Ministers Desk 29th September 2013

Decision making takes place in many places in the life of our congregation.  Church Council is not the only group through which power, authority and leadership are exercised.  Decisions are made by the congregation as a whole and also leadership teams of groups, committees and individuals.  This proposal does not affect any of these groups or individuals and their ongoing mission. 

 

The proposal is directed toward the way Church Council operates.  Currently a group of 14 people meet monthly to make decisions that affect the whole congregation.  Their decision making is long term, medium term and short term.  Problems arise from this.  Many people find it difficult to think of both long term strategy and short term management.  Some need detail and specificity, others prefer concepts and ideas.  There is also the problem that the immediate and urgent crowds out longer term considerations.  Therefore it is proposed that the Church Council effectively be divided into two groups.  A Church Council to focus on spiritual oversight and a Ministry Coordination Team to concentrate on short term management.  The intention is to allow people to serve in leadership according to their gifts, personality and passion and for both of these important aspects of congregation life to be given proper attention. 

 

The proposed Church Council will consist entirely of Elders.  The Chair, Secretary and Treasurer will be Elders, but will be directly elected by the congregation into these roles.  As has been our past practice, the Chair and Secretary of Church Council will also be Chair and Secretary of the congregation.  The Ministry Coordination Team will consist of Team Leaders who head up areas of congregation life.  As it now stands this Team would consist of the Ministry Team (3 positions, including the current vacancy) and Team Leaders for Exalt, Explore, Pastoral Care, Group and Community Life and Strategic Mapping.  In addition there are vacant positions for Team Leaders for Embody, Engage and Support and Resources who would also be part of the Ministry Coordination Team. 

 

The separate Elders and Church Council meetings will no longer occur.  The Elders currently meet monthly, with every second meeting dedicated to prayer for the life of the congregation.  The alternate meeting involves the Elders reviewing the life of the congregation.  The Elders have no decision making authority.  They act solely as a group of wise, insightful, Spirit filled leaders with a passion to see God’s church at Emmanuel thrive. 

 

Whilst I talk about power and decision making, ultimately the head of the church is Jesus Christ.  Colossians 1:18 says, “Christ is also the head of the church, which is his body.

He is the beginning, supreme over all who rise from the dead.  So he is first in everything.”  All that we do is at the inspiration of his Spirit and is for the glory of God.  Leadership and governance in the church is not about accumulating power and imposing our way on things.  It is exercised by prayerful discernment, minds transformed by the Holy Spirit, humble and obedient hearts and people who are committed to constantly grow in their discipleship. 

 

Grace and peace

 

David Fender