The Ministry of the Pastoral
Relations Committee
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A Resource to
Guide you in
your task….
2
Discussion
Questions to
frame your
thoughts...
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A Productive Partnership can be
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)
4
A Productive Partnership can be
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
Resource to
Enhance your
relationships…
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The Goal of the Pastor/Staff
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
with 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!!
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The ministry of the P.R.C. is a
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…
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Colossians 3:12-17
The Goals of the Pastoral
Relations 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
Relations 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
Pastoral Relations Committee

Unquestioned
Christian Character

Ability to negotiate

Sensitivity to feelings

Appreciates
differences
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Qualities in a person on the
Pastoral Relations Committee

Respected by the
Congregation

Keeps Confidences

Openness to learn

Patience
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Qualities in a person on the
Pastoral 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
Relations Committee







Understanding roles of
ministry-(EXPECTATIONS)
Conflict Management
Continuing Education
Evaluation
Pastor/staff compensation
Start-up procedures
Termination procedures
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Communication
A 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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Communication
A 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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Communication
A 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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Communication
A 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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Communication
A 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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Communication
A Common Thread

Educate the congregation about
pastoral compensation including:
cash salary, automobile
allowance, housing or parsonage
allowance, etc..
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