Reformed Presbyterian Minutes of Synod 1997 - Rparchives.org

84 MINUTES OF THE 1997 SYNOD OF THE
The changes in the relationship between the RPCNA Synod, the
Presbytery, and the Japanese congregations are requiring adjustment. Many of the
difficulties now being encountered and reflected in Paper 97-10 are adjustment
difficulties to the new relationship between the FMB and the Japan Presbytery.
RECOMMENDATIONS OF SYNOD'S COMMITTEE
Your committee has attempted to isolate the key issues underlying the present
concerns expressed in the Petition of the Japan Presbytery. The following
recommendations are offered in hope of alleviating the Presbytery's concerns, and
providing the Presbytery and the FMB with a workable framework for carrying out
the work of the Synod in Japan. Your committee is not trying to do the work of
the FMB or the Japan Presbytery.
I. We recommend to the Japan Presbytery and the FMB a slower pace of
transition. We would therefore respectfully recommend the re-establishment of
the Mission's Account on the field with English speaking administrators.
2. In conformity with the 1995 commitments of the FMB (Minutes of Synod,
1995, p. 56, Japan Presbytery Report to the 1997 Synod, p. 740), we
recommend the continuing of the Call for two ordained men to serve under the
oversight of the Japan Presbytery. These men should be trained in the Japanese
language and when called should anticipate serving in Japan for a considerable
period. Period of service will be determined by the Presbytery and FMB in
consultation (see recommendations 6 and 7 below).
3. We recommend that Gene Spear be permitted to remain in the short term as
a missionary in Japan to minister where the Japan Presbytery determines he can
best be used.
4. We recommend that the Synod encourage the relationship between KTH and
RPTS in accordance with the attached agreement. We also recommend to KTH
and RPTS that teachers from RPTS and other qualified persons, be scheduled
specifically to teach at KTH for the next five years, D.V. If this year's pattern
continues, as many as two visiting professors per year may go to teach at KTH
from RPTS.
5. We recommend the following statement of relationship between the Synod of
the RPCNA and the Japan Presbytery:
Synod rejoices that the Japan Presbytery and the Board of Foreign Missions of
the Synod of the RPCNA are bound together in Jesus Christ, each earnestly
desiring the firm establishment and full maturity of the Japan Presbytery. Each
should therefore regard the other as a true partner in every significant decision
concerning strategic planning, missionary staffing and delineation of financial
responsibility. Synod, however, recognizes the Presbytery as having primary
responsibility and spiritual authority, with the Board supplying "Counsel,
Encouragement, Resources, and Training". The Presbytery and the Board should
ensure that all important communications are made in writing, Presbytery to
Board, and Board to Presbytery. Presbytery and Board should endeavor, wherever