Pastoral needs and concerns, and the needs of those who are interested in the ministry as a vocation. are addressed by the Committee on Ministry (COM), and the Committee on Preparation for Ministry (COPM), respectively.

COM

About COM (Committee on Ministry)

The Committee on Ministry consists of ministers and elders who are elected in three classes for 3-year terms. It advises and assists pastors and staff nominating committees in the hiring and appointment of pastors and other professional and volunteer staff. It appoints and oversees the work of temporary supplies and student supplies, and encourages equal opportunity practices to be adhered to in all of these activities.

COM also assists professional church workers in seeking new positions, recommends interim pastors, and develops compensation guidelines.

COPM

Care Committee

The Care Committee for Professional Church Workers provides nurture to the Presbytery's ordained clergy, Elders, Deacons, Christian Educators, other Presbytery staff, and their families. They provide for needed prayer and other expressions of compassion, organize outreach and support groups in times of crisis, provide a caring presence for retired Presbytery staff and for the widows and widowers of Presbytery staff, and develop programs to enhance the spiritual growth, marital life, and family ties of professional staff. Care Committee members are elected to three-year terms.

Pastors in our Presbytery and candidates for ministry also benefit from the support of the Care Committee through grants for emergency needs and scholarship help.

The Care Committee would like to hear of celebrations and concerns. Please contact the Office with your information.

Click here for the Care Committee Report, a list of people currently being cared for by the Care Committee of the Presbytery, and please remember them in your prayers.

Pulpit Supply List

Newton Presbytery publishes a list of pastors, along with their contact information and availability, for use by member churches. To receive a copy of the List, contact the Presbytery Office.

Terms of Call

Attention Clerks of Session, Ministers and CCE –Terms of Call

Click here for the Terms of Call Worksheet and Report Form
Must have MS Word to view/download

MANSE SELF-APPRAISAL FORMS

Committee on Ministry - 2007 Inspection Year

Click here for Self-Appraisal Form

Click here for Self-Appraisal Letter

(Must have MS Word to view/download)

Constitutional Musings #11 – Examining Officers

Click Here for the Complete Document
Must have MS Word to view/download

The New Continuing Membership and Validation of Ministry Policy
is available for review.

Please click here to view the entire policy

Newton Presbytery
Committee on Ministry
Revised Minimum Salaries and Increase Guidelines for 2008

Click here for the Recommended Salary Guidelines for 2008

At the September , 2007 meeting the Committee on Ministry approved the following minimum salaries* for Ministers and Certified Christian Educators with at least nine months’ service for the year 2007. These minimums are effective immediately upon final approval by Presbytery.

Required Minimum salary* for Ministers and
Certified Christian Educators (CCE)

Ministers
Cash salary* .when manse and utilities are provided---------------------$35,941
Cash salary* and Housing Allowance-----------------------------------$49,964

CCE
Cash Salary*-----------------------------------------------------------$40,712

Discussion: Inflationary pressures have continued during 2007 although they have moderated recently. The 12-month CPI inflation rate for the period ending July 2006 is 3.2%. Payment at minimum-level salaries represents a real challenge to living in the Newton Presbytery economy. As a result we have increased the minimum salaries by 3.5%.

In addition, we are recommending that salaries for professionals above these minimums be increased by at least 3.0% based on the following factors.

1. Performance and job scope should be a critical consideration.
2. Being a professional in the Christ’s service does not insulate a person from the impact of the ever-shrinking purchasing power of the salary dollar. A vow of poverty is not part of the Ordination Ritual.
3. The percentage of Total Effective Salary charged for Health Benefit dues is increasing from 19% to 19.5% effective January 1, 2007.
4. We were disappointed to see that more than 10% of our Clergy received increases of 1% or less for 2006. This should be of great concern to the local congregation and should be addressed in setting budget goals for 2007. Increases at such minimal levels are tantamount to reductions in living standard.
5. Whether a manse is provided should be considered since Clergy receiving a housing allowance are subject fully to property tax and utility cost pressures.
6. Total compensation-The Board of Pensions’ figures show that for Newton Presbytery the average Total Effective Salary for 2007 is greater than $62,000. Individuals below that level should be considered for a higher rate of increase.

These recommendations represent guidelines as long as the minimums salaries are met. Churches are free to give increases greater than these guidelines if warranted.

*Salary as used throughout this recommendation refers to Total Effective Salary less manse and housing allowances plus any payments toward the SECA obligation for the Minister. Such SECA payments are not part of Effective Salary for benefits but are subject to Federal and Sate Income Taxes.

Dave Weippert
Committee on Ministry

Indian Summer 2007

Newton Presbytery's annual retreat for pastors will be held September 30 - October 3 at the Stella Maris Retreat Center in Elberon, NJ.

Click here for 2007 Indian Summer Brochure and Registration Form

Click here for pictures from 2005

About COPM (Committee on Preparation for Ministry)

The Committee on Preparation for Ministry responds to inquiries about, and oversees and guides candidates for, church vocations. COPM guides and assists sessions in their responsibilities for those seeking church vocations. This committee conducts examinations of candidates, interviews and presents inquirers to the Presbytery at the required times, and administers seminary student scholarships.

COPM also examines and approves credentials of ministers transferring from other denominations.

Ministry as a Vocation

When a member of the congregation approaches the pastor and session to express the possibility that he or she has been called to the ministry of Word and Sacrament, the local church is provided with both a challenge and an opportunity. It is the session's responsibility to provide a supportive relationship through which it can explore with the individual the personal implications and suitability of a church occupation.

For more information about this process, see the Handbook for the Local Church, section on "Guidelines for Sessions when a Member is Interested in Professional Ministry".

Workshops and Vocational Weekends

There are many workshops available for those who are interested in the ministry as a vocation, and want to find out more about what a call to ministry might mean for themselves and their families. For example, workshops are offered by Drew and Princeton universities, as well as other groups and institutions. Some are extra-denominational. See the Ministry links for a list of such programs.

Ministry Links of Interest