CPM
The Commission on Preparation for Ministry (CPM) is a group of Teaching and Ruling elders elected to do much of the work of the Seattle Presbytery in guiding individuals through the process of ordination to a position of Minister of Word and Sacrament. CPM, using the committee’s collective insight with the Spirit’s leading, helps those who sense a call to explore their call with guidance from their home church and the presbytery. As a call is confirmed, CPM enters into a covenant relationship to affirm and guide the personal, educational, spiritual and professional preparation for this office. CPM adopts the Preparation for Ministry Advisory Handbook of the PC(USA) as the necessary guide in understanding the covenant relationships of care and the basis for strong foundation of skills, attitudes and behaviors for ministry. The CPM is called to the following:
Providing orientation for individuals and sessions considering church vocations
Prayerfully discerning the work of the Holy Spirit in the lives and ministries of Inquirers and Candidates under care of the Presbytery
Building faithful relationships with sessions and seminaries that support and train Inquirers and Candidates
Providing direction and information to equip Inquirers and Candidates educationally and vocationally
Challenging those in the preparation for ministry process to a mature obedience to the Holy Spirit in their life and vocation.
There are four major sections of this website (see index to the right). If you're new to the process and are interested in finding out more, proceed to the "Applicants" page. If you're already in the process, click on the "Inquirers and Candidates" page for links to the forms and resources you will need to complete the process. If you're a member of a session that has someone under care, proceed to the "Sessions" page.