wfn.org | Middle Governing Body Relationships Committee

[PCUSA.NEWS@pcusa.org]

11-September-1997 
97347 
 
    Middle Governing Body Relationships Committee 
    to Hear From Louisville Staff Members 
 
    by Jerry L. Van Marter 
 
LOUISVILLE, Ky.--The General Assembly's Special Committee on Middle 
Governing Body Relationships has scheduled a series of "focus groups" with 
Presbyterian Center staff when the committee meets here Sept. 29-Oct. 1 to 
hear ideas about how to improve the working relationships between the 
General Assembly and the synods and presbyteries. 
 
    The committee was created by the 1996 Assembly at the recommendation of 
the Quadrennial Review Committee, which uncovered what it reported as 
serious breaches in working relationships between the church's governing 
bodies. 
 
    The committee has previously consulted with representatives from synods 
and presbyteries. 
 
    According to committee chair the Rev. Edwin W. Albright Jr., executive 
presbyter for St. Augustine Presbytery, the committee has outlined its 
major tasks: 
 
    *  to explore ways to raise the level of trust and sense of belonging 
       with and among the middle governing bodies and with the General 
       Assembly as we seek to fulfill the Great Ends of the Church 
    *  to explore ways for middle governing bodies to empower, motivate, 
       and equip congregations for their role in fulfilling the mission of 
       the whole church 
    *  to explore methods leading to better and more effective 
       communication throughout the church 
    *  to explore ways middle governing bodies can work together to foster 
       the commitment of all constituencies with emphasis on the younger 
       generation and racial/ethnic persons 
    *  to explore ways governing bodies can work together to facilitate 
       better training, care and nurture of staff and elected leaders 
    *  to explore ways for governing bodies to engage in theological 
       discourse, Bible study, prayer, meditation. 
 
    The committee is scheduled to make its final report to the 210th 
General Assembly next June in Charlotte, N.C. 

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