Committee On Pastor-Parish Relations
The Primary Task of the Committee on Pastor-Parish Relations
To support your pastor(s) and other staff so that these people can work effectively in managing the ministry of your congregation for witness and service.
Responsibilities of the Committee
1. To seek to understand feelings and desires within the
congregation about the pastor's leadership and appointment.
2. To work with the district superintendent and/or the bishop in an advisory
capacity in matters pertaining to clergy leadership.
3. To recommend staff positions needed and to develop and approve written job
descriptions and titles for associate pastors and staff.
4. To discuss regularly with the pastor(s) and staff the personnel conditions
that affect the congregation's total ministry.
5. To counsel with the pastor(s)and staff about priorities for the use of gifts,
skills, and time.
6. To communicate openly with the pastor(s), staff, and congregation.
7. To make recommendations concerning compensation, travel, housing, and other
financial matters to the finance committee and the church council.
8. To inspect the parsonage with the pastor and the trustees annually to ensure
proper maintenance.
9. To recommend, in consultation with the pastor, to the church council a
written statement of policy and procedures for hiring, evaluating, promoting;
retiring, and dismissing staff members who are not subject to episcopal
appointment.
10. To provide an annual evaluation for use by the pastor(s) and other staff in
an ongoing effective ministry.
11. To identify continuing education needs and to support and encourage
continuing education and spiritual renewal for the pastor and staff.
12. To educate the church community on the value of diversity of selection in
clergy and lay staff.
13. To seek, interview, and recommend to the charge conference lay preachers and
qualified candidates for ordained ministry.
(Source: Discipleship Ministries Unit, General Board of Discipleship, The United Methodist Church.)