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Council of Assembly News Brief

Meeting 18 - 20 July 2003

When Council of Assembly met in Wellington we brought together the work being done by Policy and other Groups and spent some time in a discernment process that fed into and enriched our shared journey. Some of the matters discussed are listed below.

We noted the role of the Council is to work on "what we as a church have agreed together" in the General Assembly. We recognised that a great deal of change is being experienced within the church and in society and that we need to be aware of these pressures when proposals are being developed.
Policy groups reported on work in progress and identified issues that they will address in dialogue in the September regional workshops, Tutahi Tatou. The context is developing and maintaining healthy congregations as the focus of mission.

Resourcing for Mission (ReforM) are addressing ways to help congregations be effective in mission.
What will congregations of the future look like? When we are in an environment of constant change, when interest in spirituality is high, but interest in institutions is low; where do congregations fit? Is doing things the way they've always been done the best answer?

What things help strengthen a local church as a worshipping community and what helps the congregation grow in faith and in the outward expression of this faith? How can we, as a church, help individual congregations become what God wants them to be?

 

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We are looking at a process of appraisal that will replace the Quinquennial Visitation. Every three years each congregation will work with a trained facilitator to assess where they are and discuss what they would like to do over the following three years. The facilitator will help the congregation put together an appraisal report with an action plan of the next steps. It will take into account the congregation's strengths, needs and local opportunities and include a commitment to act. The report and the action plan will be communicated to Presbytery, so that they contribute to the regional planning, in order that congregations can support and encourage each other.

Following on from this, we are looking at what can be offered to help congregations work from the initial planning document in (1) to create a Congregational Mission Plan. This may involve providing access to expertise, resources and personnel. It may well be that this is provided from a regional base; so that local initiatives can be better supported. The intent is to find a way to encourage congregations to "be salt and light in the world".

The third area we would like help in discussing is how to encourage congregations to use God's resources for God's purpose. What prevents us from releasing resources for Mission? What should we focus on doing locally and what should we do together?
Members of the Reform Policy Group will be attending the Tutahi Tatou workshops and are keen to hear a range of views on these proposed policy directions.

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This proposal will be brought to Tutahi Tatou for discussion.

Equipping the Leadership (EtheL) are taking seriously the direction given by General Assembly to look at ways of training ministers that doesn't require them to relocate to Dunedin. They are exploring a variety of options including training in congregations and combinations of distance learning and residential study in Dunedin. In considering the options EtheL are looking at several factors including the effectiveness of the approach in ministry formation, financial benefits and local resources. The different approaches will be discussed at Tutahi Tatou in September.

Work has begun on an approach to ministry and leadership development appraisals. EtheL will be considering a comprehensive report at its next meeting. A draft proposal will be brought to Tutahi Tatou for discussion.

It is important remember that Leadership for Mission can be exercised by both lay and ordained leaders. A paper on this topic is available on the Leadership for Mission pages on the website.

Administration and Finance are charged with resourcing the mission of the church. They have been considering feedback and an alternative proposal on the move to a single assessment system. The decision to go to single assessment from July 2004 has been made, but close attention has been paid to feedback about the definition of income and the effect on small congregations. Admin and Finance have noted the concerns expressed and are continuing to discuss them. They believe the revised proposal should be acceptable as a just system on a broad base to the Church. The proposal about how single assessment will operate will be brought to Tutahi Tatou in September.

Indications are that the budget deficit that for this year that was projected at $600,000 will not happen. It is likely that the national budget will, in fact, break even. Admin and Finance expect that budget accuracy will improve as financial reporting to management improves and there is closer monitoring of spending.

Following a recommendation from Admin and Finance, a task group will be set up to further consider the role, support and position of Moderator of the General Assembly. The group will look at strengthening the role of Moderator as a key mission leader of the national Church (including as a communicator of national vision and direction) and the relationship with other leadership roles such as Convener of the Council of Assembly and the Assembly Executive Secretary. Consideration is also being given to the support, where appropriate, of the Moderator's parish, family and personal situation.

Overseas Mission and Partnerships (OMP) have set a high priority on providing opportunities for a new generation of young people to learn about global mission. Andrew Bell's work is highly regarded and he is keen to take up opportunities to work with congregations.

Connecting with Society (ConSoc) has now met twice and is developing relationships with CASI (Churches' Agency on Social Issues) and a range of other groups within the church and beyond.

Regional meetings to discuss 'Strengthening Presbyteries' were held in March and April. A variety of local initiatives making better use of resources were noted and a report will be going to presbyteries shortly. A number of functions were identified as better performed regionally or even nationally while, at the same time, the importance of small local groups for other functions was recognised. Council noted that initiatives to improve regional functioning are continuing but that resources are short. To progress the opportunities for regional co-operation where it seems viable, Council decided to create a part time, contract Project Leader position. The Project Leader would be focused on working with presbyteries and the Mission Resource Team to progress and support the opportunities available. The possibilities for regions co-operating to create plans will be discussed at Tutahi Tatou.

Tutahi Tatou - let us stand together - Planning is well advanced and all session clerks should now have received invitations to send teams or individuals to these six-hour September events. Full information is in the August issue of sPanz and on the website.

Registration forms are either in the papers sent to session clerks or on the Tutahi Tatou pages on the website.

Work in progress includes updating the Directions 2003 paper that was brought in draft form to this Council meeting. A Task Group is working on this document that will be available later this year
The Conference of Churches in Aotearoa New Zealand sent a paper that indicates they are looking at moving towards a new expression of ecumenism in New Zealand. The possibility of new structures will be discussed at their 2004 Forum.

Anyone dealing with Asian matters is asked to include our Asian Liaison Officer Rev Paul Kim (Ph 09 833 4595) and the Council of Asian Congregations in their dealings. Paul is an important resource and source of advice for our Church.

As it does at each meeting, the Service Team reported on its work. Council noted in particular the congregational leadership course at the School of Ministry, the congregational support and regional planning initiatives assisted by the Mission Resource Team, the formation of a Youth focus group helping Mo Mansill, letters of support for Mary Petersen's work as Children and Families Co-ordinator and progress on the computer installation in the Assembly Office.

For questions and more information about these items please contact:
Council of Assembly convenor, Shirley Fergusson ferg(at)wave.co.nz, Ph 07 856 7866
Assembly Executive Secretary, Kerry Enright, kerrye(at)presbyterian.org.nz, Ph 04 801 6000

Update

When electronic equipment is used well it can enhance worship remarkably. I attended a service recently where the basic elements of worship were excellently led including the use of visuals on PowerPoint. The theme was "overcoming the walls". As an example, in one part of the service the prayer of intercession included the showing through a data projector of a video of the breaking down of the Berlin Wall, accompanied by music, with people taking away pieces from a wall erected on the Communion Table.

Conversations

There is an e-mail chat list to which several people subscribe - NZPres@presbyterian.org.nz Recently there has been discussion about aspects of Assembly proposals. You can join the chat list by sending an email to majordomo(at)presbyterian.org.nz with subscribe nzpres in the body of the email and nothing in the subject line.

Privacy

I frequently receive questions about how to approach matters of privacy and confidentiality in a congregation. People often want clarification of what can be divulged in Session and Parish Council meetings, in worship, parish directories, and newsletters.

I think we should be guided by respecting the person about whom we wish to communicate. A basic principle is not to share information on a public occasion such as worship or in a newsletter unless the person concerned has given their permission.

There are also legal requirements set out in the Privacy Act. A leaflet about the application of the Act to congregations is available from the Assembly Office.

Board of Nomination questions

I have also been asked questions about how boards of nomination and selection panels gain references. It is important Boards and panels seek comment only from people named as referees by the applicant or nominee. If the referees named by applicants are insufficient the Board may wish to ask the applicant for further referees. It is now common practice for references to be obtained verbally. It is inappropriate to ask intrusive questions of applicants which relate only to one applicant's personal circumstances. Nominators must also contact the Assembly Office for details of the status of persons being considered.

Mission Resource Team Co-Director Northern South Island

In previous updates I have reported progress on appointment for this position. No suitable applicant was able to be nominated. The position is being re-advertised and a new appointment process is getting underway with a view to an appointment being made later this year to commence in the position first thing next year. Details of the position can be obtained from the Assembly Office at aes(at)presbyterian.org.nz.

Until a new person is appointed the Co-directors for Southern North Island and Southern South Island, Prue Neild and John Daniel can be contacted for assistance. Their contact details are in the Year Book and on the website.

Youth

Mo Mansill, Youth Co-ordinator, has invested herself in building networks of support for regional and local youth leaders. She has spoken at nearly every presbytery. A Youth Focus Group has been formed to help develop priorities for the services offered nationally. Fuel, an excellent youth ministry publication, is produced - the latest issue is about youth ministry as mission. Connect, a national gathering of youth leaders, is being held in September. Jo Ryan, a youth ministry intern, is working with Mo over the year. Next year's internship has been advertised, applications are to close at the end of October. Mo is an inspiring speaker and an encouraging presence. We encourage you to put your youth leaders in touch with Mo, to attend Connect, and to ensure they receive Fuel. Thank you for supporting Mo with your giving.

Connect

Make sure your youth leaders are at this year's national conference!

When?
Friday 19th September @ 7pm to Sunday 21st September @ 3pm

Where?
Lake Whakamaru Christian Camp Mangakino (in between Rotorua & Taupo)

Who should come?
Youth workers, youth pastors and youth leaders working in Presbyterian or Co-operating Churches.

cost: $75 (early bird $65 - cut off date Sep 10th)

Money should not be the reason youth leaders don't come. Consider as a church sponsoring your leader to go!

SOUTH ISLANDERS READ THIS!

There will be a $100 subsidy towards travel costs given to the first 20 people who register from the south island - be in quick!

Theme for Connect 03: Youth Ministry as Mission

This year at Connect we're getting out from behind our white picket fences and LOOKING OUT. Dynamic thinker and speaker, Andrew Bell, will be challenging us to think about how WE as youth leaders do youth ministry as mission, and how we encourage our YOUTH to grow Christ-centred hearts to serve in our local communities and in the wider world.

More info:
Contact Mo or Jo at the Youth Ministry Office
ph. (04) 381 8299 mo.mansill(at)presbyterian.org.nz

Register NOW for Tutahi Tatou

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That's a nice piece of alliteration, isn't it? It's also a call for action.

By now all parish, presbytery and synod clerks should have received an information pack and registration form inviting them to send representatives to these regional workshops in September.
We hope to see lots of people along to discuss and debate the policy suggestions that will be put forward - but you do need to register! (that's so we can prepare well for the numbers coming).

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You can register on the Tutahi Tatou webpages on the News and Events section of the website. on the paper form provided in the clerk's information pack or contact Kirsten Dale, communications co-ordination, Ph 04 381 8284, kirstend(at)presbyterian.org.nz

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Tutahi Tatou is a series of regional meetings organised by the Council of Assembly to discuss and help shape key policies that will go forward to the next Assembly.

Tutahi Tatou is also an opportunity to be inspired and to share about your ministry. Every meeting will include a workshop about wonderful possibilities for ministry with children and families. Communicate your vision and strategies about how your congregation makes this ministry an integral part of your congregation's mission and learn about a variety of other models of ministry. The North Island workshops will be facilitated by Mary Petersen, National Co-ordinator Ministry with Children and Families, for the Presbyterian Church; South Island ones by Rev Sandra Wright-Taylor, Faith Educator at St Mark's Presbyterian Church, Avonhead Christchurch.

Full information about what's being presented and dates, times and venues is available on the Tutahi Tatou pages on the website, in the August issue of sPanz and in the pack sent to session clerks. Registrations close on 5 September 2003.

Summer School 2004

The School of Ministry in conjunction with the Department of Theology, University of Otago, is offering a Summer School course from Monday January 12 to Friday January 16, 2004, at Knox College in Dunedin.

The lecturer will be Prof John Drane, Senior Lecturer in Practical Theology, University of Aberdeen. He will be lecturing on the topic of; Theological and Pastoral Perspectives on the Contemporary Family. It will be available as an MMin (Master of Ministry) paper or audit.

For further enquiries contact the Registrar, School of Ministry, ph (03) 473-8389 or (03)473-0107, email registrar(at)schoolofministry.ac.nz