Here are the initial terms of reference for Taskforce 2 (note: these are dated 22 Jan 2008 and may be amended by the Taskforce):
Strategy Two: Re-affirming Baptist Identity, Co-operative Ministry and Partnership
The aims of the Taskforce will be to clarify present understanding of the core values that underpin Baptist Identity in NSW and ACT, and recommend processes for building increased awareness of what it is to be a Baptist in the 21st Century as well as achieving increased co-operation between the Baptist Union and Churches and among Baptist Departments and Agencies.
The Taskforce will:
1. Undertake a survey of Baptist leaders and churches to determine those core values in the 21st Century that they identify as being Baptist.
2. Promote the value of co-operative Baptist partnership in Ministry through
such things as publications, websites, public presentations.
3. Initiate a bi-annual forum where Baptist Departments and agencies enhance co-operative goals through shared planning and co-ordination of resources.
4. Encourage the two major events conducted by the Baptist Union (i.e. the April mini-Assembly, and the September "Revive" convention) to promote Baptist core values and the variety of denominational connections and collaborations as a public demonstration of being Baptist in the 21st Century.
5. Formalise membership of a group (currently the informal Dare to Dream group) to prepare and implement these two public events so that they inspire a varied and diverse Baptist audience.
6. Identify an agenda (strategies and resources) over 3 years for which there will be appropriate resourcing in order to equip the Baptist community in NSW and ACT for partnership in ministry [that is: who we are; how we work and where you can participate].
Undertake the following:
1. Preparation of a resource based upon case studies that will engage Denominational leaders and churches in identifying Baptist core values. The project will require survey material and responses from which a report will be prepared.
2. Item 6 (planned agenda) would grow out of the survey listed above, from additional survey information gained through other priority areas and through the contributions of Departments at the bi-annual forum.
Consultation:
• Leadership Team and the Chairman of Committees, Councils and Boards.
• The staff of Morling College.
• The Churches through MSD, Dare to Dream group, Regional Ministers, Minister’s Associations.
To achieve the outcomes, advice and data is to be sought from the whole church family (pastors, members and adherents).
Membership:
Group of 7-8 people including representation from the Dare to Dream Group and Ethnic churches.
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1 comment:
Convictions, Assumptions and Denials
I am a little disappointed that the terms of reference are not more explicit about the need for Biblical and Theological reflection about what it means to be baptist. To be frank, 'core values' just doesn't cut it. Whatever baptists are, they're believers. Historically baptists have been believers in the gospel of Jesus Christ who died and rose again for our sins and who calls upon us personally to turn and trust in him.
'Core values' is a limp-wristed expression in comparison with 'convictions.' And what about having gospel convictions, bible convictions, theological convictions? Of course the blog reveals that we do have such convictions - but it disappoints me that we couldn't have been more explicit about this from the beginning. And are convictions (as opposed to core values) to be found by surveys?
Its been said many a time that the convictions of one generation become the assumptions of the next and the denials of a third generation.
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