New system for DAB and DS in Germany

[Hans Deventer]

Just returning from the again united District Assembly of the German District in Frankfurt, I can share this new system.

The new District Board (former District Advisory Board) consists of 4 elders and 4 laymen, 1 elder and 1 layman nominated by each of the 4 zones of Germany and elected by the District Assembly.
The so elected DB nominates from among its 4 elders one to the position of DS, again to be elected by the District Assembly.

The DS is not a regular DS, he is the "primus inter pares", first among his/her equals. Merely the chairman of the board, really. It is a 20% position, not full time. The board assigns all its offices and duties to the members according to their "gifts and graces".

The zone team (1 elder and 1 layman) meet with their churches at least once ever 2 months for prayer, vision casting and anything that might need to be discussed.

I'm really interested to hear next year how this system worked out in practice. In any case, I'm grateful for the room the German District has been given to adapt the Manual regulations to their needs. That's how it should be anyway.

[Bill Evans]

Could this possibly be a model for how the BGS could work? Each region could nominate 1 elder and 1 layperson to serve as the equivalent to the present GB. The duly elected reps could meet with our present DABs for prayer, encouragement, and direction. The one elder that is elected as "Chairman of the Board" could be rotated on a 1-2 year cycle. I wonder. Hmmmmmmmmmmm!

[Bob Evans]

It sounds really interesting. What about pastoral arrangements, pastoral reviews, and mediating pastoral congregating conflicts?

Just returning from the again united District Assembly of the German District in Frankfurt, I can share this new system.

The new District Board (former District Advisory Board) consists of 4 elders and 4 laymen, 1 elder and 1 layman nominated by each of the 4 zones of Germany and elected by the District Assembly.
The so elected DB nominates from among its 4 elders one to the position of DS, again to be elected by the District Assembly.

The DS is not a regular DS, he is the "primus inter pares", first among his/her equals. Merely the chairman of the board, really. It is a 20% position, not full time. The board assigns all its offices and duties to the members according to their "gifts and graces".

The zone team (1 elder and 1 layman) meet with their churches at least once ever 2 months for prayer, vision casting and anything that might need to be discussed.

I'm really interested to hear next year how this system worked out in practice. In any case, I'm grateful for the room the German District has been given to adapt the Manual regulations to their needs. That's how it should be anyway.

[Hans Deventer]

It sounds really interesting. What about pastoral arrangements, pastoral reviews, and mediating pastoral congregating conflicts?

I understand that if the problem is within a zone, it will be done by the zone leaders. If the issue is broader (pastoral arrangements might easily be), I presume the entire board will be involved.

But it looks like many of these things will have to be worked out in practice.

[Dennis M. Scott]

But it looks like many of these things will have to be worked out in practice.


What a refreshing approach. Somewhat like taking a coin from a fish's mouth to pay taxes. Where'd they come up with that :basic04?

[Ken Pell]

Sometimes we fail to acknowledge the willingness to change (and actual actions) and flexibility that our Church has shown within the last decade or so.

The Spirit is present and active among us. :)

[Hans Deventer]

Sometimes we fail to acknowledge the willingness to change (and actual actions) and flexibility that our Church has shown within the last decade or so.

Yes. Because sometimes, we don't see it. Our district has submitted a resolution to the 2005 GA (DA-208), requesting this very flexibility, and only relating to the number of people on the DAB. It would have given room for what the German District has done. However, it was rejected in committee by 111 against 18, and also rejected by the GA.

The Spirit is present and active among us. :)

Well, that at least goes for Dr. Diehl, who was so wise to correct the GA in their rejection.

[Eric Vail]

It sounds really interesting. What about pastoral arrangements, pastoral reviews, and mediating pastoral congregating conflicts?

There is a district in the NW USA (I think the Northwest District) where the DS made teams of people to go in to troubled congregations to do mediating. On each team there are people like a business person, a professional counselor (who specializes in group dynamics), an experienced pastor, etc. The DS recognizes that he doesn't have all the skills necessary to see all that is at play and solve every problem. If more districts had these types of teams that had people from a broad spectrum of specialties, we wouldn't need DS's that worked more than 20% time. We could utilize more of the gifts and skills within the body--i.e., laypeople who know a thing or two about these matters.

[Ken Pell]

There is a district in the NW USA (I think the Northwest District) where the DS made teams of people to go in to troubled congregations to do mediating. On each team there are people like a business person, a professional counselor (who specializes in group dynamics), an experienced pastor, etc. The DS recognizes that he doesn't have all the skills necessary to see all that is at play and solve every problem. If more districts had these types of teams that had people from a broad spectrum of specialties, we wouldn't need DS's that worked more than 20% time. We could utilize more of the gifts and skills within the body--i.e., laypeople who know a thing or two about these matters.

Districts are being given more and more flexibility.

We should celebrate that.

[Hans Deventer]

There is a district in the NW USA (I think the Northwest District) where the DS made teams of people to go in to troubled congregations to do mediating. On each team there are people like a business person, a professional counselor (who specializes in group dynamics), an experienced pastor, etc. The DS recognizes that he doesn't have all the skills necessary to see all that is at play and solve every problem. If more districts had these types of teams that had people from a broad spectrum of specialties, we wouldn't need DS's that worked more than 20% time. We could utilize more of the gifts and skills within the body--i.e., laypeople who know a thing or two about these matters.

Yes! Again, we had submitted a resolution to the GA that would allow for more flexibility for the DAB to choose such a group (the Manual says:

124. Local Church in Crisis. Upon learning that a local
church is approaching crisis, the district superintendent
with the approval of the District Advisory Board shall have
the authority to impanel a committee to review the situation
and implement procedures to avert a crisis. The committee
shall consist of two elders and two lay members of the District
Advisory Board, and the district superintendent who
shall serve as chairperson. (208.3)

We argued that the DAB had enough wisdom to select the proper persons for the job. Again, the wonderful 2005 GA rejected this plea for more flexibility and apparently didn't even trust their own District Advisory Board to select the right people, but did trust them to solve a local crisis!!!! :confused:

[Charles W Christian]

I really like the German model you describe. It seems to take a lot of pressure off the DS, too! More and more I feel our DS's will flock toward this kind of model (this, or something similar). Otherwise, there just aren't enough hours in the day!

Thanks, Hans....

Blessings,
Charles

[Carsten Schermuly]

Once Upon A Time

I had a conflict to a person in leading position in the german church. Not a heavy weight thing - it was just not cleaned up by the words "Please forgive me, I am ready to forgive." Unto today I do see me identified by him as a naughty boy, got a load by an adult. Ashaming - because there was no reason to talk to me in the naughty manner like he did.

A good time later we met in Büsingen on Campus of EuNC.
http://EuNC.edu/
He smiled very bright and pressed my hand, I have thought, it was his will to break bones.
Clearly to see - his expression of "I am stronger, I did show you who will be master and who will be slave."

Again a good time later I have brought my son Andreas to an international Nazarene Youth meeting in Gelnhausen / Hesse. On parking lot arrived another car two minutes after we did open our cars doors. Driver was this person. We do know one another best. In the moment, the car turned in the neighbour box, our eyes did meet another, just a very short moment - but we both did know from another: "He will be he". I stood, awaiting he will say "Hello!", but he left the car and turned to me and Andreas his back. He did ignore me, just a look and "Hallo!" had been enaugh, but he turned to me his back.

To that time he felt like a king. I do know the stories around him. His appearance was always "Look here - I am! - I am a successful maker". Please do not try to turn my mind, "Possibly he did not realize, it was you." For sure, he has identified me correctly. We both do know this. He does know and I do know.

Today he is in another situation, he came down from horse. From time to time one of my children does say to me, "(this person) was there too on the meeting and says a hearty greetings to you."

Normally I should say: "Thank you, once you do see him again, hearty greetings back to him." I can not. I do say nothing. As long the words are not fallen "I do forgive you, please forgive me too" I do see in his greetings a second class way, a not correct way to get an unity, that does not really exist. Our relation should be love - and not "please do not touch this sensitive theme".



The better way
In the early eighties a well known Lady had aversions against me and I against her. She could be my mother. She died already fifteen years ago. On a district assembly we sat in the opening service face to face in the church. We both did listen to the words of the sermon - and must look in the same time in the face of the unbeloved. The Lord did touch our hearts.
The sermon did end.
In the very same second we both jumped up from chair and met in front of Altar, we spontaneous hugged another with tears in eyes and have said, "Forgive me. I do love you." Since that moment we have been real family members - unto to her death.



As long someone does preach "love" and does look down on me in misrespect, I do not trust in his words - not only one. He might be in highest position - that does not matter. Then it is not the gospel, he does preach, it is a nightmare for me - phantasy, theory.