PURPOSE
The Committee on Preparation for Ministry (CPM) supports the Trinity Presbytery by entering into covenant relationship with those preparing to become ministers of the Word and Sacrament and their sessions and congregations. It enrolls inquirers and recommends candidates, while providing for their support, guidance, and evaluation in order to determine their suitability for ordered ministry and fitness and readiness for a call to ministry requiring ordination. It also appoints Presbytery’s representative(s) to the Presbyteries’ Cooperative Committee on Examinations and reports the names of those appointed to Presbytery for its approval.

This covenant relationship is divided into two mandatory phases of inquiry and candidacy.

Inquiry Phase in Covenant Relationship
To be enrolled as an inquirer, the applicant shall be a member of the sponsoring congregation, shall have been active in the work and worship of that congregation for at least six months, and shall have received the endorsement of the session of the sponsoring congregation. The inquiry phase shall continue for a period of no less that one year. The purpose of the inquiry phase is to provide an opportunity for the church and those who believe themselves called to ordered ministry as Ministers of the Word and Sacrament to explore that call together so that the Presbytery can make an informed decision about the inquirer's suitability for ordered ministry.

Candidacy Phase in Covenant Relationship
The candidacy phase shall continue for a period of no less than one year. The purpose of the candidacy phase is to provide for the full preparation of persons to serve the church as Ministers of the Word and Sacrament. This shall be accomplished through the Presbytery's support, guidance, and evaluation of a candidate's fitness and readiness for a call to ministry requiring ordination.

Oversight in Covenant Relationship
During the phases of inquiry and candidacy the individual continues to be an active member of his or her congregation and subject to the concern and discipline of the session. In matters relating to preparation for ministry, the individual is subject to the oversight of the Presbytery through the CPM within the context of their covenant relationship.

Service in Covenant Relationship
Inquirers and candidates shall, with the permission of the Presbytery of care, engage in some form of supervised service to the church. No inquirer or candidate who has not been previously ordained as a Ruling Elder may serve as Moderator of a session, administrer the Sacraments, or perform a marriage service. An inquirer or cadidate previously ordained as a Ruling Elder may be authorized by the presbytery to preside at the Lord's Supper when invited by a session.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
In fulfilling its duties and responsibilities, the Committee on Preparation shall:
a.   function according to the provisions of the Book of Order, G-2.06 and report directly to the Presbytery regarding its work with candidates.
b.   enroll inquirers, with the provision that the action shall be reported to the next stated meeting of the Presbytery.
c.   make definite recommendations to the Presbytery with respect to whether or not an inquirer should be received as a candidate.
d.   conduct final assessment and certifies a candidate ready for examination, pending a call.
e.   recommend both transfers of an inquirer or candidate and removal from covenant relationship.
f.   recommend any exceptions of the requirements for ordination to the Presbytery (Book of Order, G-2.0610).
g.   appoint the Presbytery's representative or representatives to the Presbyteries' Cooperative Committee on Examinations and shall report the name(s) of the person(s) appointed to the Presbytery for confirmations.
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WHO CAN BE A MEMBER?
Any member in good standing in a Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) congregation within the bounds of Trinity Presbytery, together with all Ministers of the Word and Sacrament who are members of the Presbytery, shall be eligible for election to this committee.
 

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