The structure of GFS follows the same basic structure of the Church. GFS is organised on a Parish, Diocesan, Australian and World levels.
Members are usually part of a branch or group on a parish level.
Each branch/group is part of GFS in the Diocese.
GFS Dioceses are affiliated with GFS in their country.
GFS member countries are represented on a GFS World Council.
The role of the GFS branch/group is to be a active part of the parish family and will help carry out the task of growth of the church. The President of each branch is the parish priest. Management of a GFS branch is in the hands of a leadership team made up of a Leader-In-Charge, leaders, helpers and members.
At the diocesan level, the President is the Bishop of the Diocese. There is usually a Diocesan Council with an executive committee running the every day tasks for the Council. It acts as a link between branches and between other levels of GFS. It helps to support the leaders of the branches and represents the branches at the Australian level. In GFS Sydney there is a Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer and at least 3 ordinary Board members on the executive committee. They also provide wonderful opportunities for fellowship between leaders and members of different parishes.
GFS on a country level, also has a Council meeting.The GFS Australia Council meets every year usually at the beginning of the year. It’s man functions are:
- to speak on behalf of GFS in Australia
- to promote co-operation between diocese
- to determine matters put to it by GFS in a diocese or GFS World
- to appoint representatives to World Council and
- to elect office bearers
The GFS World Council consists of representatives from all countries affiliated and meets once every three years in the country of the current World Chairman. Its purpose is to strengthen the bonds of friendship and to promote fellowship between members of GFS throughout the world.
At the first World Council in 1955 it was decided to hold a World Day of Prayer each year on 29th September, St Michael and All Angels Day.
At World Council meetings:
- delegates report on the work of GFS in their country
- select a World Project for the next 3 years
- elect a World Chairman for the next 3 years
- determine matters put to it by member countries
- determine which countries will publish the service for the next 3 World Day of Prayers
To find out more about GFS Sydney, GFS Australia or GFS World go to their websites. From these websites you can learn more about GFS in other countries and other dioceses.
Once you have read through the GFS Structure and visited the websites of GFS Sydney, GFS Australia and GFS World, please do a simple test.
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