Leadership Opportunities
An Invitation
A Presbytery is defined in the Presbyterian Church (USA) Book of Order as “a corporate expression of the church….The Presbytery is responsible for the government of the church throughout its district, and for assisting and supporting the witness of congregations to the sovereign activity of God in the world, so that all congregations become communities of faith, hope, love, and witness.” G-3.0301
Whitewater Valley Presbytery consists of Ministers of the Word and Sacrament and congregations and is supported in its work by the Lead Presbyter, Stated Clerk, Administrative Assistant, and Financial and Business Consultant. Within the structure and rules of the Book of Order and Whitewater Valley Presbytery’s Manual of Operations and Administrative Manual, it is the minister members and elder commissioners who, with support from staff, guide the decisions and do the work of the Presbytery.
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Each and every one of us are Whitewater Valley Presbytery. And in our work together, we have agreed that we value being
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Christ-centered
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Bold and Healthy
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Expansive and Welcoming of all people and all gifts
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Collaborative and Connectional in the way we share leadership and live our governance
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Creative and Permission-Giving allowing God to do a “new thing” among us
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Innovative, discerning God’s direction for today
Presbytery Council
Composition
15 voting members: the chairs of or representatives from Commission on Ministry, Commission on Preparation for Ministry, Personnel Committee, Finance Committee; Board of Directors, Leadership Committee, Health Committee, Boldness Committee (as they are formed/evolve), four at-large members (one of whom is chair); and the Moderator, Vice-Moderator, and Immediate Past Moderator of the Presbytery Assembly.
Responsibilities
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Envision, facilitate, and evaluate the vision and mission of the Presbytery.
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Approve new programs, budgets, and expenditures of the corporation fund in ways that align with the vision and mission.
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Facilitate coordination and information sharing among committees and commissions.
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Hold accountable all committees, ad hoc groups, and task forces reporting to Council and the Assembly.
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Plan and prepare the docket for Presbytery meetings in ways congruent with the vision and mission of
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the Presbytery, usually accomplished by the Assembly Planning Team, a sub-committee of the Council.
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Nominate a slate for the Nominating Committee/Committee on Representation and present it to the
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Presbytery Assembly for approval, ordinarily during the last Stated Meeting of the Year.
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Act on behalf of the Presbytery as necessary between stated meetings of the Presbytery when it is impossible or inappropriate to wait for the next meeting of the Presbytery.
Terms of Office
3-year terms for Assembly Moderators (Vice Moderator, Moderator, Past Moderator), At-Large Members and representatives from Finance, Personnel, Leadership, Healthy, and Bold, with one additional consecutive term not to exceed 6 years. 1-year terms for representatives from COM, CPM, and BOD, with additional consecutive terms not to exceed 6 years.
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Meetings
Council meets monthly, except July and December. Council is currently meeting on the third Tuesday of the month on Zoom, plus a Presbytery-wide, in-person leadership retreat for committees and commissions in late January.
Board of Directors Commission (BOD)
Composition
Six members, in three classes of two members per class. Members serve 3-year terms which are renewable once, for a total of six years. The Presbytery Treasurer is also a voting member and the Presbytery Treasurer’s term shall be equal to the duration of the elected position. One member would sit on Council; this could be a chair or a representative appointed by the chair.
Responsibilities
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Receive, hold, encumber, manage, transfer, dispose of, convey and recommend sale of any real or personal property owned, given, granted, devised, or bequeathed to the Presbytery. BOO G-4.0101
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Fulfill the legal and corporate responsibilities for the orderly and efficient functioning of the Presbytery.
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Oversee the legal transactions of the corporation, with recommendations for corporate legals changes submitted to the Presbytery for approval.
Meetings
BOD meets 4 times each year, unless particular needs arise. BOD meets within an appropriate time to provide needed recommendations and reports to the Council, plus a Presbytery-wide leadership retreat for committees and commissions in late January. BOD is currently meeting on the afternoon of the 2nd Thursday of the months of April, August, and October.
Commission on Ministry (COM)
Composition
21 to 24 members in three classes of 7-8 people, composed of a balanced
representation of Ministers of Word and Sacrament and ruling elders, elected for three-year terms. COM members elected by the presbytery will be distributed on the three specialized teams. One member would sit on the Council; this could be a chair or a representative appointed by the chair.
Responsibilities
COM serves as pastor, counselor, and advisor to the ministers of the presbytery, sessions and congregations; facilitates relations between congregations, ministers, commissioned ruling elders and the presbytery, assists congregations during pastoral transitions, and settles difficulties on behalf of the presbytery when possible and expedient.
Meetings
COM as a whole meets every other month. COM is currently meeting on the last Wednesday of the month from 10 am to 1pm, plus a Presbytery-wide, in-person leadership retreat for committees and commissions in late January. In-person attendance is encouraged, but a zoom option is provided. Committees of the COM meet as needed, (primarily) on zoom between meetings. The location of the COM meetings vary considering membership driving distances but often meet in Indianapolis or the northern suburbs of Indianapolis.
Commission on Preparation for Ministry (CPM)
Composition
9 to 12 members in three classes of 3-4, composed of a balanced representation of ruling elders and Ministers of Word and Sacrament, elected for three-year terms. One member would sit on the Council; this could be a chair or a representative appointed by the chair.
Responsibilities
In accordance with the Book of Order, provide oversight and guidance to individuals seeking to explore their calling (inquirers) or to fulfill their calling (candidates) in the care process regarding preparation to become a Minister of Word and Sacrament. The care process includes selection, reception, care, examination, and ordination or transfer of candidates, as well as the potential dismissal of inquirers/candidates from the care process. CPM also oversees the preparation and training of those seeking to be commissioned ruling elders (CREs).
Meetings
Approximately four times per year, at a day of the month and time agreeable to those on the CPM. In person attendance at the Indiana Interchurch Center is encouraged, but a zoom option is provided. CPM is currently meeting on the first Tuesday of the months of April, August, and November, plus a Presbytery-wide leadership retreat for committees and commissions in late January.
Finance Committee
Composition
Six members in two classes of three, composed of a representation of ministers of the Word and Sacrament and ruling elders. The Presbytery Treasurer is also a voting member and the Presbytery Treasurer’s term shall be equal to the duration of the elected position. One member would sit on the Council; this could be a chair or a representative appointed by the chair.
Responsibilities
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Develop the annual operating fund and mission focus budgets of the Presbytery through a budgeting process with the commissions and committees of the Presbytery. The draft/first read budget will be presented to the Presbytery Council for approval and then communicated to the Presbytery in early Fall. The final budget will be presented to the Presbytery Council for approval and recommended to Presbytery Assembly toward the end of the year.
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Recommend the annual per capita rate for congregations within the Presbytery. This rate will be presented to the Presbytery Council for approval and recommendation for final approval of Presbytery Assembly.
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Monitor the Presbytery’s financial status including banking relationships, loans, and other financial commitments, as well as the budgets of entities within the Presbytery which may include New Worshipping Communities and Hispanic Ministries Lead Team, as well as other ministries of the Presbytery.
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Review financial reports prepared by the Financial Consultant and report at every Presbytery Meeting,
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Coordinate and oversee the annual audit or financial review.
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Monitor compliance with the approved budget and work with staff, committees, and commissions to make necessary adjustments.
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Develop ways to interpret the Presbytery’s financial situation through stewardship, communication, and education.
Meetings
Approximately four to five times per year, on a day of the month and time agreeable to those on the Finance Committee, typically on Zoom, within an appropriate time to provide needed recommendations and reports to the Council, plus a Presbytery-wide leadership retreat for committees and commissions in late January.
Personnel Committee
Composition
Four or five members composed of a balanced representation of Ministers of Word and Sacrament and members of congregations, elected for three-year terms, renewable for up to six years. One member would sit on the Council; this could be a chair or a representative appointed by the chair.
Responsibilities
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Design, document, oversee implementation of, and monitor compliance with a staffing and salary structure that supports the Presbytery’s vision.
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Design, document, oversee implementation of, and monitor compliance with the Personnel Manual that supports the Presbytery’s vision.
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Develop and maintain staff position descriptions. Conduct regular performance review of Presbytery staff.
Meetings
Personnel primarily meets in person, 4-6 times each year, usually at the Indiana Interchurch Center. Personnel is typically more active in the summer with staff reviews and budgeting. Meetings are scheduled within an appropriate time to provide the recommendations and reports needed to the Council, plus a Presbytery-wide leadership retreat for committees and commissions in late January.
Nominating Committee/
Committee on Representation
Composition
Five members composed of a balanced representation of Ministers of Word and Sacrament and members of congregations, nominated by the Coordinating Council Commission, elected for one-year terms, renewable for up to six years.
Responsibilities
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The Nominating Committee shall present to Presbytery Assembly nominations for the Vice- Moderator and Moderator of the Presbytery, members of committees and commissions (except the Nominating Committee/Committee on Representation), commissioners to Synod (in consultation with the Synod), and commissioners to General Assembly.
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The Nominating Committee shall present to the Presbytery Assembly nominations to fill all vacancies that occur during the year, except as otherwise specified in this manual.
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The Nominating Committee shall work to monitor and encourage an imperative toward diversity and balance of representation in the life and leadership of the Presbytery.
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Carry out the responsibilities assigned to the Committee on Representation in the Book of Order G-3.0103.
Meetings
Approximately four times per year, often in the latter half of the year, on a day of the month and time agreeable to those on the Nominating Committee/Committee on Representation.
Bold Committee
Composition
Six members in three classes of two persons, composed of a balanced representation of Ministers of Word and Sacrament and members of congregations, elected for three-year terms.
Responsibilities
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Plan, recommend, and implement a Presbytery strategy for new church development/new worshipping communities.
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Manage a mission grant program for the Presbytery.
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Encourage Presbyterians and Presbyterian churches to work together and facilitate communication amongst these connections.
Meetings
Monthly or as needed, usually on zoom
Permanent Judicial Commission
Composition
Seven members in three classes of three persons, composed of a balanced representation of ministers of the Word and Sacrament and ruling elders. The term for members is six years and members are elected in odd years. Candidates for this Commission are nominated by the Nominating Committee.
Responsibilities
Carry out the responsibilities and practices defined in the Book of Order, Rules of Church Discipline.
Meetings
The commission meets only when a case is transmitted to it. There may be long periods when there is no activity, interspersed with periods of intensive work.
Commissioners & Young Adult Advisory Delegates (YAAD) to General Assembly
Whitewater Valley Presbytery commissions two Ministers of Word and Sacrament, two ruling elders and one young adult from member congregations to each biennial (even years) GA meeting.
Minister of the Word and Sacrament and Ruling Elder Commissioners
The Nominating Committee chooses nominees from those submitting applications. Any Minister of Word and Sacrament, who is a member in good standing in Whitewater Valley Presbytery — whether they are actively serving or honorably retired — and who has not served as a commissioner for any of the previous three General Assemblies is eligible to serve.
Any Ruling Elder, who is a member in good standing in their home congregation — whether they are
currently serving on that church’s Session or not — and whose home church has not had an elder serve as a commissioner for any of the previous three General Assemblies is eligible to serve. Ruling Elders must also be endorsed by their Session.
Young Adult Advisory Delegates
The Nominating Committee also accepts applications to fill the YAAD position. Any person between the ages of 18-23 who is active in the ministry of their home church as defined by the Session of that church is eligible to serve. They must also be a member of a congregation that didn’t send a YAAD to the previous General Assembly.
APPLICATIONS ARE AVAILABLE ON THE PRESBYTERY WEBSITE.
Responsibilities
Commissioners attend General Assembly as voting members, report to Presbytery, and interpret the work of General Assembly to the congregations of the Presbytery.
Commissioners to the Synod of Lincoln Trails
The Nominating Committee nominates commissioners to the Synod of Lincoln Trails in accordance with instructions from the Synod. Terms are three years, renewable.
The Nominating Committee in conjunction with the Synod shall nominate appropriate candidates, composed of a balanced representation of ministers of the Word and Sacrament and ruling elders.
Commissioners ordinarily attend twice-yearly (spring and fall) Synod meetings and are assigned to specific Committees of the Synod.
TBD
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Leader Committee
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Health Committee
Elected Officers of the Presbytery
Presbytery Moderator
Responsibilities
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Moderate stated and called meetings of the Presbytery
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Member of the Presbytery Council and Moderator of Presbytery Assembly Planning Committee
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Represent the Presbytery to its congregations and to other councils as requested
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Serve on and convene ordination/installation commissions
Term of Office
One year as Moderator, elected and beginning in November, followed by one year on the Coordinating Council Commission.
Presbytery Vice Moderator
Responsibilities
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Moderate all or portions of stated or called Presbytery meetings at the request of the Moderator. Member of the Presbytery Council and the Presbytery Assembly Planning Committee
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Represent the Presbytery to its congregations and to other councils as requested.
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Serve on and convene ordination/installation commissions when the Moderator is unavailable.
Term of Office
One year, elected and beginning in November. The following year the Vice Moderator is normally nominated to become Moderator.
FAQs
Where are meetings held?
Depending on the consensus of the committee members, meetings may be held electronically or in person. In person meetings are often held at churches in or near Indianapolis.
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How long will I serve?
Unless otherwise specified, the terms of office are three years, beginning at the close of the November Presbytery Assembly meeting, with the privilege of one re-election.
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Will I have to pay for my own expenses?
Officers, moderators, commission and committee members are eligible for mileage reimbursement at the current charitable rate for volunteers. Meals during committee meetings are paid for from each board or committee’s budget. Mileage reimbursement and expenses are paid on
receipt of an approved voucher. All expenses for Commissioners to the General Assembly are paid for by General Assembly per capita funds.
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When and where are Presbytery Assembly meetings and am I expected to attend?
Presbytery meets in assembly, three times a year, generally on the last Wednesday of February, the first Wednesday of June, and the last Wednesday of October at locations around the Presbytery and/or electronically. Moderators are expected to attend while attendance by committee members is encouraged but not required.
Will I make a difference?
YES! Without the work of individuals from among the minister members and congregations that are Whitewater Valley Presbytery, neither the required governance functions nor the missional programming and resourcing functions can happen. Your passion, your gifts, your commitment are what makes it possible for us to be—Whitewater Valley Presbytery.
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