| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Preparing a CIF
for Tentmaking Positions |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
- PNCs should address these questions
as they prepare the CIF and prepare to interview potential
tentmakers:
- What is the general employment picture
for your area? What is the current unemployment figure? What
is the trend? Are there major economic development projects
in the planning stages — such as a new manufacturing
plant, software manufacturer or theme park? Are there needs
for employees with specific kinds of skills (such as nurses
or math teachers in short supply)?
- If there are few employment opportunities,
so the minister must provide his/her own "tent",
how far is the nearest airport? Does the community have good
Internet access and other telecommunications support? What
state or local incentives and assistance is there for small
business development? What is the tax structure for small
businesses?
- What provisions can your church and
presbytery offer to assist the tentmaker in finding a position?
Can an extra stipend be provided for a transition period to
allow the tentmaker to find work or establish a business?
Are there any guaranteed positions for a person with the right
skills (such as a part-time chaplain position in the local
hospital)?
- What is the cost of living in your
area? How does it compare to the national average, to other
parts of the country? What are the income levels of other
professionals in your area (such as teachers with a master's
degree)?
- What compensation and benefits can
you offer a tentmaker? Such matters as the number of hours,
the financial terms and benefits should be clearly addressed.
There are tax and benefit issues that are unique for tentmaking
ministers. The Board of Pensions regional representative and
the Association of Presbyterian Tentmakers can offer helpful
guidance in these matters.
- Every minister of the Word and Sacrament
must be given at least one-month vacation, whether full or
less-than-full-time. It is not fair to expect a part-time
minister to lead worship more Sundays than one who serves
full-time.
- Describe the attitude of the congregation
toward tentmaking. Has the congregation had a tentmaking pastor
before? If not, what intentional planning has been done to
create a truly shared ministry? What are the tasks of ministry
that are expected of the pastor? What gifts for ministry are
there in the congregation and what tasks of ministry will
others assume?
- See information about the Association of Presbyterian Tentmakers.
|
|
| |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
