Terms of Reference
Committee for Refugee Ministry

Purpose of the group:

1. To hear and seek to address the needs of refugees associated with our churches.
2. To hear and seek to address the needs of those involved in ministering to newly arrived refugees
3. To assist in raising awareness of the needs of newly arrived refugees in our congregations and schools and to share  the joy of having them as sisters and brothers in Christ.
4. To be a voice that brings to the attention of our governments the needs of refugees in our congregations – particularly  when issues are of a systemic nature.
5. To assess the need for specialist pastors, lay workers, evangelists or the development of special projects and to  make recommendations to the Victorian District of the Lutheran Church in relation to funding of these.
6. To co-ordinate and assist in the application of grants for state/ federal govt and Victorian district funding of projects  related to ministry to refugees.
7. To oversee the creation of and to regularly update documents which provide ideas/ advice /help for managing  problems commonly experienced by newly arrived refugees.
8. To assist in sourcing worship and instructional resources suitable for specific language groups or suitable for people  with developing english literacy skills.
9. To develop relationships with other organisations which serve refugees.
10. To report quarterly to CMS.
 
Membership of the group 6-8 people:

• 1-2 Pastors involved in ministry to refugees
• 2 -3 Lay persons actively involved in ministry to refugees
• 2 –3 Persons who are refugees
• 1 member of CMS
• (Other persons with a heart for the needs and experiences of refugees such as to make up any skill needs)

Skill sets/ experience required on the committee:

• Good listening skills
• Willing and able learners
• Person with experience in making applications for grants
• Persons with good written skills (several letter writers)
• Persons with good analytical skills
• Persons with knowledge of networks and available community services
• Person with marketing skills
• Persons with people networking skills
• A chairperson/ leader