The presbyteries of the Presbyterian Church USA adopted a Form of Government earlier this year. Copies of the Book of Order for 2011-13 will include this revision along with the document “Foundations of Presbyterian Polity.” Many congregations have ordered copies through the Presbytery office; contact the office for information about ordering them (office@wvpresbytery.org or call 304-744-7634). They should be available by early fall.
What can congregations be doing now to move toward the image of the church that is described in the New Form of Government? These suggestions grow out of a presentation by Dan Williams, pastor of the Second Presbyterian Church in Staunton VA and co-moderator of the committee that developed the New Form of Government.
He reminds us that the New Form of Government is “permissive” rather than “prescriptive.” We can make many decisions, guided by the broad principles of Presbyterian polity, about how we do ministry that are tailored to our particular congregation, rather than having to follow regulations that apply to all.
His first word is “relax.” We need to live into the new polity. The basic principle is that mission determines structure. So focus on the mission of your congregation. When you are clear about your mission then consider how to organize to accomplish it. He suggests 10 things we can be doing in our congregations:
+ Study the Foundations, chapters 1-4 in the Book of Order 2011-13
+ Set a quorum for congregational meetings (a minimum is no longer in the Book)
+ Decide how much notice is reasonable for a meeting of your congregation
+ Decide how to select a congregational nominating committee (new G-2.0401)
+ Set term of service for church treasurer, elected by the Session (new G-3.0205)
+ Set term for Clerk of Session (new G-3.0104)
+ Consider how to deal with members who become inactive (roll no longer required)
+ Develop a sexual misconduct policy
+ Plan for training and examination of those elected to ordered ministries (elders and deacons)
+ Review, revise or develop as needed, a manual of operation and bylaws for your congregation.
We can also begin using new terms for officers and what we have been calling “governing bodies.” Ministers are Teaching Elders. Elders elected to serve in congregations are Ruling Elders. The Session, Presbytery, Synod, and General Assembly are now Councils of the Church.
Watch for announcements about opportunities to discuss the New Form of Government and its implications for congregations and the presbytery. Jim Robinson, Acting Stated Clerk, will be participating in workshops in the fall at both the Synod and General Assembly level. You can be in touch with him at statedclerk@wvpresbytery.org or 304-720-2065.