Manuals and policies
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The Ecumenical Stance of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
From Office of the General Assembly—Ecumenical Relations
The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and its antecedent churches have been at the forefront of local, regional, national, and global ecumenism for more than a century. Presbyterians have been ready to reflect on, pray for, and organize ecumenical initiatives in the life of the worldwide body of Christ and respond to the initiatives of others. From discussions of organic union to the formation of councils of churches, from common efforts in evangelism and mission to upholding concerns for justice and social service, Presbyterians have been deeply involved in the ecumenical work and witness of the church. The Presbyterian church has put considerable material, spiritual, and personnel resources into the ecumenical movement, working to “listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches” and respond in creative ways to our ecumenical calling.
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The Handbook on Ordination Examinations
From Presbyterian Mission Agency—Preparation for Ministry
The Handbook on Ordination Examinations is designed to serve as a resource for inquirers/candidates, committees on preparation for ministry, committees on ministry, and ministers of other denominations who may be taking the PC(USA)’s ordination exams.
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The Missional Church and the New Form of Government
From Office of the General Assembly—Constitutional Services
Building a Community of Faith, Hope, Love and Witness
- The Missional Church: Presbyterian Church (USA)
- God’s Mission (F-1.01)
- A Mission-Focused “Form of Government”
- Question for Discussion
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The Power to Change - U.S. Energy Policy and Global Warming
From Presbyterian Mission Agency—Advisory Committee on Social Witness Policy
This policy, approved by the 218th General Assembly (2008), is the first major update of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s energy policy in more than 27 years. This General Assembly policy offers moral guidance and provides practical steps individual Presbyterians, groups and communities may take to change unhealthy energy practices to ensure that there is an abundant supply of God’s good energy for future generations of the whole creation to enjoy.
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The Quality of Ministerial Candidates from a Counselor's Perspective
From Presbyterian Mission Agency—Preparation for Ministry
Resource written by L. Guy Mehl of the Lancaster Career Development Center, who makes observations based on his personal experiences counseling candidates from various denominations (Presbyterian, Methodist, Lutheran, United Church of Christ, etc.).
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The Session and the New Form of Government
From Office of the General Assembly—Constitutional Services
Building a Community of Faith, Hope, Love and Witness
- The Session: a Council of the Church and Expression of Unity & Mutuality
- The Session: Discerning Leaders attending to the holy spirit
- The Session’s Responsibilities (G-3.0201)
- Session Meetings (G-3.0203 and G-3.0201)
- Session Minutes and Records (G-3.0204)
- Session Relations with Other Councils (G-3.0202)
- Finances (G-3.0205)
- The Session’s Role in Developing Manuals, Policies & Obtaining Insurance
- Some Questions the Session must Prayerfully discern and consider
- Discussion Questions for your session
- Resources for Communal Discernment
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Theological Education Fund Seminary Support Handbook
From Presbyterian Mission Agency—Theological Education
Download the seminary support handbook
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These Living Waters: Common Agreement on Mutual Recognition of Baptism
From Office of the General Assembly—Ecumenical Relations
A Report of the Catholic Reformed Dialogue in United States 2003 - 2007
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Together we Triumph
From Presbyterian Mission Agency—Presbyterian Disaster Assistance
A resource about dealing with disaster for church youth leaders created by a joint task force of United Methodists and Presbyterians.
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Trade justice campaigns linked with the fair trade alternative
From Presbyterian Mission Agency—Presbyterian Hunger Program
This manual on fair trade shares how Joining Hands Against Hunger Peru began and maps out what other Joining Hands groups need to do to get started in offering a fair trade alternative as part of broader trade justice campaign.