Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma
THE CONSTITUTION OF THE METHODIST CHURCH
IN FIJI AND ROTUMA
(i)
THE CONSTITUTION OF THE METHODIST CHURCH
IN FIJI AND ROTUMA
ARRANGEMENT OF SECTIONS
Historical Introduction
Interpretation
Amendment of the Constitution & Regulations
Regulations
PART 1 – CHURCH MEMBERSHIP
SECTION
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
Conditions
Categories of Membership
Preparation for Membership
Period of Probation
Confirmation
Members’ Roll
Classes
Ticket of Membership
Transfer of Membership
Discipline
Power to make Regulations
12.
13.
PART II – PUBLIC WORSHIP
Holding of Divine Services
Regulations for Public Worship
14.
15.
16.
17.
PART III – THE SACRAMENTS
Christian Sacraments
The Lord’s Supper
Baptism
Administration of Sacraments
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
PART IV – THE MINISTRY
Special Orders of the Ministry
The Ministry as a Vocation
Candidates
Probationers
Admission into Full Connection
Appointment of Ministers
Supernumerary Ministers
Ministers without Appointment
(ii)
SECTION
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
33.
34.
35.
36.
37.
38.
39.
40.
41.
42.
43.
44.
45.
46.
47.
48.
49.
50.
51.
52.
53.
54.
55.
56.
57.
58.
59.
60.
61.
62.
63.
64.
PART V – STRUCTURE OF THE CHURCH
Circuits
Leading Ministers
Circuit Officers
Divisions
Divisional Superintendent
Duties of Divisional Superintendents
Lay Treasurer
Divisional Secretaries
Methodist Conference
PART VI – OFFICIAL MEETING OF THE CHURCH
Leaders’ Meeting
Leaders
Composition of Leaders’ Meeting
Presiding at Leaders’ Meeting
Quarterly Meetings
Lay Preachers
Composition of Lay Preachers’ Meetings
Divisional Meetings
Ministerial Sessions of Divisional Meetings
Composition of Ministerial Sessions of Divisional Meetings
Lay Pastors’ Meetings
Conduct of Lay Pastors’ Meetings
The Methodist Conference
Composition of Annual Conference
Ministerial Session
Standing Committee
Ministerial Session of the Standing Committee
Membership
Responsibilities
Interpretation
Conference Secretariat
Conference Committees
Terms of Reference
Appointment of Chairman
PART VII – CONFERENCE OFFICES
President
Duties of the President
Lay Vice-President
Duties of the Lay Vice-President
General Secretary
Duties of the General Secretary
(iii)
PART VIII – CONDUCT OF BUSINESS
SECTION
(Concerning questions to be asked at the various meetings of the Methodist Church)
65.
66
67.
Representative Session of Standing Committee of Conference
Ministerial Session of the Standing Committee of Conference
Questions to be dealt with by Ministerial Session of Conference
68.
69.
70.
71.
72.
73.
74.
75.
Stationing Committee of Conference
Plenary Session of Conference
Ministerial Session of Annual Divisional Meetings
Representative Session of Annual Divisional Meetings
Quarterly Meetings
Leaders’ Meetings
Lay Pastors’ Meetings
Lay Preachers’ Meetings
APPENDICES
TWELVE RULES OF A HELPER
EXTRACTS FROM TRUST DEED OF THE MCIF
CONSTITUTION OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE
(APPENDIX A)
(APPENDIX B)
(APPENDIX C)
STATIONING PROCEDURES
(APPENDIX D)
1.
Historical Introduction
In 1835 Methodist work in Fiji was commenced by a party of British and Tongan
workers, supported by the Wesleyan Methodist Missionary Society in Britain.
In 1892, Methodist work was commenced among the Indian people of Fiji.
From 1856, the oversight and support of the Methodist work in Fiji passed to the Church
in Australia. When separate Conferences wee established in the Australian States and
new Zealand, the Methodists of Fiji were organized into a district of the Wesleyan
Methodist Conference of New South Wales.
In 945, two separate districts (Fiji-Fijian and Fiji-Indian) were set up, with a United
Synod to administer matters of common concern.
Following lengthy consultations in Fiji and Australia, the Methodist Church in Fiji held
its first conference in 1964, under enabling legislation passed the previous year by the
General Conference of the Methodist church of Australasia.
In 1977, when the Methodist church of Australasia jointed the Uniting church in
Australia, the Methodist Churches of Samoa, Tonga and Fiji accepted the opportunity of
becoming fully independent churches.
Enduring fraternal relationships are being fostered with the Uniting Church in Australia
and with the separate Methodist churches in the Pacific Islands and New Zealand.
Interpretation
Whenever the interpretation or application of this Constitution (and Regulations) is in
doubt, the matter shall be resolved by the Conference. If uncertainties arise when the
Conference is not in session, the Standing committee may make an interim decision,
which shall be referred to the next ensuing Conference for confirmation or amendment.
Amendment of the Constitution and Regulations
Proposals to amend the Constitution of the Methodist Church in Fiji shall first be referred
by the Conference or Standing Committee to the next following annual divisional
meetings whose recommendations shall be referred to the Conference which shall then
determine the matter.
A two-thirds majority vote of those members of Conference present shall be required for
approval of any amendment to the Constitution. Regulations may be amended by a
simple majority.
2.
Regulations
The Conference shall have power to approve, amend or repeal on a simple majority vote
such rules and regulations deemed necessary for the efficient operation of meetings and
procedures of the Church, provided that no such regulation shall be deemed effective if it
is contrary to the principles and procedures currently authorised under this Constitution,
or this Constitution as subsequently amended by the Conference.
PART 1 – CHURCH MEMBERSHIP
1.
Conditions of Membership
In the year 1743, John and Charles Wesley wrote a document known as “The General
Rules” for use of those who gathered together, as members of the Methodist Societies.
The rules stated that one thing necessary for membership is “… a desire to be saved from
their sins ….”. On this foundation and on the sincere desire to be Christian in faith and
practice the membership of the Methodist Church is built. As conditions of membership,
members shall:-
2.
1)
acknowledge Jesus Christ as their Saviour and Lord and determine to
follow in the way of His commandments, as read and interpreted from the
Scriptures;
2)
express their willingness to confirm generally to the discipline of the
Methodist church as written in its Constitution and regulations;
3)
generally accept the doctrines of the Church, as expressed in the Apostles’
Creed and the Fijian Catechism (Na Taro);
4)
have received the Sacrament of Baptism;
5)
attend as regularly as possible the public worship of God, the
commemoration of the Lord’s Supper, and other means of grace provided
by the Church;
6)
manifest an interest in the spiritual activities of the church such as
evangelism, teaching and pastoral care;
7)
contribute time, talents and gifts to the work of God according to their
ability.
Categories of Membership
The members of the Methodist church in Fiji shall be divided into the following
categories:
3.
3.
1)
Members under preparation for Confirmation: All baptized persons under
preparation for confirmation in the Methodist Church.
2)
Confirmed Members: All baptized persons who have been confirmed
within the Methodist Church.
3)
Members in Association: Communicant members of any other Church
whose application for membership in the Methodist Church has been
approved by a Leaders’ meeting.
Preparation for Membership
1)
A minister, on being satisfied that any person wishes to become a member
of the church and is willing to confirm to the discipline of the church, may
receive such a person on probation for membership, subject to the
approval of the Leaders’ Meeting and to such regulations or directions as
may be made by the Conference.
4.
Period of Probation
The period of probation for membership shall be as fixed by the Conference provided it
shall not be less than two months. At the expiration of the period fixed by the conference
and provided that the probation is considered satisfactory by the minister, the person shall
be nominated to the Leaders’ Meeting and on being approved by the Leaders’ Meeting
shall be entered on the members’ roll.
5.
6.
Confirmation
1)
Ministers shall arrange confirmation services for members being received
as confirmed members of the Church.
2)
A copy of the laws relating to membership shall be given by the minister
to each person when so received.
Members’ Roll
1)
a members’ roll shall be kept in connection with each church and
preaching place and the name of every member shall be entered therein.
2)
The Leaders’ Meeting shall carefully revise the members’ roll each quarter
and arrange for it to be rewritten in preparation for he March Quarterly
Meeting each year.
3)
A roll of adherents shall also be kept in connection with each church and
preaching place, and this roll shall be regularly examined by the Leaders’
4.
Meeting. An adherent means “a person not being a member or member-in
–association but recognized as sharing in the life of the congregation and
within the pastoral responsibility of the Church”.
7.
Classes
Suitable classes for church members shall beheld regularly for Christian fellowship, bible
study, testimony, prayer and training in preparation for Christian witness and service.
8.
Ticket of Membership
A ticket of membership shall be issued to each member at least once a year.
9.
10.
Transfer of Membership
1)
A member who transfers from one circuit to another shall take a formal
transfer of membership to the new circuit.
2)
The names of members who have transferred shall not be added by the
Leaders’ Meeting to the church members’ roll in their new circuit without
the authority of the Leaders’ Meeting in the circuit that they have left.
3)
When a member joins another Christian denomination, that member’s
name shall on consent of the Leaders’ Meeting be removed from the
members roll.
Discipline
1)
When it is found that a member, without sufficient reason, persistently
neglects to attend the public worship of God and the Sacrament of the
Lord’s Supper, the member’s name shall be written under that section of
the members’ roll entitled “Confirmed Members Under Pastoral
Direction”. It shall be the duty of the minister to encourage such a person
to return to the fellowship of the Church.
2)
When it is found that a member is guilty of conduct unworthy of a
Christian, the member’s name shall be written under that section of the
members’ roll entitled “Confirmed Members Under Pastoral Direction”. It
shall be the duty of the minister to encourage the member to seek the
forgiveness of God and return to the fellowship of the church.
3)
The Leaders’ Meeting is responsible for deciding when a confirmed
member’s name should be written under “Confirmed Members’ Under
5.
Pastoral Direction” and when such name should be returned to its former
place on the “Confirmed Members’ Roll”.
11.
4)
when it is found that a member has renounced the Christian faith, and
refused to respond to the entreaty of the minister to believe in Christ, that
member’s name shall be removed from the roll.
5)
No member’s name shall be removed from the roll except by the vote of
the Leaders’ Meeting, following full enquiry and report by a minister of
the circuit.
6)
A member whose name has been removed from the roll shall have the
right of appeal against the decision of the Leaders’ Meeting to the
Divisional Meeting and finally to the conference.
Power to make Regulations
The Conference may from time to time make regulations concerning members of the
Church, provided such regulations are in accordance with section one (1) above.
PART II – PUBLIC WORSHIP
12.
Holding of Divine Services
Divine Services shall be held regularly in all churches and preaching places on the
Lord’s Day – or as may be otherwise arranged – and shall be conducted according
to the sprit and traditions of the Methodist church.
13.
Regulations for Public Worship
Other regulations governing public worship may be made from time to time by the
Conference.
PART III – THE SACRAMENTS
14.
Christian Sacraments
The Christian Sacraments are Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. They are of divine
appointment and of continuing obligation as visible signs and seals of Christ’s covenant
with His people.
Christian Baptism is the Sacrament of entrance into the visible Church of Christ, and
from the earliest times has been administered not only to adult believers, but to little
children, who, by virtue of the universal atonement of Christ, are members of the
6.
Kingdom of God and entitled to receive the rite which signifies their reception into His
Church on earth.
The bread and wine of the Lord’s Table are perpetual reminders of His atoning death and
emblems of the life that He imparts. Under these tokens Christ’s presence through His
Spirit is discerned by His faithful people, who, partaking of them together, realize and
express the communion with the head and with each other which all His members share.
15.
The Lord’s Supper
The Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper shall be administered at least once a month in all the
principal churches; and at least once a quarter in all other churches and preaching places,
if practicable.
16.
Baptism
The Sacrament of Baptism shall be administered where practicable, in connection with
the public worship of the church.
Wherever possible, a child shall be presented for baptism by his or her own parents, but
where this is impossible or will not be meaningful to the parents concerned, suitable
relatives or sponsors who are willing to take the responsibility may present the child for
baptism.
17.
Administration of Sacraments
The Sacrament shall be administered by a minister or other person duly authorised by the
President of the Conference, according to the forms of service contained in the Book of
Offices authorised by the Conference.
PART IV – THE MINSTRY
18.
Special Orders of the Ministry
The Methodist Church in Fiji believes that all Christians are called to a life of witness,
service and worship. Within the church we recognize special orders of ministry, directed
to encourage and equip the people of God for their service in both church and
community. The Methodist church in Fiji recognizes two special orders of ministry,
which normally involve a lifetime of full-time service for those ordained. These orders
are:
a)
The Ministry of Word and Sacrament and Pastoral Care. Men and women
are both eligible for this ministry.
b)
The Order of Deaconesses.
7.
19.
The Ministry as a Vocation
The Christian ministry of word, Sacrament and Pastoral Care is not regarded by the
Methodist church as a profession, but as a vocation from Christ Himself, to which those
who are received into it, are to be devoted for life. Conference shall consider any
proposals for new forms of ministry in the light of this principle.
20.
Candidates
1)
A candidate for the ministry must be a fully accredited lay preacher of at
least one year’s standing, who has satisfied the circuit minister of a sense
of call from God to the ministry, and who is considered by that minister to
have the necessary abilities for the ministry.
2)
The candidate must be nominated by a minister of the circuit to the March
Quarterly Meeting and recommended by a vote of that quarterly Meeting
to the Annual Divisional Meeting.
3)
A candidate recommended by a Quarterly Meeting shall be present at the
Annual Divisional Meeting, preach before a committee of ministers and
lay preachers and undergo an oral examination in general Bible knowledge
and theology.
4)
A written statement shall be presented by the circuit minister to the
Annual Divisional Meeting concerning the candidate’s health, piety,
service, abilities, habits of life and any debt or other secular
encumbrances. The Annual Divisional Meeting shall decide by an open
vote whether to recommend the candidate’s acceptance to the Conference.
5)
Every candidate recommended by the Annual Divisional Meeting, unless
excused by the Ministerial Session of the Standing committee shall take a
written examination prescribed by the Conference. Having regard to the
spiritual and recruitment needs of the Church, the Ministerial Session of
the Standing committee shall call a number of candidates to appear before
the Ministerial Session of Conference where they shall undergo a further
oral examination. They shall also undergo a medical examination as
directed by the Ministerial Session of Conference which shall then by
open vote determine the acceptance or rejection of each candidate before
it.
6)
On being received, a candidate shall either be sent to a theological college
for training, or placed on the Conference list of reserves or placed in an
appointment.
8.
21.
22.
Probationers
1)
The normal period of probation shall be six years. The Conference shall
allocate this period in each case between training in a theological college
as a student, and probation in a church appointment. Reduction in the
period of training and probation may be granted in accordance with
Conference legislation.
2)
Each probationer shall pursue a prescribe course of study and annually
undergo a written examination therein set by Conference, and shall
conduct a service a preach a sermon in the presence of at least two
ministers appointed by the Annual Divisional Meeting concerned and be
orally examined in theology and the laws of the Church by the Annual
Divisional Meeting which shall forward its report and recommendation to
the Conference.
3)
A report shall be made to the Ministerial Session of Conference regarding
each probationer’s examination, trial service and work, and the Ministerial
Session of Conference shall decide whether such probationer is to be
advanced a year in probation.
Admission into Full Connexion – Ordination
1)
A probationer before being recommended for reception into full
connexion shall undergo in the Ministerial Session of Conference an oral
examination in theology and the laws of the Church, in additional to the
requirement of sections 20-21.
2)
A probationer recommended to be received into full connexion shall be
present at the Ministerial Session of Conference and be examined as to
personal religious experience, belief in the doctrines of the Church,
knowledge and acceptance of its discipline. The probationer shall promise
to retire quietly from the ministry if, during future service as a minister,
personal views of doctrine of discipline change.
3)
The Ministerial Session of Conference, having heard the report of the
Annual Divisional Meeting on the probationer, and the results of the
examination, shall decide whether the probationer shall be received into
full connexion, continued on probation, or otherwise dealt with in
accordance with the laws of the Church.
4)
A minister admitted into full connexion shall be ordained by the President
and other ministers by the laying on of hands according to the form
provided in the service authorised by the conference.
9.
23.
24.
25.
Appointment of Ministers
1)
The appointment of a minister by the Conference shall be an annual
appointment.
2)
A minister shall not be appointed to a circuit for more than five years in
succession except under special circumstances and then only by a two
thirds majority vote of those present at the session of the Stationing
Committee dealing with the third reading of stations.
3)
The Conference may designate certain appointments as special
appointments and these shall be exempted from the provisions of section
23 (2), subject to a four-fifths majority vote of the Conference.
Supernumerary Ministers
1)
A supernumerary minister is a minister who, by reason of age, ministerial
status or physical disability, is permitted by the Conference to retire from
the active work of the ministry.
2)
A minister may elect to become a supernumerary on reaching the age of
60 years.
3)
A minister on reaching the age of 70 shall be required to become a
supernumerary.
4)
The power to make a minister a supernumerary resides in the Conference
and may be exercised apart from a minister’s own request or consent.
5)
Each supernumerary minister shall be listed in the minutes of the
Conference under the name of the circuit in which the supernumerary
resides, shall be held to belong to that circuit and shall attend the Annual
Divisional Meeting unless dispensation has been granted by the Divisional
Superintendent. Such supernumerary shall answer the questions required
regarding character and doctrine, shall be subject to the Annual Divisional
Meeting in all matters of discipline and shall have the right to speak and
vote at the annual Divisional Meeting.
Ministers without Appointment
1)
The Ministerial Session of Conference may leave a minister without
appointment with or without the request or consent of the minister.
2)
A minister left without appointment shall attend the Annual Divisional
Meeting, unless dispensation has been granted by the Divisional
10.
Superintendent, in which case the minister shall answer in writing the
question “Do you believe and preach our doctrine?” – he shall answer the
questions required regarding character and doctrine and be subject to the
annual Divisional Meeting in all matters of discipline.
3)
The name of a minister without appointment shall be shown in the
Minutes of Conference as attached to the circuit in which such minister
resides, with the words affixed; “Who is a minister without appointment.”
4)
A minister who is without appointment shall not engage in any trade,
business or profession without the consent of the Conference or Standing
committee. A minister who is granted permission to engage in a trade,
business or profession shall attend the Annual divisional Meeting of the
division in which such minister resides, unless dispensation has been
granted by the Divisional Superintendent. Such minister shall answer the
questions required regarding character and doctrine and shall be subject to
the Annual Divisional Meeting in all matters of discipline, but shall not be
listed in the station sheet, unless Conference specifically determines
otherwise.
PART V – STRUCTURE OF THE CHURCH
26.
Circuit
Local congregations of Methodist people shall be grouped into circuits, each of which
may have one or more ministers. The congregations within a circuit shall exercise mutal
care and support for each other, and strengthen each other in fellowship and in Christian
discipleship, witness and service, the stronger congregations helping weaker ones where
requested.
27.
Leading Minister
Where Conference appoints more than one minister to a circuit, it shall list the
leading minister of the circuit first in the stationing sheet.
28.
Circuit Officers
1.
The Officers of a circuit shall include the circuit steward, circuit lay
treasurer and such of the following as shall be considered helpful for the
work of the circuit: secretaries for Sunday Schools, Youth, Women’s and
Men’s Fellowships, Local Preachers, overseas Missions, Evangelism and
Christian Citizenship.
11.
2.
29.
In each circuit there shall be committees on Mission, Christian
Citizenship; Evangelism, Stewardship, appointed in the Quarterly Meeting
and responsible to it.
Divisions
Circuits shall, for the purposes of administration, be grouped by the conference under
divisions, which shall be named in the station sheet of the conference. The purpose of the
divisions shall be:
1)
2)
3)
30.
to enable the people of the circuits to have a sense of solidarity with the
wider church
to provide lines of communication between the Conference officers, the
connexional office, the Conference secretariat and the circuits;
and to facilitate the training of church members in their responsibilities to
the community as Christians
Divisional Superintendent
One minister within a division shall be designated the divisional superintendent.
31.
1)
A divisional superintendent shall be a minister in full connexion, elected
annually by the Conference
2)
Each Annual Divisional shall submit to the following Conference not
more than three names from the names of ministers within the division, as
nominations for the position of divisional superintendent. Conference may
add further names and from the total list of names, Conference will select
the divisional superintendents.
3)
The office of Divisional Superintendent shall normally not be a separated
appointment, but be filled by a minister with a circuit appointment.
4)
After five years of service as Superintendent, a minister shall be elected to
continue only after a 2/3 majority vote of those present at the session of
Stationing Committee dealing with the third reading of stations.
Duties of Divisional Superintendents
The duties of Divisional Superintendents are as follows:
1)
To be responsible for the Superintendent’s own circuit;
12.
2)
To be responsible for the conduct of quarterly meetings and lay pastors’
meetings (March and September) in the division; or to appoint another
minister to preside over these meetings;
3)
To visit the circuits within the division and check the circuit record books;
4)
To preside at the divisional meeting, or to delegate a lay person to chair
some sessions;
5)
To induct ministers to their appointments within the division;
6)
To lead and teach ministers, lay pastors and people concerning the
doctrines of the Christian faith and those things whereby the spiritual life
of the congregation can be built up;
7)
To visit frequently the circuits to which probationers are appointment in
order to establish a fraternal relationship with them, and guide them in
their studies, work and character;
8)
To hear any formal charges made against ministers, and bring to the
appropriate meeting any charges substantiated, and to counsel the minister
concerned;
9)
To carry out the following tasks or appoint someone to carry them out:
i)
ii)
iii)
32.
to have the oversight of church property within the division;
to be the leader of evangelism in the division;
to see that hospitals in the division are visited.
Lay Treasurer
There shall be a lay treasurer appointed in each division, to be responsible for
administering any divisional funds in consultation with the divisional superintendent; the
lay treasurer shall present to the divisional annual meeting the divisional estimates and a
report on divisional funds including Conference levies from the division.
33.
Divisional Secretaries
Each division shall have divisional secretaries, either ministerial or lay, for such areas of
work as evangelism, youth and social service. These positions shall be honorary. The
appointments shall be made by annual divisional meetings. The duties of such secretaries
shall be to help the divisional superintendent minister and the secretary appointed by
Conference, in the promotion within the division of that area of work.
13.
34.
Methodist Conference
The Conference of the Methodist church in Fiji, shall have a session comprising all
ordained ministers, and a representative or plenary session comprising both ministerial
and lay representatives.
The Conference shall have jurisdiction over all Methodist Church matters doctrine,
discipline, organization, land and property – in the Fiji group of islands and Rotuma. This
jurisdiction is further set out in the Trust Deed of the Methodist church in Fiji.
PART VI – OFFICIAL MEETINGS OF THE CHURCH
The following official meetings shall be responsible for the government and organization
of the Church:
35.
Leaders’ Meeting
Each local congregation or small group of congregations shall be guided by a leaders’
meeting, which may meet monthly or according to need. A leaders’ meeting, at circuit
level may be held where a need arises.
36.
Leaders
A leader is a member of the church who has been appointed to help the minister in
exercising pastoral oversight over the members of the congregation.
37.
Composition of Leaders’ Meetings
The following shall be the personnel of leaders’ meetings:
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
(9)
(10)
(11)
ordained ministers;
ministers on probation;
lay pastors;
lay preachers;
class leaders;
stewards (circuit, church, communion) and church treasurer;
superintendents of Sunday Schools;
leaders of young people’s societies approved by the Conference;
one representative of each society connected with each church, duly
elected by the annual meeting of the society and being a member of the
church;
heads of Methodist schools ad institutions if church members;
choir masters, choir mistresses or organists if members of the church;
15.
(12)
(13)
38.
deaconesses and deaconess on probation;
one representative for every 30 confirmed members and one for any
remaining part thereof, to be elected by the members of each church or
preaching place, but not to exceed six representatives from any one church
or preaching place.
Presiding at Leaders Meetings
The Leader’s Meeting may be chaired by the lay pastor, or another suitable person
elected by the Quarterly Meeting.
39.
Quarterly Meeting
Quarterly Meetings shall be held in each circuit. The Divisional Superintendent shall
preside at the Quarterly Meeting or if at any time unable to do so, may designate another
ordained minister to preside, or may designate a lay person provided a minister is present
at the meeting. The membership of the Quarterly Meeting shall consist of the members of
the respective Leader’s Meetings of the circuit.
40.
Lay Preachers
A Lay Preacher is a church member who has been authorized by the lay preachers’
meeting to conduct worship and to preach when appointed to do so. Conference may
legislate for the study and examination of candidates for lay preachers and lay preachers
on probation.
41.
Composition of Lay Preachers’ Meetings
The Lay Preachers’ Meeting shall consist of all the ministers, probationers, deaconesses,
lay pastors, and lay preachers holding membership within the circuit. The Meeting shall
be convened and chaired by the leading minister of the circuit or a minister delegated by
him, at least three times a year.
42.
Divisional Meetings
1)
Each division shall conduct a Divisional Meeting at least once a year.
Other divisional meetings may be held as needed. The Annual Divisional
Meeting shall be held not later than three months prior to the date of the
Conference.
16.
2)
Membership of Divisional Meetings :The Divisional Meeting shall consist of representatives of the Quarterly
Meetings within the division under the jurisdiction of the Annual
Divisional Meeting as follows:
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
All ministers and probationers;
All fully accredited lay pastors, and deaconesses;
All circuit stewards or duly elected substitutes;
One lay preacher from each circuit elected by the Quarterly Meeting;
One representative from each circuit of the youth groups recognized by
the Conference;
One representative, elected by the Quarterly Meeting, from each of the
following institutions:
f)
-
Theological College
Deaconess House
Methodist Lay Training Centre
Dilkusha Girl’s Home
Ba Hospital
Veilomani Boys’ Home
Viti Concern
Methodist Girls’ Handicraft & Farming School
Such members to attend the Annual Divisional Meeting of the division in
which the institution concerned is located.
g)
h)
i)
j)
k)
l)
43.
One teacher, elected by the Quarterly Meeting, from each registered
Methodist School within the circuit;
One woman class leader from ach circuit, elected by the Quarterly
Meeting;
One woman, elected by the Quarterly Meeting, to represent the
Conference-recognized women’s organizations within the circuit;
Divisional Young People’s Secretary;
Divisional Lay Preachers Secretary;
One lay representative from each Department of the Secretariat who shall
attend the Annual Meeting of the division in which the Secretariat is
situated.
Ministerial Sessions of Divisional Meetings
There shall be a Ministerial Session of Divisional Meetings, whose sessions shall be held
during the course of the Annual Divisional Meetings.
17.
44.
Composition of Ministerial Sessions of Divisional Meetings
The Ministerial Session of Divisional Meetings shall consist of the following:
a)
b)
c)
45.
All ordained ministers in the division;
All ordained deaconesses in the division;
Ministerial and deaconess probationers shall be present for the purpose of
examination but shall not vote.
Lay Pastors’ Meetings
A lay pastor is a lay preacher who has been accepted by the divisional meeting or the
divisional lay pastors’ meeting to exercise pastoral oversight of one or more
congregations in a circuit of that division.
46.
Conduct of Lay Pastors’ Meetings
A lay pastors’ meeting should be conducted twice a year in each division and shall
consist of all ordained ministers and probationers and all lay pastors within the bounds of
the division. At such meetings, all questions affecting lay pastors shall be dealt with. The
divisional superintendent or a minister delegated by the divisional superintendent shall
chair the lay pastors’ meeting.
47.
48.
The Methodist Conference
1)
There shall be a Conference of the Methodist church in Fiji and Rotuma,
which shall meet annually. There shall be a ministerial session, of which
all ordained ministers shall be members; and a representative (plenary)
session comprising ordained ministers and lay representatives.
2)
The Annual Conference shall have jurisdiction over all Methodist
Churches in Fiji and Rotuma in matters of doctrine, discipline,
organization, finance, land and all properties owned by the Methodist
Church in Fiji and Rotuma.
Composition of Annual Conference
The Conference shall consist of the following:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
Ordained Ministers
The lay vice-president
The two immediate past vice-presidents
circuit lay representatives
One lay representative from each section of the secretariat
18.
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)
11)
12)
13)
14)
15)
49.
The head or one representative from:
- Dilkusha Girls’ Home
- Veilomani Boys’ Home
- Ba Methodist Hospital
- Methodist Lay Training Centre
- Methodist Handicraft & Farming School
The Administrator of the Deaconess Order
The President and Secretary of the Methodist Woman’s Fellowship
A representative of the overseas missions committee
The principal or head teacher of each church school or his/her
representative
All ordained deaconesses
One woman representative from each division
One youth representative from each division, being a member of the
church under 30 years of age
Ex-officio lay national leaders of the church (Financial Secretary, Property
Development Supervisor)
The President’s Panel. For this the President may appoint not more than
ten extra lay members of Conference choosing church members who, in
his judgement, have a special contribution to make to the work of the
Conference.
Ministerial Session
There shall be a ministerial session of Conference, which shall deal with the questions
laid down in section ‘B’ of the Business of Conference. Ministerial session shall consist
of all ordained ministers of the Conference.
50.
Standing Committee
There shall be a Standing Committee of the Conference, whose membership and terms of
reference shall be as laid down in the Appendix to this Constitution.
51.
Ministerial Session of Standing Committee
There shall be a ministerial session of standing committee of the Conference, which shall
meet before the representative session. The ministerial session shall report to the
representative session of the standing committee significant decisions regarding
ministers, including suspensions and transfers. Matters concerning discipline of ordained
deaconesses, as recommended by the deaconess committee, shall be dealt with in this
session also, in which case the administrator of the deaconess order, and the senior
deaconess or her substitute, and any female members of the standing committee, shall
also be present. Decisions on discipline of ordained deaconesses shall be reported to the
representative session.
19.
52.
Membership
Membership of the ministerial session of the standing committee shall be as laid down in
the Constitution and terms of reference of this committee as found in the Appendix to this
Constitution.
53.
Responsibilities
The responsibilities of the ministerial session of the standing committee shall be to deal
between Conferences with the tasks which are the responsibility of the ministerial session
of Conference.
54.
Interpretation
Interpretation: “Conference” Shall be interpreted to include the standing committee
meeting immediately preceding Conference, which deals with the questions, set out in
paragraphs 65 and 66 of the agenda; the ministerial session which deals with the
questions set out in paragraph 67 of this Constitution, the stationing committee and the
representative session of Conference.
55.
Conference Secretariat
There shall be a Conference Secretariat to co-ordinate certain areas of the church’s work.
Ministers of lay people may be appointed by Conference as Secretaries for:
1)
2)
3)
Christian citizenship and social service
Evangelism, mission and stewardship
Youth work and Christian education
and such other matters as may be determined from time to time by the Conference.
56.
Conference Committees
The Conference shall determine what committees it requires to assist with the
organization of Conference business and the implementation of Conference decisions and
shall duly appoint the members annually.
57.
Terms of Reference
The Conference shall determined the terms of reference and the membership of these
committees which shall be advisory and shall have no execute authority unless such
execute authority is specifically granted by Conference.
20.
58.
Appointment of Chairman
Conference may appoint lay people as chairman of boards, committees and councils of
the Conference.
PART VII – CONFERENCE OFFICERS
The Conference shall elect the following officers by ballot:
59.
60.
President
1)
The President of the conference shall be a minister in full connexion,
elected annually for a term not exceeding 3 years in succession.
2)
The incoming President shall take office at the beginning of January in the
year following his/her election and be installed at the opening of the
ensuing Conference (twelve months after election).
3)
No person shall be eligible for nomination as President before completing
10 years of service after ordination
4)
The office of President shall be a separated appointment.
Duties of the President
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
To be the chief pastor of the church;
To be the official representative of the church. The President shall have
the power to appoint a deputy to represent him;
To preside at the Conference and at official Conference committees or
meetings;
To have the power to act in the name of the Church in a situation of
urgency;
To have the authority to give rulings on matters not covered by the
Constitution and the decision of Conference; such rulings to be reported to
the next Standing Committee for confirmation or amendment;
To commission divisional superintendents;
The President (or a suitable person delegated by the President) shall
oversee the divisional superintendents’ administrative work, pastoral
duties and general book work.
21.
61.
62.
63.
Lay Vice-President
1)
The vice-President of the conference shall be a lay member of the
Methodist Church who has been a member of the Conference on at least
three occasions prior to the year of his or her election.
2)
The Lay Vice-President shall take office at the Conference in the year
following his or her election.
3)
The position of Vice-President, shall be an honorary one, but if the
Conference so decides an allowance may be paid to cover necessary
expenses.
Duties of the Lay Vice-President
1)
The vice-President shall preside in the Conference or in any committee of
the Conference in the absence of, or at the request of the President. He or
she shall be ex-officio member of the Stationing Committee of the
Conference, the Standing Committee, and the Finance, Land and Property
Committee, and other Conference Committees.
2)
The vice-President may at the President or Standing committee’s request
represent the President at church or other functions where the President is
unable to attend, except where ministerial functions are to be performed.
3)
The vice-President shall be ex-officio member of the Annual Divisional
Meeting of the division to which he or she belongs.
General Secretary
There shall be a General Secretary of the Methodist Church in Fiji who shall be
responsible for the administrative work of the Church and the Secretarial work of
Conference.
1)
2)
3)
4)
The General Secretary shall be a minister of the conference in full
connexion.
The same person may be re-elected as General Secretary for a maximum
of seven years.
The General Secretary shall assume office at the beginning of the
Connexional year following his appointment.
This appointment shall be a separated appointment.
22.
64.
Duties of the General Secretary
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
To be the executive officer of the Conference;
To act as agent for the Conference;
To be the custodian of deeds;
To be responsible for the organization of the work of the church office and
all matters related thereto;
To be responsible for the handling of all Connexional monies;
To be a member of the Standing Committee;
To see that the following are carried out:
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
Keeping up to date of all Conference records;
Appointing of an accountant/accountants and other necessary
office staff
Preparing and presenting of the business of Conference;
Seeing that an accurate record of Conference business is kept;
Preparing and issuing of the minutes of Conference.
PART VIII – CONDUCT OF BUSINESS
The following questions shall indicate the jurisdiction and business of the conference and
the Annual Divisional Meetings, the Quarterly Meetings, Leaders’ Meetings, Lay
Pastors’ Meetings and Lay Preachers’ Meetings.
The appropriate questions shall be asked at each Conference for meeting and answers
recorded in the minutes.
65.
Conference
Questions to be dealt with by the Conference Standing Committee prior to Conference.
The decisions to be reported to Conference for ratification.
Representative Session
1)
2)
3)
What appointments have been made during the year?
Do we create any new ministerial or deaconess appointment in a circuit,
department or institution?
Whom do we appoint as members of Conference Committees apart from
the Conference Standing Committee?
23.
4)
5)
66.
Are there any matters to be considered from the Fiji Council of Churches,
the Methodist Consultative Council of the Pacific, the Pacific Conference
of Churches, the Bible Society of the South Pacific, the World Council of
Churches, the World Methodist Council, etc? (Recommendations to be
sent to Conference, see Section 69, Question 30).
Whom do we recommend to Conference as:
a) Secretary of the Young People’s Department?
b) Secretary of the Department of Evangelism and Stewardship?
c) Secretary of the Department of Christian Citizenship and Social Service?
d) Principal of the Theological College?
e) Principal of the Methodist Lay Training Centre?
f) Administrator of the Deaconess Order?
g) Hospital Chaplain?
h) Prison Chaplain?
i) Chaplains to the forces?
j) Other chaplains (excluding school chaplains)?
k) Secretary of Communications and Overseas Mission?
6)
a) does any minister, probationer, deaconess or lay person offer for
overseas missions work?
g) What ministers, probationers, deaconesses or lay people are at present
serving overseas churches and where are they stationed?
7)
What ministers or deaconesses are permitted to take long leave?
8)
a) What are the statistical returns of the church?
b) (Every third year) What trends can be noted and what action is
recommended?
Ministerial Session
1)
Whom do we make supernumerary ministers:
a) Permanently;
b) For a limited period?
2)
What supernumeraries are permitted to return to the active work?
3)
What ministers continue as supernumeraries:
a) Permanently;
b) For a limited period?
24.
4)
67.
Questions to be dealt with by the Ministerial Session of Conference
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)
11)
12)
13)
14)
15)
68.
a) What ministers is permitted to transfer to another Conference or Church?
b) What ministers who were formerly members of this Conference are
now exercising their ministry in overseas churches, with the right to
return to this Conference on the completion of their service overseas?
c) What ministers does Conference now release to exercise their ministry
in churches overseas with the right to return to this Conference at the
completion of their service in these churches?
Who are present
Who are now accepted for Ordination:
a) Ministers;
b) Deaconesses?
What report do we receive from the Ministerial Session of Standing
Committee immediately preceding Conference?
What ministers without appointment return to their active work?
Whom do we appoint as Divisional Superintendents?
What candidates are received for the ministry?
Who is designated for college training?
Who are now received as ministers on probation?
What ministers remain on probation?
What students are to continue to receive college training?
What is the report on each student receiving college training?
a) Is there any objection to any minister: probationer or theological student?
b) What ministers or probationers now cease to be recognized as such?
What ministers and probationers are left without appointment?
a) “Resting”;
b) Permitted to work in a specific situation approved by Conference, when he
shall be considered to be a minister in active work;
c) “Without pastoral charge”;
d) Left without appointment by the Conference?
What can be done to improve the effectiveness of the ministry?
What are our resolutions on any other matter?
Questions to be dealt with during Conference by the Stationing Committee
1)
How are our ministers and probationers to be stationed for the next year, in the
light of the President’s recommendations?
25.
69.
Questions to be dealt with by the Plenary Session of Conference
1)
Who are present?
a) Ministers?
b) Deaconesses?
c) Lay representatives?
2)
What ministers, probationers, deaconesses and lay representatives had
died since last Conference?
3)
Whom do we elect as:
a) President elect?
b) Lay Vice-President elect?
c) General Secretary elect?
4)
Whom do we elect as members of the enlarged Stationing Committee:
a) Divisional representatives?
b) Women representatives?
c) Circuit ministers?
5)
Do we sanction the alteration of the boundaries of any division or circuit?
6)
Do we sanction the alteration of the name of any division or circuit?
7)
What new divisions or circuits do we constitute?
8)
What reports do we receive from the Standing Committee immediately
preceding Conference?
9)
What are our resolutions concerning ministerial training:
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
Candidates for the Ministry;
Training of students;
Training and examination of probationers;
The Theological College;
Appointment of Principal;
Any other matter
26.
10)
What are our resolutions concerning the Deaconess Order:
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)
h)
11)
What are our resolutions concerning Lay Training:
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)
12)
Training of Lay members in the circuits;
Training of Lay Pastors;
Training of Lay Preachers;
The Methodist Lay Training Centre;
Appointment of Principal of Methodist Lay Training Centre;
Appointment of Secretary of Non-Formal Education;
Any other matter?
What are our resolutions concerning:
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
13)
What deaconesses are to be ordained in this Conference?
What deaconesses are to continue on probation?
Who are now received as deaconesses on probation?
What candidates are received for the Deaconess Order?
Whom do we appoint as Administrator of the Deaconess Order?
Whom do we appoint as Tutor at Deaconess House?
How are deaconesses to be stationed for the ensuing year?
What are our other resolutions?
Christian education and training of children;
Christian education and training of young people;
The Young People’s Department of the Secretariat;
Appointment of Secretary;
Any other matter?
What are our resolutions concerning:
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
Evangelism within the church;
Evangelism beyond the church;
Overseas mission;
The Evangelism Department of the Secretariat;
Appointment of Secretary?
27.
14)
What are our resolutions concerning:
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
15)
What are our resolutions concerning the following institutions:
a)
b)
c)
d)
16)
17)
Ba Methodist Hospital;
Dilkusha Girls’ Home
Veilomani Boys’ Home;
Viti Concern?
What more can be done to further the work of God in our circuits?
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
Pastoral care;
Renewal of worship;
Devotional life of the people;
Relationships within congregations;
Outreach in witness and service;
Any other matter?
a)
b)
What are our resolutions concerning educational matters?
Whom do we appoint as principals and head teachers of our
schools?
Who are members of our school boards and committees?
Whom do we appoint as the Secretary for Education?
c)
d)
18)
Christian Citizenship;
Social need in the community;
Christian Family Life;
Any other public questions or social issues;
The Christian Citizenship and Social Service Department of the
Secretariat;
Appointment of Secretary?
a)
b)
c)
d)
What ministers, probationers or lay people do we receive as staff
from another conference or Church?
Who are our overseas staff stationed for the next ensuing year?
What overseas staff are due for furlough?
What resolutions do we make on any other matter concerning
overseas staff?
28.
19)
What are our resolutions concerning lay pastors?
20)
What are our resolutions concerning lay preacher?
21)
What are our resolutions on:
a)
Issues concerning women;
b)
Issues concerning men;
c)
The Methodist Women’s Fellowship;
d)
The Men’s Fellowship.
22)
a)
b)
What are our resolutions concerning matters covered by the
Conference Committee?
Whom do we appoint as members of the Conference Standing
Committee?
23)
What are our resolutions concerning:
a)
Davuilevu;
b)
The Methodist Book Depot;
c)
Epworth Arcade;
d)
Publications?
24)
What are our resolutions concerning other land and property?
25)
What are the reports on Conference funds for the past financial year?
26.
What are the Conference financial estimates for the current financial year?
27.
What amounts have been collected in special offerings authorised by the
Conference?
28)
What are our resolutions concerning stewardship of money and resources?
29)
Whom do we appoint as the trustees of the Methodist Church in Fiji?
30)
What are our resolutions concerning ecumenical matters? (See 65 [4]).
31)
What matters are remitted for consideration and report to the next
Conference?
32)
Are there any amendments to the Constitution of the Methodist Church in
Fiji?
29.
70.
33)
What are the resolutions of Conference on any other matters?
34)
When and where shall the next Conference be held?
Annual Divisional Meeting
Ministerial Session
(1)
Are there any objections to any minister, probationer or deaconesses
connected with the division?
The Superintendent of the Division shall ask the following questions
concerning each minister, deaconess and probationer:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(2)
(a)
(b)
71.
Are there any objections to her/his moral and religious character?
Do you believe and preach our doctrine?
Has he/she duly observed our discipline and encouraged others to
do so?
Has he/she competent abilities for the work of the ministry?
What ministers on probation do we recommend for ordination at
the next Conference?
What deaconesses do we recommend for ordination at the next
Conference?
(3)
What probationers do we recommend to be continued as such by next
Conference?
(a)
Ministers;
(b)
Deaconesses?
(4)
What are our other resolutions regarding ministry?
Representative Session
(1)
Who are present?
(2)
Have any ministerial or lay representative died since the last Annual
Divisional Meeting?
(3)
What are the minutes of the previous meeting?
30.
(4)
(a) What are our recommendations on any proposal for the alternation of
the boundaries of the division or of any circuit within the division?
(b) What are our recommendations on any proposal for the alternation of
the name of this division or of any circuit within this division?
(5)
What circuit, department of the secretariat or institution will become a
minister’s or deaconess’ appointments?
(6)
What circuits ask for new lay pastors’ appointments?
(7)
(a)
(b)
What is the spiritual state of our circuits?
What is the moral and spiritual condition of the community?
(8)
(a)
What are the statistical returns for the division as required by the
Conference?
Whom do we appoint to examine these and report to a later session
of this meeting?
(b)
(9)
What reports are submitted by the church secretariat and its divisional
secretaries and what are our recommendations thereon, concerning:
(a)
Young People’s work
(b)
Evangelism and Stewardship
(c)
Christian Citizenship and Social Services
(d)
The Connexional Office
(e)
Any other part of the Secretariat’s work?
(f)
Whom do we appoint as divisional secretaries for the Departments
of the Conference Secretariat?
(10)
What are our resolutions concerning:
(a)
Evangelism within the church;
(b)
Evangelism beyond the church;
(c)
Overseas Mission?
(11)
What are our resolutions concerning:
(a)
Christian training and welfare of children;
(b)
Sunday Schools;
(c)
Christian training and welfare of young people?
(12)
What are our resolutions concerning lay training:
(a)
Lay members in the circuits;
(b)
Lay pastors;
(c)
Lay preachers?
31.
(13)
What are our resolutions concerning:
(a)
Christians in community life;
(b)
Social need in the community;
(c)
Christian Family life;
(d)
Any other public questions;
(e)
Chaplaincy of public institutions?
(14)
What more can be done to further the work of God in our Circuits:
(a)
Pastoral Care;
(b)
Renewal in worship;
(c)
Devotional life of the people;
(d)
Relationships within congregations;
(e)
Outreach in witness and service;
(f)
Any other matter?
(15)
What are the reports and our resolutions concerning the following
institutions?
(a)
Ba Methodist Hospital;
(b)
Dilkusha Girls’Home
(c)
Veilomani Boys’Home;
(d)
Viti Concern Colo-i-Suva;
(e)
Good Samaritan Inn?
(16)
What is the report of the Education Committee, and what are our
resolutions concerning education matters?
(17)
Whom do we recommend to become supernumerary ministers?
(a)
Permanent?
(b)
For a limited period?
(18)
Who continue as supernumerary ministers?
(a)
Permanent?
(b)
For a limited period?
(19)
Does any supernumerary apply to the next Conference for permission to
return to active work? If so, what is our recommendation thereon?
(20)
Does any minister apply to be left without appointment, For how long?
What is our recommendation?
32.
(21)
What candidates do we recommend to be received at the next Conference?
(a)
for the Ministry?
(b)
for the Deaconess Order?
(22)
What candidates do we recommend to enter Theological College?
(23)
What are our resolutions concerning:
(a)
Ministerial training?
(b)
Deaconess training?
(24)
What are our other resolutions regarding ministry?
(25)
What are our resolutions concerning:
(a)
Lay Pastors;
(b)
Stationing of Lay Pastors;
(c)
Lay Pastors?
(26)
What are the reports of the following, and what are our recommendations
thereon?
(a)
Methodist Women’s Fellowship;
(b)
Men’s Fellowship;
(c)
Methodist Youth Fellowship;
(d)
Church Choirs;
(e)
Other lay activities?
(27)
What are the reports of the Conference committees, institutions, and
divisional institutions, and what are our recommendations thereon?
(28)
What is the report on land and property in the division?
(29)
What is the report on ministers’, deaconesses’ and lay pastors’ houses in
the circuits?
(30)
What is the statement of income and expenditure for each circuit?
(31)
What was the date of the last audit of the financial books in each circuit?
(32)
What is the report on any divisional funds?
(33)
Has each minister paid his dues to the Supernumerary Fund?
33.
(34)
(a)
(b)
What are the financial estimates for each circuit for the coming
year?
What are the financial estimates of the division?
(35)
Has any matter been referred to this meeting by the Lay Pastors’ Meeting?
(36)
Are register of baptisms and marriages kept in connection with each
circuit within the division and are the entries in such registers carefully
made? (Divisional Superintendent to report).
(37)
What ministers from this division do we nominate to Conference for
appointment as Divisional Superintendent? (not more than three names).
(38)
What are our resolutions concerning missionaries:
(a)
What workers from overseas request the forthcoming Conference
for permission to return to their own country:
(i)
permanently;
(ii)
on leave;
(iii) and what is our recommendations?
(b)
What minister or lay person offers for service overseas, and what is
our recommendation?
What are our other recommendations concerning missionaries?
(c)
(39)
(a)
What other matters are referred to the Annual divisional Meeting
for discussion?
(b)
Have we any recommendations to submit to the Secretariat or
Institutions? (Such recommendations should be referred direct to
the Secretariat or institution concerned, not to the Conference)
(40)
What is our recommendation to Conference regarding stationing of
ministers and deaconesses?
(41)
Who applies for leave?
(42)
Have we any recommendations to submit to the next Conference on any
other matter?
34.
(43)
(a)
(b)
(44)
72.
Who are the ministers and deaconesses who will attend the next
Conference?
What lay people do we appoint to attend the next Conference?
(i)
General representatives;
(ii)
Women’s representatives;
(iii) Youth representatives?
When and where shall the next meeting be held?
Quarterly Meeting
Opening Procedure
(1)
Who are present? (names to be recorded)
(2)
What are the minutes of the previous meeting?
(3)
Is there any matter arising from the previous meeting to be discussed?
(4)
What recommendations are received from the Leader’s and Lay
Preacher’s Meetings?
(5)
Is there any matter remitted to this meeting for discussion?
(6)
What are the numbers of church members etc., in the churches of the
Circuit? (Rolls are to be revised each year for the March Quarterly
Meeting)
(a)
Confirmed Members;
(b)
Members under preparation for confirmation;
(c)
Members in association;
(d)
(March Meeting) Have the rolls been revised for this meeting?
(7)
What is the number of adherents in the circuit?
35.
Spiritual State of the Circuits
(8)
What is the spiritual state of each church in the circuit?
(a)
Worship;
(b)
Devotional life of the people;
(c)
Relationships within the congregation;
(d)
Outreach in witness and service;
(e)
Other matters?
(9)
What more can be done to promote the work of God (Each Leaders
Meeting to submit a written answer to this question, paying attention to (a)
and (e) above.
(10)
What more can be done to evangelize the non-Christian people of the
area? (Each Leader’s Meeting to submit a written answer to this question).
(11)
Is religious instruction given regularly in schools and what can be done to
make this work more effective?
(12)
(a)
(b)
What is the report of the Sunday School’s and the Young People’s
Organizations?
What more can be done for:
(i)
Christian training and welfare of children;
(ii)
Sunday Schools’
(iii) Christian training and welfare of young people?
(13)
What is the report of other church organizations:
(a)
Women’s Fellowships;
(b)
Men’s Fellowships;
(c)
Church Choirs;
(d)
Divisional Schools;
(e)
Church Committees;
(f)
Other Organizations?
(14)
What is the annual report and the number of members of each society?
(March Quarter).
(15)
Whom do we recommend to the Annual Divisional Meeting as a
candidate?
(a)
for the Ministry;
(b)
for the Deaconess Order? (March Quarter)
36.
(16)
What is being done in Ministerial and Lay Pastoral visitation and what
more should be done?
Circuit Finance
(17)
What is the statement of Circuit income and expenditure for the quarter?
(18)
What is the statement for income and expenditure of Circuit Institutions
for the quarter?
(a)
Sunday Schools;
(b)
Young People’s Organizations;
(c)
Choirs;
(d)
Women’s Organizations;
(e)
Men’s Organizations;
(f)
Divisional School;
(g)
Church Committees;
(h)
Any Other?
(19)
Have levies and other money due been forwarded?
(20)
What money is due to be forwarded to the Divisional Superintendent, and
has it been sent?
(21)
What collections for special purposes do we authorize for the next
quarter?
(22)
What is the statement of circuit income and expenditure for the year, ad
has it been audited? (March quarter).
(23)
What are the circuit estimates for the coming year? (March quarter).
24)
What is the report of the Circuit Finance Committee?
25)
Is the financial record of each society properly kept and has it been
audited?
37.
Connexional Work
26)
How much money has bee raised for the various institutions and
committees of the conference for the year? (March quarter)
27.
How has overseas mission work been promoted in our churches during the
past quarter? What can be done in the coming quarter?
28)
What more can be done to help the work of other committees and
institutions of the Conference?
29)
Is there any recommendation to the Annual Meeting? (March quarter)
30)
Is there any recommendation to the Conference? (June quarter)
Property
31)
What is the report of the stewards concerning:
a)
Church buildings;
b)
houses;
i) permanent buildings, houses being built, recently built, about to
be erected;
(ii) Fijian structures; houses being built, recently built, about to be
erected;
(iii) How are they being looked after?
32)
Has the appropriate government or local government authority checked
each building being erected?
33)
(a)
(b)
34)
What is the report regarding church land development, lease
charges, town rates?
Is all church land within our circuit being put to good use? What
more can be done?
Is all property adequately insured?
38.
Appointments (March quarter)
35)
Whom do we elect at (a) Circuit Stewards; (b) Circuit Treasurer?
36)
Whom do we appoint as representatives (and substitutes) to the
Conference?
37)
Whom do we appoint as representatives (and substitutes) to the Annual
Divisional Meeting?
38)
Whom do we appoint as Circuit Secretaries for the various Conference
concerns (evangelism, youth work, Christian Citizenship and Social
Services, Overseas Mission, etc.)?
39)
Whom do we appoint to chair the Leaders’ Meetings, in the churches in
the circuit?
General
40)
Do we recommend to the Annual Divisional Meeting the amalgamation or
division of the circuit or alteration of any boundary? (March quarter)
41)
a)
b)
42)
Do we create a new lay pastorate? (March quarter)
43)
What is the report of the divisional school, and what are our
recommendations?
44)
Is there any other business?
45)
When and where shall the next meeting be held?
Do we ask for an additional minister?
Do we request the Deaconess Committee for the appointment
of a deaconess? (March quarter)
39.
73.
Leaders’ Meeting
1)
2)
Who are present?
What is the report concerning church members?
a)
Is any member sick and has he/she been visited?
b)
Is any member in mental hospital and has he/she been visited?
c)
Is any member in prison and has he/she been visited?
d)
Is any member in material need?
e)
Has any member died?
f)
Are there any objections to the moral and spiritual character of a
member? What can we do to help that member?
3)
Who do we admit as a confirmed member?
4)
a)
b)
c)
5)
Whom do we receive as catechumens?
6)
a)
b)
c)
What members have been received by transfer from other circuits?
What members have been transferred to other circuits?
Have the necessary transfer forms been sent to the ministers
concerned?
Who have, by baptism, been made members under preparation for
Confirmation?
What preparation given to the parents of children baptized?
What are the numbers of baptisms since the last meeting:
i)
adult;
ii)
child?
7)
What are our membership figures?
a)
Confirmed members;
b)
Members under preparation for confirmation;
c)
Members in association?
Permanent rolls shall be kept and shall be revised each year before the
March quarterly meeting.
8)
Whom do we record as adherents? (The adherents’ roll shall be read and
revised at least once a year.)
9)
How many marriages have been celebrated since the last meeting, and
What preparation for marriage was given to the couples?
40.
10)
What more can be done to promote the work of God:
a)
Pastoral care
b)
Devotional life of the people
c)
Relationships within our congregation
d)
Outreach in witness and service
e)
Bible Study and Prayer Groups
f)
Other matters?
11
What more can be done to evangelize the non-Christian people in our
area? (Written answers to be sent to the Quarterly Meeting)
12)
What service has been rendered to disabled people in our area? What more
can be done?
13)
a)
b)
c)
What is the state of the Sunday Schools and the Young People’s
Organizations?
What more can be done to help this work?
What arrangements do we now make to prepare young people for
Confirmation?
14)
Does anyone wish to retire?
a)
Church Stewards
b)
Sunday School Superintendent
c)
Sunday School Teachers?
d)
Any other leader?
15)
Whom do we appoint as:
a)
Class leaders
b)
Church Stewards
c)
Sunday School Superintendents
d)
Sunday School Teachers
e)
Communion Stewards
f)
Members of the Finance Committee
g)
Prayer Meeting leaders
h)
Any other leader?
16)
What are the reports of the various committees and what are our
resolutions thereon?
a)
Church committees
b)
Finance committee (here a written financial statement shall be
submitted)
41.
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)
h)
74.
Stewardship committee
Committee on evangelism and mission
Committee on Women’s work
Men’s Fellowship committee
Property committee (development, lease charges, town rates,
land use)
Any other committee
17)
Have we any other recommendations to send to the Quarterly Meeting?
18)
Whom do we nominate to enter church training institutions?
a)
Circuit
b)
Davuilevu
c)
Deaconess House?
19
Is there any other business?
20)
When and where shall the next meting be held?
Lay Pastors’ Meeting
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)
11)
12)
13)
Who are present?
Are there any objections to any lay pastor?
Has any lay pastor died during the year?
Does any lay pastor desire to retire from active work?
What lay pastors remain on the retired list?
Does any retired lay pastor apply to return to the active work?
What lay pastors on probation do we receive into full standing?
(September)
What lay pastors continue on probation? (September)
Whom do we receive as lay pastors on probation? (September)
Does any lay pastor offer for overseas missions? (March)
What are the lay pastors’ appointments for the ensuing year? (March)
Are scripture lessons regularly given in the day schools by the lay?
Pastors?
Have we any other recommendations to submit to the Annual Divisional
meeting and Conference? (March)
42.
75.
Lay Preachers’ Meeting
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)
11)
12)
13)
14)
15)
16)
Who are present?
Are there ay objections to any lay preacher in the circuit? The chairman of
the Lay Preacher’s Meeting shall ask the following questions of each lay
preacher by name and answers should be given to each question:
a)
Are there any objections to his moral and religious character?
b)
Does he believe and preach our doctrines?
c)
Has he fulfilled his appointments or made satisfactory
alternative arrangements?
d)
Has he competent abilities for the work of a lay preacher?
Has any preacher died during the quarter?
Who is received as an accredited lay preacher?
Who remains a preacher on trial?
Who is received as a preacher on trial:
a)
For the first time?
b)
Readmitted?
Has any lay preacher resigned?
Whom o we recognize as helpers?
Does the meeting recommend that any new preaching place be
established, or that any preaching place cease to be regarded as such?
Do we nominate to the Quarterly Meeting a preacher for appointment to
the oversight of a village?
Whom do we recommend to the Quarterly Meeting to enter the church
training institutions?
a)
Divisional;
b)
Davuilevu?
Do any of our preachers now reside in another circuit?
Are there any lay preachers to be received from other circuits?
What more can be done to improve the quality of our preaching?
Is there any other business?
When and where shall the next meeting be held?
43.
Appendix A
THE TWELVE RULES OF A HELPER
The task of a Christian minister is to take care of people, to fee ad guide the flock, as one
who will have to give an account to God. He or she can only do this by walking closely
with God, by putting God’s work first, and by disciplining himself or herself according to
the guidance of the church, observing the “Twelve Rules of a Helper”.
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)
11)
12)
Be diligent. Be a good steward of your time.
Be serious. Let your motto be, “Holiness to the Lord”. Guard your tongue.
Do not make jokes on serious matters, jokes that may hurt, jokes that may
deceive people, jokes that are unfitting.
Behave properly with people of the opposite sex.
Take no step towards marriage without a solemn prayer to God, careful
consideration and consultation with your fellow-worker in the Church.
Make your marriage vows first of all before God.
Believe evil of no-one, unless it is fully proved. Believe the best of people.
Speak evil of no-one; keep your thoughts about a person to yourself until
you meet that person. Avoid gossip.
If you think you see a wrong in someone, speak to that person lovingly
and plainly, as soon as you can; if not it may be like a germ that multiplies
in your heart. Then forgive straight away.
Do not put on airs. A preacher of the Gospel is a servant of all.
Be ashamed of nothing except sin. Doing lowly tasks is not shameful.
Be punctual. Do everything exactly at the time.
Spend yourself in the task of saving souls; and go always, not only to
those who want you, but to those who need you most.
Act in all things not as you want to, but as the Gospel directs and in union
with your fellow-workers. Use your time partly in preaching and visiting
from house to house, partly in serving the needy, partly in reaching,
meditation and prayer. About all, carry out that work which the
Conference appoints you to, for the glory of God. It is not your business to
preach so many times, and to take care of this or that Church or meeting,
but to bring as many as you can to Christ, to bring as many sinners as you
can to repentance, and to build them up in holiness.
44.
Appendix B
EXTRACT FROM THE TRUST DEED OF THE METHODIST CHURCH IN FIJI
KNOW ALL MEN by these presents that the sole power and ownership of the Methodist
Church in Fiji is invested in the Annual Conference which as jurisdiction over all
Methodist Churches in Fiji.
WHEREAS
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
The Methodist Church in Fiji is an organization registered under the Religious
Bodies Ordinance Cap. 227.
The constitution of the Methodist Church in Fiji is laid down in the “Book of
Constitution of the Methodist Church in Fiji”.
The Annual Conference shall have jurisdiction over all Methodist Churches in Fiji
in matters of doctrine, discipline, organization, finance, land and all properties
owned by the Methodist church in Fiji in the Dominion of Fiji.
The Standing Committee of the Methodist church in Fiji shall have the powers
and carry out the duties of the Annual Conference when the Annual Conference is
not meeting.
Pursuant to powers vested in the Annual Conference it shall appoint THREE (3)
TRUSTEES from its membership……*
The Memorial of Trustees as decided by the annual conference or the Standing
committee from time to time shall be registered with the Registrar of Titles….
The Methodist Church in Fiji has acquired freehold and leasehold lands and other
properties in Fiji all of which lands have been vested in the Trustees for the
Methodist church in Fiji ……
NOW KNOW YE AND THESE PRESENTS WITNESS:
11)
Powers of Trustees
a)
The Trustees shall have the power conferred on them by the Annual
Conference (or by the Standing Committee when the Conference is not
meeting) to carry out the decisions of the Annual Conference by way of
executing all legal documents and carrying out all matters relating to the
Property both real and personal and in particular to purchase, lease, hire or
otherwise to acquire and to sell, mortgage, lease or otherwise dispose of
and deal with any real or personal property in Fiji as authorized by the
Annual Conference (or Standing Committee).
45.
b)
The Trustees shall have further power to borrow money, invest money or
any property personal or real that would in the discretion of the trustees be
for the betterment, promotion and advancement of the welfare of the
Church and all its constituent bodies, organizations and individuals,
subject to approval first had and obtained from the Annual Conference (or
the Standing Committee).
REGISTRATION AND SUCCESSION OF TRUSTEES
12)
The Annual Conference in exercise of the powers conferred upon it DO HEREBY
AUTHORISE the trustees to become registered under the Religious Bodies
Registration Ordinance and the name “Trustees for the Dominion of Fiji of the
Methodist Church in Fiji” with all the rights, powers an discretions which by the
said ordinance or otherwise are conferred by registration there under.
INDEMNITY OF TRUSTEES
13)
The Trustees acting on the instructions of the Conference and or of the Standing
Committee shall not be jointly severally or personally liable for any costs,
charges, liabilities, suits or damages whatsoever which may become payable by
the Methodist Church in Fiji …..
(*The Offices from among whom the Trustees may be selected are set out in the
Trust Deed).
46.
Appenix C
CONSITUTION OF STANDING COMMITTEE
Each Annual Conference of the Methodist Church in Fiji shall appoint a Standing
Committee to act as the executive of the Conference in matters which may arise between
Conferences.
1)
Terms of Reference of the Standing Committee
a)
b)
c)
d)
2)
To make decisions on matters which are not otherwise provided for in the
Constitution of the Methodist Church in Fiji.
To deal with matters which, by the Constitution of the Methodist Church
in Fiji, are under the authority of Conference.
To see that Conference decisions are carried out, making any
supplementary decisions necessary to ensure this.
To deal with matters which the Conference directs the Standing
Committee to handle, including the items under paragraphs 65-66 of the
Conference Agenda.
Personnel of the Standing Committee
The Standing Committee shall consist of 32 people. Provision shall be made for
representation of women, youth and minority groups in the Church.
a)
b)
c)
d)
The following shall be ex-officio members:
The President, Ex-President, Vice President, General Secretary, the
Superintendent of the Suva Division, Superintendent of the Indian
Division, one lay representative of the Indian Division recommended by
its Annual Divisional Meeting.
The remaining members shall be elected by Conference in such a way as
to give equal representation o the committee to ministers and lay people,
including the ex-officio members. They shall include at least 4 women, at
least 1 young person, an at least 3 representatives of minority groups
within the Church, (e.g. Indian, Rotuman, Banaban, European or PartEuropean etc.
Any lay person who has been a representative to any two Conferences
may be included in the personnel, subject to the provisions in the
regulations on the method of election, and provided that he/she is a
confirmed member of the Methodist Church for a period of not less than
four continuous years, and has consented in writing to being nominated.
The Standing Committee shall serve from January to December of the
year following its election.
47.
Appendix D
STATIONING PROCEDURES
A draft stationing sheet shall be prepared by the President, the General Secretary
and two others selected by the President and presented at the first reading of the
Stations for consideration by the Stationing Committee. (This draft will be
completed after the Standing committee has met).
The personnel of the Stationing Committee shall be :
First Reading:
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)
President
Ex-President
Vice President
General Secretary
Divisional Superintendents
Secretaries of Departments
Principal of Theological College
Second Reading:
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)
h)
Members of the Committee of First Reading
4 Circuit Ministers
A lay person from each division
The Secretary or Secretaries for Education
The Administrator of the Deaconess Order
The Senior Deaconess or a substitute
President of the Methodist Women’s Fellowship
To other women representatives
Third Reading:
All ordained ministers who are members of Conference. Any change must secure
a two thirds majority for approval.
Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma
CONSTITUTION OF DEPARTMENTS & FELLOWSHIPS
TERMS OF REFERENCE OF COMMITTEES, REGULATIONS &
GUIDELINES
OF THE METHODIST CHURCH IN FIJI
(1984)
CONTENTS
PAGE
CONSTITUTIONS
1.
Christian Citizenship & Social Services Department
2.
Evangelism & Stewardship Department
3.
Constitution of the Methodist Young People’s Department
4.
Methodist Women’s Fellowship
5.
Methodist Lay Training Centre
6.
Schools
7.
Scholarships
8.
Overseas Mission
9.
Non-Formal Education
1
3
6
10
14
17
23
27
33
REGULATIONS
10.
Circuit Affairs
11.
Circuit Stewards
12.
Lay Treasurers
13.
Registers
14.
Minister’s House
15.
Circuit Traveling Allowance
16.
Lay Preachers
17.
Ministry
18.
Divisional Superintendents
19.
Lay Pastors
20.
Temperance
35
35
36
38
38
39
39
40
40
40
44
OTHER MATTERS
21.
Leave Conditions
22.
Election of Standing Committee
23.
Building Proposals and Loans
24.
Financial Regulations
25.
Representatives to Overseas Convention
45
47
47
49
60
CONFERENCE COMMITTEES
26.
Membership of Conference Committee
27.
Committee of the Secretariat
28.
Deaconess Order Committee
29.
Land and Property Committee (including Building Committee)
30.
Finance Committee
31.
Other Conference Committees
61
62
63
64
65
66
GUIDELINES
32.
Gambling
33.
Dancing
CONTINANCE OF CONSTITUTION
34.
Constitution of the Methodist Deaconess Order
67
1.
CONSTITUTION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF CHRISTIAN
CITIZENSHIP & SOCIAL SERVICE
Preamble
The Department of Christian Citizenship and Social Service of the Methodist
Church in Fiji shall operate under the auspices of the Secretariat of the Methodist
Church in Fiji, and in collaboration with the coordinating committee of the
Secretariat of which the President shall be the Chairman.
1.
Name
The name of the department shall be the Department of Christian Citizenship ad
Social Service.
2.
Aims
In cooperation with the coordinating committee of the Secretariat, the Department
shall work to achieve the following aims:
a)
To stimulate and encourage social study, service and activity by Methodist
individuals, groups and congregations.
b)
To formulate policies and coordinate the social ministries and the serving
institutions of the Methodist Church, ie. Ba Hospital, Dilkusha Girls’
Home, Veilomani Boys’ Home, Viti Concern and the Good Samaritan Inn.
c)
To cooperate with the social work of other churches, groups and
Government, and to encourage our people to take part in these also.
d)
To advise the conference, and the President, on social and political
questions that call for study, pronouncement or action by the Church.
e)
To examine and coordinate the role of laymen within the church and
community with a view to making their work and witness more useful and
more effective.
f)
To promote Christian Family Life within our Church, and to enlist the
cooperation of other Church Departments, Institutions and Fellowships in
carrying out programmes of training, both basic and advanced, in this.
2.
3.
Staff
a)
Secretary
The Conference may appoint a minister or a layman or woman to serve as
Secretary of the Department, who shall act as convener of the Board, and
as its executive officer. The Secretary shall be the officer responsible for
coordinating the department with the Secretariat, and shall represent the
Department in its relationships with their church bodies and with the
Government.
b)
Other Conference Appointments
Further appointments to this department of ministers and deaconesses may
be constituted by the Conference.
c)
Other Staff
Other necessary staff of the department shall be appointed by the Board of
the Department.
4.
Board
There shall be a Board of Christian Citizenship and Social Service, appointed annually by
the Conference. The Board shall consist of the President and General Secretary, the
Secretary of the Department and not more than seven other ministers, with one lay
member for each ministerial member.
5.
Committees
The Board shall appoint a Family Life Committee and shall have power to appoint such
other members as it desires and to delegate to them such work as it deems appropriate.
The Board may appoint to the committees suitably qualified persons who are not
necessarily members of the Board.
6.
Finance
a)
There shall be a Methodist Christian Citizenship and Social Service.
b)
The Fund shall be maintained by donation and other income that may from
time to time be applied to the purposes of the Department.
c)
The nucleus of the fund shall be the annual New Year collection.
d)
One member of the Board shall be appointed Treasurer of the Department.
e)
Audited accounts of the Department shall be presented annually to the
Conference.
3.
CONSTITUTION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF EVANGELISM AND
STEWARDSHIP
The Department of Evangelism and Stewardship of the Methodist Church in Fiji shall
operate under the auspices of the Secretariat of the Methodist Church in Fiji, and in
collaboration with the coordinating committee of the Secretariat, of which the President
shall be the Chairman.
1.
Name
The name of the Department shall be the Department of Evangelism and
Stewardship.
2.
Staff
a)
Secretary
The Annual Conference shall appoint an ordained minister or a lay person
as Secretary of the department. The Secretary shall be the officer
responsible for coordinating the Department with the Secretariat.
b)
3.
Other Staff
Other staff of the Department shall be appointed by the Board of
Evangelism, except for any ministerial appointment which shall be made
by Conference.
Committees
1)
Board of Evangelism
(a)
Aim
Within the structure of the Secretariat, and in cooperation with its
coordinating committee, the board of Evangelism shall serve the
following purposes:
i)
To keep before our Methodist people the central
evangelical purpose and doctrines of the Church and to
stress the importance of evangelism within the total mission
of the Church.
ii)
To remind the Church of the range and character of the
unfinished evangelistic task and the necessity of Christian
service and to deepen their sense of evangelistic work and
obligation.
iii)
To stimulate study on the biblical and theological basis of
evangelism and the meanings of the Church’s missionary
task and on questions directly related to the communication
of the Gospel in the world.
4.
b)
2.
v)
To encourage research into all areas of mission throughout
the world and make known the findings.
vi)
To promote evangelism through press, radio and literature.
vii)
To serve specialized areas of evangelism, such as industry,
commerce and education.
viii)
To negotiate where required with other Boards of
Evangelism and the Department of World Mission and
Evangelism of the World Methodist Council and the World
of Churches.
ix)
To encourage the setting up of circuit committees of
evangelism.
x)
To make available resource material.
Membership
The Secretary of the Department, the Overseas Missions Secretary,
and ten other people including representatives of the Indian
Division, the Overseas Missions Committee, ministers and lay men
and women.
Stewardship Committee
Aims
a)
To promote among our people a deeper understanding of the
claims and practice of Christian stewardship of time, talents and
money.
b)
To assist circuits to conduct stewardship missions in circuits.
c.
To encourage circuits to plan suitable projects to develop the
Church’s resources.
Membership
a)
The Secretary of the Department who shall act as Convener;
b)
A member of the accounts section of the connexional Office, to be
nominated by the Financial Secretary;
c)
The Property Development Supervisor;
d)
3 other ministers and 2 other lay people, including women.
5.
3.
Sub-Committee
The Board shall appoint such sub-committees as necessary for its work.
The sub-committees make decisions on practical details of their work,
matters of policy shall be referred to the Board.
The Secretary of the Department shall be ex-officio member of subcommittees; and may either chair their meetings or delegate this
responsibility to another member. Sub-committees shall be answerable to
the Board of Evangelism.
Terms of reference of sub-committees shall be drawn up by the Board.
Membership shall be as determined by the board, taking into account
names recommended by the sub-committees.
4.
Finance
The board of Evangelism shall be financed by:
a)
b)
An annual grant from Conference.
Other funds raised by the Board or made available from sources
within Fiji or overseas. Requests to overseas bodies for financial
assistance shall be made direct through the Standing Committee of
the Conference of the Methodist church in Fiji & Rotuma.
6.
CONSTITUTION OF THE METHODIST YOUNG PEOPLE’S
DEPARTMENT
The Young People’s Department of the Methodist church in Fiji shall operate under the
auspices of the Secretariat of the Methodist Church in Fiji, and in collaboration with the
coordinating committee of the Secretariat, of which the President shall be the Chairman.
1.
Name
The name of the department shall be the Methodist Young People’s Department.
2.
Objectives
The objectives of the Young People’s Department shall be :
a)
To promote Christian nurture of children and young people of our church.
b)
To study the situation and needs of children and young people.
c)
To help local churches in their program of Christian Education among
children and young people in the Sunday Schools, day schools and youth
organizations.
d)
To undertake the task of training Sunday School teachers, day school
teachers and MYF leaders.
e)
To coordinate the various children’s and youth organization within the
Methodist Church in Fiji.
f)
To promote ecumenical fellowship and service amongst the youth of
various denominations in Fiji, the Pacific and elsewhere.
3.
Officers
The following shall be the officers of the Young People’s Department:
a)
Secretary
Assistant Secretary
b)
The staff of the Young People’s Department shall be appointed by the
Young People’s Department Council.
c)
The Function of the officers and staff of the Young People’s Department
shall be as follows:
Secretary
i)
ii)
iii)
To be the officer responsible for coordinating the department with the
Secretariat;
To initiate study and policies for the Department;
To be responsible for the implementation of the plans and programs of the
Department, the management of the staff, and the everyday decisions
concerning the running of the Department;
7.
iv)
v)
vi)
To refer the Council matters concerning the overall policy of the
Department and major decisions concerning staff, finance, or the
implementation of its programs;
To make departmental decisions and give directions following
adequate discussion with his staff in staff meetings;
To carry out systematic visitation of divisions and circuits to
stimulate them in Sunday School and youth work.
Assistant Secretary/ies
To carry out the tasks given them by the Director, covering these areas:
administration, curriculum development, training, field visits.
Other Staff
The Council shall appoint, on the advice of the Director any other staff
deemed necessary. Their duties shall be allocated on the advice of the
Staff Meeting.
4.
Council and Committees
The following shall be the official Council and Committees of the Young
People’s Department:
1)
2)
3)
Young People’s Department
Staff Meeting
Other advisory committees
1)
Young People’s Department
(Terms of Reference and Membership to be worked out)
2)
Staff Meeting
i)
The Staff Meeting shall be responsible for all matters pertaining to
the everyday ruing of the Department and its program.
ii)
The Staff Meeting shall undertake to plan a flexible Christian
Education program over a set period – i.e. a two or three year plan.
iii)
The programme shall include an outline of work to be done in all
areas of the Department’s work – that is, Sunday School,
children’s activities, Junior an Senior MYF., adult, education,
camping, training, material preparation, field work, leadership
training, etc.
iv)
The Staff Meeting shall be held weekly and shall include the staff
officers, and when necessary, other staff on invitation.
3)
Other Advisory Committees
Sub-Committees shall be appointed by the Council as requested.
8.
5.
Amending the Constitution of the Young People’s Department
Any amendment to the Constitution of the Young People’s Department shall be
by the Conference on the recommendation of the Council.
6.
Proposed Terms of Reference of the Council
1.
Duties
The Council shall meeting monthly:
a)
To consider and make decisions or recommendations on matters
referred to it by:
i)
ii)
The Conference, the Standing Committee, the Committee
of the Secretariat, Annual Meetings and other church
courts.
The Secretary of the Department or the staff meeting of the
Department or other responsible bodies or individuals.
b)
To give general supervision to the work of the Department and to
see that it is adequately carrying out the tasks listed in the
Constitution of the Department.
c)
To consider regularly the financial situation of the Department
requiring that a financial statement be submitted to each meeting
and an estimate of the financial year, prior to the meeting of the
Conference Estimates Committee and an annual financial
statement to the Connexional Office for Conference.
d)
To consider reports of youth work and needs of youth from circuits
and divisions, or from other responsible people or bodies.
e)
To see that adequate research into the needs of young people and
children is carried out by the Department, and that the activities of
the Department are shaped accordingly.
f)
To see that adequate training, and guidelines as to activities, are
given to leaders of youth groups and to Sunday school teachers.
To see that an appropriate curriculum for Sunday Schools is
available at all times.
g)
To assist the Department to take advantage of training
opportunities for departmental staff and for youth leaders
throughout the church, provided by the Ministry of Youth and
Sport, and the Fiji National Youth Council, and other bodies,
where these are relevant.
9.
2.
h)
To see that an adequate plan of work is made well in advance, for
the Department and its staff, and that Divisional Youth Leaders
throughout the country are kept informed of plans and of
resources. To receive a report at each monthly meeting of the plans
for the following two months, including visits to be paid by staff
members and courses to be run.
i)
To search for resources to assist the departmental staff with their
work, where necessary.
Membership
The President
The Vice-President
The General Secretary
The Financial Secretary or Accountant
The Non-Formal Education Secretary
The Associate Secretary
A staff of the Vuli Levu
A staff member of the Department of Evangelism
A staff member of the Fiji National Youth Council or of the Ministry
of Youth and Sports, preferable a member of the Methodist
or an associated council.
Two circuit ministers of nearby circuits
Divisional Youth Secretaries of the Indian Division and 2 other divisions
Another Indian Division representative
3 Youth representatives (one under 21 years, one under 25 and one under
30 at least one of them to be a woman) – from different circuits.
2 Sunday School Teachers, at least one of them a woman
At least one deaconess
QUERY
A youth representative from Wesley Church, Suva?
The Property Development Supervisor?
(Number: 23 and 2 queries)
GUIDELINES
1)
Wherever possible those appointed should be prepared to serve
three years if required, in order to give continuity to the
Department’s activities.
2)
It should be made clear to members of the Council which
particular interest each representatives, e.g. youth, Sunday School,
Divisional Youth Secretaries.
10.
CONSTITUTION OF THE METHODIST WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP OF FIJI &
ROTUMA
1.
Name
The Methodist Women’s Fellowship of Fiji and Rotuma.
2.
Aims
To unite the Methodist Women in fellowship of the Holy Spirit and to involve
them together in the following activities.
3.
a)
Prayer Meeting:
To emphasize personal commitment to Christ an prayer life through,
World Day of Prayer, Mothers’ Day, Annual Divisional Meeting Women’s Service, Conference Meeting – Women’s Service, Federation
Day Service, Monthly and Weekly Services and other means.
b)
Education
To involve women in the study of Theology, Christian Ethics, Family
Life, Home Crafts and others.
c)
Supporting the Work of God
To engage in evangelistic pastoral visiting and care. To make financial and
other contributions for the needs of the Church and the community.
d)
Development
To encourage women’s participation in the decision making bodies and in
leadership roles of the church and community.
Local Fellowship
a)
The women of each local fellowship are encouraged to prepare their own
programmes to enable them to carry out the above aims and fulfill their
needs of their situation, using the resources of their own members, their
church and their community as well as resources provided from time to
time by the National Executive.
b)
Local Fellowships shall elect such office bearers as they find necessary for
their work.
c)
They shall send their representative to the Leaders’ Meeting and Quarterly
Meeting as provided in the Constitution of the Methodist Church in Fiji.
11.
4.
Relationship with the Church as a whole
L/FELLOWSHIP
L/FELLOWSHIP
CIRCUIT
L/FELLOWSHIP
CIRCUIT
L/FELLOWSHIP
CIRCUIT
DIVISION
NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
STANDING COMMITTEE
5.
General Meeting
The Conference of the Methodist Women’s Fellowship shall meet every second
year at a date to be set by the national Executive.
a)
Membership – Voting Members
21 members of the National Executive Committee
2 from each Division
1 from the Ordained Deaconesses
1 from each church department
1 from the Handicraft & Farming School
1 from the Methodist Old Girls’ Association
1 from the Y.W.C.A.
5 Observers invited by the National Executive
12.
b)
6.
Duties
i)
To elect office bearers: President, Treasurer and the other
members of the National Executive
ii)
To deal with such other business as is brought before it.
National Executive Committee
1.
Duties
a)
To advise and give general supervision to women’s work in the
Church in Fiji.
b)
To coordinate activities of women’s group of the Methodist
Women’s Fellowship of Fiji and Rotuma and make contact with
sister bodies in Fiji and overseas.
c)
To make recommendations to Conference or Standing Committee
and to consider matters referred by them.
2.
Membership : 21 people
a)
Officer bearers : President, Fulltime worker (Secretary), Treasurer.
b)
Ministers’ Wives: Wife of the President of the Methodist Church
in Fiji, Wife of the Superintendent of the Indian Division, Wife of
the Superintendent of the Suva Division and Six other Ministers’
wives.
c)
Other Members : Deaconess Administrator and 8 other members.
3.
Office Bearers
a)
President : Duties
i)
To chair the meeting of the National Executive.
ii)
To maintain links with Women’s Federation Overseas.
iii)
To visit Women’s Group whenever possible.
b)
Secretary:
The fulltime Secretary shall be a Deaconess or other suitable
person. She shall be supported by contributions from all
fellowships throughout Fiji and Rotuma.
Duties
i)
ii)
iii)
iv)
v)
To visit women’s groups
To be responsible for the preparation of study literature
To be responsible for correspondence and communication
To make report of the Methodist Women’s Fellowship to
Connexional Office and Annual Meetings of the Division
To convene meetings of the National Executive Committee
and see that minutes are kept
13.
c.
7.
Treasurer
Duties
i)
To look after the funds
ii)
To submit a financial report in every Executive Meeting
and an audited financial report to the connexional Office
for conference each year and to the Bi-annualGeneral
Meeting.
Source of Income
Collections from:
1)
World Day of Prayer
2)
Mothers’ Day Service
3)
Annual Meeting Women’s Service
4)
Conference Women’s Service
5)
Federation Day Service
6)
.20cents per member for the support of the fulltime worker
7)
Special appeals provided they have been approved by Conference or
Standing Committee.
14.
CONSTITUTION FOR THE METHODIST LAY TRAINING CENTRE :
VULI LEVU
1.
Name
The institution shall be called “The Methodist Lay Training” and inserted
in small letters “and Centre for Continuing Education” (in Fijian, the “Vuli
Levu”).
2.
Objectives
The aims and objectives of the Centre are as follows:
a)
That students be nurtured in Christian faith, conduct and
responsibilities so that Christ becomes the Head of Life
b)
To offer training for Laity in the following areas:
i)
Preparation for theological and deaconess training;
ii)
Catechist training;
iii)
Training Sunday School and scripture teachers;
iv)
Youth leadership and community development.
c)
To offer training in technical and vocational programmes which
includes carpentry, agriculture, home economics, commercial
courses, welding, Pacific crafts, engineering and pre-school
teaching.
d)
To liaise with other departments in terms of short courses,
seminars and other activities pertaining to the church’s
development.
3.
Status
The institution, namely the Vuli Levu shall be under the jurisdiction of the
Conference and have an independent status governed by a committee
appointed by Conference to work closely with al departments of
Conference.
4.
Staff
All staff of the institution shall be nominated by the Principal and
appointed by the Vuli Levu committee with the exception of the Principal
and ministerial appointments which are made by Conference.
15.
5.
6.
The Principal shall:
a)
See that the policy of the church and the decisions of the
committee are carried out.
b)
See that the objectives of the institution are carried out.
c)
Be responsible for the implementation of the programmes,
management of staff and everyday decisions concerning the
running of the schools.
d)
See that major decisions concerning staff, finance and important
matters are referred to the committee.
e)
Make institutional decisions and give directions following
adequate discussion with his/her staff.
f)
Provide for the well-being of the staff and students and maintain
the fellowship of Christian living.
Committees
a)
Departmental Sectional Committee
With the expansion of the institution with its different disciplines
(e.g. agriculture, home economics, and Christian education) there
is a need for sectional meetings where any grievances, insights into
development of each section, etc., may be dealt with before the
staff meeting.
b)
Staff Meeting
i)
It shall meet once a month. Other meetings shall be called
by the Principal as he/she thinks necessary or at the request
of two members of staff.
ii)
It shall help the Principal on important decisions
concerning the everyday running of the school and the
well-being of all students and staff.
iii)
It shall assist the Principal in drafting recommendations to
the Vuli Levu Committee (se Vuli Levu Committee).
16.
c)
Vuli Levu Committee
a)
Membership
President (Chairman), General Secretary, Vice-President,
Secretaries of Departments of Conference or their
representatives, principal (Convener), Secretary for
Education, Superintendent of Davuilevu, Principal of
Lelean memorial School, Principal of Theological College,
Minister of Dilkusha Church, Secretary for Non-Formal
Education, Indian Division representative, 4 Ministers, 7
Lay representatives (2 to be women), 2 youth
representatives and 2 representatives from Old Students’
Association.
b)
Duties
The Committee shall decide upon the advice of the
principal and staff regarding:
i)
ii)
iii)
iv)
v)
vi)
Curriculum and duration of courses
The well-being of students, maintenance of building
and finance
The staffing of the Centre
Students recruitment, enrolment and recognition of
achievement
Fees for the institution
Staff training and development
17.
CONSTITUTION OF CHURCH SCHOOLS AND EDUCATION COMMITTEE
1.
Schools
a)
Principals and Head teachers: The Conference shall appoint principals
and head teachers of our schools at the recommendation of the Education
Committee.
b)
Acting Principals: Standing Committee shall appoint acting principals on
the recommendation of the principal when the latter is absent on leave.
c)
Christian Witness : The Christian Witness for our schools be assessed by
the respective quarterly meetings.
d)
Reports : Annual school reports shall be sent to the quarterly meeting
concerned and to the Education Committee as well as to Annual
Divisional meetings.
e)
Building Programmes : School building proposals should comply with the
Building Proposals and loans Regulations approved by Conference.
However such school building proposals should after approval of the
School Board, be presented first through the Secretary for Education to the
Education Committee for its approval. Only after this approval will
building proposals (and loans where necessary) be discussed at the
Building Land and Property and Finance Committees respectively.
f)
School Levies
i)
ii)
All Methodist schools shall be levied by the conference at a rate
recommended annually by the Education Committee to meet the
cost of the Secretary for Education’s salary, traveling ad office
expenses.
All Methodist schools shall be levied as above at a rate
recommended by the Education Committee for the scholarship
fund for the training of teachers for our secondary schools.
18.
2.
Education Committee
a)
Membership:
The membership of the Education Committee shall consist of:
The President (Ex-officio)
Secretary/Secretaries of Education
Principals of 6 Methodist Secondary Schools
Head teachers of 4 Methodist Primary Schools
5 ministers (preferably those who are managers of schools)
5 lay people of whom 3 shall be Indian, the Convener or one member of
the Western Sub-Committee on Education.
b)
Duties:
The Education Committee shall:
i)
Advise the Conference on matters relating to Education;
ii)
Promote and implement the policy of the Conference in
educational matters;
iii)
Investigate and report to Conference on all proposals for opening
or acquiring new church schools;
iv)
Submit recommendations to the Council of Methodist schools or
educational institutions regarding any phase of the educational
work of the church.
v)
Cooperate with similar bodies appointed by other churches I
investigating matters of common interest;
vi)
Act for the Conference in all matters relating to the appointment,
transfer or dismissal of teacher sin the church schools;
vii)
Act for the Conference in all matters relating to Government or
other forms of financial assistance to Church schools.
19.
3.
Secretary for Education
(a)
The Conference shall appoint a Secretary for Education whose
duties shall be :
i)
To act for the Education Committee in all relationships
between the Methodist church in Fiji and the Ministry of
Education;
ii)
To ensure that an accurate record of the proceedings of the
Education Committee is kept and that reports are sent to the
necessary persons or agencies of the Church;
iii)
To prepare and present the business to be dealt with by the
Education Committee;
iv)
To visit all Methodist schools and to report thereon to the
Education Committee;
v)
To prepare an annual report to Annual Divisional Meetings
and to the Conference concerning the educational work of
the Church.
(b)
The Secretary for Education shall be a suitable person appointed
by Conference.
(c)
This appointment shall be considered a fulltime one if finance is
available, but may, at the discretion of Conference, be shared on a
part-time basis.
4.
Auditor
A person who can do school audits, shall be sought and, if necessary,
training to that end shall be sought.
5.
Western Sub-Committee of the Education Committee
(a)
Duties: This committee shall coordinate and promote the Church’s
policy in its schools in the Western area and report thereon to the
Education Committee. A coordinator shall be appointed by the
Conference at the recommendation of the Education Committee.
(b)
Personnel: Principals, head teachers and chairman of school
councils of Methodist Church schools in the Western District; and
the Secretary/Secretaries for Education.
20.
6.
School Committees of Management
1)
Constitution and Regulations
a)
The name of the school shall be ………………………….
b)
The primary object of the school shall be to give instruction
in a Christian setting to children; both Christian and nonChristian, between the ages of ………. and ………..
c)
The management of the school shall be vested in the
Committee. The Chairman shall be responsible for the
payment of teachers’ salaries and salaries contributions and
other expenses of the school. In all such matters including
the control of buildings, equipment and finance will act in
fullest consultation with, and obtain instructions of the
school committee.
d)
The committee shall be nominate to the Conference of the
Methodist Church in Fiji by the Annual Divisional
Meetings in the Division where the school is situated and
have been elected by the Conference, shall serve for the
ensuing year. The Chairman shall be named by Conference.
Only Conference or Standing Committee may change
membership of the committee.
e)
The committee shall consist of the chairman, the head
teacher and at least ten other members, among whom the
following should be represented: teachers, parents,
quarterly meeting, the women of the Church.
f)
The school fees payable for the following should be
decided by the committee during the third term.
g)
The Committee shall meet at least once each term. All
meeting shall be called by the Chairman as the thinks
necessary or at the request of two members of the staff. The
secretary shall give at least 7 days notice of meeting and
shall notify each member of the committee.
h)
The financial year shall begin on 1st January and all
accounts shall be audited annually. A balance sheet and a
report on the previous school term’s transactions should be
made to the committee each term. This will then be
21.
forwarded to the Education Committee. Estimates of the
current year are to be submitted to the school committee for
approval at its first meeting for the year.
2.
i)
The committee shall be responsible for the financial
welfare of the school and shall see that there is sufficient
money for the school to function properly.
j)
The committee shall ensure that the policy of the Education
Committee of the Methodist Church in Fiji is carried out in
the school.
k)
The secretary (appointed by the committee) shall keep a
full record of all meetings. Minutes shall be read at the
beginning of the next meeting and shall be confirmed, and
signed by the Chairman. Copies of the minutes, including
statements of accounts shall be sent to the Secretary for
Education after each meeting.
l)
The Secretary for Education shall have authority to write to
school committees asking for minutes, etc. to be sent.
m)
The Secretary for Education and the General Secretary
shall have authority to call for account books, asking for
explanations, make suggestions and give warnings should
they think it necessary.
n)
The Management Committee is to be consulted on the
appointment of post of responsibilities holders by the
Education Committee but the final recommendation and
decision are to be made by the Education Committee.
Questions for School Committee Meetings
a)
Who are present?
b)
What are the minutes of our previous meeting?
c)
Is there any matter arising from the previous meeting to be
discussed?
22.
d)
i)
ii)
e)
i)
ii)
iii)
iv)
f)
i)
ii)
iii)
iv)
What are our present school fees;
Are any changes to be made? (Third Term)
To whom do we grant remission of fees and to
what extent? (First term)
What new buildings are needed over the next 18
months?
Are any grants to be requested?
How is any extra money to be obtained?
What report on building needs do we send to
Education Committee or Standing Committee?
What is the detailed statement of income and
expenditure for the previous term?
What resolutions do we pass with regard to our
financial position?
hat resolutions do we pass about outstanding fees?
What are our estimates for the current year?
(First term)
g)
Is any special money to be raised? What are our
resolutions?
h)
What can this committee do to foster the Christian
emphasis of the school?
i)
What are our resolutions on school uniforms(Third term)
j)
How many Licensed Teachers do we allow the Head
teacher to employ?
k)
What recommendations do we make to Education
Committee about the welfare of our schools?
l)
What report do we send to the Quarterly Meeting?
m)
Is there any other business?
n)
When shall the next meeting be held?
23.
CONSTITUTION OF THE SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE
1.
Membership:
The Scholarship Committee shall consist of a minimum of 10 members including
the President, General Secretary, Ministers and Lay people, a young person,
representative of women, education, Indian Division and a representative form the
Theological College.
2.
Meeting: The Scholarship Committee shall meet at least once a month.
3.
Responsibilities:
The responsibilities of the Scholarship Committee shall be to:
a)
Collect information from all sections of the Church relating to needs for
training and development and work out priorities.
b)
Compile list of individuals with potential for development.
c)
Publicize scholarships through appropriate means such as Standing
Committee, divisional superintendents, members of Indian and other
minority language circuits, heads of institutions and schools, relevant
committees, the church journal; ad the media here considered appropriate.
d)
Screen and select candidates on receipt of written applications.
e)
Negotiate with overseas and local agencies on availability of suitable
scholarships to fulfill the needs established. Fields of study should include,
theology, paramedical, social welfare, education, administration,
agriculture, youth work, men and women’s interests and other fields,
which are relevant to the needs of Fiji.
f)
Arrange finance from:
i)
outside agencies;
ii)
congregations;
iii)
conference grants;
iv)
schools.
g)
Review scholarship holders. If necessary, revoke scholarships in the case
of unsatisfactory performance.
24.
4.
h)
Make recommendations to Conference of Standing committee on
placement of people on completion of studies. As far as possible original
plans should be followed.
i)
Make arrangement regarding care of dependents of scholarship holders
(housing and other expenses) prior to finalizing of scholarship.
Guarantee:
The Committee shall obtain fro those granted scholarships an undertaking to work
in the church for a specified period on completion of studies if required to do so;
this should be obtained from the scholarship holder before the commencement of
studies. The said specified period is to be determined by the committee.
5.
Regulations
Regulations regarding scholarships shall be as set out in the Regulations of the
Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma.
6.
Scholarship Regulations
1)
All scholarship holders are required to sign a undertaking to serve the
Methodist Church in Fiji (if required to do so) for a period of at least two
years upon their return, or to repay a proportion of the total costs of the
scholarship as determined by the Scholarship Committee.
2)
If a scholarship holder fails to complete the full course of studies, he/she
will be required to refund the total costs incurred on his/her behalf.
Exceptions to this may be granted on medical grounds as certified by a
doctor appointed by the Scholarship Committee, or where the course is
terminated at the request of the Scholarship Committee.
3)
When the Scholarship holder is attending a full-time course and is the
breadwinner of a family, an allowance must be paid to the wife (if not
working) and children (up to 3 children) as follows:
Wife :
Children:
difference between single and married situation allowance
child allowance.
These figures to be those recommended for ministers in Conference
Minutes.
25.
In addition, accommodation or an allowance towards it must be provided
for wife and children where necessary. Scholarship Committee to be
responsible for finding funds for this expenditure.
4)
All scholarship holders for periods of 3 months or more will be required to
have a full medical examination to be carried out by a doctor appointed by
the Scholarship Committee.
5)
Costs of interviews for prospective scholarship holders are to be met by
the Scholarship Committee funds, to cover the cheapest and most direct
means of transport.
6)
The Scholarship Committee must ensure that regular reports are received
at least half-yearly from the institutions being attended by scholarship
holders.
7)
The Scholarship Committee must ensure that scholarships are granted for
studies that will be beneficial to the future of the Methodist church in Fiji
or to the country.
8)
It shall be the policy of our church to send more people for one
scholarship rather than one person for several scholarships.
9)
A scholarship holder shall not change his/her course without the approval
for the Scholarship Committee.
10)
The following shall be the procedure for selecting students for the P.T.C.:
a)
Applicants apply by letter to the Scholarship Committee and their
Annual Divisional Meetings.
b)
Scholarship Committee sends its own P.T.C. application form to
each applicant, to be completed and returned to the Scholarship
Committee by 30th June.
c)
The Annual Divisional Meeting sends to the General Secretary its
decision regarding the applicant by 30 June.
d)
Scholarship Committee sends to the July Ministerial Training
Committee meeting the applications, which have been received for
comment.
26.
e)
Ministerial Training Committee makes its recommendations to the
Scholarship Committee.
f)
Scholarship Committee, on the basis of financial available, the
needs of the Church, and the quality of the applicants, sends its
recommendation to the Conference.
27.
REGULATIONS CONCERNING MISSIONARIES
1.
2.
Missionaries from Fiji
1)
Where requests are received from overseas churches for the appointment
of a worker from Fiji, negotiations shall take place between the
Conference or its Standing Committee, and the appropriate body
responsible in the overseas church regarding the appointment, the terms of
service and the financing responsibility.
2)
The Overseas Missions Committee shall recommend to the Standing
Committee or Conference a suitable person to fill the vacancy, after
arranging for the person to be interviewed. It shall also prepare the person
for life in the country of appointment, and for the work to be done, and
shall arrange with the receiving country to see that those who will receive
the workers are suitably prepared, and that orientation and pastoral care of
the missionary will be given.
3)
Missionaries on furlough in Fiji shall be expected to spend some time on
deputation work, not exceeding three weeks in a three-month furlough
period. Arrangements for this shall be made by the Overseas Missions
Committee in consultation with the missionary concerned.
Missionaries to Fiji
a)
Missionaries to Fiji shall be appointed on request from the Fiji
Conference.
b)
The Overseas Missions Committee shall in consultation with
appropriate people concerned:
i)
Prepare the future colleagues of the missionary and
arrange suitable orientation practical support;
ii)
Appoint a person to supervise the language study of the
New missionary; and endeavor to provide a block period of
language study;
iii)
Guide the newcomer as to which of the local languages to
study;
iv)
Suggest a suitable congregation for the missionary to be
associated with.
28.
c)
3.
Extension of the term of service shall be negotiated between the
sending and the receiving church and shall be subject to an
invitation from the receiving church and the approval of the
Conference and Standing Committee.
The Overseas Mission Committee
1)
There shall be an Overseas Missions Committee of the Methodist Church
in Fiji, which shall work under the guidance of the Overseas Missions
Secretary and in close liaison with the Secretariat, with the General
Secretary and the Secretary of Evangelism. The Overseas Missions
Committee shall be responsible to the Conference of the Methodist Church
in Fiji and its Standing Committee.
2)
Membership
The President, the Vice-President, the General Secretary, the Overseas
Missions Secretary (convener), the Director of Evangelism and eleven
other members, who shall include representative from Ex-missionaries, the
Ex-Missionaries’ Association, Oversea Missionaries, working in Fiji, the
Department of Evangelism and Stewardship and the church as a whole.
The Committee shall appoint a Chairman at its first meeting for the year.
3)
Duties
a)
To keep up-to-date lists of:
i)
ii)
iii)
Fiji missionaries serving abroad, their families and their
appointment;
Fiji missionaries who have completed with their service
overseas;
missionaries received from overseas.
b)
To maintain contact with Fiji Missionaries working overseas and
with missionaries received from overseas.
c)
To keep the church in Fiji informed of the work of Fiji
missionaries, and to promote interest in and support for the
church’s mission overseas.
d)
To administer the overseas missions fund.
29.
4.
e)
To recommend to Standing Committee suitable persons to fill
vacancies overseas, and advise on matters concerning them. To
arrange a commissioning service for outgoing missionaries.
f)
To help where possible those who have come on furlough or
retirement from service overseas and those newly arrived to serve
in Fiji.
Overseas Missions Secretary
There shall be a full-time position of Overseas Missions Secretary, either
ministerial or lay. The Secretary shall receive a salary as determined by
Conference, supported from the grant from the Conference and such other funds
as the Overseas Missions Committee has available. The Secretary shall be the
coordinating officer with the Secretariat for the Committee and shall be
responsible to the General Secretary for day-to-day work.
1)
Duties
a)
To see that meetings are convened, agenda prepared, minutes and
lists of workers kept, and correspondence attended to.
b)
To inform the Committee at least twice a year of the financial
situation of the Overseas Missions Fund.
c)
To maintain contact with missionaries.
d)
To keep the Church in Fiji informed regarding the mission of the
Church overseas, and keep overseas churches informed regarding
the life of the Church in Fiji.
e)
To promote ecumenical interests within the Church.
f)
To assist the President and the General Secretary with official
visitors from overseas.
g)
The duties are further set out in the Committee’s internal
regulations.
30.
5.
Overseas Missions Funds
1)
Source
Funds for support of missionaries sent out by the Methodist Church in Fiji,
and for the work of the Overseas Missions Committee shall be from the
following sources:
a)
b)
c)
d)
2)
An annual grant from the Conference;
The annual Pentecost offering;
Churches receiving missionaries from Fiji;
Other money raised within Fiji or received from other sources.
Use of Funds
The Overseas Missions Fund shall be used for the following purposes:
a)
To meet expenses of outgoing missionaries.
b)
To meet Provident Fund contributions of missionary personnel
serving overseas.
c)
To provide where possible for contingencies for missionary
personnel while on furlough.
d)
To provide a resettlement grant for returning missionaries.
e)
To provide such support for missionaries received from other
churches, as is not covered by their sending churches (as approved
by the Overseas Missions Committee).
f)
To provide block grants to churches or mission boards under
whom Fiji missionaries serve.
g)
To promote missionary interest, and concern for the church
overseas, within Fiji.
h)
To finance the administration expenses incurred by the Overseas
Missions Committee.
i)
To finance official deputation work by missionaries while they are
on furlough in Fiji.
31.
j)
For other purposes approved by the Overseas Missions Committee
or the Conference.
NOTE: The Regulations are set out in more detail in the Minutes of the
Overseas Missions Committee meeting of the 14th December,1982.
32.
CONSTITUTION OF THE NON-FORMAL OR “OUT OF
SCHOOL” EDUCATION
1.
Definition
(1)
(2)
For the purposes of the Methodist Church in Fiji at the present time, NonFormal Education may be defined as having the following features:
a)
It is a type of education relevant to a local church or community in
aspects of its life where the community itself recognizes a need.
b)
It is based on needs expressed by the local community and
accordingly devised into programmes.
c)
It is largely on the spot and non-institutional.
d)
It operates outside the formal educational structure, but may use
facilities of the formal system.
e)
It uses the talents, knowledge and experience of people in the local
community including the participants (usually voluntarily given).
f)
It operates mainly through short courses, and/or through
continuing programmes using existing structures and groups (e.g.
M.Y.F., divisional schools, and adult fellowships).
g)
Because of (d), and (e) and (f) it operates at a minimum cost.
h)
It serves all age groups: continuing people’s education after formal
schooling has finished or has been dropped; and educating school
goers in aspects of life neglected by their formal schooling.
It is recognized that the church ahs certain centralized institutions which
are outside the national educational system; Navuso, Methodist lay
Training Centre, Theological an Deaconess Colleges, Handicraft ad
Farming School, nursing Training. To the extent that these are vocational,
they may be regarded as Non-Formal; but since they are institutional, they
are not truly Non-Formal. The Non-Formal programme may if desired
relate to these also.
33.
2.
3.
Objectives
(1)
To set an educational model relevant to present Fiji, in harmony with the
teachings of Jesus Christ, and not demanding large financial in-put.
(2)
In a Christian context (setting) to enable the local church and community
to develop its spiritual resources, its people and its material environment,
so that the Christian community maintains priorities in development which
are consistent with the Gospel.
(3)
To meet specific training needs, in the circuits, which have been
neglected. These may also serve people outside the church.
(4)
To enable divisional schools to start programmes, this will meet the needs
of people in their divisions.
Committee
(a)
Duties of the Non-Formal Education Committee
(i)
To advise divisional schools and vocational institutions on matters
concerning their policy, staffing and proper administration and to
initiate new ideas that would best help these schools in their
missionary task within their given communities and to the nation
as a whole.
(ii)
To respond to request fro circuits ad villages for help in vocational
developmental or other forms of training.
(iii)
To determine curriculum for religious instruction used in circuit
schools.
(iv)
Liaise with Government, other organizations and denominations
concerning the life and work of circuit schools and other NonFormal training programmes in rural areas.
(v)
Organize seminars and conferences for ministers, deaconesses and
lay people when the nee arise.
(vi)
Seek ways of working closely with the Theological College
especially in its Field Education Programme.
(vii)
Work out an annual budget and be responsible for all other
financial matters of the committee and its programme.
34.
(viii)
(b)
Keep in touch with the Secretariat committee concerning all its
activities.
Membership : to be determined.
35.
CIRCUIT AFFAIRS
1.
CIRCUIT STEWARDS
(1)
Definition
A circuit steward is appointed by the Circuit quarterly Meeting as the
executive officer of the Quarterly Meeting, and works under the direction
of the Quarterly Meeting and in co-operation with the minister. The
position of circuit steward is not normally a paid one, the circuit steward
carrying out his/her duties in his/her own time. At any one time, there may
be a senior and junior circuit steward in the circuit. The circuit steward is
a member of the quarterly Meeting, and of the leaders’ meeting of the
church in which he/she holds membership, and of the annual Divisional
Meeting of his/her division.
(2)
Appointment
The method of appointment shall be as follows:
(3)
(a)
A name is nominated by the Minister to the Quarterly Meeting,
from among those who have been members of the quarterly
Meeting for at least three years.
(b)
The circuit steward is appointed by the March Quarterly Meeting.
(c)
The appointment is an annual one, with a maximum tenure of three
years.
Duties
(a)
To see that the organization of the circuit runs smoothly.
(b)
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(c)
(i)
(ii)
To consult with the circuit lay treasurer on all financial
matters of the circuit.
To be one of the bank signatories of the circuit bank
account.
To nominate a circuit lay treasurer for appointment by the
Quarterly Meeting.
to supervise the property of the circuit.
To be a member of the property committee of the circuit, or
otherwise to see that the property is looked after.
36.
(iii)
(d)
(4)
To take steps to see that the church workers are adequately
housed and the housing is maintained.
To be a lay representative of the circuit.
(i)
To be a lay representative at civic and village functions, or
appoint a suitable substitute;
(ii)
To see that an adequate account of annual divisional
meeting and Conference decisions is given to the Churches
in the Circuit.
(iii) To keep the minister informed on matters affecting the
circuit.
Travel
Where extensive traveling is required, the Quarterly Meeting is
responsible for drawing up an estimate of the Circuit Steward’s work.
NOTE: In he Fijian setting, stewards are recognized in three categories:
Tuirara ni Valenilotu, Tuirara ni Tabacakacaka, Tuirara ni wasewase. The
above regulations refer to the Tuirara ni Tabacakacaka.
2.
LAY TREASURER
(1)
Definition
The role of lay treasurer of a circuit is to look after circuit finances, under
the jurisdiction of the Quarterly meeting. The responsibilities of the circuit
lay treasurer are as follows:
(a)
To receive all income and to record it in a cashbook kept for that
purpose. This includes offerings, and funds received from other
sources, such as donations, stewardship envelopes, special efforts,
farming, leases, grants etc.
(b)
To issue receipt for all money received, and bank it (where
banking facilities are available). Receipts given should be
numbered consequently and should have the name of the circuit
printed on each receipt, or should have the name of the circuit
stamped on them with the circuit’s rubber stamp, under the
signature of the circuit treasurer.
(c)
To pay accounts incurred by, and make other payments authorized
by, the Quarterly Meeting, including Divisional and Conference
37.
levies, special offerings, and any debts incurred to commercial
firms or individuals.
To obtain a receipt for all money paid, and to file the receipts and
invoices. To prepare a receipt/voucher for payments made, where
official receipts from the payee are not available – the payee to
sign this receipt/voucher and return it to the circuit treasurer.
(d)
To see that the salary of the Ministry, the deaconess and the lay
pastor’s and other circuit staff is paid at the correct time, and that
statutory deductions are paid to relevant bodies.
(e)
To record all income and expenditure in a cash book and reconcile
this regularly with bank records.
(f)
To prepare financial statements for the circuit as required by the
Quarterly Meeting, and present them to each Quarterly Meeting,
e.g. receipts and payments account, or income and expenditure
account, balance sheet.
(g)
To prepare estimates in consultation with the minister and the
circuit finance committee, and to see that they are presented to the
Quarterly Meeting in March, for approval, and to the Annual
Divisional Meeting for information.
(h)
To see that all financial records, books and documents are audited
annually by an appointed auditor.
(i)
Where necessary to give guidance to the treasurer of each church
in the Circuit.
NOTE : A lay treasurer shall also be appointed in each division, to be
responsible for administering any divisional funds, in consultation
with the divisional superintendent. He shall present to the Annual
meeting the divisional estimates and a report on divisional funds,
including Conference levies from the division).
38.
2.
REGISTERS
1.
Each circuit should keep registers of the following services and these shall
be known as work registers:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
3.
Baptism registers
Confirmed membership registers; registers of those “Under
preparation for confirmation” and “Under pastoral direction”.
Church group register
Church work register
Marriage registers
Death registers
2.
The circuit will be responsible to ensure that those registers are available
but the minister will be responsible for their use and custody.
3.
The circuit minister is responsible to see that he has a copy each of these
registers but the circuit will meet the costs.
4.
Up-to-date registers shall be handed over by a minister transferred from a
circuit, either to his successor or to the circuit steward.
5.
The circuit minister shall supervise lay pastors’ rolls: the divisional
superintendent shall supervise circuit rolls.
MINISTER’S HOUSE
1.
Each circuit will be responsible for providing and furnishing the minister’s
house. The following items are suggested:
1 refrigerator
1 dining table & 6 chairs
4 lounge chairs at least 1 single bed and mattress
1 dressing mirror
1 stove (kerosene or gas)
1 writing table and 2 chairs
1 double bed and mattress
1 food safe
1 dinner set
Cooking utensils
2.
An inventory (list of items provided by the circuit) must be kept, and must
be checked every year. It shall be checked with the circuit steward before
a minister is transferred from the circuit.
39
4.
3.
Circuits shall provide on their annual estimates for necessary replacement
of furniture, and for repairing the houses.
4.
Circuits shall provide on their annual estimates for payment for water and
electricity, where relevant.
5.
A committee shall be appointed in all circuits, institutions and departments
where ministers are appointed, to be responsible for the furnishing of
minister’s houses.
CIRCUIT TRAVELLING ALLOWANCES
All circuits shall be asked to pay a traveling allowance adequate for their
minister’s work.
5.
LAY PREACHERS
(1)
Examinations
(a)
Preachers shall be classified in three categories:
Lay Preacher’s helper, Preacher on Trial, and Full Accredited Lay
Preachers. Categories 1 and 2 shall have an oral examination only;
those who want to go further as fully accredited lay preacher shall
be required to do a written examination, and only those who pass
the required standard of trial sermon and examination shall be
awarded the Lay Preachers’ Certificate of the Methodist Church in
Fiji and Rotuma.
(b)
Examinations shall be taken in the circuits as arranged by the
Committee for Lay Pastors and Lay preachers.
(c)
Conference shall annually prescribe the syllabus for examinations
for lay preachers on the recommendation of the Lay Pastors
Committee, it shall be printed in the Minutes of the Conference
each year.
(d)
Candidates for accreditation shall also give their testimony.
40.
(2)
(3)
Helpers
(a)
A lay preacher’s helper is a confirmed member of the Methodist
Church who is recognized by the Lay Preachers’ Quarterly
Meetings as a person who is accepted to preach when there is a
need.
(b)
A Guest Preacher is a person invited by the Quarterly Meeting for
a particular occasion.
(c)
An Associate Preacher is a certified preacher from another
denomination recognized by the Methodist Church in Fiji as being
in association with it.
Personal Life
Lay Preachers are required to observe the guidelines on Temperance
relating to all preachers’ abstinence from alcoholic drinks. (See under
Ministry).
6.
MINISTRY
(1)
Divisional Superintendent
After five years of his operation as divisional superintendent an evaluation to be
made on these points:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(2)
The Divisional Superintendent’s work;
His Spiritual life and his health;
Other matters regarding him; and
The President to be asked to present a report on these to the relevant
Conference meeting before stationing is done.
Lay Pastors
(1)
Training and Examination
(i)
(ii)
Candidates for the position of lay pastors shall be
accredited lay preachers of the Methodist Church.
Conference shall annually prescribe the syllabus for
examinations for Lay Pastors n the recommendation of the
41.
Lay Pastors’ Committee. It shall be printed in the Minutes
of the Conference each year.
(iii) The Committee on Lay Pastors and Local Preachers shall
be responsible for the examination of candidates for the
work of Lay Pastors, and the committees shall advise the
Standing committee each year of the names of the
examiners.
(iv)
Circuit Ministers shall be authorized to conduct
examinations.
(v)
(a)
Lay Pastors’ examinations shall be held at the same
time in all circuits.
(b)
Following the March Lay pastors meeting, the
Divisional Superintendent shall advise the church
office of the number of examination papers which
will be required in the Division.
(vi)
Training of Indian Lay Pastors:
(a)
The year of training for Lay pastors shall be from 1st
July to 30th June in the following year.
(b)
Written examinations for Lay pastors in training
shall be held in April, and the results report to the
Annual Meeting.
(c)
Lay Pastors who have satisfactorily completed a
year of training shall be said to commence their
next year of training on 1st July following the
Annual Meeting.
(vii) Studies shall be translated into Fijian for Fijian Lay Pastors.
(viii) Rotuman Lay Pastors may be examined in their
vernacular by Rotuman examiners.
(2)
Certificates
Qualified Lay Pastors shall be issued with certificates of
qualification to be presented at the Annual Meetings.
(3)
Dedication Service
A service of dedication shall be held for those Lay Pastors who
have completed their examinations.
(4)
Appointments
(a)
The appointment of Lay Pastors shall be the responsibility
of the respective Annual Meetings.
42.
(b)
(c)
(5)
Lay Pastors shall not be permitted to remain for more than
five years in any appointment.
No one who has not passed Lay Pastors examinations shall
be paid his removal expenses.
Induction Service
If possible, an induction service shall be conducted by the circuit
minister at the appointment of a Lay Pastor.
(6)
Housing
It shall be the responsibility of the Divisional Superintendent to see
and report to the Annual Meeting that the Lay Pastors are properly
housed.
(7)
Salary
(a)
(b)
(c)
(8)
Leave
(a)
(b)
(c)
(9)
The minimum salary rate shall be fixed by the Conference.
It shall be open to any circuit to increase the salary.
Lay pastors shall receive their salaries monthly, fortnightly
or weekly according to a pre-determine arrangement made
at the quarterly Meeting.
Fulltime Lay Pastors shall be given leave as provided in the
Leave Conditions of the Methodist Church in Fiji and
Rotuma.
They shall ask permission for leave from the Quarterly
Meeting; Long leave shall be finally approved in the
Annual Meeting.
They shall receive their salary for the period of their leave
but fares shall be their own responsibility.
Retirement
Lay Pastors shall retire at an age of 55 to 60.
(10)
Retirement Fund
(a)
Conference shall determine the amount of money to be
known as the Lay Pastor Retiring Fund.
43.
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(11)
Each Lay pastor shall contribute half of his retirement fund.
The circuit to which the Lay pastor has been appointed
shall contribute half of the Lay Pastors Retirement Fund.
The Lay Pastor Retirement Fund shall be kept by the
Connexional Office.
On his retirement, the Lay Pastor shall receive the full
contributions due to him together with interests accrued
(his own contribution and the circuit’s).
If a Lay Pastor’s term of service is terminated or if he
leaves or neglects his duties without cause, he shall only be
eligible for his own contributions. He shall not be entitled
to contributions from the Circuit.
Personal Life
Lay Pastors are required to observe the Guidelines on Temperance
relating to abstinence fro alcoholic drinks. (see below).
(12)
Committee
The membership for the Conference Committee for Lay Pastors
and Lay Preachers shall include:
The Principals of the Theological College and MLTC, the
Administrator of the Deaconess Order, the Secretary for NonFormal Education, 4 Lay Pastors, from more than one circuit,
including one from the Indian Division, 3 Lay Preachers at least
one to be a woman, Ministers as decided by the Conference.
(13)
Representation at Conference
A Lay Pastor (Catechist) on the Committee for Lay Pastors and
Lay Preachers, who is already a member of the Conference, shall
be appointed by the Committee to represent Lay Pastors in the
Conference.
44.
TEMPERANCE
(1)
All preachers including Ministers shall be required to affirm their abstinence from
the use of alcoholic liquor, in the following term:
“I affirm as a Preacher of the Christian Gospel within the Methodist Church
in Fiji and Rotuma that I abstain completely from the use of alcoholic liquor
or any other alcoholic beverages.”
(2)
Preachers shall be required to affirm annually their abstinence from the use of
alcoholic liquor.
(3)
It shall be the duty of the Circuit Minister to see that each Local Preachers renew
annually his pledge of total abstinence, but, if he desires, he may seek the
assistance of the Divisional Superintendent.
(4)
Yaqona : (a)
(b)
All preachers of the Good News should try not to drink yaqona
excessively.
If it can be proved because of the state of his body that a Lay
Pastor or Lay Preacher has been drinking yaqona excessively,
then the Committee for Lay pastors and Lay Preachers should
examine his case and decide on it.
45.
1.
1.
2.
LEAVE CONDITIONS
For Ministers and Deaconesses
(1)
Two weeks’ annual leave which cannot be accumulated; six weeks
vacation leave after three year’s continual service which cannot be
accumulated.
(2)
All Annual Leave to be approved by the circuit steward and Divisional
Superintendent Minister. Vacation leave to be approved by
Conference/Standing Committee upon submission of the relevant form to
the General Secretary. No travel expenditure will be met by the church
whilst a minister is on leave.
(3)
A Minister who is appointed by Conference/Standing Committee to
relieve another Minister who is on vacation leave will be entitled to
traveling expenses which will be met by the circuit to which he is attaché
and to a relieving allowance to be met out of Conference funds, at a rate to
be agreed by the Conference. If the Minister on vacation leave is a
Divisional Superintendent, he will not be entitled to his Superintendent’s
allowance from Conference during the period of his leave. This will be
paid to the Minister who is relieving him.
(4)
Ministers serving a schools ad training institutions shall take any annual
leave or vacation leave due to them as set out above, only during the
school or institution’s vacation; and on transfer to a circuit shall start a
fresh tour of service on the conditions applicable to Ministers in circuits.
Full time Lay Pastors (Vakatawa Lesi)
Two weeks’ annual leave which cannot be accumulated; six week’s vacation
leave after three years’ continual service. All annual leave to be approved by the
circuit minister and the Divisional Superintendent Minister or by the school or
institution. Relief workers during leave to be organized and paid for by the circuit.
3.
Office Staff in Connexional Office and all Departments and Institutions
(1)
Three weeks’ annual leave. One week from each year can be carried
forward for a maximum of three years (i.e. two years of two weeks and
one year of five weeks leave is required.
At least two weeks’ leave must be taken each year and cannot be
accumulated.
46.
(2)
4.
Staff taking time off to look after sick relations must either use days from
their annual leave allocation or take leave without pay. Compassionate
leave (on the death of a member of the immediate family) is at the
discretion of the General Secretary/Head of Department or Institution.
Overseas Staff
Annual leave is granted to overseas staff on the same basis as annual leave for
local staff in similar work.
5.
Maternity Leave
84 consecutive days (including 42 days after the confinement) is granted, to
include the annual leave for the year. Such leave is granted to a woman as paid
leave for her first two confinements only. If she already has two children upon
commencing employment with the church, she is not entitled to be paid maternity
leave (only to be paid annual leave).
6.
Sick Leave
(a)
(b)
(c )
(d)
7.
If a person is away from his/her work due to sickness, a doctor’s
certificate is required and produced if they are absent for more than 24
hours.
The maximum number of days’ leave due to sickness allowed to be taken
in any one year without a doctor’s certificate is 6.
The maximum number of days’ leave due to sickness allowed to be taken
in any one year (including 2 above) is 12.
Upon the recommendation of a doctor or hospital, an allowance of up to
21 days as a hospital inpatient will be granted, plus a further seven days as
an outpatient for recuperation upon the recommendation of a doctor. Any
further period of absence required in such situations will be unpaid unless
there is a vacation leave due, when Standing committee may approve the
amount accrued to be used first.
Study Leave
(a)
Study leave must be approved by the department concerned, and the
Scholarship and Standing Committees.
(b)
All Study leave for three months and over will be non-leave-earning (i.e. it
will not count as service).
47.
(c)
Scholarship is for twelve months or more, two weeks’ leave should be
granted upon completion of studies of the Scholarship holder.
2.
ELECTION OF STANDING COMMITTEE
1)
Nominations shall be called for, some ways before the election in the Conference,
and a progressive list of nominations shall be posted in a prominent place. An
instruction shall be printed on the nomination paper, limiting those eligible to
people within the boundary of Viti Levu and Ovalau.
2)
Care shall be taken to see that women, youth and minority groups within the
church are included in nominations.
3)
The final list of nominations shall be published at least 24 ours before the lection
takes place.
4)
A ballot paper shall be printed. Voting shall be by secret ballot.
5)
Before the election takes place, the statement of the composition of the Standing
Committee shall be read out. (See Constitution of Standing Committee).
6)
When the votes are counted, the first eleven ministers shall be considered elected.
7)
The first 14 lay representatives shall be considered elected except that if 4
women, 1 young person and 3 from minority groups are not included, the 4
women, 1 young person from minority groups receiving the highest number of
votes shall be given priority over a corresponding umber of those included within
the 14.
Note : The lay national leaders (property development supervisor), Secretary for
Education, Secretary for Non-Formal Education, Financial Adviser,
Administrative Secretary will be elected to attend as consultants even if not
elected.
48.
3.
BUILDING PROPOSALS AND LOANS
All circuits and Church Committees that propose to erect buildings or renovate existing
buildings for the work of the Methodist Church in Fiji and/or borrow money for this
purpose shall fulfill the following requirements before any building can proceed.
1)
Where any new building is to be erected, or existing building is to be altered, at a
cost of $2,000 or more, plans must be submitted to the General Secretary and the
approval of the Building Committee, the Committee on Land and Property. The
finance Committee and the Standing committee must first be obtained.
2)
The Building Committee shall examine all plans for the erection or alternation of
buildings proposed for dedication to or owned by the Methodist Church in Fiji
and shall advise the Land and Property Committee thereon. (See Note (c).
3)
The Standing Committee should be informed of the need for new buildings and
alteration to buildings, and what purpose they are to fulfill in the Church and the
community.
4)
The Standing Committee should be informed of the form of tenure of the land on
which the proposed building is to be erected.
5)
In order to ensure adequate supervision of the design and the work undertaken:
i)
All contracts for such work must be signed by the General Secretary
before such work commences;
ii)
Payments of such work should be made through the Connexional Office.
6)
Standing Committee will exercise oversight of the quality of the workmanship
that is put into the erection of any building. The Health Department of the
relevant urban or rural authority should be informed of the building.
7)
All applications for loans shall be made in the appropriate form and submitted
with all relevant details specified therein. Each application will be considered on
its own merit.
8)
When applications for loans are forwarded to the Connexional Office, such
applications should be accompanied by a statement of the terms of repayment and
the means whereby the money to repay the loan is to be raised.
9)
In connection with any application for a building loan, the church or committee
concerned will need to provide 40% of the value of the building before any loan
49.
can be considered; which means that under normal circumstances no loan
amounting to more than 60% of the total value of the building can be made.
10)
When circuits apply for loans for development, no loans shall be granted if the
circuit is in arrears with its levies. A question on the application form shall
ascertain whether levies have been paid.
11)
Any application for a church loan shall be approved by the Quarterly Meeting and
countersigned by the Minister and the Superintendent Minister.
12)
Where church loan money is involved in any development scheme, officers of the
appropriate government department shall be asked to help with supervision and
planning and it shall be a condition of the loan that circuits agree to this
supervision.
NOTES:
(a)
Regulations are still to be worked out regarding:
(i)
Plans for building in “koro’s” and other places neither
leased nor owned by the Church (re: (2) above.
Reason: At the moment, once the loan has been agreed to, the church concerned can
draw upon the bank, but there have been cases where all payments have been
made when the building has not been properly finished or the workmanship is
defective. If payments are made through the Connexional Office, it will ensure
that the office gets proper reports on progress. (re (5) (ii) above.
4.
A.
FINANCIAL REGULATIONS
Financial Years, Conference Reports and Estimates
(a)
Conference Financial Year
The financial year for all funds of the Conference shall be from 1st June to
31st May.
(b)
Financial Year of Departments, Institutions and Committees
The financial year of Departments, Institutions and Committees receiving
direct financial assistance from the Conference shall be from 1s June to
31st May unless otherwise approved by the Conference.
(c)
Financial Year of Circuits
The financial year of the circuits of the conference shall be from 1st April
to 31st March.
50.
(d)
Reports to Conference on Conference Funds
Financial statements and estimates of the Funds of the Conference (as
listed in the Appendix) shall be submitted annually to the conference by
the Financial Secretary.
(e)
Reports to Conference from Departments, Institutions and
Committees
Departments, Institutions and Committees receiving direct financial
assistance from the Conference shall submit financial statements annually
to the conference through the Connexional Office. These statements
should be approved by the relevant controlling body and reach the
Connexional Office not later than 30th June.
(f)
Conference Estimates
The following shall be the procedure for estimates submitted to the
Conference:
(i)
Departments, Institutions and Committees
Departments, Institutions and Committees assisted by the
Conference shall, at the relevant meeting of their controlling body,
approve estimates for the following three financial years for
submission to the Financial Secretary no later than 30th June each
year. The estimates are to be provided on the forms provided by
the Connexional Office and in the format required by the
Connexional Office.
(ii)
Preparation of Estimates
The Financial Secretary shall have full estimates prepared,
incorporating all items which are normally handled by the
Connexional Office.
(iii)
Estimates Committee and Standing Committee
The Estimates Committee is required to consider the draft
estimates prepared by the Connexional Office and to make
recommendations for consideration by a meeting of the Standing
Committee shall then make its recommendations to Conference.
(iv)
Membership of the Estimates Committee
The membership of the Estimates Committee shall be as set out in
the Appendix.
51.
(v)
B.
Consideration of the Estimates by Conference
The estimates for the current financial year and the preliminary
estimates for the two subsequent financial years shall be presented
to the Conference for approval.
Conference General Fund
Definition
(1)
There shall be a fund known as the Conference General Fund in which all
income is received and from which all expenses shall be paid.
(2)
The income shall be derived as follows:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
3.
The Conference Levy Fund as defined hereafter;
The grant from the Uniting Church in Australia – commission for
World Mission;
Such grants from the surplus income and net profits of institutions
and commercial activities as may be decided by the Conference;
Income from such other sources as may be received for the use of
the Conference.
Conference Levy Fund
The Conference Levy Fund shall consist of the income received in the
previous financial year. The Fund includes levies on divisions and circuits
as decided annually by the Conference, any arrears of such levies received
and any interests that may be allocated to levies received during the year.
4.
Use of Levies
The levies, arrears of levies and interest mentioned in paragraph B. (3)
shall not be used in the financial year in which they received.
C.
Church Sites Fund
1.
Purpose
There shall be a fund called the church Sties Fund. The purpose of this
Fund is to assist with the acquisition and development of land and
buildings for the work of the Church.
52.
2.
Source of the Fund
Grants and loans from this fund may only be made by the Conference or
Standing Committee, on such terms and conditions as they deem fit, on the
recommendation of the Connexional Finance Committee.
3.
Income
(i)
The Fund shall consist of the following:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
D.
E.
Grants made to the Fund by the Conference;
Donations made specifically to this fund;
Interest;
Such other amounts as are designated by the Conference to
be received into this Fund
Development Funds
1.
Income
Revenue earned from all development resources shall be channeled to the
Connexional Fund of the Methodist church in Fiji.
2.
Expenses
Administration costs shall be deducted from all funds obtained from
Development projects before the balance is paid to the Connexional
Development Fund.
3.
Use of Rent
Where land has been traditionally given to the Church, 25% of any rent
received for the leasing of such land shall be used for local development in
circuits and divisions of the surrounding area.
Michelmore Bequest
1.
Trustees
The Connexional Finance Committee shall act as trustees to administer the
Bequest and shall make recommendations to the conference or Standing
Committee concerning loans from the Bequest o grants from the interest.
2.
Funds Available for disbursement
The Michelmore Bequest shall be considered to be a capital sum, to be
invested according to E.3 below. The interest may be use for grants.
53.
F.
3.
Investment of Capital
The capital may be invested in revenue producing projects within the
Church or in approved outside investments.
4.
Payment of Ministers’ Provident Fund
A contribution (currently $34 each p.a.) towards the Retiring Fund
accounts of ministers may be a charge on the interest received on the
Michelmore Bequest.
5.
Interest on Loans
The rate of interest on amounts borrowed from the Michelmore Bequest
shall be determined from time to time by the Conference or Standing
Committee.
Other Special Funds
1.
New Year’s Eve Offering (Vakatawase)
There shall be a fund called the Vakatawase Fund. Collections shall be
taken at the watch night service on New Year’s Eve and paid into this
Fund Other offerings or gifts may be designated for this Fund. The Fund
shall be used to support the work of the Department of Christian
Citizenship and the Social Service. In special circumstances, the Fund may
be used to assist Ministers and Lay Pastor’s in distress.
2.
Pentecost Offering (Pentiko)
There shall be a fund called the Pentecost Fund. The Fund shall consist of
the following:
Income
(a)
An annual grant from the Conference;
(b)
The annual Pentecost Offering;
(c)
Other money raised within Fiji or received from other sources
3.
G.
Use of Fund
The Fund shall be used to support the work of the Overseas Missions
Committee of the church in accordance with the regulations concerning
that Committee.
Bank Accounts, Financial Statements and Auditing
1.
The following procedures shall apply to the authorization of the opening
of bank accounts and the signatories thereon:
54.
(a)
Where practicable, church accounts should be opened with the
bankers of the Methodist church in Fiji (currently Westpac
Banking Corporation.
(b)
All church bank accounts should have at least three signatories to
them, of which two are required to sign every cheque and
authorization to the bank.
2.
Signatories to Conference Funds Bank Accounts
The signatories on Methodist Conference Funds bank accounts shall be
two of the following: President, General Secretary, Administrative
Secretary, Financial Secretary, Accountant, and Ex-President. Normally,
cheques shall be signed by only one member of Accounts Department
staff and one other.
3.
Additional Signatories on Department, Institution & Suva Bank Accounts
The General Secretary, Administrative Secretary, Financial Secretary and
Accountant shall be the additional signatories on all Department,
Institution and all other Suva Accounts at the Westpac Banking
Corporation to ensure that a counter-signatory is always available. Other
centers shall ensure that there are sufficient signatories to enable cheques
to be counter-signed.
4.
Cheques and Account Books
(a)
No cheque shall e countersigned unless it is made out to the payee,
the amount to be paid is written in words and figures, the cheque
butt has been properly entered and supporting documents are
produced.
5.
(b)
All account books, receipt books and cheque books should be kept
in a safe place, preferably a locked cupboard or safe.
( c)
Any bank books, cheque books or cheques which are found to be
missing should be reported immediately to the bank and to the
Church Accountant, confirming details of the loss in writing.
Financial Statements and Trial Balances
The following regulations will apply to all churches, circuits, divisions,
institutions and departments:
55.
6.
(a)
Where a cashbook ad ledger system is used, a trial balance shall be
prepared at least quarterly (termly for schools), and the cashbook
shall be reconciled with the bank statements when this is done.
(b)
Where a multi column cashbook is used, a cumulative balance of
the columns for the year should be prepared at least quarterly
(termly for schools) and the cash book shall be reconciled with the
bank statements when this is done.
( c)
A financial statement shall be prepared quarterly and at other times
as required by the Conference Financial Regulations. Such
financial statement shall be in a format approved by the
Connexional Office.
Annual Audit of Accounts
(a)
The Divisional Lay Treasurer shall be responsible for ensuring that
the financial records of all the churches in the Division are audited
annually by someone with an accounting background.
(b)
The Quarterly Meeting shall be responsible for ensuring that the
financial records of the circuit and of all recognized groups in the
circuit are audited annually and presented to that meeting.
(c)
All Methodist schools, departments and institutions shall have their
records audited annually by a person or firm approved by the
Connexional Office.
(d)
Before any minister, teacher or any other worker in the Methodist
church in Fiji, who is responsible for accounts and finances of a
Division, Department, Circuit, Institution or School, takes overseas
leave or is transferred to another appointment, the accounts, books
and records for which he/she is responsible shall be properly
audited at the time of the trial balance or financial statement
nearest to the time of going on leave or transfer. This should be
done by either the Church Accountant or by another person
authorized by the Connexional Office to conduct such audit. A
copy of the report (signed by both outgoing and incoming
personnel) is to be held by the person relieving or taking over, the
Church Accountant and the General Secretary as well as by the
person being relieved or leaving.
56.
H.
Appeals, Funding Requests and Collections
1.
2.
Appeals for Funds from Circuits
(a)
All departments, Institutions, Committees, Circuits and Churches
are required to obtain the permission of the respective leaders’
meeting or quarterly meeting before they appeal for funds within a
circuit unless such appeal is a National Appeal which is dealt with
under H.1.(b), below.
(b)
All Departments, Institutions, Committees, Circuits and Churches
shall obtain the permission of the Standing Committee prior to the
launching of a National Appeal in the Circuits of the Church.
Requests for Funds from Government and Overseas Agencies
All organizations of the church are requested to submit requests for funds
from the Government and overseas funding agencies I writing to the
Standing Committee for approval.
3.
Special Sunday Collections
The following collections shall be made annually in all circuits and the
amounts collected be sent to the Connexional Office for distribution:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
I.
New Year (Vakatawase – see Reg’n F.1)
Good Friday
Pentecost (Penitiko) – see Reg’n F.2)
Bible Sunday
Christmas Bowl
Applications for Bank Loans
See Building Proposals and Loans Regulations.
J.
Personal Loans to Church Staff
1.
Classification of Loan Requests
Requests for personal loans shall be classified as follows:
(a)
Emergency Loans
57.
(b)
2.
3.
Non-Emergency Loans
Emergency Loans
(a)
Ministers, Deaconesses, or Pastors subject to transfer, who are
genuinely stranded in Suva, may apply for a loan. However, such
loans will only be considered after they have been in Suva for five
days, save in exceptional circumstances. Such loans shall not be
more than $40 for a married person accompanied by the family,
and not more than $15 for others.
(b)
Funeral Expenses
In the case of funeral expenses for a near relative of workers
mentioned in J.2 (1) above, a loan of up to $50 may be made.
( c)
Other Expenses
In any other case, if such worker as mentioned in J.2(a) above is
stranded in Suva, each case shall be considered on its own merits
in the case of an emergency by the President, General Secretary,
Administrative Secretary and the Accountant.
Non-emergency Loans
All other requests for loans not falling under the above regulations shall be
referred to the Connexional Finance Committee for consideration. All
such requests shall be in writing.
4.
Other Conditions
(a)
Advance of money after Conference shall not be considered and
members shall be so informed. Return bookings should always be
made before leaving home.
(b)
No loan shall be made to a person who has not repaid a previous
loan.
(c)
Any debts owed to Conference funds shall be a first charge on
allowances due to such persons by the Conference.
(d)
Interest shall be charged annually on all loans outstanding at 31
May, at a rate to be determined from time to time by Conference.
58.
K.
Expenses of Conference Members
1.
2.
Expenses of Members of Conference
(a)
The cost of sending representatives to Conference shall be a charge
on each circuit, department and institution and not on the
Conference Fund.
(b)
The fares and allowances for Divisional representatives to
Conference shall be a charge on the relevant Circuits.
(c)
The necessary traveling expenses by the most economical means
may be paid to members of the President’s Panel (up to a limit of
ten members and the two immediate past Vice-Presidents). This to
be a charge on the Conference Fund.
(d)
If someone is accepted as a candidate to be summoned to
Conference, that person’s circuit is responsible for all the
candidates’ expenses in respect of his/her visit to Conference.
Conference Sunday Service
The expenses of preachers at Conference Sunday services arranged by the
Conference shall be borne by the local churches. If the local churches are
unable to meet these obligations, there may be some assistance available
from Conference Funds.
L.
Salaries of church Workers
1.
Review of Salaries
The salaries of all Church workers shall be reviewed annually. A Salaries
Review Committee appointed by the Connexional Finance Committee will
be responsible for preparing recommendations to be considered by the
Connexional Finance Committee, Standing Committee and Conference.
2.
Salaries in Conference Departments and Institutions
(a)
The power to alter the salaries paid to their staff shall not be vested
in the committees of Conference Departments and Institutions.
Standing Committee only shall have the power to alter such
59.
salaries, on the recommendation of the Salaries Review committee
and Connexional Finance Committee.
(b)
Garden Land
Conference shall endeavor to supply garden land to be used by the
departmental ministers.
M.
Transfer of Ministers and Deaconesses
1.
Salaries of those being Transferred
Ministers and Deaconesses being transferred shall be paid their January
salary by the Circuit they are leaving.
2.
3.
Removals
(a)
Removal costs shall be borne by the Conference Freights and
Passages Fund only for Ministers, Deaconesses, their spouses and
unemployed and unmarried children as approved by the
Connexional Office. In the case of a Minister who is a widower,
who has a relative caring for his children, removal costs of such
relative will also be a charge on the Freights and Passages Fund.
(b)
If someone is accepted for training at Davuilevu Theological
College or Deaconess House, his/her travel and freight costs
directly to the Institution are the responsibility of Conference.
Likewise, the fares of exit students from either the Institution or
the home villages to the new appointments shall be met by
Conference from the Freights ad Passages Fund.
(c)
If any arrangements for travel and/or freight are made without the
permission of the person at the Connexional Office designated to
deal with such arrangements, all costs incurred are the personal
responsibility of the minister or deaconess concerned.
Retiring Ministers and Deaconesses
Conference shall be responsible for fares from the last appointment to the
home, of Ministers and Deaconess retiring from active work.
60.
N.
4.
Dismissed Ministers
The removal costs of a minister dismissed by the Church back to his home
village shall be met by the Conference.
5.
Transit Allowances
Allowances for Ministers in transit awaiting transport shall be paid at the
rate fixed by the Conference and shall be a charge on the Freights and
Passages Fund.
Sundry Regulations
1.
2.
Insurance
(a)
All Methodist property shall be covered by insurance for all
normal risks and for an adequate indemnity value.
(b)
Where Conference maintains a building it shall be responsible for
the insurance thereon.
(c)
Where circuits, departments, institutions, schools and other church
bodies maintain buildings, they shall be responsible for the
insurance therein.
(d)
Insurance cover shall be arranged through the Connexional Office
and premiums paid on demand.
Land Rents
Circuits, departments, institutions and schools shall be responsible for
lease rentals on the land occupied or used by them, making payment to the
Connexional Office when required.
3.
Supernumerary Fund Contributions
Circuit Finance Committee shall deduct Supernumerary Fund
Contributions from ministers’ salaries and forward them to the
Connexional Office, and it shall be the responsibility of the ministers
themselves to ensure this is done.
61.
4.
Arrears of Conference Levies
Any money paid for conference Levies by a circuit shall be allocated first
to the payment of any arrears and only after such arrears are cleared shall
it be applied for payment of levies for the current year.
5.
School Levies
See School’s Regulations.
O.
Representatives to Overseas Conventions
(1)
All overseas invitations are to be channeled through the Connexional
Office;
(2)
Quarterly meetings or appropriate committees and/or Boards shall
nominate delegates to Standing Committee for its approval;
(3)
Any delegates should be an active member of the organization it
represents and must be within the guidelines of the organization and must
be able to understand and speak the English language fluently;
(4)
Where two or more delegates are nominated to participate, a Group Leader
is to be appointed by the Standing Committee to be responsible for the
group’s welfare. The group leader will be required to present a written
report to the Standing committee immediately on return;
5.
All overseas travel arrangements and visas are to be handled by the
Connexional Office; where this procedure is by-passed, no assistance is to
be given by the Connexional Office;
6.
Organizations are to submit details of expenses and the responsibility for
meeting same. (Fares, registration, accommodation).
7.
Any delegate must be able to support him/herself financially.
62.
CONFERENCE COMMITTEES
6.
MEMBERSHIP OF CONFERENCE COMMITTEES
1.
Any Lay Person nominated to serve on a Conference Committee must be an
active member of the church group for at least two years, and should have some
interest in the area of work of the Committee/Board; but where appropriate or
advisable, people from outside the church may be appointed.
2.
The person, before being nominated, must give his/her consent to serve on the
Committee/Board. Before nomination, the person should be told how often the
Committee/Board meets and the time of the meetings.
3.
Those who are appointed to the membership of committees shall commence in the
following January, the members of the previous committee continuing to serve
until December.
4.
Committees shall appoint their Chairman at their first meeting for the year.
5.
Where any member of a Conference Committee/Board fails to attend three
consecutive meetings without a valid reason and does not notify the meetings of
his/her absence, that person will automatically lose his/her seat on the
Committee/Board.
6.
Any member being absent overseas, or being absent because of sickness, may be
exempted from the above requirement, provided the member informs the meeting
of his/her absence.
63.
COMMITTEE OF THE SECRETARIAT
A.
Terms of Reference
1.
There shall be a Committee of the Secretariat of the Methodist Church in
Fiji. It shall meet weekly for the following purposes:
(a)
(b)
(c)
2.
B.
To coordinate planning and activities of the Secretariat and
departments;
To facilitate sharing of staff personnel, reports, literature and other
resources for the various tasks of the departments;
To consider matters remitted to it. The meeting shall be convened
by the General Secretary and chaired by the President.
Membership
The President
Vice President and General Secretary ex-officio
The Secretaries of Church departments and the Overseas Missions
Secretary
The President or Secretary of the Women’s and Men’s Fellowships’
Executive bodies; or their representatives
The following people may be called upon when required:
The Administrative Secretary, the Secretary/ries for Education, the
Property Development Supervisor, the Financial Secretary, the Secretary
for Non-Formal Education.
Deaconess Order Committee
The following shall be the personnel and duties of the Deaconess Order
Committee:
(1)
Personnel: The President (ex-officio), 3 Ministers, 3 Deaconesses or
women in fulltime church work, 3 Lay People of whom at least 1 shall be
a woman; with power to co-opt.
(2)
Chaplain: The annual Conference shall appoint a chaplain who shall be
oversight of the Deaconess Order and chair the Deaconess Committee.
64.
(3)
Duties: The duties of the Deaconess Committee shall be :
(a)
(i)
To interview and make recommendations to the
representative Session of the Annual Conference regarding
candidates recommended by Quarterly Meetings.
(ii)
To determine an entrance examination in theological and
biblical subjects for candidates.
(iii)
To determine the course of training for accepted candidates
for Deaconess Order and the course of study for
deaconesses on probation.
(b)
(i)
In each case, to allocate the period of training between
training as a student and on probation.
(ii)
To grant exemption from the whole or any pat of the course
of Examination.
(iii)
To make recommendations to the Annual Conference
concerning any reduction in the period of the probation of a
accepted candidate.
(iv)
To review annually the progress of accepted candidates.
(v)
To receive and consider reports submitted annually or
deaconesses on probation.
(vi)
To examine a deaconess on probation in the year before
ordination., and to recommend to Conference that a
deaconess who has completed her period of probation
satisfactorily, be ordained.
(vii) To recommend to the Annual Conference the termination
of training or probation of an accepted candidate or a
deaconess on probation where such action is considered
necessary.
(viii) To receive and make recommendations to the annual
Conference or Standing Committee regarding any
resignation from an accepted candidate, deaconess on
probation or ordained deaconess.
(c)
To give permission for a deaconess to retire from the active work
of the Order.
(d)
(i)
To receive from circuits, institutions, and department
applications for the appointment of a deaconess, setting
schedule of duties shall be a matter of mutual agreement
between the circuit, institution or department and the
committee.
65.
(e)
(ii)
To make recommendations to conference concerning the
appointments of deaconesses.
(i)
To recommend to the annual Conference a budget for the
Order.
To make recommendations and decisions regarding general
administrative matters concerning the Deaconess Order and
deaconesses.
(ii)
C.
Land and Property Committee
(1)
Terms of Reference
The Land and Property Committee shall advise the Conference and
Standing Committee on all matters under these headings;
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(2)
The acquisition or lease of land, buildings and other
property;
The erection or addition to or maintenance of buildings on
the owned, leased or used by the Church;
The funding and supervision of all development projects
undertaken by the Church;
The marketing and operating of completed development
projects;
Business regarding Epworth House/Epworth Arcade. This
committee shall meet at least once a month.
Procedures
(a)
All proposals to:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
Acquire or dispose of property in the name of the
Church;
Erect, demolish, or make alterations to building son
land owned, used or leaded by the church;
Expend money raised by proceeds from
development projects; shall be subjected to the
General Secretary who shall refer any such proposal
to the Standing Committee which shall seek the
advice of the Land and Property Committee and the
Finance Committee. Should this Committee refuse
to sanction a proposal the Standing Committee shall
66.
not give approval except by a two-thirds majority of
its members present.
(b)
D.
All contracts shall be signed by the General Secretary after
approval by the land and property Committee and Standing
Committee.
(3)
Personnel – The President, Lay Vice president, General Secretary,
Administrative Secretary, Financial Secretary, Accountant,
Development Supervisor (Convener) and 10 other members of
whom 3 shall be ministers.
(4)
Building Committee – The Land and Property Committee shall
appoint, not necessarily from among its own members, as Building
Committee.
(a)
Duties
This Committee shall examine all plans for the erection or
alternation of buildings on land owned or leased by the
Methodist church in Fiji and shall advise the Land and
Property Committee thereon.
(b)
Personnel
10 Members, of whom at least three shall be women. The
Chairman to be a member of the land and Property
Committee.
Convener: Development Supervisor.
Committee on Finance
(1)
Terms of Reference
The Committee on Finance shall advise the Conference and Standing
Committee on all matters under these headings:
(i)
(ii)
The supervision of the fiancés of the Church.
Expend.
This committee shall meet at least once a month.
67.
(2)
Procedures
(a)
All proposals to:
(i)
(ii)
(b)
(3)
E.
Expend money raised by Conference levy or authorized
appeal.
Change or modify any basic element on the procedures and
systems of finances of the church.
The Finance Committee shall have power to invest money as it
sees fit, subject to any directions given to it by the Conference.
Personnel – The President, Ex-President, Vice-President, General
Secretary (convener), Finance Secretary, Administrative Secretary,
Development Supervisor, Accountant, Indian Division superintendent and
10 others of whom 3 shall be women.
Other Committees
Department of Evangelism and Stewardship
Stewardship Committee
Department of Christian Citizenship and Social Services
Young People’s Department
Methodist Women’s Fellowship
Methodist Lay Training Centre
Education
Scholarships
Overseas Mission
Non-Formal Education
Lay Pastors and Lay Preachers
For membership and Terms of Reference of these committees, see their respective
Constitutions.
For membership and Terms of Reference of the Conference Standing Committee,
see the Constitution of the Methodist Church in Fiji (Appendix). For election of
Standing Committee, see Regulations above.
68.
GUIDELINES
1.
Gambling
The Methodist church in Fiji is against all forms of gambling, whereby money is
raised or changes hands through games of chance or betting. The Church
discourages all its members from taking part in such activities.
1.
Guidelines
Gambling is not a new thing. From the very early times man has gambled
in some form. When Jesus was crucified, the soldiers gambled for his robe
(John 19:23-24).
In many countries today, gambling is a very big business. Millions of
dollars are spent in different forms of gambling each year.
Before we can think clearly about gambling, we have to be clear in our
minds what gambling is.
There are many different ways of gambling. Some of the popular ways of
gambling are:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
(vi)
(vii)
(viii)
2.
Playing cards for money
Raffles, chocolate wheels, lucky tickets, lucky number, Fiji Sixes
Housie-Housie and bingo
Betting on horse racing, dog-racing and sporting events
Lottery tickets with very large amounts of money – given as prizes
for the winning tickets
Kati, veimau purini, etc.
Poker machine
Casino
What is Gambling?
Gambling is when property, or money, or goods is exchanged on the basis
of chance or luck. There is no service given for the amount gained. There
is no real skill used in it. It is not given as a gift. It is not exchanged as part
of a true trading or business agreement. In gambling, some people must
win, and others must lose.
So gambling takes place when:
(i)
There is an exchange of some type of wealth;
69.
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
3.
This exchange takes place through luck or chance;
In this exchange on person or some people gain, and others lose;
No equal service is given for the wealth which is gained.
Why do People Gamble?
There are many different reasons why people gamble. Some of the many
main reasons are:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
4.
People want to gain some form of wealth without giving an equal
amount of work, or skill, or money for this. They want it as cheap
as possible.
Some people gamble because it gives them a feeling of satisfaction
and pleasure. They enjoy the chance they take. They like to spend
their free time and their money in this way.
Many people gamble because their friends want them to.
Some people gamble because they want to get money but they do
not want to work for this. They are lazy.
Some people gamble because of the power that money will give
them if they win. This will make them “big men”.
Attitudes to Gambling
There are three main ideas about gambling.
(i)
Some support and encourage it.
(ii)
Some take a “moderate”attitude. They say gambling is alright as
long as it does not hurt others.
(iii)
Some oppose it. They say that all types of gambling is wrong.
The Roman Catholic Church teaches that gambling and betting is a
luxury. This means that the Roman Catholic Church considers,
gambling is not really necessary, that it is not wrong in itself.
They say it only becomes wrong when people gamble too heavily
and this can cause poverty and trouble. However, much money is
raised for the work of the Roman Catholic Church such as schools
and hospitals through some kind of gambling.
The Salvation Army teaches that gambling is really a form of
dishonesty. The Methodist Church believes that gambling does not
take notice of the needs of others. It is against the law of Jesus
“Love your neighbour”.
70.
The Seventh-Day Adventist, Baptist, Assembly of God, etc. have a
similar attitude as the Salvation Army and Methodist. Gambling is
wrong and they all opposed to it.
5.
Why do Churches Oppose Gambling?
(i)
Gambling is against the right of use of goods and money. It is an
attempt to get without giving – to gain and use wealth and all its
benefits without any service being given for this.
(ii)
Gambling works on chance or luck. Christians believe that God
cares for men. He has made it possible for the needs of people to
be supplied. To trust chance denies this and says that God does not
care.
(iii)
Gambling opposed to the command of Jesus to “love your
neighbour”(Mathew 22:36-39).
(iv)
Gambling appeals to greed and selfishness. There is no desire to
see others win. I want to win myself. This is against the teaching
of Jesus (Luke 12:13; Exodus 20:17).
(v)
Gambling is opposed to the Christian belief that our money and
possession are a trust from God and should be used in a careless
way. (Mathew 25:14-29; I Corinthians 4:2)
(vi)
Gambling can have a very bad result in society including in the
family. Gambling can become habit forming and compulsive.
6.
What can be done about Gambling?
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Here are some suggestions that need to be put into practice.
Set a good example by not taking really is.
Try to understand what gambling really is.
The Church should not use gambling to raise money for any its activities.
Teach people to love and have concern for others.
Preach against gambling.
Teach people the good and positive way of using money.
2.
Dancing
Dancing is a series of movements and steps in time with music and can be
done as an individual, or in pairs or in groups.
71.
The psalmist used dancing as a form of praise to God (Psalm 149, 150) a
sign of joy (Jer. 31, 4, 13, II Samuel 6:14, 5:15, Eccl. 3:4).
To the Jews it is a cultural event and celebration that is very meaningful in
their own heritage and situation. Perhaps we can ask the question, what
form or mode of dancing in our heritage is very meaningful? Of course
we should think of our society in its multiracial and multicultural aspects.
This means that dancing is a necessary and essential part of our life.
Therefore:
1.
Dancing may be included in the social programmes of church
groups at functions held on Methodist Church property after
approval by the local leaders’ meeting provided it is closely
supervised..
2.
Dancing may be included in the social programmes of schools,
colleges and institutions at functions held on Methodist Church
property after the approval of the heads has been given through
consultation with the respective Board of Governors. It must be
closely supervised by the school authorities.
3.
Dances shall not be arranged anywhere for raising money for
church purposes.
4.
Cultural dancing need not the approval as in 1 and 2 above.
72.
CONSTITUTION OF THE METHODIST CHURCH
CONSTITUTION OF THE METHODIST CHURCH DEACONESS ORDER
The Deaconess Order of the Methodist Church in Fiji consists of women believe that God
is calling them to full-time service in the Church, who desire to answer that call, and who
have been accepted, trained and ordained in the Conference. They are committed to a
ministry of service in Christ’s Name in response to the physical, social and spiritual
needs of persons.
(1)
Candidates
(a)
A candidate for the Order must be a confirmed member of the Methodist
Church of at least two years’standing and shall have been actively
engaged in some Christian Service in the Church for at one year.
(b)
A candidate must be at least twenty three years of age and not more than
35 years, though a candidate of more than thirty five years may considered
as a special case provided that such a candidate receives a two-third
majority vote of the Conference present when the vote is taken.
(c)
Standard of Entrance
(i)
Theological and Biblical subjects: The Deaconess Committee shall
arrange an entrance test.
(ii)
A candidate must have had at least two years’secondary education or three
years at Davuilevu Bible School or the Methodist Lay Training Centre. If
she has not this education then the Committee shall consider her case on
its merits.
(iii)
A candidate must possess a reasonable knowledge of her own language it
is not English.
(d)
Each candidate must present a satisfactory medical report.
(e)
The following shall be the procedure for the presentation of candidates for
the Deaconess Order:
(i)
Each intending candidate should write to the Deaconess Committee early I
the year for information, the books to be studied, and the application form.
(ii)
73.
She should request her Minister to submit her name to the March
Quarterly Meeting.
(iii) She should send her application form to the Deaconess Committee.
(iv) If the Quarterly Meeting endorses her application, her name should be
submitted to the Annual Divisional Meeting, which will determine
whether she should sit for the written examination.
(v)
(2)
After the examination, and interviewing of qualified candidates the
Deaconess Committee shall recommend names to Conference for
acceptance.
Training
(a)
An accepted candidate shall normally undergo a period of training of five
years, of which two years shall be spent in full time study, the third year
shall consist of more practical training, and the fourth and fifth years shall
be spent on probation in an appointment.
(b)
The Conference shall have power in exceptional cases to reduce the
training or probation period where it is satisfied the requirements have
been met.
(c)
The course of training shall be as determined from time to time by the
Deaconess Committee, but shall include Bible, Theology, Pastoral Work,
Social Work, Christian Education, knowledge of local culture and
religions, and necessary practical skills.
(d)
After completing the set course of study and practical training, a
deaconess shall be appointed on probation for two years but the
Conference. She shall be under the direction of the Divisional
Superintendent:
(i)
During the period of probation she shall complete a further course of
study.
(ii)
She shall write an essay on topic approved by the Deaconess Committee.
The essay shall be examined by the Deaconess Committee.
(iii) Prior to ordination she shall appear before the Ministerial Session of the
Annual Division Meeting and of the Conference.
(e)
During training, each candidate shall be given an allowance and when sent
to an appointment, a stipend to be determined by the Conference.
74.
A deaconess in an appointment shall be given accommodation separate
from the Minister’s family.
(f)
(3)
(4)
A central training institution for deaconess shall be maintained.
Ordination
(a)
After completing satisfactorily the period of training and probation, a
deaconess on probation who at that time desires to devote herself to the
work of the Order shall be ordained by the laying on of hands and
admitted into full membership with the Order, provided that a deaconess
on probation shall not be ordained until she has reached of 25 years, and
has completed at least three years of training since her acceptance as a
Candidate.
(b)
A candidate for ordination shall be recommended by the Deaconess
Committee to the Board on Ministry for oral examination; the decision of
the Board on Ministry shall be reported to and received by the Conference.
Leave
A deaconess is entitled to local and extended leave as provided for all members of
the staff of the Methodist Church (see the relevant regulations of the Methodist
Church in Fiji).
(5)
Marriage
(a)
A deaconess who marries may with the approval of the Deaconess
Committee and the Conference continue as an active member of the Order
either with our without appointment.
(b)
Ìf unable to accept appointment, a married deaconess may either apply to
be without pastoral charge or resign.
(c) i.
A deaconess who marries and who accepts an appointment with the
approval of Conference shall be entitled to 84 days maternity leave on full
pay, subject to the leave conditions set out in the regulations of the
Methodist Church in Fiji.
ii. Application of a married deaconess for long service leave shall be
considered in the light of her maternity leave.
75.
(6)
(7)
Retirement
(a)
A deaconess shall normally retire at the end of the Connexional year in
which she attains the age of 55 years; but may retire earlier if she has
completed twenty-five years service from the time of ordination. She may
request retirement at the age of 55 and must retire by the time she reaches
60 years of age.
(b)
Each Deaconess shall each year join the FNPF.
Committee
Conference shall each year appoint a Deaconess Committee whose function shall
be as determined by Conference.
(8)
Relationship to Official Meetings
A deaconess of deaconess on probation shall be a member of the Leaders’
Meeting and of the Quarterly Meeting of the Circuit in which she is working. An
ordained deaconess shall be a member of the Annual Divisional Meeting and the
Committee on Ministry of the Division, and Conference. A deaconess without
pastoral charge shall be a member of the Leaders’ Meeting and Quarterly Meeting
of the Circuit, and of the Annual Divisional Meeting of the division in which she
is living.
(9)
Senior Deaconess
A Senior Deaconess shall be appointed annually at an annual meeting of
deaconess. The name of the Senior Deaconess shall be reported to the Deaconess
Committee. The Senior Deaconess shall be ordained deaconess of not less than
two years standing. She shall become a member of the Deaconess Committee.