Structure & Committee Descriptions

In service to the congregations of the Presbytery of South Alabama, the Administration and Finance Committee serves as the steward of the funds, property, and staff of the presbytery. • oversees the process for budgeting and audits • makes recommendations on the use of designated funds • oversees personnel matters • conducts staff reviews • recommends to the Presbytery Cabinet hiring, firing, and compensation of all presbytery employees including Regional Presbyter and Stated Clerk • ensures that staff-driven communications are effective and professional • develops and maintains financial policies of the presbytery • shares budget information in a timely and transparent manner • oversees property owned or rented by the presbytery • negotiates sale or management of property of dissolved congregations • assists the presbytery staff (when needed) with administrative matters • approves contracts with service providers • arranges opportunities for conversation, guidance, and training for congregations in matters of finances and stewardship

In service to the congregations of the Presbytery of South Alabama, the Committee on Ministry, Care, and Congregational Nurture serves as the shepherd for ministers, commissioned ruling elders, and congregations. • examines and receives new Ministers of Word and Sacrament • approves terms of call for Ministers of Word and Sacrament and contracts for commissioned ruling elders and all other non-installed pastoral positions • oversees training and commissioning for commissioned ruling elders • conducts annual visits with each church session • nurtures pastors • assigning mentors to new pastors • making counseling resources available • serves as a guide and mediator in times of transition or conflict • proactively explores issues as early as possible • recommends Administrative Commissions when necessary • assists congregations in filling pastoral vacancies • conducts orientation for pastor nominating committees • approves interim ministers • provides pastoral care, support, and nurture for the Ministers of Word and Sacrament, Commissioned Ruling Elders, and certified Christian Educators of the presbytery • maintains relationship with retired ministers • with the Regional Presbyter, supports Christmas Dinner

In service to the congregations of the Presbytery of South Alabama, the Constitutional & Connectional Life Committee is responsible for building and nurturing relationships between congregations and the larger Presbyterian Church (USA). • nominates ministers and congregation members to serve • on committees and commissions of presbytery • as General Assembly and Synod commissioners • as Presbytery Moderator and Vice-Moderator • meets constitutional requirements for representation • reviews, trains, recruits, and cultivates committee leadership • reviews effectiveness of all committees • builds relationships through annual visits with each congregation • coordinates Presbytery Sunday to strengthen bonds within the presbytery • strengthens relationships with: • Presbytery of Mississippi • Synod of Living Waters • the agencies of the PC(USA) • maintains policies and procedures manual of the presbytery • assists officer training in congregations when needed • oversees preparation for ministry when needed • provides ordination exam readers • supports the work of the Permanent Judicial Commission with the chair of the PJC serving on the committee • plans location and frequency of presbytery meetings • serves as Bills and Overtures Committee for presbytery meetings

In service to the congregations of the Presbytery of South Alabama, the Education and Spiritual Development Committee is responsible for supporting and equipping the vital ministries of faith development needs within each particular congregation. • makes available the educational resources owned by the presbytery • connects congregations to experts in the field • connects congregations to expand education opportunities and share resources • oversees presbytery-wide educational programs when needed, such as: • educational events • Leadership Event (currently called COLT) • retreats and spirituality experiences • training programs • plans all details of worship, sacraments, and preaching for Presbytery meetings • arranges for guest speakers at the presbytery meeting

In service to the congregations of the Presbytery of South Alabama, the Mission and Evangelism Committee is responsible for supporting and equipping the vital ministries of outreach, service, mission, technology, and evangelism within each particular congregation. • communicates mission and evangelism ministries between congregations • administers Congregational Mission Grants as advised by a subcommittee with representatives from Admin & COM • connects congregations to technology and resources for evangelism and outreach • oversees presbytery-wide mission efforts (some of which may be subcommittees): • Presbytery Guatemala Partnership • Hispanic Ministry • Campus Ministry • Disaster Assistance/Response