Calvin Synod Herald, 1999 (99. évfolyam, 2-4. szám - 100. évfolyam, 9-12. szám)
1999-09-01 / 9-10. szám
CALVIN SYNOD HERALD 7 MINISTERS NOT “HIRED” BY CALVIN SYNOD CHURCHES Synod highlighted the special “Call” by God of its ministers and took several actions to elevate the office to its due respect. It also tried, at the last meeting, to spell out the partnership of the minister, the church and the Synod inherent in the presbyterial policy of Reformed churches. Actions taken the last two years included Bylaw amendments in several cases. The Church and Ministry Committee concluded its last report with a recommendation, approved on the floor, “Calling The Minister: As the scriptures counsel us to fear the ‘hireling’ who does not care for the sheep (Jn. 10:1-18), we encourage our congregation to refrain from using the term ‘hired’ minister and to recognize with due respect that the pastoral Call is from God.” (I. Cor. 12:28; Mt. 10:5-15; LK. 10:1-20; I Cor. 9:1-14; Eph. 4:11-13; I Tim. 5:11-18) The committee reflected on the failure of many churches to offer inadequate support, or increase it to meet inflation or changing parsonage family needs. Synod also approved its recommendation that, “Proper support of a church’s minister should not be determined by the least amount a congregation can bargain for, but by the congregation’s desire to provide the most adequate support it can offer to meet the minister’s daily needs and for travel, pension, and healthcare protection.” Because it is important for ministers to keep pace with society’s changes and acquire new skills for church leadership, Synod also passed the Church and Ministry’s proposal that, “Every church should encourage its minister to take two weeks of study, on leave from the local church with full salary, and without counting against the month of vacation, as approved by the Consistory.” A Bylaw amendment of the previous year, urged by the committee, also prods all ministers to be ministers to the whole church, beyond their local church. The new rule states, “Ministers serving in the Calvin Synod are to take an active part in the clergy, elders, classes and Synod activities. It is a must to promote better understanding, allegiance, fellowship and unity. Ministers are called upon to be active leaders in the life of the Synod.” After six years as its chairman, the Rev. Albert W. Kovács has been succeeded at the helm by the Rt. Rev. Zoltán D. Szucs, former Bishop of the Synod and pastor of the Lorain, Ohio congregation. The new committee was reduced to four ministers and four lay persons, and the Bishop ex officio. By new guidelines terms will be staggered to assure continuity of experience. Youth Camp -1999
