Spelled to match local pronunciation.
Church Constitutions are good - they mean you know what's what, but they can be a right pain when things go pear-shaped.
Last night our deacons agreed to grovel to the church because we have failed to get the deacons nomination forms out in the required time to give the constitutional notice period for elections... Why this is in the constitution I don't know, it is process not precedent. But I can guess. At the time said document was drawn up (about 30 years ago) it vested power in the author to control the elections as he dictated. Now, when it is done late by oversight we end up acting unconstitutionally - though I'd argue we could simply vote for deacons at the meeting after the AGM because the constitution doesn't say we can't....
We also found ourselves trapped in regard of the Treasurer who must first be a deacon, not, as in most churches, a person who is ex officio a deacon. Even if we could find folk to fulfil the role as part of a finance team (we can't) none of the remaining deacons is willing to take on the title. Hence (among other things) yesterday's allusion to sage and onion.
Our constituion doesn't say what the requirements are for it to be changed, but it is hardly a five minute job, needing at least a couple of church meetings, and probably to be done via AGMs.
Some churches seem to manage to live in blissful ignorance of their rules or constitutions. Despite my love of orderly conduct, right now I almost envy them!
Comments
What's one of them! The joys of not ahving one at all - but i suppose it must be sorted out eventually (maybe after i move.......................)
have you read the new modle constitution. Its designed to provide a fast track charity registration document. I really like it. The fact that it has been pre agreed by the charity comission means that t takes much of the pain out of adopting it. If you want to register with the Chrity comission you either adopt it or take the long journey of discussion, solicitors and charity comission
I also like the new model - but as to whether my good folk would like it, who knows?! Thankfully (?) we don't turn over enough dosh to have to register as a charity (yet) because quite frankly SORP accountancy would cripple us, even if we find a new Treasurer in a fortnight.