The elders and deacons of the Session work together to oversee (guiding, guarding and governing) the church’s mission of growing disciples by working through our pathways and discipleship networks, and being visibly involved as shepherds in the ministry of these pathways and networks.
Given that the general powers of the session under the PCNSW code includes proscribing the roles given to deacons within the life of the congregation, the following arrangements have been put in place by the Session:
It will be the default that deacons are included in all session meetings and have the same access to agendas, minutes and papers as elders. If a meeting of only the elders is required for some specific reason, the moderator may call such a meeting, or the elders can vote to exclude the deacons from a portion of a meeting in order to deal with a particular matter. Both elders and deacons can move and second motions and speak, and normally the chair will call for an indicative vote in which all participants (elders and deacons) declare their opinion. For a resolution to be approved, as stipulated under the PCNSW Code, only the votes of elders are counted in determining a majority.
Our current practice is that almost all decisions are made by consensus. When there is not a consensus and a decision is important but not urgent, we will usually continue to discuss the issues perhaps over several meetings.
This leadership structure seeks to reflect the New Testament teaching that men and women are equal but different. The desire is for a leadership structure where the wisdom and perspectives of men and women are equally valued and where men and women serve together as equal partners, but also reflects God’s good design for men and women that men in particular are called to be initiative-taking servant leaders in the church family.
The words ‘elder’ and ‘deacon’ mean different things in different church traditions. In the Presbyterian Church in NSW, elders and deacons are appointed through an identical process and make the same promises and affirm the same statement of belief. Our elders and deacons will together form our leadership group and discuss issues and make decisions collectively.
These arrangements for deacons may be reviewed and changed by the session at any time.
This Job Description should be read in conjunction with the Scots Church Sydney Mission and Values.