| 1 |
Seek to have a private conversation |
1) For interpersonal conflict, seek to have a private conversation |
1) For interpersonal conflict, seek to have a private conversation |
1) If you believe the practices of the congregation are contrary to the Word of God or the rules and regulations of the PCV, you should talk to an elder or a pastor as the first step. |
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2) For issues related more to the practice of his duties where the power differential is a factor, consider getting advice first and even including another person in the initial conversation. |
2) For issues related more to the practice of his duties where the power differential is a factor, consider getting advice first and even including another person in the initial conversation. |
2) If a congregation makes a decision at a formal meeting to which you are strongly opposed you may record your dissent and notify the meeting you intend to take the matter to Presbytery, if you consider this to be a significant matter which relates to the Gospel, the unity of the church or the ethical reputation of the church.. |
| 2 |
If there is no satisfaction from the private meeting, ask 1-2 other trusted people to help you resolve the matter. Follow the process and principles of Matthew 18:15-16. |
If there is no satisfaction from the private meeting, ask 1-2 other trusted people to help you resolve the matter. In this case it would be wise to choose another elder or a pastor at this point. |
If there is no satisfaction from the private meeting, ask 1-2 other trusted people to help you resolve the matter. In this case it would be wise to choose another elder or a pastor at this point. |
If there appears to be no satisfactory progress to your first step above, you should formally write to Session about the matter registering your concerns. |
| 3 |
If there is no resolution at this point then you should officially involve the church leadership and formally invite the Session to help you with the matter. They are responsible for the growth and unity of the congregation. Disciple, while confronting, has the goal of holding people accountable and working towards restored relationships for the unity of the church. |
If there is no resolution at this point then you should officially involve the church leadership and formally request the Session to help you with this matter. If it has got this far the elder needs to be held accountable, if found to be at fault. |
If there is no resolution at this point then you should make contact with the overseeing Presbytery as ministers are answerable to their presbytery and not the local Session. The session clerk is obligated to help you with this process. |
If there is no satisfactory resolution after taking the matter to session, and you think the issue is serious enough, you can take the issue to the overseeing Presbytery. The session clerk is obligated to help you with this process. |
| 4 |
If you are not happy with how the Session deals with the matter and believe their decision is an injustice, you have the right to take your cause to the Presbytery and even to the General Assembly of Victoria. You will be advised how to do this if you wish to go further. |
If you are not happy with how the Session deals with the matter and believe their decision is an injustice, you have the right to take your cause to the Presbytery and even to the General Assembly of Victoria. You will be advised how to do this if you wish to go further. |
If you are not happy with how the Presbytery deals with the matter and believe their decision is an injustice you have the right to take your cause to the to the General Assembly of Victoria. You will be advised how to do this if you wish to go further. |
If you are not happy with how the Presbytery deals with the matter and believe their decision is an injustice you have the right to take your cause to the to the General Assembly of Victoria. You will be advised how to do this if you wish to go further. |
| 5 |
If the accused feels an injustice is done against them in this process, they too have the right to take their cause to the Presbytery and the General Assembly as well. Our church procedures are very mindful of natural justice for all parties. |
If the accused feels an injustice is done against them in this process, they too have the right to take their cause to the Presbytery and the General Assembly as well. |
If the accused feels an injustice is done against them in this process, they too have the right to take their cause to the General Assembly as well. |
In all cases of church matters, the General Assembly of Australia is considered the final court of appeal if you ever wanted to take a matter that far. |
