Committee on Ministry Presbytery of Prospect Hill October 2017 Presbytery Meeting Report Activities/Actions Taken since the Last Presbytery Meeting on behalf of the Presbytery (Informational) 1. COM at the June meeting approved the Terms of Call for Rev. Stephen Niles to be pastor at New Zion Presbyterian Church in Clarkson, NE as follows: effective Start date: July 1, 2017 Cash Salary: $35,262 Manse Value: $10, 578 Effective Salary: $45,840 Full BOP benefits Mileage: IRS rate to $2,500 vouchered Profess Exp: $600 Cont Ed Exp: $500 Moving Expenses: up to $5,000 30 days paid vacation 2 wks study leave 7 th year of service gets 3 mo sabbatical COM also voted to transfer his membership to Homestead Presbytery upon their request. 2. COM at the September Meeting approved the Terms of Call for Rev. Jennifer Olson to be pastor of United Church in Denison with an effective starting date of October 1, 2017. Terms are: Effective Salary: $42,000 Cash salary: $23,000 Housing Allowance: $16,000 Utilities: $3,000 Full BOP Benefits 4 Weeks Vacation 2 wks study leave Moving Expenses: $ 5,000 Mileage: Vouchered at IRS rate to $1,000 Continuing Ed Vouchered to: $1,000 Profess Exp: Vouchered to $1,000 COM also voted to accept her membership transfer from Blackhawk Presbytery. Our prayers and joys for the Congreagtion at United (Dension) and Rev. Olson! 3. Moved Rev. Dr. Charles Valenti-Hein to member-at-large and gave him permission to labor outside our bounds as a CPE resident in Wisconsin. 4. COM at the June meeting approved the Shared Pastoral Services Agreement between First Presbyterian (Alta) and Trinity ELCA Lutheran (Alta). Rev. Denise Parrello will provide worship and pastoral services on a ¼ time basis for First (Alta). First will pay Trinity $1,800 per month. This contract is effective July 1, 2017 until December 31, 2017 at which time it is to be evaluated and may be renewed. The contract can be voided with 60 day written notice by vote of either congregation. Both congregations, the Session at First and the Council at Trinity, and the ELCA Western Iowa Synod have previously approved this agreement. Rev. Duane Queen, the current moderator of the Alta Session, will continue in that role. 5. Under W-3.3616e3 and G-3.0301b of the Book of Order, having been trained By Rev Ken Fells on July 12, 2017 the following ruling elders from Westminster-Ida Grove have been authorized by COM to preside at the Lord s Table there for one year: Pat Bielenberg, Patti Andrews,Terri Nelson, Jodie Hudson, and Jeff Hudson.
6. Under W-3.3616e3 and G-3.0301b of the Book of Order, having been trained By Rev Randy Russom on October 19, 2017 the following ruling elders from Union Church, Lake City have been authorized by COM to preside at the Lord s Table there for one year: Nancy Janssen, John Myers, Maria Bixenstine, Maureen Thiessen 7. Appointed Rev. Richard Francis as moderator of Session at Emmanuel (Carnarvon) and Trinity (Wall Lake) beginning July 1, 2017. 8. At the June meeting, COM approved a revised contract between United (Denison) and Rev. Ken Fells for him to serve as interim pastor there. The revision was a change in hours from 20 hours a week to 19. 9. The COM is in consultation with the ELCA Western Iowa Synod about possibilities in partnership looking at pastoral resources from interim pastors to other pastoral sharing between us under the Formula for Agreement that both our denominations have. 10. Pray for our active Administrative Commissions at First (Cleghorn) and First (Alton) 11. Wheatland (Breda), Trinity (Wall Lake), Emmanuel (Carnarvon), Lakeside (Storm Lake), First (Cleghorn), and First (South Sioux City) are congregations in transition between pastors. The COM asks for prayers for these congregations. Items for Presbytery Action: 1) John Pea is a candidate under care of our Presbytery. On August 10, 2017 he was called as Pastor of Ebenezer Presbyterian Church (George) with the following terms: Effective Salary of $50,233 Effective Starting Date: September 1, 2017 Cash salary: $38, 641 Use of Manse (Value is $11,592) SECA at 7.5% Full Board of Pensions Moving expenses to $3,000 4 weeks vacation 2 weeks Study leave (can acc to 3) Mileage at IRS Rate vouchered to $2,400 Continuing Ed to $1,000 vouchered Professional Expenses to $5,000 vouchered On September 24, 2017, Both Zoar Presbyterian and Ebenezer Presbyterian Churches held congregational meetings to discuss Pastor Pea. Both Congregations voted to share Pastor Pea in a similar agreement to one held previously, with each congregation contributing ½ of the Pastor s Terms of Call. In addition Zoar will pay Ebenezer $100 a month for manse upkeep and use. Board of Pensions has been notified and COM has approved this sharing agreement. John Pea is then called to be the pastor at both congregations. As John is a ruling elder, COM voted at the September meeting to allow him to administer sacraments and to officiate weddings at Ebenezer and Zoar churches from September 1 until his ordination. COM moves that the Presbytery approve John s call and these terms and also approve him for ordination as a Minister of Word and Sacrament.
2) COM approved granting Honorably Retired Status to Rev. Dale Lint as of July 31, 2017. The Session at Zoar Presbyterian in George granted him permission to reside at the manse until his home in Sioux Falls is ready and he has been filling the pulpits at Ebenezer and George. Dale has been the moderator at both churches since August 1. The COM asks the Presbytery to officially grant this status to Rev. Lint and to dissolve the pastoral relationship between Rev. Lint and the Zoar Presbyterian Church of George. 3) The COM and CPM present the following policy on Commissioned Ruling Elders and move its approval and inclusion in the Presbytery Manual of Operations. In addition COM offers reporting forms for mentors assigned to CREs and for annual review of all pastoral ministries not installed in congregation (CREs, At-Large Minister Members, Ministers serving in validated ministries beyond a congregation, and interim ministries). Prospect Hill Presbytery Policies and Guidelines Commissioned Ruling Elders Commissioned Ruling Elders A Commissioned Ruling Elder (hereafter referred to as CRE) is a person ordained to the office of ruling elder who has been trained and commissioned by the Presbytery to temporarily carry out a particular ministerial assignment. Typically this involves a position in a congregation that is currently financially unable to call an ordained pastor. CRE s provide a valuable service to these churches and are an important option for the Presbytery to pursue stability and growth within its member congregations. Language and Terms Applicant CRE a person who is admitted into a CRE academy and is actively participating in the preparation process. Eligible CRE a person who has completed all requirements for commissioning set out by the CPM but is not currently commissioned to serve in a CRE role. Active CRE a person who is appointed and commissioned to work within the bounds of the Presbytery of Prospect Hill on a one year, renewable basis. Functions of a CRE The functions of a particular CRE are determined by the Committee on Ministry of Prospect Hill Presbytery in light of the specific needs of the context in which the commission is issued. These
may include, but are not limited to moderating the session, administering sacraments, officiating weddings, and voice and vote in Presbytery meetings. These duties will be in addition to any other necessary functions consistent with the office of Ruling Elder such as worship leadership and planning, home and hospital visitations, teaching ministries, conducting funerals, etc. Terms of Service CRE s are commissioned by the Presbytery for a stated period of time up to one year in length. This status is temporary, and differs from ordination in that it lasts only the duration of the assignment to which the CRE was commissioned. The particular duties within a Commission will be established by the Presbytery and overseen or adjusted by the COM as needed. These commissions will be reviewed annually by the COM. If the review is favorable, the commission may be renewed for another year at the request of the congregation and the concurrence of the COM. The Commission and status of a CRE is valid only within the Presbytery and does not automatically transfer when a CRE changes churches or Presbyteries. Application and Preparation The Committee on Preparation for Ministry of the Presbytery of Prospect Hill will evaluate all applications of those wishing to serve as a CRE and will have oversight of their training, preparation, and process. The CPM will also evaluate the readiness of those in the process and recommend those who are considered ready to serve to the Committee on Ministry. Admission Requirements: 1. Have a college degree or equivalent (unless granted an exception by the CPM) 2. The Applicant CRE will be a ruling elder in good standing of the PC(USA) and Prospect Hill Presbytery for one year with faithful, regular, participation in worship and the life of the church prior to admission. 3. The Applicant CRE will have a written recommendation from his or her session of the congregation of their membership. 4. The Applicant CRE will have two additional written recommendations from nonfamily persons, one being from their current or former pastor) who can attest to the applicant s faith journey and sense of call. 5. The Applicant CRE will complete an application to include statements on: a. Personal faith; b. Sense of call; c. What it means to be a Presbyterian; and d. What gifts and skills they bring to the church which reflect on the reformed tradition. Process: 1. The CPM will process all applications from persons desiring to seek commissioning as a CRE. 2. The CPM or approved representative will meet with each applicant prior to admission. 3. The CPM will assign a committee member to be a liaison with the Applicant CRE.
4. The CPM will meet with each Applicant CRE for at least an annual evaluation during his or her training to assist them in discerning and formation for their call. A. All written materials for the annual evaluation must be submitted no later than one week before the Applicant CRE s meeting with the CPM. 5. Applicants for CRE will participate in an individual/group session sponsored by CPM to evaluate psychological and leadership issues associated with pastoral roles before consideration by CPM for Eligible CRE. 6. The CPM will meet with each Applicant CRE for a final examination prior to recommending their commissioning to the COM. Preparation; Course of Study 1. The Applicant CRE will satisfactorily complete the course of study outlined in the CRE Academy by the Presbytery of Prospect Hill or an alternative acceptable to the CPM. 2. The Applicant CRE must select one paper or written project reflective of that year s academic work and submit it to the CPM for consideration at least prior to the annual examination. 3. Requests for equivalency based on prior experience or education will be considered by the CPM. Criteria to be Certified as Eligible for Commissioning In addition to the completion of requirements listed previously: 1. Eligible CREs will have completed 2 years as an Applicant CRE. 2. Eligible CREs will meet with the CPM for the purpose of a final theological and readiness examination. Prior to this meeting the Applicant CRE will write/preach a sermon and provide a one-page Statement of Faith. a. The Statement of faith should be an exposition of what the candidate believes, Incorporating aspects of their faith experience, as well as reflecting their understanding of the Reformed Tradition. The following areas should be included but not limited to in the statement. God Jesus Christ The Holy Spirit Atonement The Sacraments The authority of Scripture The nature and mission of the Church Discipleship (The CPM has authority to make exceptions to these procedures and adjust or add to them as necessary.) COM Requirements for Eligible CREs Upon satisfactory completion of the preparation process as determined by the CPM, eligible CREs will meet with the COM to present their statement of faith, be examined for readiness to serve as a Commissioned Ruling Elder and to request certification as an eligible CRE. At this
point all active and eligible CREs will be, and continue to be, under the oversight of the Committee on Ministry. Qualifications Those expressing a desire to serve the Presbytery as a CRE should demonstrate the following credentials by the end of their preparation period; 1. Show competency in both the content and interpretation of Scripture, particularly as it pertains to preaching and teaching. 2. Demonstrate a working understanding of Presbyterian theology, polity, history, sacraments, doctrine and governance. 3. Demonstrate an understanding of the role, functions, and limits of a CRE within the church and Presbytery. Requirements The following will be required of those wishing to serve within the Presbytery of Prospect Hill as a CRE; 1. Be approved for service by the Committee on Preparation for Ministry and meet any and all requirements of their process. 2. Meet with the Committee on Ministry for an interview/examination. This shall include the presentation of a written statement of faith. This shall take place before any placement can be made. 3. To meet at least quarterly with a liaison or mentor appointed by the COM. 4. Approval of a particular commissioned call by the Presbytery. 5. Examination by Presbytery of Prospect Hill prior to initial commissioning. 6. Preparation of an annual ministry report to be submitted to the COM summarizing the previous 12 months of service. Commissioning Commissioning will take place at a meeting of Prospect Hill Presbytery under the direction of the COM. Oversight The COM will select/approve a mentor for each Commissioned CRE. A. The Mentor shall not be the applicant s pastor. B. The Mentor must be an Ordained Minister of the Word and Sacrament in the PCUSA. C. The Mentor shall be a member of the Presbytery of Prospect Hill. The ongoing work of a CRE shall be overseen and evaluated by the COM in conjunction with the CRE, the congregation or organization being served, the CRE s mentor or liaison, and any other parties deemed necessary by the COM. This will happen at least annually and can be scheduled more often if the COM feels a need for more regular or additional oversight.
Continuing Education Because ministry is an endless challenge, no person can ever be fully qualified. Thus it is vital that every person involved in ministry leadership seek to improve their skills, understanding, knowledge, and effectiveness regularly. CREs will be expected to engage in continuing education at least at the level of personal study and preferably by participating in classes or conferences designed to provide growth in ministry. As a part of his or her annual evaluation, a CRE will be required to share a summary of their continuing education over the past year. Approved by COM 9/12/2017 Approved by CPM 9/12/2017
Pastoral Minister Annual Report to Committee on Ministry Presbytery of Prospect Hill Name: Address: City/State/Zip: Date of this Report: Primary Phone: Email: Please refer to G-2.0503 (Teaching Elder Membership) and G-2.10 (Commissioned Ruling Elders) as you answer the following questions: 1. Current Status: (Please circle letter and fill in information) A. I am serving a congregation in a temporary pastoral relationship (G-2.0504b) My Title is: Name/City of Congregation: Hours per week: B. I am serving in a validated Ministry Outside a Congregation (G-2.0503a) My Title is: Name of Employing Organization: Work Address: C. I am currently an at-large member of the Presbytery (G-2.0503b) D. I am currently a Commissioned Ruling Elder (G-2.1001) Name of Congregation/Ministry: Name of TE Mentor: Work Address: 2. Ministry Report: A. Describe your ministry currently: (attach sheet if needed) B. How specifically are you involved in the work and mission of the Presbytery of Prospect Hill?
C. How are you involved actively in the life of a PCUSA congregation? D. What community activities with other churches and the wider community are you regularly engaged? E. Describe how you meet the criteria for validated Ministry (G-2.0503a). F. Describe your Continuing Education for the past year. (attach extra sheets if needed) G. Describe your spiritual journey/relationship with God and how you tend to it. This report is due each January to the Moderator of the Committee on Ministry.
Report by Teaching Elder Mentors serving with a Commissioned Ruling Elder Presbytery of Prospect Hill Committee on Ministry (due each January to COM) Name: Date: CRE you are a mentor to: Congregation/Validated Ministry they serve: Does the congregation pay you for your meetings with CRE? Yes (How much? ) No How often do you and the CRE meet? (minimum of quarterly): What is the nature of your partnership with the CRE? (review their ministry, worship, administration, continuing ed., spiritual well- being at minimum) In what ways is the CRE involved in the Presbytery? How well do they represent Presbytery in the local congregation they serve? What areas of strength/spiritual gifts do you see in the CRE? What area(s) of improvement or need do you recommend for this CRE? Any other information COM would need to know?