Pastor’s Message

This week, we have our SGM, Special General Meeting. The aim of it is to give us some clarity around church organisation and leadership.

Some context is beneficial. Since we planted HCC, we have had a dedicated group of elders. The team has not changed much over the years. We had one person step down and another nominated. The team has been very good at governance and decision-making since the launch of HCC. They have held HCC, literally and figuratively, both in prayer and service. They have navigated very difficult times, and they have always answered to the call even if they did not fully understand what was involved. I have always felt supported by this team.

As HCC grows, there has been a need for us to make changes to keep up with the dynamics of our congregation. Before, the team was responsible for both governance and specific ministry responsibilities. Understandably, ministry responsibilities have increased, and we as a team have had less time to do big-picture planning.

Thankfully, scripture gives us a blueprint. It so happens that the early church was going through the same. Luke, the author of Acts, records it for us.

We are in our own Acts 6 moment, where we would like to have Deacons (Ministry leaders) continue to do what the have been doing effectively, i.e. leading the church, and have a team that can focus on governance.  All our current Elders are effectively ministry leaders, and we want to empower them to be effective in their service, as well as improve the communication lines, so that we are all on the same page.

The next step is to create a new Eldership team (The current Eldership team stays on at a caretaker capacity until the new team is formed. The current elders can be nominated for the New Eldership team, they have not been disqualified). 

At HCC, we accept both male and female eldership. (To understand our thinking this matter, please visit the Website and see our paper on “Women in leadership”)

Constitutionally, anyone who is a member of HCC can be an Elder, as long as they meet the criteria. This is set out in scripture, in 1^st Timothy 3:1-7, and Titus 1:6-9.  The process begins a member of the church nominating someone they have either observed or feel that they suit eldership through the Pastor on the current Elders team.

The person(s) will then be approached to pray and consider eldership together with the Pastor. This is a time of prayer and discernment for both the individual and the pastor. If, after the discernment process they feel that they are the right fit, they will be presented at the AGM to be Ratified and serve as an Elder. Currently, HCC does not have a term limit for Elders. This may change in the future.

I should state that this is not a Hierarchy, but an egalitarian model. Ministry leaders, as well as Elders work in Tandem for the benefit of the kingdom, both in HCC and beyond. It is the roles that differ, which is why we are separating them, in order to be more effective for the kingdom, just as they did in Acts 6.

This is what we will be discussing during the SGM.  Also, please bring a plate to share.

Any questions?

Have a discerning week.

Mato 

Community

The Barkley family has grown!

Introducing Beckett Augustine & Sebastian Chantry Barkley.

Thank you all so much for the prayers over the last few months. The boys are here and safe.

The Barkley Five are now at home, so let's bless Isabelle and Daniel with some meals to help with the busy days.

Church Sundays

On the pulpit this Sunday and beyond…

This week, we are back on Galatians, specifically the 2nd part of Galatians 2. This is the heart of Galatians, because it talks about not being afraid of the gospel.

Community

As we lead up to Easter, youth group is doing a four-part series on the journey of Jesus towards the cross.

As we lead up to Easter, youth group is doing a 4-part series on the Journey of Jesus towards the cross. This week, we are talking about Jesus turning over tables.

The bake auction is next week! Have you decided what you are baking? We will continue to give until the Easter weekend is over. Here are the giving methods.

1. Adopt a camper – Make a pledge/donation to pay for the Easter camp fee for a camper. This can be any amount. (The current Easter camp fee is $278.)

2. Bake sale – everyone loves a bake sale. We get to bake, sell, buy and eat all at the same time. This will be on Sunday 29th March after the service.

Community

A reminder of our HCC homegroups

We will leave this here for one more week in the hopes that there is a homegroup that could suit everyone.

Giving

Halswell Community Church

Account Number: 06-0601-0867216-00

Reference: Tithe/Offering Particulars: Your Name