Pulpit Supply
PULPIT SUPPLY LIST – This is a protected list accessed by using a password or your own profile information (see questions under password window). If you are unable to access the list after trying both options, please contact communications@pbygenval.org or your church’s COM liaison to get the password.
DEFINITIONS
Pulpit Supply Minister: a person called to be a pastoral preaching presence to a Presbytery of Genesee Valley congregation without a serving pastor
a) to provide short term pastoral support to the on-going ministry of the congregation
b) to provide short term pastoral support to the congregation in embodying the Six Great Ends of the Church
c) to provide a pastoral presence for Sanctuary worship
d) to respond as a pastoral communicator in support of the relationships in the Presbytery, envisioned as carrying out the mission of the church under the Word.
Guest Preacher: a visitor charged to deliver a message to a congregation and its pastoral leadership as a support to the established ministry relationships and vision of that particular church.
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
1. Purpose
The Presbytery has the responsibility and authority to provide that the Word of God is truly preached and heard and that the Sacraments may be rightly administered and received (see the Book of Order G-3.0301). The Congregational Relations Commission (CRC) has been empowered by the Presbytery to provide a process for identifying, screening, approving and maintaining a pulpit supply list of qualified individuals to all congregations of the Presbytery of Genesee Valley. It is strongly encouraged that congregations utilize the pulpit supply list when filling pulpit vacancies. Sessions may invite others to preach, speak or lead worship services occasionally (once or twice a year) with approval of the Moderator.
2. Eligibility for the Pulpit Supply List
The following individuals will be automatically approved:
- Minister members in good standing of the Presbytery of Genesee Valley
- Commissioned Ruling Elders/Commissioned Pastors in good standing of the Presbytery of Genesee Valley
The following individuals may be considered for inclusion:
- Ministers of Word and Sacrament who are members of the PC(USA) subject to clearance from the CRC
- Inquirers/Candidates under care of the Presbytery of Genesee Valley with consent from the Committee on Preparation for Ministry
- Ministers in good standing from partner denominations of the PC(USA), subject to clearance of the CRC.
- Ministers in good standing from other denominations, after proper clearances checks have been found to be in good order and after an approved clearance interview by the CRC may be included.
3. Application Process and Required Documents
All persons applying for the Pulpit Supply list should submit a completed Pulpit Supply Request Form to CRC. If not a PC(USA) minister or commissioned ruling elder/commissioned pastor or inquirer/candidate of the Presbytery of Genesee Valley, the following is also required:
- Background and Ministerial Profile: Ministerial Profile/CV/Resume is requested. A Criminal Background Check must be completed within the past 3 years. If none exists, the individual must complete one and submit it along with the fee.
- Judicatory Clearance from a Presbytery Executive Presbyter or equivalent.
- Interview with the CRC: Required for those not under the care of this presbytery. The interview includes theological and pastoral background, understanding of Reformed worship, discussion of pulpit supply expectations and responsibilities, clarification of sacramental authority and boundaries.
Notification and Recordkeeping: CRC receives a written recommendation. Upon CRC approval, the list is updated, and relevant staff are notified.
4. Expectations of Those on the List
- Pulpit supply is short-term and does not establish a pastoral relationship.
- Services beyond four consecutive Sundays (except for the Advent and Lenten Season) require formal agreements approved by Pastoral Transitions Commission.
- Minister members of the Presbytery of Genesee Valley, Commissioned Ruling Elders/Commissioned Pastors of the Presbytery of Genesee Valley may administer sacraments as requested by session.
- All other on the pulpit supply list may not administered the Sacraments without prior authorization of the Session and CRC.
- Additional services (e.g., funerals, counseling, home visits) are only at the invitation of the Session Moderator or the CRC if the pulpit is vacant.
- Individuals must adhere to PC(USA) liturgy and theology in worship leadership.
5. Use by Congregations
- Contact individuals directly from the approved list.
- Consult the CRC regarding all individuals not on the list.
- Negotiate honoraria and reimbursements consistent with presbytery guidelines from the Pastoral Transition Commission (e.g. $150.00 per service plus IRS current amount for professional mileage rate).
- If the church cancels a service less than 7 days in advance for which a pulpit supply was scheduled a minimum fee for the Pulpit Supply would be $50.00 for the time invested for the preparation for the service.
6. Review and List Maintenance
- The CRC will contact individuals every six-months to verify continued interest in serving.
- Individuals may be removed for inactivity, policy violations, at their own request or for another just cause determined by CRC.
7. Oversight and Accountability
- The Congregational Relations Commission retains oversight of the Pulpit Supply list.
- Complaints or concerns regarding individuals on the list will be reviewed by the CRC as needed.
- Any changes in eligibility status must be promptly reported.
