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1.1 'Matchmaker, matchmaker, make me a match'....the words from Fiddler on the Roof may seem a world away from that of the Moderators' Monthly Meetings, yet in some ways at least they capture one important element of our work. We have little doubt that we are called many things, and that 'matchmakers' may be one of the better ones. However we believe, that acting as 'matchmakers' or as 'A Dating Agency' (though to be fair we would prefer 'Introduction Agency') is a key function of the Moderators. It may also be the most easily recognised of our functions as it is the one churches most often encounter. 1.2 But there are other tasks. In what follows we will seek to reflect on just some of them. 1.3 As Moderators we are concerned that there should be a transparency to the way we operate and how we exercise our role in the wider life of the church. Whilst there are variations in the way each of us works, there is a common understanding among us of what we are and what we do. The purpose of our report this year is to try and share with the church something of our thinking and understanding. At the same time we are aware that it will be very easy for this report to appear as little more than an apologetic of our way of working. We are deeply conscious that the way we operate has evolved over many years. That is not, however, to claim that it is the only way of doing our work, let alone the best way. But it is our present way of doing things and we have confidence in the system we operate. We welcome the work that is being done elsewhere on Leadership and Authority. We have no doubt that there will be things we will need to hear from those deliberations as we seek to be as effective as we can in responding to the call of the church to serve in the role of Synod Moderators. 2.1 A pastoral concern for both churches and ministers is at the core of our work. We are convinced that unless we have built up and fostered that deeper relationship then we cannot hope to be of any use to ministers or churches at times of need or crisis. 2.2 We are called to be 'a pastor to the pastors', 'a minister to the ministers'. The task of ministry continues to be a demanding and stressful one, and our experience tells us that ministers and their families need pastoral support and care. Fortunately the vast majority serve in churches where they are loved and cared for and upheld by both prayer and practical support. However there are times when, in addition to our regular support even they need additional help and encouragement. Sadly there are others who work much of the time in isolation and without encourage-ment and find that the stress and the strain is more than they can bear alone. We hope that we can be of particular help to them. As with all ministry, it is one of the great privileges we are given, of being allowed alongside people in times of need or crisis. It is one we take seriously. 2.3 But lest it be thought that our only responsibility is to ministers we are aware that we have an equal sense of pastoral care for the churches we serve, Synod by Synod. 2.4 Ministers and churches both find their pastoral care first within their Districts and we continue to be indebted to District Pastoral Committees for the work they do. It is at District Pastoral Committees that we have the greatest opportunity to share in the shaping of District decisions. It is here that personal and collective leadership are seen to work together effectively in the life of the church. Here issues are recognised, addressed and often resolved. Whilst there are times when we are called upon to help resolve a particularly difficult matter, for the most part that work is done quietly in partnership and cooperation with the other churches of the District. Moderators are full members of all the District Councils within their Synod. Such membership enables us to extend that care and leadership into the work of these Councils. 2.5 Which leads us on to say that our pastoral responsibility embraces all, lay and ordained. We are not expected to exercise much of the day-to-day pastoral care that is at the heart of local ministry, but we are expected to be available when further help is needed in particularly difficult or sensitive situations. There are times when we are called upon as 'peacemaker' or even 'trouble-shooter', but in relation to our total work, they are mercifully few. However, some at least of us detect a rising proportion of our workload in this area. But it is clearly part of our function to act in this way, when properly requested to do so by Ministers or Elders or Church Meetings. It is both time consuming and emotionally demanding. 3.1 It is almost inevitable that much of our work appears as little more than 'keeping the show on the road'. That is certainly not the be-all and end-all of our work, but there are times when keeping the wheels turning is a significant priority. We all benefit from sharing our collective experience, and from the collegiality of the way we work. We hope that this enables us to facilitate the church in its ministry and mission. 3.2 It is against that background that we act as a bridge between the local and the national expressions of being the church. It is a sad reflection that right across the church we still encounter an attitude of 'us' and 'them', 'us' being the local church and 'them' being Church House, or General Assembly or District Council. Acting as a bridge across all those perceived chasms is a key role. Time and again we have to remind churches that District Councils and Synods, and even the seemingly remote body of General Assembly, only come into being, have a reality and take on a life of their own because ordinary church representatives turn up and meet together. Obvious? Then why does it need saying over and over again? 4.1 One of the questions, which exercise us, is to what extent we give leadership to our Synods. That question is particularly relevant at a time when major questions of deployment, falling numbers, financial stringency and ecumenical possibilities force us to think through the appropriate use of our total resources for effective mission. These questions affect everything we do, particularly new ways of structuring our life for mission. Strategic questions have to be worked on collectively within and beyond Synods. Synods and Moderators place a different emphasis on these matters at different times. We spend some time at our meetings sharing these matters with each other. We constantly ask ourselves at what point any such thinking and planning should be fed into the Councils of the Church for wider consideration. 4.2 It is common enough in many situations to find yourself asking the question 'Is there a hidden agenda?' We are well aware that such a question is asked, from time to time, of the Moderators. It would be wrong to suggest that Moderators, ministering within their own Synods, do not have some clear ideas of their own about a preferred direction, emphasis or purpose. Indeed we would be failing in our duty of leadership were that to be true. As we understand it, we have a responsibility to see that the structures of the church work properly, by helping Synods, Districts and Churches to do their job, but also by encouraging a wider vision and a strategy for the future. This is not to suggest that our individual approach is always right, (nor is it always wrong) but rather our task is to empower people to engage in that process of renewal for themselves. There are times when people almost need to be 'given permission' to think in new and radical ways. 4.3 If there is a danger, it lies in those instances where radical change is needed. We are glad to be able to share with one another the challenging proposals for reform that are under consideration in a number of Synods. We hope that our sharing together of such ideas goes some way to safeguarding against the danger of developing thirteen different models in thirteen different synods. We look forward to the debate planned for Mission Council in October. In the same way we hope that much of the work that is going on now in relation to leadership will help the church develop new and more effective models, which can find acceptance across the breadth of our varied church. 4.4 In so far as we do have personal views, we would hope that they find their expression and their working out, within the councils of the church to which we belong, be that as members of local churches, District Councils or as Moderators of Synods. At the same time, we are rightly reminded that the Moderators' Meeting is not of itself a council of the Church. 4.5 Hopefully those ideas lead to debate and discussion, for it is only there, as we engage in the quest to understand one another that we also discern God's will and purpose for us. 4.6 But churches too have their own agenda, as do ministers. Having them is not the problem. The problem is when any of us believe that we are both right and unchallengeable. The search for God's purposes in council together is at the heart of our church life and we neglect that at our peril. 5.1 Some ministers have their suspicions about Moderators. For some we are allowed to be a confidant and friend, even a mother/father in God. On the other hand we recognise that not everyone is able to have such a confidence in a person and a system that puts both personal pastoral care and the responsibility for their next pastorate in the same hands. We are deeply aware that some ministers may not feel able to share some things with their Moderator. This is not because they do not Ôget along' with them, or do not trust them, but because they do not want the person who will be responsible for introducing them to their next pastorate to share their weaknesses or failings, real or perceived. 5.2 We recognise that there may be a perception of a conflict of interests as we hold both a place in the structures and a pastoral responsibility. We hope that we maintain that balance in a sensitive and caring way. 5.3 It is a conflict of responsibilities we have often shared with one another. So far as assurance can ever be given, we are satisfied that confidentiality is respected, and that we do treat those who come to us with integrity and respect. If confidential matters do affect our judgement we hope that it is limited to what is good and right for minister and church, and nothing else. 5.4 We have an abiding concern for the well being of all those in our care, especially those who suffer because of over work or over demand. We see plenty of evidence of the effect that this has on individuals and on family life. At the same time the church also desires for, and from, our ministers high standards of competence. All ministers are called to act in a competent manner; not only through the quality and level of their training we give them, but also in the way they conduct themselves. The questions asked at Ordination and Induction set the standard. Of course, there are times when ministers act in a less than responsible way, but they are thankfully few. However, when it does happen we see the damage it does far beyond the immediate locality. 6.1 There is a clear understanding in our own denomination, in the ecumenical scene and even in the secular scene (once you have explained for the umpteenth time what a 'Moderator' is) that we are called to a leadership role. Inevitably some people see that almost exclusively as that of a Bishop (as defined by the Anglican Church). Such a view is not limited exclusively to non-United Reformed Churches. Given the eclectic make up of so many of our congregations, a significant number come with a particularly Anglican view of the role of a Regional Church Leader and it is assumed that is what we are. Our protestations and reiteration of reformed theology all too often fall on deaf ears. This is exacerbated within our ecumenical responsibilities. Working alongside other Church Leaders is both a privilege and responsibility. It is a privilege for it allows us to engage in dialogue with other denominations at significant levels of their leadership. It is a responsibility because it requires that we represent the United Reformed Church and our reformed position clearly and positively. How often do we tell ecumenical colleagues that we cannot make unilateral decisions, we must consult the councils of our church? 6.2 The exercise of the representative role of the Moderator varies enormously across the Synods and even within the Synods according to circumstances. How we respond to those circumstances will depend not only upon the occasion, but also upon the individual Moderator. For some the representative role is an uncomfortable one, whilst others accept it and fulfil it with greater ease. Styles vary; after all we are individuals. If you want uniformity then maybe that would be one legitimate use of cloning! (But which one of us would you clone?) 6.3 We are the first to recognise that we belong to a conciliar structure. That conciliar approach is to be found not only in our place within the wider councils of the church - District, Synod and General Assembly - but also within our own meetings, where we seek to make decisions by consensus. 7.1 Behind the formal agenda that guides our monthly meeting lies a very strong bond of friendship. Despite the fact that our membership regularly changes, and we welcome visitors to our meetings, (e.g. when colleagues are on Sabbatical or serving as Assembly Moderator) we enjoy a high level of mutual support and pastoral care. It is not always possible to reflect the depth of that care outside our fellowship. Personal support, our trust in one another, our willingness to seek and take advice from each other, all help to create bonds of friendship, which we do not take for granted. There is a strong sense of collegiality based on personal trust built up over a period of time. 7.2 We are also grateful that there are occasions when our spouses too enjoy something of that mutual support and care. 8.1 We meet eleven times a year. The usual pattern is nine overnight meetings at United Reformed Church House in London, lasting 24 hours, and two residential meetings lasting 48 hours at a suitable conference facility. These latter occasions enable us to make time for discussions around issues that we need to share, and from time to time we invite speakers to help us in our understanding of particular issues. 8.2 The meetings in London enable us to speak with many members of staff. We are grateful for all the help we receive. Doors are always open to us, and we are aware that staff give of their time to help us deal with matters that are pressing to us as individual Moderators. In particular the General and Deputy General Secretaries give us unimpeded access, and we benefit from both their advice and pastoral support. By tradition one or other comes into our meeting when we are in London and shares with us matters of concern, seeks our collective help or tries to answer questions we need to raise. 8.3 We spend a great deal of time making judgements about introductions. Each month churches and ministers wait upon those deliberations, and in so far as assurances from us have any value, we would want to say that we strive as hard as we can to come to a collective mind about the best introductions we can make. Even ministerial moves within a synod are subject to the scrutiny of the full meeting. Of course, we do not always get it right, and we would be the first to admit it. At the same time we recognise that in any one month we can only work with the ministers who are currently seeking new pastorates and the pastorates seeking new ministers. That may be to state the obvious, but it does mean that the ideal match, or even a possible match may not be available to us some months. As we have often reflected, it is never in anyone's interest to secure an inappropriate introduction. If the relationship subsequently breaks down, then we are often the ones called upon to help salvage something from the ensuing mess. 8.4 Our introductions are only the first link in this process. The work of determining a call and seeking God's will is the responsibility of the minister, the Church and the District. It always needs to be undertaken in prayer with an openness to the leading of the spirit. 8.5 We would be the first to recognise that questions are being asked about the present pattern of introductions and that not everyone is satisfied with the system we have. The alternative suggestions vary from ministers who want to be 'told where to go', to churches that want a free hand to find their own minister in their own way. It is not our task to defend the present system beyond the comment already made, that we have confidence in it. 65% of the ministers seeking pastorates settle at the first introduction and are on the Vacancy List an average of 4 months. 36% of the pastorates seeking ministers settle at the first introduction and are on the Vacancy List an average of 8 months. Of course, there are exceptions and we have to admit that some ministers and some pastorates can remain on our lists for a much longer period. 8.6 It is for the church, through General Assembly, to make its mind clear as to the system it wants us to operate. It is then our task to make that process work as best it can, to be open and transparent about our methods and ultimately accountable to General Assembly for our actions. We hope that this report goes some way in explaining what we do and how we do it. We know that work is also being done on the church's understanding of 'Call'. We await the report of the Deployment Task Group, which will help us all in our thinking. 8.7 At the heart of our meetings lies our sharing of the pastoral needs of ministers and their families, and of the churches. At times we can ask for people to be remembered by name, on other occasions confidentiality must prevail. Month by month much of the work of God within the whole church is held in prayer as we take counsel together in God's name. 9.1 So, do we have influence? Of course we do. How do we exert it? In many ways. All who are called to roles of leadership, whether it is the local elder or the Moderator of Assembly, exert influence. 9.2 We as Moderators have the opportunity to do so in our day-to-day contacts with District Councils, Pastoral Committees, local churches, ministers and their families, ecumenical colleagues and community leaders. We do so in the advice we are asked to give, in the letters and articles we write, in our speaking and preaching, in our leadership of, or simply in our membership of, the multiplicity of committees we attend. But all of that is only as Synod allows, as the church has reason to trust us, and as we place ourselves at the disposal of the Church of Jesus Christ, whose servants we seek to be. 10.1 Our hope is that this year we have given something of a glimpse into our work together. If we have lifted the veil on what is, to many, a mystery, then we will have achieved our objective. If we have made churches more willing to question us about our work, then we will be satisfied. If it encourages us to be more accountable in our ministry to the whole church, then God's purposes will be better served. 11.1 Following the last General Assembly we said goodbye to David Helyar who had been with us since 1987. He left, however, with a fine closing cabaret at Tony Burnham's 'farewell' and is now looking for a new retirement career in show business. Fortunately it did not stop him being appointed as an Ecumenical Canon of Honour at Rochester Cathedral; a fitting expression of appreciation for all his work in ecumenical leadership. In his place at our meetings we have welcomed Nigel Uden. John Humphreys has also left us after 12 years, during which time we have benefited from his wise counsel and enjoyed his gentle humour. We have welcomed Peter Noble who has replaced him. Derek Wales left our gathering in January after seven years and we are grateful to him for his thoughtful advice and quiet leadership. We have welcomed Adrian Bulley who joined us in February. 11.2 We are delighted that one of our number, Ray Adams, has been appointed as Deputy General Secretary and will take over from John Waller as from 1st September. We wish Ray well in his new post and look forward to working with David Miller who will replace him in September. 11.3 During each year a number of our members send substitutes. This year Graham Cook and Roberta Rominger have taken Sabbaticals and Angus Duncan and Adrian Bulley have attended on their behalf. Elizabeth Welch has been away on Assembly business throughout much of the year and Glyn Jenkins has attended our meetings. Unfortunately John Arthur has been missing following surgery and a long period of recuperation. We very much hope he will have been fit enough to return early in the new year. Ken Forbes has joined us during John's absence. 11.4 We are grateful for the way in which new members bring their own gifts and insights to our work and continually enrich meetings. |
synod moderator report contents
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