01 Commission of Order
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REPORT OF THE COMMISSION OF ORDER TO THE SIXTH GENERAL SYNOD IN SESSION ON 1-7OCTOBER 2012 IN OKAHANJA. Dear brothers and sisters 1. DATE AND PLACE OF THE SYNOD 1.1 The General Synodical Commission decided to have the Six General Synod of the URCSA on 1-7 October 2012 Okahanja Namibia. 1.2 The Hydogos Camp near Okahandja has been selected by the Order Commission as the venue for the meeting. 2. OFFICIAL NOTICE OF MEETING The official notification to the Sixth General Synod, 1-7 October 2012 was send by email to all regional scribes and moderators on 21 February 2012. This notice was followed up with a second notice on 27 March 2012 with more details concerning the General Synod. Due to the fact that no edition of URCSA News appeared, the commission is of the opinion that sufficient notice was given of the General Synod meeting. The day of prayer for Synod was set for 23 September 2012. 3. DELEGATES and CREDENTIALS In the second notice of 27 March 2012 the following was mentioned concerning delegates: Each Presbytery need to elect two delegates: One minister and one church council member. Each of these delegates should also have a secundi. Please take into consideration that we need female and young representatives amongst our delegates as decided by General Synod. At some Synods these elections took part during the Regional Synods’ meetings. In that case the Regional Synod will send us a Credential letter containing the particulars of all the Presbyteries. This Credential needs to be signed by the Moderator and Scribe. Please make sure that a person that was elected at the Regional Synod’s meeting is still available. If not, let the presbytery forward a Credential letter to the Regional Synod with the new names. In cases where the election did not take place during the Regional Synod’s meeting, each Presbytery must send a Credential to their Regional Synod, who will then compile a combined letter for the region. The credential letter needs to reach the Scribe at the latest on 15 June 2012 so that the Order Commission can prepare a report for the agenda. 1 2.1 The names of the delegates (ministers and church council members) 2.1.1 CAPE SYNOD Moderator Rev.LL.Plaatjie Assessor Rev.P.Grove Scribe Rev.JG.Botha Actuary Rev.PJ.Adams PRESBYTERY Aliwal Noord Minister Church council Amandelboom Minister Church council Cala Minister Church council Caledon Minister Church council Carnavon Minister Church council Clanwilliam Minister Church council Colesberg Minister Church council Ebenezer Minister Church council George Minister Church council Graaff-Reinet Minister Church council PRIMARIUS Primarius Rev Xholani Mhobo Elder: Sr Mary-Ann Louise Theron Primarius Rev Benjamin Charles Roelofse Br. Hendrick van Zyl Primarius Rev JFS Myburgh Elder: Br. AS Dayimane Primarius Rev. Donald Henry Gatana Elder: Sr. Louisa de Koker Primarius SECUNDUS Secundus Rev Bradley John Stoffels Elder: V Dyantyi Secundus Rev Arion Naidoo Sr. Diane Engelbrecht Secundus Primarius Rev. Denstan Plaatjies Elder: Br. Joseph Cloete Primarius Rev Ntozakhe Simon Cezula Elder: Sr. Getruida Juanita Theron Primarius Rev. Godfrey Baartman Elder: Monde Maclaren Gomba Primarius Rev. Henry F Mathys Elder: Br. Deon Goliath Primarius Rev. Ronald Keath Allies Eld. Sr.Mim Kayster Secundus Rev. Petrus Andries van Zyl Elder. Br. Saul Okhuis Secundus Rev. Willem Jacobus Avenant Sr. Shiela Shreane Erasmus Secundus Rev. Eugene A Fortuin Elder: H Pretorius Secundus Rev. Johannes Mattheus Louw Elder: Br Robert Stoffels Secundus Rev. Petrus Johannes Gysman Eld. Sr. Yvonne Sophie De Klerk Secundus Dr.Nathan Carolus Philander Eld. Sr. Marjory Yvonne Primarius Kraaifontein Minister Dr. Mary-Anne Plaatjies-Van Huffel Church council Eld. Sr. Priscilla Melda Jacobs Elder: BR MV Manjo Secundus Rev Bernard Leuvennink Eld. Sr. Elizabeth Jacobs Secundus 2 Malmesbury Minister Church council Monti Minister Church council Mthatha Minister Primarius Rev. Eugène Ettiene Beukes Sr. Cathy Mckrieling Primarius Rev. Clinton J. Petersen Sr. Peliswa Welemu Primarius Rev. Welcome Zwelitsha Manjingolo Church council Br.Siyabulela Samuel Dandala Port Elizabeth Primarius Minister Rev. Rodney Orville Thabane Church council Porterville Minister Church council Rietvlei Minister Sr.Lorraine Schooney Primarius Rev. William.E Ficks Br.Willem van der Merwe Primarius Rev. Mziwoxolo Enoch Kibito Church council Br.F. Menze SA Gestig Minister Church council Sarepta Minister Church council Steinkopf Minister Church council Stellenbosch Minister Church council Tulbagh Minister Church council Uitenhage Minister Church council Visrivier Minister Church council Wellington Primarius Rev. Daniel David Johannes Kuys Eld. Br. Johannes Jacobus Floris Primarius Rev. Frederick Steenkamp Br.Martin Johannes J. Botha Primarius Rev.Frederick Booysen Eld. Br.Wallace Edger Tromp Primarius Rev. Shaun Victor Burrows Br.Alexander Daniel September Primarius Rev. Frederick Carl Swart Sr. Zenobia van Wyk Primarius Rev.Monde Jeffrey Wabanie Eld.Br.Pieter Roelf Prinsloo Primarius Rev.Mmeli Othniel Sulo Eld.Sr.Joyce Nombevu Primarius Goliath Secundus Rev. Lysander Prins Br.James Jacobus Secundus Rev. Bulelani Vete Br.Buyile A. Madumane Secundus Rev. Joseph Konzekile Ntlatywa Br.Gibson Bongani Gxumisa Secundus Rev.Barnabas Msongelwa Ngqozela Br.Nkosincedile Elliot Plaatjie Secundus Rev. Francis Samson Br.Andries Gysman Secundus Rev. Christiaan Willem Wooding Sr.Patricia Nonzwakazi Magangana Secundus Rev.Ronald Trevor Noemdoe Eld. Eugene Izaac J. Arendse Secundus Rev.Janine Merle Williams Br.Matthew Michael Farmer Secundus Rev.Pieter Johannes Burger Eld.Br. John Ralph Cloete Secundus Rev. Jacob Petrus Coetsee Br. Nicholas Isaac Andries Secundus Rev. Elmo Arthur Strauss Br. Julian Zackery Cloete Secundus Rev.Mark Peter Manasse Eld.Br. John Prins Secundus Rev.Theophulis J.Irion Eld.Br.Apols Bennet Fuzani Secundus 3 Minister Church council Worcester Minister Church council Wynberg Minister Rev. Augustinus David Masent Eld. Br.Willem Hendrick Botha Primarius Rev. Reginald John Rickers Eld. Sr. Allison Adams Secundus Primarius Rev. Gert Jacobus Andreas Schreiner Eld. Br.Chrisjan Jacobs Secundus Rev. Nolan Paul Williams Church council Sr.Yvonne Joyce Davids Zoar Primarius Minister Rev. David Jacobus Elias Church council Br.William Miggels Primarius Zuurbraak Minister Rev. Jacobson Andy Strauss Church council Eld. Br. Adam Muller Br.Merwyn Raymond Williams Secundus Rev. Christopher Jacques Maarman Br.Mervin Draai Secundus Rev. Frederick Ferdinand F. Du Toit Eld. Br.Jeremia Jacobus Hopp 2.1.2 FREE STATE AND LESOTHO Moderator Rev MTJ Letsie URCSA Botchalelo Assessor Rev MV Makhetha URCSA Ventersdorp Scribe Rev PM Motale URCSA Actuary Rev LP Fokase URCSA Bloemfontein Wes PRESBYTERY Bloemfontein Minister Church council Bethulie Minister Church council Botshabelo Minister Church council Bethlehem Minister Church council Heilbron Minister Church council Kroonstad Minister PRIMARIUS Primarius Dr Dawid Kuyler Br LH Mothobi Primarius Rev SJ Motsiri Sr CL Minnie Primarius SM Mohokare KP Lefalatsa Primarius W Maphisa J Sefali Primarius PK Mototo HE Motaung Primarius I Machobane SECUNDUS Secundus Rev MA Nyongkoane Br MJ Mothobi Secundus Rev SJ Olivier LM Malebogo Secundus BP Staat OD Pheko Secundus J Mokgomo M Mofokeng Secundus AW Louw DA Tsotetsi Secundus LP Nhlapo 4 Church council Thabong Minister Church council Vrede Minister Church council Wesselsbron Minister Church council Winburg Minister Church council Witsieshoek Minister Church council M Ntjabane Primarius SM Lekoana MG Alexander Primarius BCT Mochekoane SP Monaune Primarius OJ Manone MF Tsipa Primarius MV Makhetha ME Mokhothu Primarius SE Mokhathi MS Lesabana B Molutsi Secundus MG Mahloko DA Moema Secundus SRH Ntilane L Lephuthing Secundus KS Sina MF Kobile Secundus PA Motale MM Mnyamane Secundus MS Mothopeletsi PS Thaele 2.1.3 KWAZULU NATAL Moderator Rev NS Mnisi Assessor Rev TE Ngema Scribe Rev SJ Majola Actuary Rev MS Kwesaba PRESBYTERY Durban Minister Church council Greytown Minister Church council Utrecht Minister Church council Vryheid Minister Church council Weenen Minister Church council Zululand Minister Church council PRIMARIUS Primarius Rev.Hawu Mbatha Moloi Thamahane Primarius Rev. Nhlanhla Nicholas Chamane Brian Quinton Primarius Rev.Dingane David Mosili Brenda Jenny Wendy Kiewiets Primarius Rev. Joseph Nxumalo Ev.MJ Mathenjwa Primarius Rev Isaac Ngema Bhekuyise Amos Mnchunu Primarius Rev.Meshack F Sibeko Elder MMC Sibiya Primarius SECUNDUS Secundus Rev. Prince Zulu Sister Yuvonne Hembert Secundus Zephrid Zondi Secundus Rev.Samuel Thulane Zuma Bongane Stanly Nkosi Secundus Rev. Pieter Kriel Thembinkosi Sibisi Secundus Xolani Emmanuel Hlatshwayo Secundus Rev Daliswa Kunene Themba Mahlangu Secundus 5 2.1.4 NAMIBIA Moderator Dr Henry Gert Platt URCSA Rehoboth Assessor Rev Boas Roree Eliphas Tjingaete URCSA Katutura Scribe Rev Leon Lourens Husselmann URCSA Karasburg Actuary Rev Henry John Meintjies URCSA Mariental PRESBYTERY PRIMARIUS Primarius Mariental Minister None Church Council Sr Cheryl Isobel Coetie Ngweze SECUNDUS Secundus None Br Glenn Allex Rispel Elder: URCSA Kronlein Elder: URCSA Luderitz Primarius Secundus Minister Rev Martin Mombela URCSA Ngweze, Katima Molulo Church council None Primarius Orumana None Minister Rev Edwin Matundu Matundu URCSA Opuwo Church council Br Elton-John Hipundjua Elder: URCSA Opuwo Primarius Oshakati Rev Rehabeam Ruhozo URCSA Orumana Minister Rev George Paulus Shinexungi Hikumwah URCSA Onuno Church council Br. Reinoldt Hashetu Nghikofa Elder: URCSA Onuno Primarius Takwasa Minister Rev Laurentius Hausiku URCSA Sayemwa Church council Br Nginga Paulus Mbangu None Secundus None Secundus Sr. Gerd Shilunga Elder: URCSA Oshakati Secundus Rev Matthias Sitarara Sikanga URCSA Shighuru-Ndong None Elder: URCSA Kayengona Primarius Windhoek Minister Rev William Johannes Julius URCSA Narraville, Walvisbaai Church council Br Gregory Lovell Brinkmann URCSA Narraville, Walvisbaai Secundus Rev Adriaan Albertus Du Plessis URCSAWindhoek Sr. Cornelia Myra Lesch Elder: URCSA Swakopmund 2.1.5 NORTHERN SYNOD Moderator Prof Selaelo Thias Kgatla 6 Assessor Rev Morwameno Hendrik Moima Scribe Prof Christina Landman Actuary Dr Winnifred Motsei Moime PRESBYTERY Amersfoort Minister Church council Barberton Minister Church council Bethesda Minister Church council Brits Minister Church council Burger Minister Church council Galina Minister Church council Ga-Rankuwa Minister Church council Hammanskraal Minister Church council Kranspoort Minister Church council Letaba Minister Church council Lydenburg Minister Church council Mamelodi Minister Church council Middelburg Minister Church council PRIMARIUS Primarius Rev MT Nchabeleng Oudl TPP Maboea Primarius Ds MP Duma Oudl G Malaza Primarius Ds SM Seloana Oudl MF Chaba Primarius Rev SS Kgwefane Oudl M Marnewyk Primarius Ds TM Banda Oudl ML Nchabeleng Primarius Ds KJ Sekgogoba Oudl D Mlangeni Primarius Ds MS Maponya Oudl LS Mbalathi Primarius Ds R Simons Oudl M Setlhare Primarius Ds MH Nengovhela Oudl I Mangera Primarius Ds MRC Mokhele Oudl A Masetla Primarius Ds TT Hlalele Oudl A Langa Primarius Ds LF Tshigovha Oudl RM Lekalakala Primarius Ds TI Monyatsi Oudl J Klaas SECUNDUS Secundus Ds ES Mokoka Oudl Mfusi Secundus Ds JP Kriel Oudl ER Banda Secundus Ds SE Letsoalo Oudl RW Segooa Secundus Ds D Sentle Oudl E Radebe Secundus Ds LJ Raboshakga Oudl ME Mamabolo Secundus Ds L du Toit Oudl AJ Tshabalala Secundus Ds JAJ Eland Oudl PA Songo Secundus Ds TT Robinson Oudl P Motshabi Secundus Ds HE Nengwenani Oudl P Mashabathakga Secundus Ds MW Lebea Oudl K Malatjie Secundus Ds SS Mokoena Oudl DP Mnisi Secundus Oudl JK Moyo Secundus Ds S Thela Oudl Mokwana 7 Mokopane Minister Church council Saulspoort Minister Church council Tshwane Minister Church council Warmbad Minister Church council Zeerust Minister Church council 2.1.6 Primarius Ds MS Makulubele Oudl MP Moloantoa Primarius Ds WL Malebye Oudl MN Mogotsi Primarius Ds JC Goeiman Oudl AM Mowayo Primarius Ds JB Maluleka Oudl OC Maluleke Primarius Ds ML Foko Oudl A Isaacs Secundus Ds JJ Makgae Oudl SS Msisa Secundus Ds RJ Diale Secundus Ds PM Maruping Oudl P Mokwe Secundus Ds PP Mosima Oudl MJ Seema Secundus Ds DM Tukisi Oudl ES Seripe PHORORO Moderator Rev PJ van Schalkwyk Assessor Rev AWJ Botha Scribe Rev MG Betha Actuary Rev GG Cloete PRESBYTERY PRIMARIUS Kimberley Primarius Minister Rev PB Makoko Church council Elder: Br PA Tsoone Kuruman Primarius Minister Rev AGJ Willemse Church council Elder: Br R Coodi Prieska Primarius Minister Rev CJ Cornelissen Church council Elder: Br J Tladi Upington Primarius Minister Rev J Julies- Primari Church council Elder: Sr Elizabeth Johanna Mouton SECUNDUS Secundus Rev C Williams Elder: Br N Snyders Secundus Rev MM Deelman Elder: Br BA Mokopelwa Secundus Rev AWJ Botha Elder: Br F De Wee Secundus Rev DS Willemse Elder: Sr Elizabeth Keyser 2.1.7 SOUTHERN SYNOD Moderator Rev. D. Malete Assessor Rev. L.P Mokoena Scribe Rev. Dr. M.P Ntshumayelo Actuary Rev. Dr. L.J Modise 8 PRESBYTERY East Rand Minister Church council Eikenhof Minister Church council Far East Rand Minister Church council Evaton Minister Church council Johannesburg Minister Church council Lichtenburg Minister Church council Meadowlands Minister Church council Ottosdal Minister Church council Potchefstroom Minister Church council Wes Rand Minister Church council Sharpeville Minister Church council Standerton Minister Church council Witwatersrand Minister Church council Wolmaranstad Minister Church council PRIMARIUS Primarius Dr. M.T Masuku Eld. M.E Maleto Primarius Rev. R.M Nyongwane Eld. A. Ndlovu Primarius Rev. T.I Leputla Eld. B. Malope Primarius Rev B.B Senokoane Eld M.B Magadla Primarius Rev. T.E Tshenase Eld J. Rakosa Primarius Rev. A.K Mbewe Eld. M.Sewedi Primarius Rev. M. Makgale Eld. A. Morake Primarius Rev. W.Gumede Eld. S. Moshaku Primarius Dr. T. Mofamere Mrs. M.R Mongale Primarius Rev. M.A Foba Mrs M.Sithole Primarius Rev. O.J Thebe Eld. M.P Segele Primarius Rev. M.B Mine Eld. R.H Tsele Primarius Rev. P.P.T Mabetha Eld. A.S Lekalakala Primarius Rev. M.J Bodibe Ev. S.J Maleshane Primarius SECUNDUS Secundus Rev. T.S.P Moeketsi Eld P.J Mohobo Secundus Rev. T. Wessels Rev. G. Barendse Secundus Rev. B.P Primo Eld. G. Ruiters Secundus Rev. L.P Nhlapo Eld. Makoele Secundus Rev. G.I Setoto Eld. E.Zwane Secundus Rev. S.J Mpembe Ev. Moepeng Secundus Rev. J.S Chabane Eld. Papo Secundus Rev. F.M Appie Eld. W.Mnisi Secundus Rev. R.J.E Huma Mrs. N. van Stawel Secundus Rev.A.C Molefe Eld. Links Secundus Rev. S. Musa N. Sereko Secundus Rev. N. Boshoff Eld. J. Magudulela Secundus Rev. M.A.S Fischer Eld S. Tshabalala Secundus Rev. S.E Mogale Eld. T.J Mothibe Secundus 9 2.2 In accordance with Church Order this list is comprised of the joint credential letters as was presented by the Scribes of the Regional Synod, but all the credential letters except KZN came in very late. 2.3 The changes or additions to the list will be presented by scribe when the meeting is constituted. 2.4 Two members of the executive committees of the Christian Women’s Ministry and Christian Youth Ministry, Christian Men’s Ministry and Youth Brigade were invited as observers to participate fully in the meeting except for having voting rights. The same invitation was extended to one member of each ministry where no member of the ministry has been delegated to the synod and will present the report of the ministry. 4. REGISTRATION The registration for the synod will start on the Sunday afternoon and evening 5. SESSION TO EXPLAIN THE PROCEDURES OF MEETING On the Sunday evening a session will be held to explain the procedures of the meeting. The Order Commission will host a workshop for delegates on the spirituality of the synod as well as the discernment model that will be followed during the synod. 6. OPENING The meeting will be opened with an opening service by the moderator of the previous synod preaching Hereafter the meeting will be constituted with the presentation of the names of the representatives. 7. DURATION OF SESSIONS First Day Opening 09:00 - 10h30 Tea 10:30 – 11:00 Session 11:00 – 12h30 Lunch 12h30- 13h30 10 Other days Last Day Session 13h30 - 15h30 Tea 15h30 - 16h00 Session 16h00- 18h00 Supper 18h00- 19h00 Session 19h00 - 20h30 Breakfast 07:30 – 08:30 Opening 08:30 – 09:00 Session 09:00- 10h30 Tea 10h30 – 11h00 Session 11h00 - 12h30 Lunch 12h30- 13h30 Session 13h30 - 15h00 Tea 15h00 - 15h30 Session 15h30 – 18h00 Supper 18h00- 19h00 Session 19h00 - 20h30 Communion Service 9h00 8. WORKING SCHEDULE Monday 1/10/12 Morning Constituting Opening Afternoon Election Scribe report Actuarius report Greetings from ecumenical delegates Preparations for next day Evening Tuesday 2/10/12 Wednesday 3/10/12 Morning GSC Report Executive report Afternoon Executive report Evening Preparations for next day Morning Proclamation and Worship Bible Society Chaplaincies Congregational Ministries Afternoon 11 Thursday 4/10/12 Friday 5/10/12 Saturday 6/10/12 Sunday 7/10/12 Evening Preparations for next day Morning Service and Witness Afternoon Finance and Administration Evening Preparations for next day Morning Judicial Matters Afternoon Communication Archives and Publications Evening Regional Synods Morning Afternoon Regional Synods Temporary commission reports Visit to Windhoek Evening Choir evening in Windhoek Morning Closing service in Windhoek congregation 9. ELECTION OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE The Executive Committee will be elected from the members of the synod without forming a nomination list. Two persons will be elected to assist the scribe during the Synod. 10. AGENDA OF SYNOD The Agenda is presented for approval. The Temporary Commission for Order will irrespective of the addendum that is presented prepare the agenda for the day and presents it to the Synod. It is decided by the Order Commission to recommend that the preparation sessions in the evening be chaired by the respective Ministries that will present the following day their reports 11. TEMPORARY COMMISSIONS The order commission determines the composition of the temporary commissions and it will be presented for approval. 12. “AGENDA BOOK” AND ACTA 13.1 In order to save cost, the Agenda Book was prepared on computer and then presented to the SMPCA for the printing and distribution of the Agenda Book. 12 13.2 The cost of the Agenda Book was included in the registration fees and the cost of the Acta will be carried by the Regional Synods. The SMPCA has been tasked to print and distribute the ACTA. 13.3 Copies of the Agenda Books were provided to different church and ecumenical bodies as part of the cost of the General Synod. 13.4 The use of the contents of the Agenda Book will be embargoed until the Synod has taken a decision on a specific issue. 13.5 The Agenda Book will be taken as read during the Synod. Recommendations will be presented for discussion and decision making, while all other matters will be noted unless Synod explicitly want to make a decision about a specific point. 13.6 Recommendations must be worded in such a format that Synod can accept it unchanged. 13.7 The Temporary Commissions must hand in one, properly signed archive copy of all their reports during the Synod to the Temporary Commission for the Minutes. 13. SPIRITUALITY OF THE SYNOD 13.1 Introduction The Order Commission after consulting with the Executive poses that the theme of synod will be: Discerning the will of God for us and the world. When the Executive decided that: Discerning the will of God for us and the world will be the theme for the six General Synod of URCSA, it was done with the understanding that this theme lies at the heart of all church meetings and that we needed to be reminded what a General Synod is all about. Delegates meeting to discern God’s will on the issues on our agenda. The letter of Paul to the Philippians guided us in our understanding of our theme. Discernment without prayer, love, knowledge, sincerity and the fruits of righteousness will not lead to the glory and praise of God. “And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.” Philippians 1:9-11 For the sixth time delegates representing Presbyteries will gather together to form a General Synod of URCSA and to deliberate and to hear God and one another and to find guidance for the many challenges facing the church and the world of our times. At the heart of every believer and every church meeting lies the quest to discover and to discern God’s work in and through us in the world. 13 We would like to follow the example of some ecumenical friends like the Presbyterian Church in America and the Reformed Church in America who have made discernment their mission and practise it in their meetings. In South Africa the United Presbyterian Church as well as the Dutch Reformed Church has embarked years ago to follow a process of discernment in their meetings. In 2008 the General Synod of URCSA decided to embrace the idea of meeting with consensus. We would like to take it forward by formalising our meetings as a process of discernment and a way of being church of Christ. Decisions in church meetings should never just be determined by a majority vote but by a conviction that “we and the Holy Spirit” (Acts 15) decided. Meetings of the church is a meeting in the presence of God where we through prayer, reflection on Scripture and sharing our understanding of God seek to discern God’s way for us. It is a meeting where we listen: we listen to God as He speaks to us through his Spirit, through his Word, through the history of the church, through the confessions, through fellow believers and through the world and creation. As church we are aware that many church meetings in the past have been held in God’s name and yet it took decisions not honouring God. This needs to make us very aware that we always seriously need to discern Gods will for us during meetings. 13.2 Ecumenical examples In 2009 the General Synod Council of the Reformed Church in America directed the general secretary to form a discernment process planning team. This team was intended to help facilitate a process that creates connected and collaborative environments for hearing how the movement and work of God is underway in the RCA: To develop a plan that engages the assemblies of the church (consistories, classes, regional synods, and the General Synod) in a process of discernment of the RCA’s continuing call to mission and ministry. The plan that was developed emerged as a “process to enable the entire RCA to engage in an evaluation of how the commitment to Our Call has shaped us as God’s people, and how it is moving us forward into new horizons of mission and ministry.” The members of the executive that attended the General synods of the RCA, CRCNA and the Presbyterian Church in America reported back how meaningful the discernment process was embedded in those churches and how it shaped the synodical meetings. Members of the executive experienced it also first hand when attending the General Synod of the Dutch Reformed. As URCSA we decided to apply these principles to our synod meeting. 13.3 Discernment: some guidelines 14 In order for delegates to the General Synod to understand how we foresee the process of discernment that will also cultivate a spirituality to guide the synod, we are giving some information on this issue. In an article by Carolyn Brock: What is discernment, the following issues were highlighted. (http://www.cofchrist.org/discernment/whatis.asp) Things to Consider Before Beginning Discernment 1. Discernment is one part of integrated spiritual formation and discipleship development. 2. Healthy discernment takes place as we open to the transformative movement of the Spirit in our journey as disciples 3. Engaging in holistic spiritual formation will increase our ability to listen and our desire to discern. 4. Training and resources are already available to foster the spiritual formation and listening skills that are essential for discernment. Covenant Discipleship Groups focus on receptive and active spiritual practice. Listening Circles teach us to listen to each other in community with respect and openness. 5. Covenant Discipleship Groups connect spiritual formation with discerning mission. The Discernment Groups at World Conference were modelled closely on the Covenant Discipleship Group process. Each CDG session ends with a discernment period focused on listening to God’s invitation to action, service; ministry. 6. Before beginning a separate process of discernment or discernment groups we encourage you to explore Covenant Discipleship Groups as a way of engaging your congregation in ongoing spiritual formation, discernment, and transformative discipleship. Covenant Discipleship groups have been designed to foster spiritual growth and discernment principles. Listening Circle information and training is also available to help us learn the art of listening and processing information and ideas as a part of our discerning. 7. Additional information and resources from other authors and organizations are available and have been recommended to assist you and your congregation in learning about discernment. 13.4 A Holistic Approach to Discernment Discernment is one strand in the fabric of our discipleship. It cannot be picked out and practiced without the surrounding support of personal and corporate spiritual practice or relationships and communication within the faith community. As we begin to explore discernment in Community of 15 Christ it is important to remember how it is connected to the larger context of spiritual formation and discipleship development. The next two sections summarize things to remember before beginning discernment work and principles for engaging in discernment. 13.4.1 Principles of discernment 1. Discernment is an ongoing attitude and practice of Christian spirituality. 2. Specific, structured discernment processes are used to discern God’s will at particular points of need in which we desire to align our lives and ministry more fully with God’s purposes. 3. Discerning what it is we need to discern is a critical part of the discernment process. Getting clear about the question is an important first step. 4. Discernment does not take place in a neat, orderly, linear fashion. We may find ourselves being drawn back to scripture or pulled once more into silent prayer as we stay open to God during the discernment process. 5. Discernment includes head, heart, spirit, and body work. We think and speak, we listen and wait, we feel and are moved, we have physical sensations and responses. It is a whole person process. 6. Discernment is based on the trust that God is the Source of all we are and are trying to do. God is the One who already knows what we are seeking and wants to communicate with us. Letting God be larger, wiser, and greater than us is a key shift in our awareness. We think we know this and then find ourselves still trying to figure it out in our own minds or worrying about finding the one true solution. 7. Intentional Group Discernment usually incorporates attention to the following components: Setting a context of openness to the Spirit and maintaining that focus Inviting participants to set aside personal agendas, conflicts, and preconceived ideas about the outcome. This is called “Holy Indifference” and does not mean we don’t care but rather that we trust God to know more than we do and are willing to let go of the answers we already have. Getting clear about the question to be discerned Reviewing and sharing relevant history and background related to the issue or question Reflecting on relevant scriptures Intentional times of silent reflection and receptive listening 16 Use of spiritual practices that encourage reflection and listening. These may include silence, journaling, lectio divina (reflective reading of scripture), imaging, centering prayer/breath prayer, and other disciplines. Open, honest, non-judgmental sharing of insights and awarenesses that come out of reflection times. Listening and relational skills are critical at this point. All should be heard and listen with careful, respectful attention. Art, music, movement, or poetry may also be used to open the creative, intuitive gifts of the group to the impress of the Spirit. Insight may come in word, image, color, shape, sound that inform the larger process. Eventually the group will come to a tentative consensus and the idea will be tested for its validity and completeness. More discernment will be necessary before the group feels it has heard what was needed and has been faithful in receiving what the Spirit offered. Response and implementation will be the hoped for results of the discernment process. 17 13.4.2 Forms of Deliberation by Victoria G. Curtiss Debate Dialogue Discernment DEBATE DIALOGUE One side knows “the truth” Understanding or direction and seeks to persuade emerges through listening to others to join its way of many or all the voices in the thinking group DISCERNMENT A community of believers seeks guidance of the Holy Spirit through prayer; reflection on Scripture, tradition, values, and current realities; dialogue; and finding places of agreement Defends a viewpoint Suspends judgment Offers “holy indifference” to all but God’s will Uses advocacy, persuasion Balances advocacy with inquiry, explores underlying assumptions, causes, rules Takes a “long loving look at the real”—contemplation Uses hard data to get to answers to problems; reasoning is made explicit Seeks to get to deeper questions and possibly new framing of issues Uses intellect/reason and affect/intuition: mind and spirit experience Resolves by defeating or persuading opposing side; or may find synthesis of opposites Invents unprecedented possibilities and new insights: produces a collective flow Uncovers a decision rather than makes it: discovers what is most life-giving and loving by listening to wisdom of the Holy Spirit and all voices Distinguishes and polarizes differences Looks for what exists between extremes of differences Seeks to hold polarities in balance Sees parts, may seek connection among them Looks for coherence first Builds on belief that all are part of one body of Christ Persons identify with positions Conversation uncovers concerns, needs, fears, hopes, interests Options are weighed apart from being identified with particular persons Each side names strengths of its own position and weaknesses of the other Group members work together to name strengths and weaknesses of options Each person reflects on the weaknesses and strengths of each option and then shares with the whole group Either/or choices: binary Multiple options May generate multiple options, discover a “third way,” or discern yes or no Knower’s mind Learner’s mind Seeker’s mind or stay in fixed roles 18 13.5 Practical guidelines during the synod meeting 13.5.1 Covenant between delegates Covenant for Communal Discernment (As prepared by Victoria G. Curtiss for the Presbyterian Church in USA) At the beginning of the synod each delegate will enter into a covenant with one another. We as delegates to the six General Synod of URCSA are called to model the body of Christ, therefore we will: Be intentional in developing relationships with one another in order to build and maintain Christian community and foster trust, even when discussion may at times be tense; Rely on prayer, Scripture, listening, and deep engagement with Christ and each other; Act in a spirit of truth and love, honouring the truth that God works through each member of the body; Engage in conversation and ongoing study together in such areas as Scripture, theology, church, vocation, and gifts of the Holy Spirit; Share adequate information with the whole body; Learn about the various perspectives on the topic; Use I-messages to speak openly and transparently regarding one’s intentions, concerns, values, and interests; Speak from our personal experiences related to the subject; Listen attentively and with respect and openness to our sisters and brothers, believing that all desire to be faithful to Jesus Christ; Respond after restating what we have heard and asking for any clarification; Focus on ideas instead of questioning people’s motives, intelligence, or integrity; Refrain from name calling or using labels; Desist from “calling for the question” in order to remain open to the vision God holds for us all and to find win/win solutions where possible; and Articulate what the largest portion of the body senses is the leading of the Holy Spirit 13.5.2 Worship sessions in morning 19 Each morning the synod will meet for worship and listening to God. The Core Ministries will each be allocated a day to lead the worship and to assist us to listen to God and to respond with hymns and prayer to Him. At this session the issues on the agenda will be listed and delegates in small groups will write down Scripture passages relating to the issues on the agenda. In this way we will be reflecting on what we hear what God is saying. We will also write down what we hear what the world is saying about these issues and lastly we will write down what the church has decided in the past as well as the voices from our confessions. After sharing within the groups we will pray together and commit these issues and ourselves to God. Each delegate will receive an A3 page on which he/she can make the necessary notes. The issues of the day What do we hear the world say? What do we hear God say? What do we hear the church and tradition say? 13.5.3 Presentation of reports 20 We take it for granted that delegates have read the reports. During the presentation of reports, the respective Ministries responsible for the reports will keep in mind that their recommendations is to help the General Synod to discern the will of God for the church and the world. 13.5.4 Evening sessions In the evening focus groups will be held where delegates can ask die Ministries (that will present the following day their reports) questions for clarification and also give inputs on the proposals and recommendations that need to serve the next day. This will replace the mini-synods we had in the past. 13.6 Personal commitment and spirituality No process can guarantee the success of a meeting. We are all responsible for the meeting and its decisions. Let us attend the synod with an open mind, love for one another and for the world and a passion to seek the glory of God. 13.7 Ministry for Proclamation and Worship The ministry for Proclamation and Worship was asked to take care of the spirituality of the Synod based on a framework set by the Commission of Order. The arrangements were compiled in a separate publication which among others includes hymns and liturgies to be used by the Synod. The synods of Phororo, KZN, Namibia, and the following ministries: CWM, CYM, CMM were asked to lead the evening prayer. 14. ECUMENICAL GUESTS The commission decided to schedule an evening to meet with the ecumenical guests. The participation of the ecumenical guests in the Synod will be arranged by the moderamen. 15. MEDIA 15.1 Bulletin A daily bulletin with the most important decisions and news of the previous day will be printed by the SMPCA 15.2 Photos and Videos The SMPCA is also tasked to arrange for the taking of photos during the Synod as well as the making of a DVD. A tape recording will also be made of the proceedings. 21 15.3 Facebook page The Commission recommends that a Facebook page for the synod be created through which on a daily basis communication can take place with members and friends of URCSA. 16. EXHIBITIONS The commission decided 16.1 that the SMPCA write to the regional synods and permanent ministries to request their participation in the exhibition that will give expression to the life and the work of the church. 16.2 that a similar invitation be made to partner churches as well as NGO’s working with church related matters in the region. 17. MEMORABILIA All memorabilia will be designed and provided by the Namibian Synod in consultation with the scribe. 18. DRESS CODE The commission decided to recommend that in line with the decisions at the Upington Synod that delegates will wear formal clothes except for the opening session, photo session and closing service when official attire will be required. 19. CELEBRATION OF THE HOLY COMMUNION The Synod is being closed by the celebration of the Holy Communion on Sunday 7 October 2012. Dr Henry Platt will be preaching the Word at this service. Rev Kwesaba will be the celebrant for the Holy Communion. Representatives of partner churches will be invited to participate in the liturgy. The local congregations will be invited to the closing service and all logistics and related arrangements around the Holy Communion will be arranged by the moderamen of the Namibian Synod. 20. CHILDREN AND THE SYNOD The commission of order is of the opinion that we should be reminded during the Synod that children are an important part of the life of the Church. Since children won’t be present during the meeting, the commission wants to ensure that we are reminded of them during the synod. To accomplish this, the commission wants to exhibit artwork made by children in the halls that will be used. Each delegate are therefore requested to contact the children in his or her 22 congregation and tell them about the Synod that he or she is going to attend and that people from all over the world want to see their artwork. The children could make drawings that reflect the theme of the Synod on an A4 (22cm x 30cm) with any medium together with their name, age and congregation. At the end of the Synod each delegate might receive a drawing to take home. 21. BUDGET OF SYNOD The Commission of Administration is requested to prepare the budget of Synod. 22. GREETINGS Representatives of the following churches will be invited to participate fully and bring greetings: Protestant Church in the Netherlands Lippische Landeskirche Evangelical Reformed Church in Germany Reformed Alliance in Germany United Protestant Church in Belgium Reformed Church in America Presbyterian Church USA Christian Reformed Church in North America Reformed Churches in Southern Africa: Zimbabwe, Malawi, Botswana, Zambia, Mozambique World Communion of Reformed Churches All Africa Conference of Churches Representatives of the following churches and ecumenical bodies will be invited to only bring greetings: South African Council of Churches x Council of Churches in Namibia x Calvin Protestant Church x Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa United Congregational Church in Southern Africa Methodist Church in South Africa Church of the Province in South Africa Reformed Church in Africa Dutch Reformed Church in Africa Dutch Reformed Church 23 The Evangelical Lutheran Church in South Africa If written messages of greetings are received, it will be included in the Acts of Synod. 23. ACTS OF SYNOD The Acts of the General Synod should be available shortly after the meeting. These will be distributed by the Regional Synods by the SMPCA. 24. THANKS The order Commission wishes to thank the task team of Namibia that was involved in all the arrangements for the Synod. They did a sterling job. Yours in Christ Prof ST Kgatla Dr Mary-Anne Plaatjies van Huffel Dr DA Kuyler Rev MG Betha Dr LJ Modise Rev PM Moloi Dr Henry Platt 24
