The Committee on Preparation for Ministry works with persons who are considering a call to ministry in the Presbyterian Church (USA). For those considering Ministry of Word and Sacrament, we assist with discernment of that call, and provide for presbytery implementation of the process of Preparation for Ministry of Word and Sacrament as outlined in the Book of Order and the Committee on Preparation for Ministry of Word and Sacrament as outlined in the Book of Order and the Committee on Preparation for Ministry Manual of our Presbyterian Church (USA). We also provide for presbytery approval and supervision of Commissioned Lay Pastor Candidates, those who have graduated from the Leadership Development for Ministry program who feel called to serve as Commissioned Lay Pastors.  We do this work in order to find and prepare persons of the highest quality to serve the church; persons who are able to express an understanding of our essential beliefs and are willing to practice their ministry in accordance with that understanding. 

Email Chairperson Rev. Dawn Carder

Responsibilities

1. Work with Inquirers and Candidates on behalf of the presbytery as they move through the process of preparation for ministry.
2. Enroll Inquirers, with the provision that this action be reported to the next stated meeting of Presbytery.
3. Work with Candidates in preparing and approving the ordination service when the Candidate has received a call from a Presbytery other than Minnesota Valleys and the service is to be held within the Presbytery of Minnesota Valleys.  The Committee on Ministry shall work with a Candidate to be ordained by Presbytery for a call to the Presbytery.
4. Assure that a special offering will be received at each ordination service.  Such monies will be used by the Committee on Preparation for Ministry to assist Candidates.
5. Work with Committee on Ministry and Leadership Development for Ministry Ministry Action Team for training, examination and nurture of individuals desiring to serve as Commissioned Lay Pastors.