Who's In the Room: Key People and Roles
| Site: | Equip PC(USA) Training |
| Course: | Preparing for the Business of the GA |
| Book: | Who's In the Room: Key People and Roles |
| Printed by: | Guest user |
| Date: | Wednesday, November 27, 2024, 10:38 AM |
Description
Many people attend General Assembly in service to God.
This course gives an overview of key people and the roles they play.
1. Commissioners and Advisory Delegates
Commissioners and advisory delegates are a critical part
of each General Assembly. It’s important that everyone has a clear
understanding of their role.
Assembly commissioners during a committee meeting.
1.1. About Commissioners
The Book
of Order says that an assembly shall consist of an equal number of ruling
elders and teaching elders (ministers of the Word and Sacrament), elected by
the presbyteries and reflective of the diversity within their bounds
(G-3.0501). Each presbytery elects an allotted number of ruling and teaching
elder commissioners according to their size. Commissioners then attend the
General Assembly, where they serve not as representative voters of their
presbytery, but as individuals called to discern God’s will for the Presbyterian
Church (USA).
Commissioners each serve on one committee and in plenary sessions. They have
both voice and vote in both settings. In plenary sessions, commissioners are
advised by advisory delegates prior to vote.
1.2. About Advisory Delegates
The General Assembly has sought to expand the table of representation through the invitation of advisory delegates. Advisory Delegates are selected “so that the assembly may be assured of hearing and taking cognizance of their special viewpoints.” (Standing Rule B.2.a)
Like commissioners, advisory delegates have both voice and vote in committee. In plenary sessions, advisory delegates only have voice. It is common, however, that advisory delegates are polled before important votes so that commissioners may be advised.
There are four types of advisory delegates.
Young Adult Advisory Delegates (YAADs) are between the ages of 17 and 23. Each presbytery is encouraged to elect a YAAD, making YAADs the largest group of advisory delegates.
Theological Student Advisory Delegates (TSADs) are inquirers or candidates under care of a presbytery who have at least one year remaining in their theological education following the assembly. TSADs are elected through applicable seminaries. The presbytery with whom they are under care then affirms their election to the assembly.
Eight Missionary Advisory Delegates (MADs) are chosen by the Presbyterian Mission Agency from those who serve as Mission Co-workers in international settings.
Each assembly invites fifteen Ecumenical Advisory Delegates (EADs) to attend the next assembly from churches within the United States of America and abroad.2. Leadership at the Assembly
Each assembly calls leaders to serve the church and
future assemblies. These leaders are tasked with guiding the assembly through
parliamentary procedure and guaranteeing that the church hears from diverse
voices.
Election of the 222nd General Assembly Co-Moderators, Rev. Jan Edmiston (L) and Rev. Denise Anderson (R).
2.1. Moderator or Co-Moderators
On the first day of assembly meetings, commissioners elect a Moderator or Co-Moderators to preside over the assembly. Those elected are empowered to preserve order and conduct the business of the assembly.
In the months prior to the assembly, commissioners announce their intention to stand for Co/Moderator. Information about these candidates will be distributed to commissioners and advisory delegates, culminating in the Moderator’s Election during which candidates are able to speak and answer questions. Co/Moderators are then equipped and trained prior to leading the next plenary session.2.2. Stated Clerk
The Book of Order states that each council of the church shall elect a clerk. Each clerk serving a session, presbytery, synod, or assembly is called a Stated Clerk. The Stated Clerk of the General Assembly is elected to serve a four-year term during which they are responsible for making the arrangements for the assembly, ensuring good order for the processing of business, and serving as parliamentarian during the meeting of the assembly.
The Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson, II was elected to a second term during the 224th General Assembly (2020).
Election of Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson, II as Stated Clerk at the 222nd General Assembly (2016).
2.3. Corresponding Members
Also offering leadership throughout the assembly are
individuals who, by nature of their office, are identified as Corresponding
Members of the assembly. These persons include former Co/Moderators, seminary
presidents, heads of church’s agencies, synod executives, associate/assistant
stated clerks, and others. Members of advisory and advocacy committees also
serve as corresponding members, enabling them to advocate for important issues
and raise concerns. All corresponding members are entitled to speak to items of
business directly related to their work, but they may not vote.
2.4. Committee Leadership
As each assembly committee considers important items of business, they are guided and supported by a number of leaders.
Moderators and Vice Moderators are selected by the Co/Moderators of the previous General Assembly to guide commissioners and advisory delegates through discernment and votes during committee.
Parliamentarians assist the committee with parliamentary procedure.
Transcriptionists record actions taken by the committee, ensuring the committee recommendations are accurately taken to plenary.
Resource Coordinators coordinate Resource Persons, Corresponding Members, and others who are able to speak to the committee on particular issues. This process includes making moderators aware of available persons as well as ensuring that those able to speak are prepared at the appropriate time.
Committee Assistants serve in a variety of roles, supporting committee leadership in managing business processes, as well as assisting commissioners and advisory delegates throughout committees.
Zoom meeting of the Committee on the Office of the General Assembly.
3. Additional Important Participants
Resource Persons are experts in a particular area that are able to speak to committees and plenary sessions. These individuals may be called upon by committee moderators or the Co/Moderators of the assembly to provide clarity and insight on items of business.
Overture Advocates represent presbyteries who have written or concurred with an overture. These persons address committees to provide context on their overture, as well as additional information that may assist the committee in their consideration.
Student Assistants are individuals enrolled as a student in an institution of higher learning or those participating in the Young Adult Volunteer Program (YAV) through the Presbyterian Mission Agency. Student Assistants serve as support throughout the assembly, while also gaining insight into the assembly that will shape their future ministry and service to the church.
General Assembly Staff take on many roles throughout the assembly. They assist with moving business through the assembly process, equipping and maintaining technology, producing online plenary sessions, managing travel arrangements, and more. They are present throughout the assembly to support commissioners and advisory delegates in their work.