On Being a Year-RoundDelegate
Jerry Zwaga, YRD
Community Congregational Christian Church of Citrus Spring, Florida
I’m a Year-Round Delegate (YRD) – there I said it! Being a YRD, pronounced yurd, has brought me closer to my congregation and to the National Association of Congregational Christian Churches (NACCC). My time in the position has been a positive experience for me and my congregation. The congregation realized the benefits of having a YRD and incorporated the position into our by-laws.
We Congregationalists treasure our local independence from a central governing body. Those new to our church will often ask for an explanation of the church hierarchy. I explain that there is no “formal” hierarchy except our local boards, and they are an extension of the congregation.
Yes, we have a national organization but they are there to assist member churches. The YRD acts as a conduit between their congregation and the NACCC office. Communication is key. As a YRD you need to be cognizant of your church’s needs and what the NACCC offers that can assist with those needs. The YRD needs to be “at the table” with local governing boards to be aware of their concerns. Knowledge of local issues and what the NACCC has available is the essence of the Year-Round Delegate's job. Periodic publications and articles from the NACCC need to be shared with the congregation to complete this communication loop.
I learned a long time ago not to assume an individual’s knowledge. Many of us would think everyone knows of the NACCC’s Pastoral Search program. It’s not just an employment operation but one that helps congregations through the search and discernment process. Your church needs a new boiler – what about the Hurting Church Fund? A member has passed and left a substantial sum to the church, what do you do with that money? Perhaps the Congregational Investment Trust is appropriate. It was knowledge of the “Silver Linings” grant from the National Association that enabled my church to upgrade our outreach efforts through the internet.
Though technology is supposed to enhance communication, it can be overwhelming. To counter this feeling there is the YRD Facebook page which allows for one-on-one or group discussions. There is nothing better than sharing your issue with fellow Year-Round Delegates.
In today’s world the closer we work together; YRD, NACCC, congregations and fellow YRD's, we further Congregationalism.
