THE ASSEMBLY AND THE ROLE OF DELEGATES

The CWM Assembly is the gathering of all CWM member churches and their representatives

Understanding the functions, membership and nature of the Assembly will help delegates to prepare themselves for participation.

What are the functions of the Assembly?

Functions of the Assembly  To celebrate the members’ oneness in Christ and the members being partners in God’s mission ;

Functions of the Assembly  To share members’ news and experiences in mission and to build relationships;

Functions of the Assembly  To explore contemporary developments and their implications for mission and to consider responses to such developments;

Functions of the Assembly  To elect and appoint the Board of Directors of CWM Ltd and the Board of Trustees of Council for World Mission (UK).

What are the functions of the delegate?

Functions of CWM Assembly Delegates  Representation  Participation  Decision-making  Communication

Functions of CWM Assembly Delegates Representation  Present the voice and position of your member church – issues, challenges, achievements and progress. Know and be able to present the Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Environmental, Legal factors and realities of their contexts.

Functions of CWM Assembly Delegates Participation  The spirit, attitude, attentiveness, involvement of each delegate determines the quality and outcome of the Assembly. Play your part.

Functions of CWM Assembly Delegates  Decision-making Delegates make decisions about the direction of CWM and elect the Board of Directors.

Functions of CWM Assembly Delegates  Communication Capture and report the issues, direction, experiences of Assembly and use to inspire, challenge and motivate member church upon your return.

Who could be an Assembly Delegate?

CLERGY YOUTH MEN WOMEN LAY PERSONS

Membership The United Congregational Church of Southern Africa will be invited to send (5) five representatives.  Each member church will be invited to send (4) four representatives. Of the four representatives at least one must be a woman, one a youth (aged 30 years or under) and one a lay person or a combination of these.

What are the general, professional and personal qualifications of an Assembly delegate?

General Qualifications  At least 18 years of age at the time of Assembly  Prepared to serve as CWM Director (if nominated and elected)  Willing to participate in activities during the Assembly

Skills/Competencies  Possess knowledge and understanding of the mission of their own church and their CWM Region.  Capacity to discern and interpret the issues facing CWM in local, regional and global context.

Skills/Competencies  Ability to be critical in various global issues and defining responses, solutions and positions  Ability to fully participate in meetings

Skills/Competencies  Ability to think creatively  Ability to discern in electing the future governance leaders of the organisation

Skills/Competencies  Ability to understand and apply CWM’s values and ethos.  Capacity to speak and understand English language, both written and spoken.

Personal Attributes  Ability to cooperate, engage and build relationships with co- participants from diverse cultures  Ability to listen, express, and articulate information

Personal Attributes  Confidence and ability to exercise independent judgment with respect and sensitivity to issues of gender, race and working cross- culturally

Personal Attributes  Dignified, courteous, tolerant and understanding as assembly delegates are coming from various and diverse cultures, languages and people groups.

Personal Attributes  Hospitable, kind, objective, tactful with the ability to express ideas, views with clarity and cultural and religious sensitivity  Demonstrate Integrity