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The Ministry of the Pastoral The Ministry of the Pastoral Relations CommitteeRelations Committee

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A Resource to A Resource to Guide you in Guide you in your task….your task….

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Discussion Discussion Questions to Questions to frame your frame your thoughts...thoughts...

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A Productive PartnershipA Productive Partnership can be can be used in a variety of ways….used in a variety of ways….

In your home as you consider PRC membership or before the first or successive PRC meetings

At an orientation meeting of the entire PRC (using the guide or being led by a member of your region’s staff)

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A Productive PartnershipA Productive Partnership can be can be used in a variety of ways….used in a variety of ways….

As a committee review as your PRC is considering a particular goal.

At an association or regional training event for PRC members.

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Another Another Resource to Resource to

Enhance your Enhance your relationships…relationships…

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The Goal of the Pastor/Staff The Goal of the Pastor/Staff Relations Committee is:Relations Committee is:

To enhance the effectiveness of the church’s ministry by fostering a climate of nurturing relationships between pastor/staff and the church

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It’s a TRUST RELATIONSHIP It’s a TRUST RELATIONSHIP with two primary functionswith two primary functions

Advisory to the pastor to bring concerns of the congregation before the pastor and the pastor/staff concerns to the congregation.

Advocacy for pastor/staff leadership in the congregation…the ‘in house support system’ for the pastoral staff.

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It’s a TWO-WAY Street!!It’s a TWO-WAY Street!!

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The ministry of the P.R.C. is a The ministry of the P.R.C. is a Biblical one….Biblical one….

Ministering one to another...Galatians 6:2,10

Sharing ministry together…Acts 6:1-7

Reconciliation/sharing of gifts…Matthew 5:23-24

Distinction of gifts and functions for ministry…Ephesians 4:11-16

Openness and unity of all members…Colossians 3:12-17

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The Goals of the Pastoral The Goals of the Pastoral Relations CommitteeRelations Committee

To seek to assure healthy pastor/staff/parishioner relationships.

To assist the congregation in making its concerns known to the pastor/staff/leadership

To assist the pastor/staff/leadership in making its concerns known to the congregation.

To assist the church in monitoring its responsibilities to the pastor/staff.

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The Goals of the Pastoral The Goals of the Pastoral Relations CommitteeRelations Committee

To assist in the monitoring of the pastor/staff’s responsibilities to the church

To assist in the monitoring of healthy relationships throughout church life.

To assist in the monitoring/management of conflict.

To help maintain an atmosphere of love, trust, care, concern and maturing throughout congregational life.

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Qualities in a person on the Qualities in a person on the Pastoral Relations CommitteePastoral Relations Committee Unquestioned

Christian Character

Ability to negotiate

Sensitivity to feelings

Appreciates differences

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Qualities in a person on the Qualities in a person on the Pastoral Relations CommitteePastoral Relations Committee Respected by the

Congregation

Keeps Confidences

Openness to learn

Patience

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Qualities in a person on the Qualities in a person on the Pastoral Relations CommitteePastoral Relations Committee

Flexibility

Vital interest in the Church’s life and ministry

Others that YOU can name?….

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Specific Functions of the Pastoral Specific Functions of the Pastoral Relations CommitteeRelations Committee

Understanding roles of ministry--(EXPECTATIONS)

Conflict Management Continuing Education Evaluation Pastor/staff compensation Start-up procedures Termination procedures

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CommunicationCommunicationA Common ThreadA Common Thread

Communicate the responsibilities of the committee including the topics discussed.

Help the church family understand all that is involved in the work of the pastor/staff.

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CommunicationCommunicationA Common ThreadA Common Thread

Share with the congregation what is included in the pastor/staff's job description.

Let them know how pastoral/staff performance is evaluated.

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CommunicationCommunicationA Common ThreadA Common Thread

Share with the congregation the pastor/staff's plan for continuing education, how each is involved in denominational and community activities, and what their plans are for personal and professional growth.

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CommunicationCommunicationA Common ThreadA Common Thread

Interpret to the congregation the concerns of the pastor/staff, their hopes and dreams for the church, and the strengths they believe the church has developed.

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CommunicationCommunicationA Common ThreadA Common Thread

Let the people know how best to encourage support and affirm the staff, and assist them in understanding the best ways of caring for their leaders.

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CommunicationCommunicationA Common ThreadA Common Thread

Educate the congregation about pastoral compensation including: cash salary, automobile allowance, housing or parsonage allowance, etc..