131 Beginning the journey

131.1 An idea whose time had come

Any number of reasons may generate the desire for deeper cooperation amongst the Partners at the local level. While some may be intrinsically better than others, all promptings to seek the unity of the church in a local setting need to be heard. They may indeed be the prompting of the Lord of the church. It is an audacious idea that we may overcome the divisions of centuries and many difficulties will be placed in the way.

131.2 Testing the idea

At the informal level of meeting with members of the other Partners, the idea should be shared to assess the measure of initial interest. If there is an expressed willingness to look at the question seriously then the person initiating the idea should share it informally with key lay members and the ordained minister(s). Test the idea as widely as possible. Do not presume others are not interested - ask them if they wish to be involved.

131.3 Sharing the idea

Without having too many reasons clarified, the sharing of the idea with others should be seen as a matter to be openly explored. An exploratory meeting between the representatives of each group should be held to draw up a list of objectives in seeking such a Cooperative Venture.

131.4 Clarifying objectives

a) Mission. It is desirable in dreaming and hoping that this group thinks not only of the problems that they face as individual churches, but also of the question of their mission in the community. Will they through coming together more faithfully promote the gospel and attend more creatively to community needs?

b) Worship. Do not flinch from addressing people's deepest feelings about worship.

Richness of heritages, relevance of expression, inclusiveness of language and of liturgies need to be part of the objectives formulated.

c) Stewardship and resources. Honest sharing of difficulties being faced builds basic trust. The stewardship of our resources in the same venturesome faith as our denominational pioneers is the new challenge.

131.5 Testing commitment

The commitment of both lay members and ministers needs to be carefully assessed. Ministers need to be frank enough to share their hesitations and doubts as freely as they share their hopes. They need also to express the measure of their willingness to remain while the Cooperative Venture is being planned. This degree of commitment needs to be freely discussed.

131.6 Prayer

This informal group should seek to understand more clearly what this proposed action might mean in the purpose and plan of God. In prayer seek both the wisdom of God and the power of God.

131.7 Inter-church court liaison

If the group wishes to explore the proposal further, they should share it with the decision?making members of the local church eg. the vestry, parish meeting, session etc. Such sharing invites consideration not only of hopes and objectives that have been clarified but also of all the possible options of local cooperative action.

131.8 Shared worship and fellowship

Time should be given at this point for corporate worship and social activities. Whether through Know Your Neighbour type programmes or special occasions of corporate worship, sharing between the congregations should be encouraged. Social and educational activities, both formal and informal, need to be encouraged to create genuine fellowship.

131.9 Discovering fears and doubts

By now in visiting and in general life of the venture, people should be encouraged to share some of their doubts and fears as to what these changes may mean to them personally Discussions on buildings and on forms of worship should be kept in perspective. People need to discover positive possibilities as well as articulating their negative feelings.

131.10 Congregational assent

Having considered the principle of cooperation. it is important for each of the prospective Partners to give assent to their leaders/representatives to explore the possibilities of cooperation.

131.11 Covenanting

In some circumstances it is helpful at this stage or later to draw up a simple covenant

(See 314) as both sign and support of growing commitment.

131.12 Planning

A planning committee needs to be appointed to clarify the proposal and initiate and co-ordinate the moves toward closer cooperation. This committee will be representative of the prospective local Partners and shall invite the JRC to appoint a representative. The committee will:

a) investigate the possibilities of acting out immediate forms of cooperation so that the eventual structures governing the Cooperative Venture will have arisen out of the experience of the congregations as well as out of the prepared guidelines

b) raise questions about the primary role of the church and the purpose of the Cooperative Venture in its worship and witness so that the structures developed serve its life and mission in the world

c) advise the Joint Regional Committee of the steps being taken and seek the establishment of close and continued liaison

d) inform the appropriate officers of the Partners of the developments ie. Diocesan administrator (Anglican), Director, Mission Resourcing (Methodist), Mission Resource (Presbyterian) and General Secretaries (Associated Churches of Christ and Congregational Union)

e) discuss the most appropriate type of venture to be established (See 123 Definitions - Cooperative Ventures)

f) formulate a statement together with representatives of the JRC regarding the purpose of the Cooperative Venture and the area to he served.

g) prepare an agreement based on the most suitable guideline agreement (See 311-314) and the Common Provisions. (See 211-271) Where properties are involved a Schedule of Record (See 252) must accompany the agreement

h) prepare a draft budget to test the viability of the proposed venture

i)   seek at the earliest possible stage, the comment and/or approval of the appropriate local, regional and national Partners (see 132)

j)  make recommendations to the JRC concerning the denomination and initial term of any ordained ministers to be appointed on inauguration of the venture. The tenure of ministers appointed to parishes ceases with the formation of a Cooperative Venture but they are eligible for appointment to the new Cooperative Venture

k) arrange for an expression of opinion on the specific proposals and draft agreement from among the people of the Partners. The Partners will inform the committee of their requirements in this matter

l) set a date for inauguration and with the ministers arrange a suitable service for the signing of the agreement.

m) The CVJMF year commences on 1 July and CVs established prior to this date will continue with separate financial contributions to each Partner as previously arranged. At the beginning of the next CVJMF year new CVs then channel their contributions through the CVJMF. Contact should be made with the CVJMF two months prior to that date. (See 446)

131.13 Consultation on approval of Cooperative Venture agreements

Local Partners shall inform and consult with the following:

Anglican

• Diocesan administrator/manager/secretary/registrar
• Archdeacon
• Bishop

Associated Churches of Christ

• Conference Secretary
• Administration

Congregational Union

• Union Secretary
• Standing Committee
• District Meeting

Methodist

District Superintendent

Superintendent Mission Resourcing Unit

Administration Division

Presbyterian

Mission Resource  Presbytery

Joint Regional Committee

131.14   Signing of Cooperative Venture Agreements

The Following people shall sign the completed agreement:

Anglican

Bishop

Associated Churches of Christ

General Secretary

Congregational Union

District Chairperson

Methodist

District Superintendent & President

Presbyterian

Presbytery Moderator

Joint Regional Committee

Designated representative

Cooperative Venture

Parish Council representative

(See 252.11, 252.13)

131.14 Signing of Cooperative Venture Agreements

The Following people shall sign the completed agreement:

Anglican

Bishop

Associated Churches of Christ

General Secretary

Congregational Union

District Chairperson

Methodist

District Superintendent & President

Presbyterian

Presbytery Moderator

Joint Regional Committee

Designated representative

Cooperative Venture

Parish Council representative

(See 252.11, 252.13)