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Ministries
The Committee is responsible for the ministry of word and sacraments, church related community work and lay preaching. It is concerned with central care and conditions of service, chaplaincies in industry, higher and further education and in the armed forces and ‘special category’ ministry. It has concern for the pastoral support of ministers, church related community workers and lay preachers, including supervision, appraisal, self-evaluation and counselling. It oversees the work of the National Assessment Board. It is assisted by five Sub-Committees.
Accreditation
Sub-Committee
Maintaining the roll of ministers, this Sub-Committee accredits those applying for inclusion after training and those coming from other denominations. It is concerned with numbers and recruitment.
Church Related Community
Work Central Management Committee
It is responsible for
managing the Church Related Community Work Programme under the terms
agreed in the Church Related Community Work Covenant.
Lay Preaching Support
Committee
It is responsible for the
advocacy of lay preaching and support of lay preachers in the United
Reformed Church.
Maintenance of the
Ministry
Advises on the level of
stipend and ministers’ conditions of service through the Plan for
Partnership. It is also concerned for pensions through its associated
Pensions Sub-Committee.
Retired Ministers
Housing
Works in Association with
the United Reformed Church Ministers Housing Society Ltd.
Committee Members
Convener: Revd Graham Long Secretary: Revd Christine Craven Mrs Sally Abbott, Mr Brian Evans, Revd Roz Harrison, Revd Brian Jolly, Revd Tjarda Murray,
Revd Martha McInnes, Revd Tony Ruffell, Revd Graham Sweeney
1
Personalia
1.1 Once again the passing year has seen a number of changes in both committee membership and staff appointments. In June Ms Suzanne Adofo and Mr Stephen Summers began to job share as our new Church Related Community Work Development Officers. Already we are benefiting by their work. Earlier in the year the Revd Sandy Mailer had been forced to retire as Lay Preaching Commissioner on the grounds of ill health. He has been succeeded by Mrs Carol Dixon. Mr Geoffrey Wood has become Convenor of the Maintenance of the Ministry Sub-Committee. Ministries Committee has said farewell to Revd Sandra Lloydlangston and Mr John Ellis and welcomed Revd Roz Harrison and Revd Tjarda Murray. We have also been glad to have Miss Margery King of the Congregational Church in Scotland present at our meetings in anticipation of the union.
1.2 In addition, we want to
acknowledge the assistance given by the Revd Nelson Bainbridge, Revd Keith
Fisher and the Revd Terry Girling who did the foundation work on
stipendiary Ministers and retirement and Mr Michael Harrison, Revds Sandra
Lloydlangston, Bill Sewell and John Slow who undertook the review of
non-stipendiary Ministry.
2 Overseas Recruitment Scheme
2.1 Last autumn our
Secretary made a valuable visit to the United States to refresh our
personal contacts with our partner churches in the overseas recruitment
scheme. The conversations held raised a number of questions which require
more work to be done, not least in the area of reciprocity. In addition,
applications from ministers in Australasia, Southern Africa and Europe
suggest that the time is right to consider increasing the breadth of the
scheme to take in additional Churches. But we cannot use the scheme,
whatever its current name, simply to make up depleted ministry numbers in
this country. Churches in other parts of the world which in previous times
had a surplus of ministers for the most part no longer do so. The scheme
has therefore to be seen much more in terms of an interchange of ministers
rather than one for drawing into areas of depletion ministers in excess of
requirements elsewhere. This suggests that some recasting of the scheme in
both nature and name is necessary.
3 Enquirers’ Conferences
3.1 Over 110 enquirers into
various ministries attended the three conferences which took place in
1999. Several of those enquirers have now also attended a National
Assessment Conference. At the time of going to print four conferences are
planned for the year 2000 including one hosted by the Synod of Scotland.
4 Deployment
4.1 During the year Mission
Council has returned deployment issues to the care of the Ministries
Committee. A useful consultation with the Synods was held in January 2000
and the Committee is now seeking to carry forward agreed concerns raised
by representatives at that meeting. These centre around the need to extend
deployment thinking beyond concern for the national numbers of ministers
to the way in which ministers are used in synod and district strategies.
To this end the Committee is setting up a working party to look in detail
at these concerns.
5
Chaplains to the Forces
5.1 Last year General
Assembly committed us all to the mission strategy outlined in Growing
Up. It committed us to reach out more pro-actively into the community
and commented that “people actually deserve more than ‘the best we can
manage’ and certainly more than ‘the best we could think of twenty
years ago’”. Our attitude to military chaplaincies, whether as full
time service or with local volunteer units has been at best ambivalent.
Yet in recent years we have seen volunteers serving alongside regular
units in the former Yugoslavia in peace-keeping roles. Those who serve us
in this way deserve support from their local churches, even though they
may not see themselves in a church context. Chaplaincy service whether
full time or honorary, is a real ministry and a vital expression of the
church’s mission.
5.2 The United Reformed
Church currently has two serving chaplains - the Revd Steven Whiting who
is in Northern Ireland and the Revd Michael Meachin who is with the 1st
Submarine Squadron in Scotland. There are vacancies for chaplains to the
forces and there is concern that if the churches do not bring forward
candidates for the appointments available the chaplaincy provision for the
forces could be cut back. We ought not to let this opportunity to provide
ministry go by default.
5.3 In addition there is
great scope for the appointment of local ministers as honorary chaplains
related to Territorial Units, Cadet Corps. etc, Many units would welcome
the involvement of local ministers. Such chaplaincy work is at least as
important as the variety of industrial, commercial and public service
chaplaincies being created through agencies such as Ministry in the World
of Work.
6 Reviews
6.1 This year the Committee
brings to General Assembly two important reviews, on Ministers and
Retirement and the non-stipendiary Ministry. Both reports are supported by
extensive research and consultation.
6.2 In early 1998 the
Committee invited the Revd Nelson Bainbridge, former Wessex Moderator, to
convene a working party to deal with stipendiary Ministers and Retirement.
The first aspect of consultation involved the wives of those on the
working party. Thereafter a questionnaire was circulated to every retired
minister in the Dorset District with a 69% return. The Revd Roger and Mrs
Mary Hall who have extensive experience from the pre-retirement
conferences were also consulted and the working party studied documents
from other sources. Once the initial report was drafted a copy was sent
for comment to Synod Ministries Committees and to at least one retired
minister in every District and to a number of other people. It was then
amended in the light of the comments received, and subsequently considered
by the Ministries Committee which made further amendments, a few of
content and rather more of style to enable the presentation of the report
to Assembly.
6.3 It is over two and half
years since the Committee began the process of reviewing the
non-stipendiary Ministry and two years since it asked one of its members,
Mr Michael Harrison, to convene a working party to make the review. The
working party prepared and circulated questionnaires to every
non-stipendiary minister, every District and Synod. The response was
considerable and the replies were studied carefully. Conflicting views
were expressed on a number of matters but all were taken into account by
the working party in preparing the report now presented.
6.4 The Committee is very
grateful to all who have assisted in the preparation of these reports.
Accreditation Sub-Committee
Sub-Committee Members
Convener: Revd Robert Way Secretary: Revd Christine Craven
Mrs Frances Caldwell, Mrs Julie McLaren, Revd Graham Robson
1 The Committee met three times during 1999, and has continued to consider requests for names to be added to the United Reformed Church rolls of Ministers, stipendiary and non-stipendiary. We maintain the list of those accepted for ministerial training, and the roll of Accredited Lay Preachers.
2
Certificates of Eligibility
2.1 Chief amongst our tasks
has been that of weighing applications for inclusion on our rolls of
Ministers from Ministers of other denominations, and of deciding upon
them. Great care has to be taken in such matters, for complexities
sometimes lie behind a seemingly straightforward request. This has caused
disquiet to some who felt that their application was being delayed in
process, and to others whose request did not receive the response for
which they had hoped. Care is taken throughout to make sure that the
United Reformed Church acts in close liaison with other Churches in these
islands and elsewhere.
2.2 It is the intention of
the Sub-Committee to reconsider the way in which applications are made and
are processed. We expect to be bringing possible changes to the notice of
the Ministries Committee in due course.
2.3 Our concern for good
inter-Church relations and for the happy settlement of those who come to
be of our number has led us to a major piece of work. Our continuing
attempt to draw up procedural guidelines to help those who wish to join us
from other denominations has led us to take careful note of those
inevitable cases which lie outside the expected pattern. At the same time
we have received a report from one of our members upon the workings and
effectiveness of the Overseas Recruitment Scheme, and another from the
Ministries Secretary on her recent visit to those American Churches who
are our partners in the scheme. We have sought to clarify mutual
understanding on how the Scheme may best be worked. We found that these
three lines of enquiry overlapped and raised some questions of principle
and others of good practice. Work to bring these to a proper resolution is
presently under way.
3 Admissions to the roll of Ministers (from
Ist April 1999 to 20th March 2000)
3.1 By Ordination:
i) stipendiary:
Ruth Allen, Jane Barron,
Christopher Coe, David Downing, Giles Henry Goodchild, Catherine Elizabeth
Hare,
ii) non-stipendiary:
Janet Conway, Derek John
Ilines, Susan Elizabeth Kirkbride, Alan James Kirkcaldy, Barbara Pearson,
David Thompson
3.2 By Transfer from
other Churches:
John Cox (United Church of
Christ, USA), Valerie Davies (Congregational Federation), Hartmut Eder (Evangelische
Kirche der Pfalz), Julie Hopkins (Baptist Union of Great Britain), Leonora
Jagessar-Visser t’Hooft (United
Protestant Church of Curacao), Michael Jagessar (United Protestant Church
of Curacao),
4 Deletions from the roll of Ministers (from
1st April 1999 to 20th March 2000)
4.1 By Resignation:
Marlene Brown, Graham Caswell, Stephen Mark Piper
4.2 By transfer to other
Churches:
Margaret McKay
5 Changes within the roll of Ministers (from 1st April 1999 to 20th March 2000)
5.1 From non-stipendiary
to stipendiary service:
David Simpson
6 Admission to the list of Church Related Community Workers (from 1st April 1999 to 20th March 2000)
Alison Micklem, Adella
Pritchard
7 Lay
Preachers
7.1 The following members
have successfully completed their course of study and have been Nationally
Accredited.
Northern Synod:-
Andrew Graydon, Philip Theaker
North Western Synod:-
Irene Bnmskill, Marie Crook, Rowland Dowell, Janet Eccles, David Foster,
Brenda Gill, Elisabeth Mullen, Joan Parry
Mersey Synod:-
Ernest Howard, David Powell
Yorkshire Synod:-
William Clarke, Elaine Harrison, Thomas Hodge, Keith Mellor, Roy Squires,
Sheila Telfer, John Wadsworth
West Midlands Synod:-
Ann Evans
Eastern Synod:-
Roger Gillingham, Carole Pearl, Mary Playford, Andrew Royal, Margaret
Woods
South Western Synod:-
Janet Clark, Ruth Fulbrook, Peter Swift
Wessex Synod:-.
Madeline Diver, Colin Ferguson, Mark Meatcher
Thames North Synod:-
Chris Bryant, Patrick Coleman, Robert Harvey, Susan Impey, Pauline Main,
Andrew Searle, Terry Silvey, Julia Spencer, Elizabeth Webber
Southern Synod:-
Bernard Doust, John Ellis, Peter Groves, Albert Read, Lynne Wilkins
Synod of Wales:-
Jessie Griffiths
National Assessment Board
Convener: Mr Brian Evans Secretary: The Revd Christine Craven
Mrs Jean Barraclough, Miss Margaret Compton, Mrs Janine Lawley, Mrs Darryl Sinclair, Ms Elaine Gentles,
Mr David Coaker, Mr Monty Helmn, Mr Alan Small, Dr Chris Whitehead,
Revd Alison Davies, Revd Denise Megson, Revd Lythan Nevard, Revd Ivor
Rees, Revd Reginald Rooke, Revd Howard Starr, Revd Derek Wales
1 In 1999, three Assessment
Conferences were held, compared to the four held in recent years. Happily,
this change was the result not of a smaller number of candidates but of a
high level of co-operation between those responsible for the assessment
process. This meant that the last Assessment Conference was held in
mid-year (compared to mid-May in 1998 and early June in 1997). This
schedule was clearly helpful both to candidates (and their families) and
to Colleges in their preparations for the new academic year.
2
Candidates
2.1 42 candidates attended the National Assessment Conferences in 1999;
21 for stipendiary Ministry
8 for non-stipendiary
Ministry
4 Church Related Community
Workers
9 Re-Assessment (nsm to sm)
2.2 36 were finally
accepted for training as a result of Assessment Conference recommendations
and Synod decision;
16 stipendiary Ministry
8 non-stipendiary Ministry
4 Church Related Community
Workers
8 Re-Assessment (nsm to sm)
3 Although there has been
no dramatic increase in the numbers coming to Assessment Conferences, the
large number of positive recommendations reflects the impact of the new
criteria upon the assessment process. In the long pre-assessment period,
candidate’s sense of vocation is nurtured and explored with the help of
the District Council. It has to be said, however, that the number of
students completing training each year is still smaller than the number of
ministers retiring. Please continue to pray that men and women will
respond to God’s call.
4 Discussion has continued
of the assessment of the training needs of candidates. It has been decided
that the separate training conference envisaged in last year’s report
will not, after all, be held. The training interview will continue to be
held at Assessment Conference, but it will come after the two interviews
that each candidate has with assessors.
5 At the Board’s annual
meeting in September, we followed up the Equal Opportunities training held
in 1998 with a valuable complementary session led by Revd Marjorie
Lewis-Cooper. It is important that we should continue to widen the ethnic
base both of the field of candidates and of the Board itself.
6 The annual November
consultation at Windermere (held this year for the first time at a weekend
rather than mid-week), continues both to provide valuable training for
those involved in the training of candidates and to develop co-operation
between the Board and the Synod committees. The consultations have
revealed a widely shared concern that those not accepted for training
should receive continuing pastoral support within the Districts and
Synods.
Church Related Community Work Central Management
Sub-Committee
Sub-Committee Members
Convener: Revd Susan Flynn Secretary: Mr John Boddy
Revd Peter Cruchley, Revd Alison Hall, Revd Clifford Wilton, Mrs
Diana Herbert
Co-opted: Chris Lawrence, Adella Pritchard (CRCWS)
1 Suzanne Adofo and Stephen
Summers were appointed in a job-share to the post of Church Related
Community Work Development Worker in June 1999. They have been undertaking
an induction programme for the first six months but have also had to
quickly become involved in the support and maintenance of the programme.
Grateful thanks are extended to Daphne Beale and Ernest Cruchley for their
help during the vacancy. Suzanne and Steve have already begun to have an
impact on how the CRCW programme is managed and they bring new relevant
skills and experience from outside the United Reformed Church.
2 The responsibility
for the support and training of CRCW students is now being undertaken by a
part-time Course Co-ordinator (8 hours a week) - Alison Micklem, through
the Faith in Living Course based at Luther King House. This is a welcome
and appropriate development.
3 Work has
begun on the priorities reported last year
3.1 Marketing the CRCW
programme and recruitment of additional Church Related Community Workers.
This is crucial as there are a number of vacancies and more are
anticipated as new Church-in-Community projects are approved.
3.2 A number of new ideas
have been floated which include an apprentice-style model of working and
undertaking training as not all mature candidates can afford to live on a
student grant. On the one hand there is a commitment to achieving parity
between Church Related Community Workers and Ministers of Word and
Sacrament whilst on the other there is a need for flexible and innovative
ways of recruiting and training more Church Related Community Workers. It
is thought that more could be done to attract Community Workers from other
denominations through advertising etc.
3.3 The devolved management
of the Church Related Community Worker Programme to the Synods over an
agreed time-scale. A plan of action is being prepared which will be ready
for Assembly.
3.4 In collaboration with
the Life and Witness Committee, work to produce a strategy of mission.
Future meetings include a consultation of ‘Growing Up’ and one between
Church Related Community Workers and Mission Enablers.
4 The past year has again
been a very demanding one but the committee and workers are now ready to
embark on enabling the change involved in the Review of the CRCW Programme
and ‘Growing Up’ to happen.
Lay Preaching Support Sub-Committee
Sub-Committee Members
Convener: Mrs Carol Dixon (National Lay Preaching Commissioner) Secretary:
Mrs Judith Johnson
Dr Berta Doodson, Dr Robert Pettigrew, Mr Hugh Barlow, Mr Les
Phillips
1 During the past year the
Lay Preaching Support Sub-Committee have been involved in organising
activities and considering issues.
2 Consultations for Commissioners
2.1 The residential
Commissioners Consultation 1999 was a great success. 25 Commissioners and
a number of other people were addressed by Wilma Frew who shared some of
her experiences during her year as Assembly Moderator. The programme also
included discussion on the role of the Lay Preaching Commissioner, ongoing
opportunities for training, guidelines for District Recognition of Lay
Preachers and visiting speakers met with small groups to explore issues
relating to initial training of Lay Preachers. The general sense of
fellowship and formation of friendships was greatly appreciated by all who
attended and the success of a weekend consultation was noted. It is hoped
to hold a residential Consultation every 2nd year.
2.2 Arrangements have been
made for the Commissioners’ Consultations in 2000 and 2001.
2.3 Consultation 2001 will
take place on 15-17 June at Hinsley Hall, Leeds and the main guest will be
Revd Bill Mahood, Assembly Moderator. We hope to look at the issue of
Lifelong Learning and Continuing Development and also how best to deliver
integrated ministry (Lay Preachers and ministers working in partnership).
3 Key issues arising from
Consultation 1999 identified by the Support Sub-Committee and addressed
during the year were:
• a job description for
District Commissioners;
• a programme of Self
Reflection for Lay Preachers to encourage them in their present ministry
and identify areas of potential development;
• recommendations for the
District Recognition of those lay preachers not seeking National
Accreditation, ‘tidying up’ current procedures and advising on future
practice;
• and guidance notes for
Assessed services.
Some of these are already
in the hands of District Commissioners and others are nearing completion.
4 A leaflet ‘Towards
Best Practice - When Visiting Preachers Lead Worship in Local Churches’
was passed to the Ministries Committee for consideration prior to being
circulated to churches and to those involved in leading worship for
congregations other than their own.
5 New Lay Preaching
recruitment material is being produced.
6 Future items over the
next year to be addressed by the Support Sub-Committee include:
• review of the pilot of
the proposed Self-Reflection scheme;
• further consideration
of the opportunities for Continuing Development and support for Lay
Preachers working in isolated situations;
• final production of the
new recruitment material;
• representation of the
committee on the Joint Lay Readers and Preachers Conference;
• and consideration of
the issue of membership for National Accreditation in an ecumenical
context.
Retired Ministers Housing Sub-Committee
Sub-Committee Members
Convener: Revd Simon Swailes Secretary: Mr Clive C WiIlis
Mrs Margaret Waller, Mrs Sheila Woodcock, Revd Graham Cook, Revd
John Pugh, Mr Graham Stacy
1 This committee continues
to be responsible for policy in matters of the provision of retirement
housing for ministers and their spouses. It uses the United Reformed
Church Retired Ministers Housing Society Limited as its agent for the
implementation of policy and the practical steps associated with the
provision of housing,
2 Property
statistics
2.1 Overall activity
remained high during 1999, but the emphasis switched from purchases to
sales. Twelve retiring ministers were housed and five already-retired
ministers or widows were re-housed. In addition we took over the
management of two properties from a Synod, thus making a total of 19
acquisitions. However, no less than 27 properties were sold, meaning a
fall of 8 in our total stock of properties owned or managed.
2.2 Number of Properties
As at 1st January 1999 315
Acquired in 1999 19
334
LESS Properties sold in
1999 - 27
As at 31st Dec. 1999 307
Of which:
Unoccupied NIL
For Sale 5
Occupied by - Retired
Ministers 197
- Widows 101
- non-URC tenants 3
Freehold Ground Rents 1 307
2.3 At the year end 4
properties were in the process of purchase and 4 applicants were seeking a
property for purchase.
3 Properties are
purchased in the name of either United Reformed Church Trust or the
Society but in all cases are managed by the officers of the Society. Where
tenants have a financial stake in the property this is recognised by means
of a Declaration of Trust.
4 The maximum contributions made by the Society or the Trust are determined annually on a county-by-county basis by reference to average prices for semi-detached houses during the preceding year. More detailed information about these maximum amounts is available from the Secretary.
It should be noted that:-
4.1 Where applicants have
the financial resources to do so, they may put in their own funds so as to
permit the county maximum amounts to be exceeded by up to 50%. This is
known as the joint ceiling figure.
4.2 Applicants wishing to
have a retirement property costing in excess of the Joint ceiling figure
should consult with the Secretary.
4.3 These figures relate to
total purchase cost, which includes not only the agreed purchase price,
but also the cost of any repairs or improvements identified as being
necessary at the time when the property was surveyed.
4.4 The maximum amount of
contribution is not provided as of right to each applicant, the
determining factor in deciding the amount is how much capital is owned by
the applicant and spouse.
5 In 1999 the standard rent
was £67 per calendar month. This sum is the rent payable by those who are
provided with the maximum contribution when acquiring the property. If
less than the maximum contribution is provided, the rent payable is
reduced proportionately.
For 2000 the standard rent
has been set at £68 per calendar month.
6 Rental income for 1999
was £225,000 (as compared with £222,000 for 1998). This sum was credited
to Property Management Account, from which all costs relating to
maintenance, repair, insurance and administration are taken. In 1999 these
costs totalled £244,000, thus giving a shortfall for the year of £19,000
on Property Management Account. However, General Revenue Account, which
includes grants, donations, legacies and profits on sale of properties,
showed a surplus of £440,000, thus enabling our reserves to increase by
£421,000 from these sources.
7 The Committee is
particularly grateful for the donations and legacies received during the
year. These amounted to £232,000.
8 1999 1998
£ £
During the year we spent
on 19 new properties
(1998 - 19) 1,215,000
1,216,000
We sold 27 properties
(1998 - 18) for 850,000
759,000
Thus net investment in
property was 365,000
457,000
We received cash legacies,
donations, net rents etc.
of 383,000 509,000
and thus were able to
reduce borrowings by 18,000
52,000
9 It is anticipated that
during 2000 assistance will be required for 15 retiring ministers. After
allowing for possible need for widows or for rehousing it would be prudent
to expect up to 20 applicants in all. This could involve an outlay of up
to £1.5 million and thus the importance of a continued high level of
receipts from donations and legacies cannot be over-emphasised.
10 During 1999 visits were
made by the officers of the Society to approximately 56 applicants,
tenants and other properties.
11 We continue to rely
heavily upon, and are grateful for, the commitment of those members of
local congregations who generously give oversight to our retirement
properties and who assist those who live in them. We would like to hear
from anyone who would be prepared to volunteer their assistance in this
respect.
12 Retirement Housing
continues to figure prominently in the Pre-Retirement Courses run at the
Windermere Centre under the auspices of Ministries. In 1999 three courses
were run, in May, October and November and three more are planned for this
year. The housing sessions are designed to be of benefit to all,
regardless of whether or not financial assistance with housing will be
needed. In addition, private discussions on individual needs are provided.
Maintenance of the Ministry Sub-Committee
Sub-Committee Members
Convener: Mr Geoffrey Wood Secretary: Mrs Judy Stockings
Miss Margaret Atkinson, Mr Victor Hughff, (Convener Pensions
Executive), Mr Graham Stacy, (Honorary Treasurer), Mrs Jill Strong, Revd
Tony Wilkinson
1 Plan for
Partnership in Ministerial Remuneration 1.1 Children’s
Allowances
Children’s Allowances
were introduced by Assembly 1999. Representations were made to the
Sub-Committee that the framework was too severe in that if the family
income exceeded the prescribed ‘cut-off’ limit by only £1 then all
entitlement was lost. Mission Council approved a revision to allow a
reducing benefit where the family income does exceed the limit. The
Allowance will be rebated by 50p in the pound in respect of family income
over stipend plus £2,000.
1.2 Manse heat and light
arrangement
Since 1992 we have operated
an arrangement under which part of the stipend was treated as
reimbursement of manse heat and light costs. This arrangement resulted in
an annual saving of National Insurance contributions amounting to some £50,000
for the church and an average of about £60 for the minister. Following a
change in legislation, this saving ceased to be available to the Church
after 5th April 2000, although it could still apply to individual
ministers. The Sub-Committee came to the conclusion that the
administrative time and cost involved in continuing to operate the
arrangement, together with the complicated and sometimes unpredictable
impact on minister’s payroll deductions far outweighed any potential
benefit to ministers. Accordingly the Sub-Committee recommended to Mission
Council that the manse heat and light arrangement be discontinued with
effect from 1st April 2000 and that paragraph 6.1.2 in the Plan, which
provided for the arrangement, be deleted. Mission Council approved this
recommendation and ministers have been advised.
2 Union
with the Scottish Congregational Church
2.1 A number of issues
needed to be addressed i.e. collection of Ministry and Mission Fund
contributions, payment of stipends, information on a wide range of matters
(as included in the information pack for ordinands) – as well as issues
related to introduction to the URCMPF (where Scottish Ministers are
eligible and apply). An initial meeting in Glasgow in November 1999 was
followed by a meeting with all ministers and church treasurers – again
in Glasgow in February this year.
Resolution 31 Plan for
Partnership
General Assembly amends the Plan for
Partnership by the inclusion of the words in
italics in para 6.3.4 which will then read:
Expenses: The local church
or other appropriate body shall reimburse the minister or CRCW for the
cost of postage, telephone, stationery and any other expenses necessarily
incurred on church business, this may well include expenses relating to
the use of a computer and in some instances the provision of a computer.
The reimbursement of expenses will be on the basis of actual cost
incurred, and not by a pre-determined sum.
Expenses necessarily
incurred by the minister on church business are to be reimbursed in
accordance with paragraph 6.3.4 of the Plan and questions were raised as
to whether a specific paragraph should be added to relate to computer
costs. The Sub-Committee felt that it is important to point out that in
the present age the minister ought to have access to a computer and costs
of provision (if possible) and running expenses should be borne by the
church. It was thought this could be covered by adding the reference to
computers in the list of examples of expenses in 6.3.4. The resolution provides
for this.
Resolution 32
Ministers Pension Fund
General Assembly amends the
definitions of the rules, and the rules of the United Reformed Church
Ministers Pension Fund, by the deletion of the words in square brackets,
and the addition of the words in italics in the rules shown:
Definition 10 to read
10. Pensionable Service
comprises:
10.1 all service while a
contributory member of the Fund or the Congregational Fund or the
Presbyterian Fund;
together with
10.2 Any service after age
21 but before joining the Congregational Fund which was recognised
pastoral service rendered to churches within the former Congregational
Church in England and Wales. Provided that for any year of such service
covered above in which less than the basic stipend is received, for the
reason that some of such service was part-time, a fraction only of that
year, calculated as the ratio of stipend received to full stipend, shall
rank as Pensionable Service, unless a concession under Rule 14.1.2 has
been granted.
Definition 12 to read
12. Qualifying Service
in respect of a person
means the aggregate of any periods of service in membership of the Fund or
the Congregational Fund or the Presbyterian Fund together with any
period[s of service pensionable in] granted at entry in respect of a
transfer value received from any other pension fund [scheme or
arrangement for which a transfer value has been received by the Fund]
provided that in no other form shall any period of service preceding
payment from this Fund of a refund of contributions or a transfer value in
respect of such period constitute Qualifying Service [there shall be
deducted from Qualifying Service any such service as aforesaid which
precedes an interval between two successive periods of membership if:-
12.1 the period of such
service before the interval is no longer than two years after deduction of
any period in respect of which a refund of contributions or a transfer
value has been paid out, and
12.2 the interval itself is
12.2.1 one during which
such person aforesaid was neither a member nor a pensioner of the Fund and
12.2.2 not coterminous with
an interval in the service of such person which is brought to an end by
exercise of a right to return to work under Section 45(l) of the
Employment Protection (Consolidated) Act 1978 (or the equivalent of that
sub-section in previous or subsequent legislation) and
12.2.3 longer than a
month.]
Amend Rule 12 to read
12. Membership
Members of the Fund shall
consist of the following persons:
12.1 Remunerated
ministers of the URC who on the amalgamation date were members of the
Presbyterian Fund or of the Congregational Fund.
12.2 Missionaries who prior
to 5th October 1972 were in the service of the former Presbyterian Church
of England and who on the amalgamation date were members of the
Presbyterian Fund.
12.3 Such other remunerated
ministers of the URC in the service of the Church other than in local
churches as the Assembly shall appoint.
12.4 All remunerated ministers
of the URC admitted after the amalgamation date as is provided in Rule 14.
12.5 Ministers of the URC
who are serving Participating Bodies approved by the Committee.
Amend Rule 13.2 to read
13.2 Members in the
[full-time] service of the URC either in a local church or as appointed by
the Assembly and who have not reached the pension age shall normally be
contributing members.
Amend Rule 14.1.2 to read
14.1.2 If a minister
serving a local church is inducted to part-time service whilst under the
age of fifty five years or being a contributing member of the Fund reduces
his/her commitment to that of part-time service whilst under normal
pension age, the Pension Trustee may raise the Pensionable Service to
the level applicable to a full-time minister [his/her entry to the
Fund or his/her continuing contributory membership to the Fund shall be
regarded as limited membership. In such cases contributions due and the
benefits available in respect of the period of limited membership shall be
based upon the proportion of basic stipend being paid for the part-time
service and not on the full basic stipend. The Pension Trustee may
however] having regard to the length of any previous full-time service, to
the age and health of the minister, to the fraction of basic stipend being
paid and to the purpose and pensionability of any other employment and
shall in such cases allow full membership of the Pension Fund [in
appropriate cases,] contributions then being payable on the full basic
stipend.
Amend Rule 14.2 to read
14.2 Every minister who has
ceased to be a contributing member under Rule 13.3. and who whilst under
normal pension age is re-admitted to full-time or part-time service
in the URC [shall] may become a contributory member of the Fund as
is provided in the previous Rule. At the time of re-admission the Pension
Trustee shall have discretion to aggregate for the purposes of Rules 18-23
that minister’s previous period or periods of membership with the
minister’s latest period of membership PROVIDED that the minister waives
his/her right to any deferred pension and surviving spouses pension under
Rule 29. in respect of such previous period or periods of membership and
repays to the Fund an amount equal to the sum of
Amend Rule 15.3 to read
Where [limited] part-time
membership only has been granted under Rule 14.1.2 the contributions
referred to in paragraphs 15.1. and 15.2. of this rule shall apply only in
relation to the proportion of the basic stipend being paid.
Amend Rule 18 to read
18. Normal Retirement
Pensions
Subject to Rules 18.3. and
18.4. all pensions are based on stipend at date of retirement or normal
pension age whichever is the earlier.
A member retiring in
respect of whom all due contributions have been made shall be entitled to
a pension based on years and months of pensionable service. The
pension will be proportionately reduced in respect of any year of
[limited] part-time membership granted under Rule 14.1.2. . . . . .
. . .
Add a new Rule 18.5 to read
18.5 Provision for
dependent children may be payable (see Rule 48).
Amend Rule 20.3 to read
20.3. If a member at the time of ill-health retirement is a [limited] part-time member under Rule 14.1.2. any uncompleted years under paragraph 20.2 above shall be reduced to the proportion that the number of pensionable years under Rule 18. bears to the number of years membership of the Fund, unless a concession granted under Rule 14.1.2 is in operation and full contributions were paid up to the date of incapacity.
Add a new Rule 20.5 to read
20.5 Provision for
dependent children may be payable (see Rule 48).
Amend Rule 21 to read
21. Early Retirement
A member may retire within
ten years before normal pension age; he/she will then become entitled to
an immediate pension based on the actual years of pensionable service and
the amount of pension so calculated shall then be reduced on the advice of
the Actuary having regard to the age of the member at the date of
retirement, save that no reduction will be required if the member has
completed 40 years of stipendiary service to the URC or its constituent
denominations.
Amend Rule 22 to read
22. Death in Service
before normal Pension Age
In the event of the death
of a contributing member in service before normal pension age, there shall
become payable the following benefits:
Where the member leaves
a spouse or a lawful or adopted child or children who is or are a
dependant or dependants and who in either case survive the member by 30
days or more, a lump sum equal to three year’s basic stipend at the date
of death, to be held by the Pension Trustee upon Discretionary Trusts; and
in all other cases,
[to be held by the Pension Trustee upon Discretionary Trusts] a lump sum
equal to two year’s basic stipend at the date of death to be held by
the Pension Trustee upon Discretionary Trusts; Provided [save]
that in the case of a part-time [limited] member who has at no time
during membership of the Fund been paid the full basic stipend, the lump
sum shall equal only a proportion of three years or two years basic
stipend at the date of death as the case may be. In such a case the
proportion shall be equal to three times or twice as the
case may be the greatest proportion of basic stipend which [has] in
any year has been paid to him/her during membership of the Fund.
Amend Rule 22.2 to read
22.2 To the surviving
spouse a pension for life of an annual amount equal to one half of the
pension to which the member would have been entitled if the member had
attained normal pension age plus in the case of the spouse of a member of
the Congregational Fund £17.34 or one quarter of the amount authorised
from time to time under Rule 18.2.1. per annum for each year of
pensionable service prior to June 1971 provided always that the total
annual amount of such pension shall not be less than £200 (Two hundred
pounds). The pension will be subject to reduction on the advice of the
Actuary if the surviving spouse is more than ten years younger than the
member. In the case of a member who is at the time of his/her death a
[limited] part-time member under Rule 14.1.2. the pension to which
the member would have been entitled had he/she attained normal pension age
shall be calculated by assuming the same average proportion for each
future year as the entitlement in years at date of death bears to the
number of years membership of the Fund.
The existing rule 22.3 will
be re-numbered as Rule 48.
Add a new Rule 22.3 to read
22.3 Provision for
dependent children may be payable (see Rule 48). Add a new Rule 23.4 to read
23.4 Provision for
dependent children may be payable (see Rule 48). Amend rule 25 to read
25.1 . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . This shall apply to pensions payable in the terms of Rules 18, 19,
20, 21, 22, 23, [and] 29 and 48
Amend rule 22.3 and
renumber as rule 48, to read
48. Provision for
Dependent children
Where a retired member has, or a deceased member dies leave[s]ing, one or more children below the age of 24 years, an annual pension shall be paid to the retired member or the widow(er) in respect of each child (or if there is no such widow(er) to such person as the Pension Trustee may determine) until the child attains the age of 24 years, or until the child ceases to be dependent, whichever is the earlier. [Initially this pension is £256 and this level of pension will be reviewed annually]
For the purposes of the
Rule a child shall mean a lawful or adopted child of the retired or
deceased member and such child shall be deemed to be dependent so long as
he/she shall in the opinion of the Pension Trustee be dependent upon the
retired member or in the case of a deceased member the surviving spouse or
estate for the provision of all or a substantial number of the ordinary
necessaries of life.
From July 1st 2000 the
initial level of the pension in respect of a dependent child or children
will be £800 pa for the first dependent child, and £400 pa per child for
any further dependent children. The initial level of the pension will be
reviewed by the Committee at least annually. Once in payment the pension
will escalate as is provided for in rule 25, until the children cease to
be dependent, as defined in this rule.
The pension in respect
of a dependent child or children will not be subject to early retirement
reduction (Rule 21,) nor late retirement addition (Rule 19), nor the age
disparity reduction (Rules 22.2 and 23.1)
The United Reformed Church Ministers’ Pension
Fund
1. As was reported to
Assembly in 1999, the Maintenance of the Ministry Sub-Committee appointed
a group under the chairmanship of Howard Bridge to undertake a review of
every aspect of remuneration for ministers both in service and retired.
The report of the group suggested (inter alia):
• that there should be an
increase from twice annual basic stipend to three times annual basic
stipend in the lump sum death in service benefit where the member leaves a
spouse or dependent children;
• normal retirement to be
available at 65 years of age or 40 years service whichever is earlier;
• that the level of
pension paid in respect of dependent children of ministers who die in
service should be the same as the level of children’s allowances paid to
active ministers.
2 In reviewing these
proposals the Pensions Executive felt it would also be appropriate to
recommend that pension in respect of dependent children should be paid to
retired ministers and widows who have dependent children.
3 The Pensions Executive
has, from time to time, received requests for reinstatement from former
members upon their return to the stipendiary service of the Church.
Although this is permissible under the current rules where the minister
returns to full-time service, the rules do not provide for such
reinstatement if the minister returns to undertake part-time service. This
is not in line with current thinking in the Church, and in fact it may not
be legal to prevent members returning to part-time service from being
reinstated to the pension scheme. In one or two other cases it has been
felt that the rules are not as clear as they might be. We propose that it
be made clear that all ministers returning to part time service should be
permitted to rejoin the pension fund.
4 In the examination of the
rules to implement these various changes, it was noted that rule 14.2
purports to make contributory membership of the fund mandatory for
ministers who return to service after a period out of service. This is not
in line with law, which provides that membership of an occupational
pension fund must be voluntary. This has been rectified in these rule
changes.
Changes in the rules to
implement these improvements, and to make clarifications are contained in
the resolution.
5.1 The improvement in the
death in service benefit is contained in the change to the first part of
rule 22.1.
5.2 The approval for
retirement after 40 years of service without actuarial reduction in
pension is contained in the latter part of rule 21. 5.3 A new rule 48 is
included to provide for additional pensions for members and widows with
dependent children, with new cross-reference rules 18.5, 20.5, 22.3 and
23.4.
5.4 Rule 25 provides for
the escalation of pensions in payment in line with RPI limited to 5%. A
cross reference from rule 25 to rule 48 needs to be made.
6. Members of Assembly may wish to examine the new and changed rules in the context of the full rules. Copies of the current rules of the URCMPF may be obtained from the MoM office of the central office of the church, or downloaded from the URC website
Resolution 33
Stipendiary Ministers and Retirement
General Assembly, welcoming
the statement on stipendiary Ministers and Retirement:
a) thanks the working party
for its assistance;
b) urges stipendiary
ministers, local churches, District Councils and Synods to adopt it as an
aid to the development of good practice;
c) instructs Ministries
Committee to prepare a further statement on church related community
workers and non-stipendiary ministers and retirement.
Annex 1
Report on stipendiary Ministers and Retirement 1 Introduction
1.1 The care of retired ministers and their spouses and of the widowed partners of retired ministers is a major responsibility of the Church. This has been exercised in three main ways. The provision of courses in preparation for retirement. The provision of housing according to need in retirement. The care given by the Moderators to retired ministers and to the widowed partners of ministers resident in their Synod. In addition General Assembly has from time to time determined aspects of this care. Currently the Church assists over 300 retired ministers or their widowed partners with housing in retirement. It also provides over 930 pensions. Hitherto there has not been any attempt to gather thinking about ministers in retirement into a comprehensive statement.
1.2 The growing number of those for whom we have a responsibility prompted the Ministries Committee to establish a working party to look into the ministry in retirement. This statement embraces the report from the working party but includes thinking from within the Committee itself. The Committee notes that much of what is presented could helpfully apply when Ministers in non-stipendiary service and Church Related Community Workers retire. However there are aspects relating to both. Further work needs to be done on these. The report is issued to assist the establishment of good practice across the church and is therefore commended particularly but not exclusively for the close attention of district and synod pastoral and ministerial committees.
2 Before
Retirement
2.1 Preparation for retirement is covered in a most helpful way by the pre-retirement course for ministers and spouses at Windermere 18 months to 2 years before the expected date of retirement. These have been greatly appreciated by those who have attended them and should be regarded as an absolute ‘must’’ for all ministers and spouses approaching retirement.
2.2 At these conferences it would be helpful if even stronger emphasis could be laid on the following crucial points, the location of the retirement home, which should not be in the area of the minister’s last pastorate (see below) and the importance of the minister developing hobbies to be pursued during retirement.
2.3 It is to be hoped that no minister will come to retirement without hobbies or wider interests. In any case some thought should be given well before retirement to the adoption of new hobbies and interests or the developing of well-established ones. Some ministers experience enrichment in retirement as they discover latent talents in painting or sketching or music. Others find new satisfaction in voluntary service. The potential is endless. The important thing is to think about it well in advance - and not just drift.
2.4 Thought should also be given to the question of books. Some will doubtless have to go, either given away to colleagues or students or sold via booksellers such as SPCK. Books not only furnish rooms, they furnish minds. It is important to consider well in advance the feeding of’ the ‘’retired’’ mind.
2.5 These matters, perhaps
with an advance word about the pre-retirement course, the existence of
which seems not to be known to all ministers, should be brought to their
attention in a letter, say, five years before retirement, to allow
adequate thought to be given to them in the years leading to retirement.
3 Where to
live
3.1 The whole question of
retirement housing is dealt with admirably at the pre-retirement course
and the advice and help given by the representatives of the Retired
Ministers Housing Society is greatly appreciated. There is widespread and
warm appreciation of the oversight given by the society to retirement
property. Among the many factors to be considered in dealing with the
location of the retirement home (public transport, shops, hospital access
etc.) two call for special mention.
3.2 Ministers should not
normally retire in the immediate vicinity of where they have been serving
or continue in membership in the pastorate. Examples could be quoted of
happy settlements in this respect and of situations where an incoming
minister has found tremendous support in having his/her predecessor in the
congregation. But there are far more examples of situations in which a new
minister has felt at the very least threatened by the presence of a
predecessor and has even found his/her ministry undermined by this. It
also causes problems for members of the congregation who may turn to the
previous minister pastorally or for occasions such as funerals and
weddings.
3.3 The second factor is
the relationship of a retired minister to previous congregations.
Retirement back into a congregation previously served is often found to be
more difficult than anticipated, thus taking some of the pleasure out of
retirement. The present minister may feel threatened by the arrival of a
previous minister and congregations can become seriously unsettled. There
may be good reasons, such as family proximity, for returning to a previous
church but such a move should only be undertaken after consultation with
the Moderator and present minister.
3.4 The problems inherent
in returning to a previous pastorate are by no means confined to a
retirement situation. Generally, ministers should not normally return to a
previous pastorate during their successor’s ministry until a reasonable
period has elapsed and then as no more than a casual visitor unless a
specific invitation is received otherwise. Invitations to take part in
funerals and weddings should not be encouraged and should be accepted only
after consultation with and by the agreement of the resident minister.
4 At
Retirement
4.1 Acknowledgement of the
service given by the minister should be made by both the Assembly
Moderator and the Synod Moderator, a gesture which is deeply appreciated
by most ministers, both stipendiary and non-stipendiary. Care should be
taken that the Synod Moderator, Synod Clerk and District Secretary are all
notified of the fact when a minister is retiring into their area.
4.2 Some districts arrange
a retirement get together for ministers and their spouses. This can assist
the sense of completing one’s ministry as part of the team of ministers
serving in the district. It also provides an opportunity for the team to
acknowledge with appreciation the departure of a colleague.
5 Retired
Ministers in the Local Church
5.1 Careful thought should
be given to the local church situation and where the minister and spouse
are likely to find a suitable spiritual home within easy reach -
preferably within walking distance for the spouse, when the minister is
preaching elsewhere - where they will feel comfortable and find worship
which will meet their needs. Everything, else about a retirement home may
be ideal, but it can create major problems if there is no church at hand
where those concerned will feel at home in retirement. This point emerges
with considerable force in the research undertaken reflecting some most
unhappy experiences in finding the right church after retirement. We would
emphasise, therefore, that this consideration should figure highly in the
choice of a retirement home.
5.2 To assist this the
Committee would encourage a new practice. Ministers in their final two
years in a pastorate could helpfully be given additional free Sundays over
and above their holiday allocation. Church members are free to visit
churches on a Sunday to sample the worship and ministry style and can do
this as many times as may be necessary within the process of house
hunting. By and large ministers do not have this freedom and can find
themselves needing to complete the purchase of a property with scant
regard to the local churches. The Committee would encourage churches whose
minister is nearing retirement to offer additional free Sundays to assist
the task of finding a new spiritual home.
5.3.1 It can be a difficult adjustment to make as ministers and their spouses settle in retirement as members of a local church. This is an area, which calls for great sensitivity on the part of both the minister and members of the local church and of the new arrivals. Many ministers - and their spouses! - find it difficult to accept that they are no longer at the centre of the life of the church.
5.3.2 They need to take
care not to interfere in the life of the church or to act as though they
still had a leading role, giving careful thought to the part they play in
church meetings, house groups, pastoral care etc. They should be careful
to do nothing which would in any way undermine the leadership of the
resident minister (and spouse) and should seek to give support in every
way possible. When this happens, the presence of a retired minister in the
congregation can be a source of great enrichment and encouragement.
5.4.1 For their part congregations should recognise that retired ministers and their spouses may have much to contribute to the life of the church. They should not waste such contributions, where they are made available, nor make unreasonable demands on those who have given so much over the years. With sensitivity, and as relationships are established, the right balance can be achieved, but it needs care on the part of all concerned.
5.4.2 With these needs in
mind there have been suggestions that congregations receiving retired
ministers could be given some help in understanding the particular
situation. Congregations should be encouraged to regard retired ministers
and their spouses as ordinary church members. It is less than helpful
either to distance them by putting them on a pedestal, or to regard them
as supplementary ministers with unfettered time, which has been the
unhelpful experience of some.
6 Retired
Ministers in the wider Church
6.1 Here, too, it is a
question of attaining the right balance. This involves both the gifts and
wishes of the retired minister (and spouse!) and the needs in the district
and synod. It is recognised that, with a limited number of ministers
available, retired ministers may have a major contribution to make. Some
may be ready to be called upon as resources available in clusters of local
churches; others may possess gifts which they are still willing to put at
the disposal of the Church - in training lay preachers and others, as
pastoral adviser to a newly ordained minister, in the committees of the
church, or in areas such as church growth, quiet days, the ministry of
healing, here they have particular gifts and experience. In this
connection it is clear that there are some retired ministers who feel that
their gifts and expertise are not being used to the full.
6.2 Many, perhaps most,
retired ministers will be ready to conduct worship from time to time,
particularly in the early years of retirement. Some will want to continue
in stipendiary ministry on a part time basis; others would welcome the
opportunity to do an interim ministry of, say, one or two years, if the
financial resources were available. Whenever such work is undertaken, it
is important that proper review procedures should be established, which
take into account the ability of the minister to discharge
responsibilities, the feelings of the spouse and the wishes of the
congregation.
6.3 On the other hand it must be recognised that ministers, who may have given up to forty years service, may have reached retirement drained and exhausted and looking forward to freedom from the pressures and responsibilities of ministry.
6.4 Others come to
retirement eagerly looking forward to being able to do things for which
they have been denied adequate time in the past: quality time with their
families, hobbies, reading, writing etc. These are legitimate desires and
should be acknowledged as such. Those hoping to enjoy a well-earned
retirement should not be put under any obligation to undertake further
responsibilities which they are unwilling to assume. It must be clearly
understood that while the gifts and expertise of retired ministers should
not be wasted, further service should be undertaken only with the ready
and willing agreement of the minister concerned. No pressure should ever
be put on retired ministers to take on unwelcome burdens of
responsibility. There will, unfortunately, be those whose health and
strength does not permit them to undertake any duties or responsibilities
and this should be respected.
7 Pastoral
Care
7.1 The focus of pastoral
care for retired ministers and spouses must lie in the local church of
which they are members. As with all church members, the main source of
such care will be the minister and elders, backed by the caring fellowship
of members. This is particular important in the early period of
retirement, as those concerned adjust to life in a new community and of a
totally different pattern. In this respect the pastoral care and
sympathetic understanding of the local minister, as one who knows the
ministry from the inside, probably counts for more than anything else in
easing those retiring into their new situation.
7.2.1 Because ministers and
spouses have particular needs and concerns the pastoral care of the local
church needs to be supplemented by the wider church. The Synod Moderator
has a no less important role in the care of retired ministers and spouses
than for all ministers and spouses. The visits which the moderator can
make to retired ministers and spouses, and not least widows of ministers,
are a deeply appreciated reminder of the part that ministers have played
in the life of the church and the place they still hold in its care and
fellowship.
7.2.2 It is doubtful
whether this aspect of care should ever have been seen as that of the
Moderator alone, and plainly it should not be seen so now. To say this is
but to recognise the size of the overall task we now have of caring for
servants of the church who have served us so well and are now in
retirement. The opportunity for Moderators to visit on a regular basis is
inevitably and rightly restricted if they are to discharge their other
responsibilities. A pattern of care needs to be developed in which both
District and Synod share the responsibility.
7.3.1 The practice followed
in several parts of the country whereby “pastoral aides’’ are
appointed to work with the Synod Moderator in visiting ministers, spouses
and widows on a regular basis - say, two or three times a year - is warmly
recommended. Such pastoral aides need to be chosen carefully by the
Moderator in consultation with the district officers or pastoral
committee. They provide an excellent means of expressing the care of the
wider church and of keeping the Moderator and district pastoral committee
informed of the situation and needs of those whom they visit. They can
also help in providing some of the additional pastoral care needed by some
retired ministers and spouses in particular times of difficulty such as
illness and bereavement. Discerning care requires good communication
amongst all concerned: the local church and minister, the pastoral aide,
the District and the Moderator.
7.3.2 The scheme of
pastoral aides, or something similar, should be adopted nationally to
provide an overall pattern of care. It is warmly commended to all Synods.
Ministries Committee will itself gather the experience of those who
already operate such schemes with a view to preparing guidelines to assist
good practice.
7.4 In some areas the
personal visits of pastoral aides have been supplemented by an annual get
together of retired ministers and spouses, providing the opportunity of
shared fellowship over a meal. Not all those in retirement will seek this
kind of fellowship. Nonetheless the endeavour to hold in fellowship those
who can so easily feel separate and isolated is to be commended.
7.5 The provision of
opportunities for retired ministers to continue some of the
‘’activities” in which they have been involved in the past, e.g.
ministers’ meetings (the ‘’fraternals” of pre-inclusive language)
spring/summer schools, quiet days etc., is also important. While some are
glad to be relieved of attendance at district and synod meetings, others
miss very much the opportunity for fellowship and enrichment, which these
wider opportunities provide. They would warmly welcome the chance to go to
quiet days and spring/summer schools. Some Synods have a tradition of
extending invitations to retired ministers, and some also include their
spouses. Ministries Committee would encourage districts and synod planning
committees to keep the need to make provision for retired ministers in
mind when arranging these wider opportunities for fellowship.
8 Other
areas of concern
8.1 A number of questions
have been raised about other aspects of retirement. What, for instance, is
the relationship of retired ministers to the disciplinary structures of
the Church? Can the provision of supported housing in retirement in any
way be related in the future to the desire to have a more specific
strategy for mission and ministry in the synods and districts? Is the
package offered to stipendiary ministers on retirement appropriate? What
needs to be done to address the situation of non-stipendiary ministers
approaching retirement? Such questions involve larger issues than could be
addressed by the working party. Discussions are underway among the
Sub-Committees within Ministries Committee in response to them. They will
be addressed in reports to General Assembly in future years.
9 In
Conclusion
9.1 Ministers and spouses
have particular problems as they adjust to retirement. These stem from the
change of role and life style which is an inevitable part of retirement.
They no longer find themselves at the hub of church life, a position which
is now occupied by someone else. For some this is not easy to accept and
can lead to a sense of loneliness and of being no longer wanted or of
value. For others the break of the self discipline exercised over many
years on a daily basis can leave them without motivation and purpose. More
positively minister and spouse will find that they have more time to spend
together, not least in the evenings. This will be a cause for joy and
relief for some, but may be a challenge and a frustration for others. Some
may have financial problems, as they adjust to living on a pension, though
this seems not to be a major concern.
9.2 Sensitive pastoral care in all these areas given by both the local and wider church can be immensely helpful. The objective is clear: to make retirement for all what many find it to be, the opportunity for a new life, freed from the pressures of the daily responsibilities of ministry.
Resolution 34 Non-stipendiary
General Assembly expresses
gratitude for the service offered by our non-stipendiary ministers and
offers encouragement in their ministries by:
a) thanking the working
party for its support;
b) urging the speedy
implementation of recommendations 1 to 6 in the report on non-stipendiary
ministry in the United Reformed Church.
Resolution 35 New
pattern of Ministries
General Assembly notes the
concern expressed in Section 4 of the report on non-stipendiary ministry
in the United Reformed Church and instructs the Ministries Committee, in
consultation with others, to draw up proposals for a new, diverse pattern
of ministries, building on ecumenical insights and designed to enable the
church to respond more effectively to the challenge of the mission
strategy outlined in Growing Up.
Annex 2
A Review of non-stipendiary Ministry in the
United Reformed Church
1 How we
got here
1.1 The concept of a
non-stipendiary ministry (henceforth NSM) entered the life of the United
Reformed Church as a result of the original conversations with the
Churches of Christ. A way needed to be found to affirm the ministry of
those of their Elders who regularly presided at the weekly celebrations of
the Lord’s Supper which were a normal feature of their churches’ life.
In doing so the opportunity was taken to adopt a new model of ministry
which was “appropriate to the new insights and needs of our time”.1
1.2 The so-called
“Auxiliary Ministry” then envisaged not only saw such Ministers
supple-menting the work of those Ministers of Word and Sacraments
(henceforth MWS) in pastoral charge of local churches; it also saw them as
a sort of pioneer corps exercising a ministry, distinct from that within
local churches, on the frontiers of secular life, equipped to bring a
theological critique to particular situations and to feed the insights
gained therefrom into the life of the Church. In adopting such a model, we
recall, General Assembly was greatly influenced by Lesslie Newbigin, then
recently returned from India, who spoke of his experience of just such a
ministry on the frontiers of mission in that sub-continent. “I long for
the day, he said, when I shall be called an Auxiliary Minister”2. The
original conversations with the Churches of Christ failed. However, two
years later we find Lesslie Newbigin, as chairman of the Ministerial
Training committee moving proposals 3 in General Assembly for the
introduction of such a ministry.
1.3.1 While these Auxiliary
Ministers were, like the Ministers they were called to assist, regarded
equally as MWS (the Church’s Basis offered no alternative other than
that of elders), the nature of the original vision was such that it left
unclear whether they belonged to the same or a distinct ministry. It would
be well at this stage to summarise this distinctiveness.
i) Unlike other MWS who
are, theoretically at least, free to serve the church wherever they are
called, Auxiliary Ministers were only available in the area where they
lived or worked.
ii) Unlike other MWS whose
calling as Ministers is tested separately from the call to a particular
charge, their calling as Ministers was limited to the particular task in
which they were engaged; there was no guarantee that, if they were to move
from the situation in which they were called, they would be similarly used
by the church.
iii) It was to be the
responsibility of the District Council to identify and define appropriate
ministries within their area, whether within the life of the churches of
the District or within community life, and to match suitable candidates to
them.
1.3.2 The training of
Auxiliary Ministers, unlike that of other MWS, was to be geared to the
other demands of their personal lives and to equip them for the particular
ministry to which they were to be called - a commitment of 10 hours per
week for 3-4 years was suggested. They were regarded as “normally
without sole pastoral charge’4
1.4 By 1982, and ahead of any candidates for Auxiliary Ministry having completed their training, a revised scheme of union with the Churches of Christ had been implemented and about 100 of their Elders had accepted the opportunity to ‘become Auxiliary Ministers’5 During the following years a steady and encouraging stream of candidates were accepted for training. More found their way onto ecumenical courses, alongside mainly Anglicans, training either for full-time or for local non-stipendiary ministry or as Ministers in secular employment, than to the correspondence course which the United Reformed Church instituted. Just as Anglicans were finding more NSMs were gravitating towards local ministry rather than into posts related to their secular |