Mission Plan (counter proposals)

ie Proposals brought to the Kirk Session by the Interim Moderator Rev'd Dr David Coulter

To: The Members of Corby Church of Scotland Kirk Session

Dear Friends and Colleagues

On 14 May 2025, the Presbytery of England and the Channel Islands, Presbytery Mission Planning Committee asked me, (as the new Interim Moderator), to conduct a review of Corby Church of Scotland against the agreed Presbytery Mission Plan (PMP) and to make recommendations for the future, Ministry and Mission of Corby Church of Scotland, following the impending retirement of the Reverend Scott McCarthy on 31 Dec 2025. On this date Mr McCarthy’s contract as the Associate Minister will end and the central church funding will be withdrawn.

As the Interim Moderator I feel my role is to be a facilitator for the Kirk Session and Congregation and as far as possible, even from a distance, to help, support and encourage. I am not here to either judge or to decide what is best for Corby Church of Scotland. Attached are two papers for your prayerful consideration in advance of our meeting in Corby on Monday 14 July. One is the paper entitled “A Model for Corby” written by Mike Binks and another written by me, is an alternative “Corby Church of Scotland – Options Paper.”

Given that we have a 31 Dec 2025 deadline, I think our meeting on Mon 14 Jul is important and time critical in order to meet the following schedule of meetings:

Mon 14 Jul – Corby Church of Scotland Kirk Session.

Thurs 24 Jul – Presbytery Mission Planning Committee.

Sat 13 Sep – Presbytery of England and the Channel Islands.

Please do give these papers your consideration and I look forward being with you in person on 14 Jul.

With all good wishes and every blessing

David

Revd Dr David Coulter

Interim Moderator

27 June 2025

 Corby Church of Scotland - Options Paper

Introduction. On 14 May 2025, the Presbytery of England and the Channel Islands, Presbytery Mission Planning Committee asked me, (as the new Interim Moderator), to conduct a review of Corby Church of Scotland against the agreed Presbytery Mission Plan (PMP) and to make recommendations for the future, Ministry and Mission of Corby Church of Scotland, following the impending retirement of the Reverend Scott McCarthy on 31 Dec 2025. On this date Mr McCarthy’s contract as the Associate Minister will end and the central church funding will be withdrawn.

I am aware of the long history of Church of Scotland’s Ministry and Mission in Corby both at St Andrew’s and St Ninian’s and that there have been a number of reviews in the past to find a future for the Church and how best to maintain a Church of Scotland presence in Corby.

So far I have taken advice from the Presbytery Clerk and the Officers at 121 George Street and have reviewed all the available documents including the Basis of Union; the approved Presbytery Mission Plan (PMP); the Reverend Mike Binks paper on “A Model for Corby”; House for Duty Regulations according to the Church of England; the Acts of the General Assembly and Church Law on the deployment of Auxiliary Ministers; Readers and the OLM's Handbook.

I think there are a number of possible options for which I would seek the Kirk Sessions prayerful consideration. The aim would be to have an in-person discussion on these options at a Kirk Session meeting on the evening of Monday 14 July 2025.

Possible Options:

Ask 121 to review and seek a replacement for Scott with effect 31 Dec 2025.

Explore House for Duty and the model suggested in Mike's paper.

Create and resource a “Locally Funded Post”.

Create a Local Ecumenical Partnership (LEP) or Local Church Partnership.

Build and try to recruit an expanded Ministry Team as per Mike's paper.

A combination of the above?

Presbytery Mission Plan. The Presbytery of England and the Channel Islands has been instructed to reduce the number of ministerial posts from 7 to 4 full time equivalent posts. The PMP was approved on 26 November 2022. Despite an appeal which was not upheld, it was agreed that there is currently no Ministerial Allocation for Corby in the PMP and a deferred linkage with Crown Court by 31 March 2025 was suspended by PMPIG due to the vacancy in Crown Court. 

The plan seeks to ensure the 5 Marks of Mission provide the framework and focus going forward. The Presbytery approved a commitment to Mission. Ecumenism was considered and it was agreed that if a particular community was well served by another denomination, there may be no need for the Presbytery to duplicate. 

It is essential for Presbytery to consider the complex financial picture and allocate ministerial resources accordingly. In the event that an Interim Minister cannot be secured it was recommended in the 2022 PMP that a Ministries Development Staff (MDS) be appointed at Corby for a period of two years. The United Congregation of Corby will be linked to Crown Court no later than 31 March 2025.

It was recognised that St Ninian’s Church now Corby Church of Scotland is at the heart of the local community and provides hall space as a community hub for prayer meetings; messy church; bible study and other religious groups and congregations. 

Basis of Union. Corby Church of Scotland was formed on 1 March 2023 following the Union of Corby St Andrew’s and the congregation of Corby St Ninian’s. The Church used by Corby St Ninian’s was to be the place of worship and this has continued. Corby St Andrew’s was sold and proceeds credited to the benefit of the United Congregation and held in the Consolidated Fabric Fund.

The Rev Scott McCarthy was appointed as an Associate Minister at Corby Church of Scotland in December 2023. Ministry and Mission in Corby is sustained by the ministerial team which includes the Rev Mike Binks an Auxiliary Minister and Mrs Elaine Milligan a Reader.

The manse of Corby St Andrew’s was to be sold however this has not happened and is currently rented at a rate of c. £1200 per month which goes to the Consolidated Fabric Fund. I assume that there is a local commercial lease in place?

It is worth noting that The United Congregation may adjust the arrangements set out in the Basis of Union with the agreement of the Presbytery.

Finance. Options 1 above asks 121 to review and fund a replacement for Scott or fund an MDS post. The Presbytery Clerk has reached out to 121 with this question and he responded: “I have spoken to HR colleagues about your query of the central church hosting locally funded staff on our contracts and payroll and they responded that they would not do this, nor would Finance support this, due to the complications and implications it creates.”

Can Corby afford to have a Full Time Minister of Word and Sacrament? 

Should we make an approach to the General Trustees to use funds in the Consolidated Fabric Fund for Mission and Ministry provision? The Head of HR at 121 has confirmed the following costs for a Locally Funded Post:

Here are the attached basic figures (point 1 of each salary scale) plus national insurance and basic pension. The congregation would also need to consider budget for things like a laptop, software, travel expenses, resources etc.

An approach can be made to the General Trustees for permission to use monies held on the Congregations behalf in the Consolidated Fabric Fund provided it is used for Missional purposes. Who is best placed to write this requirement? 

Consolidated Fabric Funds. (As at: 03 Jun 25) The balances in the Consolidated Fabric Fund for Corby are:

Revenue (50): £29,143.44

Capital (56): £512.52

Temporary Capital (85): £524,204.12

The balance in the Temporary (85) should be transferred to the Capital (56) fund in due course – so it can be counted in the Capital balance.

Manses: Corby still has two Manses. It was agreed in the PMP that the St Andrew’s Manse should be sold. I assume the rent is going into the Consolidated Fabric Fund of the United Charge? House for Duty according to the Church of England regulations cannot become a 'Benefit in Kind.' Any benefit like Council Tax is taxable?

House for Duty: With regards to the House for Duty proposal in "A Model for Corby" this matter is still to be resolved by the Church of Scotland Law Department as there are both pastoral, legal and taxation implications to be considered. Looking at the Church of England's Report by their Remunerations and Conditions of Service Committee in April 2023 which deals with House for Duty there are a number of factors to be taken into account:

House for Duty is allowed to enable 'self-supporting' ministry. An individual would need to be "Licensed" by in our case the Presbytery and recruited in open competition to a specified appointment.

House for Duty incumbents must 'have duties at least that of a third' of a Full Time Minister otherwise the provision of a House for Duty or Manse could be seen as a taxable benefit.

House for Duty is provided for 'the better performance of the office bearer’s duties.'

House for Duty is Non Stipendiary and does not give any National Insurance or Pension earning credit.

House for Duty cannot be a substitute for a stipend.

Any housing allowance or expenses in lieu of any honorarium payments including the payment of Council Tax will be taxable by the incumbent.

Working expenses can be claimed.

It is also worth noting that currently there are no precedents for this in the Church of Scotland and where a Minister asked to work from their own home it has to be agreed by a General Assembly 'Manse Adjudication Panel.' 

Ministry Team: Corby is currently served by the Ministry Team with Scott McCarthy as the Associate Minister and both Mike Binks and Elaine Milligan should be thanked for all they continue to do to support the ministry and mission of Corby Church of Scotland. An Auxiliary Minister should according to Act XIII of the GA undertake a “designated appointment as the Presbytery from time to time determine after approval from the Kirk Session.” Presbytery can review each designated appointment at any time and either: “suspend or terminate an appointment; renew an appointment or vary the conditions regulating the appointment.” An Auxiliary Minister is a non-stipendiary form of ministry and no remuneration shall be offered which is directly related to the appointment. An Auxiliary Minister shall be entitled to a regular pulpit supply fee when conduction worship other than his or her regular appointment.

According to the Ordained Local Ministers (OLM) Handbook an OLM is not an employee and is not contracted to a post but can fill a designated appointment as agreed between the Presbytery and the OLM. An OLM is not paid for the first 10 hours of work per week plus a Sunday but can be remunerated for anything above 10 hours. 

From 2020 all OLM’s and Auxiliary Ministers can be paid when placed in a charge where there is a Vacancy. (Ref. OLM Handbook p.4 – Payments and Expenses)

Ecumenical: Is there a realistic LEP or Local Church Partnership to explore? Both the Ecumenical Relations Committee and the agreed PMP would support and encourage this option.

Guardianship. A charge may continue without the right to call a minister under the Guardianship of the Presbytery. There shall be a Basis of Guardianship which shall include the timing and scope of the how the guardianship shall be reviewed. In such a case, the Presbytery will appoint an Interim Moderator who will ensure that appropriate arrangements are put in place to enable the ongoing ministry and Mission of the congregation(s). For the avoidance of doubt, a Guardianship shall count as 0.25 towards the total ministry allocation for a Presbytery. A Guardianship shall be subject to a separate five yearly review process at the instigation of Presbytery, alongside the normal annual and five yearly evaluation and development of the Mission Plan. (PMP Act VIII 2021 as amended incl XIV 2025.)

A case will need to be approved to avoid the 0.25 towards the total ministerial allocation by engaging an Aux Minister and a Reader.

Recommendations.

Seek permission from the Presbytery to remove the requirement from the   Presbytery Mission Plan for Linkage with Crown Court. (Suspended due to the Crown Court Vacancy.)

Proceed with the Sale of St Andrew’s Manse, giving reasonable notice to existing tenants.

Place Corby into Guardianship of Presbytery from 1/1/26 and appoint an Interim Moderator.

Move to House for Duty if possible (10 hours plus a Sunday). Seek an Ecumenical appointment if possible.

Presbytery formally appoint the Rev Mike Binks as Aux Minister to Corby effective from 1/10/25 (following Sept Presbytery).

Identify a suitable Mission project and advertise for an MDS or equivalent (Locally Funded Post)

Seek approval from the General Trustees to release 3 years funding for the Corby Consolidated Fabric Fund for the above.

Rev Dr David Coulter

dcoulter@churchofscotland.org.uk

June 2025

Corby Church of Scotland - Options Paper

Introduction. On 14 May 2025, the Presbytery of England and the Channel Islands, Presbytery Mission Planning Committee asked me, (as the new Interim Moderator), to conduct a review of Corby Church of Scotland against the agreed Presbytery Mission Plan (PMP) and to make recommendations for the future, Ministry and Mission of Corby Church of Scotland, following the impending retirement of the Reverend Scott McCarthy on 31 Dec 2025. On this date Mr McCarthy’s contract as the Associate Minister will end and the central church funding will be withdrawn.

I am aware of the long history of Church of Scotland’s Ministry and Mission in Corby both at St Andrew’s and St Ninian’s and that there have been a number of reviews in the past to find a future for the Church and how best to maintain a Church of Scotland presence in Corby.

So far I have taken advice from the Presbytery Clerk and the Officers at 121 George Street and have reviewed all the available documents including the Basis of Union; the approved Presbytery Mission Plan (PMP); the Reverend Mike Binks paper on “A Model for Corby”; House for Duty Regulations according to the Church of England; the Acts of the General Assembly and Church Law on the deployment of Auxiliary Ministers; Readers and the OLM's Handbook.

I think there are a number of possible options for which I would seek the Kirk Sessions prayerful consideration. The aim would be to have an in-person discussion on these options at a Kirk Session meeting on the evening of Monday 14 July 2025.

Possible Options:

Ask 121 to review and seek a replacement for Scott with effect 31 Dec 2025.

Explore House for Duty and the model suggested in Mike's paper.

Create and resource a “Locally Funded Post”.

Create a Local Ecumenical Partnership (LEP) or Local Church Partnership.

Build and try to recruit an expanded Ministry Team as per Mike's paper.

A combination of the above?

Presbytery Mission Plan. The Presbytery of England and the Channel Islands has been instructed to reduce the number of ministerial posts from 7 to 4 full time equivalent posts. The PMP was approved on 26 November 2022. Despite an appeal which was not upheld, it was agreed that there is currently no Ministerial Allocation for Corby in the PMP and a deferred linkage with Crown Court by 31 March 2025 was suspended by PMPIG due to the vacancy in Crown Court. 

The plan seeks to ensure the 5 Marks of Mission provide the framework and focus going forward. The Presbytery approved a commitment to Mission. Ecumenism was considered and it was agreed that if a particular community was well served by another denomination, there may be no need for the Presbytery to duplicate. 

It is essential for Presbytery to consider the complex financial picture and allocate ministerial resources accordingly. In the event that an Interim Minister cannot be secured it was recommended in the 2022 PMP that a Ministries Development Staff (MDS) be appointed at Corby for a period of two years. The United Congregation of Corby will be linked to Crown Court no later than 31 March 2025.

It was recognised that St Ninian’s Church now Corby Church of Scotland is at the heart of the local community and provides hall space as a community hub for prayer meetings; messy church; bible study and other religious groups and congregations. 

Basis of Union. Corby Church of Scotland was formed on 1 March 2023 following the Union of Corby St Andrew’s and the congregation of Corby St Ninian’s. The Church used by Corby St Ninian’s was to be the place of worship and this has continued. Corby St Andrew’s was sold and proceeds credited to the benefit of the United Congregation and held in the Consolidated Fabric Fund.

The Rev Scott McCarthy was appointed as an Associate Minister at Corby Church of Scotland in December 2023. Ministry and Mission in Corby is sustained by the ministerial team which includes the Rev Mike Binks an Auxiliary Minister and Mrs Elaine Milligan a Reader.

The manse of Corby St Andrew’s was to be sold however this has not happened and is currently rented at a rate of c. £1200 per month which goes to the Consolidated Fabric Fund. I assume that there is a local commercial lease in place?

It is worth noting that The United Congregation may adjust the arrangements set out in the Basis of Union with the agreement of the Presbytery.

Finance. Options 1 above asks 121 to review and fund a replacement for Scott or fund an MDS post. The Presbytery Clerk has reached out to 121 with this question and he responded: “I have spoken to HR colleagues about your query of the central church hosting locally funded staff on our contracts and payroll and they responded that they would not do this, nor would Finance support this, due to the complications and implications it creates.”

Can Corby afford to have a Full Time Minister of Word and Sacrament? 

Should we make an approach to the General Trustees to use funds in the Consolidated Fabric Fund for Mission and Ministry provision? The Head of HR at 121 has confirmed the following costs for a Locally Funded Post:

Here are the attached basic figures (point 1 of each salary scale) plus national insurance and basic pension. The congregation would also need to consider budget for things like a laptop, software, travel expenses, resources etc.

An approach can be made to the General Trustees for permission to use monies held on the Congregations behalf in the Consolidated Fabric Fund provided it is used for Missional purposes. Who is best placed to write this requirement? 

Consolidated Fabric Funds. (As at: 03 Jun 25) The balances in the Consolidated Fabric Fund for Corby are:

Revenue (50): £29,143.44

Capital (56): £512.52

Temporary Capital (85): £524,204.12

The balance in the Temporary (85) should be transferred to the Capital (56) fund in due course – so it can be counted in the Capital balance.

Manses: Corby still has two Manses. It was agreed in the PMP that the St Andrew’s Manse should be sold. I assume the rent is going into the Consolidated Fabric Fund of the United Charge? House for Duty according to the Church of England regulations cannot become a 'Benefit in Kind.' Any benefit like Council Tax is taxable?

House for Duty: With regards to the House for Duty proposal in "A Model for Corby" this matter is still to be resolved by the Church of Scotland Law Department as there are both pastoral, legal and taxation implications to be considered. Looking at the Church of England's Report by their Remunerations and Conditions of Service Committee in April 2023 which deals with House for Duty there are a number of factors to be taken into account:

House for Duty is allowed to enable 'self-supporting' ministry. An individual would need to be "Licensed" by in our case the Presbytery and recruited in open competition to a specified appointment.

House for Duty incumbents must 'have duties at least that of a third' of a Full Time Minister otherwise the provision of a House for Duty or Manse could be seen as a taxable benefit.

House for Duty is provided for 'the better performance of the office bearer’s duties.'

House for Duty is Non Stipendiary and does not give any National Insurance or Pension earning credit.

House for Duty cannot be a substitute for a stipend.

Any housing allowance or expenses in lieu of any honorarium payments including the payment of Council Tax will be taxable by the incumbent.

Working expenses can be claimed.

It is also worth noting that currently there are no precedents for this in the Church of Scotland and where a Minister asked to work from their own home it has to be agreed by a General Assembly 'Manse Adjudication Panel.' 

Ministry Team: Corby is currently served by the Ministry Team with Scott McCarthy as the Associate Minister and both Mike Binks and Elaine Milligan should be thanked for all they continue to do to support the ministry and mission of Corby Church of Scotland. An Auxiliary Minister should according to Act XIII of the GA undertake a “designated appointment as the Presbytery from time to time determine after approval from the Kirk Session.” Presbytery can review each designated appointment at any time and either: “suspend or terminate an appointment; renew an appointment or vary the conditions regulating the appointment.” An Auxiliary Minister is a non-stipendiary form of ministry and no remuneration shall be offered which is directly related to the appointment. An Auxiliary Minister shall be entitled to a regular pulpit supply fee when conduction worship other than his or her regular appointment.

According to the Ordained Local Ministers (OLM) Handbook an OLM is not an employee and is not contracted to a post but can fill a designated appointment as agreed between the Presbytery and the OLM. An OLM is not paid for the first 10 hours of work per week plus a Sunday but can be remunerated for anything above 10 hours. 

From 2020 all OLM’s and Auxiliary Ministers can be paid when placed in a charge where there is a Vacancy. (Ref. OLM Handbook p.4 – Payments and Expenses)

Ecumenical: Is there a realistic LEP or Local Church Partnership to explore? Both the Ecumenical Relations Committee and the agreed PMP would support and encourage this option.

Guardianship. A charge may continue without the right to call a minister under the Guardianship of the Presbytery. There shall be a Basis of Guardianship which shall include the timing and scope of the how the guardianship shall be reviewed. In such a case, the Presbytery will appoint an Interim Moderator who will ensure that appropriate arrangements are put in place to enable the ongoing ministry and Mission of the congregation(s). For the avoidance of doubt, a Guardianship shall count as 0.25 towards the total ministry allocation for a Presbytery. A Guardianship shall be subject to a separate five yearly review process at the instigation of Presbytery, alongside the normal annual and five yearly evaluation and development of the Mission Plan. (PMP Act VIII 2021 as amended incl XIV 2025.)

A case will need to be approved to avoid the 0.25 towards the total ministerial allocation by engaging an Aux Minister and a Reader.

Recommendations.

Seek permission from the Presbytery to remove the requirement from the   Presbytery Mission Plan for Linkage with Crown Court. (Suspended due to the Crown Court Vacancy.)

Proceed with the Sale of St Andrew’s Manse, giving reasonable notice to existing tenants.

Place Corby into Guardianship of Presbytery from 1/1/26 and appoint an Interim Moderator.

Move to House for Duty if possible (10 hours plus a Sunday). Seek an Ecumenical appointment if possible.

Presbytery formally appoint the Rev Mike Binks as Aux Minister to Corby effective from 1/10/25 (following Sept Presbytery).

Identify a suitable Mission project and advertise for an MDS or equivalent (Locally Funded Post)

Seek approval from the General Trustees to release 3 years funding for the Corby Consolidated Fabric Fund for the above.

Rev Dr David Coulter

dcoulter@churchofscotland.org.uk

June 2025

Corby Church of Scotland - Options Paper

Introduction. On 14 May 2025, the Presbytery of England and the Channel Islands, Presbytery Mission Planning Committee asked me, (as the new Interim Moderator), to conduct a review of Corby Church of Scotland against the agreed Presbytery Mission Plan (PMP) and to make recommendations for the future, Ministry and Mission of Corby Church of Scotland, following the impending retirement of the Reverend Scott McCarthy on 31 Dec 2025. On this date Mr McCarthy’s contract as the Associate Minister will end and the central church funding will be withdrawn.

I am aware of the long history of Church of Scotland’s Ministry and Mission in Corby both at St Andrew’s and St Ninian’s and that there have been a number of reviews in the past to find a future for the Church and how best to maintain a Church of Scotland presence in Corby.

So far I have taken advice from the Presbytery Clerk and the Officers at 121 George Street and have reviewed all the available documents including the Basis of Union; the approved Presbytery Mission Plan (PMP); the Reverend Mike Binks paper on “A Model for Corby”; House for Duty Regulations according to the Church of England; the Acts of the General Assembly and Church Law on the deployment of Auxiliary Ministers; Readers and the OLM's Handbook.

I think there are a number of possible options for which I would seek the Kirk Sessions prayerful consideration. The aim would be to have an in-person discussion on these options at a Kirk Session meeting on the evening of Monday 14 July 2025.

Possible Options:

Ask 121 to review and seek a replacement for Scott with effect 31 Dec 2025.

Explore House for Duty and the model suggested in Mike's paper.

Create and resource a “Locally Funded Post”.

Create a Local Ecumenical Partnership (LEP) or Local Church Partnership.

Build and try to recruit an expanded Ministry Team as per Mike's paper.

A combination of the above?

Presbytery Mission Plan. The Presbytery of England and the Channel Islands has been instructed to reduce the number of ministerial posts from 7 to 4 full time equivalent posts. The PMP was approved on 26 November 2022. Despite an appeal which was not upheld, it was agreed that there is currently no Ministerial Allocation for Corby in the PMP and a deferred linkage with Crown Court by 31 March 2025 was suspended by PMPIG due to the vacancy in Crown Court. 

The plan seeks to ensure the 5 Marks of Mission provide the framework and focus going forward. The Presbytery approved a commitment to Mission. Ecumenism was considered and it was agreed that if a particular community was well served by another denomination, there may be no need for the Presbytery to duplicate. 

It is essential for Presbytery to consider the complex financial picture and allocate ministerial resources accordingly. In the event that an Interim Minister cannot be secured it was recommended in the 2022 PMP that a Ministries Development Staff (MDS) be appointed at Corby for a period of two years. The United Congregation of Corby will be linked to Crown Court no later than 31 March 2025.

It was recognised that St Ninian’s Church now Corby Church of Scotland is at the heart of the local community and provides hall space as a community hub for prayer meetings; messy church; bible study and other religious groups and congregations. 

Basis of Union. Corby Church of Scotland was formed on 1 March 2023 following the Union of Corby St Andrew’s and the congregation of Corby St Ninian’s. The Church used by Corby St Ninian’s was to be the place of worship and this has continued. Corby St Andrew’s was sold and proceeds credited to the benefit of the United Congregation and held in the Consolidated Fabric Fund.

The Rev Scott McCarthy was appointed as an Associate Minister at Corby Church of Scotland in December 2023. Ministry and Mission in Corby is sustained by the ministerial team which includes the Rev Mike Binks an Auxiliary Minister and Mrs Elaine Milligan a Reader.

The manse of Corby St Andrew’s was to be sold however this has not happened and is currently rented at a rate of c. £1200 per month which goes to the Consolidated Fabric Fund. I assume that there is a local commercial lease in place?

It is worth noting that The United Congregation may adjust the arrangements set out in the Basis of Union with the agreement of the Presbytery.

Finance. Options 1 above asks 121 to review and fund a replacement for Scott or fund an MDS post. The Presbytery Clerk has reached out to 121 with this question and he responded: “I have spoken to HR colleagues about your query of the central church hosting locally funded staff on our contracts and payroll and they responded that they would not do this, nor would Finance support this, due to the complications and implications it creates.”

Can Corby afford to have a Full Time Minister of Word and Sacrament? 

Should we make an approach to the General Trustees to use funds in the Consolidated Fabric Fund for Mission and Ministry provision? The Head of HR at 121 has confirmed the following costs for a Locally Funded Post:

Here are the attached basic figures (point 1 of each salary scale) plus national insurance and basic pension. The congregation would also need to consider budget for things like a laptop, software, travel expenses, resources etc.

An approach can be made to the General Trustees for permission to use monies held on the Congregations behalf in the Consolidated Fabric Fund provided it is used for Missional purposes. Who is best placed to write this requirement? 

Consolidated Fabric Funds. (As at: 03 Jun 25) The balances in the Consolidated Fabric Fund for Corby are:

Revenue (50): £29,143.44

Capital (56): £512.52

Temporary Capital (85): £524,204.12

The balance in the Temporary (85) should be transferred to the Capital (56) fund in due course – so it can be counted in the Capital balance.

Manses: Corby still has two Manses. It was agreed in the PMP that the St Andrew’s Manse should be sold. I assume the rent is going into the Consolidated Fabric Fund of the United Charge? House for Duty according to the Church of England regulations cannot become a 'Benefit in Kind.' Any benefit like Council Tax is taxable?

House for Duty: With regards to the House for Duty proposal in "A Model for Corby" this matter is still to be resolved by the Church of Scotland Law Department as there are both pastoral, legal and taxation implications to be considered. Looking at the Church of England's Report by their Remunerations and Conditions of Service Committee in April 2023 which deals with House for Duty there are a number of factors to be taken into account:

House for Duty is allowed to enable 'self-supporting' ministry. An individual would need to be "Licensed" by in our case the Presbytery and recruited in open competition to a specified appointment.

House for Duty incumbents must 'have duties at least that of a third' of a Full Time Minister otherwise the provision of a House for Duty or Manse could be seen as a taxable benefit.

House for Duty is provided for 'the better performance of the office bearer’s duties.'

House for Duty is Non Stipendiary and does not give any National Insurance or Pension earning credit.

House for Duty cannot be a substitute for a stipend.

Any housing allowance or expenses in lieu of any honorarium payments including the payment of Council Tax will be taxable by the incumbent.

Working expenses can be claimed.

It is also worth noting that currently there are no precedents for this in the Church of Scotland and where a Minister asked to work from their own home it has to be agreed by a General Assembly 'Manse Adjudication Panel.' 

Ministry Team: Corby is currently served by the Ministry Team with Scott McCarthy as the Associate Minister and both Mike Binks and Elaine Milligan should be thanked for all they continue to do to support the ministry and mission of Corby Church of Scotland. An Auxiliary Minister should according to Act XIII of the GA undertake a “designated appointment as the Presbytery from time to time determine after approval from the Kirk Session.” Presbytery can review each designated appointment at any time and either: “suspend or terminate an appointment; renew an appointment or vary the conditions regulating the appointment.” An Auxiliary Minister is a non-stipendiary form of ministry and no remuneration shall be offered which is directly related to the appointment. An Auxiliary Minister shall be entitled to a regular pulpit supply fee when conduction worship other than his or her regular appointment.

According to the Ordained Local Ministers (OLM) Handbook an OLM is not an employee and is not contracted to a post but can fill a designated appointment as agreed between the Presbytery and the OLM. An OLM is not paid for the first 10 hours of work per week plus a Sunday but can be remunerated for anything above 10 hours. 

From 2020 all OLM’s and Auxiliary Ministers can be paid when placed in a charge where there is a Vacancy. (Ref. OLM Handbook p.4 – Payments and Expenses)

Ecumenical: Is there a realistic LEP or Local Church Partnership to explore? Both the Ecumenical Relations Committee and the agreed PMP would support and encourage this option.

Guardianship. A charge may continue without the right to call a minister under the Guardianship of the Presbytery. There shall be a Basis of Guardianship which shall include the timing and scope of the how the guardianship shall be reviewed. In such a case, the Presbytery will appoint an Interim Moderator who will ensure that appropriate arrangements are put in place to enable the ongoing ministry and Mission of the congregation(s). For the avoidance of doubt, a Guardianship shall count as 0.25 towards the total ministry allocation for a Presbytery. A Guardianship shall be subject to a separate five yearly review process at the instigation of Presbytery, alongside the normal annual and five yearly evaluation and development of the Mission Plan. (PMP Act VIII 2021 as amended incl XIV 2025.)

A case will need to be approved to avoid the 0.25 towards the total ministerial allocation by engaging an Aux Minister and a Reader.

Recommendations.

Seek permission from the Presbytery to remove the requirement from the   Presbytery Mission Plan for Linkage with Crown Court. (Suspended due to the Crown Court Vacancy.)

Proceed with the Sale of St Andrew’s Manse, giving reasonable notice to existing tenants.

Place Corby into Guardianship of Presbytery from 1/1/26 and appoint an Interim Moderator.

Move to House for Duty if possible (10 hours plus a Sunday). Seek an Ecumenical appointment if possible.

Presbytery formally appoint the Rev Mike Binks as Aux Minister to Corby effective from 1/10/25 (following Sept Presbytery).

Identify a suitable Mission project and advertise for an MDS or equivalent (Locally Funded Post)

Seek approval from the General Trustees to release 3 years funding for the Corby Consolidated Fabric Fund for the above.

Rev Dr David Coulter

dcoulter@churchofscotland.org.uk

June 2025

Corby Church of Scotland - Options Paper

Introduction. On 14 May 2025, the Presbytery of England and the Channel Islands, Presbytery Mission Planning Committee asked me, (as the new Interim Moderator), to conduct a review of Corby Church of Scotland against the agreed Presbytery Mission Plan (PMP) and to make recommendations for the future, Ministry and Mission of Corby Church of Scotland, following the impending retirement of the Reverend Scott McCarthy on 31 Dec 2025. On this date Mr McCarthy’s contract as the Associate Minister will end and the central church funding will be withdrawn.

I am aware of the long history of Church of Scotland’s Ministry and Mission in Corby both at St Andrew’s and St Ninian’s and that there have been a number of reviews in the past to find a future for the Church and how best to maintain a Church of Scotland presence in Corby.

So far I have taken advice from the Presbytery Clerk and the Officers at 121 George Street and have reviewed all the available documents including the Basis of Union; the approved Presbytery Mission Plan (PMP); the Reverend Mike Binks paper on “A Model for Corby”; House for Duty Regulations according to the Church of England; the Acts of the General Assembly and Church Law on the deployment of Auxiliary Ministers; Readers and the OLM's Handbook.

I think there are a number of possible options for which I would seek the Kirk Sessions prayerful consideration. The aim would be to have an in-person discussion on these options at a Kirk Session meeting on the evening of Monday 14 July 2025.

Possible Options:

Ask 121 to review and seek a replacement for Scott with effect 31 Dec 2025.

Explore House for Duty and the model suggested in Mike's paper.

Create and resource a “Locally Funded Post”.

Create a Local Ecumenical Partnership (LEP) or Local Church Partnership.

Build and try to recruit an expanded Ministry Team as per Mike's paper.

A combination of the above?

Presbytery Mission Plan. The Presbytery of England and the Channel Islands has been instructed to reduce the number of ministerial posts from 7 to 4 full time equivalent posts. The PMP was approved on 26 November 2022. Despite an appeal which was not upheld, it was agreed that there is currently no Ministerial Allocation for Corby in the PMP and a deferred linkage with Crown Court by 31 March 2025 was suspended by PMPIG due to the vacancy in Crown Court. 

The plan seeks to ensure the 5 Marks of Mission provide the framework and focus going forward. The Presbytery approved a commitment to Mission. Ecumenism was considered and it was agreed that if a particular community was well served by another denomination, there may be no need for the Presbytery to duplicate. 

It is essential for Presbytery to consider the complex financial picture and allocate ministerial resources accordingly. In the event that an Interim Minister cannot be secured it was recommended in the 2022 PMP that a Ministries Development Staff (MDS) be appointed at Corby for a period of two years. The United Congregation of Corby will be linked to Crown Court no later than 31 March 2025.

It was recognised that St Ninian’s Church now Corby Church of Scotland is at the heart of the local community and provides hall space as a community hub for prayer meetings; messy church; bible study and other religious groups and congregations. 

Basis of Union. Corby Church of Scotland was formed on 1 March 2023 following the Union of Corby St Andrew’s and the congregation of Corby St Ninian’s. The Church used by Corby St Ninian’s was to be the place of worship and this has continued. Corby St Andrew’s was sold and proceeds credited to the benefit of the United Congregation and held in the Consolidated Fabric Fund.

The Rev Scott McCarthy was appointed as an Associate Minister at Corby Church of Scotland in December 2023. Ministry and Mission in Corby is sustained by the ministerial team which includes the Rev Mike Binks an Auxiliary Minister and Mrs Elaine Milligan a Reader.

The manse of Corby St Andrew’s was to be sold however this has not happened and is currently rented at a rate of c. £1200 per month which goes to the Consolidated Fabric Fund. I assume that there is a local commercial lease in place?

It is worth noting that The United Congregation may adjust the arrangements set out in the Basis of Union with the agreement of the Presbytery.

Finance. Options 1 above asks 121 to review and fund a replacement for Scott or fund an MDS post. The Presbytery Clerk has reached out to 121 with this question and he responded: “I have spoken to HR colleagues about your query of the central church hosting locally funded staff on our contracts and payroll and they responded that they would not do this, nor would Finance support this, due to the complications and implications it creates.”

Can Corby afford to have a Full Time Minister of Word and Sacrament? 

Should we make an approach to the General Trustees to use funds in the Consolidated Fabric Fund for Mission and Ministry provision? The Head of HR at 121 has confirmed the following costs for a Locally Funded Post:

Here are the attached basic figures (point 1 of each salary scale) plus national insurance and basic pension. The congregation would also need to consider budget for things like a laptop, software, travel expenses, resources etc.

An approach can be made to the General Trustees for permission to use monies held on the Congregations behalf in the Consolidated Fabric Fund provided it is used for Missional purposes. Who is best placed to write this requirement? 

Consolidated Fabric Funds. (As at: 03 Jun 25) The balances in the Consolidated Fabric Fund for Corby are:

Revenue (50): £29,143.44

Capital (56): £512.52

Temporary Capital (85): £524,204.12

The balance in the Temporary (85) should be transferred to the Capital (56) fund in due course – so it can be counted in the Capital balance.

Manses: Corby still has two Manses. It was agreed in the PMP that the St Andrew’s Manse should be sold. I assume the rent is going into the Consolidated Fabric Fund of the United Charge? House for Duty according to the Church of England regulations cannot become a 'Benefit in Kind.' Any benefit like Council Tax is taxable?

House for Duty: With regards to the House for Duty proposal in "A Model for Corby" this matter is still to be resolved by the Church of Scotland Law Department as there are both pastoral, legal and taxation implications to be considered. Looking at the Church of England's Report by their Remunerations and Conditions of Service Committee in April 2023 which deals with House for Duty there are a number of factors to be taken into account:

House for Duty is allowed to enable 'self-supporting' ministry. An individual would need to be "Licensed" by in our case the Presbytery and recruited in open competition to a specified appointment.

House for Duty incumbents must 'have duties at least that of a third' of a Full Time Minister otherwise the provision of a House for Duty or Manse could be seen as a taxable benefit.

House for Duty is provided for 'the better performance of the office bearer’s duties.'

House for Duty is Non Stipendiary and does not give any National Insurance or Pension earning credit.

House for Duty cannot be a substitute for a stipend.

Any housing allowance or expenses in lieu of any honorarium payments including the payment of Council Tax will be taxable by the incumbent.

Working expenses can be claimed.

It is also worth noting that currently there are no precedents for this in the Church of Scotland and where a Minister asked to work from their own home it has to be agreed by a General Assembly 'Manse Adjudication Panel.' 

Ministry Team: Corby is currently served by the Ministry Team with Scott McCarthy as the Associate Minister and both Mike Binks and Elaine Milligan should be thanked for all they continue to do to support the ministry and mission of Corby Church of Scotland. An Auxiliary Minister should according to Act XIII of the GA undertake a “designated appointment as the Presbytery from time to time determine after approval from the Kirk Session.” Presbytery can review each designated appointment at any time and either: “suspend or terminate an appointment; renew an appointment or vary the conditions regulating the appointment.” An Auxiliary Minister is a non-stipendiary form of ministry and no remuneration shall be offered which is directly related to the appointment. An Auxiliary Minister shall be entitled to a regular pulpit supply fee when conduction worship other than his or her regular appointment.

According to the Ordained Local Ministers (OLM) Handbook an OLM is not an employee and is not contracted to a post but can fill a designated appointment as agreed between the Presbytery and the OLM. An OLM is not paid for the first 10 hours of work per week plus a Sunday but can be remunerated for anything above 10 hours. 

From 2020 all OLM’s and Auxiliary Ministers can be paid when placed in a charge where there is a Vacancy. (Ref. OLM Handbook p.4 – Payments and Expenses)

Ecumenical: Is there a realistic LEP or Local Church Partnership to explore? Both the Ecumenical Relations Committee and the agreed PMP would support and encourage this option.

Guardianship. A charge may continue without the right to call a minister under the Guardianship of the Presbytery. There shall be a Basis of Guardianship which shall include the timing and scope of the how the guardianship shall be reviewed. In such a case, the Presbytery will appoint an Interim Moderator who will ensure that appropriate arrangements are put in place to enable the ongoing ministry and Mission of the congregation(s). For the avoidance of doubt, a Guardianship shall count as 0.25 towards the total ministry allocation for a Presbytery. A Guardianship shall be subject to a separate five yearly review process at the instigation of Presbytery, alongside the normal annual and five yearly evaluation and development of the Mission Plan. (PMP Act VIII 2021 as amended incl XIV 2025.)

A case will need to be approved to avoid the 0.25 towards the total ministerial allocation by engaging an Aux Minister and a Reader.

Recommendations.

• Seek permission from the Presbytery to remove the requirement from the   Presbytery Mission Plan for Linkage with Crown Court. (Suspended due to the Crown Court Vacancy.)
  
• Proceed with the Sale of St Andrew’s Manse, giving reasonable notice to existing tenants.
  
• Place Corby into Guardianship of Presbytery from 1/1/26 and appoint an Interim Moderator.
  
• Move to House for Duty if possible (10 hours plus a Sunday). Seek an Ecumenical appointment if possible.
  
• Presbytery formally appoint the Rev Mike Binks as Aux Minister to Corby effective from 1/10/25 (following Sept Presbytery).
  
• Identify a suitable Mission project and advertise for an MDS or equivalent (Locally Funded Post)
  
• Seek approval from the General Trustees to release 3 years funding for the Corby Consolidated Fabric Fund for the above.
  

Rev Dr David Coulter

dcoulter@churchofscotland.org.uk

June 2025