CPMM INFORMATION FOR SESSIONS
New Castle Presbytery’s CPMM looks forward to partnering with sessions and congregations in supporting those called into discernment and preparation for ordered ministry.
BACKGROUND
​
SESSION LIAISON DUTIES DOCUMENT
In addition to the duties of guidance and nurturing, the session has specific areas of responsibility over three distinct periods (registration, inquiry, and candidacy):
REGISTRATION
-
Determine that the individual has been an active member of your congregation for a minimum of six months
-
Consult with the CPMM chairperson for information and forms to be completed as well as a date for the session to be visited by a member of the CPMM for initial conversations on the whole process.
-
Receive papers (Forms 1, 2A & 2B) from the applicant and distribute them to the Session prior to the interview.
-
Interview the potential Inquirer. Possible areas for consideration are:
-
What personal qualities are evidences of a healthy and vital faith in God through Jesus Christ
-
How is that faith currently being expressed through the individual’s participation in the worship, life and mission of this congregation?
-
What various motivations impel the sense of call?
-
What real and potential talents for ministry are evident in this individual?
-
What is the level and adequacy of the individual’s academic interest, ability and motivation?
-
What is the evidence of his/her physical health and stamina?
-
What is the evidence of his/her emotional well-being?
-
What is the evidence of his/her self-discipline?
-
How does the individual plan to finance his or her education?
-
Send a positive recommendation concerning the applicant, originals of applicants papers (Forms 1A-1D), along with the information on the session’s liaison to the CPMM chairperson. The CPMM will then interview the person and make a recommendation. If the CPMM recommendation is negative, it will be explained to the sponsoring session.
​
*Please note: the date of acceptance by the CPMM is the beginning of the inquirer phase.
INQUIRY PHASE
-
Following CPMM’s affirmative vote, you may include recognition of the person as an inquirer in a worship service. This will help the whole congregation to know the person and to know of his/her plans for ministry.
-
Prepare to pay at least 1/3 of the cost of the individual’s career evaluation and psychological testing required by the CPMM. The Presbytery pays 1/3 and the individual pays the other 1/3 unless the church chooses to pay this portion.
-
Provide financial support for education, if necessary, and, if possible. Many churches give an amount each month. You may also help with some kind of scholarship program involving loans and/or grants.
-
Stay in contact with the inquirer. Be sure to send the church newsletter and other information that would regularly be sent to members.
-
Always remember the individual’s family. They too have made a big adjustment, especially if moving away to seminary is involved
-
Invite the person to assist in worship and/or to preach.
-
Plan to have the Session liaison attend the annual CPMM consultations
-
Review the report of each annual consultation and be aware of specific areas of growth as well as areas to receive special efforts for the following year.
-
When appropriate, receive from the Inquirer Forms 5A & 5B in preparation for the interview considering movement to candidacy status. All session members should have these before the interview.
-
Interview the Inquirer concerning the transition to candidacy, using as a basis Forms 5A & 5B, personal discussions, consultation reports, and the six statements of the PC(USA) Advisory Handbook page 8) The following are helpful suggestions:
-
Does the person’s faith enlighten life or obscure it?
-
Does the inner sense of call seem real to you, and healthy?
-
Does the person have the talents to be a Minister of the Word?
-
Would you be pleased to have this person be your pastor?
-
Following the interview, make a recommendation to the CPMM chairperson concerning the transition along with originals of Forms 5A & 5B.
CANDIDACY PHASE
-
Following the CPMM’s affirmative vote, you may include recognition of the person’s candidacy in a worship service. This will help the whole congregation to know the person and to know of his/her plans for ministry.
-
Continue to offer guidance, support, and financial aid as the individual completes the necessary requirements and becomes certified for ordination. Many churches give a monetary amount each month. You may also help with some kind of scholarship program involving loans and/or grants.
-
When an appropriate call for service has been accepted and the person has been ordained, remove his/her name from the membership roll while continuing to pray for this person that he/she be a willing participant in God’s plan.
Always remember if it is determined that an individual’s gifts and call are not leading toward ordination, the process has still been a success. The ultimate goal is to find each person’s God-chosen place of service and, as Presbyterians, we believe we are all called to minister.