What We Do

• Provides a framework for pastoral support as required for: Parish Ministers, Readers, OLMs, Auxiliary Ministers and Deacons. This will be done through: Pastoral advisors, Group supervision, Signposting to Ascend Informal gatherings. 
• Promotes recruitment to all the recognised ministries of the Church. 
• Provides pastoral support, as required, and supervision for candidates for all ministries during their training and up to their appointment or ordination. This will include: Readers, OLMs, Deacons, Ministers of Word and Sacrament, Graduate Candidates. 
• Presents all candidates for all ministries to Presbytery, annually. 
• Presents those serving as Readers, OLMs, or in other ministries as appropriate, to Presbytery, annually. 
• Provides opportunities for Continuing Ministry Development, and conducts reviews with, all OLMs. 
• Works in cooperation with the Presbytery Spiritual Formation Advisor and receives a monthly report. 
• Line manages the Pastoral Advisors. 
• Has a representative assigned to the Trinity College Board. 
• Supports and encourages Congregational Prayer Promoters. 
• Organises special events with a focus on one or more of praise, prayer, preaching, ministry of healing, private devotion. 
• Working in partnership with other agencies, provides training in the leading of worship for lay people. 
• In conjunction with the Ecumenical Relations and Interfaith Matters Committee, facilitates conversations regarding Interfaith Worship. 
• Provides resources on the Presbytery website including, among other things, the Presbytery Prayer Diary. 
• In consultation with the Moderator of Presbytery, facilitates the annual celebration of the Lord’s Supper. 

Useful Information

Vocations

How do we even start exploring whether God is asking us to work in one of the Church of Scotland’s ministries?

You could start by:

• asking your Parish Minister or 
• contacting Ministries Council on 0131 225 5722

Helpful information can also be found on the National website.

Candidates

Starting out in training for ministry affects different people in different ways.  Some can’t wait to get started, whilst others are wondering if they read their acceptance letter wrongly!  As Candidates progress, there can be a range of challenges as they discover more of what ministry entails.

Candidates bring into ministry a range of experience and so are likely to find some areas easier than others.

The Presbytery Ministry Committee want to ensure Candidates feel supported throughout their training within their MTNs and by their Supervisors, Presbytery and the National Office.

Should you wish to clarify anything or need further support, please contact the presbytery office, who will be happy to help.

Pastoral Support Team

The Pastoral Support Team provides pastoral support for ministers and their families usually three times a year.  This usually involves a chat at the manse or other suitable venue picked by you with the Adviser you think you may connect best with.

The Team understands that ministry affects not only the minister but their families too and so this offer is extended to the immediate family who are free to choose their own Adviser.

Conveners

Resources

• The Bequest Fund Guidelines
• The Bequest Fund Application