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2003 Reports Index
 

COMMITTEE ON MINISTRY AND HOME AFFAIRS GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2003 The report of the Committee to the General Assembly of 2002 included the report of the Ministry Review Group and a comprehensive look at the possible future pattern of ministry. This report will indicate steps taken to implement some of these findings in respect of professional development and pastoral support for Ministers and Pastors. The Committee has been aware throughout the year of the ministerial shortages that affect congregations. The lack of ministers and candidates for the ministry is a fact being experienced by almost every denomination in Scotland but this is of little encouragement to vacant congregations. The report also highlights initiatives in which the Committee has been involved to find suitable ministers. STUDENTS At present there are two students in training for the ministry. Mrs. Amanda Reid is in her final year of a B.D. degree at Glasgow University. She has a further year of study to undertake and will complete this in 2004. Mrs. Deirdre Lyon has been recognised as a student in training for the ministry. Mrs. Lyon has already completed a B.D. degree at Glasgow University and a P.G.C.E in Religious Education and History at Strathclyde University (Jordanhill Campus). It was agreed that Mrs. Lyon would not be required to undertake any further academic work. Mrs. Lyon is employed as a Part-time Pastor in the team ministry at Knightswood, Clydebank and Duntocher(West) until 2004 and this appointment will cover her required period of attachment. It is envisaged that Mrs. Lyon will be licensed in June 2004. SPRING CONFERENCE The Spring Retreat was held at Scottish Churches House for student, pastors and new minister. Rev. John C Allan spoke on "the Courts of the Church." The Committee is grateful to Mr. Allan and all who assisted in the conference. NEW MINISTERS The Committee is indebted to those who have acted as advisors to our new ministers. ENGLISH BIBLE EXAM The Committee last year reported the retiral of the Rev. J.H. Alexander as examiner. We are pleased to report that the Rev. G. L. Cowan has taken up this position. IN SERVICE CONFERENCE Last year's conference took place at Scottish Churches House in Dunblane. Rev. Sandy Rodger, Principal of the Faith Mission College spoke on Preaching. David Millen and Fred Hand from Evangelical Ministries, Belfast led a sessions on Effective Small Groups. There was also a lively debate on the Discussion Paper on Induction. The Committee thanks all who attended and contributed to what was a very encouraging event. EMPLOYMENT PROCEDURES Last year the Committee reported its intention to review the present regulations and procedures for all employees. This was to be carried out in light of current employment law. The situation at present is that ministers are considered to be holders of an office and are not employees as such and are not covered by present employment regulations. Pastors and other employees do fall under such regulations and require to have contracts of employment. The Committee is grateful to the Church solicitor for help in drawing up contracts which are now in operation. INDUCTION The Committee would express its thanks to Kirk Sessions and Presbyteries for taking time to consider the Paper on Induction. It was pleased to receive a good number of responses and is in the process of studying these. The Committee hopes to be able to make a further submission to the General Assembly of 2004. ENQUIRERS COURSE A one-day course was held at Scottish Churches House Dunblane for those in the Church interested in learning about service. The course covered ministry, work as a pastor, elder training and personal development. The Committee expresses its thanks to those who organised and contributed to this initiative. 20 people from across the Church attended and expressed their appreciation of the event. It is hoped to hold another such course in the future. RECRUITMENT OF MINISTERS In light of the shortage of ministers within the Church the Committee has sought to explore ways of addressing this need. The Committee received enquiries from two congregations in respect of advertising in the press for ministers. The Committee considered it prudent to place advertisements in the Christian press on behalf of the denomination. This was done and a considerable number of enquiries have been received. It is disappointing to report that no firm applications have been received to date. The Committee also received an invitation from the Committee on Overseas and Inter Church Affairs to explore the possibilities of ministers coming from the United Congregational Church of Southern Africa to serve in congregations in the United Free Church. The Committee has been pleased to be involved and supports the project contained in the Report of the Committee on Overseas and Inter Church Affairs. DARNLEY The congregation of Glasgow:Darnley sought the help of the Committee, amongst others, in the development of plans to extend and renovate their church buildings. The Committee was pleased to contribute to the discussion and was encouraged by the resulting plans. The Committee received a Church Extension Fund Schedule seeking financial support for the venture and agreed to contribute £50,000 to the project. ADVISER IN PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT The General Assembly of 2002 agreed to the appointment of an Adviser in Professional Development. The Committee sought to identify a suitable person for this important position and was pleased when the Rev. David Cartledge agreed to undertake the work. The Committee have agreed the following outline : 1. The Adviser will seek to assist ministers and pastors to continue the development of their ministry. This will involve the elements of appraisal and continued study. The Adviser would endeavour to aware of available courses of study. 2. The Adviser will send appraisal forms to all ministers and pastors in charge. These will seek to highlight needs, possibilities for further development and problems which require assistance. The appraisals will take place on a 3 yearly rotational basis. 3. Ministerial development is seen as an ongoing process. Such development can be enhanced in various ways. · Short or longer term courses of study · Conferences or seminars · Sabbaticals 4. It would be expected that ministers and pastors would give reports of the studies undertaken with comments on the benefits or otherwise of the courses undertaken. 5. It would be possible for the Adviser to produce a list or database of courses available, undertaken and the responses to them. PASTORAL SUPPORT FOR MINISTERS/PASTORS The General Assembly approved the appointment by each Presbytery of a suitable person to be available in a pastoral capacity to offer help and support to Ministers and Pastors when necessary. Such people will be available to give support, advice, assistance, and be able to seek help from within the Church and beyond where acceptable and appropriate. The Committee is liasing with Presbyteries to enable this support to be put into place. CONCLUSION This Report is relatively brief and does not fully convey the extent of the work carried out by the members of the Committee. Considerable time has been spent in interviews, courses and meetings. It is also important to give thanks to the Ministers, Pastors and Interim Moderators who work tirelessly in the service of the Lord. In the name of the Committee ARCHIBALD M FORD Convenor DONALD MACKENZIE Vice-Convenor JAN CROSS Vice Convenor JOHN O FULTON Secretary

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