Committee on Ministry Handbook. Presbytery of South Dakota

Transcription

1 Committee on Ministry Handbook Synod of Lakes and Prairies Presbytery of South Dakota AUGUST 2012 Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

2 Presbytery of South Dakota

3 PREFACE UNDERSTANDING THE COMMITTEE ON MINISTRY... 9 HEALTHY MINISTRIES: THE GOAL OF COMMITTEE ON MINISTRY WORK 9 WHAT IS HEALTHY MINISTRY? 9 CHARACTERISTICS OF HEALTHY MINISTRY 10 WHAT IS THE COMMITTEE ON MINISTRY (COM)? 11 DOES EVERY PRESBYTERY HAVE A COM? 11 RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE COM 11 HOW DOES THE COM DEAL WITH CONFIDENTIALITY? 12 WHAT ARE SIGNIFICANT RELATIONSHIPS FOR THE COM? 13 COMMITTEE EXPECTATIONS 14 WHAT RESOURCES ARE AVAILABLE FOR THE COM? 14 GLOSSARY OF COMMONLY USED TERMS REFLECTIONS ON THE WORK OF THE COM SOME THEOLOGICAL REFLECTIONS ON THE WORK OF THE COM 33 THE GREATER CHURCH 33 THE PARTICULAR CHURCH 34 CALL AND LEADERSHIP 34 ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS IN THE WORK OF THE COM 35 GUIDELINES FOR ETHICAL CONDUCT 35 MINISTERS AND CONGREGATIONS 38 MINISTERS AS MEMBERS OF PRESBYTERY AND THE LARGER COMMUNITY 39 THE SPIRITUAL DIMENSIONS OF THE WORK OF THE COM THE COM AND CONGREGATIONS NURTURING RELATIONSHIPS WITH CONGREGATIONS 41 THE COM AND CONGREGATIONS IN TRANSITION 41 APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY 42 LIFE CYCLE ISSUES 43 THE COM AND NEW CHURCH DEVELOPMENT 43 THE COM AND SMALL CONGREGATIONS 44 SHARED MINISTRY AND LARGER PARISHES 45 THE COM AND IMMIGRANT MINISTRIES 47 CONFLICT 47 EMPHASIZING CONGREGATIONAL HEALTH 47 WORK ON PREVENTION RATHER THAN INTERVENTION 48 EQUIP YOUR COM 49 LEVELS OF CONFLICT INTENSITY 49 INTERVENE EFFECTIVELY WHEN TROUBLE ARISES 50 STEPS FOR CONFLICT UTILIZATION 52 PASTORAL CARE DURING A CONFLICT 54 RACIAL ETHNIC AND MULTICULTURAL CONGREGATIONS 54 COM AND RACIAL ETHNIC PASTORS AND CONGREGATIONS 55 Presbytery of South Dakota Table of Contents

4 THE TRIENNIAL VISIT 56 THE PURPOSES OF A TRIENNIAL VISIT ARE: 56 ETHICAL ISSUES 57 POSD GUIDELINES FOR THE TRIENNIAL VISIT 59 PROCEDURES 60 CONGREGATIONAL STRATEGY RELATIONSHIPS WITH CONGREGATIONS SEARCHING FOR PASTORAL LEADERSHIP GENERAL COMMENTS 63 A HEALTHY GOODBYE 63 EXIT INTERVIEWS 64 EXIT INTERVIEW MODELS 65 ETHICS FOR DEPARTING PASTORS 66 SEPARATION ETHICS 67 A. SAYING GOODBYE 67 B. RESPONSIBILITIES IN SAYING GOODBYE 68 SUMMARY 74 FINDING TEMPORARY LEADERSHIP 75 OPTIONS FOR PASTORAL LEADERSHIP 75 ORDERLY EXCHANGE WITH FORMULA PARTNER CHURCHES 76 YOKED CONGREGATIONS 77 WHY DO CONGREGATIONS YOKE? 78 ESTABLISHING A NEW YOKE 78 SAMPLE FORMS 80 AN OUTLINE FOR CALLING A NEW PASTOR PASTORAL RELATIONSHIPS MEMBERSHIP IN PRESBYTERY AND VALIDATED MINISTRIES 89 CATEGORIES OF MEMBERSHIP 89 IF NOT VALIDATED MINISTRY, WHAT OTHER OPTIONS? 90 INSTALLED PASTORAL RELATIONSHIPS 90 DESIGNATED PASTOR 90 TENTMAKING PASTORS 91 TEMPORARY PASTORAL RELATIONS 92 TYPES OF TEMPORARY PASTORS 92 AUTHORITY FOR TEMPORARY PASTORAL RELATIONSHIPS 92 COMMISSIONED RULING ELDER 93 TEMPORARY SUPPLY PASTOR 94 INTERIM PASTOR 94 RETIRED SUPPLY 95 ORGANIZING PASTOR 95 PARISH ASSOCIATE RELATIONSHIP 96 MINISTERS OF OTHER DENOMINATIONS 96 FINDING TEMPORARY LEADERSHIP 97 MINISTERS SERVING IN SPECIALIZED MINISTRIES 98 Table of Contents Presbytery of South Dakota

5 ENDORSEMENT FOR SPECIALIZED MINISTRY 98 MILITARY CHAPLAINS 99 MILITARY CHAPLAINS AND USERRA 100 VETERANS ADMINISTRATION CHAPLAINS 100 PASTORAL COUNSELORS AND OTHER TYPES OF CHAPLAINS 100 TERMINOLOGY AND PROCESSES 101 IDEAS FOR SUPPORTING PERSONS IN SPECIALIZED PASTORAL MINISTRIES 102 PROCESS OF ENDORSEMENT 103 RESOURCES 104 PROCEDURES IS IT TIME TO MOVE? 106 DISSOLVING THE PASTORAL RELATIONSHIP 109 AT THE REQUEST OF THE PASTOR 109 AT THE REQUEST OF THE CONGREGATION 109 PRESBYTERY ACTION 110 PASTORAL SERVICE DURING TRANSITION 111 ELECTION OF A PNC 111 PLANNING PASTORAL SERVICES FOR TRANSITIONAL PERIOD 112 ELECTING THE PASTOR NOMINATING COMMITTEE (PNC) 112 ORIENTING AND ORGANIZING THE PNC 113 DEVELOPING AND COMPLETING CHURCH INFORMATION FORM (CIF) 113 COLLECTING AND SCREENING PIFS 113 CHECKING REFERENCES 114 BACKGROUND CHECKS 116 SEXUAL MISCONDUCT STATEMENT 116 INTERVIEWING POTENTIAL PASTORS 117 INTERVIEW PROCESS 118 HOUSING CONSIDERATIONS 120 CHOOSING THE NOMINEE 120 POLICY ON VOTES TO CALL A PASTOR 121 DOCKET FOR CONGREGATIONAL MEETING TO ELECT PASTOR 122 PRESBYTERY INSTALLS THE PASTOR 123 TOOLS TO ASSIST THE SEARCH 124 ELECTION OF A DPNC 124 TENTMAKING MINISTERS 125 TERMS OF CALL FOR TENTMAKERS 125 PREPARING A CIF FOR TENTMAKING POSITIONS 126 TEMPORARY PASTORAL RELATIONSHIPS 127 ARRANGING FOR TEMPORARY RELATIONSHIPS: 127 TERMS OF TEMPORARY PASTORAL RELATIONSHIP 127 COORDINATING WITH CPM FOR FIRST CALL CANDIDATES 128 THE PREPARATION FOR MINISTRY PROCESS 128 CIRCUMSTANCES WHEN INTERIM PASTORS ARE DESIRABLE 130 APPROPRIATE GOALS FOR INTERIM PERIOD 131 PROCESS FOR SECURING AN INTERIM 132 TERMS OF CALL 132 Presbytery of South Dakota Table of Contents

6 TERMS OF CALL IN POSD 133 UNDERSTANDING EFFECTIVE SALARY 134 CALLING A NEW PASTOR 136 MODEL LETTERS LETTER TO SECURE APPROVAL OF A SECONDARY REFERENCE 137 FORM FOR CANDIDATE TO APPROVE SECONDARY REFERENCES 138 NO LONGER UNDER CONSIDERATION 139 FOR A NON-YOKED CHURCH 140 FOR A YOKED PARISH 141 FOR SERIOUS OR CONTINUED CONSIDERATION 142 SELECTION TO SHORT LIST 143 COMMISSIONED RULING ELDERS APPLICATION AND SCREENING OF POTENTIAL CRES 146 SUPERVISION AND SUPPORT OF CRES 146 WHAT IF A CRE MOVES? 147 (SAMPLE) COVENANT WITH A COMMISSIONED RULING ELDER CARE OF CHURCH PROFESSIONALS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT 149 COM CAN HELP TEACHING ELDERS GROW BY: 151 RESOURCES: 152 PASTORAL CARE OF PASTORS AND THEIR FAMILIES 153 VISITATION 153 SOME APPROACHES TO CARE AND SUPPORT 153 RESOURCES 153 PARTNERING WITH PASTORS AND SESSIONS, FIRST CALL PASTORS 154 RECOGNITION OF PROBLEM AREAS 155 POSSIBLE SOLUTION TO PROBLEMS 156 INTERIM PASTORS 156 WORKING WITH RETIRED TEACHING ELDERS 157 RESOURCES: 160 CONCERNS AT THE TIME OF DEATH IN PRESBYTERY 160 LIAISON RESPONSIBILITIES 160 PRESBYTERY OFFICE STAFF 160 ANNUAL REVIEW OF MINISTRY 161 QUESTIONS FOR CONSIDERATION: 161 RESOURCES: 161 COMPENSATION FOR TEACHING ELDERS 162 COMPENSATION REVIEW 162 RESOURCES: 163 COMPENSATION COMPONENTS 163 CHRISTIAN EDUCATORS RESOURCES RESOURCES FOR COM MODERATOR THE SPIRITUAL DIMENSIONS OF THE WORK OF THE COM 167 Table of Contents Presbytery of South Dakota

7 EQUIP YOUR COM 168 RESOURCES 168 INTERVENE EFFECTIVELY WHEN TROUBLE ARISES 168 FOUR CHANGES THAT CAN LEAD TO CONFLICT IN CONGREGATIONS 168 STEPS FOR CONFLICT ASSESSMENT 170 COM ACTION IN CONFLICT 171 MODERATING MEETINGS 172 TRAINING FOR MEMBERS OF THE COM UNDERSTANDING THE COMMITTEE ON MINISTRY 174 CONGREGATIONAL STRATEGY 174 HEALTHY MINISTRIES BEGIN WITH NURTURING A HEALTHY COM 175 ORGANIZING FOR SUCCESSFUL MINISTRY WITHIN PRESBYTERY 175 IMPORTANT RELATIONSHIPS FOR THE COM MODERATOR REFLECTIONS ON THE WORK OF THE COM 179 ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS IN THE WORK OF THE COM 179 GUIDELINES FOR ETHICAL CONDUCT COM AND CONGREGATIONS 181 THINKING SYSTEMICALLY ABOUT CONGREGATIONAL LIFE 181 CONDITIONS THAT ENABLE IMMIGRANT MINISTRY 182 THE COM AND LARGE CONGREGATIONS 184 CONGREGATIONAL MISSION STUDIES 185 TIPS ABOUT MISSION STUDIES: 186 RESOURCES FOR MISSION STUDIES 187 EMPHASIZING CONGREGATIONAL HEALTH 187 WORK ON PREVENTION RATHER THAN INTERVENTION 188 CHURCH CONFLICT 189 BOARD OF PENSIONS OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (U.S.A.) WORKING WITH CONGREGATIONS SEEKING PASTORAL LEADERSHIP 191 STRUCTURING THE COM FOR HEALTHY MINISTRY 191 EMPOWERING THE COM TO SAY NO 194 MODERATING MEETINGS 195 TRAINING FOR MEMBERS OF THE COM 196 CONTACT INFORMATION 197 SESSION WORKSHOP 198 COMPONENTS OF THE WORKSHOP 198 PNC WORKSHOP 201 COMPONENTS OF THE WORKSHOP PASTORAL CARE 208 ORDINATION 208 CONTINUING MEMBERS 209 VALIDATED MINISTRY 209 EXAMINING TEACHING ELDERS FOR MEMBERSHIP 211 MINISTERIAL MISCONDUCT ISSUES 213 CARING FOR THE CONGREGATION AFTER MISCONDUCT 216 CARING FOR THE MINISTER 218 ABOUT PREVENTION 218 DISSOLUTION OF CHURCH EMPLOYMENT 219 VOLUNTARY DISSOLUTION 221 MINISTERS OF OTHER DENOMINATIONS 225 Presbytery of South Dakota Table of Contents

8 IMMIGRANT MINISTERS 227 SAMPLE SABBATICAL LEAVE POLICY 227 THE COM AND THE AAEEO POLICY OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY 231 REVIEW OF CONFLICT UTILIZATION TECHNIQUES 232 ADMINISTRATION CONTENTS OF PERMANENT FILES OF TEACHING ELDERS 234 PROCEDURES FOR PERMANENT FILES OF TEACHING ELDERS COPIER-READY FORMS CONGREGATIONAL FORMS POSD QUESTIONS FOR TRIENNIAL VISITS 240 TRIENNIAL VISIT QUESTIONS FOR SESSION 241 TRIENNIAL VISIT QUESTIONS FOR PASTOR 242 EVALUATION OF TRIENNIAL VISIT 243 SAMPLE COVENANT FOR SHARED MINISTRY 243 SAMPLE COVENANT FOR SHARED MINISTRY 244 YOKED MINISTRY AGREEMENT, SAMPLE 1, PAGE YOKED MINISTRY AGREEMENT, SAMPLE 1, PAGE YOKED MINISTRY AGREEMENT, SAMPLE 2, PAGE YOKED MINISTRY AGREEMENT, SAMPLE 2, PAGE COVENANT FOR SHARED MINISTRY 250 SAMPLE PASTORAL JOB DESCRIPTION 251 DOCKET FOR CONGREGATIONAL MEETING 253 CALL FORMS PNC REFERENCE CHECK 254 SUMMARY OF PASTORAL SEARCH PROCESS 255 SUGGESTED INTERVIEW QUESTIONS 257 PASTOR S DATA SHEET 258 COMPENSATION INCLUDED IN EFFECTIVE SALARY 259 DOCKET FOR CONGREGATIONAL MEETING TO ELECT PASTOR 260 PASTORAL CALL FORM, PAGE PASTORAL CALL FORM, PAGE 2 CERTIFICATION OF CALL PASTORAL CALL FORM 264 INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE OF THE PASTORAL CALL FORM 266 Table of Contents Presbytery of South Dakota

9 SUPPLEMENTAL COVENANT WITH A TENTMAKING MINISTER 267 PASTORAL AGREEMENT FOR AN INTERIM MINISTER 269 COVENANT FOR INTENTIONAL INTERIM MINISTRY 272 SAMPLE COVENANT WITH AN INTERIM PASTOR 274 SAMPLE COVENANT FOR TEMPORARY PASTOR 276 CONTRACT FOR TEMPORARY PASTORAL SERVICES 277 SAMPLE COVENANT WITH A CRE 279 AGREEMENT FOR TERMINATION AND SEPARATION 280 COMMISSION FOR ORDINATION/INSTALLATION 282 REPORT ON ORDINATION/INSTALLATION 283 REPORT AND REVIEW FORMS EEO IN MINISTRY 284 REPORT ON TEMPORARY PASTORAL RELATIONSHIP 285 REVIEW OF TEMPORARY PASTORAL RELATIONSHIP 286 SESSION REVIEW OF A TEMPORARY OR SUPPLY MINISTER 287 REVIEW BY A TEMPORARY OR STATED SUPPLY MINISTER 288 ANNUAL REPORT TO PRESBYTERY BY TEACHING ELDERS IN SPECIALIZED MINISTRIES 289 ANNUAL REVIEW OF COMMISSIONED RULING ELDER 291 EXIT INTERVIEW FOR PASTOR 294 EXIT INTERVIEW FOR SESSION 296 MISSION STUDY CONGREGATIONAL MISSION STATEMENT 298 CONGREGATIONAL MISSION STUDY 300 REPORT FORM FOR NON-PARISH TEACHING ELDERS 301 DISBURSEMENT VOUCHER 303 APPENDIX SEXUAL MISCONDUCT POLICY 305 B RESPONSE COORDINATION TEAM 305 P3-4.S SEXUAL HARASSMENT: 305 INDEX Presbytery of South Dakota Table of Contents

10 PREFACE This manual was prepared by beginning with the 2007 COM Handbook, which provided the basic structure and majority of the content, deleting portions of the Handbook that were intended as instructions to presbyteries preparing their own COM Manual, and integrating material from the June 2000 version of the POSD that contain additional information or POSD policies and procedures. Later, the 2011 Advisory Handbook became available and those topics were examined and integrated into the earlier work. Topics of all versions were compared side-by-side to facilitate their inclusion in appropriate parts of the manual. The resulting POSD manual was totally edited and reformatted for ease of reading and visual appeal, and to permit inclusion of an automated Table of Contents. Important words and phrases were marked for inclusion in an automated Index. Table of Contents Presbytery of South Dakota

11 1. Understanding the Committee on Ministry Healthy Ministries: the goal of Committee on Ministry work Pastors and congregations come into relationship with expectations and assumptions, but little knowledge of one another. The effectiveness of their ministry together depends a great deal on how well they build a relationship of understanding, appreciation, and trust. The Committee on Ministry s primary responsibility is to serve as pastor and counselor to the teaching elders and Certified Christian Educators of the presbytery, to facilitate the relationship between congregations, teaching elders, and Certified Christian Educators, and the presbytery, and to settle difficulties on behalf of presbytery when possible and expedient (paraphrased from G ). The responsibilities of the COM are best fulfilled by fostering healthy ministries in the congregations of the presbytery. What is Healthy Ministry? One of the ways presbytery s role as pastor, counselor and advisor is best fulfilled is by developing and maintaining mechanisms and processes that cultivate both healthy congregations and healthy leaders who, together, are able to devote their best energies to fulfilling God s call to become communities of faith, hope, love, and witness. Health, wellness, wholeness, well-being: all these English words come from a common root word that connects to the Hebrew word, shalom. Shalom is variously translated as a greeting akin to hello, as peace, and as wholeness, health and wellbeing. God s will for the shalom, the peace and health, of God s people is a theme found in every part of the Bible. Yet, health in congregational life is not so easily defined as health in a human body. The shape of congregational life varies from one place to another. Not every congregation can or should engage in precisely the same forms of worship, Christian education, congregational fellowship, or service to the world beyond the church building. We might be tempted to say that healthy congregations, like beauty, are in the eye of the beholder. The marvelous diversity of healthy congregations might even encourage us to conclude that healthy congregations can only be known when we see them. However, there are some shared characteristics that are discernable in most healthy congregations. Presbytery of South Dakota Understanding the COM

12 Characteristics of healthy ministry Healthy congregations can be found in inner city settings, on the square in county seat towns, and nestled into suburban developments. Yet in all the variety of healthy expressions of ministry, healthy congregations are alike in sharing many of these norms and behaviors: Vibrant faith in God is expressed in lively, faithful worship and in a commitment to engage in ministries of justice and compassion. Caring response to the needs of people outside the church is as important as fostering relationships of friendship and caring within the congregation. Following God s intentions for the congregation is more important than maintaining buildings or merely balancing the budget. Respect for tradition and the past is balanced by flexibility and creativity. People of all ages are growing in wisdom and knowledge. Relationships of friendship and mutual accountability provide the context for inclusive hospitality and respectful evangelism. Respect, accountability and trust rather than control, individualism and secrecy characterize relationships within the congregation. Clear structures of authority and decision-making are coupled with open access to those structures by the entire congregation. Transparency and openness in regard to communication, information sharing and decision-making are balanced by appropriate and respectful treatment of confidential information. Respect for the authority of called and elected leaders is coupled with the awareness that leaders are only part of a very complex organism. Congregational self-confidence is balanced by appropriate humility. Congregations, like the people who are part of them, are gifted and flawed, faulty and faithful, often messy and always thoroughly human. Few congregations may ever fully live up to the ideal of being communities of faith, hope, love, and witness. However, when congregations and their leaders are healthy, they are better able to faithfully answer God s call and to respond to the claims of God on the people of God. In the language of another era, the Preliminary Principles of the Book of Order tells us what the church is called to do. The great ends of the church are the proclamation of the gospel for the salvation of humankind; the shelter, nurture, and spiritual fellowship of the children of God; the maintenance of divine worship; the preservation of the truth; the promotion of social righteousness; and the exhibition of the Kingdom of Heaven to the world. (F ) Committees on Ministry that are healthy devote their best energies to helping the ministries of the presbytery to be healthy. As they do, they partner with God in bringing to reality the Great Ends of the Church. 1. Understanding COM Presbytery of South Dakota

13 What is the Committee on Ministry (COM)? Each presbytery is charged by the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) as follows: develop and maintain mechanisms and processes to serve as pastor and counselor to teaching elders, ruling elders commissioned to pastoral service, and certified Christian educators of the presbytery; to facilitate the relations between the presbytery and its congregations, teaching elders, ruling elders commissioned to pastoral service, and certified Christian educators; and to settle difficulties on behalf of the presbytery where possible and expedient. (G ) Presbytery may delegate to committees the authority To facilitate the presbytery s oversight of inquirers and candidates, reception and oversight of teaching elder members, approval of calls for pastoral services and invitations for temporary pastoral services, oversight of congregations without pastors, dissolution of relationships, dismissal of members, and its close relationship with both member congregations and teaching elders (G ) The Committee on Ministry is responsible for the health of ministry in the presbytery, attending to the well-being of congregations and their faithfulness in responding to God s call to them as well as the nurture, support and professional development of church professionals, including teaching elders, Certified Christian Educators, and, in some presbyteries, ruling elders commissioned to pastoral service, now commonly called Commissioned Ruling Elders (CRE) (formerly called Commissioned Lay Pastors). Does every presbytery have a COM? Not necessarily. The Book of Order now permits each presbytery to create its own committee structure so long as the assigned responsibilities are performed. The Presbytery of South Dakota (POSD) has continued to use the COM as it has under the previous form of government. Responsibilities of the COM As was the case with the previous form of government, The Committee on Ministry is to serve as pastor and counselor to ministers; to facilitate relations between congregations, ministers, and the presbytery; and to settle difficulties on behalf of presbytery. The POSD has defined the COM areas of responsibility, as under the previous Presbytery of South Dakota Understanding the COM

14 form of government, as follows: It shall visit regularly and consult with each teaching elder in the presbytery; report to presbytery the type of work in which each minister of the presbytery is engaged; require an annual report of each teaching elder performing work that is not under the jurisdiction of the presbytery or a higher council of the church. Make recommendations to presbytery regarding calls for the services of its teaching elder. Visit with each session of the presbytery at least once every three years. Counsel with congregations and their Pastor Nominating Committees regarding calls for permanent pastoral relations. Counsel with congregations regarding the advisability of calling a designated pastor. Counsel with congregations regarding temporary and called pastors, providing lists of available pastors, commissioned ruling elders, and qualified ordained and laypersons who have been trained and certified by presbytery to supply vacant pulpits. Provide for the implementation of equal employment opportunity for teaching elders and candidates, and report to presbytery the steps taken by each calling group to implement equal employment opportunity. If authorized by presbytery, find in order calls issued by congregations, approve and present calls, approve examination of teaching elders transferring from other presbyteries, dissolve pastoral relationships in certain situations, grant permission to labor within or outside the bounds of presbytery, and dismiss teaching elders to other presbyteries. Promote the peace and harmony of the congregations. Counsel with session regarding difficulties in the congregation, act as mediator in conflict situations, and/or act to correct difficulties in a conflict situation when asked to do so by the parties involved or when authorized by presbytery to do so. The Committee on Ministry appoints liaisons to the congregations and urges congregations to keep a mission design current in order to facilitate the search process for a new pastor when a pastor leaves. Additional responsibilities of the Committee on Ministry include work with teaching elders joining another denomination or ministers transferring to the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) from other denominations or from other presbyteries, work with teaching elders seeking release from the exercise of ordained office, and dissolution of pastoral relationships, if authorized to do so by presbytery. In the POSD, the COM also has responsibility for working with commissioned ruling elders. How does the COM deal with Confidentiality? Confidentiality about the work of the COM is crucial to the integrity of the Committee and the level of trust the members of a presbytery will place in it. Matters 1. Understanding COM Presbytery of South Dakota

15 before the COM are sensitive and should be held in confidence unless the welfare of a congregation or the safety of an individual is in question. Even then, the COM must be extremely cautious about sharing information except with those who have a clearly identified need to know. Information learned through the COM should never, under any circumstances, be the subject of casual conversation, especially not with persons who are unaffiliated with the COM. It is wise for the COM to have a policy that requires members of the COM to excuse themselves from any discussion of the congregation with which they work or of which they are members. A similar policy of excusing oneself when a discussion concerns a church professional who is a close friend will help avoid any appearance of favoritism. Members of the COM hold an important position of trust and responsibility in the presbytery, a position that carries with it a significant degree of power, although sometimes the COM may be perceived as having more power than it actually does. Members of the COM must be mindful of both their actual power and their perceived power and strive to be above reproach in their dealing with confidential matters. What are significant relationships for the COM? The Committee on Ministry s responsibility to provide for healthy ministry means that members focus on building relationships of mutual trust and care within the committee, with congregations and with ministry professionals. Those relationships become the foundation on which all the other work of the committee is built. The Committee members rely on each other as colleagues and partners in ministry. Their relationships with one another are characterized by the same mutual trust and care that is the goal of their work with congregations and church professionals. The Committee on Ministry will work closely with a number of other people and committees in the presbytery and in the larger church. Those relationships include: The Executive/General Presbyter and/or other presbytery staff to coordinate the work of the COM and to respond to emerging needs The Stated Clerk of the presbytery who can advise and assist the committee The moderator of the Committee on Preparation for Ministry, especially in matters related to the ordination of candidates for ministry The Nominating Committee of the presbytery in finding new members of COM The Committee on Representation of the presbytery All committees of the presbytery as they relate to congregations Committees on Ministry and Committees on Preparation for Ministry in other presbyteries, especially in accepting or dismissing clergy and candidates Synod and General Assembly staff who relate to Committees on Ministry and provide resources and support for COM Presbytery of South Dakota Understanding the COM

16 Committee Expectations Attendance at meeting is expected. (Please notify the moderator if you will not be able to attend.) Members will share rides to meetings. Material to be considered by the committee should, if possible, be sent to the moderator two weeks prior to the meeting at which it will be considered. This would include items such as: Report of Triennial Visit Review of Stated Supply Terms of Call Committee Report/Recommendations Report of Exit Interview Revised Yoked Agreements Installation Arrangements Request An agenda and materials to be considered by the committee will be sent to members a week in advance of each meeting. In addition to committee business matters, meetings will include: shared worship and prayer; growth/training experience; appropriate breaks; and time for sharing of personal/church concerns. Ordinarily, Committee on Ministry business is confidential. Committee members expect to use inclusive language. Meetings will be adjourned by docketed time. Minutes of meetings will be mailed out as soon as possible following meetings. What resources are available for the COM? Tools you will need: The Bible The Book of Order - (The Annotated Edition may be especially helpful for the COM Moderator) Handbook for Committees on Ministry available for download from On Calling a Pastor: a Manual for Churches Seeking Pastors PDS# On Seeking a Call: A Manual for Church Professionals Considering New Ministries (Download Only.) Resources from the PC(USA) website, especially those for the use of the COM Church Leadership Connection website Your Presbytery s handbook or guidelines for your committee Guidelines for Session Personnel Committees Resources 1. Understanding COM Presbytery of South Dakota

17 Benefits Administrative Handbook for presbyteries, synods, etc. (from Board of Pensions) Standards for Ethical Conduct --published by Office of the GA, available for download from Sexual misconduct policy of your presbytery Sexual Misconduct Policy and Its Procedures -- published by the Office of the GA, available for download from List of churches, teaching elders, Certified Christian Educators and Commissioned Ruling Elders in the presbytery, with annually updated address, telephone, Name, address, phone, and of frequently used resources such as: o Your Synod staff person who resources the COM o Office of Vocation - o 100 Witherspoon St., Louisville, KY o ext o o Church Leadership Connection o Board of Pensions or o Presbyterian Distribution Service or Regarding Christian Educators: Calling to Educational Ministry, online at Presbytery of South Dakota Understanding the COM

18 Glossary of Commonly Used Terms Prepared and Shared by Diana Barber, Associate Executive, Synod of Lakes and Prairies. Updated by Doska Ross (2007) and enhanced by the Advisory Handbook (2011). Term/Initials AA/EOE or EEO Annual Consultation Assistant Pastor Explanation Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer or Equal Employment Opportunity. The church and each governing body have a policy re: AA/EOE, which must be followed during any search process. The annual conversation between a CPM and each of its Inquirers and Candidates to assess the progress of their preparation for ministry. The position of Assistant Pastor is no longer approved (since December 31, 1985) and there are no longer any persons serving as Assistant Pastors. Book of Order Reference F , G No longer mentioned in BOO. G-2.06 The wording has been edited out of the Book of Order Associate Pastor A member of the pastoral staff of a G congregation elected by the congregation and called and installed with the approval of presbytery (upon recommendation of COM). This is one of the permanent installed pastoral offices. At-Large Member See "Member At Large" G b Bi-Vocational Pastor Book of Confessions Book of Order (BOO) A clergyperson who maintains a job in addition to part-time pastoral ministry, usually to enable the person to serve a congregation that could not provide full time compensation or work. Also called a Tentmaker. The part of the Constitution that includes the historic creeds and confessions adopted by the denomination as containing the essential tenets of the Reformed tradition. The part of the Constitution that defines the rules that govern our corporate lives as members and governing bodies. The 3 parts are the Form of Government, the Directory for Worship and the Rules of Discipline. 1. Understanding COM Presbytery of South Dakota

19 Terms/Initials Boundaries Call Candidate Candidate Assessment Candidating Explanation Geographically, the bounds of a governing body--the counties included in a presbytery, the presbyteries included in a synod, etc. Interpersonally, the limits of personal and professional space. Often referred to in relation to pastor-parishioner and intra-staff relationships. Theologically, the sense that God has chosen one to engage in ministry as a layperson or clergy. Also referred to as "vocation." Also the term applied to the covenant between the congregation and pastor wherein the pastor responds to the "call" of the congregation in response to a larger vocation to ministry. This term also applies to the specifics of the contract or covenant established between the pastor and congregation including compensation, etc. The status in the preparation for ministry process following Inquirer. Movement to candidacy requires approval of the session and presbytery of care. "Candidate" also is used to refer to the persons being considered during the search to fill a particular ministerial position. Part of the preparation for ministry ordinarily required of all those entering the process, during which their psychological fitness for ministry and their sense of vocation is examined by a psychologist or other professional counselor. Term frequently applied to the final step preceding nomination for election to the pastorate in a congregation. Ordinarily refers to the day on which the candidate for the position preaches to the congregation and is presented during the congregational meeting. Book of Order Reference G-2.01 G-2.08 G , Presbytery of South Dakota Understanding the COM

20 Term/Initials Career Development Center Certification Certified Christian Educator Chaplain CIF CLC Clerk of Session Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) CLP COGA Explanation A term applied to the centers which provide career counseling services for church professionals. There are centers across the country. More information is available at The process of authorizing a person as qualified for a particular form of service or ready for movement within a process. For example, the denomination certifies Christian Educators. Other organizations certify persons serving in some specialized ministries. (Administrative Personnel Association, Presbyterian Association of Musicians (PAM), Presbyterian Church Business Administrators Association, etc.) A presbytery can certify a candidate "ready for examination for ordination" or prepared to be commissioned as a lay pastor. A person serving in educational ministry who has completed the educational and examination requirements specified in the Book of Order for the status of Certified Christian Educator with "access" to the Committee on Ministry. A form of Specialized Ministry usually performed within an institutional setting (hospital, school, military, etc.) Such a position must be validated by presbytery. Church Information Form. The "dossier" or resume prepared by a congregation that is seeking a new pastor. Church Leadership Connection The elder elected to serve as secretary and keeper of records and rolls for a session. An education program to learn pastoral care in a institutional chaplaincy setting. Often candidates engage in CPE to further discern their vocation and gifts for ministry. See Commissioned Lay Pastor Committee on the Office of the General Assembly -- oversees and supports the ministry of the Office of the General Assembly and partner with OGA in carrying out work assigned by the General Assembly. Book of Order References G-2.11 G-2.10 G G G G G Understanding COM Presbytery of South Dakota

21 Book of Order Reference Terms/Initials Explanation COM Committee on Ministry G Commission The church establishes commissions to perform tasks and carry out responsibilities on behalf of the whole establishing body. Presbyteries establish commissions to install pastors, ordain ministers of the Word and Sacrament, and to carry out other administrative functions. A Permanent Judicial Commission is required to prosecute judicial cases brought before the governing body. Commissioned Ruling Elder (CRE) (formerly called Commissioned Lay Pastor) An elder of the PC(USA) who is granted a local commission by the presbytery to lead worship and preach the gospel, watch over the people, and provide for their nurture and service; valid only in one or more designated congregations. The Book of Order defines necessary instruction and the process for examination. The commission to a particular lay pastor should include the specific functions that the person is authorized to perform. G , G a, b D G G Continuing Members Cooperative Committee Co-Pastor In Correspondence All teaching elder members of presbytery who serve in parish ministry or another "validated" ministry or are honorably retired or are members-at-large or inactive. Presbyteries Cooperative Committee on Examinations for Candidates. This committee prepares the required ordination examinations and facilitates their grading. Pastors who are called and installed with shared responsibility for pastoral ministry in a particular church. The status of formal relationship with and recognition of another denomination and the PCUSA. We are "in correspondence" with another denomination if we have had historical relations with it outside the US, are members of the ecumenical bodies in which the PCUSA holds membership, or if we are in full communion with them by ecumenical agreements approved by the General Assembly. Pending meeting the constitutional requirements, the ordination of minister G G G d G G G G G Presbytery of South Dakota Understanding the COM

22 Term/Initials Council Covenant Relationship Covenant Relationship CPE CPM CPM of Call CPM of Care CRE Deacon Designated Pastor Developmental Counseling Directory for Worship Explanation members of a denomination in correspondence with the PCUSA will be recognized by the PCUSA. The generic or collective word for the governing bodies of the PC(USA). Includes sessions, presbyteries, synods and General Assembly. Replaces the previous governing body. The relationship established between the presbytery and inquirers and candidates which defines their mutual responsibilities. The relationship established between the CPM and Inquirers and Candidates which defines their mutual responsibilities. Clinical Pastoral Education. A special inservice opportunity, ordinarily for candidates, spent in an institutional setting under supervision. The purpose is to practice and hone one s pastoral counseling skills. Committee on Preparation for Ministry charged with guiding the preparation of those to be ordained as ministers of the Word and Sacrament The CPM of the presbytery to which a candidate is being called to a first ministry position. The CPM of the presbytery under whose care a particular candidate or inquirer is enrolled. Commissioned Ruling Elder (formerly CLP) The ordered ministry of those ordained to the ministry of compassion, witness and service. An installed pastoral position approved by the presbytery for a designated term. Term is no longer used in the Book of Order. The BOO no longer specifies a limit on the years of service. The program of a career development center that provides pastors with an opportunity to assess their ministries, examine their sense of vocation, and plan for their future ministry. The pastor is considered to be the "client." The part of the Book of Order that provides the guidelines for worship within the Reformed tradition and the liturgical and sacramental requirements for appropriate worship. Book of Order References G-3.0 G G-2.06 G-2.04 G-2.02 G G Understanding COM Presbytery of South Dakota

23 Term/Initials Dissolution Ecumenical Shared Ministry Elder Pastor Emerita or Emeritus Examination of Ministers EP or GP Exception Evaluating Counseling Examination Services Explanation The process of concluding relationship. A pastor s relationship to a congregation is dissolved when he or she leaves the position. A church is dissolved when it is closed. Term applied to any one of several forms of pastoral ministries involving more than one denomination. This may be an ecumenical yoke or other form of cooperative ministry. The ordained office of the church with responsibility for the spiritual oversight and governance of a congregation. Ruling elders are currently serving on the session of a congregation. An honorary status which may be awarded to someone honorably retired from a particular position by election of the congregation and upon approval of the presbytery. This status may include an honorarium but assumes no pastoral authority or duty. The process a presbytery uses to determine whether a minister will be accepted for membership in that presbytery. These are often conducted by the COM but may (also) be conducted on the floor of presbytery. Executive Presbyter or General Presbyter. The chief administrative staff person for a presbytery. When a usual requirement for ordination is waived by a three-fourths vote of the presbytery or when a candidate is given permission to meet the standard examinations requirement through an alternate means. The program of a career development center which provides a COM or Personnel Committee with feedback regarding the emotional and psychological health of a pastor and their current fitness for ministry. In this case, the "client" is the COM or Personnel Committee and they will receive a report if requested. The office in the Office of the General Assembly, which resources the Cooperative Committee and CPMs related to ordination examinations. Book of Order References G-2.09, G G G G G G-2.04 Terminology no longer included in BOO. G G G G Gen Presbyter is not used in BOO. G Presbytery of South Dakota Understanding the COM

24 Term/Initials Extraordinary Federated Church Field Education Final Assessment Five Part Form Form of Government Explanation The term applied to circumstances during which the normal requirements for ordination are waived. This may include educational requirements, examinations, time. A formal ecumenical relationship established between a Presbyterian congregation and one or more congregations of another denomination in which the merged membership functions as one congregation but members ordinarily maintain their separate denominational identity and separate rolls may be kept. In all cases, there shall be a plan of agreement which defines the nature of their federation. That part of the preparation for ministry process in which candidates participate as a student in ministry under the supervision of a pastor or other staff leader and ordinarily as part of their seminary education. This is sometimes called Supervised Practice of Ministry. The placement of students in field positions is normally the responsibility of the seminary, but should be done in consultation with the CPM and, where appropriate, the COM of the presbytery where the placement will occur. The examination of a candidate during the final year of theological education or when all other requirements for preparation are completed to determine the person s readiness to begin ministry. A successful final assessment results in the CPM certifying a candidate "ready for examination for ordination pending a call." The form which a Stated Clerk must fill out in order to complete the transfer of a teaching elder from one presbytery to another or to record reception of a newly ordained minister Form of Government Book of Order References G G b(4) G-5.05 Terminology no longer included in BOO. G G-portion of the BOO 1. Understanding COM Presbytery of South Dakota

25 Term/Initials Explanation Book of Order References GAC General Assembly Council (May have a new name) Formula of The agreement between the PC(USA) and the Book of Order, Agreement Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), the United Church of Christ (UCC), Appendix C and the Reformed Church in America (RCA) which provides for mutual recognition of ordination of clergy. See also Full Foundations of Presbyterian Polity Full Communion General Assembly General Assembly Mission Council General Presbyter, GP Communion The part of the Book of Order that provides the theological and historical foundation for the other sections of the Book of Order. An official relationship between the PC(USA) and those churches recognized by the General Assembly. Full communion includes the mutual recognition of baptism and the orderly exchange of ministers, as defined by ecumenical agreement. The council of the whole denomination, representative of the unity of the synods, presbyteries, sessions, and congregations of the PC(USA). It consists of equal numbers of ruling elders and teaching elders elected by the presbyteries and reflective of the diversity within their bounds The General Assembly Mission Council is the ministry and mission agency of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Six ministry areas carry out our mission work: Compassion, Peace and Justice; Evangelism and Church Growth; Racial Ethnic and Women s Ministries/Presbyterian Women; Theology, Worship and Education; Vocation; and World Mission. A term used for the chief administrative staff person for a presbytery. G G-3.05 Term no longer included in BOO. Presbytery of South Dakota Understanding the COM

26 Term/Initials Head of Staff Honorably Retired HR Immigrant Fellowship/Bible Study Group or congregation Inactive Member Inquirer Inquiry Installation Installed Pastoral Relationship Interim Pastor Explanation The pastor of a congregation who is the supervisor of other pastoral staff. The status which may be granted to a minister in good standing at the time of their retirement from active ministry. An international group of Christian people who are accepted by a Presbytery as part of their evangelistic outreach ministry. They maintain their language and cultural expressions in their worshiping experiences. Usually, their membership is not yet PC(USA). Also can be called Ethnic Specific Models. A minister-member of presbytery or a member of a congregation who has ceased to participate fully in the fellowship of the congregation or governing body may be placed on the Inactive Role if the governing body is unable to contact the person or if the minister has been absent for one year and has failed to report to the presbytery during that time. A person on the inactive role may not be elected to any position in the governing body. A person enrolled in the Inquiry Phase of preparation for ministry. (see Inquiry below.) The initial phase of preparation for ministry, the purpose of which is to provide an opportunity for the church and for those who believe themselves called to Ministry of the Word and Sacrament to explore that call together to determine together one s suitability for that ministry. The act of the council which completes the call of a person to service in the church. Ruling elders and deacons are installed by the congregation. Teaching elders are installed by the presbytery. A call is not complete until the person is installed. Installed pastoral relationships are pastor, copastor, and associate pastor. A teaching elder may be installed for an indefinite period or for a designated term determined by the presbytery. A temporary pastor trained to serve churches in the midst of pastoral transitions. Book of Order References G c G a(1) G b(4) G c Terminology no longer included in BOO. G G W G G G a G b, c 1. Understanding COM Presbytery of South Dakota

27 Term/Initials Interim Intern Investigating Committee Joint Congregational Witness Laboring Outside/Inside the Bounds Larger Parish Liaison Explanation Applies to the time between the dissolution of the pastoral relationship of one pastor and the installation of the next. May also refer to the pastor serving during that time. A candidate for ministry may choose to extend his or her formal educational preparation by seeking a placement in a congregation or other ministry setting as an intern. Such positions vary from a few months (e.g., summer intern) to year-long. They are ordinarily compensated and are often negotiated or arranged through the seminary. This is an optional component of the preparation for ministry process. The committee, appointed by a council, whose task is to determine whether or not there is justification for a charge to be formally made and a disciplinary procedure to be initiated. When a PC(USA) congregation partners with one or more congregations of another denomination through federation, union, or some other plan for cooperative witness approved by the presbytery. Permission which is granted by a presbytery for a teaching elder to minister (work) outside the bounds of presbytery of membership. All validated work of a teaching elder must be authorized by a presbytery. Two or more churches who wish to cooperate in ministry may be established as a larger parish. They may call a pastor(s) together, coordinate ministry through a parish council, coordinate finances, etc. See also yoke. One who connects one group or person with another. Most often used when presbyteries assign a liaison to a pastor nominating committee seeking a new pastor, to the session of an inquirer or candidate, or to a particular inquirer or candidate. Book of Order References D D G-5.05 G Presbytery of South Dakota Understanding the COM

28 Term/Initials Member-at-Large Mentor Minister of The Word and Sacrament Ministry Development Centers Mission Study Moderator Negotiation for Service Neutral Pulpit NCD Nominating Committee Explanation A teaching elder who has previously been admitted to the presbytery or another presbytery as an active member, and who now, without intentional abandonment of the exercise of ministry, is no longer engaged in a ministry that complies with all the criteria in G a. A Member At Large may serve as a Parish Associate to maintain a relationship to a particular church. One who teaches or serves as a role model and confidant. A COM may assign a mentor to a newly ordained teaching elder to help them transition from seminary to the parish, and must assign a mentor to a CRE. Formerly the official title of the ordained office for clergy in the PCUSA, now called Teaching Elder. Another name for teaching elder. Centers that provide career counseling services for those serving or seeking to serve in church vocations. (See ) An in depth study carried out at times during the life of a congregation to evaluate a congregation s present and assess its future mission and ministry goals. Sometimes done during a pastoral vacancy. One of the two required officers (with the Clerk) of a governing body, the moderator convenes and adjourns the meetings of the body. Approval granted by a presbytery to a candidate under its care to negotiate for positions that will require ordination as a teaching elder. See Certified Ready for Examination for Ordination The church in which a pastor being considered by a PNC preaches prior to candidating as one of the final steps in the selection process. New Church Development See Pastor Nominating Committee (PNC) Book of Order Reference G b G G G G Understanding COM Presbytery of South Dakota

29 Term/Initials OGA Ordered Ministry Ordination Ords Ordination Exams Organizing Pastor Parish Parish Associate Parish Council Pastor Pastor Nominating Committee Personnel Committee Explanation Office of the General Assembly (Stated Clerk s office.) The term applied to deacons, ruling elders, and teaching elders in the PC(USA). Ordered ministries order the life of the church so that the ministry of the whole people of God may flourish. Ordination is the act by which the church sets apart persons to ordered ministry as teaching elders, ruling elders or deacons. See Ordination Exams. Standardized examinations required of all candidates in the areas of Bible Content, Biblical Exegesis, Polity, Theology, and Worship and Sacraments. An organizing pastor is a minister or commissioned lay pastor appointed by the presbytery to serve as a pastor to a group of people who are in the process of organizing a new Presbyterian congregation. A congregation or group of congregations involved in a cooperative ministry. A minister who serves in some validated ministry other than the local parish, or is a member at large, or is retired, who wishes to define and maintain a relationship with a particular church. The coordinating body of a larger or cooperative parish, usually composed of representatives of each congregation in the parish. The council may have responsibility for calling the pastor(s) and carrying out personnel functions. The name given to a teaching elder called to serve a congregation. This term applied to the search committee for a pastor or associate pastor. Known as PNC. The committee of a governing body (session, presbytery, synod, GA) with responsibility for the oversight of its staff and implementation of its personnel policies. Book of Order References G G-2.01 W G d G-1.02 G Terminology no longer included in BOO. G G G G Presbytery of South Dakota Understanding the COM