General Assembly Review of Format and Costs Workgroup
Overview
At General Assembly 2023 it was moved, seconded and agreed:
‘That Council of Assembly be asked to conduct a review of Assembly costs and format and find a way to make the cost of sending a commissioner to General Assembly much more affordable.’
The Workgroup will:
1. consider the primary purpose and function of General Assembly as currently described in the Book of Order 14.2
2. consider how Assembly might best function to fulfil the requirement to:
(a) worship God,
(b) facilitate and resource the life, worship, and spiritual nurture of the Church,
3. consider models and format for the Assembly to fulfil its judicial capacity; to act in an administrative capacity and to act as the legislative body of the Church,
4. consider the frequency, time and locations of Assembly – including but not limited to: physical locations to enable easy travel; impact of carbon emissions on frequency and size of gathering; to meeting in person; meeting electronically; a hybrid of in person and electronically,
5. consider the current participation model – including issues of ethnic diversity and age of commissioners; how presbyteries communicate about their commissioner selection process,
6. consider the costs and resource efficiency of the current model and consider other options,
7. consider funding options – including but not limited to an additional charge to Assembly Assessment so all churches make a financial contribution to the costs of Assembly; presbyteries including a charge in their levy to each church to assist in ensuring funding is not a prohibitor for those they commission to attend General Assembly and use those funds to assist in sending commissioners,
8. consider the decision-making processes of the Assembly,
9. consider the expectation and processes of reporting,
10. consider the process for bringing proposals and the time Assembly spends on these,
11. in its considerations - consult widely – and include in that with the Te Kāhui Whanaungatanga Workgroup (formerly Te Haere Tonu Workgroup),
12. take advice as required from – but not limited to; the Book or Order Advisory Committee; the Assembly Business Work Group; the Clerk of the Assembly.
Workgroup Members
Members:
Mrs Abi Trevathan and Rev Andrew Howley (convenors)
Rev Martin Stewart
Rev Sage Harris
Mr Brad Kelderman
Mrs Nga Rolston
Rev Alistair McBride
Ms Jaime Siitia
Associate member:
Assembly Executive Secretary
The General Assembly Review Group brought recommendations to General Assembly 2025; at the Assembly the group was thanked and discharged.