Ministers Desk 1st September

Last week I introduced a proposal from the Church Council and Elders to change our governance structures.  This proposal has been prayed about and discussed for a number of months.  In doing this the Church Council and Elders believe it is the right way to go to better allow our congregation to participate in the mission of God and fulfil our purpose.  An information sheet is available on the information desk or on the church’s website. 

During the week I was asked what the current Church Council and Elders do. 

 

The Emmanuel Church Council exists to serve the congregation and its community by providing leadership through:

·         Waiting upon God, discerning and acting on his leading into the future

·         Facilitating the achievement of the congregation’s purpose

·         Developing, monitoring and oversighting the policies by which the congregation operates

·         Managing the congregation’s property, finances, and exposure to risk

·         Fulfilling the requirements imposed by the Regulations, or seeing that they are appropriately delegated

·         Continuing to develop the Council as an effective Team 

 

The Elders exist to:

·         be a group who intentionally give time to listening to God, each other and the members of the congregation as we actively seek God’s future direction for this congregation.  We would listen through prayer, study of scripture, through talking with each other when meeting together, and through being attentive to the members of the congregation.  This is not about short term “management” issues, but rather about the long term question of what are the areas of growth and future potential that God has for us.  This listening would be fed back to the Church Council and congregation for their action.

·         be a group who monitor the life and health of the congregation.  Specifically, we would be looking to celebrate the growth and positive steps that the congregation is making and identify where the congregation is slipping from its purpose and values.

·         be modellers of positive behaviour and attitudes of a Christ centred life, embodying the congregation’s purpose and core values.

·         fulfil spiritual leadership roles by assisting with sacraments, praying with and for members of the congregation and taking home communions.

As you can see there is significant overlap between these groups.  This is one reason why the current arrangements are not totally effective.  The proposal will see one Council that will provide spiritual oversight that encompasses the work of these two groups.  Because of the overlap this will not produce an unwieldy amount of work for the one Church Council.  Please remember, if you have questions or comments put them in writing and place them in the box on the information desk or email them to me.

 

Grace and peace

 

David Fender