GUIDELINES FOR LIAISON PERSONS

PRESBYTERY OF SYDNEY

Uniting Church in Australia

The role and responsibilities of Presbytery Liaison Persons in Sydney Presbytery are as follows:

1. Generally

The Liaison Person is the representative of the PRC in its dealings with a congregation, the minister(s) and other pastoral staff of the congregation (s).

2. In the placement process the Liaison Person will:

* help guide the congregation in the appropriate procedures and assist it to comply with the relevant regulations and by-laws.

* be a channel of communication between the congregation and the Presbytery.

3. Following a placement the Liaison Person will:

* be a support to the incoming minister and their family

* where necessary facilitate dialogue over the terms of placement and communicate any issues arising to the PRC

* conduct a "Fourth Month" consultation between the minister and the selection committee or other appropriate congregational leaders and provide a written report to PRC.

4. Where it is proposed that a placement be extended beyond its tenth year or renewed for a further term the Liaison Person will:

* be present at any meeting of the church council or the congregation, called to discuss such an extension

* ensure that the requirements of the ballot prescribed by the Uniting Church Regulations are observed.

5. Where it is proposed to appoint a lay ministry assistant the Liaison Person will:

* be present at the council or committee which draws up the duty statement and terms of engagement

* be present at any interviews held to select an appointee.

6. In general congregation life the Liaison Person will:

* be a representational figure of the PRC, symbolising the interest and care of the Presbytery

* be available to advise the minister (s), congregation, any office bearer in the congregation of their responsibilities under the Regulations, By-Laws and Guidelines or resolutions of the Presbytery.

* draw to the attention of the PRC the need of any minister, or any congregation or any council of the church in the congregation for pastoral support of the PRC.

* be available to represent the PRC at meetings of the congregation or any council or committee thereof.

Liaison Persons shall report to the PRC through the Secretary of Presbytery but shall assist any other office bearer of the Presbytery or the PRC in the exercise of their responsibilities. The PRC will convene an annual meeting of all Liaison Persons to provide training and discuss the exercise of their responsibilities or promote involvement in an appropriate Synod workshop.

Approved 11 June 1999

Revised following the new congregational structures: May 1999. Latest revision: 26th August 2000.