This is an alphabetical listing of the Presbytery's mission teams and committees and includes current contact information. Additional information is available under the MISSION TEAMS menu.
The Administrative Team oversees the work of the Personnel Group, the Budget and Finance Group, the Investments Group and the Property/Presbytery Office Operation Group. They are tasked with hearing the concerns of the Presbytery’s various entities that relate to their areas of responsibility, facilitate the reports of their groups to the Presbytery, assure that the daily operations of the office run smoothly and coordinate the Presbytery’s programs and requests for funds. 2008 contact: Richard Hawks
The Budget and Finance Group oversees presbytery funds, conducts budget negotiations and develops an annual budget for approval by the presbytery. It recommends the per capita assessment for approval by presbytery, assures completion of an annual audit, reviews the work of the presbytery staff and any other work related to its area of responsibility. 2008 contact: Richard Hawks
The Committee on Ministry (COM) has the authority of the Presbytery to find in order calls issued by churches, to approve and present calls for services of ministers, to approve the examination of ministers transferring from other presbyteries, to dissolve the pastoral relationship in cases where the congregation and pastor concur, to grant permission to labor within or outside the bounds of the Presbytery, and to dismiss ministers to other presbyteries, with the provision that all such actions shall be reported to the next stated meeting of the Presbytery. They also appoint moderators of the session for churches without an installed pastor. 2008 contact: Teresa McAnally
The Committee on Nominations is concerned with finding the best possible people to fill the vacancies on the Teams, Committees, Boards and Agencies of Presbytery, Synod and General Assembly. 2008 contact: Ann Owens Brunger
The Committee on Preparation for Ministry (CPM) has oversight of all inquirers and candidates under the care of the presbytery. It makes recommendations to the presbytery concerning the reception and care of inquirers and candidates. The Committee maintains communication with all inquirers and candidates throughout the year. It meets at least annually with each inquirer and candidate to learn more about their progress towards becoming an ordained minister of the PC(USA). 2008 contact: David Bell
The Committee on Representation (COR) is concerned with the denomination’s commitment to fair representation and inclusiveness and to advise the Presbytery and its various entities on ways to maintain fair representation. 2008 contact: Loretta Bradley
The Connect Mission Team creates systems, events and programs to enhance the sense of connectedness and flow of information within the Presbytery. They are tasked with establishing effective and frequent two-way communication among the congregations, mission teams and related groups and entities of the Presbytery and its office. They are to produce a communications plan; vehicles for communication, including website and print media; create regional and Presbytery-wide fellowship events and be a clearinghouse for information, opportunities and resources. 2008 contact: Alan Payne
The Coordinating Council for Vision and Mission (CoCo) is tasked with envisioning the future ministry and mission of the Presbytery. It also oversees the work of the various entities to enhance the work of the various congregations, ensures that all entities share the stated vision, evaluates the work of Presbytery, and nominates members of the Committee on Nominations. They may create task forces as needed and suggest changes to the transitional operating procedures of the Presbytery. They are authorized to take action as needed between meetings of Presbytery subject to approval at the next Presbytery meeting. They are responsible for the development of the Presbytery Manual for final approval. They report regularly to the Presbytery and keep a record of their actions and meetings. 2008 contact: Richard Hawks
The Equip Mission Team is responsible for helping congregations discern new opportunities for mission and ministry. They will extend particular attention and care to smaller churches and provide training/educational opportunities to empower congregations in identified areas of need. They offer regular (at least annual) opportunities for dialogue with sessions and pastors through the Listening Group. They also link congregations in mission partnership, sharing resources and fellowship. New Church Development, the Resource Center, Children and Youth, Young Adults, Older Adults, and Presbyterian Women are all in their purview. 2008 contact: Bob Crail
The Faith and Hope Fund exists to receive, manage, hold and disburse fund assets and gifts for the benefit of the churches and ministries of the presbytery. The trustees of the Fund are responsible for promoting gifts to the presbytery. They plan and implement educational programs for the churches of the presbytery on wills, planned giving, insurance and other lifetime and estate planning methods for making gifts to the presbytery and the churches within the presbytery. 2008 contact: Fred Lupton
The Investments Group manages the presbytery's investments. 2008 contact: Lanny Payne
The Loan Committee is responsible for managing the Church Construction Fund, reviewing loan applications from churches and making recommendations to the presbytery. 2008 contact: Monty Montgomery
The Outdoor Ministries Team maintains and operates John Knox Center for Outdoor Christian Education for the churches of the Presbytery of East Tennessee. They are responsible for the summer camping program, facilities for retreats and conferences, and leadership support for all areas of Outdoor Ministries approved and directed by the Presbytery. 2008 contact: Jason Haas
The Permanent Judicial Committee (PJC) The responsibilities of this committee are outlined in the Rules for Discipline as outlined in the Book of Order.
The Personnel Group reviews and evaluates the work and job descriptions of presbytery staff and employees, recommending changes for staff to presbytery, and changes for employees to the Budget and Finance Group and the Administrative Team. It oversees the hiring of support staff and reviews office operations with the Executive Presbyter. It counsels with the staff, negotiates difficulties related to jobs and personnel and other work related to its area of responsibility. It is responsible for the Personnel Manual of the presbytery. 2008 contact: Harvey White
The Presbytery Meeting Planning Team coordinates all matters relating to the functioning of stated and called meetings of the Presbytery, including the place and time of the meetings in accordance with the manual. They are responsible for worship at the meetings of Presbytery and present overtures and amendments to the constitution to the Presbytery for action. 2008 contact: Jeff Paris
The Property/Presbytery Office Operations Group oversees the operation of the presbytery office in consultation with the Executive Presbyter. It oversees the maintenance of presbytery property, verifies real estate records, and reviews the adequacy of insurance on presbytery property. It reviews requests to borrow money or to buy, sell or lease real estate owned by congregations/groups/ ministries in accordance with the Book of Order. 2008 contact: Harris Lovingood
The Serve Mission Team evaluates the Presbytery’s mission funding priorities and advocate for their support through wise stewardship. They are responsible for developing a systematic process for listing and advertising of available mission opportunities, working to build mission partnerships among congregations and seeking opportunities to enact Presbytery-wide commitment to evangelism, peacemaking and social justice, and disaster response. 2008 contact: Paul Rader
The Support Mission Team fosters and maintains networks of nurture and care for church leaders and have oversight for the Commissioned Lay Pastor program. They have also trained, and formed, a Conflict Management Team, to assist congregations in conflict. The Support Mission Team includes the Committee on Ministry and the Committee on Preparation for Ministry. 2008 contact: Corita Swanson