PASTORAL RELATIONSHIPS WITH CHURCHES A description of pastoral relationships within the Presbyterian Church (USA) with possible considerations. I n the Presbyterian Church (USA), there are three kinds of pastoral relationships: permanent, designated, and temporary. There is also the provision for commissioned ruling elders. This brochure is an attempt to indicate the differences between pastoral relationships when a church transitions from permanent to temporary or from one temporary form to another. Permanent Designated Interim Temporary Supply Description Pastor, Associate Pastor Elected by congregation and the relationship established by presbytery. Call has to be approved by presbytery and can only be changed by presbytery. Ordinarily Associate Pastor may not be called to succeed the pastor. Co-Pastor Two ministers called and installed with equal responsibility for pastoral ministry of one congregation. Designated Pastor, Designated Co-Pastor, Designated Associate Pastor Approved by COM and presbytery to serve a term of 2-4 years by vote of the congregation. Nominated by PNC (which can be the Session; if so, elected by the congregation) from among those candidates designated by presbytery's COM. After two years as Designated Pastor, by vote of congregation a Designated Pastor may become the permanent pastor. Interim Pastor or Interim Associate Pastor Invited by the Session to fulfill pastoral duties for a period not to exceed 12 months at a time while the church seeks a pastor. Ordinarily may not be the next installed pastor, or associate pastor of a church served as Interim pastor. Interim covenant may be renewed. Pastor, Associate Pastor Teaching elder, candidate, or ruling elder secured by the Session when there is no pastor. (See “Student Supply” below) May be called to be installed pastor or associate pastor of a church served as temporary supply, if approved by 2/3 vote of presbytery.
Advantages is installed, moderates, and is a member of the session. Pastor and congregation are committed to a relatively permanent relationship PNC can consider any pastor or candidate across the nation and/or around the world is installed, moderates, and is a member of the session. may be converted into a continuing called and installed relationship may speed up the process to a permanent pastorate. Interim leadership with specialized training and experience Intentional focus on accomplishment of interim tasks and taking advantage of transitional opportunities Congregation is more likely to learn from the past and call a pastor that fits congregational culture Continuity of leadership and the option for maintenance or transformational growth Called by Session Pulpit supply may variety in worship Session takes more responsibility for the ongoing life of the congregation Can be less expensive Potential increased awareness of communal and congregational leadership resources Limitations Call process may take up to two years or longer If congregation is facing transformation or possible dissolution in the near future a change in pastoral relationship may be more difficult. eligible to be considered by a congregation are limited to a list of persons approved and commended to them by the presbytery through its COM. Ordinarily unable to be called as permanent pastor May need additional resources depending on skills, training, and interests of available interim pastors (i.e. Mission study, PNC support, organizational and leadership development, etc.) Time required to get interim leadership in place and added management and cost of ending of interim contract Possible loss of continuity Transition tasks may not be completed and as a result the interim opportunities are lost Maintaining status quo is more likely Getting quality worship leadership and readily available pastoral services can be difficult Costs Minimum terms of call or greater. Moving costs. Minimum of call or greater. [Generally, the same terms of call as a permanent position.] Moving costs. Negotiable – minimum terms of call or greater COM requires a 60-day transition agreement that includes full salary and benefits for departing interim pastor Moving costs (for regional and national interim pastors) Negotiable COM recommends $150 per week plus mileage for pulpit supply ($250 for two services) Other services can be specified and are negotiated with temporary supply pastor Other Temporary Types of Pastoral Leadership Stated Supply Appointed by the presbytery, consultation with the Session, to perform the functions of a pastor in a church not seeking an installed minister. Relationship shall be established only by the presbytery and