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Beginners' guide to General Assembly

For all of you who’ve heard about Assembly but aren’t really sure what it’s all about or what it means for congregations, this report is for you.

General Assembly is the opportunity for church elders and ministers to have input into the future direction of the Church. This function characterises one of the things that makes the Presbyterian Church distinct from other denominations: our tradition of participatory decision-making at all levels. General Assembly meets to honour God by inspiring and equipping people, to foster national connectedness and belonging and for the purpose of governing the Church. It is the highest governing body of the Church.

Presbyteries appoint commissioners to Assembly, and every parish is entitled to send a commissioner. The commissioners discuss and vote on recommendations and proposals that are brought to Assembly. Typically, about 500 people gather at Assembly, which is held once every two years at different locations around New Zealand .

One of the General Assembly committees, Council of Assembly, has a major responsibility for implementing General Assembly decisions. Over the next few months, Council and its task groups and sub-committees will be seeking input from the wider church on many matters, including a proposed new Book of Order and sub-ordinate standard; a review of the stipend; and a review of Assembly Assessment. Feedback from presbyteries and congregations is expected to shape the final recommendations that will be put to General Assembly 2006.

GA06 will be a little different from previous gatherings, because it will be shorter in duration than has historically been the case, and there is also expected to be a trial of consensus-style decision-making for some parts of the meeting (more information about this will be forthcoming during the next few months).

The 2004 Assembly highlighted various reasons why people were not able to attend the gathering, including cost, meeting length and mode, so a task group was established to complete a review and make recommendations for improving the Assembly meeting. Some of their recommendations have already been implemented (such as the shorter meeting duration), and GA06 will consider any policy and regulation changes that may result from the task group’s other recommendations.