PRESBYTERY MANUAL
OF OPERATION
Approved as a Guide by The 1988 General AssemblyINTRODUCTION
I. ORDER AND MISSION
The Presbyterian form of government is one of three forms of church polity in use
throughout the world. The others are Episcopal and Congregational.
Some people believe the Presbyterian form of government is more like that of theearly Christian church, and of the synagogue during and just prior to the first century.
It is thought by some that the representative form of government of the United States,
designed by the founding fathers, was patterned after the polity of the Presbyterianchurch.
While the above assertions may be true, this, in itself, does not prove one form ofchurch government superior to the others, or justify one's use of the Presbyterian form
today. Government or order exists to serve mission; therefore, "that form or orderwhich best serves the mission of the church at any time or place is to be preferred"(Toward a Theology of Church Government, Minutes of the General Assembly, 1970,
p. 143).
While not contending that it is true for all denominations in the second half of thetwentieth century, the people called Cumberland Presbyterians do believe that they canbest carry out their mission by adhering to the basic principles and tenets ofPresbyterian church polity.
Although no particular form of government is essential, some form of government
is. Without some definite form, the church would likely cease to exist. This form has asingle purpose, which is: "To enable the Church to develop its forces most effectively in
its assigned mission in and for the world" top cit, p. 143). Mission and form are closely
related. It is mission, however, that should determine form, rather than form
determining mission.
II. THE PRESBYTERY IN THE PRESBYTERIAN SYSTEM
In the Presbyterian system of government, the presbytery is the key unit. Ministersof the Word hold membership in the presbytery and not in the particular church. Only
the presbytery has the authority to receive candidates for the ministry and to guide andnurture them toward ordination. Only the presbytery has been given the authority toorganize new churches. Other responsibilities that belong uniquely to the presbytery
include: establishing and dissolving pastoral relationships; uniting, dividing, anddissolving churches; taking oversight of churches without pastors and appointing amoderator for their session; and electing commissioners to General Assembly.
The presbytery should be the key program unit in the Presbyterian system, but
small presbyteries do not have the necessary material or human resources to function
effectively as program agencies. Having larger presbyteries with several thousand active
members seems to be the only solution to this problem.
III. THE PURPOSE OF THIS MANUAL
The purpose of this Manual of Operation is to bring together in one guidebook
most of the guidelines and regulations that direct the life and work of the presbytery.

THE PRESBYTERY MANUAL OF OPERATION
1.0 Definition, Purpose, and Bounds
1.1 Definition. A presbytery consists of the ordained ministers and the elders elected torepresent the session of the churches within a prescribed area.
1.2 Purpose. The presbytery exists to exercise pastoral oversight and jurisdiction over ordained
ministers, sessions, and churches within a prescribed area.
1.3 Bounds. The bounds of the presbytery shall be determined by the synod of which thepresbytery is a member.
2.0 General Regulations
2.1 Quorum. Four members shall constitute a quorum provided at least one minister and one
elder are present.
2.2 Regular Meetings. The presbytery shall meet as often as once a year on its own
adjournment. The exact number of regular meetings shall be specified in the presbytery'sStanding Rules.
2.3 Special Meetings. The moderator shall call a special meeting upon the receipt of a written
request from two ministers and two elders from different churches. The call shall give notice,specifying the particular business of the intended meeting, to every minister and session of every
particular church on its roll, at least ten days prior to the proposed time of the meeting. Nothing
shall be transacted at such special meetings other than the particular business for which thepresbytery was convened.
2.4 Membership. The membership of the presbytery consists of its ordained ministers andrepresentatives for the sessions of its particular churches.
2.41 In a particular church having a membership of one to 300 active members, thesession is entitled to send one elder as its representative; in a particular church having amembership of 301 to 600, the session shall be entitled to send two representatives; andthe basis for representation shall continue in the above proportion.
2.42 A minister of another church with whom the General Assembly has a reciprocal
agreement and whose ecclesiastical relations have been certified by that church, who isserving in a ministerial capacity in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church may be enrolled
for a period of such service as a member of the presbytery and have temporarily therights and privileges of such membership.
2.43 Members in good standing in other presbyteries, or in an ecclesiastical body withwhich the Cumberland Presbyterian Church has established correspondence, may beseated as Advisory Members. Advisory Members have the privilege of the floor, but notof voting. Some of the churches with which the Cumberland Presbyterian Church is incorrespondence are: American Baptist Church, Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church,
Evangelical Covenant Church, Hungarian Reformed Church in America, Lithuanian
Evangelical Reformed Church, Moravian Church in America, Presbyterian Church in
Canada, Presbyterian Church (USA), Reformed Church in America, Second Cumberland
Presbyterian Church, United Church of Christ, and United Methodist Church.
2.44 Ministers in good standing in other ecclesiastical bodies may be officiallyrecognized as Visiting Ministers.
2.45 Elders must be currently serving on the session to be eligible to serve as arepresentative to presbytery (or any other higher judicatory).
2.5 Attendance.

2.51 Ministers shall attend all meetings of the presbytery, or present to the stated clerk avalid reason for their absence.
2.52 Elders, who have been elected representatives by their sessions and are unable toattend, shall request, through the stated clerk, that they be excused from attending.
2.53 Sessions that are unable to send a representative shall request, through the statedclerk, that they be excused for their non-attendance.
2.54 Candidates and Licentiates shall attend all meetings of the presbytery. When this is
not possible, a request to be excused shall be directed to the presbytery through the statedclerk, and the chairperson of the Committee on the Ministry shall be informed of thisrequest.
2.55 Only the presbytery can act on reasons for non-attendance, or approve one's leaving
prior to the final adjournment.
2.6 Conduct of Meetings. All meetings of the presbytery shall be conducted according to theRules of Order of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Any case which is not coveredby these rules shall be governed by the current edition of Robert's Rules of Order.
2.7 Agenda and Program.
2.71 The agenda and program for each meeting of the presbytery shall be prepared by the
Presbytery Council (see 5.1) or such other agency as may be specified by the Standing
Rules.
2.72 Once the agenda and program have been adapted, they can be changed only byunanimous consent, or a two-thirds majority vote.
2.8 Place of Meeting. The location of each meeting of the presbytery shall be selected in themanner specified in the Standing Rules.
2.9 Standing Rules.
2.91 In addition to the Manual of Operation, the presbytery shall have a set of Standing
Rules to assure that all things are done "decently and in order."2.92 The Standing Rules should be amended as the need arises.
2.93 The Standing Rules are guidelines to aid the presbytery in its decision making and incarrying out its mission. The presbytery, however, shall adopt no Standing Rule or takeany action that is contrary to the Constitution and Government of the church.
2.94 STANDING RULES MODELPART A
2.941 General Regulations
a. Nameb. Denominational Affiliationc. Boundaries
d. Membershipe. Incorporation
f. Union Churchesg. Manual of Operationh. Standing Rules:
1. Suspension of
2. Amendments toPART B
2.942 Meetingsa. Datesb. Placesc. Attendanced. Agenda
PART C
2.943 Officers
a. Moderator
b. Vice Moderator
c. Stated Clerk
d. Recording Clerk
e. Treasurer
f. Trustees
PART D
2.944 Agencies
a. Presbytery Council
b. Board of Missions
c. Board of Christian Educationd. Board of Financee. Committee on the Ministryf. Committee on Judicial Concernsg. Committee on Theology and Social Concerns
h. Heritage Committee
i. Nominations Committee
j. Health Insurance Committee
k. Program Committee
1. Select Committees
m. Ecclesiastical Commissions
PART E
2.945 Operating Guidelines
a. Examination of Session Records
b. Agency Meetings and Reportsc. Election of Delegates to Synod and Commissioners to General
Assemblyd. Preliminary Minutes
e. Presbytery Minutes
f. Presbytery Budget and Financial Reports
g. Program at Presbytery Meetingsh. Health Insurance Programi. Financial Audit
PART F2.046 Professional Staff
a. Number and typeb. Job Descriptions
c. Authority
d. Evaluation and reportinge. Contracts
3.0 Officers of the Presbytery
3.1 Moderator.
3.11 The moderator shall be elected for a set term and shall serve until a successor iselected. Each regular meeting of presbytery must elect its own moderator, but even if thepresbytery has two or more regular meetings annually, there are legal ways of having thesame moderator serve for an entire year. One way is by establishing the tradition ofreelecting the moderator at each regular meeting. Another method is through the use of
adjourned meetings. Though the adjourned meetings are held at various times and places
during the year, technically, they are all a part of one meeting, thus, it is not necessary toelect a moderator for each one of them.
3.12 The moderator shall be knowledgeable of parliamentary law and be familiar with the
Presbytery Manual of Operation and Standing Rules.
3.13 The duties of the moderator include the following:a. to announce in proper sequence the business that comes before the presbyteryin accordance with the agenda or program and the existing orders of the day;b. to recognize members who are entitled to the floor;
c. to state and to put all questions that come legitimately before the presbytery as
motions or that otherwise arise in the course of proceedings (except those that
relate to the moderator), and to announce the result of each vote; or, if a motionthat is not in order is made, to rule it out of order;
d. to protect the presbytery from frivolous motions by refusing to recognize them;e. to require that the rules relating to debate and to order and decorum within thepresbytery be observed;
f. to expedite business in every way compatible with the rights of the members;
g. to decide all questions of order, subject to appeal--unless, when in doubt, sucha question is submitted to the presbytery for decision;h. to respond to inquiries of members relating to parliamentary procedure or
factual information bearing upon the business of the presbytery;i. to authenticate by signature, when necessary, all acts, orders, and proceedingsof the presbytery;j. to declare the meeting adjourned when the presbytery so votes or--whenapplicable--at the time prescribed on the program, or at any time in the event of asudden emergency affecting the safety of those present;
k. to appoint all committees unless otherwise determined by the presbytery, andl. to call the vice-moderator (or some other member) to the chair to preside
temporarily; or before engaging in debate (except upon questions of order).
3.14 At each meeting, in addition to the necessary papers proper to that meeting's
business, the moderator should have at hand:a. a copy of the Presbytery Manual of Operation;b. a copy of the Standing Rules of the presbytery;c. a copy of the Confession of Faith and Government of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church;d. a copy of the current edition of Robert's Rules of Order, ande. a memorandum of the complete order of business.
3.15 The presbytery may name the moderator an ex-officio member of all its boards andagencies (with voting rights); otherwise, the moderator is an advisory (non-voting)member of such boards and agencies.
3.2 Vice-Moderator.
3.21 The vice-moderator shall be elected for a set term and shall serve until a successor iselected.
3.22 The vice-moderator shall perform the duties of the moderator during the absence ordisability of the moderator, or in the case of a vacancy in the office of moderator.
3.23 The vice-moderator shall perform such other duties as may be assigned by thepresbytery.
3.24 The presbytery may establish the tradition of electing the vice-moderator to succeed
the moderator.
3.3 The Stated Clerk.
3.31 The stated clerk shall be elected for a definite term (normally three years) and shallhold office until a successor is elected.
3.32 The stated clerk may or may not be a member of the presbytery.
3.33 It shall be the duty of the stated clerk to record all minutes in permanent form and to
supply extracts from them when properly requested. The stated clerk shall perform theduties of the office of stated clerk during the meeting of the presbytery unless otherwise
determined by the presbytery. Other duties of the stated clerk shall be:a. to keep on file all committee records;
b. to keep the presbytery's official membership roll;c. to make copies of the official minutes of the presbytery and distribute them tothe members prior to the next stated meeting (unless otherwise determined by thepresbyteryd. to notify officers, committee members and delegates of their election or
appointment, to furnish committees with whatever documents are required
for the performance of their duties and to have on hand at each meeting a list of
all existing committees and their members;
e. to certify delegates or commissioners;
f. to sign the minutes of all meetings;
g. to read all papers to be acted upon (unless otherwise determined by thepresbytery), andh. to record any vote which requires more than a majority following a polling of
the presbytery or a division of the house.
3.34 The stated clerk shall have available for the meetings of the presbytery the recent
minutes of the presbytery, the synod and the General Assembly; the Confession of Faith
and Government, the Cumberland Presbyterian Digest, the Presbytery Manual ofOperation, and the current edition of Robert's Rules of Order.
3.35 Upon leaving office, the stated clerk shall transfer all such records and documents tothe successor.
3.4 Treasurer.
3.41 The treasurer shall be elected for a definite term (normally three years), and may beelected for additional terms.
3.42 The treasurer shall keep the books properly posted so as to be able to provide acurrent report on the financial condition of the presbytery.
3.43 The treasurer shall prepare a detailed annual report at the end of each fiscal year andsuch supplemental reports as the presbytery may require.
3.44 The treasurer shall present the financial records for an annual review or audit, thenature of such to be determined by the presbytery and included in the Standing Rules.
3.45 The treasurer shall not disburse any funds without proper authorization from thepresbytery.
3.46 The treasurer may or may not be a member of the presbytery.
3.47 The stated clerk of the presbytery may serve also as its treasurer.
3.5 Trustees.
3.51 The presbytery shall elect trustees. The trustees shall be the agents of the presbytery

and shall act in that capacity, when so directed by the presbytery. The trustees shall electtheir own officers in compliance with the presbytery's Standing Rules and the laws of thestate(s) in which the presbytery is located.
3.6 Recording Clerk.
3.61 The presbytery may have a recording clerk who serves as an assistant to the statedclerk.
3.62 The recording clerk shall record the minutes of the meetings and perform such otherduties as may be assigned by the presbytery.
3.63 The recording clerk shall be elected for a definite period of time, and may or may
not be a member of the presbytery.
4.0 Responsibilities and Functions of Presbytery(with a listing of the agency or agencies responsible for carrying them out, or making
recommendations to the presbytery regarding them)
4.1 The presbytery has the responsibility to:a. receive, examine, dismiss, and license candidates and ordain them to the ministry;(Committee on the Ministry)b. receive, dismiss, install, remove, and discipline ministers; (Committee on the Ministry,
Board of Missions, Ecclesiastical Commission)c. approve ministers to serve as pastors and in other types of ministry; (Board ofMissions, Committee on the Ministry)d. require ministers to devote themselves diligently to their sacred calling and censureand otherwise discipline the delinquent; (Committee on the Ministry)e. review the records of the sessions, discipline sessions for whatever they may have done
contrary to order, and take effectual care that they observe the government of the church;(Committee on Judicial Concerns, Board of Missions)f. examine and decide appeals, protests, and referrals brought before it in an orderly
manner; (Committee on Judicial Concerns, Ecclesiastical Commission)g. establish the pastoral relation and dissolve it at the request of one or both parties, orwhere the interests of religion imperatively demand it; (Board of Missions, Committee on
the Ministry)h. see that the injunctions of the higher judicatories are obeyed; (Committee on Judicial
Concerns, General Council)
i. condemn erroneous opinions which hinder the peace or purity of the church, andresolve questions of doctrine and discipline properly and seriously proposed; (Committeeon Theology and Social Concerns, Committee on the Ministry, Board of Missions,
Ecclesiastical Commission)
j. visit particular churches, inquire into their condition, and redress the evils that may
have arisen in them; (Board of Missions, Ecclesiastical Commission)k. settle differences regarding church property and its use; (Board of Finance, Board ofMissions)
l. approve the location of new churches and the relocation of existing churches;(Board of Missions)m. approve proposals and plans of churches considering building or rebuilding church
facilities or additions; (Board of Missions, Board of Finance)n. unite or divide such churches as are in a chronic state of crisis or inaction, unite or
divide other churches with the consent of a majority of the members thereof, and, forcause, dissolve a church and attach its members to another congregation; (Board of

Missions, Ecclesiastical Commission)o. form and receive new churches and concert measures for the enlargement of thechurch within its bounds; (Board of Missions)p. take special oversight of churches which do not have the services of a minister,
appointing a minister to moderate its session; (Board of Missions)q. formulate budgets and assign shares to the churches of the presbytery; (Board oFfinance)
r. institute and oversee the agencies necessary in the work of the presbytery;(Presbytery Council)
s. engage in study and planning in order to: establish goals, objectives, and programs; setpriorities; and take whatever actions this calls for; (Presbytery Council)
t. plan, promote, and implement Christian Education activities and events to help
inculcate the Christian faith in the presbytery's constituents and aid in their spiritual
formation; (Board of Christian Education)u. endeavor to raise the consciousness level of its constituents on social concerns;(Committee on Theology and Social Concerns)
v. collect and preserve materials relating to the presbytery's history and the history of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church; (Heritage Committee)
w. order, in general, whatever pertains to the welfare of the churches under its care; (allagencies)
x. elect representatives to the higher judicatories; (Nominations Committee)
y. propose to the synod or to the General Assembly such measures as may be for thegood of the church or of society in general; (Presbytery Council)
z. buy and sell property. (Trustees)
4.2 The presbytery shall keep full and accurate records of its proceedings and submit them to thesynod for review at its stated meeting. It shall report regularly to synod and to the General
Assembly its roll, including all candidates, licentiates, ministers, session clerks, and churches. In
addition, it shall report on licensures and ordinations; on reception, dismission, or death ofministers; on the union, division, and formation of churches, and on such statistical and otherinformation as may be required to describe the state of religion in its midst.
5.0 Agencies of the Presbytery
5.1 The Presbytery Council.
5.11 The Presbytery Council shall be responsible for supervising and coordinating thetotal program of the presbytery, and shall be the agency primarily responsible for longrange planning.
5.12 The membership of the council shall be determined by the presbytery and included
in its Standing Rules, but normally will include the officers of the presbytery as
ex-officio members and a specified number of members-at-large. It should include both
ministers and laypersons in approximately equal numbers, and should also reflect the
male-female ratio in the constituency it serves.
5.13 The authority of the council is that of an executive board and not that of an
ecclesiastical commission. Between meetings of the presbytery, it may interpret thepresbytery’s policy decisions and make necessary program and budget adjustments, but
may not make judicial decisions for the presbytery as an ecclesiastical commission isempowered to do.
5.14 The council shall be directly responsible to the presbytery.
5.15 The responsibilities of the council include:
a. reviewing the work of all boards and agencies of the presbytery;b. receiving the written reports of all boards and agencies and submitting them tothe presbytery with recommendations;c. receiving the proposed budgets of the various boards and agencies, amending
them as necessary, and submitting one budget to the presbytery for the presbytery
to modify and/or adopt;d. planning the program and agenda for each meeting of the presbytery;e. serving as the employing and supervising agency for the presbytery staff;
f. developing job descriptions for the presbytery staff;
g. designating a place of meeting for the presbytery, when the presbytery has notselected one;h. cultivating and promoting the development and growth of the presbytery, bothspiritual and material; andi. engaging in study and planning in order to recommend goals, objectives,
programs, actions and priorities to the presbytery.
5.2 The Board of Missions.
5.21 The board shall consist of nine members in three staggered terms (the number may
be more or less than nine as determined by the presbytery and included in its Standing
Rules). It should include both ministers and laypersons in approximately equal numbers,
and should also reflect the male-female ratio in the constituency it serves.
5.22 The terms shall be for three years, and members may not serve more than threeconsecutive terms.
5.23 The Men's Fellowship and Cumberland Presbyterian Women shall be under thesupervision of the board and shall channel their reports to the presbytery through it.
5.24 The president of the CPW shall be an ex-officio or advisory member of the board, as
determined by the presbytery and included in the Standing Rules.
5.25 Among the specific responsibilities of the Board of Missions are:a. developing new churches;b. redeveloping established churches;c. developing programs of evangelism and church growth;d. establishing multiple church parishes;
e. making recommendations concerning the establishing and dissolving of
pastoral relationships;
f. making recommendations concerning moderators for vacant churches;g. aiding pulpit and search committees;
h. aiding churches that are experiencing disharmony among its members, or otherserious difficulties (it is preferable that the church ask for assistance, but there aretimes when the board should initiate the action; see 5.45 B.2., page 12).
i. publicizing and promoting the mission programs of the General
Assembly s Board of Missions;j. maintaining contact with the mission committees in the particular churches, andproviding them with information concerning missions materials and otherresources;
k. serving as a channel of communication between the General Assembly's Boardof Missions and the Committees on Missions in the particular churches; andl. sponsoring seminars, mission fairs, and workshops for a particular church, acluster of churches, or the churches of the presbytery-at-large.
m. advising local churches concerning the organization of volunteer work groups.
5.3 The Board of Christian Education.
5.31 The board shall consist of nine members in three staggered terms (the number may

be more or less than nine as determined by the presbytery and included in its Standing
Rules). It should include both ministers and laypersons in approximately equal numbers,
and should also reflect the male-female ratio in the constituency it serves.
5.32 The terms shall be for three years, and members may not serve more than threeconsecutive terms.
5.33 Among the specific responsibilities of the Board of Christian Education are:a. serving as a liaison between the committees on Christian education in theparticular churches and the General Assembly's Board of Christian Education;b. promoting and publicizing the programs of the General Assembly's board;c. serving as a resource agency for local Christian education committees in theirvarious concerns including: Sunday church school, weekday church school,
vacation Bible school, youth and children's programs and activities, leadershiptraining, church officer training, stewardship education, and all additional
systematic study opportunities for children, youth, and adults;
d. providing curriculum materials workshops with critical evaluations of printmaterials, fiimstrips, films, slide sets, audio and video cassettes;
e. aiding in the development of a corps of consultants in Christian education who
will be available for workshops at the presbytery and congregational levels;
f. planning, promoting and implementing summer youth camps, youth
convocations, events to encourage development and enrichment of worship,
marriage enrichment retreats, seminars on the particular problems of singles,
special programs for children, and vacation activities for the family which relate
to spiritual formation;g. serving as an advocate for Bethel College within the presbytery.
5.34 The Board of Christian Education should provide a regional resource center for thepresbytery. Audio tapes, video cassettes, slides, filmstrips, etc., shall be made available tothe churches without cost, or at a nominal fee. Samples of curriculum materials,
including vacation Bible school materials and materials for summer youth camps, mayalso be included. A circulating library containing books on a wide variety of topics would
be useful in many situations.
5.4 The Committee on the Ministry.
5.41 The committee shall consist of six members in three staggered terms (the number
may be more or less than six as determined by the presbytery and included in theStanding Rules).
5.42 The terms shall be for three years, and members may not serve more than threeconsecutive terms.
5.43 The committee should include both ordained ministers and laypersons, and at least
one of the laypersons should be an elder.
5.44 The stated clerk should be an advisory member of the committee.
5.45 The functions of the Committee
A. The Committee on the Ministry shall direct and nurture persons in preparation for theministry.
1. The committee shall interview all persons considering becoming candidates ofthe ministry prior to their appearance before the presbytery.
2. The proper procedures for receiving candidates and guiding them in their
preparation for licensure and ordination is found in the Article of the Constitution
entitled "The Authority of Presbytery over Ministers, Licentiates, andCandidates," sections 6.10-6.54 (a manual for members of the Committee on the
Ministry is available from the Cumberland Presbyterian Resource Center, 1978

Union Avenue, Memphis, TN 38104; an informal guide which is being
distributed by the Commission on the Ministry is included in this manual as
Appendix I).
3. An important part of the probationer's preparation is the formal educational
training. This, however, is just one aspect of the preparation, and a person who
has completed the educational requirements may or may not be ready forordination. Such things as personal commitment, maturity, mental health,spiritual formation, and social development must also be considered. Persons
exhibiting psychological problems or a lack of social development should be
encouraged to receive psychological testing, and if needed, some form ofcounseling or psychotherapy.
4. The education requirement for licensure is a degree from a college oruniversity approved by the presbytery.
5. The education requirement for a licentiate to receive ordination is a degreefrom a graduate school of theology approved by the presbytery.
6. Exceptions to the above education requirements may be made. The
Constitution states: "Exceptions may be made only of persons possessing suitable
gifts and abilities for a fruitful ministry, but who, because of reasons consideredvalid in the judgment of the presbytery cannot complete an undergraduate degree(and a graduate school of theology degree). See Section 6.202 of the Constitution.
7. Persons for whom such exceptions are made must complete the Program of
Alternate Studies (PAS), a joint program of the presbytery and Memphis
Theological Seminary. (A PAS Manual for Committees on the Ministry may beobtained from the Director of PAS at Memphis Theological Seminary, 168 East
Parkway South, Memphis, TN 38104.)
8. The Committee on the Ministry should not recommend exceptions, and thepresbytery should not approve them, unless the action is clearly justified. Suchaction should be based upon an "impossibility" rather than an "inconvenience" or
a "personal preference."
9. The granting of exceptions shall be closely monitored by the synod and theGeneral Assembly's Commission on the Ministry.
B. The Committee on the Ministry also has responsibilities relating to the persons andministries of the ordained ministers of the presbytery.
1. The committee is responsible for monitoring the freedom of the pulpits in thepresbytery. Ministers should be required to be responsible in their preaching, butneither the session nor members of the congregations should be allowed tointerfere with the ministers' freedom to preach the Gospel.
2. The committee is responsible for monitoring the ministries of the various
pastors in the presbytery. When a problem arises which cannot be resolved within
the session, the committee should investigate the situation and seek to bring aboutreconciliation. If this is not possible, the committee should report the matter to thepresbytery making such recommendations as it deems advisable. It is preferable
for the session to seek the committee's help in such situations, but if such an
invitation is not forthcoming, the committee should initiate the action. Because
problems involving the pastor almost without exception involve the congregation,
it is important that the committee work closely with the Board of Missions. (See
5.25)
3. The committee shall encourage the ministers of the presbytery to participate inprograms of continuing education and work with the General Assembly's

Commission on the Ministry and Memphis Theological Seminary in making suchprograms available.
4. Situations which may call for the disciplining of a minister should be reported
to the presbytery. The procedures for handling such cases are stated in the Rulesof Discipline, especially in the Article entitled, "Specific Procedures for
Ministers," Sections 3.401-3.410.
5. The committee should publicize and promote seminars for ministers and theirfamilies dealing with marital problems, marriage enrichment, and coping with theunique problems of the ministerial family.
6. The committee shall encourage ministers and/or spouses who are having
trouble coping to seek professional help. The committee should provide
information concerning the availability of such help, and where possible, provide
financial aid for such services.
7. The committee shall investigate reports coming to it concerning ministers who
flagrantly disregard the provisions of the Constitution of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church and/or preach and teach doctrines contrary to the creedal
statement of the church.
8. Receiving ministers from other denominations:a. The committee shall interview ministers from other ecclesiasticalbodies who desire to become ministers in the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church and make recommendations to the presbytery as to whether or notthey should be received.
b. In cases where the recommendation is to receive such ministers, thecommittee should recommend the conditions under which they are to bereceived.
c. The regulations governing the reception of ministers from otherdenominations are found in the Constitution, Article 6:40, "Recognition of
Ordination," Sections 6.41-6.43 (see Appendix X).
9. Report to the presbytery annually the type of ministry in which each ministeron the presbytery roll is engaged. Presbytery has responsibility to review andpossibly approve the work of ministers who are not engaged in generally
recognized forms of ministry.
10. Require annual reports from ministers whose ministry is not under thejurisdiction of the presbytery. Presbytery has responsibility to require that all
ministers engage in the work of the church unless honorably retired or excused
there from by the presbytery.
11. Receive and review annual reports from the sessions on the pastors'
compensation, and present to presbytery requests for changes in terms of thepastors' calls.
12. Prepare annual necrology report for the memorial service at presbytery.
5.5 The Board of Finance.
5.51 The Board of Finance shall consist of nine members in three staggered terms (thenumber may be more or less than nine as determined by the presbytery and included in
the Standing Rules). It should include both ministers and laypersons in approximately
equal numbers, and should also reflect the male-female ratio in the constituency it
serves.
5.52 The terms shall be for three years, and members may not serve more than threeconsecutive terms.
5.53 Unless otherwise determined by the presbytery and included in its Standing Rules,

the members of the Board of Finance and their successors in office shall be the trusteesof the presbytery (see 3.51).
5.54 The Board shall encourage full support of the presbytery and synod budgets and of
OUO, by the particular churches of the presbytery.
5.55 In conjunction with the Boards of Christian Education and Missions, the Board of
Finance shall plan, publicize, and implement seminars and workshops on Christianstewardship, and use other available means to develop good stewardship attitudes andpractices among the congregations of the presbytery.
5.56 Unless otherwise determined by the presbytery, the Board of Finance shall be theagency responsible for the maintenance of the presbytery's physical assets, such as camp
and conference grounds, presbytery office and center facilities, vehicles, etc.
5.57 The Board shall function as the presbytery's Committee on Insurance unless thepresbytery elects to delegate this responsibility to another agency.
5.6 The Committee on Judicial Concerns.
5.61 The committee shall consist of six members in three staggered terms (the number
may be more or less than six as determined by the presbytery and included in theStanding Rules). The committee should include both ministers and laypersons inapproximately equal numbers, and should reflect the male-female ratio in theconstituency it serves.
5.62 The terms shall be for three years, and members may not serve more than threeconsecutive terms.
5.63 The committee shall review annually the session records of the churches and reportits findings and recommendations to the presbytery.
5.64 The committee shall study all questions coming before the presbytery by appeal,
dissent, or protest and advise the presbytery on their legal and constitutional aspects.
5.65 The committee shall make rulings on such judicial questions as are referred to it.
5.7 The Committee on Theology and Social Concerns.
5.71 The committee shall consist of six members in three staggered terms (the number
may be more or less than six as determined by the presbytery and included in theStanding Rules). The committee should include both ministers and laypersons inapproximately equal numbers, and should reflect the male-female ratio in theconstituency it serves.
5.72 The terms shall be for three years, and members may not serve more than nineconsecutive years.
5.73 The committee shall serve as a liaison between the General Assembly's Commission
on Theology and Social Concerns and such committees (or the sessions) in the particularchurches.
5.74 The committee shall serve as an advocate in the presbytery for the Cumberland
Presbyterian Children's Home.
5.75 The committee shall endeavor to raise the consciousness level of the people of thepresbytery on pressing social issues. A part of this effort should be the printing anddistributing of original materials, or appropriate materials produced by others, which deal
with current social concerns.
5.76 The committee shall sponsor workshops and seminars which deal with its areas ofconcern, as seems advisable, and shall publicize and promote such efforts by otheragencies of the denomination.
5.8 The Heritage Committee.
5.81 The committee shall consist of three members in three staggered terms (the number
may be more or less than three as determined by the presbytery and included in theStanding Rules). The committee should include at least one minister and one layperson;
and at least one male and one female.
5.82 The terms shall be for three years, and members may not serve more than threeconsecutive terms.
5.83 The committee shall serve as a liaison between the Cumberland Presbyterian
Historical Foundation and the Heritage Committees (or sessions) in the particularchurches.
5.84 The committee shall collect and preserve materials relating to the history of thepresbytery and the Cumberland Presbyterian Church-at-large. This should include
minutes, printed programs, photographs, biographical materials, taped interviews, etc.
5.85 Sessions should be encouraged to deposit their old session records in the archives atthe Historical Foundation in Memphis.
5.86 The committee shall plan, promote, and implement presbytery-wide celebrations
in remembrance of important persons and events in the life of the presbytery and thedenomination. These might include: the birth of the church; the founding of BethelCollege, the Children's Home, and Memphis Theological Seminary; the opening of a
mission field; the ordination of Mrs. L. M. Woosley; the adoption of the Confession of
Faith; the beginning of the camping program; the organization of the Woman's Board ofMissions; and the life and ministries of such persons as Johnie Massey Clay, Cam Sing
Quah, Finis Ewing, and Clark Williamson.
5.9 The Nominations Committee.
5.91 The committee shall be composed of the moderator, the stated clerk, the president of
Cumberland Presbyterian Women, and three members-at-large.
5.92 The members-at-large shall serve three year, staggered terms, and shall not be
eligible to succeed themselves. The members-at-large should include at least one ministerand one layperson, and at least one male and one female.
5.93 The committee shall nominate persons to serve on all permanent boards andagencies of the presbytery, as well as the requisite number of delegates to the synod andcommissioners to the General Assembly.
5.94 Permission must be secured from any person whose name is to be placed in
nomination.
6.0 Select Committees and Ecclesiastical Commissions
6.1 Other Committees.
6.11 The presbytery shall raise such other committees as it deems appropriate, and selectpersons to serve on them.
6.12 Such committees shall examine, consider, and make recommendations to thepresbytery, but cannot conclude the business submitted to them.
6.2 Commissions.
6.21 The presbytery may elect commissions which are authorized to deliberate upon andconclude the business submitted to them, subject to the review of the presbytery.
6.22 Full records of a commission's proceedings must be submitted to the presbytery,
and, if approved, may be entered into the minutes of the presbytery.
6.23 There is no required number of members for a commission, except that in the caseof a commission to ordain a probationer, a quorum of the presbytery (including two
ministers) is required.
6.24 A majority of a commission shall constitute a quorum (except for a commission toordain).
6.25 Commissions may be appointed for purposes such as the following:

a. ordination of ministers;b. installation of pastors and associate/assistant pastors;c. organization of new churches;
d. taking testimony in or conducting disciplinary hearings;
e. visitation of congregations experiencing disorder;
f. hearing appeals;
g. investigation of any specified problem in the church.
7.0 Professional Staff
7.1 Roles/Functions of Presbytery that Require Professional Staff.
There are multiple needs which the presbytery, functioning as "group bishop," has in oursociety. The environment poses new challenges to all members of the presbytery (bishop)--pastors, laity, churches. The difficulty of getting our work done by volunteers, who alreadyhave full-time work loads; new demands on pastors which were never even imagined by theearly presbyteries; the fundamentally different challenges to churches have implications andconsequences for the presbytery. It appears, then, that there are at least three different categories
of roles/functions of presbyteries that require staff:
1. Care and maintenance of the presbytery's health, wholeness, and well-being, so that thecorporate body is an effective pastor, teacher, prophet, and servant.
2. Care for churches and pastors through special programs, resources and services.
3. Care for presbytery functions; i.e., maintenance of its internal structure(s). The
organizational manual will suggest a variety of staffing patterns to help presbyteries
fulfill their functions.
7.2 The presbytery should have a General Presbyter, who is employed by the Presbytery Council
with the approval of the presbytery, and works under its supervision. The position of General
Presbyter may be full time or part time.
7.3 The presbytery may have such Associate General Presbyters and other staff persons as the
program demands and the budget allows.
7.4 The role of the staff members is to provide the professional leadership the presbytery needs
for carrying out its purpose and mission.
7.5 A detailed job description for each staff position shall be prepared by the General Council
and approved by the presbytery.
7.51 A Model for developing a job description.
a. Areas in which staff member needs expertise.
b. Activities in which staff member will be involved.
c. Authority granted to staff member by presbytery.
d. Evaluation of staff member.
e. Provision for contract.
7.6 Models for Presbytery professional staff.
7.61 Multiple staff (full time).
a. Centralized staff and office.
b. Staff members have areas of concentration, but also work as generalists.
c. All staff work as consultants to churches as well as resource persons for thepresbytery boards and agencies. (See model job description, Appendix XIII.)7.62 Single full-time staff member.
a. General Presbyter is the presbytery administrator.
b. Outside consultants used in areas needing particular skills.
c. All members of presbytery seen as unpaid volunteer staff members.

8.0 Models for Operating Larger Presbyteries
8.1 Geographical Problems
8.11 The merging of presbyteries into larger, more functional units makes it necessary forthese larger presbyteries to reevaluate their methods of operation. Presbyteries coveringlarge geographical areas may not find it feasible to meet more than once per year, or torotate the meetings among the churches. They likely would choose to meet in central
locations. A meeting which began on Thursday evening and closed at noon on Saturday
should provide ample time for business, worship, and fellowship. Most called meetings
could be avoided if routine matters were delegated to boards, committees, andcommissions, as provided for by the Constitution.
8.12 Although the synods will be larger, both geographically and numerically, thenumber of members attending the meetings may be drastically reduced. If they weredelegated bodies, their delegates would be chosen by the presbyteries. If they served as
courts of review and appeal, there would be no need for large numbers of delegates. In
most cases, six to ten delegates from each presbytery would suffice. Having delegatedsynods would reduce overall travel, and help compensate for additional travel in thepresbyteries.
8.2 Program Models for Larger Presbyteries
8.21 To facilitate the continuation of programs designed for smaller presbyteries,
presbytery sub-districts, termed Program Regions, could be organized. These would be
geographically small enough to allow members to attend a meeting or event and returnhome the same day.
8.22 Sub-presbytery programs could include such things as: youth rallies and other youth
activities; manse family fellowships; children's rallies; men's fellowships, certain CPW
events, and lay and clergy retreats.
8.23 Some groups would be organized on both a presbytery-wide and sub- presbytery
basis.
8.24 Summer youth camps could be held on either a presbytery-wide or sub- presbytery
level, depending upon the geography and numbers involved.
8.25 A smaller sub-group than the Program Regions would be the Parish Clusters. These
would be composed of a small number of churches, which are in close geographicalproximity.
8.26 Activities for the Parish Clusters would be such things as: hosting missionaries onitinerary; leadership training events; curriculum materials workshops; worship services
during special seasons; and meetings of pastors and families for fellowship8.27 Where geography would allow, there could be joint vacation Bible schools, youth
activities, Sunday evening programs, and senior citizen activities.
8.28 Joint activities with other churches would allow many small churches to have agreatly increased ministry.
APPENDIX I
Steps in Becoming An Ordained Ministerin theCumberland Presbyterian Church
1. The Cumberland Presbyterian Church believes in a "God-called ministry." The means throughwhich God calls persons to the ordained ministry and the kinds of experiences in which the call

may come may vary from person to person, but God's call always comes through the church.
2. A person who is experiencing a call to the ministry may gradually grow in awareness andcertainty with respect to the call. It is often helpful to share one's experiences with others, suchas one's pastor.
3. The first official step to be taken by someone called to the ministry is for the person to confer
with the pastor and session of the church to which she or he belongs, to ask for a
recommendation to the presbytery to be received as a candidate for the ministry. The
Constitution of the church requires such a recommendation.
4. The second step is to contact the chairperson or a member of the Committee on the Ministryof the presbytery for a conference regarding the desire to become a candidate for the ministry
under the care of the presbytery. The letter of recommendation from the session should bepresented to the committee at this conference.
5. At the first conference with the committee, the person seeking to become a candidate for theministry may expect to be examined with respect to "personal religious experience, motives
leading to the seeking of the office of the ministry and the internal call to it, and plans foreducation." Prior to this conference it is essential that the prospective candidate study carefully
all those sections of the Constitution of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church that deal with theprocess of becoming a minister (Section 6.10-6.36).
6. The third step in the process is being received by the presbytery as a candidate for theministry. This action will be taken on recommendation from the Committee on the Ministry andfollowing the conference with the committee. The candidate will be expected to respond tofurther questions which members of the presbytery may have, and should be prepared to give astatement regarding the desire to become a minister in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
7. After being received as a candidate for the ministry, the person is "under the care" of thepresbytery and is directly responsible to the Committee on the Ministry. This means that thecandidate will be expected to confer periodically with the committee regarding what he/she isdoing in preparation for licensure. The section of the Constitution governing licensure should
be studied carefully (Sections 6.200-6.211). The committee has the authority to direct thecandidate in such preparation as is required for licensure and the responsibility to determine
when the candidate has met these requirements.
8. The fourth step in becoming a minister in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church is licensure.
When the Committee on the Ministry determines that a candidate has met the requirements forlicensure, as set forth in the Constitution, Sections 6.200-6.211, it will recommend to thepresbytery that such action be taken. At the time the report of the committee is considered by
the presbytery the candidate will be expected to respond to further questions members of thepresbytery may have. On approval of the recommendation of the committee the presbytery willproceed to license the candidate or to set a time for the service to be held.
9. Following licensure the person remains under the care of presbytery and responsible to theCommittee on the Ministry. Under the direction of the committee the licentiate continues suchpreparation as is required for ordination. The section of the Constitution governing ordination
should be studied carefully (Sections 6.30-6.36).
10. The fifth and final step in becoming a minister in the Cumberland Presbyterian, Church isordination. When the Committee on the Ministry determines that a licentiate has met therequirements for ordination as set forth in the Constitution, Sections 6.30-6.36, it will
recommend to the presbytery that such action be taken. At the time the report of thecommittee is considered by the presbytery, the licentiate will be expected to respond to further
questions which members of the presbytery may have. On approval of the recommendation of
the committee, the presbytery will proceed to ordain the licentiate or to set a time for theservice to be held. The presbytery shall require that a candidate for ordination have a bonafide

call to a ministry approved by the presbytery before proceeding with the ordination.
(Constitution, 6.31). This policy should be written into the presbytery's Standing Rules.
APPENDIX II
Receiving Candidates
6.15 The reception of candidates for the ministry shall be at a duly constituted meeting ofpresbytery. Following the examination of the candidate and the various testimonials that may be
given, a member of the Committee on the Ministry or a person appointed for that purpose shalladdress the candidate as follows:
The Presbytery of _________________of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, having
heard the testimonials on your behalf and having sustained your examination thus far, now
requires you to make answer to the following questions:
I. As far as you know your heart, do you believe yourself to be called by God to the office of theChristian ministry?
II. Do you promise, in reliance upon the grace of God, to maintain a Christian character andconduct, and to be diligent and faithful in making full preparation for the ministry?
III. Do you promise to work with the presbytery through its committee on the ministry inmatters that pertain to your preparation for the ministry?
IV. Do you now desire to be received by this presbytery as a candidate for the ministry in the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church?
Following formal reception by the presbytery, the person presiding shall offer anappropriate prayer. Following the prayer, with the congregation standing, the person presiding
shall address the candidate as follows:
In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, the great head of the church, I do now declareby the authority of this presbytery that you are acknowledged and received as a candidate
for licensure and ordination in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and I now direct thatyour name be entered on the roll of the presbytery as a candidate for the ministry.
The person presiding shall then extend to the candidate the hand of Christian fellowship,saying:
The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be
gracious unto you; the Lord lift up the light of his countenance upon you and give you
peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Proper record of the reception shall be made in the minutes of presbytery.
APPENDIX III
Licensing Candidates
6.203 The licensing of candidates shall be done at a duly constituted meeting of the presbytery or
by a commission of the presbytery meeting at a previously designated time and place. The
commission shall consist of a quorum of presbytery, but must include two ordained ministers.
After a brief statement as to the meaning and significance of licensure, the person presiding shallpropose the following questions to the candidate:
I. Do you believe the scriptures of the Old and New Testaments to be the inspired word of God,
the authority for faith and practice?
II. Do you sincerely receive and adopt the Confession of Faith of the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church as containing the essential doctrines taught in the holy scriptures?
III. Do you promise to promote the peace, unity, and purity of the church?
IV. Do you promise continued cooperation with the presbytery through its Committee on theMinistry as you continue preparation for ordination, and as you perform those functions ofministry which pertain to a licentiate, as set forth in the Constitution?
The questions being answered in the affirmative, the person presiding shall offer a prayer
appropriate to the occasion. Following the prayer, with the congregation standing, the personpresiding shall address the candidate as follows:
In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, the great head of the church, and by theauthority which he has given to the church for its edification, the presbytery now licenses
you to preach the gospel and perform other functions of ministry as set forth in theConstitution. To this end may the blessing of God rest upon you and the Spirit of Christ fillyour heart. Amen.
Proper record of the licensure shall be made in the minutes of presbytery.
APPENDIX IV
Installation of Pastors and Associate/Assistant Pastors
7.11 Pastors and associate/assistant pastors shall be installed by presbytery or by a commissionof presbytery. The service of installation shall include a sermon appropriate to the occasion, abrief explanation of the nature of the pastoral relation, and the asking of the following questions:
To the minister:I. Are you willing to assume the responsibilities as pastor (or associate/assistant pastor) of thischurch, according to the agreements made in your acceptance of the call?
II. Do you believe that in taking upon you these pastoral responsibilities you are influenced by asincere desire to promote the glory of God and the good of the church?
III. Do you solemnly covenant that, in reliance upon the grace of God, you will endeavorfaithfully to fulfill the responsibilities of a pastor (or associate/assistant pastor) to this church, topreach and teach the Word of God, to care for the sick, the troubled, the dying, and the bereaved,
and to lead this church in its witness and ministry, as God gives you wisdom and strength?
When these questions have been answered in the affirmative, the following questions
shall be asked:
To the congregation:
I. Are you willing to enter into the pastoral relation with this minister whom you have called tobe your pastor (or associate/assistant pastor)?
II. Do you covenant to encourage and assist him or her in the ministry which you share withhim or her in this congregation?
I1I. Do you covenant that through your stewardship and prayers you will continue that materialand spiritual support by which he or she will be sustained in his or her ministry with you?
When these questions have been answered in the affirmative, the presiding minister shallsay:
I now declare that____________ has been regularly called and installed pastor (orassociate/assistant pastor) of this congregation, agreeable to the Word of God andaccording to the government of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Therefore,___________is entitled to all support, encouragement, and honor in the Lord. In the nameof the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
The presiding minister, or one appointed for the purpose, shall then deliver anappropriate charge to the pastor (or associate/assistant pastor) and to the congregation to fulfill
the covenant made between them. Then, by prayer, the minister shall commend them to thegrace of God and to God's holy keeping.

APPENDIX V
CERTIFICATE OF RECEPTION FOR MINISTERS
OR PROBATIONERS(The stated clerk or the proper official of the receiving judicatory must complete this form,
detach, and mail to the stated clerk of the dismissing presbytery.)This certifies that__________, an ordained minister___________, licentiate___________,
candidate ____________, of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, upon presentation of a letterof dismission from the___________ Presbytery, bearing the date _______, 19__, was received
by the_____________ Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, or the following
judicatory of the designated church:____________ on the date ______, 19__.
Signed__________________________(Stated Clerk or other authorized official)
Address___________________________________
Presbyterial Clerk's Record of Dismission
Name _______________, an ordained minister ____________, licentiate,_____________,
candidate _____________, was dismissed to the ______________Presbytery of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church, or the following judicatory of the designated church: ______ on the ____
day of ______ A.D.____.
Record of Reception
The above named person was received by the ____________ Presbytery of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church, or the following judicatory of the designated church:________on the______ day of ______ A.D._____.
Record of the Reception signed by:____________________________________(Stated Clerk or other authorized official)
Address _____________________________________

APPENDIX VI
LETTER OF DISMISSION FOR MINISTERS
OR PROBATIONERS(To be completed and forwarded by the stared clerk of the dismissing presbytery to the statedclerk or the proper official of the receiving judicatory.)
This certifies that ______________, an ordained minister ____________, licentiate, ________
candidate ___________, in good standing in the ______________-Presbytery of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church, is hereby at his/her own request dismissed therefrom and is recommended
favorably to the ___________ Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, or to thefollowing judicatory of the designated church:_____________ Given by the order of _________
Presbytery, this ________ day of ______ A.D.____.
Signed_____________________________(Stated Clerk)
Address______________________________

APPENDIX VIIADMISSION OF NEW CHURCHES
When a new church is organized, the session shall apply for the new church's admission into thepresbytery in whose bounds it is located. The following form may be used:
TO THE PRESBYTERY OF___________________________The undersigned respectfully declare that on the ____ day of _____,A.D._____, a new church
was organized at _____________ by the Reverend _____________ (or a commission ofpresbytery), which adopted the principles of the government of the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church, and has a membership of _______. The following persons were elected as elders:_____________, ___________, ______________. The following persons were elected as
deacons: ___________, ____________, __________.
We apply to be received under your care, and promise as the session to comply with all theduties and obligations enjoined upon particular churches and their officers by the government of
the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
EldersDate_________________
NOTE: If a commission appointed by the presbytery organizes a new church and reports its
proceedings to the presbytery, recommending that the new church be enrolled as a congregationof the presbytery, use of the above form is not necessary.
APPENDIX VIII
Request For a Special Meeting of Presbytery
To the Moderator of __________ Presbytery, we respectfully request that you call a meeting of
the presbytery to be held at _______________ on the ______ day of _______,at ______ o'clock(p.m.-a.m.), for the purpose of:(a)_________________________________________________________(b)_________________________________________________________(c)_________________________________________________________(d)_________________________________________________________
Signed:Rev._________________________________
Rev._________________________________
AND
Ruling Elder__________________________________________________________Congregation
Ruling Elder__________________________________________________________Congregation
In response to the above request, I hereby call _____________________ Presbytery tomeet asabove, at the hour and date as set out, and for the purposes herein specified.
Signed:Moderator_________________________________
Attest:Stated Clerk________________________________

APPENDIX IX
Some Common Procedural Mistakes
1. "I move that the program (agenda, docket) be approved subject to necessary change.
Comment: The program is always subject to necessary change, so this phrase is superfluous.
Once the program is adopted, however, a two/thirds vote is required to change it.
2. "1 move that the report of the Committee on Nominations be adopted." Comment: A
motion, second and vote on a report of a Committee on Nominations are needed only if thereport contains recommendations. Any member of the presbytery can make nominations, and nosecond is required.
3. "I move you, Mr. Moderator..." Comment: It is the question, not the moderator, thatis to be moved.
4. "1 move that the report be adopted as a whole." Comment: When a question has been
divided and each part has been adopted, the whole report has been adopted. An additionalmotion or vote is out of order.
5. "I move that nominations cease, and that we elect by acclamation." Comment: After areasonable period of time has been allowed for additional nominations, this motion is in order.
Two votes, however, must be taken: one to adopt the motion; another to elect by acclamation.
6. "Move that we deride between the two nominees by a standing vote." Comment: The
Rules of Order state: "When more than one person is nominated for the same office, the methodof voting shall be by ballot."
7. "1 wish to offer a substitute motion." Comment: The proper motion is "to amend by
substitution." This motion requires special handling. See article 9.0, Section 9.21, of the Rules ofOrder and section 12-3a of Robert 's Rules of Order.
divided and each part has been adopted, the whole report has been adopted. An additionalmotion or vote is out of order.
5. "I move that nominations cease, and that we elect by acclamation." Comment: After areasonable period of time has been allowed for additional nominations, this motion is in order.
Two votes, however, must be taken: one to adopt the motion; another to elect by acclamation.
6. "Move that we deride between the two nominees by a standing vote." Comment: The
Rules of Order state: "When more than one person is nominated for the same office, the methodof voting shall be by ballot."
7. "1 wish to offer a substitute motion." Comment: The proper motion is "to amend by
substitution." This motion requires special handling. See article 9.0, Section 9.21, of the Rules ofOrder and section 12-3a of Robert 's Rules of Order.
8. "I move that the report be considered seriatim." Comment: This word is frequently
mispronounced. The ending is either A’tim or AT’im but not I'tem. When this motion isadopted, each sub-division is debated and amended, but no sub-division is finally adopted at thattime. After all parts have been considered, the entire report is opened for amendment. Following
this, the vote is taken on the entire report as amended.
9. "I move that we table this item until after lunch." Comment: Postpone action on the item
until after lunch would be the proper motion. An item cannot be tabled for a definite period oftime.
10. "I rise to a point of order: a board report cannot be amended." Comment: board reports
which are reviewed by a select committee cannot be amended. board reports which are brought
directly to the floor for review and action are treated as committee reports and are subject toamendment.
11. "I move that the stated clerk be named an ex-officio member of this committee, but
without vote." Comment: Ex-officio members are voting members. Non-voting members areadvisory members.
12. "I move that we adjourn for lunch and resume business at 1 p.m." Comment: Presbytery
recesses for lunch and other short breaks. It adjourns at the close of the day's activity, and at theclose of the meeting.
APPENDIX X
Receiving Ministers From Other Denominations
6.41 A minister of another ecclesiastical body who desires to become a minister in the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church shall appear before the Committee on the Ministry of thepresbytery in which he or she wishes to be received. The Committee on the Ministry shallinvestigate the following:a. Whether the minister has proper credentials from his or her ecclesiastical body;b. Whether the minister has a degree from a college and graduate school of theology;
c. Whether the minister has a knowledge of the history, theology, and government of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church;d. Whether the minister seems fit for service as a minister in the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church.
6.42 The Committee on the Ministry, if satisfied in each of the areas described in Section 6.41
may recommend to presbytery that the minister be received as an ordained minister in the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church, upon giving affirmative answers to the questions put tolicentiates at their ordination. Such procedure shall not exclude the opportunity for presbytery to
examine the minister.
6.43 If the person seeking to become a minister in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church neither
has degrees from a college and a graduate school of theology nor has completed a course of
study comparable to the program of alternate studies approved by the General Assembly, he or
she shall be required during a probationary period to meet the educational standards forordination. A person who does not have a college degree or has not completed the program ofalternate studies shall have the status of a candidate. A person who has a college degree or has
completed the program of alternate studies required of a licentiate shall have the status of alicentiate. When the educational requirements have been satisfied, the probationary period may
be ended and the minister's previous ordination confirmed upon giving affirmative answers to
the questions put to licentiates at their ordination. Such procedure shall not exclude theopportunity for presbytery to examine the minister.
APPENDIX XIModel Job Description of a General Presbyter With
Centralized Staff and Office
NAME. The name of this position shall be the General Presbyter of _____________Presbyteryof the Synod of ________________ of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
PURPOSE. The purpose of this position shall be to serve the presbytery and its churches,through the promotion of the total program of the presbytery, synod, and General Assembly.
EMPLOYMENT. The General Presbyter shall be employed by the General Council and shallwork under its supervision. He/she shall have a written contract, which shall be reviewed
annually.
DUTIES. The General Presbyter shall serve as an advisory member of all the boards andagencies of the presbytery, and shall be available as a resource person to all presbytery agencies
and church sessions, as time allows.

The General Presbyter shall attend the meetings of synod and General Assembly, andsuch ecumenical meetings as relate to the work of presbytery.
The General Presbyter, in cooperation with the Department of Professional Services of
the General Assembly's Board of Missions and the presbytery's Board of Missions, shall workwith sessions and pulpit or search committees that are seeking pastors for their churches.
The General Presbyter shall attend the meetings of the presbytery's Cumberland
Presbyterian Women, when they are not in conflict with the presbytery meetings and events, andshall aid in this work, when requested, and as time allows.
The General Presbyter shall work with the Board of Missions in aiding small churches toform larger parishes and yoked fields.
The General Presbyter shall work with mission churches and fellowships, making at least
annual visits for observation and evaluation.
The General Presbyter shall work with the Board of Christian Education in the promotion
and implementation of leadership training events.
The General Presbyter, in cooperation with the Board of Christian Education, shall aid in
the planning and promotion of camps and conferences for various age groups.
The General Presbyter shall work with the Committee on the Ministry in planning andpromotion of the annual ministers' retreat, and in other events for ministers and their families.
ADMINISTRATION. The General Presbyter shall be the stated clerk and treasurer of thepresbytery. In cooperation with the Board of Finance, he/she will be responsible for investing thepresbytery's endowment funds.
The General Presbyter shall be in charge of the central office, and shall employ andsupervise such additional help (office secretary, administrative assistant, bookkeeper, typist) as
the presbytery approves and provides for.
The General Presbyter shall, through the central office and when provided the necessary
information, be responsible for mailing notices of meetings and promotional materials for thevarious presbytery programs.
The General Presbyter shall serve as the conference grounds superintendent, and shallsupervise the work of such employees as shall be employed there.
EDITORSHIP. The General Presbyter shall be responsible for the planning, printing anddistributing of a newspaper for the clergy and laity of the presbytery, and a newsletter for theclergy only.
APPENDIX XII
Model Job Description
For a Part-time Staff Person
Name
The title of this position shall be "Director of Resources and Planning."
Concept of Position
The concept of position of a presbytery staff person is characterized by the key work "enabler."
The area of service to be performed will be as follows:
1. An enabler seeking to equip the presbytery to do its job with the congregations. The staff
person will be working with the presbyteries, not the congregations.
2. An enabler seeking to equip the General Assembly agencies to channel their resources to thepresbytery according to need and priority.
Areas of Responsibility
1. As enabler to the General Council the staff person:a) will operate under policy established by the General Council.

b) is to be an enabler seeking to equip the boards and agencies to do their work and not
one who does the work for the boards and agencies.
c) Will enable the Councils to establish priority to program.
2. As enabler to presbytery the staff person will work with presbytery to establish a viableorganization for communication and for flow of resources.
3. As enabler to General Assembly the staff person will work with the General Assembly's
Executive Committee to establish a central viable organization for communication and forflow of resources to presbytery through synod.
Nature of the WorkAs an enabler the work of the staff person will be as follows:
1. In relation to the presbytery, work of the staff person will focus on the task of strengthening
the presbytery to do its job with congregations by:a) Enabling the presbytery to determine resources needed to do its job with congregations
and then help the presbytery to secure those resources.
b) Assisting in establishing a channel within the presbytery through which the staff
person can work and resources can flow effectively to meet needs of the congregations. It
is understood that the staff person will work with the presbytery and not directly withcongregations.
c) Enabling presbytery to cultivate available resources by giving leadership in training
presbytery personnel.
2. In relation to the General Council the work of the staff person will involve:a) Helping the Council to secure the resources needed in deciding priority of program.
b) Helping channel resources that will assist in training and equipping board and agency
personnel.
c) Helping in implementing the presbytery program.
d) Helping foster a spirit of unity and purpose within the presbytery.
e) Helping the General Council become the channel through which the resources from
General Assembly can flow according to priority to the presbytery and its churches.
3. In relation to General Assembly the staff person will:a) Consult with the General Assembly Executive Committee through the office of theGeneral Assembly to establish a viable point of communication on the General Assemblylevel through which resources can flow both to presbytery and through synod and toGeneral Assembly.
b) Provide data from General Assembly to presbytery agencies.
Employee Relationship
1. The Staff Person shall be considered an employee of the presbytery and will receive direction
from the presbytery's General Council.
2. There will be an annual evaluation of the staff position.
3. The Staff Person will be encouraged to participate annually in a minimum of one week oftraining related to his/her job responsibility. The selection of such training will be under thesupervision of the General Council.
4. Employment, and/or termination of the Staff Person, will be the responsibility of the General
Council.
5. A minimum of sixty days' notice will be required by either of the three parties prior tosevering the relationship.

APPENDIX XIII
Model Job Description
For a Presbyterial Pastor
Position
Presbyterial Pastor
Qualifications
A Cumberland Presbyterian ordained minister
Terms of Employment
Employment is for part-time service which will require not more than an average of twenty (20)hours per week. The hours and the days each week spent in this service are flexible andaccording to needs, demands, and opportunities which come with the job, and according to thetime demands of any other employment the part-time worker may have. Any other employmentof the Presbyterial Pastor shall not exceed demands of one-half of his time, or approximately
twenty (20) hours.
Line of Authority
The employer is the presbytery. The Presbyterial Pastor will be directly responsible to theGeneral Council for guidance and supervision in the performance of all duties. Access to thepresbytery will be through the General Council for reporting and recommendations. This does
not preclude direct access to presbytery for purposes of appeal or for performing the duties andresponsibilities of a member presbyter.
General Objectives
To represent in his/her person the general objectives of the presbytery, and those objectives will
be consistent with the nature and mission of the Christian Church as defined and adopted by the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church and assigned to presbytery's various boards and agencies; and,as a servant of presbytery, to assist presbytery in the fulfilling of its objectives. General
Responsibility Presbytery, in general, has responsibility for its member clergy, its congregations,and planting new churches. The Presbyterial Pastor will have general responsibility in thesame areas.
A. Clergy
1. Offer pastoral services to the clergy members and their families.
2. Inform clergy members of any crisis or death within the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church in general and this presbytery in particular, which calls for prayers, support orother appropriate acts of love.
3. Send flowers and/or other appropriate gifts and/or communications on behalf of thepresbytery to family members of critically ill or deceased clergy members and to theclergy whose immediate family member(s) is critically ill or deceased.
B. Particular Churches
1. Work through the Board of Missions
a. To establish new congregations
b. To assist vacant churchesc. To group churches for shared ministries
d. To promote Christian service
e. To minister to churches in crisis situations
2. As time permits, provide asisstance to any presbyterial board or agency in the
promotion of presbyterial programs.
3. Be available to congregations as a program resource person.
4. Promote denominational programs.