Commission on Ministry

The Commission on Ministry (COM) of the Presbytery of the Highlands of New Jersey exists to support, nurture, and oversee the life and ministry of both congregations and those called to serve them. Rooted in the Reformed understanding that ministry is a shared calling of the whole church, the COM seeks to foster healthy relationships among ministers, congregations, and the presbytery, ensuring that Christ’s mission is carried out with faithfulness, integrity, and care.

To this end, the COM provides guidance, accountability, and pastoral support for Ministers of Word and Sacrament, Certified Christian Educators, and Commissioned Ruling Elders, as well as the congregations of the presbytery. Acting with the authority of an Administrative Commission (G-3.0307), the COM is entrusted with responsibilities that include oversight of pastoral relationships, support during times of transition, examination and reception of ministers, and the encouragement of peace and unity within congregations.

Commission on Ministry Documents, Policies, Resource Sheets and Guidelines.

Date
Info

03/31/26
Pulpit Supply List – April 2026
03/31/26

09/03/25
Your Appointed Moderator
Your Appointed Moderator Policy and guidelines
09/03/25

Date
Info

05/24/21
Family Leave Policy – The Highlands
Family leave Policy - May 2021
05/24/21

Date
Info

09/03/25
2026 BOP requirements and recommendations
09/03/25

Date
Info

10/24/23
Involuntary Dissolution of Installed Pastoral Relationship
10/24/23

05/24/21
Separation Ethics Agreement
Separation Ethics Agreement/Covenant
05/24/21

Date
Info

10/30/23
Dissolution Agreement for Pastors, Session and Congregations
What is a dissolution agreement?
10/30/23

05/24/21
Separation Ethics Agreement
Separation Ethics Agreement/Covenant
05/24/21

Date
Info

09/16/25
2026 Terms of Call Worksheet
Presbytery 2026 Terms of Call Worksheet
09/16/25

09/08/25
2026 Minimum Terms of Call
09/08/25

09/03/25
2026 BOP requirements and recommendations
09/03/25

Date
Info

09/03/25
Ordination Process and Service in the Presbytery of the Highlands
Ordination Service in the Presbytery of the Highlands
09/03/25

11/05/21
Installation Service in the Presbytery of the Highlands
Installation Service in the Presbytery of the Highlands
11/05/21

Date
Info

03/10/26
Ethical Standards for Ordained Ministers of Word and Sacrament – November 2025
03/10/26

03/10/26
Children, Youth and Adults with Vulnerabilities Protection Policy
03/10/26

11/06/25
Anti-Harassment Policy 2025
11/06/25

09/03/25
Session Rotation Requirement Exemption Policy
Session Exemption Policy
09/03/25

09/03/25
Code of Ethics for COM Members
09/03/25

09/03/25
Clergy Care Fund Policy
09/03/25

09/03/25
2026 BOP requirements and recommendations
09/03/25

09/03/25
Ordination Process and Service in the Presbytery of the Highlands
Ordination Service in the Presbytery of the Highlands
09/03/25

09/03/25
Your Appointed Moderator
Your Appointed Moderator Policy and guidelines
09/03/25

03/11/25
Retired Pastors/Retirement Policy
03/11/25

Date
Info

10/30/23
Dissolution Agreement for Pastors, Session and Congregations
What is a dissolution agreement?
10/30/23

05/24/21
Separation Ethics Agreement
Separation Ethics Agreement/Covenant
05/24/21

Date
Info

10/04/24
Covenant Supply Pastor Template
10/04/24

10/30/23
Dissolution Agreement for Pastors, Session and Congregations
What is a dissolution agreement?
10/30/23

07/21/21
Rubric of Pastoral Responsibilities
Rubric of Pastoral Responsibilities 2021
07/21/21

Date
Info

03/11/25
Retired Pastors/Retirement Policy
03/11/25

10/30/23
Dissolution Agreement for Pastors, Session and Congregations
What is a dissolution agreement?
10/30/23

Date
Info

03/10/26
Commissioned Ruling Elder Policy May 2024
03/10/26

Date
Info

05/24/21
Validated Ministry Policy
Validated Ministry Policy
05/24/21

Date
Info

09/03/25
Your Appointed Moderator
Your Appointed Moderator Policy and guidelines
09/03/25

05/24/21
Background Check Application
Background Check Application for the Presbytery of the Highlands of New Jersey
05/24/21

03/10/21
Criminal Background Check Policy
Criminal Background Check Policy for the Presbytery of the Highlands of New Jersey
03/10/21

Date
Info

09/03/25
Your Appointed Moderator
Your Appointed Moderator Policy and guidelines
09/03/25

09/03/25
Session Rotation Requirement Exemption Policy
Session Exemption Policy
09/03/25

09/03/25
2026 BOP requirements and recommendations
09/03/25

Terms of Call Online Form/Worksheet

The 2026 Terms of Call Worksheet is now available online—with an updated and easy-to-use format! Clear instructions are included to guide you through the process.

This year, instead of completing the traditional worksheet, congregations can submit the Pastor’s Terms of Call using a convenient online form.

We encourage all congregations to complete and submit their annual Terms of Call through this new online form. Thank you for your cooperation as we move to this streamlined process, and for your continued partnership in supporting pastoral leadership.