The Session have recently been discussing the possibility of moving to a form of structure called the Unitary Constitution. At present, our two main committees are the Congregational Board and the Session. The Board typically deal with the buildings and the money, whereas Session oversee the organisations, the spiritual welfare of the congregation and are responsible for the pastoral oversight as well.
The national church has been encouraging congregations to move to the Unitary Constitution, in which the matters once reserved for the Congregational Board now fall under the remit of the Session. Not only does it streamline the leadership of the church but it also reflects our faith. The way we use our money and buildings cannot and should not be separated from a faith in the God who came to us in flesh and blood, a real part of this physical world.
One of the primary characteristics of the Unitary Constitution is the delegation of responsibility and latitude to a number of committees. These committees (communication, education, worship, social, outreach now; in future presumably property and finance will be added) will simply get on with their work without undue oversight from the Session. Thus, most decisions can be made and implemented more swiftly.
The Session will decide whether or not to go forward with this structure. If they decide to do so, then there will be a meeting of the congregation, who also must agree. From there, it will go to other committees in Presbytery and at 121 to agree. But, if Session and congregation agree, it is likely to go through.
So, watch this space.
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