Membership of the Committee on Preparation for Ministry:
- Twelve nominated by the Committee on Nominations as approved by the Presbytery
- In accordance with Book of Order (G-9.0501b), at least one half of the members shall be laypersons
- Co-opted members as needed in consultation with the Committee on Nominations
- Associate Presbyter for Support of Church Professionals, ex officio
Responsibilities:
- Duties as outlined in Book of Order (G-14.0300)
- Invite congregations in the Presbytery to encourage members to consider a calling to pastoral ministry
The Preparation for Ministry Process:
“I am confident of this, that the One who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6
Part of God’s good work among us is calling people to ministry in His church.The preparation for ministry process in the PCUSA is designed to provide a covenant relationship within which people can more readily hear and follow the Lord’s call on their lives. The presbytery’s Committee on Preparation for Ministry, the local church session and the individual inquirer/candidate agree to walk the path of preparation for ministry in Christ’s church together.
Process Summary
The Preparation for Ministry Process involves two phases: Inquiry and Candidacy. These two phases are designed to explore the call, evaluate the gifts, and support the preparation of those who feel themselves called to the ministers of the Word and Sacrament (G-14.0301). To do this effectively, each presbytery charges a Committee on Preparation for Ministry to work closely with those persons within its congregations who wish to prepare themselves for this ordained office. Since the model for the ministry of the Word and Sacrament is the ministry of Jesus Christ, it is the committee’s particular responsibility to help these individuals grow toward maturity in Christ.
Steps in the Preparation Process
INQUIRY PHASE
- Applicant is an active member of a sponsoring congregation (for at least six months).
- Session notifies CPM of applicant.
- CPM representative(s) meet with Session for Session orientation.
- Session interviews applicant; makes recommendation to CPM/Presbytery; appoints a liaison.
- CPM interviews applicant and makes recommendation on enrollment as a Inquirer. CPM liaison appointed.
- Presbytery enrollment of Inquirer.
- Review of preparation process and progress. Develop Covenant Agreement for spiritual development, guidance, goals, consultations, and reports.
CANDIDACY PHASE
- Inquirer applies to become Candidate through Session.
- Session confers with Inquirer, reviews evidence of Inquiry Phase and makes recommendation to CPM/Presbytery.
- CPM confers with Inquirer, reviews evidence of Inquiry Phase and makes recommendation regarding candidacy.
- Presbytery receives CPM recommendation andexamines Inquirer. Presbytery receives and enrolls Inquireras Candidate.
- Review of Preparation process and progress. Develop Covenant Agreement for spiritual development, guidance, goals, consultations and reports.
- Presbyteries Cooperative Examinations.
- CPM conducts the final assessment of Candidate’s readiness to receive a call.
- CPM certifies Candidate ready to receive a call and reports to Presbytery.
- CPM approves circulation or Personal Information Form to explore obtaining a call.
- Negotiation for service/call.
- Examination and Ordination.
(Preparation for Ministry Office Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Rev. Feb. 2002)