2007 World Conference Legislation

G-4  Sub-Mission Center Aggregations (motion to refer carried)

From the South America Mission Center:

Whereas, Section 27:4 of the Doctrine and Covenants says “…all things must be done in order and by common consent in the church, by the prayer of faith;” and

Whereas, Article III of the Bylaws indicate: “A basic principle of decision making in the Community of Christ is common consent.  Common consent respects the rights of the people to assent to the general conduct of business within the church and to sustain those called of God to provide leadership.  Common consent is exercised when members assemble in conferences in congregations, mission centers, and at the World Conference;” and

Whereas, Some mission centers cover huge areas and include several countries, different languages and various cultures, essentially making it impossible to establish common consent; and

Whereas, Article VI, Section 1 of the Bylaws states in part, “Mission centers shall provide for the networking and grouping of congregations to encourage mutual support, foster church identity, pursuit of common causes, and to provide fellowship, leadership development, and celebration opportunities (e.g., reunions, camps, retreats, and leadership development programs;” and

Whereas, Many mission centers are excessively large in terms of geography, language and culture, thus making it impossible to form links for mutual support, fostering of church identity, pursuing common causes, providing for fellowship, leadership development and celebrating together; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Bylaws of the Community of Christ be amended by adding Sub Mission Center Aggregations as a new Section 10 of Article VI to read as follows:

In the case of mission centers that are very large in terms of geographic area, multiple countries, different languages and, distinct cultures, such mission centers may determine to form mission center clusters.  The division of a mission center into sub mission center aggregations should be based on the same criteria that apply to the formation of any mission center as stated in Article VI, Section 2.  The plan for dividing a mission center into sub mission center aggregations shall be developed through consultation between the field apostle, mission center officers and effected congregations.  Approval for dividing a mission center into sub mission center aggregations shall be by the mission center.

          a. Organization of mission aggregations.  The primary purpose of a mission center aggregation is to support the ministry of congregations and promote the extension of the church.  As such, the focus of the aggregation should be on ministry and testimony and not on administration. 

          b. Leadership.  A coordinator, who has no administrative duties, will guide each aggregation.  The coordinator will work in cooperation with the congregations and emerging congregations within the aggregation to provide training, leadership development, motivation and common vision.  The coordinator shall be chosen from within the environment (geographic, linguistic, cultural) of the aggregation.  The coordinator is supervised by the Mission Center President.  Aggregations shall not have a separate financial officer.  A financial committee may be formed within an Aggregation to coordinate between the congregations of the aggregation and the Mission Center Financial Officer.  These new roles should be filled by volunteers who would receive financial support only for ministerial expenses – travel, food, and lodging while away from home.

         c. Sub-Mission Center Aggregation Conferences.  The nature and purpose of aggregation conferences are identical to those of a mission center conference.  These conferences do not replace mission center conferences but rather are seen as practical meetings permitting fellowship, opportunities for leadership development and consensus formation that would be part of a mission center conference were it not for distance, language and cultural differences.  If necessary, if distances and time do not permit all members of an aggregation to participate in an aggregation conference, with their explicit consent, delegates may represent those who are absent.  A sub-mission center aggregation conference is called using the same criteria, has the same quorum requirements and is presided over by the president of the mission center.