Structure of Operation

Members are those in full communion by profession of faith in Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord, through baptism/confirmation, transfer or on restoration. There are 207 congregations of the United Church , located in Jamaica and on Grand Cayman . In each congregation, there are elders/deacons who are elected to give spiritual oversight.

AREA COUNCILS

These are geographical groupings of congregations. There are five area councils within the United Church – Cayman Area Council (Grand Cayman), Cornwall Area Council, North Middlesex, South Middlesex and Surrey Area Councils ( Jamaica ). Each is administered by a Council Executive comprising a Chairperson, Deputy, Secretary and Treasurer. In addition, each congregation is represented at Council by delegates (2 representatives for the first 300 members of the congregation and 1 representative for each additional 100 or part thereof).

THE SYNOD

This is the supreme court of the Church, consisting of all members of the Area Councils. Synod deliberates on matters pertaining to doctrine, worship, discipline, government, administration and declares the Church’s decision on any such matter. Synod convenes every two years.

OFFICERS OF THE SYNOD

-The Moderator – presides over the Synod, declares the decisions of the court, preserves order, provides spiritual leadership for the Church and represents the Church at both ecumenical and national occasions. In addition, the Moderator also provides pastoral care for ordained clergy, lay pastors, persons in training and full-time commissioned/installed workers.

-The General Secretary – is responsible for the administrative functions of the Church in matters relating to communication, recruitment, training and conditions of service. He supervises and monitors the programmes of the regional councils while also supervising the administrative staff.

-The Deputy General Secretary – manages the day-to-day affairs of the Synod Administrative Centre, organizing, co-ordinating and enabling activities and the use of material resources, assisting in the co-ordination of Synod Committees and establishing and maintaining an efficient communication system.

-Directors – staff members with responsibility for specific programme units—Communication, Youth Ministries, Theological Education Services.

-Staff Associates – work in conjunction with standing committees or specifically assigned to programme areas in order to enable the implementation of action plans.

STANDING COMMITTEES OF SYNOD

The ministry and mission of the United Church in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands is undertaken through the work of Synodical Committees. These committees are made up of representatives from each Area Council, as well as individuals with experience and expertise in particular areas. Committees meet once per quarter at the Synod Administrative Centre ( 12 Carlton Cres. ) to carry out the plans approved by the Synod and to make reports on the progress of the work. Meetings are held in January, April, July and October of each year, usually during the last week of the month. There are eight standing committees:

Constitution and Doctrine
Church and Ministry
Education for Ministry and Mission
Mission , Witness and Service
Finance
Property
Public Education
Central Planning