What can the Elders Association do for you and your Congregation?

     The Elders Association is, on the bottom line, a network of elders across the state of New South Wales which has access to an extensive level of expertise on the Presbyterian Church. This takes in its polity, the pastoral and leadership roles of elders in congregations, the mission and outreach of the church, political and factional developments within the church and the movements for change.
Its members represent a resource that can be called upon for a variety of purposes. These include:

• Programs for elders training days, church life conferences, congregational and presbytery think-tanks, etc. For a sample program click here and for a range of suggestions as to what themes might be followed at these events click here
• Advice to sessions and presbyteries on how to run programs of these kinds,
• Personnel with some expertise who would be able to contribute to training and development programs on behalf of a session or presbytery.
• Advice on resolution of problems relating to the eldership in the parish and in the wider church,
• Speakers available to address meetings on topics of interest,
• The development of material on this web-site which can be used directly among elders to develop their skills and perspectives for the fulfillment of their office.
• Support and advice on procedures used within the church.
• Mediation and conflict resolution
  

A Sample Conference Timetable  
This sample one-day conference has been run at a number of venues in the state under the leadership of the late Mr J.C.Mackillop OAM of the Mosman Presbyterian Church.
The program was as follows:

9.30  Registration
10.00  Welcome and outline of day’s proceedings       
10.10  Address: The Presbyterian Elder Part I
The Kirk Session in the  Church today, Origin of the Kirk Session ,
Pastoral oversight, “Purging the Roll”, Training, Leadership, The parish, The fellowship of the Session and Church
10.30  Discussion Groups  led by  Group Leaders
10.55  Reports by group leaders & Conclusions                            
11.10  Morning Tea
11.30 Address: The Presbyterian Elder Part II
The challenge facing the Church today, The church is a mission,
The challenge to the church  - from within/-from outside, Facing the challenge The elder in the homes of the people, The church’s representative Offer of friendship, Practical hints, What kind of visit?
Personal witness, Ways of  Service, Special pastoral visit, The elder’s loyalty, Teamwork, The role of the elder in the higher courts of the church
11.55  Discussion Groups / Group Leaders
12.25  Reports by group
12.45  Lunch
1.45 Address:The Presbyterian Elder Part III
The elder and the sacraments, The meaning of the sacraments,
The meaning of baptism, The elder’s responsibility regarding baptism,
The Lord’s Supper, An act of thanksgiving, An act of remembrance
More than remembrance, Too unworthy to come, Too indifferent to come
2.05  Discussion Groups / Group Leaders
2.35  Reports by group leaders           
2.50  Conference Summary           
3.00  Thanks and close