Presbytery of East Iowa

committees

From Bylaws and Manual of Operations (amended 1/07)

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ADMINISTRATIVE UNIT

05.01	The Administrative Unit shall be the primary administrative body for the Presbytery. It shall assume the responsibilities given to the Presbytery Council in the Book of Order (G-11.0103V, 11.0303). The members of the Administrative Unit shall also function as the Trustees of the Presbytery and shall be subject to the Constitution of the PC (USA), the laws of the State of Iowa, and the direction of the Presbytery (G-8.0202).

05.02	Administration is defined as the management and integration of the resources and programs of the Presbytery, including its volunteers, elected personnel, staff, and funds, toward achieving its mission, vision and priorities. The Administrative Unit may appoint task forces and work groups to fulfill its responsibilities. The Administrative Unit shall have the following primary functions:

	In relation to the overall work of the Presbytery:
		Coordinate the mission and program of the Presbytery in light of Presbytery’s vision and priorities.
		Coordinate with representatives of the Committee on Ministry, the Committee on Preparation for Ministry, the Nominating Committee, and the Committee on Representation regarding planning and implementation of programs.
		Receive and deal with complaints, criticisms, and disagreements arising out of or between internal agencies or congregations.
		Be elected as the Trustees of the Presbytery.
		Act on behalf of the Presbytery between meetings of the Presbytery and report such actions to the next meeting of the Presbytery.

	In relation to the Presbytery staff:
		Work in consultation with the General Presbyter.
		Conduct annual and comprehensive reviews of the work of the General Presbyter, Treasurer and the Stated Clerk.
		In consultation with the General Presbyter make recommendations to the Presbytery concerning changes in the job descriptions and the compensation of all staff, including elected staff, and forward the resulting recommendations to the Presbytery for approval.
		Provide support for the Presbytery staff by promoting unity and high morale among the members of the staff.
		The Administrative Unit will assume the functions of the Presbytery Executive Committee as described in the Presbytery’s Sexual Misconduct Policy.

	In relation to ecclesiastical affairs:
		Plan meetings of the Presbytery including the worship.
		Handle bills, overtures, and resolutions as may arise in the Presbytery.
		Present to Presbytery recommendations and/or comments on proposed amendments to the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) when received from General Assembly.
		In consultation with the General Presbyter, be responsible for ecumenical relationships.
		Review the minutes of Sessions.

	In relation to communications:
		Correspond with the Synod Council and the General Assembly Council.
		Advise the Presbytery on use of the public media, Synod media, and General Assembly media for both print and electronic communication.
		Develop a communication network between and among congregations.
		Supervise the Presbytery newsletter and web page.

	In relation to mission funding, budgets and Trustee responsibilities:
		In consultation with the Treasurer and General Presbyter, oversee the business affairs of the Presbytery including investments.
		Monitor debt service and accounts receivable.
		Make quarterly reports on the financial condition of the Presbytery.
		Plan and conduct an annual budgeting process for program and per capita funds in consultation with Presbytery staff.
		Recommend to Presbytery the allocation of benevolence funds to the Synod and General Assembly for both program and per capita assessments.
		Keep the Presbytery informed about income and expenditures and recommend adjustments.
		Arrange for the audit of the financial records of the Presbytery at the close of the calendar year.
		Make all decisions regarding property and assets of the Presbytery and its member churches (G-8.000-G-8.070).

05.03	Membership: The Administrative Unit will be composed of not less than six (6) members elected at large and balanced between elders and ministers of the Word and Sacrament. The Nominating Committee will present a slate of nominees, including the name of a moderator for election by the Presbytery. Unless otherwise specified by the Presbytery, no term may exceed three years and no one person may serve more than six years consecutively.

05.04	Meetings: The Administrative Unit shall meet at least six (6) times per year.

05.05	Staff: The General Presbyter shall be primary staff to the Administrative Unit. The Stated Clerk and Treasurer shall also staff the unit when so requested.

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VISION AND RENEWAL UNIT

06.01	The Vision and Renewal Unit shall review the work and the needs of the Presbytery on an ongoing basis in order to provide direction and strategic thinking for the future of the Presbytery. It shall use all manner of resources available to discern changes in congregations, communities and the world that demand a constructive response from the Presbytery and its churches in order to empower and improve our witness and outreach for Jesus Christ.

06.02	The primary functions of the Vision and Renewal Unit are:
		Communicate with churches in the Presbytery on a regular basis to assess their current and future needs, their current condition and their discernment of God’s vision for them.
		Facilitate the development of processes that help congregations review their ministry context and what future planning would be most useful.
		Lead the Presbytery in examining its mission goals and strategies on a regular basis to discern the need for changes.
		Implement action steps developed to lead the Presbytery to achieving its vision when so directed by the Presbytery.
		Encourage and promote a sense of unity and community in the Presbytery.

06.03	Membership: The Vision and Renewal Unit will be composed of no less than six (6) members elected at large and balanced between laypersons and ministers. The Nominating Committee will present a slate of nominees, including the name of a moderator for election by the Presbytery. Unless otherwise specified by the Presbytery, no term may exceed three years and no one person may serve more than six years consecutively.

06.04	Meetings: The Vision and Renewal Unit will meet as frequently as needed and in a manner that promotes creativity in the fulfillment of its mission.

06.05	Staffing: The General Presbyter and, if requested, the Presbytery program consultants shall be the primary staff to the Vision and Renewal Unit.

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COMMITTEE ON MINISTRY

	The Committee on Ministry shall fulfill the responsibilities assigned by the Book of Order (G-11.0500).
	Presbytery grants the Committee on Ministry the authority to approve calls; approve and present calls to ministers; approve and examine ministers transferring from other Presbyteries (G-11.0402); dissolve pastoral relationships where the congregation and pastor concur; dismiss ministers to other presbyteries; appoint a minister of this Presbytery as Moderator of session(s) of constituent churches; approve temporary relationships (G-14.0513); approve, commission and supervise commissioned lay pastors, their placement and responsibilities (G-14.0800); grant ministers permission to labor outside or within the bounds of this Presbytery; transfer ministers into or out of the Presbytery; approve administrative commissions for the purpose of installing ordained ministers and for the purpose of ordaining candidates following examination; approve requests to set dates for retirement, with the provision that all such actions be reported to the next stated meeting of the Presbytery (G-9.0403, G-14.0507).
	Sessions seeking student pastors to fill vacant pulpits must secure the approval of the Committee on Ministry before negotiating an agreement with a student or a theological seminary he/she may be attending. Agreements between seminary students and churches in the Presbytery shall be for one year or less and may be renewed upon review by the seminary and the Presbytery through the Committee on Ministry, and through the Committee on Preparation for Ministry if the student is under the care of this Presbytery, and by the session of the local church.
	The Committee on Ministry shall be the liaison between the Presbytery and the Board of Pensions.
	The Committee on Ministry shall report to each meeting of the Presbytery and be in communications with the Administrative Unit.

Membership: The Committee on Ministry shall be composed of a committee moderator and twenty-five members, or it shall be composed of two co-moderators and twenty-six members.

Term: Membership shall be elected for a term of three years and replacement of a member whose term has not expired shall be for the remainder of that term. Members shall be ineligible to serve more than two consecutive terms or consecutive portions of terms (G-11.0501).

Meetings: The Committee on Ministry shall meet on a regular basis as determined by the Committee. Special meetings may be called by the moderator(s).

Staff: The COM Consultant and the General Presbyter shall be the primary staff to this committee.

Linkage: The Committee on Ministry reports to the Presbytery, is accountable to support the vision and priorities of the Presbytery and is in communication with the Administrative Unit.

TO VIEW THE MORE IN DEPTH COMMITTEE ON MINISTRY SITE, CLICK HERE.

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COMMITTEE ON PREPARATION FOR MINISTRY

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	Shall implement the Book of Order (G-14.0300).
	Shall implement policies of the Presbytery.
	Shall aid in the recruitment of quality persons for the ministry of the Word and Sacrament.
	Shall provide resources for persons considering ministry of the Word and Sacrament as a career.
	Shall provide resources and training for sessions in their recruitment, endorsement of, and care of inquirers and candidates.
	Shall supervise the preparation for ministry of each person under the care of Presbytery.
	Shall examine candidates for ordination and recommend appropriate action to the Presbytery.
	Shall suggest to the Nominating Committee persons to be elected as readers of examinations for candidates for ordination. (G-11.0103m).
	Shall certify candidates under the Presbytery’s care as ready to receive a call pending examination, with all such action to be reported to the next stated meeting of the Presbytery.

Membership: The Committee on Preparation for Ministry shall be composed of a committee moderator, who may be a minister or an elder, plus twelve members equally divided between ministers and laypersons. Its quorum shall be a majority of the Committee.

Term: Membership shall be elected for a term of three years and replacement of a member whose term has not expired shall be for the remainder of that term. Members shall be ineligible to serve more than two consecutive terms or consecutive portions of terms (G-11.0501).

Meetings: The Committee on Preparation for Ministry shall meet at least annually. Special meetings may be called by the moderator.

Staff: the General Presbyter or designee shall be primary staff to this Committee.

Linkage: The Committee on Preparation for Ministry reports to the Presbytery, is accountable to support the vision and priorities of the Presbytery and is in communication with the Administrative Unit.

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NOMINATING COMMITTEE

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	Shall perform the assignment of Book of Order (G-9.0801a,b,c,d) and the assignments of the Presbytery.
	Shall nominate persons to fill vacancies on the committees, units and other bodies that require election by the Presbytery, and shall consult with the moderators of these bodies regarding their specific needs and the persons being considered.
	Shall nominate the Moderator, the Vice Moderator, the Stated Clerk, and the Treasurer of the Presbytery.
	Shall fill vacancies in committees, units and moderators between meetings of the Presbytery, reporting these actions to the next meeting of the Presbytery.
	Shall nominate commissioners to the meetings of the Synod and the General Assembly in terms of the policies of the Presbytery.

Membership: The Nominating Committee shall be composed in accordance with the Book of Order (G-9.0800). The Administrative Unit will nominate persons to fill vacancies on this Committee. Its quorum shall be a majority of the Committee.

Term: Membership shall be elected for a term of three years and replacement of a member whose term has not expired shall be for the remainder of that term. Members shall be ineligible to serve more than two consecutive terms or consecutive portions of terms (G-11.0501).

Meetings: The Nominating Committee shall meet at least annually and then will meet on call by the moderator of the Committee.

Staff: The General Presbyter shall be primary staff to this Committee.

Linkage: The Nominating Committee reports to the Presbytery, is accountable to support the vision and priorities of the Presbytery and is in communication with the Administrative Unit.

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COMMITTEE ON REPRESENTATION

	Shall perform the duties assigned by the Book of Order (G-9.0105a thru f).
	Shall advise the Presbytery and the Synod with regards to the participation and inclusiveness of all constituencies in the life and structure of the Presbytery.
	Shall review the need for nominations in particular categories deficient in representation.
	Shall advise the Presbytery on the employment of personnel in accordance with the principles of participation and representation and in conformity with a church-wide plan for equal employment opportunity (G-4.0403 and G-13.0201b).

Membership: The Committee on Representation shall be composed of a committee moderator plus seven members as proposed to the Presbytery by its Nominating Committee. These eight persons will be elected in conformity with Book of Order (G-9.0105). Its quorum shall be a majority of the Committee. For functional purposes, membership will duplicate membership of the Nominating Committee.

Term: Membership shall be elected for a term of three years and replacement of a member whose term has not expired shall be for the remainder of that term. Members shall be ineligible to serve more than two consecutive terms or consecutive portions of terms (G-11.0501).

Meetings: The Committee on Representation shall meet at least annually. Special meetings may be called by the moderator.

Staff: The General Presbyter shall be primary staff to this Committee.

Linkage: The Committee on Representation reports to the Presbytery, is accountable to support the vision and priorities of the Presbytery and is in communication with the Administrative Unit.

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PERMANENT JUDICIAL COMMISSION

Shall perform those duties described in the Book of Order (D-5.000).

Membership: The Permanent Judicial Commission shall be composed of a commission moderator plus seven members. These eight persons will be elected in conformity with Book of Order (D-5.000). Its quorum shall be a majority of the Commission.

Term: Membership shall be elected for a term of six years and replacement of a member whose term has not expired shall be for the remainder of that term. Members shall be ineligible to serve more than two consecutive terms or consecutive portions of terms (G-11.0501).

Meetings: The Permanent Judicial Commission shall meet when called upon for a training or judicial process and then will meet on call by the moderator.

Staff: the Stated Clerk shall be primary staff to this Commission. The General Presbyter shall be advisory staff.

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SEXUAL MISCONDUCT RESPONSE COMMITTEE