A New Leader for Regional Partnerships
The Synod Standing Committee recently approved the immediate appointment of Former Moderator Rev. Simon Hansford into the role of Chairperson, Regional Partnership.
The Synod Standing Committee recently approved the immediate appointment of Former Moderator Rev. Simon Hansford into the role of Chairperson, Regional Partnership. This vital initiative supports the rural church.
Rev. Hansford is known for his unwavering commitment to the rural church. His passion and commitment to rural ministry and his deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by rural communities made him the perfect fit for the role.
Regional Partnerships have been undertaken with Far North Coast and Riverina Presbyteries and Synod Mission Services to assist and support with administration, governance and compliance.
Synod Standing Committee are looking forward to the positive impact Simon will have on the initiative and the continued support of rural Presbyteries within the Synod of NSW and ACT.
About Regional Partnerships
A Regional Partnership is an intentional partnership between the people of participating presbyteries and Synod Mission Services (SMS). This partnership enables the presbytery to focus on local mission and ministry while the SMS carries responsibility for supporting matters such as governance, compliance, property, and finance.
Participating presbyteries remain a presbytery under the regulations. They retain their unique identity, decision-making ability, and stewardship of real property and financial assets. As each presbytery refers its regulatory powers to the Synod, it operates with far less committee- and office-bearing responsibilities and more significant support in finance, property, governance, risk, and compliance.
Such partnership enables the regions/presbyteries and Synod to support and encourage the congregations in their mission and service. The focus is on what congregations of the presbytery need to flourish as they serve the mission of God.
The Regional Partnership is a body of people from the regions (presbyteries), Saltbush, Synod MIssion Services leadership, and property and finance working together as a broad church. Regional Partnership is a way to work and live as Church in places where past structures no longer offer life.
Regional Partnership seeks to be both a body for oversight within the life of our Church and a humble movement of change that builds reflection, decision-making and action on life-giving theological foundations.
More information
An online Regional Information Expo ran from 6-8 June 2023. The goal of the expo was to provide relevant information sessions with representatives from key areas of Synod Mission Services with an opportunity for Q&A for those located in the Far North Coast or Riverina Presbyteries.