presbyterian.org.nz: Assembly 2002: Session 5

The Assembly met and was constituted with prayer by the Moderator.
Worship was led by Mr Glen Labrum, accompanied by members of the New Zealand Symphony
Orchestra.

Ordination and Induction Services
Dr Redding moved and it was seconded:

[02.044] That approval be given for the Equipping the Leadership Policy Group to trial alternative ordination, induction and commissioning services which retain the key elements present in the existing services but which also reflect modern language and style as well as the leadership for mission policy.

[02.045] That regulation 194 (1) concerning cessation of tenure be amended by the addition of the following words at the beginning of the regulation "Except as provided in the Ministry Regulations Appendix E-17, 3.4 or …"

Student Regulations
Dr Redding moved and it was seconded:

[02.047] That the following amendments be made to the Student Regulations, Appendix E-13 in the Book of Order:
a) Student Regulation 4.1 be amended by the substitution of the word "may" with the word "shall"
a) Student Regulation 4.4 be amended by replacing the words from "candidate" on line 2 to "ordained ministry" on line 3 with the following words "…Presbytery Student convener or representative for each candidate of the candidate's acceptance or otherwise as a student for the ordained ministry, such information to be conveyed to the student within the following seven days."

[02.048] That the Rev. Dr Simon Rae be admitted to the status of Principal Emeritus of the former Theological Hall of the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand

[02.049] That Assembly confirm its intention that the Hewitson Library remain based at Knox College in Dunedin.

[02.050] That Assembly approve the formation of a committee to raise funds for the further development and operation of the Hewitson Library, Knox College.

[02.051] That the Presbyterian Church recognises the BD programme taught by the Pacific Theological College as fulfilling the requirements of foundational studies required for entry into the School of Ministry's Ordination Studies Programme (OSP), with the following conditions:

That BD graduates of PTC must have achieved a minimum B- grade average in that degree; The make-up of the degree must fulfil the General Requirements of Foundational Theological Degree Studies as listed in the School of Ministry, Knox College Handbook; That PTC graduates fulfil the other foundational requirements before entering the OSP; That the Presbyterian Church recognition of the PTC BD as a foundational theological studies degree is for a period of 5 years, and a follow-up assessment is performed towards the end of that 5 year period; That staff interaction is encouraged between the institutions, through the exchange of papers and lectures, and as study leave options; That the Presbyterian Church negotiate with the Board of the PTC for entry of Presbyterian Church candidates for ministry into PTC on similar conditions for candidates from member churches of PTC.

Leave was given to add to clause 52b the word "minimum" before the word "B- degree".

[02.052] That upon the satisfactory completion of the accreditation panel's work, the Equipping the Leadership Policy Group be authorised to accredit Malua's 4-year BD and BTheol programmes so Presbyterian candidates can do their foundational theological studies at Malua with the following conditions:

Such candidates would need to have some proficiency in Samoan language and culture. Presbyterian graduates who have a minimum of B- average in Malua's BTheol degree and who have fulfilled the other foundational requirements would be offered entry to the OSP. That Presbyterian graduates who have been awarded Malua's BD and who have fulfilled the other foundational requirements would be offered entry to the OSP.

[02.053] That Malua CCCS graduates be offered the opportunity to do the 2-year MMin programme in Dunedin, joining the SoM OSP as much as possible, and for the SoM to supervise their University work where appropriate.

[02.054] That a request be made to the Board of Malua Theological College for Presbyterian students to study at Malua, with the understanding that:

The students will be bonded to return to New Zealand and the Presbyterian Church on completion of their Samoan studies; Presbyterian students sit and pass Malua's pre-entry exam; At the end of the first year, which is DipTheol level, Presbyterian undergraduate students achieve a 75% average mark, which will allow them entry into the BTheol programme, otherwise they return home. That the Presbyterian Church recognition of the Malua BTheol and BD as foundational theological studies degrees is for a period of 5 years and a follow-up assessment is performed towards the end of that 5 year period. That staff interaction is encouraged between the institutions, through the exchange of papers and lectures, and as study leave options.

[02.055] That Assembly affirm the ministry of the laos (the whole people of God) as the core of ministry within the Presbyterian Church, and the equipping of the laos for ministry as a priority for the Church.

[02.056] That Assembly affirm the importance of a well-trained ordained ministry of word and sacrament to resource, enable and empower the ministry of the laos. (Ordained ministry is charged with the responsibility to be a sign of the heritage and catholicity of the church.)

[02.057] That Assembly affirm the significance of the role of eldership and the need for ongoing training and support of elders.

[02.058] That Assembly recognise four strands of ministry of word and sacrament within the Presbyterian church as proposed in this report - these being:

National Ordained Ministry (NOM) - nationally recognised through national assessment and training and confirmed through a call to a particular ministry charge. Local Ordained Ministry (LOM) - recognised through a careful process of discernment at congregation and presbytery level and confirmed through ordination and induction. 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 through 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. Amorangi ministry - self-supporting ministry in Te Aka Puaho, as outlined in the BoO, Appendix E-29 B

[02.059] That the Council of Assembly develop and adopt guidelines for presbyteries on the selection, ordination and training for LOM's and LMT's as suggested in this report.

[02.060] That the Council of Assembly develop and adopt appropriate training requirements and guidelines for the support of LOM's and LMT's as suggested in this report.

[02.061] That Assembly ask the Council of Assembly to develop and adopt an approved course in the celebration of Communion that is available locally or extramurally through presbyteries. This national assessment and recognition should ensure a consistent standard of training for all in the Presbyterian Church who are allowed to celebrate communion. Completion of this course to a satisfactory standard should be a pre-requisite for all who officiate at communion.

[02.062] That the Council of Assembly develop and adopt nationally recognised and assessed training modules (e.g. Baptism, Presbyterian Government or those courses deemed as necessary for those who enter LOM) for local use in Presbyteries.

[02.063] That in light of the above, Assembly allow, as an interim measure, LOMs to have full membership on Presbytery except where there is more than one LOM in a particular parish. Where a parish has more than one LOM then each parish has one full seat on presbytery which would be shared or allotted as appropriate.

[02.064] Where a parish chooses to form a LMT team, then that parish has the right to one full "ministry" seat on presbytery (along with their Elder's seat) which is allocated to one member of the LMT or shared between more than one member of the LMT of that parish.

[02.065] That Assembly ask presbyteries to consider running at least two half day courses each year on relevant areas of pastoral care, preaching, and worship.

[02.066] That Assembly ask the Beneficiary Fund Committee to look at the implications and requirements of LOMs joining the BF, and under what conditions they could join.

Questions of clarification were answered.
The motions were referred to Dialogue Groups.

Forum of Cooperative Venturers

Mr Ian Omundsen presented the report for the Forum.

He moved and it was seconded:

[02.030] That General Assembly support the ministry of the whole people of God and develop models of lay ministry consistent with, and acceptable to, the Partners in the Forum.

That the General Assembly affirm and acknowledge the tremendous contribution that lay ministers are making to our Church. That the Church develop a custom-built process whereby people in lay ministry can be trained and ordained that: fully recognises existing qualifications of candidates takes into account and fully values the previous experience gained in ministry situations. Includes only those components that are considered to have not been covered by previous training or experience and avoids unnecessary duplication. Requires minimum of disturbance, through the provision of suitable modules etc (many of which are already available ) that allow candidates for ordination to be equipped for ministry in a way that both allows them to continue in their position wherever possible but also meets the church's ordination requirements That the Assembly commission the Equipping the Leadership Policy Group to design and implement this process and to report back to the next Assembly including with any required legislative amendments.

The motion was referred to Dialogue Groups.

Overture 2: About Celebration of Baptism

The Rev David Gordon moved and it was seconded:

[02.080] That the General Assembly agree in principle to the authorisation of elders to celebrate the Sacrament of Baptism in a parish in which there is no ordained Minister of Word and Sacrament, such authorisation to be subject to the authority of the Presbytery/UDC, and ask the Book of Order and Judicial Reference Group to draft the appropriate amending legislation for reporting to the next General Assembly.

The motion was referred to Dialogue Groups.

Overture 6: Celebration of the Sacrament of Baptism

The Rev John Turton moved and it was seconded:

[02.081] That the General Assembly

Give approval to Presbyteries to authorise suitably trained elders to conduct the sacrament of baptism in those parishes without a resident ordained ministry; Ask the Book of Order and Judicial Reference Group to draft the appropriate amending legislation and report to the next General Assembly. Instruct the Council of Assembly to ensure the preparation of resources for use by authorised elders.

Minutes of the General Assembly 2002

Session 5
St Patrick's College, Silverstream, Wellington
Tuesday, 24 September 2002 at 8.30 a.m.

Minutes of the General Assembly 2002

Session 5St Patrick's College, Silverstream, WellingtonTuesday, 24 September 2002 at 8.30 a.m.

Session 5
St Patrick's College, Silverstream, Wellington
Tuesday, 24 September 2002 at 8.30 a.m.