top of page
Inquirers and Candidates

The Presbyterian Church (USA) preparation for ministry process involves two phases: Inquiry and Candidacy. These two phases are designed to explore the sense of call, evaluate the gifts necessary for ministry, and support the preparation of men and women who desire to serve as ministers of the Word and Sacrament.   

Discerning Your Call and Your Gifts For Ministry of Word and Sacrament

 

The Advisory Handbook for Preparation for Ministry in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

 

Forms Used in the Preparation for Ministry Process

​

2021 CPM Policies and Procedures

​

Holston Presbytery Inquirer/Candidate Checklist

Commissioned Ruling Elders

Holston Presbytery offers the following Commissioned Ruling Elder training classes:

​

Level I

  • Basic Bible

  • Preaching

  • Theology

  • Polity
     

Level II

Evangelism, Christian Education, Avoiding Sexual Misconduct, and Self-Care
(This course is is now offered in four separate modules as an individualized, self-paced, independent course of study.)
 

Modules:

  1. CRE LVL II - Christian Education 

  2. CRE LVL II - Evangelism 

  3. CRE LVL II - Avoid Sex Misconduct 

  4. CRE LVL II - Self Care 
     

Readings/Resources:

To Set One's Heart by Sara Little
 

Sex in the Parish by Karen Lebacqz and Ronald G. Barton

​

Reaching Out, by Henri Nouwen
 

PCUSA Sexual Misconduct Policy and Its Procedures
 

Mission--the Small Church Reaches Out, Anthony Pappas
 

Inside the Small Church, Anthony Pappas, pp. 130-154, 162-170
 

Cultivating Wholeness by Margaret Kornfield (pp. 236-257, 281-305)
 

Practical Psychology for Pastors
 

  • Counseling and Moderating the Session
     

Level III

  • Performing Marriages and Administering the Lord's Supper
     

Commissioned Ruling Elder training classes may also be taken online at University of Dubuque Theological Seminary and Union Presbyterian Seminary.​

  

Pastor Nominating Committees

Pastoral Nominating Committee Steps

​

Revised On Calling a Pastor: A Manual for Churches Seeking Pastors (2015)

​

Church Leadership Connection

​

Ministry Information Forms

​

Personal Information Forms

​

Mission Study Resources

​

2024 Minimum Terms of Call

​

Pastoral Terms of Call Worksheet

​

2021 Living by the Gospel
A guide to structuring minsters’ terms of call, and includes the latest Salaries in the Parish Ministry Salary Study and other annual effective salary data (from the Board of Pensions).

​

Median Effective Salaries (from the Board of Pensions)

​

Understanding Effective Salary (from the Board of Pensions)

​

Effective Salary Calculator (from the Board of Pensions)

​

Pastor's Participation Dues Calculator (from the Board of Pensions)

​

Congregational Grants

5¢ a Meal Grant Applications

The Local 5¢ a Meal Grant Application

​

The International 5¢ a Meal Grant Application

​

Complete the 5¢ a Meal Acknowledgement Form here.​

  

Small Church Grant Application

The Small Church Ministry Grants are made possible from the restricted endowment of Virginia Williams, a faithful member of the Presbyterian Church (USA).  The grants are disbursed by the Mission and Evangelism Committee.

Small Church Ministry Grant Application

 

bottom of page