The Book of Order gives to the COM the responsibility for the ministry of the presbytery to its congregations and church professionals. The COM has a special and important role in the life of the presbytery. It is the pastor, counselor, coach and mediator. Committees on Ministry (COMs) are encouraged to focus on building relationships with congregations and church professionals, and nurturing healthy ministries in their presbyteries. Thus, they serve as stewards of the pastoral relationships that in turn nurture, lead, and encourage the congregations in faithful ministry to Jesus Christ.
COM has a multitude of tasks and responsibilities, all of which are important and some of which can be quite difficult. It is critical that the COM exhibit high ethical standards. As partners in ministry, COM members enter into relationships with an attitude of respect and appreciation for the congregations and individuals they encounter. It is our hope that even in responding to the most difficult responsibilities, COM will bring pastoral sensitivity, hopeful faith, and openness to the surprises of God’s transforming power at work. COM work requires tough-minded, tenderhearted people who are willing and able to ask important and sometimes unpopular questions and who are open to hearing honest answers. Most important, COM work requires faith and trust in God and an awareness of working for the sake of the whole church.
The work of the Committee on Ministry will be done best, most faithfully and most creatively when it is done in a context of prayer, discernment, and worship. The most important preparation for any encounter between a member of the COM and a church professional or a congregation is prayer for the individual, the congregation, the relationship and the coming meeting.
The most important support you can give to the Committee on Ministry is your prayer for its members and for their faithful and skillful work.