Committee on Ministry
I do not call
you servants any longer......but I have called you friends... - John 15:15
What is the Committee on Ministry?
The name is "ministry," not "the minister" and not "ministerial relations." The name suggests a broader responsibility than parish ministers and the personnel needs of churches. The Committee on Ministry is that committee in each Presbytery charged by the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) to "serve as pastor and counselor to the ministers of the Presbytery, to facilitate the relations between congregations, ministers, and the Presbytery, and to settle difficulties on behalf of Presbytery when possible and expedient" (Book of Order G-11.0501).
COM: Steward of Pastoral Relationships
The Committee on Ministry (COM) is the pastor, counselor, coach and mediator. As such, COM's focus is on the relationships within Presbytery's congregations and between congregations and the Presbytery. The committee's role is similar to the role of a parish pastor who advises, counsels, even mediates between contending parties, such as seeking to help disagreeing spouses identify and repair trouble spots in their relationship.
Pastors often counsel with parents and adolescent children to build their relationship and heal the wounds between them. Pastors are often asked to intervene in the relationship between brothers and sisters. Pastors of congregations often serve as adviser, counselor, coach and mediator in order that the variety of relationships within the parish can be healthy and vibrant. The COM serves congregations and ministers in the same manner. The ministry of COM is to assist in building healthy relationships with ministers, congregations and the Presbytery.
Presbytery approves pastors' salary increase for 2008
The Presbytery of the Twin Cities Area approved the Committee on Ministry's recommendation to increase minimum salaries for pastors on November 13, 2007. The minimum salaries are as follows:
| Metro area congregations | $45,094 |
| Non-Metro area congregations | $40,370 |
| Guidelines for the minimum rates for temporary pastoral services remain the same: | ||
| Pulpit Supply | $125 for one service; $150 for two services on the same day at the same location; plus mileage | |
| Moderating the Session | $50 plus mileage | |
Resources for sessions, ministers
| Pulpit Supply List | Guidelines for temporary services |
| Terms of Call worksheet | Interim Pastor Sample Position Description |
| How to choose PNC members | Resources for Pastor Nominating Committees |
| Separation ethics | Formula of Agreement: Exchange of Ministers of Word and Sacrament (PCUSA, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, United Church of Christ, Reformed Church in America) |
| Synod of Lakes and Prairies sabbatical guidelines | Board of Pensions Representative |
| PNC webpage | |