BAPTIST UNION OF TASMANIA

Transcription

1 PASTORS MANUAL BAPTIST UNION OF TASMANIA 19 January 2012

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3 Contents 1. Introduction Categories of Pastoral Leaders Accredited Pastoral Leaders (APL) Requirements for APL Process for APL (for those already ordained) Application Form for APL Removal from APL Ordination Requirements for ordination Process for ordination Application form Ordination and APL Recognised Pastoral Leaders (RPL) Requirements for RPL Process for RPL Application Form for RPL Removal from RPL Pastors in Training (PT) Requirements for PT Process for PT Application Form for PT Removal from PT Interim Pastoral Leaders (IPL) Requirements for IPL Process for IPL Removal from IPL Retired Pastoral Leaders (RET) Requirements for RET Process for RET Removal from RET Code of Ethics and Companion Guide Professional Development Plan Guidelines Marriage Celebrants Policy Authorised celebrants

4 10.2 Baptist Rites Prescribed wording Marriage Act 1961, Section Pastoral Committee Tasmanian Baptist Pastors Association Application Form

5 1. Introduction The Baptist Union of Tasmania ( the Union ) is building a team of Pastoral Leaders who, with God s empowering, are trained and competent to contribute to the local, regional and statewide efforts in becoming a mission-shaped movement. Tasmanian Pastoral leaders are to function, with God s enabling, in an environment of mutual support and accountability. Legal realities require the Union designate our endorsed Pastoral Leaders within our movement. Endorsed Pastoral Leaders have access to a wide range of services and resources provided by the denomination and may be registered as a Baptist Marriage Celebrant. Churches whose Pastor is an endorsed Pastoral Leader may have access to reduced premiums for some insurance cover and may have greater protection at law in some instances. 2. Categories of Pastoral Leaders The following groupings of Pastoral Leaders are endorsed by the Union: Accredited Pastoral Leader (APL) Recognised Pastoral Leader (RPL) Pastors in Training (PT) Interim Pastoral Leader (IPL) Retired Pastoral Leader (RET) 3. Accredited Pastoral Leaders (APL) Accreditation denotes a pastoral leader who is recognised by the denomination and has been ordained. Accredited Pastoral Leaders shall be automatically registered as Marriage Celebrants by the Administrator, unless they request otherwise. 3.1 Requirements for APL Membership of the Accredited Pastoral Leaders list is open to those who: have been ordained by the Union (see 3.4 below), or have been transferred from another Baptist Union (or from another denomination once study and experience requirements have been met to the satisfaction of the Pastoral Committee) with the endorsement of Union Council or Assembly; are serving in a pastoral appointment in a member church or Christian organisation acceptable to Union Council or Assembly requiring a minimum equivalent of one day per week; are members of a Tasmanian Baptist Church; affirm the Doctrinal Basis of the Union; and 3

6 ~ affirm and comply with the Healthy Church/Pastor Relationships Manual, including the Code of Ethics, Professional Development Plan Guidelines, and Complaint Procedure for Allegations of Misconduct. 3.2 Process for APL (for those already ordained) The applicant shall obtain the Tasmanian Baptist Pastors Manual from the Dayspring office or website and address any questions to the Dayspring office or a Regional Minister. If the applicant is already ordained, he/she shall complete the Application Form and send to the Dayspring office with all required documentation, marked CONFIDENTIAL. The Dayspring office shall acknowledge receipt of the application and shall pass it on to the chairperson of the Pastoral Committee. The Pastoral Committee shall determine how to process the application. An interview of the candidate and spouse with members of the Committee shall be required. Pastoral Committee shall present its recommendation to Council (having informed the Mission Leadership Team). Council shall make a decision and advise the candidate, Pastoral Committee and Assembly. If successful, the applicant shall be acknowledged as an Accredited Pastoral Leader at the next suitable Assembly, as determined by MLT and Council. 3.3 Application Form for APL The Application Form for APL is contained in pages of this Manual and copies are available in Word format on the Union s website. 3.4 Removal from APL Accredited Pastoral Leaders shall be removed from the APL list when they: ~ conclude ministry in a Tasmanian Baptist Church or recognised organisation; or ~ cease to affirm the Doctrinal Basis; or ~ fail to comply with the Healthy Church/Pastor Relationships Manual and this Pastors Manual; or ~ die. Removal of a person from any of the categories of Pastoral Leaders shall be undertaken by Council, normally upon recommendation from the Pastoral Committee. The person being removed shall be contacted in writing by Council wherever possible. Council retains the authority to remove any person from any category of Pastoral Leader without a recommendation from the Pastoral Committee. 3.5 Ordination Some Pastoral Leaders may complete studies that meet ordination requirements without having been a Pastor in Training. Ordination is recognition by the denomination that a pastoral leader s call to ministry has been adequately tested through study and supervision and can thus be affirmed. 4

7 Upon ordination, a pastoral leader is automatically added to the Accredited Pastoral Leaders (APL) list Requirements for ordination Ordination by the Union is available for pastors serving in member churches or approved Christian ministry who meet the following requirements. A candidate for ordination shall normally be a Recognised Pastoral Leader (RPL) or a Pastor in Training (PT) at the time of making application. For a person to be ordained, the following training is normally required as a minimum: Successful completion of a three year full time (or its equivalent) course of study at an institution recognised and approved by the Union. The course of study shall: ~ contain a residential component of at least six months (at the discretion of the Pastoral Committee), ~ studies in Old Testament, New Testament, Theology, Church History and Ministry, ~ a substantial component of Baptist distinctives, and. ~ a component of supervised pastoral education of at least six months. The Pastoral Committee shall take into account recognised prior learning and experience Process for ordination The applicant shall obtain a copy of the Tasmanian Baptist Pastors Manual from the Dayspring office or website and address any questions to the Dayspring office or a Regional Minister. The applicant shall complete the Application Form for Ordination (see below) and send to the Dayspring office with all required documentation, marked CONFIDENTIAL. The Dayspring office shall acknowledge receipt of the application and shall pass it on to the chairperson of the Pastoral Committee. The Pastoral Committee shall determine how to process the application. An interview of the candidate and spouse with members of the Committee shall be required. The Pastoral Committee shall present its recommendation to Council (having informed the Mission Leadership Team). Council shall make a decision and advise the candidate, Pastoral Committee and Assembly. If successful, the applicant shall be ordained at the next suitable Assembly, as determined by MLT and Council Application form Ordination and APL The Application Form for Ordination and APL is contained on pages of this manual, and copies are available in Word format on the Union s website. 5

8 4. Recognised Pastoral Leaders (RPL) Recognition denotes a pastoral leader who is compliant with the basic requirements to be registered as a Pastoral Leader amongst Tasmanian Baptist Churches. Recognition is not automatic to those appointed as pastor of a Baptist Church or to pastors from other states. Recognised Pastoral Leaders shall be automatically registered as Marriage Celebrants by the Administrator, unless they request otherwise. 4.1 Requirements for RPL Membership of the Recognised Pastoral Leaders list is open to those who: ~ have been serving in Australia or New Zealand for a minimum of twelve months in a pastoral appointment in a Baptist church or Christian organisation acceptable to Council requiring a minimum equivalent of one day per week; ~ are members of a Tasmanian Baptist Church; ~ affirm the Doctrinal Basis of the Union; and ~ affirm and comply with the Healthy Church/Pastor Relationships Manual, including the Code of Ethics, Professional Development Plan Guidelines and Complaint Procedure for Allegations of Misconduct. Council shall have discretion to consider recommendations from Pastoral Committee regarding applications from pastors from other nationalities. Normally Pastoral Leaders from other denominations shall serve the twelve month period in a Baptist pastorate before being recognised. 4.2 Process for RPL The applicant shall obtain the Tasmanian Baptist Pastors Manual from the Dayspring office or website and address any questions to the Dayspring office or a Regional Minister; The applicant shall complete the Application Form and send to the Dayspring office with all required documentation, marked CONFIDENTIAL ; The Dayspring office shall acknowledge receipt of the application and shall pass it on to the chairperson of the Pastoral Committee; The Pastoral Committee shall determine how to process the application. An interview of the candidate and spouse with members of the Pastoral Committee shall be required; Pastoral Committee shall present its recommendation to Council (having informed the Mission Leadership Team); Council shall make a decision and advise the candidate, Pastoral Committee and Assembly; and If successful, the applicant shall be acknowledged as a Recognised Pastoral Leader at the next suitable Assembly, as determined by MLT and Council. 4.3 Application Form for RPL The Application Form is contained in pages of this Manual and copies are available in Word format on the Union s website. 6

9 4.4 Removal from RPL Recognised Pastoral Leaders shall be removed from the RPL list when they: conclude ministry in a Tasmanian Baptist Church or recognised organisation; cease to affirm the Doctrinal Basis; fail to comply with the Healthy Church/Pastor Relationships Manual and this Pastors Manual; or die. Removal of a person from any of the categories of Pastoral Leaders shall be undertaken by Council, normally upon recommendation from the Pastoral Committee. The person being removed shall be contacted in writing by Council wherever possible. Council retains the authority to remove any person from any category of Pastoral Leader without a recommendation from the Pastoral Committee. 5. Pastors in Training (PT) Potential Pastoral Leaders may apply to be recognised as Pastors in Training, leading to ordination. Ordination is recognition by the denomination that a pastoral leader s call to ministry has been adequately tested through study and supervision and can thus be affirmed. A Pastor in Training is under the supervision of the Pastoral Committee and is accountable to it until s/he is ordained. Upon ordination a pastoral leader is automatically added to the Accredited Pastoral Leaders (APL) list. 5.1 Requirements for PT A Pastor in Training shall be a member of a Tasmanian Baptist Church. A Pastor in Training shall be willing to undertake theological study as determined by the Pastoral Committee. Pastoral Committee shall normally require study at an Australian Baptist college (or equivalent) at Degree or Advanced Diploma level. Study undertaken shall be sufficient to meet ordination requirements: Successful completion of a three year full time (or its equivalent) course of study at an institution recognised and approved by the Union. The course of study shall contain: a residential component of at least six months (at the discretion of the Pastoral Committee), studies in Old Testament, New Testament, Theology, Church History and Ministry, a substantial component of Baptist distinctives, and a component of supervised pastoral education of at least six months. The Pastoral Committee shall take into account recognised prior learning and experience in determining the study to be undertaken. 7

10 The Pastor in Training shall provide to the Pastoral Committee each year a copy of all academic results, supervised field education reports and any other relevant reports. 5.2 Process for PT The applicant shall obtain the Tasmanian Baptist Pastors Manual from the Dayspring office or website and address any questions to the Dayspring office or a Regional Minister; The applicant shall complete the Application Form with the appropriate details and send to the Dayspring office with all required documentation, marked CONFIDENTIAL ; The Dayspring office shall acknowledge receipt of the application and shall pass it on to the chairperson of the Pastoral Committee. The Pastoral Committee shall determine how to process the application. An interview of the candidate and spouse with members of the Committee shall be required. Pastoral Committee shall present its recommendation to Assembly via Council (having informed the Mission Leadership Team). Assembly shall make a decision and advise the candidate. If successful, the applicant shall be acknowledged as a Pastor in Training at the next suitable Assembly, as determined by MLT and Council. 5.3 Application Form for PT The Application Form for PT is contained in pages of this Manual and is also available in Word format on the Union s website. 5.4 Removal from PT A Pastor in Training shall be removed from the PT list when they: ~ a r e o r d a i n e d ; ~ conclude ministry in a Tasmanian Baptist Church or recognised organisation; ~ cease to affirm the Doctrinal Basis of the Union; ~ fail to comply with the Healthy Church/Pastor Relationships Manual and this Pastors Manual; or ~ d i e. Removal of a person from any of the categories of Pastoral Leaders shall be undertaken by Council, normally upon recommendation from the Pastoral Committee. The person being removed shall be contacted in writing by Council wherever possible. Council retains the authority to remove any person from any category of Pastoral Leader without a recommendation from the Pastoral Committee. 6. Interim Pastoral Leaders (IPL) Interim Pastoral Leaders are pastors serving in Tasmanian Baptist Churches or an acceptable Christian organisation for up to two years who are recognise or accredited by another Australian or New Zealand Baptist Union. 8

11 Interim Pastoral Leaders shall not normally be registered as Marriage Celebrants in Tasmania. 6.1 Requirements for IPL Membership of the Interim Pastoral Leaders list is open to those who: are accredited or recognised by another Australian or New Zealand Baptist Union; are serving in an interim (or intentional interim) pastoral appointment in a member church or Christian organisation acceptable to Union Council or Assembly requiring a minimum equivalent of one day per week; affirm the Doctrinal Basis of theunion; affirm and comply with the Healthy Church/Pastor Relationships Manual, including the Code of Ethics and Complaint Procedure for Allegations of Misconduct; and are compliant with the professional development requirements of their home state or comply with the Tasmanian Professional Development Plan Guidelines. 6.2 Process for IPL Candidates may apply to the Pastoral Committee in writing stating that they: are accredited or recognised by another Australian Baptist Union; are serving in an interim (or intentional interim) pastoral appointment in a member church or Christian organisation acceptable to Union Council or Assembly requiring a minimum equivalent of one day per week; affirm the Doctrinal Basis of the Union; affirm and will comply with the Healthy Church/Pastor Relationships Manual, including the Code of Ethics and Complaint Procedure for Allegations of Misconduct; and are compliant with professional development requirements of their home state or will comply with the Tasmanian Professional Development Plan Guidelines. The Pastoral Committee shall seek verification from both the home state Union and the local church before bringing a recommendation to Council via MLT, and informing the candidate of the decision. 6.3 Removal from IPL Interim Pastoral Leaders shall be removed from the IPL list when they: conclude ministry in a Tasmanian Baptist Church or recognised organisation, cease to affirm the Doctrinal Basis of the Baptist Union of Tasmania, fail to comply with the Healthy Church/Pastor Relationships Manual and/or this Pastors Manual, or die. Removal of a person from any of the category of Interim Pastoral Leaders shall be undertaken by Council, normally upon recommendation from the Pastoral Committee. The person being removed shall be contacted in writing by Council wherever possible. Council retains the 9

12 authority to remove any person from any category of Pastoral Leader without a recommendation from the Pastoral Committee. 7. Retired Pastoral Leaders (RET) Retired Pastoral Leaders are released from any obligation for continuing professional development. They are eligible to conduct interim ministries and may be eligible to retain registration as Baptist marriage celebrants. Retired Pastoral Leaders shall not be included in Assembly Membership as defined in clause 8 b ii of the Constitution but are welcome to attend Assemblies as honoured Pastoral Leaders. 7.1 Requirements for RET Membership of the Retired Pastoral Leaders list is open to those who: were compliant with APL, RPL or IPL requirements for five continuous years immediately prior to the time of their retirement from active pastoral (or interim pastoral) ministry; affirm the Doctrinal Basis of the Union; and affirm and comply with the Healthy Church/Pastor Relationships Manual, including the Code of Ethics and Complaint Procedure for Allegations of Misconduct. The Pastoral Committee has discretion to consider names for the Retired Pastoral List who do not strictly meet the requirements of where special conditions apply. 7.2 Process for RET Upon retirement from active pastoral ministry, members of the APL and RPL lists may apply in writing to the Pastoral Committee to be placed on the Retired Pastoral Leaders list and (if they so desire) to be kept as a registered Marriage Celebrant. The Pastoral Committee shall make any investigations necessary befo re transferring the candidate to the Retired Pastoral Leaders list and informing MLT, Council and the candidate. The Pastoral Committee shall check that the number registered Baptist Marriage Celebrants in Tasmania does not exceed the number of Baptist Churches in Tasmania before approving the retired pastor remain on the registered list. 7.3 Removal from RET Interim Pastoral Leaders shall be removed from the RET list if they: cease to affirm the Doctrinal Basis of the Union; fail to comply with the Healthy Church/Pastor Relationships Manual and/or this Pastors Manual; or die. Removal of a person from any of the categories of Pastoral Leaders shall be undertaken by Council, normally upon recommendation from the Pastoral Committee. The person being removed shall be contacted in writing by Council wherever possible. Council retains the 10

13 authority to remove any person from any category of Pastoral Leader without a recommendation from the Pastoral Committee. 8. Code of Ethics and Companion Guide See the Healthy Church/Pastor Relationships Manual, section Professional Development Plan Guidelines See the Healthy Church/Pastor Relationships Manual, section Marriage Celebrants Policy 10.1 Authorised celebrants Approved celebrants are authorised by the Commonwealth under the Baptist Union of Australia. The Union must comply with the Marriage Act 1961, and government directives regarding the appointment and supervision of marriage celebrants. The Marriage Act 1961 (Commonwealth) (s. 30) defines a minister of religion as: (a) a person recognized by a religious body or a religious organization as having authority to solemnize marriages in accordance with the rites or customs of the body or organization; or (b) in relation to a religious body or a religious organization in respect of which paragraph (a) is not applicable, a person nominated by: (i) the head, or the governing authority, in a State or Territory, of that body or organization; or (ii) such other person or authority acting on behalf of that body or organization as is prescribed; to be an authorized celebrant for the purposes of this Act. In a letter from the Attorney General s office to the Baptist Union of Tasmania dated 7 March, 2003 two other criteria were detailed. A marriage celebrant must be a resident of Australia, and over the age of 21 years. The Union shall only register as a marriage celebrant persons: ~ resident in Australia; ~ over the age of 21 years; ~ currently included on the Accredited Pastoral Leaders (APL), Recognised Pastoral Leaders (RPL) or Retired Pastoral Leaders (RET) lists of the Union; and ~ able to demonstrate that being a marriage celebrant would benefit their ministry effectiveness. The Union shall not normally register as marriage celebrants those on the Interim Pastoral Leaders (IPL) list. 11

14 Tasmanian Baptists shall inform celebrants of changes and reminders sent to the denomination from the Attorney General s office Baptist Rites Marriage celebrants registered by the Union shall conduct all marriage ceremonies in accordance with the Marriage Act and Baptist Rites. A statement made by Australian Baptist Ministries, 23 November 2011 The Baptist Union of Australia defines marriage as being the union between a man and a woman to the exclusion of all others, voluntarily entered into for life. Authorized celebrants with the Baptist Union of Australia are only able to solemnize marriages according to Baptist Rites that conform to this definition. Marriage Ceremonies according to the Rites of the Baptist Union of Australia are to include the following: A statement of the Christian nature and purpose of marriage and the intent of the marriage ceremony An acknowledgement that this is a Christian celebration of marriage being conducted before God and those people who have gathered Declarations or Statements of Intent Personal Vows which are to be clear promises of commitment for life in which each takes the other to be their wife or husband Pronouncement of marriage Normally additional inclusions are: Prayers The reading of Scripture An occasional address Exchange of rings Blessings or Affirmations by the parent or parents and or Giving of the Bride and or Groom Benediction and or blessing 10.3 Prescribed wording Marriage Act 1961, Section 46 Marriage celebrants registered by the Union shall conduct all marriage ceremonies in accordance with the Marriage Act and Baptist Rites. The following words or words to that effect (see below) must be said by the celebrant prior to the couple exchanging their vows. I am duly authorised by law to solemnise marriages according to law. Before you are joined in marriage in my presence and in the presence of these witnesses, I am to remind you of the solemn and binding nature of the relationship into which you are now about to enter. Marriage, according to law in Australia, is the union of a man and a woman to the exclusion of all others, voluntarily entered into for life. The Act allows for words to that effect and acceptable variations include: 12

15 The first sentence may be changed to I am legally registered to solemnise marriages according to the law. or I am the registered marriage celebrant authorised to solemnise this marriage according to the law. In the second sentence: Solemn may be replaced by serious or formal Binding may be replaced by permanent Nature may be replaced by promise Now about to enter may be replaced by formalising ; sealing or binding The third sentence cannot be altered. 11. Pastoral Committee The oversight of the pastoral affairs of the Union is entrusted to the Pastoral Committee consisting of the Northern Regional Minister, and six members appointed by Assembly on the recommendation of Council The functions of the Committee are to examine and recommend to Assembly for acceptance, candidates for ministerial training; to be responsible for the support and guidance of accepted candidates during training; to prepare and adopt, with the endorsement of Assembly, such procedures and regulations for training as may be found necessary6; to recommend to Assembly for acceptance, candidates for ordination; to receive and, as appropriate, provide information concerning ministers who may be available for pastoral appointment; to assist and advise in the settlement of vacant pastorates, and to advise, when requested, on the appointment of a moderator; to be available at the request of the State Director ABMS to advise potential candidates of ABMS; and to review and approve for publication the accredited list. Current members of the Committee are The Northern Regional Minister (Rev Jeff McKinnon) Mrs Janine O'Loughlin Mrs Denise Stephenson Rev Graeme Goninon 13

16 12. Tasmanian Baptist Pastors Association Accredited, Recognised and Retired Pastoral Leaders shall maintain an association to provide: ~ f e l l o w s h i p ; ~ support for Pastoral Leaders and their families; and ~ training. The Association shall be open to all Accredited, Recognised and Retired Pastoral Leaders and shall appoint its own committee. The Association shall keep accurate financial records in full compliance with the requirements of Council. 14

17 Application Form Purpose of this application: Please tick one box To be an Accredited Pastoral Leader (APL), having already been Ordained To be Ordained by the Union and become an Accredited Pastoral Leader (APL) To be a Recognised Pastoral Leader (RPL) To be a Pastor in Training (PIT) This form is available in Word format on the Union s website Committee.html Please complete this application form in full, attach the applicable supporting information, and mail your application to: The Pastoral Committee Baptist Union of Tasmania PO Box 275 Kings Meadows, TAS 7249 Or a PDF copy to info@tasbaptists.org.au NOTE: Process for accreditation: - address any questions to the Regional Minister responsible for Pastoral Committee - send completed application form to same person - application considered by Pastoral Committee including face-to-face interview - recommendation forwarded to Council through MLT for decision - decision advised in writing Title (Rev./Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms) Surname 15

18 Given (Christian) Names Address Postcode Date of Birth Place of Birth Telephone: FAX: Mobile Baptised? When / where? Member of a Church? Name of Church Marital Status Spouse s Name What is the attitude of your spouse to your pastoral calling? Christian Conversion: Please give details of your initial conversion and any subsequent recommitments. Pastoral Call: Explain why you believe God is calling you to pastoral ministry in the Baptist Church including the initial perception of the call and any significant events since. 16

19 Christian Work: Give an account of Christian work (including preaching) in which you have been engaged. Please give details of churches recently involved in. Pastoral Leadership Experience: Please indicate your pastoral leadership experience by ticking the appropriate boxes ~ Marriage Ceremony ~ Funeral Service ~ Infant Dedication Service ~ Youth Work ~ Previous Church Pastorate(s) ~ Pastoral Visitation ~ Experience in Leadership Meetings Theological Training: Please indicate any courses you have undertaken, and qualifications obtained 17

20 Recreation: List your recreational interests and hobbies References: List 3 members of Baptist Churches who have known you in recent years and Name Address Ph. No. are willing to act as a referee (preferably those in leadership positions and who have heard you preach.). Supporting Information (Please attach the following information and check the box to confirm that it has been supplied) APL RPL PIT A letter of support/endorsement from your current church leadership A national good character police check A current photograph of yourself A medical certificate giving your current state of health A copy of a recent sermon on paper or CD Two essays of approximately 2,000 words: 1. Your understanding of the Baptist View of Ministry 2. Another essay on a topic of your choice 18

21 If applying to become a Pastor in training, I agree to undertake such psychological testing or vocational guidance as may be required by the Pastoral Committee and that a copy of any reports shall be kept on file by the Baptist Union of Tasmania. I also agree to make available to the Pastoral Committee all supervised field study reports and similar reports presented in the course of my studies. Signature Undertakings by the Applicant I agree to be available for interview by the Pastoral Committee with respect to this application. I have read the Constitution of the Baptist Union of Tasmania, the Union s Healthy Church/Pastor Relationships Manual, and the Union s Pastors Manual. I affirm the Doctrinal Basis of the Baptist Union of Tasmania. If accredited, I agree to: 1. Comply with the Union s Constitution and By Laws. 2. Sign and comply with the Union s Code of ethics and ministry practice. 3. Comply with the Union s Guidelines for Healthy Church/Pastor Relationships. 4. Comply with the Union s Complaint Procedure for Allegations of Misconduct. 5. Undertake Professional Development as detailed in the Union s Professional Development Plan Guidelines and comply with those Guidelines. 6. Have regular ministry supervision, spiritual direction, or mentoring. Signature Full Name Date 19