2. Will there be a written report from the Task Force?

The Task Force is preparing a written report which will be available on the website by June 1, 2009.

3. How will Moravians learn about this proposal?

Town meetings have been scheduled in Forsyth County, Stokes County, Charlotte, Raleigh, and Florida. These are open to everyone. A website has been established (www.moravianstructure.org) specifically for information about the proposal. The website will include an overview of the proposed structure, Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's) and other information.

4. How and when will delegates to the Special Synod be informed?

Education will be conducted for elected Special Synod delegates once all delegates have been elected. The PEC has requested that all delegates be identified by June 1, 2009. Delegate education will be scheduled as soon as feasible after that.

5. How do the Board of Christian Education (BCE), Board of Evangelism and Home Mission (BEHM), Resource Center and associated commissions and committees fit under the proposed structure?

The types of ministries currently handled by these organizations, including supporting resources, will come under the Board of Cooperative Ministries (BCM).

6. Where do interprovincial agencies fit into the proposed structure?

The Task Force has not recommended any changes to relationships with interprovincial agencies.

7. What happens to ministries that are currently operating?

The vision and strategies adopted by Synod and priorities set for implementation will determine the ministries to be undertaken by the province.

8. If one synod visions an emphasis on a particular ministry for the next 4 years, what happens to that ministry after those 4 years?

In determining vision and strategic direction, Synod will also assess results of current ministries and determine the future status of such ministries.

9. How does the proposed structure fit conferential governance? I am concerned that the proposed structure is too hierarchal.

The proposed structure complies with the definition of conferential governance, which means that decisions are made by a group rather than by an individual. The proposed structure was developed to provide improved communication, clarity of purpose and accountability and more opportunities for collaboration. The constitution and rules and regulations of the Unity and Southern Province are, and always have been, hierarchal. However, the proposed structure provides clearer lines of authority and accountability.

10. The Task Force is proposing 7 members of PEC, an increase of 2. What occurs if it is determined later that more than two additional persons are needed to handle the work load?

Any change in the size of the PEC now, or in the future, will require approval of Synod.

11. How will provincial staffing needs be determined?

The proposed Board of Cooperative Ministries (BCM) and Provincial Support Services (PSS) will make recommendations to the PEC for staffing needs. Ministry priorities will determine staffing needs.

12. Why is the Archives under Provincial Support Services (PSS)?

The Archives is a service which supports all areas of the entire Southern Province. The Archives provides resources, perspective, and interpretation with a uniquely Moravian perspective and supports the vision set by Synod.

13. How does the proposed structure provide opportunity for communication between the PEC president and the province?

The 'interconnectedness' of the proposed structure provides numerous opportunities for communication between the PEC President and the province. The PEC president is a member of the BCM and the PSS. The PEC will still be meeting with congregations via call processes, scheduled reviews and other meetings. The PEC president will have opportunity to address Provincial members at events such as Intersynodal Conferences and Stewardship Dinners.

14. Will limitations be imposed on vision for ministry by making plans only according to the financial status at a given point in time?

No limitations will be placed on vision. However, the PEC will follow the vision and direction of Synod to prioritize ministries based on available financial resources.

15. What impact will the proposed structure have on provincial budget and congregational share?

If the proposed structure is approved by the Special Synod, the Implementation Team will develop a Funding Plan which is to be ready for approval by Synod 2010. Resolution #55 Task Force has recommended that a more equitable financial share method for meeting provincial expenses be developed. The goal would be to build the provincial budget based on the financial health of the local congregations versus the expense allocation approach used today.

16. How does the proposed structure help my congregation? What are some of the ways the Regional Council of Churches (RCC) can help my congregation?

The proposed structure is designed to enhance congregational health, providing a framework for the following: (1) A concentration of priority provincial action on vital ministries and assistance to congregations in developing healthy characteristics (2) A means by which congregations through provincial lines of communication and/or polity can ensure that real congregational needs are identified and become a part of the Synod visioning and strategic development process as well as directing the assistance provided by provincial entities. The connections between the congregations, the RCC and the BCM facilitate communication between congregations and provincial ministries. Importantly, the RCCs can help build up the body of Christ in individual congregations by sharing ideas and best practices, through cooperative interaction arising from shared resources and programs for specific ministries and missions.

17. How will RCCs operate?

Some guidelines will be developed as part of the implementation process or by the implementation team to determine RCC roles and responsibilities, give initial direction, and provide a foundation for common understanding and purpose. However, since RCCs are not intended to be identical to one another, the individual identities of participating congregations will clearly influence the interests of the RCC.

18. How will RCCs be funded? Will there be provision for travel expenses?

It is anticipated that some limited amount of funding will be needed for RCC's (example: to cover travel expenses). Planning for this funding will be addressed by the Implementation Team.

19. Will all churches be expected to participate in RCCs?

Yes.

20. How much flexibility is there in the RCC structure? Can churches partner or cluster around shared interests?

In addition to participating in their organized RCC, congregations may partner or cluster around shared interests.

21. How can congregations ensure that identified needs at the local level are properly considered by provincial entities and synod as part of strategic and tactical planning and action?

The RCCs provide one avenue of communication of needs, since each RCC has representation on the BCM. RCCs will also suggest individuals for provincial service, thus strengthening the ties between individual congregations and provincial boards, committees and commissions. Additionally and importantly, the proposed structure provides a high degree of "interconnectedness" and collaboration, thus providing even more lines of communication for congregations.

22. Will training and assistance be available to help congregations implement the process of evaluating, achieving and maintaining health?

Yes.

23. How does the Task Force see Synod becoming more 'strategic'? If Synod's focus is strategic, how will business be addressed?

Educational plans and procedures will be developed to assist Synod delegates in moving from a primarily tactical focus to a primarily visionary and strategic focus. Synod will continue to do the work of the province in the same way it always has, in terms of responsibility for certain administrative, election, polity, rules and regulations and other business matters that must be addressed in appropriate legislative ways.

24. How will the proposed structure move from the Special Synod vote to reality?

An implementation team will be appointed by the PEC to plan and implement organizational actions needed to move from the current to the proposed provincial structure.

25. Will passage of the proposed structure require a change in the Book of Order? How will this be handled?

Yes. A change in the organizational structure of the province will require a change in the Book of Order. This change must be approved by Synod.

26. What happens if the Special Synod does not approve this proposal?

If the Special Synod does not approve the proposal, no changes will be made to the current provincial structure. In this case, Synod will need to decide what next steps to take.

WEB SITE SUBMITTED QUESTIONS:

27. With the RCC congregational clusters in place, is it reasonable to expect all congregations to regularly participate in RCC meetings? My fear is that congregations that currently have limited involvement in provincial activities will continue to have limited involvement. The only thing that we currently do for folks is to limit involvement in Synod or limit support from Prov. sources..... is that correct??? What is the incentive... positive reinforcement...in the process?

Answer: We believe it is reasonable to expect all congregations to regularly participate in RCC meetings.

• The time commitment will be determined by each RCC and should not be excessive. RCCs may meet bimonthly, quarterly, or even semi-annually, using other methods of communication in between meetings (email, shared website, postal service, conference calls, etc). RCC's may also choose to work together and share resources to meet Synod's strategic direction and the goals and objectives as defined by the PEC.
   
• Both the individual congregations and the province at large will benefit from full and regular participation at RCC meetings. Otherwise, congregations lose the opportunity to share their experiences, provide feedback, and gain information about opportunities within the Province which may directly benefit their congregation. Without full and regular participation, both the RCC and the Province miss the unique voice and perspective that each congregation offers.