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PC(USA) ordination standards
Marcia Clark Myers, Director of Vocation and Andrew Black, Director of Constitutional Services, discuss PC(USA) ordination standards in this video.
Bi-Vocational Ministry Training
Bi-vocational ministry is a growing form of pastoral leadership in the 21st century. This new and not so new form of ministry provides hope for small congregations and ministers seeking calls. Simply stated, bi-vocational or “tentmaking” ministry is when a minister who is employed by a congregation is also employed in another situation. However, bi-vocational ministry within the Presbyterian Church raises the issues of shifting paradigms, new leadership models, economic sustainability, and the shared ministry of the church. Join the free webinars presented by the Office of Vocation to learn more about bi-vocational ministry, its positive aspects and its benefits for the Church.
Webinars:
TENTMAKING MINISTRY IN THE CONTEMPORARY CHURCH
This webinar is designed to assist congregations and part time, tentmaking pastors in working effectively together to meet the needs of the congregations they serve. It is based on the premise that even when a congregation calls a part time pastor, the church itself still has full time needs.
Webinar was held on September 12, 2012. Individual training webinars will be available for viewing soon.
UNCOVERING OPPORTUNITY IN THE 'HIDDEN JOB MARKET'
Ministers hold a rich bounty of skills and abilities that are highly desired by the non-profit and corporate worlds. What is needed to make the transition from full-time ministry into the secular workplace is imagination, a solid strategy and the will. This webinar focuses on equipping religious professionals to use skills and abilities they already have to support them in obtaining employment in an alternative setting.
Webinar was held originally on September 25, 2012.
EXPANDING THE MINISTRY OF THE CHURCH THROUGH BI-VOCATIONAL LEADERSHIP AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Through this webinar learn how to expand your congregation's ministry to the community through bi-vocational ministry. Learn whether Faith-based initiatives grants are right for you. Learn about community development and the rewards of grassroot ministry.
Webinar was held originally on October 9, 2012.
Online Leadership Assessment Tools
Considering a new form of ministry? Seeking a new call? Strengthening your ministry?
Sign up for the Gallup/SRI Online Mission Developer Assessment
Standards of ethical conduct for ministers and others
This document reviews standards of ethical conduct for those serving in General Assembly entities.
Just compensation
One of the questions asked of a congregation at the installation of a pastor is, “Do we promise to pay him (her) fairly and provide for his (her) welfare as he (she) works among us?” The expectation is that the congregation will answer with a whole-hearted, “Yes!” but there is often uncertainty, on both sides, about what is considered fair compensation. Get resources and tools for synods, presbyteries, congregations and church professions to analyze clergy terms of call and compensation offers for pay equity purposes.
A dream fulfilled
Sharon Selestewa
Like many a biblical dreamer before her, the Rev. Sharon Selestewa heard God call her name while she slept. And not just once, but three times.
A two-way street
In pursuing bi-vocational ministry, tentmaker Robert Hattle fulfills lifelong dream
Robert Hattle. Photo by Barbara Jessop.
TOPEKA, Kans. (May 8, 2009) – With more than 30 years of clinical and administrative experience in the field of nursing, the Rev. Robert Hattle was trained to promote health and preserve life, gifts he now gratefully shares both with his congregation and with the larger community here.
Hattle, a registered nurse and an ordained, tentmaking minister, serves the Oakland Presbyterian Church approximately 25 hours weekly while working up to 24 hours as needed each week as a clinical R.N. at Midland Hospice House. “I’m finally settling down and doing something I always dreamed of doing,” he said, reflecting on his long journey toward discerning his call to bivocational ministry.
Continue readingOrdination
By Joseph D. Small
Within the ministry of the whole people of God, persons may be called to perform specific functions that are important to the life of particular communities of faith. However, some functions are considered to be necessary to the spiritual health and faithful life of every Christian community. The church gives order to these necessary functions by regularizing their shape, their duties, their qualifications, and their approval. These “ordered ministries,” and the persons who are called to them, are established in ordination — the whole church’s act of setting apart for particular service.
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