Commission on Preparation for Ministry (CPM)
The Commission on Preparation for Ministry (CPM) fulfills presbytery's charge to guide and prepare individuals
for the ordained ministry of Word and Sacrament. The CPM does this work and acts on behalf of the presbytery to
ensure this ministry is accomplished for the sake of its churches and ministry candidates.
Care of the Individual
Individuals going through the ordination process are doing so “under care” of their home church and the
presbytery’s CPM. This clear call to care for the candidates is the priority in this ministry. Guiding, checking
in, listening, advising, connecting, praying with and for students, encouraging, delivering “tough truth”, and
more are all expected ministries of the CPM, and are mostly carried out by the liaisons of the student. The
commission acts as a shepherd of the student.
Gatekeeper
The CPM also has the responsibility to ensure that only candidates who have completed their preparation and are
fully ready for ministry move on to ordained positions. This requires that the CPM also function as a
gatekeeper, making sure standards have been met, requirements completed, and readiness is affirmed.
CPM members also serve on a liaison team. Liaison teams typically check in with inquirers and candidates a few
times per year; these may be phone calls, online meetings, or in-person meetings.
Contact the Co-Moderators:
Rev. George Erlandson: pastorgeorgeerlandson@gmail.com
Rev. Janet Macgregor Williams: janetmw610@gmail.com