A Study of the Effectiveness of Interim Pastors
The Association of Presbyterian Interim Ministry Specialists (APIMS) asked the PC(USA) Office of Research Services to conduct a study on the effectiveness of interim pastors in helping congregations. The study surveyed executive presbyters, COM chairs, clerks of sessions and pastors who followed an interim. The study was completed in the fall of 2007 and the results are posted here.
Workshop notes for COM/CPM/Seminary Conference now available
See list of workshop notes.
Constitution Changed
As of June 22, 2007, the Book of Order has been revised by the amendment process. The 2007-2009 Book of Order is now available online.
The changes include significant
revisions to Chapter XIV.
Click below to compare the 2005-2007 Book of Order and the current revisions.
The 2007 COM Advisory Handbook now online as a pdf, and
revised with citations from 2007-2009 Book of Order. The Advisory Handbooks for Committees on Preparation for Ministry (CPM) and Committees on Ministry (COM) are being updated to comply.
Ordination is a gift, not a right
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.
Read more of this article by Joseph D. Small.
Minister and educator/CLP share creative ministry
Joan West Stewart's passion and call were
for mission. Kathryn McCrary’s passion and call was Christian Education. They created a shared ministry. Read more about this story.
God can do, pastor says: Ours
is not to wonder ‘Y’
Rev. Charlie Pye led worship in Grace United's rented space at the Clark County YMCA. Photo by Toya Richards HillIndiana church moves into fitness facility,
gives members a spiritual workout
In the midst of sweaty athletic workouts
and fitness routines, God’s presence can be felt on
any Sunday morning at the Clark County YMCA. That’s
where a small but faithful band of believers goes to worship
at 10 a.m. And it’s where Grace United Presbyterian
Church is transforming itself from what it was to what it
intends to be. Read more
about this story.
Middle Governing Body
(MGB) Connect
Models, best practices and policies from
presbyteries and synods on PC(USA) Ministers.
We make no endorsements of these models and practices, but
provide them in support of the mission and ministries of
middle governing bodies. Please contact the author/governing
body listed for further information.
Report of the GAC Mission
Work Plan Hard-to-Call Project Team September 2006
Small churches are more resilient than
we often assume they are, and more of them have pastoral leadership
than we once thought. But small congregations need care and
attention and effective leadership from presbyteries as well
as from their sessions and pastoral leaders if they are going
to thrive and grow spiritually and in membership. Download the report to see more.
New Times New Call
A Manual of Pastoral Options for Small Churches
Since its publication in 1991, many presbyteries
and congregations have used this resource as they explored
different options for pastoral leadership.
Download the booklet interior for free.
Order copies of the booklet.
Learn about more
models of pastoral leadership.
Roger Harp Memorial ECO
In
recognition of his deep commitment to the pastoral care of
ministers, this
fund is being established in memory of Roger Harp by the
Presbyteries Pastoral Care Network.
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