The Committee on Ministry examines ministers seeking membership in Presbytery and recommends those who shall continue, gives oversight to churches without pastors, develops standards for ministers’ compensation, establishes interim and temporary pastoral relations.

What is the Committee on Ministry?

Think about the significance of the name of this committee. This is a committee and not a commission. It has less authority and power than a commission. Presbytery, however, may delegate to the committee the authority “to find in order calls issued by churches, to approve and present calls for service of ministers, to approve the examinations of ministers transferring from other presbyteries required by G-11.0402, to dissolve the pastoral relationship in cases where the congregation and pastor concur, and to dismiss ministers to other presbyteries, with the provision that all such actions be reported to the next stated meeting of the presbytery.” (G-11.0502-h) It is still one of the preeminent committees of presbytery, listed in the structures specified in the constitution. (G-9.0902) Both traditions that joined to form the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) always regarded this committee as preeminent in presbytery. Each held the commission or committee in high regard not only because of its role in church government but also because of the quality and character of the persons who have been its leaders.

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

Does every presbytery have a Committee on Ministry?

Yes. The Book of Order, in G-9.0902a, lists the Committee on Ministry as one of the structures required by the Constitution for the presbytery. Other required presbytery structures are the Committee on Representation, the Committee on Preparation for Ministry, the Nominating Committee, the Permanent Judicial Commission, and a council for the coordination of mission and program.

COM Tool Kit Online

Meeting Dates

If you are submitting materials to COM, please submit them to com@presbynyc.org or by mail to the Presbytery office marked for the attention of Yzette Swavy-Lipton. Materials received after the deadline are usually deferred until the following meeting.

2011 Minister’s Minimum Compensation

At the September 25, 2010 Stated Meeting of the Presbytery the presbytery approved a 1.5% increase in both the salary and housing & utilities of the Minimum Compensation and Benefits Requirements for 2011. Subsequent changes for other components of the requirements, prorated for part-time call, follows prescribed formulas of calculation, recognizing that all installed pastors, regardless of whether or not they are full or part time, are to receive at least $1,000 Study Leave. Additionally the committee recommends that the transportation allowance for full-time pastors be raised from $2,000 to $2,500, and increase of $250 or 12.5%, prorated for part-time calls.

Further, we remind you that these are the minimum, compensation figures for clergy, and sessions are required to consider if the compensation package is adequate for their location (G-7.0302a), the experience and skills of their minister as well as the minister’s tenure with the congregation.