The Presbytery of Cayuga- Syracuse The Committee on Ministry An Orientation to the to the Pastoral Transition Time
Our Pastor Has Left! Now What?
What is the Committee on Ministry? –A pastor and counselor to ministers –A facilitator of pastoral relationships –Attempts to settle difficulties
Responsibilities of COM (When there is a pastoral transition) v Visit with the Session v Assist with Temporary Supply v Counsel Pastor Nominating Committee v Oversee and equip the PNC during the pastoral search process v Conduct reference and background checks on final candidate(s) v Recommend approval of call to Presbytery
The Session & The Transition With the Moderator, keep things going! With the Moderator, keep things going! Worship Mission & Evangelism Christian Education Fellowship Stewardship & Finances Building
The Session & The Transition o Congregational Mission Study o Electing the Pastor Nominating Committee o Supporting the PNC o Provide for Search Expenses o Determine Compensation Guidelines o Review and Approve Church Information Form
Should you have a TRANSITION TEAM? What is a Transition Team? What is a Transition Team? –Members appointed by the Session –Their task is to coordinate activities around transitional issues –They report to the Session and are accountable to the Session
What could a Transition Team do? –Coordinate overall transition effort –Help with communication –Work with Treasurer on Financial Status Review –Plan celebration of leaving pastor’s ministry –Plan final worship service with leaving pastor –Provide worship and pastoral care during transition –Recommend responsibilities of Interim –Interview candidates for Interim and recommend candidate to Session –Work with the Interim Pastor during interim period
Finding Temporary Leadership Moderator of Session Moderator of Session Worship Worship Pastoral Care Pastoral Care Supply Pastor List Supply Pastor List Committee on Ministry Committee on Ministry Executive Presbyter Executive Presbyter
Options for Temporary Pastoral Leadership W Interim Pastor – Begins the process to redirect and transform mission and ministry W Stated Supply – Holds things in place while congregation decides if it is going to have an installed pastor W Temporary Supply – Holds things in place while a search is conducted
Options for Pastoral Leadership W Stated Supply W Installed Pastor W Designated Pastor W Tentmaking Minister
The Mission Study Ä Our Biblical Calling... Ä Who We Are... Ä Where We Are... Ä What We Do... Ä How We Do What We Do... Ä Mission Statement & Goals...
Seeking an Interim Pastor W Identify areas of congregational need W Determine gifts and skills needed by candidates W Appoint Search Committee W Draft a basic Church Information Form W Establish salary & benefits range which reflects terms of call of previous pastor.
Seeking an Interim Pastor W Receive Personal Information Forms from candidates W Interview W Check references W Negotiate Terms of Call W Recommend candidate to Session W Introduce to Congregation
The Pastoral Search & Congregational Mission Study & Elect a Pastor Nominating Committee & Write a Church Information Form & Receive Personal Information Forms & Conduct phone interviews & Contact references & Arrange for a Neutral Pulpit
The Pastoral Search & Face to face interview & Tour of church and community & Select final candidate & Consult with COM and Executive Presbyter & Negotiate Terms of Call & Present to Congregation for election & Approval by Presbytery & Installation
NOW... ¯ CELEBRATE! ¯ GIVE THANKS AND PRAISE TO GOD! TO GOD! ¯ WELCOME YOUR NEW PASTOR! NEW PASTOR! ¯ MOVE FORWARD IN MISSION!
May God bless and keep you May God bless and keep you during this during this Transitional Time Transitional Time in the life in the life of your Congregation of your Congregation