whom he is working. Mo Mansill, National Youth Co-ordinator, was similarly passionate about the networking, resourcing, training and advocacy around her work with young people.
During the discussion, Council reflected that Focus on the Future was about continuous improvement and making changes to the status quo, and that a real paradigm shift was needed for the Church to be more effective in the future. The Council asked Garry and John to deliberate further on the matter, to seek input (informally) from congregations and to bring recommendations for a pathway forward to the November meeting of Council.
Te Aka Puaho
Te Aka Puaho reported about progress on key mission activities in recent times including the 50th jubilee celebrations and amorangi ministry training programme, noting that nine people had recently been accepted for training. For more details, click here.
In recognition of our partnership, a group led by Moderator Garry Marquand was appointed to join in dialogue with Te Aka Puaho to explore what partnership within the Church means, and the pathway forward.
Pacific Islanders’ Synod
The Moderator of the Synod reported on key initiatives including the upcoming annual conference, which is scheduled for 16-17 September 2005.
The Synod’s report noted its sadness at the dis-establishment of the Pacific Island Co-Director and expressed appreciation for Don’s contribution to the life and mission of Pacific Island congregations.
Council of Asian Congregations
Council welcomed the report from the Council of Asian congregations, which spoke of issues and opportunities for the future. Recognising our bi-cultural partnership, the Council asked the Assembly Executive Secretary to develop a discussion paper on what it means to be multi-cultural. This matter will be considered further at an upcoming Council meeting.
Uniting Congregations of Aotearoa New Zealand
The Church has been in conversation with our partner denominations about ministry placements and local ministry teams in co-operating ventures. Council recognises that these are just two issues needing agreement so differing partner approaches do not impede mission. Many Presbyterians belong to co-operative venture congregations, so it is important to continue the dialogue on these and other key matters.
National Services
Council was impressed by the high calibre of our dedicated team, which we observed during the “a day in the life” presentations given by members of the service team. For more information about the national ministries, check out the youth ministry, global mission, resources for parishes or the local mission sections of the Presbyterian website.
Services provided nationally are most warmly appreciated by those who have had occasion to need them. For others, the services may be seen as an insurance policy in which all congregations share, so that serious problems can be handled quickly and with appropriate expertise. For example, t he Assembly Executive Secretary reported broadly on a number of disciplinary matters and noted that legal costs for one matter alone are currently over $68,000.
Global Mission
On the basis of recent budget decisions, Global Mission Secretary the Rev Andrew Bell raised the question: “How committed is the Church to global mission and being faithful to our partners?” Council will be considering this matter further at a subsequent meeting. The Global Mission Office is now funded solely from trust income and receives no financial support from the General Assembly operating budget.
Advocacy by the Moderator
Council referenced the Directions strategy in affirming that one of the functions of the office of Moderator is to make public comment through the media and other agencies on matters of national and international importance. A framework to support the Moderator in this work is under development.
Focus on the Future
At our teleconference in June, Council made decisions on all recommendations from the Focus on the Future task group (as already communicated). At our meeting this weekend, we considered progress on the changes that are already underway, and deliberated about the matters that have yet to be implemented. These included the size and structure of Council of Assembly and its policy groups, leadership training through the School of Ministry and financial matters.
Changes to Council of Assembly
We had a preliminary discussion about how Council of Assembly membership would be reduced from 25 to 12, as agreed at our June teleconference. Our dialogue was mindful of the importance of enabling meaningful communication between the Council, the wider church and its other courts. We’ll continue to deliberate on this before and at the next meeting. As the make-up of Council itself is governed by regulations in the Book of Order, a decision of General Assembly (or possibly consultation with presbyteries) is needed before any changes may be implemented.
Changes to policy groups
At our June teleconference, on recommendation from the Focus on the Future task group, we also agreed to disband all of the existing policy groups. Council is able to make changes to its policy groups, so the five policy groups have been thanked and discharged with Council recording its deep appreciation of the work of conveners and members of these groups.
Projects, such as parish and ministry appraisals, work around ministry supervision and review of the Assembly Assessment framework, that each policy group had underway have either been transferred to the new sub-committees or have been noted for follow-up at a later date.
Two new sub-committees of Council were confirmed: the Resource Sub-committee, and the Leadership Sub-committee.
Leadership Sub-committee - will focus on the formation and education of ordained and lay leaders. The sub-committee will be based in Dunedin and will be convened by two people. The Nominating Committee will make recommendations on conveners and membership.
Terms of reference for the sub-committee, including responsibilities, were agreed and will be available on the Presbyterian website by the end of August.
Resource Sub-committee - will focus on effective stewardship of resources including money and assets such as property and will be based in Auckland . Until the next General Assembly, the sub-committee will be convened by John Trainor and Ian Watson (conveners of the former Admin and Finance Policy Group). In consultation with sub-committee conveners, the Nominating Committee will make recommendations on membership.
Terms of reference for the sub-committee, including responsibilities, were agreed and will be available on the Presbyterian website by the end of August.
School of Ministry review
The framework for the review of the School of Ministry has been confirmed and a review team is in the process of being appointed. Work is expected to begin in earnest over the next month, with a report due to the November council meeting.
The “day in the life” presentation by School of Ministry principal Neville Emslie was useful in helping councillors reflect on the current context in which the School operates, and how its focus on ministry formation is equipping future church leaders.
National services review
The Resource Sub-committee reported that the terms of reference for this review are near completion, and that work is expected to begin shortly. This review is one of the actions arising from Focus on the Future consultation.
Financial Matters
Council was encouraged to learn from Andrew Jackson (Finance Manager) of the positive progress made in this area.
General Assembly Budget 2005/06
Council noted that the budget for 2005/06 had been issued to parishes and endorsed the expenditure control measures implemented by Finance Manager to manage overall costs within budget levels.
General Assembly financial results and statements for 2004/05
These results are in the process of being finalised, with the audit due to start at the end of August. Results and statements for the year ended 30 June 2005 will be made available to the wider church as soon as practicable.
Sale of Laughton House
Council affirmed its decision to hold proceeds from the sale of Laughton House in a designated fund, and asked the Resource Sub-Committee to investigate and present options about how the funds could be invested/used for the long-term benefit of the Church and its mission.
Assembly Assessment review
Terms of reference for the review of the Assembly Assessment framework are under development. This review, which was directed by General Assembly, will be initiated by the Resource Sub-committee.
Church Property Trustees
The relationship between Council and the CPT continues to strengthen through regular dialogue at governance and executive levels. While the CPT has had associate representation on the Council for some time, there is now mutual representation, with the Council accepting an invitation from the CPT to have an associate present at Trustee meetings.
Charities Act
This legislation is due to come into effect in April 2007 and regulations are due out early in 2006. Once implemented, it could mean that charities will lose their tax-exempt status unless registered. Council will work with the Church Property Trustees to look at the most effective options for registration. It’s recommended that parishes await further information from a working group before making any decisions about registering.
Staffing
The need for the Assembly Office finance team to maintain high standards of performance and accuracy in the face of upcoming staff changes was noted by both the Resource Sub-committee and Church Property Trustees. Recruitment for a new finance manager to replace Andrew Jackson will start shortly.
Task and work group updates
Stipend remuneration task group
The group has been considering the results of a survey that was sent to all ministers. A total of 202 replies were received and the group expects to produce a report for Council to consider at its November meeting.
Book of Order rewrite task group
The task group is in the process of finalising a draft, which it expects to circulate to presbyteries for comment later this year. Then in early 2006, presbyteries will be invited to send representative(s) to a gathering to work together on the text that will be presented to General Assembly.
Focal identity task group
The task group has met almost every two weeks since the start of this year, and has concluded the main work on the shorter confession. They expect to make a draft available for consultation with the wider church later this year.
Assembly Executive Secretary position review
The current Assembly Executive Secretary (AES), the Rev Dr Kerry Enright, has signalled that he will not be seeking re-appointment when his term ends at General Assembly 2006. The Council is undertaking a review of the role and responsibilities of the Assembly Executive Secretary position to ensure accountabilities and competencies are in line with the Church’s requirements before recruitment is started for a new AES.