Presbytery of Tampa Bay 4704 Kelly Road, Tampa, Florida 33615

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1 Presbytery of Tampa Bay 4704 Kelly Road, Tampa, Florida July 17, 2015 Dear Friends in Jesus Christ, There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:28 It is summertime and the livin might be easy, but we have work to do! The Stated Meeting of the Presbytery of Tampa Bay will be on Thursday, July 23, 2015 at McLeod Memorial Presbyterian Church, 695 W. Walnut Street, Bartow, FL, We thank MMPC for hosting us. We encourage you to dress comfortably and casually for this meeting! Registration will begin at 8:15 a.m. in the Narthex. Refreshments will be available in the Fellowship Hall. First-time commissioners are invited for a time of training in one of the classrooms at 8:30 a.m. We ll send you to the right place when you register. The meeting will begin promptly at 9:00 a.m. You will find the presbytery meeting packet with this letter--directions to McLeod Memorial, a church site map, the Docket, information for the Consent Agenda, Commission/Committee reports, and other information. Print copies and bring them to the meeting. Of note: At 9:15 a.m. we will hear the report from the Stated Clerk/Communications Director Nominating Committee and vote on a candidate. Once the new SC/CD is voted on in the affirmative, the Temporary Stated Clerk will step down from her duties. Take time to read the Commissioned Ruling Elder material from the Commission on Preparation for Ministry. We will consider its adoption. The Rev. Dr. Donnie Rufus Woods, Executive Presbyter and Associate Stated Clerk of the Charleston Atlantic Presbytery, will be our guest preacher in worship. He will participate with us in a Holy Conversation about Racial Differences. We are glad and privileged to welcome Donnie to this meeting. Take special care of this: the worship offering is designated for our newest Korean American congregation, Springwater Presbyterian Church, with its efforts to recover from a devastating fire in June. Do plan to give generously. Lunch tickets will be available for $8 each. Purchase your tickets when you register, before the meeting is called to order. On the menu: assorted sandwiches, potato salad, fresh fruit, potato chips and dip, delicious desserts, and drinks. Call the church office ( ) by Monday, July 20 if you need child care. If you are a pastor and need an excused absence, send it to statedclerk@pbty.com. The peace of Christ be with you, John John Fullerton, Moderator Laurie Laurie Palmer, Temporary Stated Clerk

2 DIRECTIONS TO McLEOD MEMORIAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 695 W Stuart Street Bartow, FL FROM TAMPA (includes Pinellas County): Get on I-275 N. Take Exit for I-4E toward Orlando. Take Exit 27 for FL-570E toward Lakeland/Winter Haven. Take Exit 10 for US-98 toward Lakeland/Bartow. Continue on US-98 S/Bartow Rd/Co Rd 540A. (Partial Toll Road). Continue straight to N Broadway Ave. Continue straight to S Broadway Ave. Turn right onto W Stuart Street. Arrive at 695 W Stuart Street on the left. Travel time is approximately 1 hour. FROM DADE CITY: Turn onto US-301/US-98/US-98 Bypass S. Slight left onto County Rd 35 Alt S/Pasco 35Alt S. Continue onto Co Rd 535. Turn left onto FL-39S. Turn left to stay on FL-39S. Turn right to merge onto I-4 E toward Orlando. Take Exit 27 for FL-570 E toward Lakeland/Winter Haven (toll road). Continue onto FL-570 E. Use the right lane to exit 10 for US -98 toward Lakeland/Bartow (toll road). Use the right lanes onto US-98S/Bartow Rd/Co Rd 540A (partial toll). Continue straight onto US-98S. Continue straight onto N Broadway Ave. Continue straight onto S Broadway Ave. Turn right onto W Stuart St. 695 W Stuart Street is on the left. Travel time is approximately 1 hour, 10 minutes. FROM PASCO COUNTY (North Pinellas use State Road 54 and follow the Pasco County directions from there): Get on State Road 52/FL-52. Turn onto Land O Lakes Blvd/US-41 S/FL-45. Turn left onto State Road 54/FL-54. Stay straight onto State Road 56/FL-56. Merge onto I-75S toward St. Petersburg. Keep left to take I-75S toward Naples. Merge onto I-4E via Exit 261 toward Orlando. Merge onto FL-570E/Polk Pkwy E via Exit 27 toward Lakeland/Winter Haven (portions toll). Take the US-98 exit, Exit 10 toward Bartow/Lakeland. Merge onto FL-35 Toward Bartow/USF/PCC. Stay straight onto S Broadway Ave. Turn right onto W Stuart St. 695 W Stuart St is on the left. Travel Time is approximately 1 hour, 35 minutes.

3 McLeod Memorial Presbyterian Chruch 695 W Stuart St Bartow, FL Office: (863) office@bartowmmpc.com Presbytery of Tampa Bay Stated Meeting Thursday, July 23, 2015 MENU Assorted Sandwiches Potato Salad Fresh Fruit Potato Chips and Dip Assorted desserts Coffee, Tea, Water Cost for Luncheon is $8.00 per person

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5 The Reverend Dr. Donnie Rufus Woods Biographical Statement Donnie was born September 13, 1954 in rural Louisville, Mississippi and grew up on the family farm with eighteen other brothers and sisters. His parents (George and Opaline) provided a Christian home where all of them were loved, nurtured in the Christian faith, and encouraged to work extremely hard to succeed in life. He attended the public schools of Winston County, Mississippi, graduating from Noxapater High School in Donnie received an AA degree at Mary Holmes College, West Point, MS (1979); a BA degree at Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS (1981); a Master of Divinity degree at Johnson C. Smith Theological Seminary (ITC), Atlanta, GA (1985); and a Doctor of Divinity degree (Honoris Causa) at Johnson C. Smith Seminary (2005). Donnie was ordained by Tropical Florida Presbytery in October During the first fourteen years of ordained ministry, Donnie served pastorates in Ft. Lauderdale, FL; Savannah, GA; and Charlotte, NC. In July 1998, Donnie was called as the Designated Associate Executive Presbyter of Charleston Atlantic Presbytery in Charleston, SC, and elected Stated Clerk of the Presbytery in He was called and elected to the position of Executive Presbyter and Stated Clerk by the same Presbytery in February He continues to serve as Executive Presbyter/Associate Stated Clerk to date.

6 Docket Presbytery of Tampa Bay Stated Meeting Thursday July 23, 2015 McLeod Memorial Presbyterian Church of Bartow, Florida 8:15 a.m. Registration Opens (Sanctuary Narthex) Refreshments and Display of Exhibits in Fellowship Hall 8:30 a.m. First-Time Commissioner Orientation Temporary Stated Clerk Laurie Palmer 9:00 a.m. Call to Order (Sanctuary) Moderator John Fullerton Declaration of a Quorum Approval of Docketed Agenda Greetings from Host Congregation Stated Supply Pastor Dick Huggins Introduction of First-Time Commissioners and Corresponding Members Appointment of Tellers Moderator John Fullerton 9:15 a.m. Report of the Stated Clerk/Communications Director Nominating Committee Presentation and Examination of the Candidate Vicki ByRoade and David Drain 9:35 a.m. Consent Agenda Report of Presbyterian Women Report of the Commission on Church Vitality Report of the Commission on Ministry Report of the Coordinating Team Report of the Trustees 9:40 a.m. Worship with the Sacrament of The Lord s Supper 10:30 a.m. Mini-Break (Last chance to purchase lunch tickets) 10:45 a.m. Commission and Committee Reports Report of the Committee on Nominations and Representation Report of the Bills and Overtures Committee Report of the Commission on Preparation for Ministry Commissioned Ruling Elder Process Document Review/Approval 11:30 a.m. Partner Updates Board of Pensions Cedarkirk Camp and Conference Center Beth-El Farmworker Ministry Florida Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Network 11:45 a.m. Reports of Staff and Officers Coach and Coordinator Fitz Conner Carl vom Eigen Sue Moore Clark Simmons John Reiter Kathy Dain Kathy Broyard Patrice Hatley Noon Lunch (Order of the Day) 12:45 p.m. Holy Conversation about Racial Differences 1:55 p.m. Reports of Staff and Officers continues Coordinating Team Chair Treasurer Moderator Vice Moderator Temporary Stated Clerk Mike Loudon Terry Dennis John Fullerton Marsha Rydberg Laurie Palmer 2:20 p.m. Unfinished Business and Thanks 2:30 p.m. Adjournment with Prayer and a Hymn Moderator John Fullerton

7 Report of Stated Clerk Director of Communications Search Committee Tampa Bay Presbytery July 23, We NOMINATE The Reverend DAVID MATTHEW BAKER to serve a three year term as the Stated Clerk Director of Communications of Tampa Bay Presbytery with the financial terms indicated in the F-1 ($60,000 annual compensation plus other usual items). We also move the ACCEPTANCE of the Position Description provided. We move that the search committee be dismissed, having completed the task assigned. 2. REASONS we were led to issue God s Call for his service include: His strong technical background, founding a professional company that provides the exact technical services our Presbytery desires; Some experience in the area of Stated Clerk, having assisted when he served in Virginia; He is already a member of our Presbytery, who recently chaired one of our committees. He is aware of our situation and future plans Practical service in various size congregations as Pastor, strong faith and commitment to the Presbyterian Church. 3. PROCESS we followed: The Search Committee was diverse in many ways, including representatives of the various regions of the Presbytery. Our collective experience included service as Presbytery Moderator, service as Stated Clerk, Chairing various Presbytery Committees including Search Committees, and advanced technological skills and understanding. We represented a diversity of theological viewpoints. Victoria ByRoade was the Chairperson; David Drain was the Co-Chair. Members were Reg Dickey, Zac McGowen, and Bobby Musengwa. We were informed by the Presbytery Coach/Coordinator at our first meeting that other member elected by the Presbytery would be unable to serve. We were elected by the Presbytery November 24, 2014 Due to the transition in leadership, we were not convened and organized until January 26, February 5, 2015 we were oriented regarding Affirmative Action and expressed our commitment, and then worked on the Ten Traits and the other aspects of the Mission Information Form. The Search Committee for the Coach/Coordinator kindly shared their Mission Information Material

8 which expedited our process. The financial parameters for the position were relayed by the Presbytery Treasurer. An address to receive communications was established. March 5, 2015 we noted that the Mission Information Form had been filed with the Church Leadership Connection upon its approval by the Presbytery Coordinating Team, and an advertisement was placed in THE PRESBYTERIAN OUTLOOK in support of our commitment to affirmative action. A method of scoring Personal Information Forms was adopted and the Position Description was updated. Questions for interviews were developed. Since the deadline for applications was April 15, we met April 16 th. There were 21 applicants, many with strong qualifications. Nine merited further investigation. They were each contacted and requested to respond to four supplemental questions that related closely to our position. May 4 th we met and found that 7 had responded to the Supplemental Questions. After lengthy discussion and analysis, three were continued to be interviewed via Skype. The Committee began checking references on these three. May 11 th we held Skype interviews with the three candidates. Two, although quite different, emerged. Due to issues they had raised, we requested the Presbytery Coach/Coordinator contact them and also interview them. June 8 th we met at great length. Having devoted time to prayer and hearing the observations and reactions of our Presbytery Coach/Coordinator. The Holy Spirit, after a further conference call meeting, led us to vote unanimously to contact David Baker, a member of our Presbytery, who accepted the nomination for this ministry. There were many twists and turns in our journey. We enjoyed serving as a committee and are convinced that God guided the process to produce this result. Victoria ByRoade and David Drain, Co-Chairpersons Stated Clerk Director of Communications Search Committee Presbytery of Tampa Bay

9 PRESBYTERY OF TAMPA BAY STATED CLERK DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS POSITION DESCRIPTION Overall, as we move more horizontal and local in style, this person cultivates our connection with each other and with the entire denomination. As we move out of a headquarters, this person will need flexibility in an environment of ambiguity and changing priorities. The emphasis is to strengthen ministers and ministry while fulfilling the needs for records and, given our division into three regions, aiding our mission with superior communication. Thus this person provides the glue that holds us together but does not hold us back and by using traditional and emerging mediums contributes to our reaching our goals. As STATED CLERK, this person is advisor for the Constitutional and Judicial process of the Presbytery. The Stated Clerk is responsible for the Presbytery minutes, records and transactions, as well as acting as Parliamentarian. The person will assist in preparing and publishing the Docket for Presbytery meetings and recruiting and publishing a schedule of the places for meetings. The role requires meeting annual reporting requirements associated with the office as outlined in the Book of Order. It is likely they would be connected with the Commission on Ministry, the Commission on Preparation for Ministry, the Coordinating Team, and the Permanent Judicial Commission. The person is encouraged to belong to the Association of Stated Clerks of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and to meet the requirement for membership in the National Association of Parliamentarians. As Chief Ecclesiastical Officer of the Presbytery, the Stated Clerk attends meetings necessary to maintain and strengthen our relationship with the Presbyterian Church (USA). As DIRECTOR of COMMUNICATIONS, this person will create and implement a strategy to insure timely, effective, and informative communications between and among the Presbytery and its many constituents by: - Creating a strategic Communications plan identifying strategies to fully execute the Presbytery s vision and mission - Providing for, redesigning, and managing the Presbytery website. - Creating and maintaining social media communications across the three regions, - Developing a platform allowing for shared communications among stakeholders - Managing the master Presbytery communications, newsletter, and calendar and serving as the primary writer of all communications to its stakeholders, ensuring messages align with our vision, mission, and core values. - Leading workshops and teaching members of the Presbytery how to utilize modern communications technology.

10 The position is elected by the Presbytery for a term of three years, with the incumbent eligible for re-election. The position reports directly to the Coordinating Team, is supervised by the Presbytery Coach/Coordinator, and is evaluated annually for continuation. 6/15 drd

11 Biographical Information Rev. David Baker Originally from North Carolina, Rev. Dave Baker grew up in Virginia and earned his bachelor s degree from the College of William and Mary in 1999, followed by an M.div. from Princeton Theological Seminary in Dave s first call was a dual role, part time as Assistant to the Stated Clerk and part time at Milford Presbyterian Church in Milford, VA. He later transitioned into another dual role call, replacing the Presbytery work with planting a new church in Ladysmith VA: Living Peace Church. Following this first rather full few years in ministry, Dave took a year off in 2007 and 2008 to start an internet company, Baker Sales Association, which focused on online marketing and helping others start online businesses. This company helped more than 100,000 people while it was active, and employed 4 people full time (not including Dave) at its height in 2010 and Rev. Baker felt a renewed call to the ministry in 2008 and began searching for a place to use his gifts and talents for the church. Feeling a call particularly to minister to young adults, Dave was attracted to a position revitalizing a struggling contemporary worship service at Hyde Park Presbyterian in Tampa. The pastoral relationship with Hyde Park began in August of 2008, and Dave served as Associate Pastor there from 2008 to January During this time Pastor Dave also served the Presbytery in many significant ways, most notably as chair of the Evangelism and Church Development Committee and later as the first chair of the Commission on Church Vitality. In 2012, Dave began to discern a new sense of call, which was clarified by participation in the CREDO conference. During this time of renewed focus on personal call, Dave began to wonder how he could best help churches with their online presences, a vitally important concern in the 21 st Century. Having worked with churches at training seminars, personal experience led Dave to believe this was a place of great enthusiasm but poor efficacy in the Church. This period of discernment eventually led to the formation of a new company, Internet Outreach Experts, whose goal is to get churches online for offline growth, and to free church staff from maintenance of their websites so that they can focus on ministry. Additionally, Dave has served as a consultant for the PC(USA) working with the Small Church Residency Program to train their incoming class of pastors in online outreach (while also serving as a mentor to new pastors in that program for the Presbytery). This seemed like a good time to transition to a different ecclesial call, and Dave wound up serving Woodlawn Presbyterian as part time stated supply from May 2013 to now. Since then, he s split his time between the church and his business, building both simultaneously. The church has grown substantially, with new members and baptisms, while Internet Outreach Experts is now off the ground with a well trained staff and infrastructure. He continues to feel a call to help the Church use technology in effective ways. On a personal note, Dave and his wife Cathy recently welcomed their first daughter, Esther Eloise Baker (Essie) into their family. She is even cuter than their two cats.

12 Statement of Faith Rev. David Baker I believe that God sent Jesus Christ to be an atonement sacrifice for humankind, that He was crucified, died, buried and was bodily raised as the first fruits of a resurrection that all people will one day take part in. Through faith in the Son of God and His atoning sacrifice I believe that I and many others will be raised to eternal life. This not of ourselves, but solely by Christ s sacrifice on our behalf. Christ took the punishment we deserved and gave us the righteousness that was His by right (2 Cor. 5:21), that we might be reconciled to God. I believe that God the Father sent the Holy Spirit, our Counselor and Helper, to dwell in us after Jesus ascended into heaven. I believe that God is One in Three Persons. As the Son does nothing apart from the Father, the Spirit does nothing apart from the Son and Father; if One acts, then so do all Three. The Spirit also assists us in interpreting Scripture (John 14:26), which I believe to be inspired by the Holy Spirit (2 Tim 3:16) and the standard by which we should judge everything in our lives. I believe that the sacraments of baptism and communion were instituted by Jesus Christ, and although they are outward signs, God s promises are also inwardly sealed by the Spirit in the sacraments in a spiritually real way. The responsibility for administering the Sacraments has been given to the Church. Christ is the Head and ruler of the Church, just as she is His body. As well as being Christ s body, the Church is also His bride, enjoying Him as He enjoys her. The mission of the Church is to represent God to the world (2 Cor 5:20), bringing light to darkened souls and healing to broken hearts and lives. My personal faith centers on the Reformed notion that God saves us by grace, through faith. Even the ability to have faith in Christ is a gift from God, as is any other aspect of righteousness. Everything we have is due to the Lord s grace, which no one has done anything to deserve. However, this in no way implies that a holy life is not of the utmost importance, as 1 John 2:3-10, 27 tells us that the children of God will be known by the holy lives they lead through God s grace. I believe that one of the primary ways in which this holiness becomes a reality in our lives is through personal encounters with the living God (John 15:4f). We must rely entirely on God for sanctification in addition to salvation, as Jesus told the disciples after their encounter with the rich young ruler, what is impossible with men is possible with God (NIV, Luke 18:27). Also central to what I believe is the sense that God takes an active interest and role in my life. I believe that the Lord is listening when I pray, and that God answers prayers, just as the Father has said through Jesus that He would. I also believe that the Holy Spirit guides me in many different ways throughout the day by teaching, comforting, encouraging and leading me into the presence of God.

13 Presbytery Meeting McLeod Presbyterian Church, Bartow July 23, 2015 Sue McClew, Moderator Upcoming Events: Regional Tea Parties Hats, Gloves, Teacups we re having a party bring a favorite teacup and a smile. Oct. 21, p.m. Westminster Suncoast, St. Pete Oct. 22, p.m. - St. Mark s, Hudson Oct. 24, p.m. - St. Andrew, New Tampa Please R.S.V.P to the Liaison in each of these areas Dia Stoner, Barbara Gardner and Margaret Shaw, respectively. Plans are to have a human trafficked survivor share her story!!

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15 Motions to Presbytery Commission on Church Vitality (CCV) Presbytery Report for July 23, 2015 Meeting 1. The CCV is seeking to amend the Task Force Report presented to Presbytery on May 9, In this report, that was approved by the Presbytery, the funds from the sale of church property would be used only for capital expenses. The CCV recommends the following motion: That the definition of capital funds in the Task Force Report include both property and salary. Actions Taken by the Commission 1. To approve $5,000 for April, May, and June (for general operating funds) for Safety Harbor from Revitalization funds 2. To endorse Tampa Bay Presbytery s use of Holy Cow Consulting s two assessment tools: CAT and Conversations. Funding would be considered as needed by particular congregations for the use of these tools and the development of a consulting pool. 3. Created a grant application for church redevelopment that is now available. This grant application is included in your packet. We encourage all churches who are interested in entering a process of redevelopment to apply. In Attendance: Committee Members: David Bonnema (chair), Adam Balic, John Fullerton, Jeff Guild, Jim Hatch, Carl Lammers, Zac McGowen, John Reiter, Roger Waun, Evelyn McMullen, and Micki Robinson. Guests: Patrice Hatley

16 REPORT TO THE PRESBYTERY OF TAMPA BAY COMMISSION ON MINISTRY Presbytery of Tampa Bay For the July 2015 Stated Meeting Recommendations for West Region Commission Action: 1. Recommend that Rev. David Hosick be granted Honorably Retired status effective October 19, Recommend that candidate Denise McLeod be examined by the Presbytery of Tampa Bay for ordination as a Teaching Elder in the Presbyterian Church (USA). COM Actions: 1. Approved the Terms of Call for Rev. Casper Owen Carriker as pastor for Hope Presbyterian Church, Winter Haven, as the way be clear, effective May 13, 2015: Annual Cash Salary $57,000, Housing Allowance $18,000, Total Effective Salary $75,000. Pension Dues $26,250, 1.5% Family Medical $1,125, Continuing Ed $1,200, Auto/Professional $4,800, Social Security $5,738, Total Cost to the Church $114, weeks study leave and 4 weeks vacation. (03/12/15) 2. Approved the F-1 for Robert Shaw as full-time installed pastor to Temple Terrace Presbyterian beginning May 4, Terms of call are $6,800 moving expense, Annual Cash Salary $26,400, Housing Allowance $20,000, Deferred Income $3,600, Total Effective Salary $50,000, Pension $17,500, Family Medical Dues $750, Continuing Education $1,200, Auto/Professional $2,000, Social Security $3,825, Total Cost to Church of $75, weeks study leave and 4 weeks vacation. (04/09//15) 3. Approved Donald Wassinger as full-time interim to Palm Harbor Presbyterian for a term of May 10, 2015 to May 9, Terms of Call are Total Effective Salary $50,000, Pension $17,500, Family Medical Dues $750, Continuing Education $1,200, Auto/Professional $3,500, Social Security $4,092.75, Total Cost to Church $77, weeks study leave and 4 weeks vacation. (04/09/15) 4. Approved the F-1 Terms of Call for Brian Dill as PT Stated Supply for Chapel in the Grove for a term of August 17, 2015 until August 16, 2016: Cash Salary $11,261, Housing Allowance $10,000, Total Effective Salary $21,261, Continuing Education $1,200, Social Security $1,626. Total Cost to Church $24, Weeks Study Leave, 4 weeks vacation. (07/09/15) 5. Approved the F-1 Terms of Call for Charles Perrine as PT Stated Supply for Lake Hamilton for a term of September 13, 2105 to September 11, 2016: Cash Salary $10,262, Housing Allowance $10,000, Total Effective Salary $20,262, Continuing Education $1,200, Auto/Professional $1,000, Social Security $1, Total Cost to Church $24, weeks study leave, 4 weeks vacation. (07/09/15) 6. Approved the F-2 for Rev. Casper Owen Carriker s Installation Commission for Hope Presbyterian Church in Winter Haven on June 7, 2015 at 4:00 pm: Moderator Ruling Elder Marsha Rydberg; Teaching Elders David Delph, Peg Roy, John Reiter; Ruling Elders Kris Marone, Patrice Hatley, and Ann Wortman. (05/14/15) 7. Approved presenting Denise McLeod to Presbytery for examination for ordination to the validated ministry position as chaplain at Suncoast Hospice. (07/09/15) 8. Approved the dissolution of call for Rev. Kathleen Lambert from First Presbyterian Church of Safety Harbor and changing her status to member at large. 9. Approved the transfer of required counseling for reinstatement to active status of Jimmy Cazin to Mission Presbytery due to his wife s new job. (04/09/15) 10. Approved the transfer of Rev. Tom McGrath, HR to San Francisco Presbytery. (04/09/15) 11. Approved the transfer of Rev. Tommy Nance, HR to the Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians. (05/14/15) 12. Approved request of Tim Dyck to labor within the bounds of Tampa Bay Presbytery to officiate at a wedding. (04/09/15) 1 of 2

17 REPORT TO THE PRESBYTERY OF TAMPA BAY COMMISSION ON MINISTRY 13. Approved the transfer of membership of Rev. Casper Owen Carriker from Coastal Carolina Presbytery to the Presbytery of Tampa Bay. (05/14/15) 14. Approved the transfer of Rev. Ronald Pfeiffer from Central Washington Presbytery. (07/09/15) 15. Approved transfer of Pastor Bongsoo Kim from Midwest Hanmi Presbytery. (07/09/15) 16. Accepted to remove Rev. Bob Chaffee, Rev. Donald Repsher, and Rev. Jim Holmes from the pulpit supply list at their request. (03/12/15) 17. Accepted the resignation of Jerry Smith as chairman of COM. He will remain on COM for the completion of his term. Charles Perrine, as vice chair, will serve as chairman until his official designation is approved at the July Presbytery meeting. (04/09/15) 18. Approved requiring all Teaching Elders who are serving or intend to serve in the Presbytery of Tampa Bay who did not attend the Presbytery s Boundary Training in 2013 to attend Boundary Training by Barbara Kranendonk in The training will be held Thursday, August 6, 2015 and Tuesday, September 29, (05/14/15) 19. Approved the Minutes of the Commission on Ministry Meeting of February 12, 2015 as presented. (03/12/15) 20. Approved the Minutes of the Commission on Ministry Meeting of March 12, 2015 as presented. (04/09/15) 21. Approved the Minutes of the Commission on Ministry Meeting of April 9, 2015 as corrected. (05/14/15) 22. Approved the Minutes of the Commission on Ministry Meeting of May 14, 2015 as presented. (07/09/15) 23. Accepted the reports of the Hillsborough, West, and East Regional Teams. (03/12/15, 04/09/15, 05/14/15, 07/09/15) Concurred with the following actions of the West Regional Team: 1. Approved Rev. Ronald Pfeifer as called pastor for Inverness Presbyterian Church with Terms of Call of Cash Salary-$40,000, Housing Allowance-$24,000 for Total Effective Salary of $64,000. Pension Dues Member- $22,400, Additional Family Medical Dues-$960, Continuing Education-$1,599, Auto/Professional-$2,360, Social Security-$4,896 for Total Cost to Church of $96, weeks Study Leave, 4 weeks Vacation. All moving expenses will be paid. (05/14/15) 2. Approved Rev. Andrew Walton as called pastor for Trinity Presbyterian Church-Clearwater transferring from National Capital Presbytery effective October 3, 2015 with Terms of Call Cash Salary-$30,000, Housing Allowance-$25,000, $2,000 Deferred Income, $1,000 Special, $2,000 Medical for Total Effective Salary of $60,000, Pension Dues Member-$21,000, Additional Family Medical Dues-$900, Continuing Education- $2,500, Auto/Professional-$3,500, Social Security-$4,673 for Total Cost to Church of $96, weeks Study Leave, 4 weeks Vacation, 12 Weeks Sabbatical after 5 years. $ moving expenses will be paid. (07/09/15) 3. Approved Rev. Ken Shick as interim for Northeast Presbyterian beginning July 15, 2015 with Terms of Call Cash Salary-$40,000, Housing Allowance-$20,000, Medical/Misc-$1,627 for Total Effective Salary of $61,627. Pension Dues/Post Retirement-$7,395.24, Continuing Education-$1,200, Auto/Professional-$6,000, Social Security-$4, for Total Cost to Church of $80, weeks Study Leave, 4 weeks Vacation. (07/09/15) 4. Approved Rev. David Shelor as Part-time Stated Supply for Hope Presbyterian Church-Clearwater beginning July 15, 2015 with Terms of Call Cash Salary-$5,600, Housing Allowance-$24,000, Special Medical-$3,600 for a Total Effective Salary of $33,200. Continuing Education-$1,200, Social Security-$2,540 for Total Cost to Church of $36, weeks Study Leave 4 weeks Vacation. (07/09/15) 5. Approved the F-1 for Lauren Evans to complete her small church residency at Church on the Bayou from June 29 to October 6, Terms of Call Cash Salary $21,500, Housing Allowance $20,000, Special $500 for a total effective salary of $42,000. Pension dues $15,160, Continuing Education $1,200, Auto/Professional $2,400, Social Security $3,213 for a total cost to church $63, weeks Study Leave, 4 weeks Vacation. (07/09/15) 2 of 3

18 REPORT TO THE PRESBYTERY OF TAMPA BAY COMMISSION ON MINISTRY 6. Approved allowing Gulfport Presbyterian to call a congregational meeting to issue a call to Rev. Mildred Micki Robinson as installed pastor. (07/09/15) 7. Approved Rev. Jean Cooley as PT Stated Supply through December for Lakeview Presbyterian. F-1 to be approved later. (07/09/15) 8. Approved Rev. Haemin Lee for transfer from the Greater Atlanta Presbytery to a validated ministry as Associate Director at Presbyterian Frontier Fellowship. (07/09/15) 9. Approved to allow Church of the Bayou to search for a full-time designated pastor for a two-year term. (03/12/15) 10. Approved to place Rev. Dennis Kitterman on the Pulpit Supply list. (03/12/15) 11. Approved to request Patrice Hatley to ascertain if Denise McLeod is still under care of the CPM in Coastal Carolina Presbytery and if she has been approved to proceed to ordination so that she can be examined for ordination to her chaplaincy position at Suncoast Hospice. (04/09/15) Concurred with the following actions of the Hillsborough Regional Team: 1. Approved, as the way be clear, Rev. Dr. Michael McCormack as a member of the Tampa Bay Presbytery (transfer from Missouri Union Presbytery.) (07/09/15) 2. Approved Dr. Michael McCormack as called pastor for First Presbyterian Church of Brandon effective September 1, 2015 with Terms of Call as follows: Cash Salary-$32,000, Housing Allowance-$36,000, Total Effective Salary of $68,000. Pension Dues $23,800, Continuing Education-$1,200, Auto/Professional-$4,000, Social Security-$4,000 for Total Cost to Church of $102, weeks Study Leave, 4 weeks Vacation, 12 Weeks Sabbatical after 5 years or 12 Weeks Sabbatical after 7 years, $12,000 moving/relocation expenses. (07/09/15) 3. Approved Dr. Earl Smith as Bridge Interim at Brandon First with Terms of call to be added later (07/09/15) 4. Approved the Installation Commission for Dr. Robert Shaw at Temple Terrace Presbyterian to be held on June 20th. Moderator Rev. John Fullerton, Ministers: Rev. Kathy Muder, Rev. Laurie Palmer, Ruling Elders Sally Martin, Forest Hills Presbyterian and James Sampson, Temple Terrace Presbyterian Church. (07/09/15) 5. Approved validated ministry of Cary Young currently serving as a Pool Chaplain for Moffitt Cancer Center to add Chaplain Director of Spiritual Services for Palm Healthcare Management. (04/09/15) 6. Approved validated ministry of Rev. Kathleen Dain as Executive Director, Beth-El Farmworkers Ministry, Inc. (05/14/15) 7. Concurred to support Ken Shick s attendance at Interim Training. (04/09/15) Concurred with the following actions of the East Regional Team: 1. Concurred with a call by Hope Presbyterian Church to Rev. Casper Owen Carriker, if the way be clear. Terms of call to be submitted at a later date. (03/12/15) 2. Approved the F-2 for Paul Suich s Ordination and Installation to validated ministry at First Presbyterian Church in Lakeland on April 26, 2015 at 4:00 pm: Moderator Rev. John Fullerton; Teaching Elders Mike Loudon, Peg Roy, David Shelor, David Drain; Ruling Elders Patrice Hatley, Sandra Ellington, Ella Banton. (05/14/15) 3. Approved to add Rev. Brian Dill to the pulpit supply list. (03/12/15) 4. Approved adding Rev. Rob Morrison to the pulpit supply list for the month of May 2015 and again when he returns to the area in the Fall, and to allow Rev. Morrison to labor outside the bounds of this Presbytery to provide pulpit supply in New Jersey during the summer of (05/14/15) 5. Approved Yvette Fox, a member of Lake Alfred Presbyterian Church to preach at Lake Alfred Presbyterian Church for Rev. Deb Belusa late July and early August while Deb takes CE at Princeton and Boston. (07/09/15) 3 of 3

19 Report of the Coordinating Team (CT) Presbytery of Tampa Bay Stated Meeting, July 23, 2015 The Coordinating Team has no motions for the presbytery. Regional Meetings The Regional Meetings took place in April: East and Hillsborough on April 23, West on April 25. The next Regional Meetings will be in September. West will meet on Saturday, September 26; The East on Thursday evening, September 24; and Hillsborough will soon schedule its meeting, possibly September 19. Stay tuned for details in the enews and on the website. Ordination and Installation Services There have been many Installation Services over the last several months, with new ministers transferring into Tampa Bay. Do make an effort to attend Ordination and Installation services, especially when they are in your Region. Gracious Communion Two churches are going through the Gracious Communion Process. First Presbyterian Church, Haines City was given permission to proceed with a congregational hearing on April 26, 2015 to vote on dismissal from the PC(USA). The Administrative Commission for Pasadena Presbyterian Church, St. Petersburg and the church are in process. Three other congregations are having initial conversations and listening sessions. Called a Special Meeting of the Presbytery The CT approved calling a special meeting of the Presbytery of Tampa Bay for the purpose of hearing and responding to the report of the Administrative Commission to dissolve Westminster Presbyterian Church, St. Petersburg. The meeting was held on May 14, 2015 at the presbytery office. Approvals for the July 23, 2015 Stated Meeting To extend an invitation to the Rev. Dr. Donnie Rufus Woods, Executive Presbyter and Associate Stated Clerk of Charleston Atlantic Presbytery as our guest at the July 23, 2015 Stated Meeting. For the Stated Clerk and Communications Director Nominating Committee to present its candidate, Rev. David Baker, at the July 23, 2015 Stated Meeting for the vote of the presbytery. Terms of Call Salary $40,000 Housing 20,000 BOP 21,000 BOP: Family 900 Continuing Ed 2,200 Auto/Professional 2,000 Social Security 4,590 $90,690 For the Commission on Preparation for Ministry to present the Commission Ruling Elder report at the July 23, 2015 meeting. For Information Springwater Korean PC, Brandon, suffered a fire in June. Presbyterian Disaster Assistance was quick to respond, and churches in the presbytery have been generous in their responses. Thank you! The CT approved the dissolution of the Administrative Commission for St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, New Tampa, with thanks. Heard updates from Administrative Commissions working in the presbytery.

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21 Presbytery of Tampa Bay Report of the Board of Trustees-7/23/15 Presbytery Meeting The Trustees met on March 24, April 21, June 2 nd and July 14 th and have taken the following action: -The Trustees approved a Request by Westminster New Port Richey to sell a portion of their parking lot to an adjoining auto dealership. -Pursuant to the Church s Agreement to continue to work with the Trustees and CCV, the Trustees have approved the request of First Presbyterian Safety Harbor to sell three lots which constitute a portion of their property and have provided a Bridge Loan to be repaid out of the proceeds of the sale of the first lot. --The Trustees have approved the sale of their Church Building by Westminster Lakeland for $500,000, they are working on forming a partnership with another Church. The price was reduced from the $800,000 previously reported due to significant renovation and maintenance the Building required. Pursuant to their having met Contingencies set by the Trustees, The Board has approved the request of North Lakeland Presbyterian to sell their Church Building. The sale is set to close at the end of September. Respectfully Submitted Dan Johnson, Chair of the Board of Trustees

22 Report of the Committee on Nominations and Representation To the Presbytery of Tampa Bay Thursday July 23, 2015 The Committee on Nominations and Representation nominates the following persons for election to the positions indicated. As much as possible, the Committee worked hard to address the need for parity among the members of the Committees/Commissions of the Presbytery to reflect a balance of Ruling Elders and Teaching Elders, in addition to reflecting the gifts and skills necessary for ministry, and to be mindful to address diversity of the Presbytery. Also, it can be noted, that the Committee on Nominations and Representation has given great attention to representation for and from the regions of the Presbytery. Nominations from the floor are in order but require the prior agreement of the persons who are being nominated. COMMISSION ON CHURCH VITALITY Paula Salter Ruling Elder, St. Andrew PC Tampa, Hillsborough Region 15-0 COMMISSION ON MINISTRY Charles Perrine, Teaching Elder as Chair of the COM. Jerry Smith resigned the chair position and Charlie, as the vice chair was appointed by the COM to assume the chair until the Presbytery meets to elect the new chair. This term is for the remainder of SYNOD OF SOUTH ATLANTIC COMMISSIONER David Shelor Teaching Elder, Hope PC Clearwater to fulfil the remainder of the 2015 term. VICE-MODERATOR 2016 DESIGNATE Mike Loudon Teaching Elder, FPC Lakeland, East Region. This will allow Mike to serve effective immediately as convener of the East Region Commission, and begin as Vice- Moderator once installed at the November 2015 stated meeting. EAST REGION COMMISSION Owen Carriker Teaching Elder, Hope PC Winter Haven as member at large The Committee on Nominations and Representation reminds all who are interested to consider applying for nomination and election to serve as Presbytery of Tampa Bay commissioner to General Assembly 222, scheduled to be held in Portland Oregon June GA221 commissioners now form our Rules and Overtures Committee and welcome inquiry regarding what is it like to serve. Please check the meeting papers and the presbytery website to read more about the process of becoming a GA commissioner. Election will be at the November 2015 stated meeting.

23 PRESBYTERY OF TAMPA BAY APPLICATION FOR GENERAL ASSEMBLY COMMISSIONER NOMINATION AND YOUNG ADULT ADVISORY DELEGATE Name: Church: Phone: Ruling Elder, Teaching Elder or Young Adult: Date of Ordination: Teaching Elders Date entered this Presbytery: Ruling Elders and Young Adult Date you became a member of your church: Please indicate if and when you have served previously as an elected Commissioner to General Assembly: Please indicate if and when you have been a visitor to General Assembly: Please be advised that participation in the General Assembly requires reading over 1,000 pages of online reports and overtures in advance, long hours in committee meetings and plenary sessions, and considerable travel between the hotel and committee meeting rooms, plenary site, exhibit/eating areas and worship sites. Local Church Experience: Service to the Presbyterian Church (USA): (Presbytery, Synod, GA, PCUSA entities) What is your understanding of the nature and work of the General Assembly? Are you willing and able to report back to the Presbytery concerning the actions and experiences of the GA? Please attach a brief biographical statement and a response to this statement: Why I would make a good commissioner to the General Assembly. (statement and response to be a maximum of 500 words) Please attach a statement of endorsement from a Teaching or Ruling Elder that attests to your: (endorsement to be a maximum of 500 words) love for Christ and the Gospel, spiritual maturity involvement in the Presbytery of Tampa Bay

24 commitment to the Presbyterian Church (USA) involvement in the local congregation By submitting this form, I am expressing my willingness and ability to be available to represent the Presbytery of Tampa Bay at the 222nd General Assembly, June 18-25, 2016, in Portland, OR. If elected as an alternate, I will plan to keep myself available for these dates in case I am needed. Applicant s Signature Session approval is needed. This commissioner nominee has received endorsement of the Session of Church Clerk of Session Date of Session Approval The deadline for submitting the completed application is September 15, 2015 Please send this and any other pertinent information to: Presbytery of Tampa Bay, Attn: Nominating Committee Chair, 4704 Kelly Road, Tampa, FL All GA Commissioner Nominees responses and biographical statements will be made available by the Presbytery to all presbyters at the November, 2015 stated meeting.

25 Report of the Bills and Overtures Committee April 28, Reviewed material from Foothills Presbytery soliciting feedback as they consider crafting overtures to the 2016 General Assembly. 2. FOR ACTION: Bills and Overtures moves the Evangelism Overture. The overture has been endorsed by the Sessions of Springwater Fellowship, Tims Memorial, and St. Marks. OVERTURE: The Presbytery of Tampa Bay respectfully overtures the 222st General Assembly (2016) to direct the Stated Clerk to send the following proposed amendment to the presbyteries for their affirmative or negative vote: Shall G c (Final Assessment and Negotiation for Service) be amended by adding the phrase practical training in evangelism (agile speaking and teaching concise truth about Jesus Christ as confessed in the Nicene Creed), before the word satisfactory so that the paragraph reads as follows: [Text to be added in bold italics and set in context] G Final Assessment and Negotiation for Service A candidate may not enter into negotiation for his or her service as a teaching elder without approval of the presbytery. The presbytery shall record when it has certified a candidate ready for examination for ordination, pending a call. Evidence of readiness to begin ordered ministry as a teaching elder shall include: a. a candidate s wisdom and maturity of faith, leadership skills, compassionate spirit, honest repute, and sound judgment; b. a transcript showing graduation, with satisfactory grades, at a regionally accredited college or university; c. a transcript from a theological institution accredited by the Association of Theological Schools acceptable to the presbytery, showing a course of study including Hebrew and Greek, exegesis of the Old and New Testaments using Hebrew and Greek, practical training in evangelism (agile speaking and teaching concise truth about Jesus Christ as confessed in the Nicene Creed), satisfactory grades in all areas of study, and graduation or proximity to graduation; and d. satisfactory grades, together with the examination papers in the areas covered by any standard ordination examination approved by the General Assembly. Such examinations shall be prepared and administered by a body created by the presbyteries. RATIONAL 1: Evangelism is a central element of our calling to follow our Lord. Jesus himself gives the whole life-style command particularly in Matthew 28:18-20 in telling his disciples as you are going, be making disciples (also: Luke 24.47; John 20.21; Acts 1.8). Similarly, Scripture directs us to be able with skill, purpose and hope, to engage culture and its competing claims for Lordship (I Peter 3.15; Jude 3; Phil 1.7; 2 Cor 10.5). This discipline is therefore essential for the spiritual formation of all

26 who grow in Christ and an indispensable discipline for teaching elders responsible for equipping the saints. 2: The testimony of the saints indicates the importance of evangelism. The Apostles Creed s structure may be based on Jesus command to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The Heidelberg Catechism (Q71) and The Second Helvetic Confession (Inward Illumination Does Not Eliminate External Preaching) record the importance of evangelism as well as The Westminster Confession ( ) and The Confession of 1967 (9.37). More recently the new Book of Order underscores the centrality of outreach to all cultures and their people (in that sense evangelism) in worship and witness (W ; W-7.200; W-7.600). 3: PC (USA) s bold new vision, 1001 new worshiping communities, requires strategic empowerment from all PC (USA) related organizations. This vision can become reality if we are intentional about evangelism throughout all denominational organizations. Equipping new leaders in the art and science of evangelism will help existing churches to flourish eventually giving birth to a 1001 new worshiping communities. 4: In these stressful times, the Church hears the Lord s call to be His chosen witness regardless of circumstance (Is 43.10). The General Assembly turns to PC (USA) related seminaries for practical assistance and strategic leadership. We seek new leaders with increased agility to adapt, improvise, and thrive in our shifting cultural context: 1) diminishing confidence in religious institutions; 2) declining Judeo- Christian orientation; 3) expanding religious diversity. 5: The Church requires trained seminary graduates to meet multi-dimensional challenges in positive ways, especially in equipping believers with disciple making skills of evangelism. Emerging teaching elders will experience resistance to teaching evangelism. They must respond with compassion and resolve born of sound preparation to lead believers to more demanding dimensions of discipleship in order to witness to those who are lost, hurting, or seeking. Merely showing love does not bring people to Christ when love is perceived by what many people feel rather than a commitment to act -- or refuse to act -- in ways which are often challenging, self-effacing, and deeply sacrificial. The agape love of which Jesus speaks flows from the cross and is not largely articulated so the church loses evangelism moments continuously. 6: The necessity of emerging leaders to know, teach and model personal evangelism is paramount regardless of the new economic realities, new methods of theological education, or challenging demographic trends. This fundamental discipline required to equip the saints must at a minimum take its place alongside mandated or popular theologically blended course work such as Greek or Hebrew exegesis, higher criticism, pastoral counseling, social justice, and liberation theologies. If the seminaries who honor Jesus do not equip our new leaders to know, teach and demonstrate evangelism, who will do this? Where will it get done? By what means then would a new teaching elder equip oneself for leading and teaching evangelism at the local congregational level? Will we franchise this responsibility to parachurch ministries? Or will we take responsibility?

27 7: Indoctrinating all new teaching elders in evangelism fulfills Biblical mandates and has the potential to set the Church on a different course. The entire Church will become more effective in her witness if all seminary graduates are taught that evangelism is an essential part of their profession, that seminary is more than concepts of theology influenced by academic trends but an actual train the trainer process to articulate our faith persistently, politely and effectively through academics, practical training, and by living the Message. 8: A life in Christ has core disciplines and skills. Let us ensure every new teaching elder has demonstrated competency in the core discipline of evangelism. Let us keep the main thing, the main thing. Let us be relentless in advancing our core belief, Jesus died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins and rose from the grave to purchase a place for us in Heaven. Advice from the Bills and Overtures Committee on the Evangelism Overture The Bills and Overtures Committee advises the Presbytery of Tampa Bay to disapprove the Evangelism Overture. The committee does not believe that it is the function of church polity to prescribe seminary curriculum. The placement of this overture within G c seems out of order and not within the larger context of G The proposed language of the overture also limits the definition and expression of evangelism to a single creed while our Book of Confessions lifts up the witness of twelve confessional statements. The Book of Order, likewise speaks to the full mission of the church beginning with F The committee believes that a conversation about evangelism (What is evangelism? What are the most effective means of evangelism in today s culture? and How do we equip all disciples to bear the message of the good news of Jesus Christ to the world?) is beneficial to the Presbytery and indeed the whole church.

28 Merits of an Evangelism Overture 2016 General Assembly in Portland, OR 1. Recent decline. The PC (USA) accelerated its decline in 2014 as membership dropped below 1.7 million according to the Comparative Statistics, released May 12, 2015 by the Office of the General Assembly (GA). 2. Generational decline. There has not been a net increase in total membership in the PCUSA for 32 years, since the reunion denomination was formed in Rise of the Nones. Pew Research, May 12, 2015: ~30% of U.S. respondents surveyed do not identify as Christian. 4. No comprehensive practical evangelism training exists for PC (USA). On June 18, 2015 at the American Society of Missiology meeting at Wheaton College, the following question was posed to PC (USA) World Mission Ministry Area staff leadership and PC (USA) Mission Professors: Does anyone know of any practical evangelism training conducted in any PC (USA) entity at any level --church, presbytery, synod, or seminary? The answer was No. Not one person at the meeting knew or heard of any practical evangelism training distinct from academic, theological or historical studies of evangelism Constructive dialogue. An Evangelism Overture is required to initiate a constructive constitutional dialogue about the future of evangelism. The GA is the only forum in which presbytery delegates and Seminary representatives will converge to discuss evangelism with hope of productive outcome. Without a formal overture, Presbyterian evangelism CANNOT be discussed in any constructive way leading to results. Presbyteries through an Evangelism Overture would constructively engage PC (USA) Seminary Curriculum Committees, Committee on Theological Education (COTE), and the newly created PC (USA) Mission Agency Ministry Area known as Theology, Formation and Evangelism, announced June 29, Relationship of Mission to Evangelism. There is an important relationship between the words, evangelism and mission, since there are inherent connections, nuances and distinctions, and they do not mean exactly the same thing. The church is called to cross all kinds of frontiers and barriers 2 for missional engagement of culture. However, evangelism is the core, heart, or center of mission; it consists in the proclamation of salvation in Christ to nonbelievers, in announcing forgiveness of sins, in calling people to repentance and faith in Christ, in inviting them to become living members of Christ s earthly community and to begin a life in the power of the Holy Spirit Nicene Creed. This creed is a foundational document for the Christian faith. Constantine convened a council in Nicaea in A.D A creed reflecting the position of Alexander and Athanasius was written and signed by a majority of the bishops... In A.D. 381, a second council met... It adopted a revised and expanded form of the A.D. 325 creed, now known as the Nicene Creed. The Nicene Creed is the most ecumenical of creeds. The PC (U.S.A.) joins with Eastern Orthodox, Roman Catholic, and most Protestant churches in affirming it. 4 (Italics added) 8. Placement in the Book of Order. Form of Government (G c) 5 is the only section to place a requirement on all future leaders to be equipped in practical training in evangelism. F - The Foundations of Presbyterian Polity Lays out general principles of government and mission G - Form of Government including Ordered Ministry, Commissioning, and Certification W- Directory for Worship Offers guidelines for worship D - Rules of Discipline Governs misconduct or errors made by councils

29 Merits of an Evangelism Overture 2016 General Assembly in Portland, OR 9. Language of the Evangelism Overture. Practical evangelism must be defined to avoid misunderstanding with other spiritual disciplines. PC (USA) News Service reports a blurring of evangelism with other spiritual disciplines (solitude, silence, prayer, yoga) at a 2015 evangelism conference: here and here. 10. Practical evangelism training promotes better equipped church leaders: Personal development Missional leaders for a missional church Church leadership across key behaviors: problem solving; results orientation; seeking different perspectives; supporting others Strengthens Christology 11. Footnotes 1. R.E. Henry Elam, St. Marks; T.E. J. Perry Wootten, Former Moderator of Presbytery of New York City; T.E. Carl Lammers, continuing member of Presbytery of Tampa Bay joined this discussion. 2. David J. Bosch, Evangelism: Theological Currents and Cross-Currents, 11, no. 3 (July 1987); ) 3. ibid 4. The Office of the General Assembly, The Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Part I Book of Confessions, Study Edition, ( 2004); pg.2 5. The Office Of The General Assembly, The Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Part Ii Book Of Order, , ( 2013); G , pg. 35

30 COMMISSION ON PREPARATION FOR MINISTRY July 23, 2015 Report to the Presbytery of Tampa Bay ACTION ITEMS FOR PRESBYTERY That the Commissioned Ruling Elder Program be approved as revised. ACTION TAKEN BY THE CPM ON BEHALF OF THE PRESBYTERY That Denise Lay (First, Inverness) be given permission to circulate her PIF following a successful final assessment by CPM That Kenny Hubbell (Palma Ceia, Tampa) be enrolled as an Inquirer. Kenny is enrolled at Asbury Theological Seminary in Orlando That Michael Lyle (First, St. Petersburg) be given permission to circulate his PIF following a successful final assessment by CPM INFORMATION FOR PRESBYTERY Training for CPM members has been scheduled for August 27 th at First, Lakeland, with the Rev. Tim Cargal from the GA office of the P.C.(U.S.A.) leading the training. CPM members from the presbyteries in the state of Florida have been invited to participate in this training. The CPM met with potential CREs to review the proposed revised CRE Program. Once the Presbytery passes this revision (which would give CPM oversight for the process of becoming a CRE and then COM responsibility for placing approved CREs), individual meetings will be held with potential CREs to review their fulfillment of requirements. CPM also met with the COM to gather input regarding COM s portions of the document. Those who are currently under care as Inquirers are: Katherine Ginn (St. Andrews, Dunedin) who is enrolled at Dubuque Theological Seminary. Stephanie Dion (St. Andrews, Dunedin) who is enrolled at Princeton Theological Seminar. Becky Bryan (Christ, Largo) who will be enrolling at Austin Theological Seminary in the fall. Bruce McVey (First, Brandon) who is enrolled at Union Theological Seminary. Kenny Hubbell (Palma Ceia, Tampa) who is enrolled at Asbury Theological Seminary. Those who are currently under care as Candidates are: Meghann Pabst (First, Brandon) who has recently graduated from Union Theological Seminary but needs to pass her final ordination exam before completing her final assessment. Felinto Almeida (St. Andrews, Dunedin) who needs to complete his ordination exams. HyunWoo Lee (Pinellas Park Korean) who has graduated from Columbia Theological Seminary but needs to take his ordination exams. Kelly Fitzgerald (Peace, Clearwater) who has graduated from Columbia Theological Seminary and is approaching her final year of candidacy.

31 PRESBYTERY OF TAMPA BAY Commissioned Ruling Elder Program Approved by CPM ; presented to the Presbytery of Tampa Bay I. OVERVIEW A. Definition A Commissioned Ruling Elder (CRE) is an elder called by God and affirmed by her/his session and who has been trained, commissioned, and nurtured by the presbytery to be a pastor to a particular congregation or ministry. She/he may serve full or part time, with or without compensation. The commission is authoritative only within the bounds of the Presbytery of Tampa Bay, only in the church or ministry specified, and only for the time specified. The commission may be renewed at expiration or terminated at any time either at the discretion of presbytery or at the request of the CRE. B. Requirements C. Who is called? The Book of Order (G-2.10 ff) establishes the criteria for the equipping of Commissioned Ruling Elders and for their ongoing accountability to a presbytery. The CRE is an elder who may lead worship, preach the gospel, administer the sacraments, watch over the people, and provide for their nurture and service. This commission is valid only in one or yoked congregations, a new church development, an immigrant fellowship, or other validated ministry of the presbytery, designated by the presbytery, for a specified period of time. We have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us (Romans 12: 6a). Within every congregation God bestows many and diverse gifts upon the members of that church. It is important that churches actively encourage laypersons to honor, use, and build upon their gifts in the ministry of the church. The Presbytery of Tampa Bay seeks to identify and encourage men and women gifted for ministry as Commissioned Ruling Elders. D. Opportunity for anyone who wants to grow in faith The CRE course of study will be open to anyone who wants to grow in faith, but is particularly designed for those seeking to become Commissioned Ruling Elders. We seek to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for the building up of the body of Christ as outlined in Ephesians 4: 12. E. No guaranteed employment Completion of the program does not guarantee placement of any kind nor does it guarantee the right to exercise all of the functions possible for a Commissioned Ruling Elder (G ). For those who are seeking to serve as a CRE, the Presbytery of Tampa Bay, through its Commission on Ministry, will work person-to-person and church-to church to identify optimal placements. 1

32 II. PROCEDURES A. Program Responsibility 1. The Commissioned Ruling Elder preparation program of the Presbytery of Tampa Bay shall be administered by the Commission on Preparation for Ministry (CPM). 2. The CPM will have the following responsibilities: i. Recruitment, admission, or dismissal for cause of candidates to the program; ii. Oversight of the training process; iii. Consultation with CRE candidates as they explore their sense of call; iv. Interpretation of the CRE program for churches; v. Referral of the candidate to Presbytery s Commission on Ministry for examination, approval of placement, and post-commissioning oversight (see G and G ) once a CRE candidate is ready for a commission B. Application Process for Elders 1. An applicant to the program shall be an elder in the Presbyterian Church (USA). 2. Ordinarily, an applicant to the program will have been a member of the Presbyterian Church (USA) for at least two years and active in the life of a particular church within the bounds of the Presbytery of Tampa Bay for at least one year immediately prior to applying for the Commissioned Ruling Elder program. In the case of immigrant communities with roots in the Reformed tradition, membership in the fellowship or new church development may be considered to be equivalent to membership in a particular church within the bounds of the Presbytery of Tampa Bay. Membership within a Reformed body may be considered to be equivalent to membership in the PC (U.S.A.). 3. Application to be a Commissioned Ruling Elder will be filed with the Commission on Preparation for Ministry and will include a completed application form, the completed support form from the church Session or its equivalent in the case of immigrant fellowships, and an interview with CPM (see Appendices A and B). 4. Each CRE candidate is ordinarily required to participate in the same psychological and vocational testing arranged by the CPM of the presbytery and the endorsing congregation. Entrance to the CRE program is contingent upon this report being deemed satisfactory by the CPM. Payment for the vocational assessment is ordinarily divided equally among the candidate, the CPM, and the church. 5. Applicants for whom English is not a primary language may apply to take courses in their primary languages, as available, with the prior approval of the CPM. 6. Applicants who have previous study in required areas may submit those to CPM for consideration as a substitute for equivalent courses. Applicants may also show the CPM documented experience from employment, church, or academic settings, to stand as equivalent to any of the Areas of Training (III, B, 2 below), and the CPM will advise the applicant as to the substitute credit that may be applied in their unique case. 7. Application packets are available through CPM. 8. Applicants to the program should be aware that acceptance to this program does not guarantee placement as a Commissioned Ruling Elder in the Presbytery of Tampa Bay. 2

33 C. Application Process for Churches and Presbytery 1. Churches interested in ministry with a Commissioned Ruling Elder should consult the Commission on Ministry. If approved by the COM to pursue a CRE, a church may interview CRE candidates or propose an elder for preparation through the CRE program. A proposed elder would file an application with the CPM and if accepted would enter the regular process. 2. If the presbytery, through one of its commissions or through presbytery staff, discovers a person who would be a good candidate for CRE training, they should encourage that person to pray about CRE ministry, seeking discernment on the matter, and apply if so led. 3. If the presbytery, through one of its committees, envisions a ministry that would be best led by a CRE, the committee should bring the matter before the COM or the CPM as above and proceed as would a church in similar circumstances. III. BECOMING A COMMISSIONED RULING ELDER A. Step One Applying 1. A Commissioned Ruling Elder is an elder who, responding to God s call, carries out certain pastoral duties when commissioned by a presbytery for a specific place and time within that presbytery (G ). 2. The process may begin when an elder, sensing such a call, contacts his or her pastor and session to seek validation of the call. 3. The proposed Commissioned Ruling Elder and the session together will initiate contact with the CRE program (Appendices A and B). The session will appoint one or more of its members as liaison for the duration of the CRE process. 4. Before beginning a formal process of study, the applicant shall meet with the presbytery s Commission on Preparation for Ministry to discuss motivation for ministry and the particulars of the process. If the CPM approves admission, the applicant begins the second step. 5. A CPM liaison will be appointed by CPM to counsel and guide each CRE candidate though the process. 6. The CPM liaison relationship includes. 7. i. Designing the learning plan for the CRE candidate; ii. Validating directed studies done in concurrence with the agencies (presbyteries, colleges, seminaries, workshops, etc.). B. Step Two Training (Please Note: it should be understood that CRE training will not require the same depth and breadth of professional competency as that of a Teaching Elder. This CRE program is a creative response to the particular needs of the Presbytery of Tampa Bay.) 1. Training overview: Realizing that some CRE candidates may enter this program with a very specific ministry in mind while others candidates may not, the Commission of Preparation for Ministry shall formulate a course of study for each 3

34 candidate. Realistic timelines for completion of the requirements will vary depending on the availability of qualified instructors, the course of study prescribed, class size and the schedule of the candidate. At the present time CRE candidates will take their required course work through the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary. Some additional work may be required depending on the type of ministry a CRE candidate is preparing to undertake. Although the formal phase of preparation will end at commissioning, education for ministry is a lifelong process. 2. Areas of training i. Introduction to the Old Testament ii. Introduction to the New Testament iii. Reformed Theology; iv. Presbyterian Polity; v. Introduction to Preaching; vi. Reformed Worship and Sacraments vii. Pastoral Care; viii. Foundations of Christian Education; ix. Leadership Training and Church Administration 3. Upon entry into the CRE training phase, the CRE candidate and the CPM liaison will adopt a Learning Covenant using the Dubuque Seminary Program that will be written and signed as a covenant between the candidate, his or her CPM liaison and the CPM. 4. Special Circumstances ordinarily Certified Christian Educators applying to be a CRE are deemed qualified to serve having completed requirements of the Book of Order G Final Assessment: i. When the CRE candidate has successfully completed the Learning Covenant, the CPM will conduct a final assessment. This assessment will include a review of all Learning Covenant requirements, assessment and review of the CRE candidate s Faith Statement, and a final sermon review including exegesis, preparation, and delivery; perhaps in a congregational or alternate setting. ii. Following the final assessment, CPM will certify the CRE candidate as having successfully completed her/his training for service as a CRE. NOTE: attendance at an approved workshop on healthy boundaries is required prior to being approved for a commission. C. Step Three: Commissioned Ruling Elder Placement (At this phase, the Commissioned Ruling Elder is formally commissioned by the Presbytery to a specific ministry. The presbytery s Commission on Ministry has oversight of Step Three.) 1. Examination and Readiness: when a specific call is determined, the CRE candidate and commissioning church will be examined by COM for approval (Appendix C). Prior to examination a criminal background check will be conducted. The candidate will sign and submit to COM a statement declaring the absence of any convictions of sexual or financial misconduct. Pending satisfactory outcomes, the COM may recommend that the candidate be commissioned to the particular church or churches within the bounds of the Presbytery of Tampa Bay. 4

35 2. Contract: the following shall be included in the contract recommended for approval by COM: i. The terms of the contract shall be negotiated by the Commissioned Ruling Elder candidate and the session of the church (Using form F-1). The contract must be approved by the COM. ii. The contract shall name the candidate, the church, the ministry to be provided, and whether the CRE will be authorized to: a. Administer the Sacrament of the Lord s Supper; b. Administer the Sacrament of Baptism; c. Moderate the session under the supervision of, and when invited by, the moderator of the session appointed by COM; d. Have voice and vote in meetings of Presbytery (to be counted as an elder commissioner for the purposes of parity); e. Perform a service of Christian marriage when invited by the session and when in accordance with Florida law (Statute #741.07). iii. The final contract shall state the duration of the commission. Ordinarily CRE relationships in the Presbytery of Tampa Bay begin with a one-year term, which may be lengthened if and when renewed. According to Book of Order G , the maximum (but renewable) term is three years. iv. Once approved by presbytery (see section 3 below), the contract shall be signed by the chair of COM, the Stated Clerk of the Presbytery of Tampa Bay, the clerk of the session and the Commissioned Ruling Elder candidate. v. Presbytery Approval: COM shall present the Commissioned Ruling Elder Candidate and representatives of the commissioning church to the Presbytery of Tampa Bay for final approval. The candidate shall give a summary of her/his faith journey and her/his statement of faith. The Commissioning church will present a statement of their rationale, vision, and expectations for the ministry. vi. Service of Recognition: following Presbytery s approval, COM shall work with the Commissioned Ruling Elder and the session to develop an appropriate commissioning service according to G (for a sample, see Appendix D). D. Step Four: Oversight During the Commission 1. Oversight: COM shall supervise the Commissioned Ruling Elder in accordance with the Book of Order G Mentor: a mentor shall be assigned by COM. The mentor shall be a Teaching Elder of the Presbytery of Tampa Bay (G ) i. The mentor and Commissioned Ruling Elder shall meet at least quarterly to review the work of the Commissioned Ruling Elder. ii. The mentor shall provide counsel, coaching and encouragement, and identify opportunities for growth in spiritual development, church leadership and worship. iii. The mentor shall provide a quarterly written summary of the CRE s progress to the COM, highlighting her/his progress, strengths, areas for improvement, and noting whether there are areas of concern 2. Once commissioned, a CRE is required to have eight contact hours of continuing education annually. These courses should be Presbyterian conferences, workshops, etc., or otherwise be approved by the mentor. Additional approval for plans for continuing education may also be required for CREs. 5

36 3. Annual Review: annually, the Commissioned Ruling Elder should undergo a review from the church s/he serves. At the same time the overall CRE relationship will be reviewed by the COM. The review is intended to be part of a reciprocal dialogue wherein the Commissioned Ruling Elder and the session seek ways in which each can better serve the church of Jesus Christ. Sample Commissioned Ruling Elder Review formats are found in Appendices E and F. E. Step Five: Terminating the Local Commission 1. The local commission between a congregation and a Commissioned Ruling Elder may be dissolved at the end of the Commission term or with 30 days notice by the COM. (See G The COM shall revoke the commission of any Commissioned Ruling Elder who does not abide by the provisions specified in G ff of the Book of Order and the provisions contained in this policy. IV. EXPECTATIONS A. The Commissioned Ruling Elder: 1. Will lead worship and preach the gospel, watch over the people, and provide for their nurture and service in the church, congregation or ministry commissioned to his or her care; 2. May perform other duties as negotiated with the session and with the concurrence of COM and as specified in the contract; 3. Should attend all session meetings of the commission church; 4. Shall pursue a program of continuing education each year; 5. Shall have her/his work reviewed annually by the presbytery through COM in consultation with the session of the local church or appropriate local board (Appendices E and F). 6. Shall ordinarily be enrolled as an elder, or certified educator serving as a CRE with voice and vote in meetings of the Presbytery of Tampa Bay for the term of the commission and shall participate responsibly in the deliberations and work of the presbytery; 7. Will ordinarily remain a member of the particular church where membership was previously held; 8. Will work with a mentor who is ordinarily the moderator of the Session of the church, but may be supervised by another Teaching Elder assigned by COM (G ). B. The Mentor 1. The mentor of the Commissioned Ruling Elder shall be a Teaching Elder. 2. The mentor, the Commissioned Ruling Elder, and a representative of the session or equivalent body shall participate in an annual review process. The mentor will meet at least quarterly with the CRE and will review continuing education plans of the CRE. C. The Presbytery: The Stated Clerk of the Presbytery shall annually present to presbytery the names of Commissioned Ruling Elders serving in the Presbytery of Tampa Bay as well as the names of those who have completed CRE training and are available to serve. 6

37 Appendices Packet Commissioned Ruling Elder Table of Packet Contents The following is a list of the CRE program appendices, the number of pages in each, and the page number in the packet sequence. Appendix Number of Pages Packet Page List of Appendices one 1 A. Application Form three 3-5 B. Session Endorsement Form one 7 C (was G) Completion of Requirements two 9-10 D (was J) Service of Recognition one 11 E COM Annual Review one 13 F Member/Elder Evaluation two G Liaison Annual Review Report one 17 CRE Policy Appendices, page 1

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39 APPENDIX A Presbytery of Tampa Bay Commissioned Ruling Elder Program Application for Admission Applicant Name: Date: / / Address: Phone: Home ( ) Work: ( ) E-address: Cell: ( ) The following background information will be used by the Church Session and Presbytery s Commission on Preparation for Ministry. This questionnaire is purposely broad in scope. Feel free to use extra paper to provide additional information and to make whatever additions you feel will give the best representation of you. Please be as accurate and candid as you can. When you have completed this questionnaire, it should be given to your pastor or session, who will forward it to the Commission on Preparation for Ministry. 1. ACADEMIC INFORMATION: List the various schools and academic institutions you have attended, beginning with high school and complete the information for each column. If you are currently pursuing an educational program, indicate your academic classification. Institution Program/Major Academic Certificate, Diploma or Average Degree List the academic honors, awards and special recognitions, organizations, sports and extracurricular activities. Circle those which have been most meaningful to you. 2. OCCUPATIONAL HISTORY List all full-time or part-time jobs or occupations of the last ten years, providing the information requested in each column. Indicate part-time (PT) next to the job title. Feel free to go back more than ten years for any occupations that were particularly meaningful to you. Occupation Length of Aspects Enjoyed Aspects Enjoyed Employment Most Least CRE Policy Appendices, page 3

40 APPENDIX A, page 2 3. CHURCH INFORMATION Dates of: Baptism (Age ) Profession of Faith (Age ) If you are an ordained deacon, give the date and place of ordination: / / If you are an ordained elder, give the date and place of ordination: / / Current Church membership: Name of Church Date Joined: / / Address: List areas of involvement in the church, as participant and as leader. If current mark with an asterisk (*). Areas of Involvement Participant Leader List experiences in worship leadership as a worship leader, liturgist and/or preacher. Indicate current areas with (*). Areas of Involvement Leadership Function 4. COMMUNITY INVOLVMENT List the volunteer services, civic and social organizations of which you are, or have been, a member and indicate your participation and role. Indicate current areas with (*). Type of Activity Participant Leader List awards or recognition received for business or professional achievement, community involvements or leadership: CRE Policy Appendices, page 4

41 APPENDIX A, page 3 5. QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION Reflect on and respond briefly to the following questions. Place your responses on separate pages and attach these to your application. 1. Briefly describe your relationship with Jesus Christ. 2. Why are you interested in becoming a Commissioned Ruling elder? 3. What experience have you had that would assist you in being an effective Commissioned Ruling Elder? 4. In what ways have you found being a Presbyterian leader to be a ministry? 5. Name some of your strengths and talents. 6. On a separate sheet provide a brief statement of faith. COMMITMENT: Becoming a Commissioned Ruling Elder is to enter into a covenant relationship. If accepted into the CRE program, I understand I will be entering a program having a spiritual, academic, and practical nature, involving significant investments of time, energy and finances. I am willing to make this commitment and am also willing to commit myself to continuing education after completing the program. (signature) / / (date) Endorsed by Session of Local Church on: / / Signature of the Clerk of Session: Date: / / Signature of the Moderator of CPM: Date: / / REFERENCES: Please give name, address, phone number, and e-address of at least two people who know you well. Ideally this would include a pastor and a close church friend, though you are not limited to these: 1. Name: Address: Phone: ( ) E-address: 2. Name: Address: Phone: ( ) E-address: 3. Name: Address: Phone: ( ) E-address: CRE Policy Appendices, Appendix A, page 5

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43 APPENDIX B Presbytery of Tampa Bay Commissioned Ruling Elder Program Session Endorsement Form We, the Session of, having reviewed the application of for Commissioned Ruling Elder, do hereby grant our endorsement. (Use extra pages as needed to answer the following questions.) 1. The applicant has demonstrated in this congregation the following gifts for ministry: 2. As a Session, we will support and encourage the applicant in the process of seeking commission as a ruling elder in the following ways: 3. The Session may add any other information or concerns that the Commission on Preparation for Ministry should know. Applicant s Session Liaison: Address: Phone: ( ) E-Address: Work Phone: ( ) (Signature: Moderator of the Session) (Signature: Clerk of Session) Dated:: / / / / Be sure to make a copy for your records and return the original Session Endorsement Form and Application Form to: The Commission on the Preparation for Ministry Presbytery of Tampa Bay 4704 Kelly Road, Tampa, FL Phone: ; Fax: CRE Policy Appendices, page 7

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45 APPENDIX C Presbytery of Tampa Bay Commissioned Ruling Elder Program Completion of Requirements Form CRE CANDIDATE NAME: Indicate the date when each item has been satisfactorily completed. When all items are dated and the form has been signed, forward it to the Committee on Preparation for Ministry. Applicant Stage: Candidate Stage: Application and Session Letter of Endorsement received by the CPM. CPM votes to receive into the Commissioned Ruling Elder Program. Application for CRE Program reviewed and signed by the Moderator of CPM. Career Counseling Center assessment satisfactorily completed. Educational Requirements successfully completed: Statement of Faith submitted. ATTESTING COMPLETION: Dubuque Seminary Program. Any additional Specialized Education. Attendance at workshop on Healthy Boundaries. The Commission on Preparation for Ministry of the Presbytery of Tampa Bay attests that has met all the requirements for study and preparation and is now ready to be placed as a Commissioned Ruling Elder in the Presbytery of Tampa Bay. Approved by CPM: / / (signed by the Moderator of the Commission on Preparation for Ministry) CRE Policy Appendices, page 9

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47 APPENDIX D Presbytery of Tampa Bay Commissioned Ruling Elder Program Sample Service of Recognition Clerk of Session: Where there is no vision, the people perish. Proverbs 29: 18 Congregation: Clerk of Session: Congregation: Clerk of Session: We are a congregation of friends blessed by God, touched by the Holy Spirit and called by Christ to be alive in our community and church. Vision is what ought to be. Mission is what we are called to do. To lead us in our mission, the session has invited. To serve as Commissioned Ruling Elder. This commission has been affirmed by the Session and validated by the Presbytery of Tampa Bay. Congregation: Behold, I will do a new thing, says the Lord. Isaiah 43: 19 Clerk of Session: Commissioned Ruling Elder: God is doing a new thing in our midst by calling To the Presbyterian Church of, Florida. (Call the commissioned Ruling Elder forward), do you welcome the new work for which you have been chosen, and will you be our Commissioned Ruling Elder serving this congregation (ministry) with energy, intelligence, imagination and love, relying on God s grace and guidance? I do and I will. Clerk of Session: Do we, the members of Presbyterian Church, welcome as our Commissioned Ruling Elder, and will we encourage, support, and pray for her/him as s/he leads us in worship and service? Congregation: Unison Prayer: We do and we will. Almighty God, give us faith and trusts and love that accepts as we begin this new relationship. May our friendships flourish and grow, and may Christ be at the center of our being. In Jesus Name we pray. Amen. Congregation: We welcome you,, to this ministry and stand with you as together we seek to serve our Lord in this place. CRE Policy Appendices, page 11

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49 This review process has three components: APPENDIX E Presbytery of Tampa Bay Commissioned Ruling Elder Program Annual Commission on Ministry Review 1. Session/member evaluation forms; 2. Suggested questions for interview with commissioned Ruling Elder and session representative; 3. Review job description and the adequacy of compensation. Process: 1. Evaluation forms: prior to date of review, evaluation forms are distributed to session members and a representative sampling of the congregation. Responses are to be returned to the Clerk of Session prior to review date for collating. Tabulation of forms: share this information with the Commissioned Ruling Elder during review. Make clear that the data gathered is to give the CRE a clear picture of how her/his work is perceived by the congregation and to assist the CRE in developing continuing education plans. 2. Personal interview: a. What specifically is going well? b. What part of your work/ministry do you enjoy the most? The least? c. Are there problem areas, and what are possible solutions? d. What has surprised you as you serve as a Commissioned Ruling Elder? e. What have you done to continue your growth as a CRE in the past year (continuing education)? In areas other than continuing education? f. How have you felt supported in your ministry? g. How can this session and church be more supportive of your leadership? h. What Presbytery of Tampa Bay resources have you found helpful and/or useful to support your work as a CRE? i. What more could the Presbytery do to nurture and support you as a CRE? j. What else would you like to share at this time? 3. Refer to Compensation Guidelines and Commissioned Ruling Elder Agreement (COM F-1). CRE Policy Appendices, page 13

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51 APPENDIX F Presbytery of Tampa Bay Commissioned Ruling Elder Program Church Member/Elder Evaluation Form for Commissioned Ruling Elder For purposes of reviewing, our Commissioned Ruling Elder, we are asking you to complete this form. Please return it to the Clerk of Session by: / /. Directions: Please read each statement and indicate the extent to which you agree or disagree by circling the appropriate letters. SD = Strongly Disagree D = Disagree U = Undecided A = Agree SA = Strongly Agree NA = Not Applicable Morning Worship; in leading worship, I feel our Commissioned Ruling Elder: 1. Is well prepared SD D U A SA NA 2. Nurtures my spiritual needs SD D U A SA NA 3. Provides variety in sermon focus SD D U A SA NA 4. Effectively leads people in prayer SD D U A SA NA 5. Chooses appropriate hymns SD D U A SA NA Personal Contact; in my personal contact, I feel our Commissioned Ruling Elder: 6. Is easy to talk with SD D U A SA NA 7. Is sensitive and caring SD D U A SA NA 8. Understands my individual SD D U A SA NA needs/concerns 9. Respects confidentiality SD D U A SA NA CRE Policy Appendices, page 15

52 Appendix F, page 2 For Session Members Only As a serving elder, I believe our Commissioned Ruling Elder: 1. Keeps the session informed of SD D U A SA NA her/his activities 2. Is open to suggestions and/or SD D U A SA NA Input concerning responsibilities 3. Follows through on suggestions SD D U A SA NA 4. Fulfills her/his responsibilities SD D U A SA NA 5. Actively participates in meetings SD D U A SA NA Overall, I feel that the Commissioned Ruling Elder: 6. Is leading the church in a SD D U A SA NA positive direction 7. Is effective as a pastor SD D U A SA NA 8. In your opinion, what are the strengths of the Commissioned Ruling Elder? 9. In what ways might the Commissioned Ruling Elder improve her/his ministry? 10. Generally, how satisfied are you with a Commissioned Ruling Elder serving as our pastor? 11. What can you do to strengthen this church and make the Commissioned Ruling Elder experience a positive one? 12. Other comments, if any. CRE Policy Appendices, Appendix F, page 16

53 APPENDIX G Presbytery of Tampa Bay Commissioned Ruling Elder Program COM Mentor (Ordinarily the assigned Moderator of the Session) (Name of Commissioned Ruling Elder)) / / (Date of Review) (Church of Commission) (COM Mentor) Insights and Learnings: Recommend renewal of commission: Yes No Attach revised Commissioned Ruling Elder Agreement (F 1) Return to: Committee on Ministry Presbytery of Tampa Bay 4704 Kelly Road, Tampa, FL Phone: , Fax: CRE Policy Appendices, page 17

54 Written Report for Tampa Bay Presbytery Meeting July 23, 2015 Summer Camp Season We are having another amazing summer full of fun and faith! Our enrollment is greater than 2014 and we are excited about the life-changing ministry that is taking place in God s name. The campers are enjoying the curriculum and are learning a great deal about the Holy Spirit and the ways that we can make a difference in the world around us. Thank you for sending campers, staff, and your prayers! Homecoming Event Coming home conjures thoughts of reunion, talks around the dining table looking back at memories, catching up with the present, and sharing our future dreams. Our Cedarkirk homecoming celebration on September 5th is exactly that: sitting in the rocking chairs with old friends, sharing a meal, and catching up with one another s lives. Whether you are visiting Cedarkirk for the first time or the 100th time, this will be a great time to spend the day or the weekend. Our celebration is Saturday, September 5th with options available for a longer stay throughout the Labor Day weekend. The cost is only $12 for the day and includes lunch, snacks and all your activities. We look forward to welcoming you back and celebrating our past, present and future together. Discernment Through Service Program In addition to the amazing ministry that takes place with children and youth each summer, many of our young adult summer staff also have experiences that result in transformation or new direction. We are now entering the fifth year of a special program designed for young adults who are wrestling with God s call for their lives, particularly a possible call to ministry. Through service to the camp, intentional communal experiences, and directed discernment opportunities, our goals is to provide participants with a program that will allow them to more fully listen to God s call. Applications and more information can be found at our website. Where will you hold your fall church retreat? - Facility Availability Cedarkirk is a beautiful place apart for your next day event or overnight retreat. The staff here seek to provide a facility and ministry of hospitality that will be enjoyed by every member of your group. Pictures, floorplans, activity information, and rates are all available online. Upcoming Events Summer Camp - Our traditional week-long residential camps for 1st-12th graders. June 14 - August 7 Challenge to Change - A unique mission-trip program designed for a variety of groups. Year-round Homecoming - Our annual family retreat and reunion event! Come and reconnect! Sept. 4-6 Falltastic - A special fall event designed for our elementary-aged friends. Oct. 2-3 Senior Adults Retreat - A day-event designed just for our senior friends. Oct. 21 Fusion - A new Cedarkirk event for middle and high school youth! Nov Christmas Retreat - Christmas Camp and Reunion for 1 st -12 th graders. Dec Christmas International House - A national program of hospitality to international students. Dec. 18-Jan 2

55 A Collaborative Initiative! Presbyterian Women, PDA and FLAPDAN June 2015 This past week, the worship space of a small Korean congregation in the Presbytery of Tampa Bay burned due to an electrical fire sparked by a utility pole falling on the roof during a storm. Thankfully no one was injured. The Springwater Korean Presbyterian Church of Brandon lost everything from their 10-year history as a congregation. The Florida Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Network (FLAPDAN) worked in cooperation with the Presbytery of Tampa Bay and Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) to provide resources and grant assistance from PDA. Disasters happen. All kinds. It s Hurricane Season and if you don t have a disaster plan for your family or congregation, now is the time to get a plan! In a new collaborative initiative, Presbyterian Women (PW) and PDA have joined forces to offer Disaster Preparedness workshops for churches across the nation. They are partnering with FLAPDAN to provide a train the trainer workshop in Florida in order to begin rolling out the program across our synod and Puerto Rico. Here are some details from PDA: The first multi-presbytery PW-PDA Disaster Preparedness training will be held near Tampa at Tims Memorial Presbyterian Church, 601 Sunset Lane, Lutz, FL on Saturday, August 29 from 9 am to 5 pm. PDA s goal is to have 2-4 Presbyterian Women Disaster Preparedness (PWDP) trainers in each presbytery. PWDP trainers will work in pairs to train families, congregations, communities and presbyteries, men and women, about the need to prepare for disasters. This is a three year training commitment for at least three trainings annually. PWDP trainers do not have to be a member of a Presbyterian Women circle, but they have to agree to be a liaison with the PW Presbytery Coordinating Team and be in

56 communication about the trainings they give. Our hope is that this program will involve more women in PW. The PWDP training is for women only and PDA needs a minimum of 20 participants to make this training cost effective. For the initial PW Disaster Preparedness Training, PDA will cover travel and per diem (meal) costs of the women who are being trained. After the initial training by PDA instructors, PWDP trainers will be responsible for their own expenses. At the end of the training, those who have completed all course requirements will be commissioned and receive a PW-PDA blue scarf, woven by Guatemalan women. It is so important to have a disaster plan so we can take care of our families and congregations. Connecting churches disaster plans to the preparedness plans of the presbytery and local community will benefit everyone. Please share this news widely. I encourage all women interested in this training to contact me at fla.pdan@pcusa.org for more information and an application. Application deadline is August 10th. Let s all get prepared! In partnership, Kathy Broyard Executive Director / Emergency Management Specialist Florida Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Network (FLAPDAN) Phone: fla.pdan@pcusa.org Like Us on Facebook! Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Florida Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Network, Inc. Phone: fla.pdan@pcusa.org

57 Volunteers needed! Rebuilding for Florida Panhandle Flood Recovery Schedule your mission trip now! Spring rains in 2014 brought massive flooding to areas in Pensacola and the eastern panhandle, damaging over 14,000 homes. Many families are still struggling with repairs. Please help by sending a mission team to rebuild homes and lives. For more information or to schedule a mission trip, Please contact: Presbyterian Disaster Assistance National Call Center pda.callcenter@pcusa.org

58 PW and PDA invite you to become a Disaster Preparedness Trainer! Presbyterian Women and Presbyterian Disaster Assistance have joined forces to offer Disaster Preparedness workshops for churches across the nation. This Train the Trainer event will give women the tools needed to conduct Disaster Preparedness workshops for churches, presbyteries and communities. Saturday, August 29, :00-5:00 Tims Memorial Presbyterian Church Tampa, Florida This training is for women only. You do not have to be a member of Presbyterian Women. Training expenses will be reimbursed by PDA. For more information, please contact: Kathy Broyard, Florida PDA Network fla.pdan@pcusa.org