The 2011-2013 Advisory Handbook for Ministry Committees/Commissions
The New Form of Government Adopted in 2011 is intentionally different in tone and purpose from recent earlier versions. Rather than a regulatory manual that provides guidance for all that we do as a church, it is a description of our common life. It begins with a new section of the Book of Order “Foundational Principles” that lay out the important theological and ecclesial principles for the church’s life. In the Form of Government which follows many of the details have been removed, leaving a broad framework within which councils of the church discern what is the best course of action based on their mission context and understanding of God’s will.
It is in accord with that approach that this “Advisory Handbook” is offered. It is designed for use by those who are called to presbytery work formerly called “The Committee on Ministry”. While many presbyteries will keep that name or become a “Commission on Ministry”, others will organize it differently with different names.
This handbook includes sections that are introductory to presbytery responsibilities (G-3.0307), offer guidance on particular functions of the work, and provide information and resources on a variety of topics. Each segment includes relevant Book of Order references, introductory information, questions for consideration of the designated presbytery body, and related resources.
This resource will no longer be published for purchase. It is available without charge here in topical format and as a complete document. Mid-councils should feel free to use the documents or adapt them for incorporation into their own documents.
Learn more about the New Form of Government and resources for transition in other areas of ministry.
The 2011-2013 Advisory Handbook for Ministry Committees/Commissions
Topical Format
Table of Contents
2011-2013 Advisory Handbook for Ministry Committees/Commissions
Introduction
- Presbytery as Pastor, Counselor and Advisor
- Glossary
- Christian Vocation, Commissioning and Ordination
Pastoral Relationships
- Pastoral Relationships
- Dissolving the Installed Pastoral Relationship
- Exit Interviews
- Ethics for Departing Pastors
- Temporary Pastoral Relationships
- New Times New Call; A Manual of Pastoral Options for for Small Churches
- Pastor Installed for a Designated Term
- Tentmaking or Bi-vocational Ministry
- Commissioned Ruling Elders
- Ministers of Other Denominations
- Immigrant Ministers
- Calling an Installed Pastor
- Election of a PNC
- Equal Opportunity for Service
- Reference and Background Checks
- Validated Ministry
- Examining Teaching Elders
- Terms of Call
- First Call Pastors
Nurturing Healthy Ministry
- Building an Effective Ministry Together
- (Revisiting the) Triennial Visit
- Annual Review of Ministry
- Professional Development and Sabbatical Leave
- Nurturing New Worshiping Communities
- What is Healthy Ministry
- Working Together Cross-Culturally
- Racial Ethnic and Multicultural Congregations
- Endorsement for Specialized Ministry
- Care and Certification of Christian Educators
- Retired Teaching Elders
- Systems Theory and Congregations
- Appreciative Inquiry
- Congregational Life Cycles
- Coaching, Consultation, and Spiritual Direction
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