Commission on Ministry

The Commission on Ministry [COM] nurtures congregations for vitality & clergy to thrive in their ministry through resources and relationships by supporting congregations through pastoral transitions, responding to congregations experiencing acute, chronic or expected challenges, and caring for clergy entering, in the midst of and departing pastoral ministry.

To do this, COM has three teams composed of members of COM and other presbyters who support these ministries .  

Congregational Vitality Team supports congregational leaders.

Responsibilities:  

1. Supports sessions in seasons of pastoral transition

2. Provides support during pastoral sabbaticals

3. Maintain pulpit supply list and recommended honorarium.

Clergy Care Team supports clergy entering, in the midst of and retiring from ministry.

Responsibilities:

1. Welcome new clergy 

2. Connect pastors with spiritual direction, coaching and counseling resources 

3. Connect clergy to groups for learning, support and fellowship 

4. Help form and resource supportive cohorts such as the Early Career Pastors Group

5. Support and resource retiring & retired clergy

Clergy Compliance Team maintains good standing records and practices

The OlyPres 'good standing' rules for Minister Members are:

1. Complete the clergy report or meet with a member of COM or EP SC annually,

2. Complete a course in Clergy Ethics and Boundary training every two years,

3. Complete a Cultural Competence training every two years (new in 2026),

4. Active members attend a Stated Meeting of OP at least once every two years. 

5. Retired clergy in active ministry, serve an entity of Presbytery or participate in a gathering of Presbytery every three years. 

The consequence of noncompliance includes being mentioned in the Stated Clerks annual report. These standards may be waived by request to the COM if the person has experienced an extended illness, is disabled, or has other extenuating circumstances . Otherwise, we expect our minister members to meet these requirements. 

COM Members Faithfully attend COM meetings, participate in one of the COM teams, and serve as a supportive liaison to 3-4 congregations by praying for them, meeting with the session at least once a year, meeting with the pastor(s) at least once a year, and staying informed, offering resources, and building a relationship of trust. 

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