Manuals and policies
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Advisory Handbook for Preparation for Ministry in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
From Presbyterian Mission Agency—Preparation for Ministry
A new edition for 2012-2013 reflecting the changes related to the revised Form of Government approved in 2011. Provides moderators, presbytery staff, and applicants with an overview of the process and resources, its intentions and goals.
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Alternate Examination Process
From Office of the General Assembly—Mid Councils
The Presbytery of the Western Reserve requests that the Synod of the Covenant approve the following alternate examination process for meeting the examination requirements of G-14.0310b(4) for ordination to the ministry of Word and Sacrament:
Any candidate who has failed any one of the Standard Ordination Examinations twice may submit a written request to the Committee on Preparation for Ministry (CPM) to take an alternate examination. After consultation with the candidate, the CPM will determine whether the candidate should: 1) be authorized to re-take the Standard Ordination Examination or 2) be recommended to the Presbytery for approval to ...
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An Overview of the new Form of Government
From Office of the General Assembly—Constitutional Interpretation
In 2006, the 217th General Assembly created the Form Government Task Force and charged this Task Force to draft a Revised Form of Government. In 2008, this Task Force presented its report to the 218th General Assembly. This Report included: the Foundations of Presbyterian Polity, a revised Form of Government, and the Advisory Handbook for Councils. The 218th General Assembly referred the Task Force’s Report to the Office of General Assembly for a period of church-wide study and response. After taking into account these responses and adding members of the assembly committee that studied the Report to the task force, the expanded Task Force produced a new draft to be considered by the 219th General Assembly. In 2010, the 219th General Assembly voted to approve an amendment to the previous form of government and directed the Stated Clerk to send this amendment to the presbyteries for a vote.In late spring 2011, the majority of Presbyteries approved this amendment. Accordingly, the new Form of Government took effect on July 10, 2011, one year after the 219th General Assembly. As a whole, the new Form of government is the result of the work not only of three General Assemblies and two task forces, but also expresses the input of more than twenty years of expressed need to review and revise PCUSA’s Form of Government.
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And Two Shall Become One
From Presbyterian Mission Agency—Small Church and Community Ministry
This booklet is a valuable resource for small congregations considering a merger.
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Assessing inquirers and candidates
From Presbyterian Mission Agency—Preparation for Ministry
Use this sheet to help assess intangible qualities needed for ministry.
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Basic Guide to Finding Scope, Sequence and Samples
From Presbyterian Mission Agency—Educational Ministries
A basic guide for finding the scope and sequence of stories and sample sessions of a particular curriculum can help committees navigate the internet and find the tools they need to meet their educational ministry goals.
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Behaviors of Faith
From Presbyterian Mission Agency—Diversity in Leadership Network
A helpful guide on how to incorporate Biblically-based behaviors in various situations.
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Belonging to God: A First Catechism (Vietnamese)
From Presbyterian Mission Agency—Theology and Worship
A Vietnamese version of the first catechism, approved by the 210th General Assembly (1998).
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Bias free guidelines
From Presbyterian Mission Agency—Presbyterian Women
PW/Horizons style sheet addendum
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Biblical Languages: Learning disabilities and an Alternative Course of Study
From Office of the General Assembly—Mid Councils
If the inquirer's or candidate's presbytery judges that there are good and sufficient reasons why certain educational requirements of G-14.0310b(2) b(3) should not be met by an inquirer or candidate, it shall make an exception only by three-fourths vote of the members of presbytery present. A full account of the reasons for such an exception shall be included in the minutes of presbytery and shall be communicated to the presbytery to which the person may be transferred. The successful completion of the course of study specified in such an exception shall fulfill the requirements of ...