Discernment Summit 3: A Foundation for Change

The third Discernment Summit in August marked a significant step in the Year of Discernment and collaboration between Presbyteries and Synod Mission Services.

This Summit focused on form building upon discussions regarding funding and function in Summits 1 & 2 respectively. Summit three was also informed by the “Placements for Just Church” proposal presented at Synod in Session 2023 and a continuing commitment to our Future Directions Growth and Resourcing Goals.

In addition Summit 3 participants incorporated time to listen to young people who participated in a panel conversation facilitated by Pulse lead Joanna Drayton. This emphasis on inclusivity reflects a growing recognition of the need to build a courageous and growing body of Christ.

Scenarios for Fewer Presbyteries

One of the most tangible outcomes of Discernment Summit 3 was a scenarios paper, presented by Presbytery representatives, proposing a reduction in the number of Presbyteries from 12 to either three, four or five.

The rationale for this transformative change was articulated clearly and succinctly with a desire to shift towards a model that prioritises mission, enhances collaboration and a more just and sustainable distribution of resources across the Synod, enabling all Presbyteries to be resourced to fulfil oversight requirements prescribed by the Basis of Union.

During the Summit it was acknowledged that the current twelve Presbytery structure, hinders effective collaboration and resource allocation and is characterised by inequities which have led to an unsustainable and unjust system. Summit participants also reflected on the fact that two Presbyteries are currently working with Synod Mission Services through Regional Partnerships and this has demonstrated the potential for a more interconnected approach, inspiring hope for a future where Presbyteries can thrive through shared resources and collective purpose.

Accordingly, Summit participants explored various scenarios for reducing the number of Presbyteries, ranging from three to five. These options were evaluated against a set of decision-making principles designed to guide the Synod towards a more just, sustainable, and mission-focused future. These principles emphasise the importance of the Holy Spirit's leading, equity, and responsiveness to the changing needs of the community. Using the principles, Summit participants indicated a strong preference to explore a 3 Presbytery model in greater detail. This will form the basis for Summit 4.

Whilst embracing the possibility of reducing the number of Presbyteries is a significant step forward, it was also acknowledged that structural change alone is insufficient. Success will depend on our willingness to continue cultivating a culture of collaboration, innovation and, sharing of the common life and wealth of the church. This will require courage, creativity, and a willingness to embrace new ways of working together.

 Going Deeper – A Rationale for Change

• The Need for Structural Reform: The current structure of the Uniting Church Synod of NSW and ACT is characterised by fragmentation, with twelve Presbyteries operating independently. This has led to disparities in resources, capacity, and effectiveness. The Summit recognises the need for a more equitable and coordinated approach to governance and resource allocation. This work can occur alongside, and feed into, the ACT2 process
• The Importance of Common Life and Wealth: The concept of "common life and wealth" underscores the interconnectedness of the Church. It emphasises the need for shared resources, shared leadership, and a collective commitment to the Church's mission. By pooling resources and working together, Presbyteries can achieve greater impact and sustainability.

• The Role of Diversity and Inclusion: The inclusion of diverse voices, particularly from CALD, First Nations, and First Third of Life communities, is essential for the Church's future. By listening to the experiences and perspectives of these groups, the Synod can better understand the needs of its members and develop more inclusive and equitable life together. Also, in a broader sense, the three and five presbytery models embrace the geographic diversity across the Synod with city, coast and country working collaboratively in life and mission.

• The Challenge of Change Management: Implementing significant structural change is a complex and challenging process. It requires careful planning, effective communication, and the support of the entire Church community. Summit participants recognised and called out the importance of addressing potential challenges, such as distance, communication, and resource allocation, if Synod discerns to move forward with such change.

The Journey toward Discernment Summit 4

In the lead up to Summit 4 (November 1-2) Presbyteries will have opportunities to engage and provide feedback on the emergent and iterative thinking around funding, function and form.

Discernment Summit 4, titled "Radical Resourcing," will focus on refining the preferred option for resourcing and relationships. In-turn this will inform and shape the development of a proposal for Synod in Session 2025, marking a crucial milestone in the Presbytery Project and our discernment for Future Directions. The primary goal being to create a sustainable and thriving church that is equipped to meet the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

This journey of discernment is not merely about restructuring; it is about reimagining how we lead more purposefully and justly into our mission. We must remember that ultimately Christ is the head of the Church and, as disciples, we are tasked with bearing witness to his transforming love through our unity.

Looking Ahead to Synod in Session 2025

Discernment Summit 3 marks a significant milestone in the Year of Discernment – exploring and affirming the need for structural reform to enhance our common life and wealth. Those elected and entrusted to lead and consider the wider work of the church in our Synod and our Presbyteries have begun to lay a foundation for a more united, equitable, and effective Body of Christ.

It is important to emphasise that Synod and Presbytery leaders will endeavour to create space to hear more voices as we seek to co-design a better way forward. Summit 4, Presbytery meetings and numerous other forums in the months leading up to Synod 2025 will provide ongoing opportunities for exploration and testing of these new and emerging foundations for funding, function and form.

Synod 2025 will present us all with an opportunity to take another bold (but informed) step toward being a courageous, contemporary and growing church.

Presbytery Participants Summits 1-3

Canberra Region

• Andrew Smith
• Elizabeth McMillan
• Janet Kay

Far North Coast

• Peter Overton
• Sue Duncan
• Pablo Nunez

Georges River

• Steve Aynsley
• Henry Tangi
• Barbara Moore
• Cameron Eccleston

Hunter

• Bernard Hale
• David Chegwidden
• Rick Brownell
• Greg McConnell
• Graham Perry
• Glenys Biddle

Illawarra

• Kath Merrifield
• Meredith Yabsley
• Janice Freeston
• Matt Willson
• Josh McPaul

Macquarie Darling

• Denise Wood
• Josh Bleyerveen
• Elizabeth Burke
• David Shrimpton
• Mel Graham

Mid North Coast

• Stephen Nicholson
• Cherie Strudwick
• Ray Hallgath

New England North West

• Tony Shumack
• Jacki Watts
• Phil Tucker
• Graeme Tolson

Parramatta Nepean

• Geoff Stevenson
• Liva Tukutama
• Craig Corby
• Dirk Van Doorene
• Christine Bayliss Kelly

Riverina

• Geoff Wellington
• Cindy James
• George Thomas

Sydney Central Coast

• Keith Garner
• Punam Bent
• Geoff Leslie
• Martin Levine

Sydney Presbytery

• Phil Newton
• Anne Empson
• Adrian Sukumar-White
• Ian Goff
• Charissa Suli

For More Information

For more information about the Presbytery Project visit the Future Directions site here.

For more information on the journey so far, contact your Presbytery representative, or email presbyteryproject@nswact.uca.org.au.