Link to > CouncilAgenda20141125

Re- UCA Assembly's Fresh look at Elders/Leaders in the Uniting Church

A team composed of five members of the GWUC Congregation, two of whom are lifetime elders, the other three being members of Church Council, met to read and consider the Assembly's document.

General Comments

There is considerable confusion in the UCA regarding Elders, Leaders and Church Councillors, and where they all fit and what their duties are. This confusion has been a real part of our congregational life in Glen Waverley for many years and still is. For example, our current Church Council comprises both elected Elders and co-opted members, all of whom have the same responsibilities and duties. Responsibilities and duties for Church Council are set out in UCA regulations.

It seems that the role of Elder/Leader has been diminished by the 1997 decision to combine the Elders Council and the former Parish Council and the result has been ‘a loss of the distinctive contribution to the life of the congregation’ by the Elders, as stated by Terence Corkin in the Preface to the document. The decision to combine the two councils may work better in smaller congregations where there are fewer members to fill both councils, or where the same people serve on both councils. In larger congregations it was formerly possible to have a majority of different people on each council, although some members served on both.

The impact of so much structure means that the Church takes on a corporate structure. Meaning therefore appears diminished. Eldership is about being, not doing. Eldership carries with it a 'sacred trust' which the Congregation acknowledge as members take their vows. Being an elder is about the person, the Congregation and God. Corporate decision making and structure do not sit comfortably within this meaning.

There needs to be an understanding of the distinction between the role of Elders as individuals and the role of an Elders Council. It is possible to fulfil the role of Eldership as an individual, but to be part of a body, such as Elders Council, enables members to share and build up their faith to strengthen them for the task of ‘spiritual oversight’. The consensus was that elders believe that they have a covenant with God as they carry out their roles. Jesus reminded us:'I came that you may have life.'

We commend the Assembly for pointing out that Christian life is not separated into different compartments. Everything which is done in a congregation (and beyond) should have God as its focus. The Iona Community puts it this way: “Work and Worship, Prayer and politics, Sacred and Secular” – no separation – these things are intertwined. English poet, George Herbert puts it this way: “Seven whole days, not one in seven, I will praise thee.” (Hymn #201 TiS)

There was a range of responses within the team to the new model as outlined in Section D of the Assembly's document. Whilst some members of the team endorsed the recommended model other team members cited it as not being helpful. Others felt that it was merely reinforcing the status quo. The team did positively respond to the comment by a former President of the Assembly, D' Arcy Wood, who highlighted the role of Elder/Leader as clearly for 'spiritual oversight.'

Response to the individual questions in Section E:

1. What do you see as confusing in the current situation re elders/leaders in the UCA?
2. The UCA Regulations give separate, but very similar responsibilities for Elders/Leaders and Church Councillors. The responsibilities overlap at times.
3. There is a lack of clarity/definition re the role of Elder
4. Over the years what have you most valued about the ministry of Elder/Leader?
5. Leadership and integrity.
6. I have most valued spiritual leadership and pastoral care exercised by Elders
7. If you are or have been an elder, how have you exercised your role with other elders?
8. As leader, encourager and teacher.
9. Sharing responsibility for visiting/pastoral care and aspects of worship (spiritual dimension) 1 How do you understand “spiritual oversight”?
10. I would like “spiritual oversight” to be understood as encompassing every aspect of a congregations’ life. In particular, it should mean Leadership, Support and Advice in all aspects of a congregation’s life.
11. Working with the ministry team in worship planning and participation
12. Faith development among elders group and in the congregation through study groups, seminars, encouragement to attend conferences/courses, book reviews, etc
13. This should be both an individual and a corporate activity
14. What advantages or disadvantages do you see in the proposal that all elders should be members of Church Council?
15. Advantages
    • As Elders are elected leaders, Church Council is the right place for Elders to be.
    • Clarity of role, only one meeting to attend if no Elders Council
16. Disadvantages
    • CC may be too large
    • CC charged with ‘spiritual oversight’. This could lead to possible confusion re responsibilities.
17. What advantages or disadvantages do you see in the proposal that the Church Council should consist of Elders/ Leaders only?
18. Similar response to Q5
19. Advantages are clarity in structure and in responsibilities of Elders. I don’t see any disadvantages.
20. Also the situation might be simplified as the CC is charged with ‘spiritual oversight’. There needs to be an understanding that all aspects of congregational life should have a spiritual dimension.
21. Has your congregation considered which alternative title should be used?

We use the term Elder.