Every year holds opportunities for you to make a real difference and actively contribute to the governance and future of our diocese.

As well as belonging to a local parish, many of us will know that we are also part of the wider Nelson Diocese family. Some may know that, in turn, our diocese is part of the even broader Provincial Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia. A key feature of the Anglican Church in New Zealand is that, at a governance level, decisions are made not only by clergy (bishops and ordained ministers) but also by lay people (regular non-ordained church members).

This means we all have the chance to be involved in running our churches and being part of significant decision-making processes.

“Being a member of a governance committee for the Nelson Diocesan is a very important role,” says Helen Neame. She’s on various committees including Standing Committee and the Diocesan Overseas Mission Council. 

For me it is a way of using the knowledge and skills that God has blessed me with in a way that helps to build his kingdom. We're entrusted to carry out God’s work today and provide for Christians tomorrow. The diocese has a large portfolio of property and assets which are used so that our churches can provide ministries and services that inform people of God’s message to them. We need to ensure we not only fund today’s work for our Lord, but also increase the value of our assets to provide a healthy financial position for the Church families of tomorrow.

Brandon Sparrow also wanted to encourage people to give it a go. He was on Standing Committee for over a decade.

Being a member of Standing Committee was a privilege because it gave me a chance to serve the diocese and its parishes alongside some great people. It gave me another branch to my church family, and consequently grew my faith! You don’t have to be a governance nut, you just need to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and have a heart to see parishes and the wider Anglican Church grow in reaching others for Jesus. I would encourage anyone to step out of their parish boundary and serve the church in a wider capacity. Your diocese needs you!

How you can help

Here's how you can get involved and the roles you can consider nominating yourself or others for:

• Local Vestry: Make a difference within your local parish by putting your name forward for election to the local vestry at the annual parish AGM. This role involves actively participating in the day-to-day affairs of your parish, supporting your vicar, and contributing to the overall well-being of your community.
• Diocesan Synod Representative: Becoming a parish representative to the yearly Diocesan Synod allows you to engage with representatives from various parishes in your diocese and be a part of shaping the collective vision and direction of the Nelson Diocese. Synod representatives normally serve the parish in this role for three years.
• Diocesan Committee Membership: For those seeking to have a direct impact on specific aspects of the church's work, joining a diocesan committee like Standing Committee, Anglican Care Committee or the Diocesan Overseas Mission Council is the perfect opportunity. Your expertise and dedication can play a vital role in advancing various church initiatives and projects.
• General Synod Representative: Influence decisions on a broader scale by being a General Synod representative. The General Synod is the governance and rule-making body of the Provincial Anglican Church, and it needs lay representation from each Diocese. Every two years, representatives are chosen by our Diocesan Synod members to attend the General Synod and be part of crucial decisions shaping the future of the entire church. Expenses are covered for General Synod representatives to attend.

If this sounds to you like an interesting way to serve the Church, please speak to your vicar who can help you with the nomination process. Alternatively, ring the Anglican Centre for advice.

Let's shape the future of the Anglican Church together. Your voice matters.