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for the Annual General Meeting

Saturday 1 May 2021 (153rd Annual Assembly)

Rev Jamie LongChair – Assembly Council

Rev Dr Steve BartlettDirector of Ministries

Annual Assembly Guide

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CONTENTS

GUIDELINES FOR CONDUCT OF ASSEMBLY MEETINGSPlease refer to Schedule A of the Association’s Constitution adopted on 1 April 2017 for ‘Guidelines for Conduct of Assembly Meetings’.

The Constitution is on the Baptist website at: bit.ly/BA-NSW-ACT-Constitution

Additional guidelines relating to presentation of reports to Annual Assemblies are contained at Paragraph S. of Schedule A of the Constitution.

Guidelines for Conduct of Assembly Meetings ...................................................................................... 1

Annual Assembly Agenda .................................................................................................................................................. 2

Nomination for Director of Ministries ....................................................................................................................3

Nominations for Assembly Council ...........................................................................................................................7

Nominations for Morling College Council .....................................................................................................17

Nominations for Baptist Churches of New South Wales Property Trust .................29

Assembly Council Documents & Recommendations ....................................................................35

Annual Report 2020 ...................................................................................................................................................................36

Financial Results and Budget 2020 ......................................................................................................................37

Church Partnership Support Budget 2021 .................................................................................................39

Submission from Tahmoor Baptist Church

regarding Church Governance and Admin Support ............................................................................40

Changes to the Baptist Churches of NSW & ACT Association Constitution.......42

Extracts from Constitution of

Baptist Churches of NSW & ACT relating to Motions ................................................................44

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ANNUAL ASSEMBLY AGENDA1:30pm Registration Opens

Ballot box open for voting for: • Director of Ministries; • Assembly Council members; • Morling College Council members; and • Baptist Churches of NSW Property Trust members.

2:00pm Welcome, worship and Assembly Devotion

2:30pm Reports and Recommendations • Affirmation of 2020 Annual Reports and Financial Statements; • Affirmation of the 2021 Association Budget; • Committee for the Ministry Matters; and

• Re-Appointment of the Director of Ministries.

3:00pm Short Break • Ballot box closes at 3:05pm

3:05pm • Submission from Tahmoor Baptist Church regarding Church Governance and Admin Support

3:15pm Discussion Groups

3:30pm Reports and Recommendations ...continued • Update following Special Assembly; • Presentation of the David Brown Scholarship; • Launch of 40 days of Prayer Campaign; • Procedural Changes to the Association Constitution; and • Announcement of Election Results.

4:00pm Closing Prayer

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Nomination for Director of Ministries

and profile of candidateAssociation of Baptist Churches of NSW & ACT

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NOMINATION FOR DIRECTOR OF MINISTRIES AND PROFILE OF CANDIDATE

The Constitution of the Baptist Churches of NSW & ACT describes how the Director of Ministries is to be appointed and their role within the Association. It is the role of the Assembly, upon recommendation of Assembly Council, to appoint and re-appoint a full time Director of Ministries who shall be accountable to Assembly Council. Normally, the Director of Ministries shall be appointed for five years and shall be eligible for re-appointment.

The Assembly Council have the responsibility to determine the terms of appointment of the Director of Ministries, to regularly review the Director’s performance and hold the right of suspension and dismissal of the Director.

The Director of Ministries shall be empowered, as directed by Assembly Council, to give spiritual leadership and vision to the ministry of the Association; effectively manage the Association’s staff and resources; implement the Association’s objects and its overall strategic vision and direction; encourage dialogue between the Association and its churches and groups; be the Association’s spokesperson; and carry out other tasks as required by the Assembly Council.

A majority of not less than two-thirds (2/3) is required for each confirmation of appointment or re-appointment of the Director of Ministries.

Assembly Council unanimously recommends the re-appointment of Rev Dr Stephen Bartlett for a second five-year term as Director of Ministries.

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NOMINATION FOR DIRECTOR OF MINISTRIES(1 persons to be elected by Assembly, from 1 nominee)

Person Church Profile

Rev Dr Stephen Bartlett Bayside Community Church p. 5

Steve has served as Director of Ministries (DOM) since his appointment in July 2016. He has been married to Louise for 27 years and together they are blessed with three children - Josh (19), Jordan (16) and Kiara (13).

Steve is passionate about the church living out its potential as a key agent in God’s mission in the world. Prior to commencing in the DOM role 5 years ago, he served for 6 years as Associate Director - Church Planting with our NSW/ACT Baptist Association. Until 2013 he was the Senior Pastor at Bayside Community Church in the Homebush Bay area, which he and Louise planted with a small team in 2000. Prior to this he served at NorthWest Community Baptist Church at Quakers Hill.

From 2006-2011 Steve was also on the faculty of Morling College teaching, mentoring and facilitating in the areas of Leadership Development and Church Planting. His doctoral studies were in the area of the development and support of pioneering leaders.

Steve has been on the journey of following Jesus since early childhood, and in his mid teenage years at Merrylands Baptist Church the implications of this for his life and ministry began to challenge him. This led to a conviction of a call to vocational ministry, and also a sense of the value of marketplace experience and ministry. Before commencing ministry training and during his first years of church planting, Steve worked in investment banking. He loves music, the beach and family holidays, and tries to ward off unfitness with lap swimming.

NOMINATION FOR DIRECTOR OF MINISTRIES AND PROFILE OF CANDIDATE

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WE'LLMEETYOU

WHEREYOU ARE

FLEXIBLE STUDY OPTIONS

WWW.MORLING.EDU.AU

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Nominations for Assembly Council membership

and profiles of candidates for election

Association of Baptist Churches of NSW & ACT

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ASSEMBLY COUNCIL

The Constitution of the Baptist Churches of NSW & ACT describes how affiliated local Baptist churches and affiliated groups work together to fulfil the objects of the Association. Under the Lordship of Christ, final Governance of the Association is vested with Assembly, which appoints the Assembly Council.The Assembly Council is the council appointed under section 10 of the Constitution as the Executive Committee under the Incorporation Act and it is empowered to implement Assembly decisions and to conduct the Association’s affairs between Assemblies.

The 12-member Assembly Council comprises: • 9 persons elected by Assembly • the Chair of Morling College Council/Morling College Ltd • 2 persons co-opted by Assembly Council at its discretion.

The Director of Ministries, Principal of Morling College, Honorary Legal Advisor and the Secretary to the Assembly Council attend meetings of the council, but are not entitled to vote.

There are three (3) vacancies to be filled at the 1 May 2021 Annual Assembly for Assembly Council. Three members have completed their 3-year term.

The Assembly Council members who are retiring are:• Rev Jamie Long • Cathy Monro• David Slinn

Of the three (3) members retiring, three are eligible for, and two, have consented to re-nomination.

Section 10 of the Constitution describes the role, membership, power and duties of the Assembly Council.

Clause P of Schedule A of the Guidelines for Conduct of Assembly Meetings in the Constitution requires that the election of Assembly Council members is to take place by ballot at the Assembly meeting.

As seven (7) candidates have been nominated and the number of positions to be filled is three (3), the three candidates with the highest number of votes, and who receive a simple majority of votes, will be elected (Section 8.4(v) of the Constitution).

Given the responsibilities of the Assembly Council with respect to the objects, powers, duties and obligations of the Baptist Union Incorporation Act, churches should prayerfully consider their voting selection after reviewing the following profiles. Asterisks below denote those nominees who have been endorsed by the Nominations Committee as suitable persons to serve on the Assembly Council.

Council membership should desirably be a blend of pastoral and lay people who will work together drawing on strengths and experience in governance, financial understanding and management capacity, as well as a working knowledge of Baptist ministries.

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ASSEMBLY COUNCIL

NOMINATIONS FOR ASSEMBLY COUNCIL MEMBERSHIP(3 persons to be elected by Assembly, from 7 nominees)

Person Church ProfileCathy Monro*+ Carlton-Kogarah Baptist Church p. 10

Rev Dr Graeme Chatfield* Thornleigh Community Baptist Church p. 11

Rev Jamie Long*+ Wyong Baptist Church p. 12

Mark Azzi* Guildford Arabic Baptist Church p.13Rev Matthew Kennedy* Chatswood Baptist Church p.14Rev Phil Waugh* Springwood Baptist Church p.15Rev Tim Blencowe* Macquarie Baptist Church p.16

* Endorsed by Nominations Committee.

+ Current Assembly Council member.

The following pages provide background information for those nominated (alphabetical order). As there are more nominees than positions available, the order of nominees on the ballot papers were selected randomly. Please consider carefully all the nominees.

Profiles as prepared by nominees.

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NOMINEE: Cathy Monro *

CHURCH MEMBERSHIP: Carlton-Kogarah Baptist Church

PROFILE:

Cathy has been married to Ken since 1987 and they have two sons, Lawrence and Spencer. They have been active members of Baptist churches, first at Ashfield Baptist from 1990 to 2017, then at Carlton-Kogarah Baptist.

Cathy has a Bachelor of International and Global Studies and is undertaking a PhD in Health Sciences, focusing on aged care reforms.

She has been an Assembly Council member since 2018. She has also chaired Bedford College since December 2019, having joined its Board of Directors in 2016. Her previous Baptist missional governance roles included Board Director and Committee Chair for Ashfield Baptist Homes Ltd, and Treasurer on the Committee of Management for Ashfield Baptist Childcare Inc. She served in a variety of capacities at Ashfield Baptist, including as Church Secretary, and in several roles within the children’s’ ministry.

Cathy is an intercultural strategist with a passion for outreach, long-term, and visionary approaches through God’s enablement. She brings a knowledge and experience in current governance practices, financial management, risk assessment and management, and a familiarity with the life and ministry of small, medium and large sized churches having been amongst Baptist churches since the 1980s.

Cathy feels a keen sense of God’s calling, and has accepted a re-nomination for the Assembly Council because she is seeking to continue to utilise her knowledge and experience to fulfil the duties and objectives of the Assembly Council. Cathy believes it is a great privilege to be considered for such an opportunity to serve in this capacity.

ASSEMBLY COUNCIL NOMINEE – CATHY MONRO

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NOMINEE: Rev Dr Graeme Chatfield*

CHURCH MEMBERSHIP: Thornleigh Community Baptist Church

PROFILE:

Graeme Chatfield has been an Accredited Minister since 1985. He is currently a member of Thornleigh Community Baptist Church. Graeme and his wife Heather are supporting Baptist missions work in Zambia and Zimbabwe through an organisation we have established with Roger Kemp (an Australian Baptist Missionary). Graeme enjoys bushwalking and bird photography.

Graeme has qualifications in the following areas: PhD (Bristol), MEd (UNE), BA(Hons) (UWA), BTh(Hons) (ACT - Morling), DipMin (ACT – Morling) and has had relevant ministry experience and pastored Macquarie Baptist Church (1983-1984), South Windsor Baptist Church (1985-1989), Frenchs Forest Baptist Church (1993-1996) and had interim pastoral placements at Parramatta Baptist Church and Bowral Baptist Church from July 2007 – December 2008.

Graeme has also been a lecturer in Church History and Baptist History and Identity at Morling College between 1993 – 2008. Currently, Graeme is the Associate Dean and Director of Research, Australian College of Theology and has been in this role since 2008. He has also been a professor for Church History and Historical Theology, Training Christians for Ministry (TCM - Austria & Eastern Europe).

Graeme has also served in the following areas: • Member of Baptist World Alliance Commission on Baptist History and Identity: 2021 • Member of Executive Council – Baptist Churches of NSW & ACT (2007-2009) • Chair Ministry Support & Development, Baptist Churches of NSW & ACT (2007-2009) • Chair – Hope Street Review Committee (2008-2009) • Chairperson – Review Committee Mortdale-Oatley Baptist Church (2009) • Board Member of TCM International, Indianapolis, Indiana (2012-2016) • Chairperson of Australian Baptist Research Forum (2004-2016) • Editor of Australian Baptist Research Forum publications (2004-2016) • Editor of The Recorder Journal of the Baptist Historical Society of NSW & ACT

(1998-2009) • Member of Editorial Committee of Pacific Journal of Baptist Research. (2000-2007)

Graeme believes he can bring an understanding of modern concepts of good governance as related to not for profit institutions, especially theological education institutions as well as where good governance intersects with Baptist polity. He also believes he can bring insight from understanding the Baptist History and Identity to the Assembly Council. Following the recent Special Assembly, Graeme feels convinced it is time for him to re-engage with his fellow Baptists via the Assembly Council.

ASSEMBLY COUNCIL NOMINEE – REV DR GRAEME CHATFIELD

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NOMINEE: Rev Jamie Long*+

CHURCH MEMBERSHIP: Wyong Baptist Church

PROFILE:

Rev Jamie Long is married to Kirsten, who is Pastor for Children and Families at Wyong Baptist Church, and they have four children. He grew up in NSW Baptist Churches and has been in Pastoral Ministry for more than 25 years. He has served in pastoral leadership in three Churches; Northside Baptist Church (as Student then Associate Pastor), Pendle Hill Baptist Church (as Lead Pastor for 12 years) and now Lead Pastor at Wyong Baptist Church since 2009. He did his academic training for Ministry at Morling College where he received a B. Min. and then later a Grad.Dip.Min.

Jamie has been a member of the Assembly Council since 2015 and Chair of the Council since 2016. Assembly Delegates may recognise Jamie as Chair of the Assemblies, a role he has played as a consequence of being Chair of the Assembly Council.

Jamie is passionate about seeing healthy churches that bring glory to God the Father by being Christ centred and Spirit led. His desire is to see the local Church and our Association flourish as we grow in passion for God at every level. He believes good governance and effective organisation are undeniably important but they must be submitted to and guided by the Spirit if they are to produce the results we are looking for.

Jamie has gained a good grasp on the complexities facing the Association and the local Church as we seek to be faithful to the Lord and his call to mission in twenty first century Australia. He believes that many of the issues are difficult and, at times, very complex. However, he is confident that the same God who has led the Church through the challenges of past generations will lead us now. Our task is to seek Him, be faithful to Him and to rely on Him.

ASSEMBLY COUNCIL NOMINEE – REV. JAMIE LONG

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NOMINEE: Mark Azzi*

CHURCH MEMBERSHIP: Guildford Arabic Baptist Church

PROFILE:

Mark Azzi is a member of Guildford Arabic Baptist Church where he supports the English congregation in a preaching and teaching capacity, with speaking commitments of approximately 5 to 6 sermons a month. Mark has been happily married for 12 years and has been blessed with 4 children, who regularly attend Guildford Baptist Church. He serves as a lawyer and a Director by profession with strong experience in senior leadership.

Mark has a Masters of Arts in Pastoral Studies from Covenant Baptist Theological Seminary, Kentucky USA, Bachelor of Laws University of Western Sydney and a Bachelor of Economics, University of Western Sydney.

Mark has also served as a Director for the State Insurance Regulatory Authority NSW, directing large compliance and legal matters for the NSW Government’s insurance regulator and as a National Litigation Manager for the Insurance Australia Group Limited, leading a team managing contested legal matters for Australia’s largest insurer. He has served as the Senior Associate in commercial litigation and corporate law for Owen Hodge Lawyers and has been heavily involved in Christian ministries and areas of service in the areas of parents ministry, youth adults leadership and as a preacher.

Mark was born in Lebanon in 1980 and whilst fleeing the civil war in that country lost his father at the age of 4. Arriving in Australia in 1985 together with his mother, he grew up living with his grandparents and was very limited and faced many challenges. Mark grew up believing that his mother and family did not care for him and this was reflected in his behaviour. In his late teenage years, Mark was invited to church and attended there for many months. It was under that youth leader’s ministry and God’s undeserved grace that Mark came to saving knowledge of Christ, who changed His life and has been in faithful service in church ministry ever since.

Mark feels honoured to accept his nomination for the Assembly Council, as it will be a blessed opportunity to expand his service to God and his Christian community. He hopes to apply his business and legal experience in service to brothers and sisters, to the glory of God and for the benefit of His Kingdom.

His contribution to the board will be largely based on his business experience, that is grounded in a Christian and Biblical world view, as well as his ministerial experience.

ASSEMBLY COUNCIL NOMINEE – MARK AZZI

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ASSEMBLY COUNCIL NOMINEE – REV MATTHEW KENNEDY

NOMINEE: Rev Matthew Kennedy*

CHURCH MEMBERSHIP: Chatswood Baptist Church

PROFILE:

Matthew is currently serving as the Associate Pastor of Chatswood Baptist Church and is married to Anna, with three children (9, 7, and 4). He enjoys all things coffee related, reading, photography, and getting outdoors for a bush walks, bike rides and sport and lives locally in Chatswood.

Matt grew up attending a Baptist church in North Queensland, and has spent his adult life attending Baptist churches in Sydney. His decision to belong and serve in a Baptist church is, however, not merely an accident of convenience. He is a Christian by conviction, and Baptist pastor by conviction. He believes in Baptist ecclesiology, and in the importance of the Baptist movement and ensuring that we have a healthy and growing Baptist witness in this part of the world as we work together.

Matt has had strong involvement in local church, inter-church and inter-denominational organisations. Matt sees the local church as the heart of God’s mission, but at the same time believe churches are most healthy when they work with others beyond their walls for the sake of the kingdom.

Matt has a strong biblical literacy and depth of theological maturity and understands the value of integrating wisdom and tools ‘of the world’ for leading healthy organisations with a ministry philosophy shaped first and foremost by the Scriptures. Matthew has skills in analysis of both oral and written communication, and an ability to quickly make connections with existing knowledge and see where further understanding or discussion is required. His experience in pastoral care and leadership has equipped him to work well with others and he is attentive to people. In meetings and difficult pastoral conversations, Matt believes he is diplomatic and respectful, whilst being able to say what needs to be said.

Matt has the following qualifications and ministry experience: Bachelor of Electrical Engineering & Masters of BioMed Engineering (UNSW), Bachelor of Theology (Moore Theological College), Master of Arts in Ministry & Morling Graduate in Christian Ministry Advanced (Morling Theological College), leading to Accreditation as a Baptist Minister.

Prior to his current role at Chatswood Baptist Church, Matt served as the Youth Pastor for two years. He is also serves in Church Consultancy in Training and Service with the GEN1K Church Health team, is an adjunct lecturer at Morling College and currently serves as Chair of REACH Inc Board (Religious Education at Chatswood High and Willoughby Girls High – Board representing churches to oversee SRE ministry). Matt has also served as a committee member for KCC NextGen Conference, on a Leadership taskforce for the Association back in 2015 and has also served as a Youth Worker at Flo Harris Lodge.

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ASSEMBLY COUNCIL NOMINEE – REV PHIL WAUGH

NOMINEE: Rev Phil Waugh*

CHURCH MEMBERSHIP: Springwood Baptist Church

PROFILE:

Phil is married to Karen and father to Melissa, Daniel and Nicholas and believes that every Baptist Pastor should be encouraged to play golf, both for the exercise and to meet local non church attenders. Phil currently serves as the Senior Pastor of Springwood Baptist Church and has been in this role since 2014. Phil has a life-long passion for the local church and equipping its members.

Phil has a BTh and a MATh and has served in a number of ministry areas. He is currently serving on the Greater West for Christ Executive and is the Director of Greater West ChildCare. He serves in a number of roles within the Association and has previously chaired the MSD Council and Taree Christian School. Prior to serving at Springwood Baptist Church, Phil served as the Senior Pastor at Taree Baptist Church and at Carlingford Baptist Church.

Phil has experience in both church life and denominational governance and believes he is a big picture person who enjoys the challenges of what comes next, balancing this with a priority on relationships and a willingness to consult early and widely. Phil has always had an interest in governance and a belief that if done well, it is a blessing to those who are in leadership positions. Phil also believes that denominations exist for the primary purpose of assisting our churches in the task of mission and this gives him a focus in the plethora of issues that can bog governance down.

Phil is accepting nomination for Assembly Council because people he respects asked him to do consider doing so. However, deeper reasons are that he loves to see leaders well supported and encouraged by good governance. Phil thinks we have a truly gifted team within the Association and the work is of incredible importance in a world where we have enormous new opportunities, but also residual hostility in our society toward what they think the Church is. Phil also believes he has good experience and perspectives to bring.

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ASSEMBLY COUNCIL NOMINEE – REV TIM BLENCOWE

NOMINEE: Rev Tim Blencowe*

CHURCH MEMBERSHIP: Macquarie Baptist Church

PROFILE:

Tim currently serves as the Senior Pastor at Macquarie Baptist Church and has been married to Susan for 26 years and together they have three teenage children. Tim has a Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Education, Bachelor of Theology, Diploma of Ministry, Masters of Ministry. Prior to serving at Macquarie Baptist Church, Tim served at Petersham Baptist Church and Campbelltown Baptist Church.

As the lead pastor of a vibrant and growing international church, Tim also serves as a Baptist university chaplain, representing Baptist perspectives. He has previously served as a faculty member of Morling College (ministry teaching and training), was a committee member for Revive Conference (shaping Baptist formation) and is a KCC conference organiser and chairperson (interdenominational mission). Tim serves as a conference speaker and collaborator, applying theological reflection and is a ministry mentor and coach with investment in relational ministry networks. Serving as a youth worker at Flo Harris Lodge in evangelism and discipleship, Tim also has a background as a mission field family with ABMS. Along with this, Tim has also served for a number of years as a High School science teacher, in a grounded and real world setting.

Tim believes he can bring solid theological training, biblical understanding, and proven pastoral sensitivity to the Assembly Council. He has a strong commitment to Baptist ecclesiology with robust underpinnings in scripture, strong relational and interpersonal sensitivity, communicative gifts, strategic and forward-thinking, with strong problem-solving skills. Tim is known for creative, clear and concise concept development and documentation and is someone who cultivates good process and healthy systems.

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Nominations for Morling College Council membership

and profiles of candidates for election

Association of Baptist Churches of NSW & ACT

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MORLING COLLEGE COUNCIL

The Morling College Council is the governing body responsible for decision-making in relation to the conduct of Morling College, as the theological college of the Baptist Association.The 12-member Morling College Council comprises: • 10 persons elected by Assembly• the Chair of Morling College Academic Board• a person with academic expertise co-opted by the Morling College Council at its

discretion.Proposed amendments to the Association’s Constitution will be brought to this Annual Assembly which would add to the College Council one member selected by the Assembly Council of the Baptist Churches of Western Australia. This is in light of the recent merge of Vose College (The Baptist Theological College of Western Australia) with Morling College. The Council is responsible for offering training as determined by the Association; the training of persons accepted by the Association for training for Baptist ministry; the training of cross-cultural ministry workers and other spheres of Christian service; the promotion of the Christian faith consistent with the basic doctrines, statement of belief and values of the Association and offering courses accredited by relevant government authorities and supportive of national goals for higher education.The Principal of the College, the Director of Ministries and the Secretary to the Morling College Council attend meetings of the council, but are not entitled to vote.There are five (5) vacancies to be filled at the 1 May 2021 Annual Assembly for Morling College Council. The five (5) retiring Morling College Council members are: • Rev Neil Dawson• Rev Ian Deane • Rev Angelo Gratsounas• Rev Dr Brian Powell• Rev Kel Willis

Of the retiring members who are eligible for re-nomination, two (2) have consented to re-nomination.Clause P of Schedule A of the Guidelines for Conduct of Assembly Meetings in the current Constitution requires that the election of Morling College Council members is to take place by ballot at the Assembly meeting. As nine (9) candidates have been nominated and the number of positions to be filled is five (5), the five candidates with the highest number of votes, and who receive a simple majority of votes, will be elected. (Section 8.4 (v) of the Constitution)

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MORLING COLLEGE COUNCIL

NOMINATIONS FOR MORLING COLLEGE COUNCIL MEMBERSHIP(N.B. 5 persons to be elected by Assembly, from 9 nominees)

Person Church Profile

Rev Dr Brian Powell* Epping Baptist Church p. 20

Rev Frank Farag Crest Community Baptist Church p. 21

Rev James Jung Yun Kim Burmese Christian Church p. 22

Joshua Dowton Northside Baptist Church p. 23

Lonni Aylett Chatswood Baptist Church p. 25

Rev Matthew Arkapaw Mortdale-Oatley Baptist Church p. 25

Rev Neil Dawson* Menai Baptist Church p. 26

Rev Paul Mosiejczuk Liverpool Baptist Church p. 27

Peter Adcock Hawkesbury Valley Baptist Church p. 28

* Current Morling College Council member.

The following pages provide background information for those nominated (alphabetical order). As there are more nominees than positions available, the order of nominees on the ballot papers were selected randomly. Please consider carefully all the nominees.

Profiles as prepared by nominees.

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MORLING COLLEGE COUNCIL NOMINEE – REV DR BRIAN POWELL

NOMINEE: Rev Dr Brian Powell*

CHURCH MEMBERSHIP: Epping Baptist Church

PROFILE:

Brian Powell, BA (hons.), M.Ed., BD (hons.), Ph.D.; is married to Julie, and they have two children and five grandchildren.

Brian has been a member of Epping Baptist Church since 1983 (he is currently serving as Interim Pastor of Heathcote Engadine Baptist Church). He was previously a member of Narwee Baptist Church, Heathcote Engadine Baptist Church, Marrickville Baptist Church (as Student Pastor) and Minto Baptist Church (as Pastor).

Brian was a member of the faculty of Morling College from 1983 to 2013, then subsequently Interim Pastor at Carlingford Baptist Church, Hornsby Baptist Church, Sans Souci Baptist Church and Eastwood Baptist Church.

He has served in several churches in pastoral and lay leadership roles, and on several denominational committees (including as Chair of the Committee for the Ministry and Secretary of the Social Issues Committee). He has also served in several roles with the Australian College of Theology (including as Departmental Head for Bible and Languages and Chair of the Quality Committee).

Brian was an active member of the Rotary Club of North Ryde from 2000 to 2020 (serving two terms as President and in several other leadership roles). His interests include literature, theatre, films and walking. He enjoys spending time with family (wife, children and their spouses, grandchildren).

Brian's relevant expertise includes training and long experience in education, capacity in exegesis and preaching of the Bible, wide experience of working on committees, and familiarity with church life and leadership in varied churches.

His reason for renominating is his continuing interest in the work of Morling College, and a desire to contribute positively to that work.

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MORLING COLLEGE COUNCIL NOMINEE – REV FRANK FARAG

NOMINEE: Rev Frank Farag

CHURCH MEMBERSHIP: Crest Community Baptist Church

PROFILE:

Frank is a current member of Crest Baptist Church and has a Bachelor Theology (Egypt) and Master of Arts (Morling). He is been engaged in speaking on Arabic media in Australia and has travelled extensively overseas, speaking in many churches and Bible Colleges over the years.

Over recent years, Frank has served as the Cross Cultural Coordinator at the Baptist Association and since 2000 has been on the Senior Faculty of the Haggai Institute for Leadership. Since 1990, Frank has been the Senior Pastor of Arabic Baptist Church and between 1985 and 1988, he has been the Youth Director for the Baptist Convention Egypt.

Frank is committed to the training of men and women for Christian service both in Australia and overseas. Due to his background and experience, Frank is especially concerned with reaching people from other cultures with the gospel. He has interpersonal skills and a deep appreciation for people from different cultural backgrounds.

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NOMINEE: Rev James Jung Yun Kim

CHURCH MEMBERSHIP: Burmese Christian Church and HOME Church

PROFILE:

James is a Korean-Australian, brought up in Australia from the age of 4 and both of his parents are South Korean in ethnicity. Having witnessed his mother’s journey to graduate with a B.Theology from Alphacrucis when she was 55 years of age and then a B.Music from Excelsior when she was in her 60s, James has a unique empathy towards both students where English is not their first language and mature age students, and to be a voice for this cohort.

James is currently a member at Burmese Christian Church (Affiliated) and HOME Church (proceeding towards affiliation). He has a B.Comm (UNSW), M.Div (Morling), and is an Accredited Baptist Minister. James has 15 years of pastoral ministry experience and is presently the founder and pastor of HOME Church. He has also had 15 years experience in marketplace ministry and is currently working as a manager at HSBC Australia. James was previously a youth leader, young adults pastor, Church planter and is currently serving as a lead pastor.

As part of his work at HSBC, James has led some of its key strategy and planning meetings and has experience in facilitating leadership team offsites and planning days; creating agendas and the presentations for quarterly executive committee meetings (attended by the CEO and the heads of business and functions). He delivers efficient decisions and effective discussions.

Leading the emergence of the next generation of Christian leaders: James has been pursuing his calling in both the ministry and the marketplace for the past 15 years. Being both a leader in the church and leader in the marketplace (and leading a family of four), James brings a unique perspective to how the emerging generation of future leaders might need in to be equipped to be effective in ministry.

James is grateful for the nomination and believes he has the experiences and skills to positively contribute to the Morling College Council.

MORLING COLLEGE COUNCIL NOMINEE – REV JAMES JUNG YUN KIM

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MORLING COLLEGE COUNCIL NOMINEE – JOSHUA DOWTON

NOMINEE: Joshua Dowton

CHURCH MEMBERSHIP: Northside Baptist Church

PROFILE:

Josh Dowton is married to Tara and together they have two daughters. He currently serves as the Executive Pastor at Northside Baptist Church (1.5 years) and prior to this was the Associate Pastor at Northside, serving in this role for 4 years. Josh has a BTh (Hons, 1st Class) from the Sydney College of Divinity.

Prior to serving at Northside Baptist Church, Josh served as the Church Partnership Manager for NSW/QLD at World Vision Australia for 3 years, worked in theological education/administration at Alphacrucis College for 8 years and served as the Youth/Young Adults Pastor at Baulkham Hills Anglican Church for 3 years.

Josh has spent 8 years working in theological education, in both a lecturing and administration capacity. Part of his role was in the distance/online education department (eventually becoming the Director of the college’s Online Campus), where he oversaw a number of significant projects, including bringing all of the college’s distance education offerings online to the Moodle platform (2007) as well as a project to transition the college to full lecture-capture capabilities and the creation of specialised online content through the Echo360 platform (2012). The other part of his role was tutoring/lecturing (eventually as an Associate Lecturer) in New Testament and Biblical languages. Josh has Board experience through the Crows Nest Centre (on which he serves on the Services sub-committee), helping to steer this vital community centre through the challenges of COVID-19 (including detailed risk management, financial planning, and strategic direction). He also currently serves as the Chairperson for the Northside Baptist preschool Management Committee. He has a keen interest in systems thinking and strategic planning, both of which he approaches through the lens of permaculture design.

Josh has a deep interest in and commitment to theological education and formation, as both preparation for vocational ministry and as an opportunity for all Christians who are seeking understanding for their faith. A denomination’s theological College is crucial to the shape of that denomination’s current and future ministry and missional capabilities. He is deeply committed to the Association’s ‘Gen1K’ vision, and wants to use the skills and experience he has gained over the years to serve the Association, through our theological and ministry training College, to best play its part in that vision.

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MORLING COLLEGE COUNCIL NOMINEE – LONNI AYETT

NOMINEE: Lonni Ayett

CHURCH MEMBERSHIP: Chatswood Baptist Church

PROFILE:

Lonni has attended Chatswood Baptist Church since 2001, and has been married to Peter for 21 years, and together they have 4 children, ranging from ages 5 to 13. Lonni is an active member of the church community and has been involved in a wide range of church ministries, including leading youth groups, women’s ministries, children’s ministries and ministry to couples. A financial and investment adviser of 17 years, Lonni has strong interpersonal and analytical skills. She is an empathetic listener and a practical and compassionate problem solver. Lonni has skills in investment and risk management, critical thinking and has community group board experience. She has a passion for supporting the broken-hearted, such as victims of abuse and domestic violence, and those with disabilities. Lonni highly values Morling College for its Christ-centred and faithful teaching of Scripture. She wants to see Morling continue to effectively minister to this broken world by equipping students with firm gospel conviction to serve boldly, with love and sensitivity.

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NOMINEE: Rev Matthew Arkapaw

CHURCH MEMBERSHIP: Mortdale-Oatley Baptist Church

PROFILE:

Matthew Arkapaw is the current Senior Pastor at Mortdale-Oatley Baptist Church and has been a Pastor within the Baptist Association since 2003. He has been a member of the Assembly Council between 2005 and 2014 and has served as a High School Teacher.

Matthew has a strong knowledge of pastoral ministry, tertiary studies in education, theology, and counselling, experience in board responsibilities through membership of Assembly Council. He also has qualifications in the following areas: BA(Hons), BTeach, BTh (Hons), GradDipTh and Grad.Cert. Counselling.

Matthew is glad to be a two-time graduate of Morling College and is excited at the future prospects of Morling College. He is proud of their commitment to evangelical theology and best practice education and believes in denominational service that he would be privileged to serve on the College Council.

MORLING COLLEGE COUNCIL NOMINEE – REV MATTHEW ARKAPAW

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NOMINEE: Rev Neil Dawson*

CHURCH MEMBERSHIP: Menai Baptist Church

Neil is married to Judith and has two sons and 3 grandchildren. He has a passion for equipping people to be wholehearted disciples of Jesus Christ and for helping develop healthy communities of faith in the local church. Neil is a current member at Menai Baptist Church and has a BSc (UNSW); BMin (Morling); Grad.Dip.Chr.Min. (Morling) Neil has served in full-time Baptist pastoral ministry from 1990 until 2020, and is currently on extended sabbatical leave to consider his next ministry season. Over the past 30 years Neil has pastored churches in Gymea, Thornleigh, Springwood and Menai, where it has been a delight for him to engage people in healthy expressions of Kingdom life. He has been part of the Revive movement since its inception, as well as being a member of the Discipleship Taskforce for the Baptist Association. Neil currently serves on the Church Health taskforce for Transform Southern Sydney and mentors several young Baptist pastors. Neil is keen to contribute to building healthy Kingdom-focused faith communities. Neil has served on the Morling College Council since 2018 and has also served in several large churches as the team leader. This has taught Neil the value of working together and providing leadership that moves the group forward to fulfil its God-given vision. This requires respecting the stakeholders whilst being willing to let go of anything that hinders the vision often amidst competing voices and agendas which need to be unified. Neil is a highly relational person with a heart to enlarge others to achieve their best. Over recent years, Neil has also served on the Board of Inaburra School and in his role as Senior Pastor of Menai Baptist Church, he observed the Directors govern with wisdom and diligence to shape and lead a Christian School of distinction and excellence. Neil is a graduate of Morling College and is thankful to the College for providing him with a well-rounded, robust and comprehensive theological foundation for pastoral ministry. The College serves a critical role in the health of our denomination not only to provide suitably trained pastors for our churches but also to speak wisely and prophetically into the issues facing the church and society today. Morling is at a significant stage in its rich journey, standing at the crossroads of a period in history where the church needs to boldly stand firm for Christ and reflect his love with deep compassion and strong conviction in a culture of relativism and compromise. Morling’s clear and compelling voice and presence is critically needed. Neil is willing to serve on the Morling College Council to listen carefully to the issues facing the college and have the courage to work together to achieve its vision.

MORLING COLLEGE COUNCIL NOMINEE – REV NEIL DAWSON

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NOMINEE: Rev Paul Mosiejczuk

CHURCH MEMBERSHIP: Liverpool Baptist Church

Paul is a current member of Liverpool Baptist Church and has the following qualifications: BTH, Dip Min.

Paul has a deep appreciation for people from other cultures and is currently leading Liverpool Baptist Church through a challenging time of transition which involves not only the fellowship, but contractors and dealing with authorities.

Paul has has the following ministry experience and has served in the following areas:

• Building industry work and study 1984-1987 • Volunteer Youth Leader and Coordinator 1984-1990 • Study Morling College 1988-1991 • Full time pastoral ministry since 1991. • Board member of Sowers International Australia Inc. since 1993. • Part-time Cross-Cultural worker with Baptist Association 2009-2013

In 2019, Paul went on a Mission trip to Myanmar, South East Asia to teach in Bible Colleges and preach in churches.

Paul believes in the training and equipping for ministry in churches along with the need to be training Christians to be engaged in the wider mission field, whether internationally or the community and workplace here in Australia.

MORLING COLLEGE COUNCIL NOMINEE – REV PAUL MOSIEJCZUK

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NOMINEE: Peter Adcock

CHURCH MEMBERSHIP: Hawkesbury Valley Baptist Church

Peter is married with 5 children and 3 grandchildren and attends gathered worship at Hillsong Greater West with his wife. He is a current member of Hawkesbury Valley Baptist Church (historical) and is about to undertake a simple church movement/plant in Penrith and has enjoyed initiating a micro church / simple church movement as part of the Baptist Penrith LGA strategy. Peter has as heart for the disadvantaged in postcode 2770 (Mount Druitt and surrounds) and an interest in co vocation, working at BaptistCare as a group manager for Hope Employment, and Managing Director of GWFC Trust (a regional ministry of the Baptist Association)

Peter has a BSc (Hons) and has had ministry experience and served in the following areas: • Co-founder of Greater West for Christ, a regional ministry of the Baptist Association • Managing Director of Greater West for Christ Trust • Morling College Council 2011-2020 • Morling College Vice Chair 2018-2020 • Served on several property control groups for Morling College • BaptistCare, Group Manager Hope Employment

He has experience in financial oversight and sustainability, strategic planning and has the ability to assess and analyse current realities and emerging strategies. Peter enjoys governance and corporate structures, succession planning and enjoys pursuing the big picture Peter is passionate about all of the Baptist organisations working collaboratively to achieve the Gen1K vision and involves him working in BaptistCare and Greater West for Christ as an employee. He is potentially returning to a governance role with Morling College Council.

MORLING COLLEGE COUNCIL NOMINEE – PETER ADCOCK

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Nominations for Baptist Churches of

New South Wales Property Trustand profile of candidates for election

Association of Baptist Churches of NSW & ACT

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The Baptist Churches of New South Wales Property Trust is an incorporated body created by the Baptist Churches of New South Wales Property Trust Act 1984.Seven members are elected by the Baptist Assembly for three year terms on a rotational basis.

The members of the Property Trust are required to obey the directions of the local congregation, provided those directions do not contravene the Act or the general law of the land.

The Act requires that a member of the Property Trust will be a member of a Baptist Church affiliated with the Association. At a personal level members of the trust are involved in the ministry of a local Baptist church and have a firsthand understanding of congregational life. They know that church property matters are often complex and that local leaders sometimes require help to properly process transactions. As servants of our churches they will adhere to the Basic Doctrines, Statement of Beliefs and Objects and Values of the Association.

In order to fulfil its role the Property Trust should ideally comprise members who have various business disciplines, including accounting, legal, real estate, banking, management, etc. In the past its members have included a Minister. A member of the Trust cannot be a person who is or becomes an employee of the Trust, the Baptist Churches of NSW & Act or of any committee, council or agency of the Association of Baptist Churches of NSW & ACT.

The Property Trust meets six times a year in Sydney. In addition 2-3 members meet most weeks to sign documents submitted by churches for their property transactions. Country members are paid travelling expenses to attend, or may attend meetings by teleconference.

At each Annual Assembly, an election of members of the Trust shall be held to fill the offices of the members of the Trust, which will become vacant at the end of that Assembly.

The two (2) trust members, David Evans and Richard Brading, who will retire by rotation and are eligible for re-nomination having completed their 3-year term.

There are therefore two (2) vacancies to be filled at the 1 May 2021 Annual Assembly for the Baptist Churches of New South Wales Property Trust.

Of the two (2) members retiring, two are eligible for, and have consented to re-nomination – David Evans and Richard Brading.

A simple majority is required in order to be elected.

BAPTIST CHURCHES OF NSW PROPERTY TRUST

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NOMINATIONS FOR BAPTIST CHURCHES OF NSW PROPERTY TRUST(N.B. 2 persons to be elected by Assembly, from 2 nominees)

Person Church Profile

David Evans* West Ryde Baptist Church p. 32

Richard Brading* Northern Life (Hornsby) Baptist Church p. 33

* Current Property Trust member.

The following pages provide background information for the nominated parties. Profiles are prepared by nominees.

BAPTIST CHURCHES OF NSW PROPERTY TRUST

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NOMINEE: David Evans*

CHURCH MEMBERSHIP: West Ryde Baptist Church

PROFILE:

David and his wife serve at West Ryde Baptist Church in a number of capacities, with David having been a member since 1967. He has had a number of roles within the church, including as Secretary and Treasurer.

Most of David’s working life was spent in a major Australian bank where he gained a fair degree of financial experience. He has been able to apply this to his role within the Property Trust during his time of service.

David accepted a nomination for the Property Trust because he has had feedback from the churches with whom he is in contact indicating that his assistance has been beneficial to them and in helping them to negotiate through various property dealings. Many people have very little personal experience of these matters, and they would otherwise be left floundering, possibly to the detriment of their church.

BAPTIST CHURCHES OF NSW PROPERTY TRUST NOMINEE – DAVID EVANS

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BAPTIST CHURCHES OF NSW PROPERTY TRUST NOMINEE – RICHARD BRADING

NOMINEE: Richard Brading*

CHURCH MEMBERSHIP: Northern Life (Hornsby) Baptist Church

PROFILE:

Richard Brading has been a Christian for over 40 years and a member of Northern Life (Hornsby) Baptist Church since 2006. He was a member of the church committee that worked on the redevelopment of the church building at Hornsby.

Richard has extensive experience as a solicitor in both the private and not-for-profit sector and has a sound knowledge of property law. He was awarded the Law Foundation Justice Medal in 2016.

He is currently a member of the Property Trust since and seeks reappointment to continue to use his abilities to serve the church.

Richard is married to Karen, who is an elder at his church, and has 3 adult daughters.

Richard enjoys outdoor activities including bushwalking, bush regeneration and sailing.

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ASSEMBLY DOCUMENTS & RECOMMENDATIONS

Assembly Council Recommendations: • That the Annual Reports for 2020 be received.

• That the Financial Reports for 2020 be received.

• That the 2021 Budget for the BUNSW be approved.

• That the changes to the Baptist Churches of NSW & ACT Constitution be approved.

• That the Assembly re-appoint Rev Dr Steve Bartlett as the Director of Ministries for the Baptist Association of NSW & ACT for a further five-year term.

• That the Assembly welcome the individuals listed below to proceed to accreditation in September 2021, after being set apart for ministry, their names be added to the List of Accredited Ministers, subject to the approval of the Committee for Ministry: Ross Callaghan, Leigh Dart, Marbuen Diaz, Linnah Hahn, Dilan Jayasinghe, Roxanne Lawler, John Le, Rachel Li, Stephen McKay, Christine McPherson, Jasmine Round, Daniel Sin, Nick Song, Jennifer Sumpton, Lynette Wraight and James Grady.

• That the Assembly welcome the individuals listed below to have their accreditation transferred to the Baptist Churches of NSW & ACT from another state or country and that their names be added to the List of Accredited Ministers, on the recommendation of the Committee for Ministry: Adrian Buggs, Russell Matthews, Ken Woods, Emma Walsh, Dodie Serrano and Martin Yoon.

• That the Assembly welcome the individuals listed below to have their accreditation transferred to the Baptist Churches of NSW & ACT from the BUSA/NT, having been previously accredited by the Baptist Churches of NSW & ACT, on the recommendation of the Committee for Ministry: Ricky Su.

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The 2020 Annual Report was made available online prior to the Assembly. The Annual Report can also be viewed on our Annual Assembly portal at: www.thegathering.com.au/assembly

A summary of parts of the Annual Report is available in hardcopy at this Assembly and will also be made available online on the Annual Assembly portal.

ANNUAL REPORT 2020

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The Association’s surplus of $2.6m is made up of an operating surplus of $1.1m and a surplus from Designated Funds of $1.4m. The surplus from operations is due to JobKeeper payments from the Government of $999k and a reduction in planned programs and expenses caused by COVID-19. During 2020, we have continued to focus on building up resources for the GEN1K vision by further consolidating funds with the aim of efficiency and mobilising resources for strategic initiatives. Some further funds have become available from closed churches and a significant strategic purchase has been made in Southern Sydney for use by Transform Southern Sydney (TSS) as a regional hub for local churches in Southern Sydney. As GEN1K funds increase we are working on effective long-term investment strategies that are aligned to the GEN1K vision and have now invested $10m in the newly formed Baptist Impact Fund to support investment into ministry related activities.Below is a summary of our 2020 financial results:- Actual Budget Diff $ Diff %Operations Income 3,334 3,046 288 9% Expenses -2,794 -3,198 404 -13% Surplus / (deficit) from operations 540 -152 692 -455% Other ministries 595 111 484 436% Surplus / (deficit) from operations

including other ministries 1,135 -40 1,176 -2938%Designated funds 1,442 1,035 407 39%Total surplus for the year 2,577 995 1,583 159%

The figures for other ministries include Kiah Ridge and our Regional Ministries (Greater West for Christ, Riverina District Baptist Association, H100 and TSS). Other ministries are above budget due to proceeds from the sale of closed churches in the Riverina Region and also due to the Kiah Ridge operations. Despite the heavy downturn in the business caused by COVID-19, Kiah Ridge is above budget due to JobKeeper grants and insurance funds received due to bushfires in the previous year.The surplus from Designated Funds is above budget due to proceeds from the sale of properties of closed churches which are used to support the GEN1K vision.

Looking AheadLooking AheadThe Operating Budget for 2021 is more than $1.9m in excess of the Church Partnership Support Budget of $1.5m with an overall operating deficit of $158k. We continue to work diligently so that the operating budget can be balanced over the long term and as the Association requires increasing resources to support churches in an ever-increasing complex environment. Fortunately, this projected deficit can be funded from the 2020 surplus.The Association has also embarked on an ambitious plan to re-develop the GodSpace material including multimedia formats at an overall budget of $1m.

FINANCIAL RESULTS AND BUDGET 2020

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Substantial financial support has been raised but further financial support is sought from donors to meet this important need of bringing Christian education to school children both in NSW and further afield. This is a self-financing project outside the budget.Another exciting development is significant funding that the Association has been able to secure to further support the GEN1K vision as this continues to build momentum and opportunities to plant and revitalise churches to achieve our goal of 1,000 healthy churches in NSW & ACT.

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Financial Statements 2019 – 2020 for presentation to the 153rd Annual Assembly (AGM) on 1 May 2021.

The following Financial Statements have been made available online prior to the Assembly. The Financial Statements can also be viewed on our Annual Assembly portal at: www.thegathering.com.au/assemblywww.thegathering.com.au/assembly

Baptist Union of New South Wales For year ended 31 December 2020

Morling College Limited For year ended 31 December 2020

Morling Foundation Limited For year ended 31 December 2020

Baptist Business College Ltd (Bedford) For year ended 31 December 2020

Baptist Foundation of NSW Limited For year ended 30 June 2020

Baptist Financial Services Australia Ltd For year ended 31 December 2020

Baptist Churches of NSW Property Trust For year ended 30 April 2020

* Limited hard copies will be available at the Annual Assembly.

FINANCIAL RESULTS AND BUDGET 2020

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CHURCH PARTNERSHIP SUPPORT BUDGET 2021 $(000) Budgeted Church Partnership Support Budget 1,500 How these contributions are utilised in ministry:

Leadership development -289 Baptist Youth Ministries -155 Children and Family Ministries -120 SRE -108 Church Health -286 Regional ministries -135 Cross Cultural Ministries -51 Church Planting -311 Evangelism -48 Public Engagement -49 Global Mission -185 Ministries Management -416 Operations -465 Balance Ministry Services 2 Standards -275 Communications and Design -288Events -71 Contribution to Morling College -150 Contribution to Baptist Union of Australia -93 TOTAL MINISTRY ALLOCATIONS -3,493

These ministries are funded by income from: Church partnership contributions 1,500 JobKeeper payment 249 Greater West for Christ 70 Transform Southern Sydney 35 Legacy Fund 100 Baptist Financial Services Ltd 500 Insurance operations 291 Investment Fund 124 Tax Deductible Fund 15 Arncliffe Fund 51 Gen1K Fund 400 Income excluding designated funds 3,335

OPERATING DEFICIT -158

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SUBMISSION FROM TAHMOOR BAPTIST CHURCH REGARDING CHURCH GOVERNANCE

& ADMIN SUPPORT

In February 2021 a Submission for our Annual Assembly was received from Tahmoor Baptist Church. The Submission does not contain any motions and therefore is not a ‘Notice of Motion’ as such. However in the view of AC it highlights an important matter worthy of feedback and further reflection at Assembly. The Submission is below, and following it, some comments from Assembly Council as to how the matters it raises may be addressed.

TAHMOOR BAPTIST CHURCH SUBMISSION TO BAPTIST ANNUAL ASSEMBLY

The core of the matter is the extent of administrative and governmental requirements that have become apparent and the impact that these obligations are starting to have on the normal functioning of smaller churches such as ourselves. The nature of our church ‘independence’ is precious to us; through it we have seen the Hand of the Lord acting clearly to set us aright and to bless us. The nature of this independence does however place ª burden of responsibility that tests the delicate balance of what is required and what is available. Whilst large churches with an array of staff might reasonably be treated as organisations with ‘managerial’ expectations, we smaller churches remain more like ‘community groups’ where much of the organisational responsibility lies with volunteers who have fluctuating capacity and are unable to simply absorb an increased workload.

There is now a need to document a wide range of church activities, listing numerous requirements: risk assessments are necessary for all the things we do, the people involved in organising need to be screened and assessed for suitability and inducted as to how to do what should be done, the voluntary effort to achieve these things is becoming significant and often needs particular skills to do what is required. Overall, the effect is to bias the focus of the church on meeting administrative necessity rather than the needs of the people and indeed the call of the Lord.

At Tahmoor Baptist we are blessed with a dedicated and energetic Pastor who understands the administrative needs as described by the Baptist Association and tries to assist the church in meeting the requirements to the point where we are concerned that the workload is too great, noting the extraordinary events of the past 12 months. The church Diaconate has set itself on a path to seek the Lord’s wisdom for the future of the church and is concerned that, aside from understanding our evolving role as Christians within our

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community, the organisation of the church is approaching an unsustainable situation due, in part, to the administrative load that is now taking its toll on current volunteers and threatens the influx of new leaders. We are conscious that our church family is a broad cross-section of our community; it has a variety of needs and a range of contributions; yes, the Lord has, is, and will provide in accordance with His desires for the church but He also asks us to be dutiful in our stewardship. Always we are prayerfully asking “what would you have us do Lord?”, it certainly feels that new thoughts and acts are needed as the world changes around us.

Being a ‘small’ church of about 30 members and a similar number of other supporters and attendees, the scope of dealing with the situation we’re in is limited. So, the main purpose of raising this issue at the Annual Assembly is to share our thoughts with other churches that might be in similar situation and see if some form of coordinated thought or action might assist us all. We would ask that if some common thread of concern exists then the Baptist Association might facilitate the joining of ideas and potential solutions.

Geoff CannonSecretary, Tahmoor Baptist Church22 January 2021

Comments from Assembly CouncilIn the experience of Assembly Council and the Baptist Association team, the sentiments expressed by Tahmoor Baptist in this submission are not unique. The Council and the Association Team were already aware of the increasing compliance burden on our churches and the impact this can have on ministry.

Much of this is externally generated – for example the Safe Church Health Check where most of the requirements are those of the government which the Association is seeking to assist churches to implement. These are important measures which we support in terms of the mission context we find ourselves in today in Australia. However, this in no way takes away from the impact these things are having on the ministry and volunteers in our churches.

The Association already provides assistance to churches in a range of areas and further avenues of assistance are already under discussion which will be shared at Assembly. Also at Assembly, a time of group feedback will be provided to allow feedback in this area to shape further responses the Association can make to assist in these matters into the future.

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SUBMISSION FROM TAHMOOR BAPTIST CHURCH REGARDING CHURCH GOVERNANCE & ADMIN SUPPORT

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CHANGES TO THE BAPTIST CHURCHES OF NSW & ACT ASSOCIATION CONSTITUTION1. Provide additional flexibility for the timing of Annual Assembly Our current Constitution includes a provision that our Annual Assembly must be

held within 4 months from the end of the BUNSW financial year, 31 December. However, over recent years, our Annual Assembly has more often been held around the beginning of May to fit in line with the Association’s calendar of events. Therefore, the following change is proposed:

Amend Clause 8.4 – Assembly meetings • 8.4(b) Assemblies when held

Apart from the Annual Assembly, there will be at least one ordinary Assembly meeting in any calendar year which is not a Special Assembly. Normally, the Annual Assembly will be held not more than 4 5 months after the close of the annual accounting period adopted by the Association for the preparation of its accounts.

2. Provision to postpone Assemblies under abnormal circumstances During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Assembly Council identified that there is no

provision to postpone and/or cancel Assemblies under abnormal circumstances and to allow for any online Assemblies to take place for critical AGM business should Assembly be unable to meet in person. The following changes are proposed should abnormal circumstances arise in the future that prevent Assembly from meeting:

Amend Clause 10.4 – Powers and duties Amend Clause 10.4 – Powers and duties

• 10.4(c) To convene and hold Assemblies (and if necessary, in abnormal circumstances

to postpone or cancel Assemblies, except the Annual Assembly) of the Association and implement policy decisions arising therefrom.

i In relation to the Annual Assembly only, where it has been determined by Assembly Council to be abnormal circumstances: to postpone, then hold the Annual Assembly and further, if deemed appropriate by Assembly Council, to allow for online attendance by some or all members of that Annual Assembly.

ii. Notice for any postponement or cancellation of an Assembly is to be provided as soon as practical, taking into account the nature of the abnormal circumstance.

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CHANGES TO THE BAPTIST CHURCHES OF NSW & ACT ASSOCIATION CONSTITUTION

3. Remove redundant clause regarding ‘Members only’ section on the Association’s website

The Baptist Churches of NSW & ACT does not have a ‘members only’ section our current website and there are no plans for this in the immediate future. Assembly Council provides updates on major matters already through email communications to our churches and this will continue.

Schedule ‘B’: GUIDELINES FOR CONDUCT OF COUNCIL MEETINGS Schedule ‘B’: GUIDELINES FOR CONDUCT OF COUNCIL MEETINGS • D (iii) Minutes

Each council will publish the outcomes of their meetings on the ‘members only’ section of the Association’s website in accordance with a policy developed by them jointly.

The updated Association Constitution with tracked changes can be viewed on our Annual Assembly portal at: www.thegathering.com.au/assembly

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BRINGING MATTERS BEFORE ASSEMBLY (AS CONTAINED IN SCHEDULE A)

B i Subject to the next paragraph, any affiliated church, either council of the Association, or any affiliated group may bring a matter before an Assembly.

ii For a matter to be considered by an Assembly the affiliated church or the affiliated group shall give not less than 3 months’ notice in writing before the date of the next Assembly of the matter to be considered with the notice being forwarded to the Secretary of Assembly Council.

iii Any motion arising from such notice may be moved at Assembly by a person nominated by the affiliated church, the council or the affiliated group (as the case may be) provided that person is a member of Assembly and must be seconded by a person who is also a member of Assembly.

GUIDELINES FOR CONDUCT OF ASSEMBLY MEETINGS RELATING TO MOTIONS (AS CONTAINED IN SCHEDULE A)

G. All proposed motions shall be reduced to writing.

H. Only members of Assembly may move a motion.

I. Speaking to a motion

Normally,

i. the mover of a motion will not speak for more than 10 minutes

ii. any speaker for or against the motion, including the original mover speaking in reply, will not speak for more than 5 minutes

iii. apart from the original mover of a motion speaking in reply, no person shall speak more than once including the mover of an amendment, and

iv. Assembly may grant an extension of time to a speaker

J. The order in which members of Assembly speak will be determined by the Chair. The Chair shall ensure, as far as possible, that a proportionate number of speakers are heard for and against the motion being considered. The Chair will be mindful that the agenda of Assembly should not be delayed unreasonably

K. The Chair may utilise a system of sounding a warning for speakers prior to the expiration of the time allotted under these guidelines.

L. The Chair shall be entitled to make the call as to when to when sufficient discussion has taken place and to put the motion.

EXTRACTS FROM THE CONSTITUTION OF BAPTIST CHURCHES OF NSW & ACT RELATING TO MOTIONS

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EXTRACTS FROM CONSTITUTION OF BAPTIST CHURCHES OF NSW & ACT RELATING TO MOTIONS

AMENDMENTS TO MOTIONS

M i Proposed amendments to motions shall be reduced to writing.

ii Proposed amendments will be dealt with one at a time.

N. Voting Unless otherwise provided in the constitution or these guidelines, the method of

voting will be either on the voices or by show of hands as the Chair shall decide.

O. Vote by Poll

i A poll may be demanded by at least 10 members and when required the poll shall be conducted in the manner the Chair directs; the result of the poll shall be deemed a resolution of Assembly.

ii Where no poll is demanded a declaration by the Chair that a resolution has been carried shall be sufficient evidence of the fact without proof of the number or proportion of votes recorded in favour or against the particular resolution.

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LOCATION Ministry and Learning Centre Level 4, 5 Saunders Close Macquarie Park, NSW 2113PHONE 02 9868 9200EMAIL hello@nswactbaptists.org.auWEB www.nswactbaptists.org.au