Mission & Evangelism Fund
The Mission and Evangelism Fund supports projects that further and promote the extension of the Kingdom of God within the Synod’s region
Priority will be given to projects with a clear support base and focus to a wider community – doing the most good for the most people (e.g. Synod-wide or presbytery-wide projects, though applications from individual parishes are accepted): innovative projects with well-researched, clearly defined goals; Payment of salaries (other than stipend-based positions), rather than equipment.
MissionandEvangelismFundApplicationform2012.pdf
We still think the applications arrive with little or no scrutiny from the Presbytery and little reference to how the proposals, for which funding is sought, integrate into the parish mission goals, or even how the project relates to other parish initiatives or outreach.
Please, therefore, include your parish goals, mission statement, or some agreed mission policy specific to your parish. Without this we can only evaluate your proposal against the Synod Mission Goals. If you have a different frame of reference we need to know it so that your proposal can be appropriately assessed.
Each year we have applications for more money than we have available. Over the last several years we have been able to reco
mmend to the Annual Meeting funding up to about two thirds of what has been applied for. As a result, most projects can go ahead, perhaps in a slightly modified form. This year, however, we have had applications for three dollars for every dollar we have available. Sadly, there will be disappointment.
This is the first full year of the Southern Presbytery. As this enlarged Presbytery, covering the same regions as the Synod of Otago and Southland, finds its feet and moves in mission on a wider focus there could well be some overlapping with the mission initiatives Synod has taken for more than a decade, starting with Studentsoul. This has been followed by a Mission Advisor, Youth Coordinator, and last year a Kids Friendly appointment.
The Lex Wylie Missionary Fellowship is also included in this expansion but is more localised. Currently this work is being achieved in the Upper Clutha area but this will change as the maximum tenure is for five years and currently the provision is for three years. As a result of these innovations and also to the small reduction in investment income we have less to satisfy applications. The Otago Foundation Trust Board is however to be congratulated in maintaining its level of funding in the current financial climate.
It will require tact, understanding and diplomacy between the Synod and Southern Presbytery over the next several years as to where the responsibility for mission rests. Probably there are mission responsibilities for both and we will have to work together so we don’t step on each other’s toes. Such issues are particularly important for the current staff appointed by Synod and responsible to them. Much of the enthusiasm, enterprise and satisfaction for the Synod members, for more than a decade, have been in these areas. We must therefore work together, recognising that the mission opportunities to make Jesus Christ known are greater than any of us can think of, let alone, accomplish. Happily though we do not do it in our own strength!
Finally I wish to thank all members of the committee for their unity, preparation and purposeful discussion and decision making. Central to all of this operation is the efficiency and effectiveness of Fergus Sime as Executive Officer. His discernment in providing information but not influencing decisions is much appreciated. Thank you, all.
Allan Paulin
Convenor
Priority will be given to projects with a clear support base and focus to a wider community – doing the most good for the most people (e.g. Synod-wide or presbytery-wide projects, though applications from individual parishes are accepted): innovative projects with well-researched, clearly defined goals; Payment of salaries (other than stipend-based positions), rather than equipment.
The Mission & Evangelism Application Form
Download and print the application form:MissionandEvangelismFundApplicationform2012.pdf
Mission & Evangelism Fund 2011 Annual Report
In September 2010 we received applications for $542,174 and recommend allocations of $199,000 which were approved by the Synod Life Committee, acting as a Commission of Synod, later that month. In February 2011 we received applications for $357,500 and ask you, at the Annual Meeting, to approve these recommend allocations of $67,000. Our committee has two meetings each year, in September and February.We still think the applications arrive with little or no scrutiny from the Presbytery and little reference to how the proposals, for which funding is sought, integrate into the parish mission goals, or even how the project relates to other parish initiatives or outreach.
Please, therefore, include your parish goals, mission statement, or some agreed mission policy specific to your parish. Without this we can only evaluate your proposal against the Synod Mission Goals. If you have a different frame of reference we need to know it so that your proposal can be appropriately assessed.
Each year we have applications for more money than we have available. Over the last several years we have been able to reco
mmend to the Annual Meeting funding up to about two thirds of what has been applied for. As a result, most projects can go ahead, perhaps in a slightly modified form. This year, however, we have had applications for three dollars for every dollar we have available. Sadly, there will be disappointment.This is the first full year of the Southern Presbytery. As this enlarged Presbytery, covering the same regions as the Synod of Otago and Southland, finds its feet and moves in mission on a wider focus there could well be some overlapping with the mission initiatives Synod has taken for more than a decade, starting with Studentsoul. This has been followed by a Mission Advisor, Youth Coordinator, and last year a Kids Friendly appointment.
The Lex Wylie Missionary Fellowship is also included in this expansion but is more localised. Currently this work is being achieved in the Upper Clutha area but this will change as the maximum tenure is for five years and currently the provision is for three years. As a result of these innovations and also to the small reduction in investment income we have less to satisfy applications. The Otago Foundation Trust Board is however to be congratulated in maintaining its level of funding in the current financial climate.
It will require tact, understanding and diplomacy between the Synod and Southern Presbytery over the next several years as to where the responsibility for mission rests. Probably there are mission responsibilities for both and we will have to work together so we don’t step on each other’s toes. Such issues are particularly important for the current staff appointed by Synod and responsible to them. Much of the enthusiasm, enterprise and satisfaction for the Synod members, for more than a decade, have been in these areas. We must therefore work together, recognising that the mission opportunities to make Jesus Christ known are greater than any of us can think of, let alone, accomplish. Happily though we do not do it in our own strength!
Finally I wish to thank all members of the committee for their unity, preparation and purposeful discussion and decision making. Central to all of this operation is the efficiency and effectiveness of Fergus Sime as Executive Officer. His discernment in providing information but not influencing decisions is much appreciated. Thank you, all.
Allan Paulin
Convenor
