2017 the administrative manual of the presbytery of east tennessee:...

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2017 The Administrative Manual

of the Presbytery of East Tennessee: PROPOSED

Introduction:

As with certain parts of the Bible, the Manual of the Presbytery is oft-quoted, but rarely read.

The Manual, also as with the Bible, has been cobbled together over generations, but with far lesser

authority and inspiration. The Manual is an admirable effort by faithful presbyters to both constrain how

we CURRENTLY work and guide how we WILL work together in this shared ministry of Christ.

The current version of the Manual is outdated. It doesn’t reflect how we have evolved as a connectional

body of Christ. The Form of Government of the PCUSA has changed. Times have changed. Plus, because

the Manual was written by many people over the years, it sometimes conflicts with itself.

Our Manual needs an upgrade.

The existing, current Manual, is on our presbytery website, www.presbyteryeasttn.org, under “Forms

and Publications.” You can also find it directly by clicking here:

http://www.presbyteryeasttn.org/s/TheMANUALofthePRESBYTERYOFEASTTENNESSEEversion2015-02-

21-4a64.pdf. (The original document is from 2015. We have amended it since then, and these

amendments are reflected in the current text.)

This DRAFT of the Manual is presented for your comments and ideas. As you read through, you’ll see

plenty of annotations about how it differs from the current Manual. Annotations are in red.

Someone asked if this revision of the Manual is about “less is more.” Sometimes less IS more, but that’s

not the point. If this proposed revision is “more” it’s because the Form of Government of the PCUSA has

been revised (and shortened) to be more descriptive and more permissive, as opposed to being

proscriptive and restrictive. I’ve attempted to duplicate the (new) Form of Government’s methodology

of more in this revision of the Manual.

What if a committee wants to create its own Handbook of operations? Already, the COM and the CPM

have these. There’s nothing prohibiting a committee from creating its own Handbook as a supplement

to this Manual. In fact, I think we should include all Handbooks as Appendices to this Manual. This way,

we keep all our rules and guidelines in one place. Presbytery doesn’t have to approve Handbooks, but

should know where to find them and see them.

So, the document is on this website. You can comment to your heart’s content. Let’s work together to

get things right… or at least as right as we can, always remaining aware of our fallibility and limitations.

- James McTyre, Stated Clerk

Commented [JM1]: Consistent with the methodology of the “new” Form of Government.

Commented [JM2]: Committee Handbooks?

Commented [JM3]: Let’s all help make this a strong document that will last a few years, describe our present operations, and guide us into the future.

http://www.presbyteryeasttn.org/

http://www.presbyteryeasttn.org/s/TheMANUALofthePRESBYTERYOFEASTTENNESSEEversion2015-02-21-4a64.pdf

http://www.presbyteryeasttn.org/s/TheMANUALofthePRESBYTERYOFEASTTENNESSEEversion2015-02-21-4a64.pdf

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Contents 1 The Purpose of the Manual .............................................................................................................. 1

2 The Purpose of the Presbytery ......................................................................................................... 1

3 Responsibilities of the Presbytery .................................................................................................... 1

4 Membership .................................................................................................................................... 2

5 Meetings ......................................................................................................................................... 2

5.1 Attendance .............................................................................................................................. 2

5.2 Conduct ................................................................................................................................... 2

5.3 Number of Meetings ................................................................................................................ 2

5.4 Agenda..................................................................................................................................... 2

5.5 Docket ..................................................................................................................................... 2

5.6 Worship ................................................................................................................................... 3

5.7 Necrology................................................................................................................................. 3

5.8 Installation of Moderator and Vice Moderator ......................................................................... 3

5.9 Special Meetings ...................................................................................................................... 3

5.10 Quorum ................................................................................................................................... 3

5.11 Minutes ................................................................................................................................... 3

5.12 Notice ...................................................................................................................................... 3

5.13 Measures to Higher Councils .................................................................................................... 3

6 Officers and Administrative Staff ..................................................................................................... 4

6.1 Moderator and Vice Moderator ............................................................................................... 4

6.2 Stated Clerk ............................................................................................................................. 4

6.3 General and Associate Presbyters ............................................................................................ 4

6.3.1 General Presbyter............................................................................................................. 4

6.3.2 Associate Presbyter .......................................................................................................... 5

6.4 Treasurer ................................................................................................................................. 5

6.5 Director of the John Knox Center.............................................................................................. 5

6.6 Presbytery Administrator ......................................................................................................... 5

7 Committees of the Presbytery ......................................................................................................... 6

7.1 Membership ............................................................................................................................ 6

7.2 Quorum ................................................................................................................................... 6

7.3 Budget Compliance .................................................................................................................. 6

7.4 Meetings .................................................................................................................................. 6

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7.5 Records .................................................................................................................................... 6

8 Coordinating Committee for Vision and Mission .............................................................................. 7

8.1 Purpose.................................................................................................................................... 7

8.2 Meetings .................................................................................................................................. 7

8.3 Moderator ............................................................................................................................... 7

8.4 Members ................................................................................................................................. 7

8.5 Coordination and Evaluation of Ministries ................................................................................ 7

8.6 Evaluation of New Ministries .................................................................................................... 8

8.7 Authority to Act on Behalf of Presbytery .................................................................................. 8

8.8 Responsibility to Nominating Committee ................................................................................. 8

9 Nominating Committee ................................................................................................................... 9

9.1 Meetings .................................................................................................................................. 9

9.2 Advocate for Representation.................................................................................................... 9

9.3 Responsibilities ........................................................................................................................ 9

9.4 Members ................................................................................................................................. 9

9.5 Committee Vacancies ............................................................................................................... 9

9.6 Responsibility to Higher Councils .............................................................................................. 9

10 Committee on Ministry .............................................................................................................. 10

10.1 Authority on Behalf of Presbytery .......................................................................................... 10

10.2 Responsibilities ...................................................................................................................... 10

10.3 Members ............................................................................................................................... 11

11 Committee on Preparation for Ministry ..................................................................................... 12

12 Global Ministries ........................................................................................................................ 12

13 Congregational Development..................................................................................................... 12

13.1 New Congregational Development ......................................................................................... 12

13.2 Congregational Transformation .............................................................................................. 12

14 Congregational Relations ........................................................................................................... 13

15 Children’s Ministry ..................................................................................................................... 13

16 Youth Ministry ........................................................................................................................... 13

17 Outdoor Ministries ..................................................................................................................... 14

17.1 Members ............................................................................................................................... 14

18 Administration ........................................................................................................................... 15

18.1 Members ............................................................................................................................... 15

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18.2 Subcommittees ...................................................................................................................... 15

18.2.1 Loan Committee ............................................................................................................. 15

18.2.2 Property and Office Operations Committee .................................................................... 15

18.2.3 Personnel Committee ..................................................................................................... 16

19 Permanent Judicial Commission and Investigating Committees .................................................. 17

19.1 Permanent Judicial Commission ............................................................................................. 17

19.2 Investigating Committees ....................................................................................................... 17

20 Suspension and Amendment of the Manual ............................................................................... 17

20.1 Suspension of the Manual ...................................................................................................... 17

20.2 Amendment of the Manual .................................................................................................... 17

21 Policies ................................................................................................................................... 21-1

21.1 Bylaws of the Presbytery of East Tennessee ........................................................................ 21-1

21.2 Personnel Manual ............................................................................................................... 21-1

22 Committee Handbooks ........................................................................................................... 22-1

22.1 Committee on Ministry Handbook ...................................................................................... 22-1

22.2 Committee on Preparation for Ministry Handbook .............................................................. 22-1

22.3 [others] ............................................................................................................................... 22-1

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1 The Purpose of the Manual This administrative manual specifies the form and guides the work of the presbytery. (Presbyterian Book

of Order, G-3.0106)

Previous versions of the Manual have required great thought about the presbytery’s vision and mission.

But, the presbytery already has a purpose and responsibilities, defined by the Book of Order. So, I have

referenced the BOO for Purpose and Responsibilities instead of asking us to come up with our own, once

again.

2 The Purpose of the Presbytery The Presbytery of East Tennessee is a governing Council of the Presbyterian Church (USA), ordered by

the Constitution of the PCUSA, Part II, The Book of Order (F-3.0203, G-3.01, and G-3.03)

From G.0301 of the Book of Order:

The presbytery is responsible for the government of the church throughout its district, and for assisting

and supporting the witness of congregations to the sovereign activity of God in the world, so that all

congregations become communities of faith, hope, love, and witness. As it leads and guides the witness

of its congregations, the presbytery shall keep before it the marks of the Church (F-1.0302), the notes by

which Presbyterian and Reformed communities have identified themselves through history (F-1.0303)

and the six Great Ends of the Church (F-1.0304).

3 Responsibilities of the Presbytery In light of the charge to and mission of the presbytery, the presbytery has the following mission

responsibilities and power to:

From G-3.0301, 3.0302, and 3.0303:

a. provide that the Word of God may be truly preached and heard.

b. provide that the Sacraments may be rightly administered and received.

c. nurture the covenant community of disciples of Christ.

d. maintain regular and continuing relationships with higher councils: synod and General Assembly.

e. coordinate, guide, encourage, support, and resource the work of our member congregations for

the most effective witness to the broader community.

How should the presbytery accomplish its Purpose and Responsibilities? Do you see these being

accomplished now? If not, what’s missing?

Commented [JM4]: The Manual is required by the Book of Order.

Commented [JM5]: The Presbytery’s Purpose and Responsibilities are determined by the Book of Order. (i.e., there is no need for the presbytery to reinvent these)

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4 Membership Commissioners to the presbytery shall be teaching elder members of the presbytery and ruling elders

elected by their sessions in accordance with the Book of Order.

The presbytery shall adopt and communicate to the sessions a plan for determining how many ruling

elders each session should elect as commissioners to presbytery with a goal of numerical parity of

teaching elders and ruling elders (G-3.0301).

The existing Manual has a paragraph about the presbytery’s name and geography. However, our

presbytery can’t change either of these; they are determined by General Assembly. So… they have been

removed.

The paragraph about numerical parity is copied from the BOO.

5 Meetings The presbytery shall order and administrate its mission during its meetings, taking action on

recommendations and assigning responsibility to committees, staff, and administrative councils.

Language about meetings has been simplified, while retaining the intent of the existing Manual.

5.1 Attendance All teaching elder members of the presbytery, excepting those laboring outside the bounds of the

presbytery and those who are Honorably Retired, are expected to attend stated and special meetings of

the presbytery.

5.2 Conduct Meetings of presbytery shall be opened and closed with prayer. Meetings shall be conducted in

accordance with the most recent edition of Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised, except when in

contradiction to or limited by the Book of Order or this Manual (G-3.0105)

5.3 Number of Meetings There shall be four stated meetings of presbytery each year, ordinarily held on a Saturday in February,

the first Tuesday in May, a Saturday in August, and the second Tuesday in November.

Note that the word “ordinarily” replaces “shall” in a number of paragraphs. Something that isn’t

required by a “shall” in the BOO doesn’t need to be mandated. We follow our own traditions,

“ordinarily.”

5.4 Agenda The agenda of each meeting shall be proposed by the Moderator of the presbytery, Stated Clerk, and

the General Presbyter. The agenda shall be approved by the presbytery.

5.5 Docket The agenda and written reports shall be provided to commissioners and congregations at least two

weeks prior to the meeting.

Paragraphs about Agenda and Docket have been simplified.

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5.6 Worship Each stated meeting shall include worship, which at the last stated meeting of the year will normally

include a sermon by the retiring Moderator and the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper.

“Normally” draws on tradition. There may be times when the retiring Moderator can’t preach.

5.7 Necrology At the first stated meeting of each year, the Stated Clerk should see that worship includes the reading of

the names of ruling and teaching elders called to the Church Triumphant in the previous year.

5.8 Installation of Moderator and Vice Moderator At the last stated meeting of the year, the presbytery will, upon nomination by the Committee on

Nominations, elect and install, for a one year term of office, a Moderator and a Vice-Moderator, to take

office at the conclusion of the meeting. It is usual that the Vice-Moderator of the presbytery will be

nominated for the office of Moderator.

5.9 Special Meetings Special meetings of presbytery are by call of the Moderator or others in the manner prescribed by the

Book of Order, G-3.0304. presbytery in special meetings may consider and act upon only those matters

specified in the call.

5.10 Quorum The quorum for meetings of the presbytery shall be ten teaching elders and ten ruling elder

commissioners representing ten different congregations.

Ten doesn’t seem like very many; but, the current Manual says 9 (for some reason). So, 10 is an

increase.

5.11 Minutes The minutes shall be preserved by the Stated Clerk and made available to teaching elders and churches.

The Coordinating Committee is commissioned by the presbytery to examine and approve its minutes.

5.12 Notice No stated or special meetings of the presbytery shall be held during the meetings of higher councils.

When a special meeting of the presbytery is called, or when, of necessity, the meeting place must be

changed, the Moderator and the Stated Clerk shall arrange for the place of meeting.

In the event of a weather or other emergency, the date, place and hour of a meeting of the presbytery

may be changed by the Moderator in consultation with the General Presbyter, the Moderator of the

Coordinating Committee, and the Stated Clerk.

5.13 Measures to Higher Councils Measures of common concern to the mission of the church intended to be submitted to higher councils

(e.g., Overture or other resolution) shall be received by the Stated Clerk at least 45 days prior to the

meeting of presbytery at which the measure is to be considered. The Stated Clerk or a committee

Commented [JM6]: This is a “should” not a “shall.”

Commented [JM7]: This is a “will”, not a “shall.”

Commented [JM8]: Only 10? Actually, that’s an increase. The current Manual says 9.

Commented [JM9]: No changes here

Commented [JM10]: No changes here, except to group together the guidelines for notice of meetings.

Commented [JM11]: “shall” (rather than “must”)

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elected by the presbytery may assist and advise the measure’s author(s) as to the measure’s form and

necessity, and will present the measure to the meeting of presbytery.

6 Officers and Administrative Staff This section is largely unchanged. The Director of John Knox Center has been moved from the Outdoor

Ministries Team section to here, in order to keep all staff in one place. The Presbytery Administrator

position has been added, because s/he is essential to operations.

6.1 Moderator and Vice Moderator The presbytery shall have a Moderator and Vice-Moderator, elected to serve one year terms.

Ordinarily Moderators shall alternately be a teaching elder and a ruling elder.

The Moderator or Vice-Moderator is ordinarily the moderator of all commissions to ordain and install

teaching elders and to commission ruling elders in the presbytery. It is their duty, when a member of

such commissions, to preside and propound the constitutional questions to the teaching elder or

commissioned ruling elder.

Reimbursement for the Moderator and Vice Moderator’s travel and expenses incurred performing

official presbytery functions shall be provided by the budget of presbytery.

The Moderator may appoint ad-hoc committees as necessary to carry out the work of the presbytery.

If the Moderator is unable to fulfill the term of office, the Vice-Moderator will function as Moderator

until the next stated meeting, at which time the presbytery may elect the Vice-Moderator to become

Moderator and at the same meeting elect a new Vice-Moderator.

In the absence of the Moderator, the Vice-Moderator will preside over meetings of presbytery. If

neither is able, the Stated Clerk may invite immediate past moderators to serve, beginning with the

most recent.

6.2 Stated Clerk The presbytery shall elect a Stated Clerk for a four year term, renewable.

In accordance with the Book of Order, the Stated Clerk will preserve and make available the minutes of

presbytery, act as Parliamentarian during meetings, and, when requested, offer advice and instruction

on governance. Salary and allowances shall be established by the presbytery upon recommendation of

the Coordinating Committee. In the absence of the Stated Clerk, the Moderator should appoint a Stated

Clerk pro tem.

6.3 General and Associate Presbyters The presbytery may elect a General Presbyter and Associate Presbyters for four year terms, renewable.

6.3.1 General Presbyter

The General Presbyter will be the administrator for the implementation of ministries and matters of

strategy, program and resources. The General Presbyter shall supervise Associate Presbyters and

administrative staff, and provide for staff services in the work of the presbytery’s ministry.

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Should the office of General Presbyter be vacant, the Coordinating Committee will nominate to the

presbytery a Search Committee. The Search Committee, in consultation with higher councils, will

determine and present to presbytery a position description, conduct a search, and present a nominee to

presbytery, along with terms of salary, benefits, and allowances. Changes in the General Presbyter’s call

shall be approved by presbytery in a stated meeting.

6.3.2 Associate Presbyter

The position description of an Associate Presbyter shall be approved by the presbytery after

consultation with the General Presbyter and higher councils.

Associate Presbyters shall be called upon the recommendation of a Search Committee nominated by the

Coordinating Committee and elected by the presbytery. The Search Committee, in consultation with the

General Presbyter and higher councils, will determine and present to presbytery a position description,

conduct a search, and present a nominee to presbytery, along with terms of salary, benefits, and

allowances. Changes in an Associate Presbyter’s call shall be approved by presbytery in a stated

meeting.

6.4 Treasurer The presbytery may elect a Treasurer for a four year term, renewable.

The Coordinating Committee nominates a Treasurer for election by the presbytery. Salary and

allowances shall be established by the presbytery upon recommendation of the Coordinating

Committee

The Treasurer will be authorized to receive, invest and disburse all the funds of the presbytery as

ordered. The Treasurer will maintain fiscal records of all receipts, disbursements accounts, and reserves,

including the Corporations of the presbytery. The Treasurer shall present written financial reports to

each regular meeting of the presbytery, including current status and balance of all accounts. The

Treasurer shall honor all restrictions or designations placed on receipts. Funds shall be disbursed in

accordance with the approved budget of the presbytery. The Treasurer shall be adequately bonded by

the presbytery. The Treasurer shall submit the financial records of the presbytery for an annual review.

6.5 Director of the John Knox Center The presbytery may elect a Director of the John Knox Center.

The presbytery may employ a Director of John Knox Center. The Director shall have responsibility for the

operation of John Knox Center as described in a job description approved by the presbytery. The

Director, with the concurrence of the Outdoor Ministries committee, shall secure and supervise staff,

plan and direct the programs, coordinate and serve as a leadership resource person for all groups who

use the center, and direct the physical operation of the center.

6.6 Presbytery Administrator The presbytery may employ an Administrator to promote communication within the presbytery and

other councils, oversee office administration, and maintain records.

Commented [JM12]: Added because we have and need one.

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7 Committees of the Presbytery I want to be careful here. Of course we have committees. I have dropped the alternate designations of

“team” or “group” etc., and for the sake of simplicity call all the working groups “committees.”

Committees may have Subcommittees when needed.

Some committees are Standing Committees. Standing Committees are those described in this Manual.

Can the Coordinating Committee or a Standing Committee create a temporary work group? Of course.

Such work groups might be created by a Standing Committee, Coordinating Committee, the Moderator

of Presbytery or the presbytery itself. Additional working groups are always allowed when needed; they

just aren’t recognized (required) in the Manual.

The presbytery shall create committees to carry out its ministries. Committees shall present regular

written reports to the Coordinating Committee and to stated meetings of the presbytery.

Standing Committees of the presbytery are described in subsequent sections. Standing committees

shall establish and oversee subcommittees described in this Manual. Committees may establish

additional subcommittees as needed, with the permission of the Coordinating Committee.

Additional committees, tasks forces, ministry teams, etc. may be established and overseen by the

Coordinating Committee.

7.1 Membership No more than two persons from the same church, either minister or layperson, may serve as elected

members of a committee. Committees should be composed of, as nearly as possible, equal numbers of

teaching elders and ruling elders.

How many members should a committee have? Does the number have to be codified in the Manual?

What about subcommittees? Should a committee have the option to determine how many members are

on a subcommittee under its oversight?

7.2 Quorum A majority of a committee’s members shall constitute a quorum.

7.3 Budget Compliance Committees shall abide by the approved annual budget of the presbytery. A two-thirds vote of the

presbytery at a stated meeting shall be required as permission for any non-budgeted or extra-budgetary

expenditures. The Administration Committee shall review any non-budgeted expenditure request made

by (a) a committee, (b) a subsidiary corporation, (c) a partnering ministry, or (d) a presbytery floor

motion, prior to PET approval.

7.4 Meetings Meetings will normally be conducted at a place and time of common agreement. A committee may

allow for meetings and decisions via electronic media if all members of the committee give prior assent

and such assent is recorded in the minutes.

7.5 Records Committees shall keep minutes of their meetings, including records of their decisions.

Commented [JM13]: Standing Committee chairpersons constitute Coordinating Committee (see Coordinating Committee).

Commented [JM14]: Some Subcommittees are mandated in this Manual. Standing Committees have the authority to constitute the membership of Subcommittees. Subcommittee staffing IS NOT the responsibility of the Nominating Committee.

Commented [JM15]: No change.

Commented [JM16]: Committees continue to be required to operate within budget constraints.

Commented [17]: Electronic meetings normally require “simultaneous aural communication” (RRNR), such as conference call or videoconference. However, the committee MAY agree to allow for decisions to be made via email or like means. I think the decision to agree should be unanimous consent given at a prior meeting.

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8 Coordinating Committee for Vision and Mission

8.1 Purpose The Coordinating Committee shall establish strategic objectives for the presbytery, delegate these to

committees under its oversight, and evaluate the presbytery’s work of ministry.

8.2 Meetings The Coordinating Committee will ordinarily meet at least three weeks prior to a stated meeting of

presbytery. The Committee may also meet upon the call of its Moderator, or upon the request of any

three members. Ordinarily, two weeks’ prior notice will be given for meetings. A majority of the

members of the Coordinating Committee may waive the two week prior notice requirement.

8.3 Moderator The immediate past Moderator of the presbytery will ordinarily serve as Moderator of the Coordinating

Committee.

8.4 Members Voting members of the Coordinating Committee shall be chairpersons or the committee’s designee

from the standing committees of the presbytery described in this Administrative Manual, excepting the

Permanent Judicial Committee and Investigating Committees.

The following shall be ex officio (voting) members: General Presbyter, Associate Presbyters, Stated

Clerk, Treasurer, Executive Director of the John Knox Center, Vice Moderator of the presbytery.

Big question: Who’s a voting member on the Coordinating Committee? Currently, the Manual says:

The Coordinating Committee shall consist of the immediate past Moderator of the Presbytery (as

Chair), the Current Moderator of Presbytery, chairpersons of Equip, Serve and Support, a

representative from Committee on Nominations, a representative from the Committee on

Ministry and a representative from Finance and Stewardship. Ex Officio members shall be the

General Presbyter, Stated Clerk, Executive Director of John Knox Center and Vice Moderator of

the Presbytery. Representatives may be appointed by other PET groups to attend as visitors, with

voice, but not vote.

Equip, Serve and Support are no longer descriptive, nor are all of these mission teams functioning as

intended in the current Manual. I would propose renaming and restructuring these 3 (see sections

below). Plus, there are a number of additional Standing Committees and perhaps Subcommittees that

could well be seated on the Coordinating Committee (see sections below). In your opinion, who SHOULD

be on the Coordinating Committee for Vision and Mission? How many members does it need?

8.5 Coordination and Evaluation of Ministries The Coordinating Committee is responsible for providing shared, cooperative leadership for the

ministries conducted through the committees of the presbytery. The Committee shall establish vision,

goals, and an atmosphere of Christian harmony in the presbytery. The Committee is responsible for

providing open, honest appraisals of the effectiveness of the work of the presbytery’s committees.

Commented [JM18]: “Ordinarily” replaces “shall” in several places.

Commented [JM19]: Serious questions, here.

Commented [JM20]: Who’s on CoCo?

Commented [JM21]: CoCo has more to do than plan meetings. I like idea of “promoting Christian harmony.”

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8.6 Evaluation of New Ministries Committees wishing to initiate new ministries shall bring a written request to a meeting of the

Coordinating Committee for discernment and guidance. The Coordinating Committee may amend,

defer, or refer committee proposals before sending the request to the presbytery.

8.7 Authority to Act on Behalf of Presbytery The Coordinating Committee may act with executive authority on behalf of the presbytery or

corporation when immediate action is required and shall report any such actions at the next stated

meeting of the presbytery.

8.8 Responsibility to Nominating Committee The Coordinating Committee shall present nominees to the presbytery for election to the Nominating

Committee. These nominations shall be presented by the November stated meeting and shall take into

consideration representation of the full diversity of the membership of the congregations of the

presbytery. The Coordinating Committee will select annually a moderator of the Nominating

Committee.

Commented [JM22]: How do we start new ministries? Seems like the CoCo is the body that would review and evaluate before sending on to presbytery.

Commented [JM23]: This is new. Is it needed? Maybe the NomCom should elect its own Moderator, same as any other committee.

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9 Nominating Committee

9.1 Meetings The Nominating Committee shall have at least two stated meetings each year, with called meetings as

necessary.

9.2 Advocate for Representation The Nominating Committee shall serve also as the presbytery’s Committee on Representation.

9.3 Responsibilities The Nominating Committee shall present to the presbytery nominees for:

Moderator and Vice-Moderator of the presbytery

Standing Committee members

Permanent Judicial Committee

Other committees and offices as directed.

The committee should solicit potential nominees by consulting with the presbytery at large,

Coordinating Committee, and staff.

9.4 Members The Nominating Committee shall be composed of nine members: three teaching elders, three female

ruling elders, three male ruling elders.

9.5 Committee Vacancies A Standing Committee may request a vacancy be filled when an elected member is consistently absent

without excuse from the work of the committee, has moved outside the bounds of the presbytery, or

ceases to be an active member of a congregation of the presbytery.

Vacancies shall be filled as promptly as possible, for election at the next stated meeting of the

presbytery.

The Nominating Committee should take care that committee members serve no more than six

consecutive years on the same committee, and that members serve only one committee at a time.

9.6 Responsibility to Higher Councils The Nominating Committee is responsible for nominating commissioners to higher councils.

Recommendations from sessions will be referred to the Nominating Committee. Additional nominations

may be made from the floor at a meeting of presbytery. Nominees shall be active in the work of

presbytery, have a sense of calling to the higher council, and have had sufficient interim since last

service as a commissioner.

Commented [JM24]: The Book of Order is permissive.

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10 Committee on Ministry The Committee on Ministry will perform the oversight of ministries in the presbytery as mandated in the

Book of Order, G-2.05 through G-2.11.

10.1 Authority on Behalf of Presbytery The committee has the authority of the presbytery to do the following, with the provision that all such

actions shall be reported to the next stated meeting of the presbytery:

find in order calls issued by churches

approve and present calls for services of teaching elders

approve the examination of teaching elders transferring from other presbyteries

dissolve the pastoral relationship in cases where the congregation and pastor concur

grant permission to labor within or outside the bounds of the presbytery

dismiss teaching elders to other presbyteries

select Installation Commissions for teaching elders and commissioned ruling elders

10.2 Responsibilities The committee has the following responsibilities:

1. The committee shall make recommendations to the presbytery regarding calls for the services of

its teaching elders. It shall counsel (a) with churches regarding calls for permanent pastoral

relations, and (b) with every committee elected to nominate a pastor or associate pastor. It shall

advise the pastor nominating committee (PNC) on the merits and availability of any candidate or

teaching elder whose name is considered for nomination to the congregation, and shall have the

privilege of suggesting possible names to each church's pastor nominating committee. No call to

a permanent pastoral relationship shall be in order for consideration by the presbytery unless

the church has received and considered this committee’s counsel.

2. The committee shall counsel with sessions seeking Temporary Pastoral Relationships, and it shall

provide lists of pastors and qualified lay persons to supply vacant pulpits. Should the committee

not approve a requested Temporary Pastoral Relationship, the church may make an appeal to

the presbytery at a meeting.

3. The committee shall make an annual report to the presbytery of work in which each teaching

elder and certified educator is engaged. Teaching elders performing work not under the

jurisdiction of the presbytery or a higher council or agency of the church shall submit an annual

progress report to the committee.

4. The committee shall promote the peace and harmony of churches, especially in regard to

relations with teaching elders.

5. The committee shall counsel with teaching elders who regularly fail to participate in the life of

the presbytery.

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6. The committee shall see that care and counseling is available for teaching elders, other certified

church professionals, their spouses and families.

7. The committee shall see that appropriate recognition is given to teaching elders and other

certified church professionals upon their retirement.

8. The committee shall be the liaison with the Board of Pensions of the PCUSA. Further, it shall see

that pastoral care is given to retired teaching elders, and especially teaching elders suffering

from disabilities and infirmities, and their families.

9. The committee shall make annual salary and benefit recommendations for teaching elders and

certified church educators, and shall ensure that all calls meet or exceed presbytery's minimum

standards.

10. The committee shall examine all candidates for ministry and teaching elders seeking

membership in the presbytery.

11. The committee shall have the responsibility to validate the ministry of all teaching elders of the

presbytery, especially those persons involved in specialized ministries.

12. The committee shall train and oversee ruling elders commissioned to particular pastoral service

(G-2.10).

13. The committee shall make an annual report concerning all teaching elders of the presbytery.

10.3 Members The number of members = _______

Commented [JM26]: How many?

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11 Committee on Preparation for Ministry The committee oversees all inquirers and candidates under the care of the presbytery.

The committee shall

Make recommendations to the presbytery concerning the reception and care of inquirers and

candidates

Maintain communication with all inquirers and candidates

Meet at least annually with each inquirer and candidate to learn more about their progress

towards ordination as teaching elders.

The number of members = _______.

12 Global Ministries The Global Ministries committee coordinates the presbytery’s ministries of care for and prophetic

witness to the world.


The committee oversees the work of its subcommittees:

1. Presbyterian Women of the Presbytery

2. Peacemaking

3. Hunger

4. Climate and Energy Stewardship

13 Congregational Development The committee will evaluate and recommend ministry projects to presbytery for new or existing

congregations. The committee shall make use of the guidelines established by the PCUSA’s

denominational development programs.

The number of members = 12.

The Congregational Development committee is composed of two separate but cooperative

subcommittees:

13.1 New Congregational Development This committee leads the process of planting new worshiping communities in the presbytery.

13.2 Congregational Transformation This committee leads the process of helping existing congregations in need of transformational

renewal.


Commented [JM28]: Replaces and revises current Serve Mission Team.



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14 Congregational Relations The Congregational Relations committee will establish and maintain a network of relationships between

congregations through a system of personal visits to each congregation. The committee will engage

sessions and church professionals in constructive, supportive dialogue.

This ministry will include, but is not limited to:

Maintain a system of regular visitors to each congregation’s worship and other congregational

events during each calendar year

Recruit and train visitors as representatives of the larger church, expressing the pastoral

connectional truth of our presbytery

Establish and maintain a system of Biennial visits by Teaching and Ruling Elders to every

teaching elder and session

Receive reports from the visitors and share them with presbytery as appropriate.


15 Children’s Ministry The Children’s Ministry committee represents and serves children’s ministries throughout the

presbytery. The committee will facilitate congregational ministries by creating a shared network of

information and best practices. This committee may create and facilitate presbytery-wide events for

children.


16 Youth Ministry The Youth Ministry committee will serve to bring the presbytery’s youth together so that they can grow

spiritually, be embraced in Christian love, and live out the Great Commandment to love our God with

heart, soul, and mind.

The committee will:

Create and oversee an annual Youth Council, composed of youth who have been recommended

by their congregations.

Work in collaboration with the Youth Council to develop a yearly theme or event themes for

youth events.

Direct and have authority over the Youth Council in the planning and holding of an annual Fall

Middle School retreat, Fall High School retreat and Youth Summit.





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17 Outdoor Ministries Outdoor Ministries committee will maintain and operate John Knox Center for Outdoor Christian

Education for the churches of Presbytery of East Tennessee. The committee is responsible for

overseeing the summer camping program, providing facilities for retreats and conferences, and

promoting the outdoor ministries of the presbytery. The committee may organize its work through

subcommittees as needed.

The Committee is responsible for the development, maintenance and operation of the John Knox Center

for summer camps and to work with congregations and committees to provide for congregational

retreats and family camps, officer training workshops, youth events and other events for spiritual

retreats and renewal. The Center shall be available for other groups such as schools and other religious

groups when space is available.



15

18 Administration The Administration committee shall be responsible for the oversight and management of the finances,

stewardship, property, and personnel of the presbytery.

The committee shall:

oversee presbytery funds

conduct budget negotiations in cooperation with the Coordinating Committee

manage presbytery investments

develop an annual budget for approval by the presbytery

designate a depository for the funds of the presbytery

certify by resolutions or certificates the officers of the presbytery authorized to sign financial or

legal documents on behalf of the presbytery.

assure completion of an annual audit

review the work of the Treasurer

develop an annual stewardship campaign for the presbytery

The committee shall administrate the purchasing or sale of any property to which the presbytery may or

does hold title.

All funds and all monies that come into the presbytery through settlement of Presbytery of East

Tennessee congregations that dissolve or separate from the PCUSA, including all uncommitted funds

from previous settlements, shall be placed into a Property Sales Reserve Fund.


18.2 Subcommittees The committee will delegate its ministry to a minimum of three subcommittees:

Loan Committee

Property and Office Operations Committee

Personnel Committee

18.2.1 Loan Committee

The Loan Committee will be responsible for the administration of the Church Loan Fund, the mission of

which is to enable financially viable churches to advance their ministries through capital expenditures.

Capital expenditures shall include new programs, repairs, maintenance, additions and replacements to

physical plants and the purchase of real estate for expansion, but are not intended to supplement

operating funds, budget shortfalls or refinance bank debt.

18.2.2 Property and Office Operations Committee

The Property and Office Operations Committee will oversee operation of the presbytery office in

consultation with the General Presbyter. It shall oversee the maintenance of presbytery property, verify

real estate records, and review the adequacy of insurance on presbytery property. It shall review

requests to borrow money, buy, sell or lease real estate owned by congregations, groups, and/or

ministries in accordance with the Book of Order. The Committee shall review requests from churches

Commented [JM35]: “Finance and Stewardship” does not describe the work of the committee. Personnel and Office Operations are also part of the ministry.


16

expecting to ask for aid in the construction of a church building or manse before the contract is let or

construction begins. Construction plans and estimates shall be submitted to the committee for approval.

18.2.3 Personnel Committee

The Personnel Committee shall review and evaluate the work and job descriptions of presbytery

administrative staff. It shall oversee the hiring of support staff and review office operations with the

General Presbyter. It shall ensure that all eligible presbytery staff are covered by the Pension and Major

Medical Plans of the Board of Pensions of the Presbyterian Church (USA). It may counsel with staff

members to resolve professional difficulties. It shall be responsible for the maintenance of the Personnel

Policy Manual of the presbytery.

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19 Permanent Judicial Commission and Investigating Committees

19.1 Permanent Judicial Commission The Permanent Judicial Commission shall consist of nine members of presbytery, on nomination by the

Nominating Committee. Members shall be elected by the presbytery at a stated meeting each even-

numbered year for terms of six years, and arranged in classes so that three new members shall be added

each even-numbered year. No two members of the commission may be from the same church. The

Moderator, Stated Clerk, and members of the staff of presbytery are not eligible to serve on the

Commission.

The Permanent Judicial Commission shall meet in stated meeting early in even-numbered years. Called

meetings of the Commission shall be held as needed. Six members shall constitute a quorum.

The responsibilities of the Permanent Judicial Commission shall conform to the Rules Of Discipline.

19.2 Investigating Committees The responsibilities of an Investigating Committee shall conform to the Rules of Discipline, and the

presbytery’s Sexual Misconduct Policy. An Investigating Committee may be appointed at any time by the

Stated Clerk in consultation with the Moderator of the presbytery, the Moderator of the Committee on

Ministry, and the General Presbyter. The Stated Clerk shall report the appointment of the committee to

the next meeting of the presbytery.

20 Suspension and Amendment of the Manual

20.1 Suspension of the Manual By a two-thirds vote, the presbytery may temporarily suspend a provision of this administrative manual.

20.2 Amendment of the Manual By a two-thirds vote, the presbytery may amend this manual, provided that the amendment has been

reviewed by the Coordinating Committee and published in the docket of the meeting at which the vote

is taken. The Coordinating Committee may make recommendations to the presbytery concerning the

amendment.

22-1

21 Policies

21.1 Bylaws of the Presbytery of East Tennessee

2017-01-10 PET Bylaws 2017 edition [proposed].pdf

21.2 Personnel Manual

22 Committee Handbooks

22.1 Committee on Ministry Handbook

COMHandbookapprovedbyPET8-24-13.pdf

22.2 Committee on Preparation for Ministry Handbook

CPM2015Handbook.pdf

22.3 [others]

2017 the administrative manual of the presbytery of east tennessee:...

Documents