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Local Ordained Ministry FAQs

Some frequently asked questions

1 What is the difference between ordination as a local ordained minister and a national ordained minister?

None. Ordination to the ministry of word and sacrament is ordination to the ministry of word and sacrament. There are some differences in the ways in which ministers may be authorized to exercise the functions of ordained ministry.

2 What are these differences?

Local ministers are authorized to exercise their ministry functions in a particular location. They are not eligible for a call or appointment to another ministry position, whether supply or settled, and whether active or retired.

3 What are the Terms of Call for local ordained ministers?

Local ordained ministers, if stipended, receive the same stipend package as national ordained ministers and have the same leave entitlements.

The terms of call for local ordained ministers are available in template form which has been approved by the Equipping the Leadership Policy Group and should be used by presbyteries and congregations when setting and approving terms of call.

4 To what extent are the ministry regulations applicable to local ordained ministers?

All ministry regulations apply to local ordained ministers as to national ordained ministers unless there is a specific variation which applies to local ordained ministers only or to national ordained ministers only.

The primary variation specified in the current regulations is that local ordained ministers are not eligible for call or appointment to another ministry position.

5 What functions of ministry may a local ordained minister perform outside the bounds of the charge to which he/she is inducted?

On an occasional basis, at the invitation of the presbytery for a presbytery function or at the invitation of a minister (and with the concurrence of the session) a local ordained minister may conduct worship and preside at the sacraments. Eg. If a local ordained minister is elected as moderator of presbytery he/she can celebrate communion at presbytery functions.

6 What is the status of a local minister who has resigned from a charge but is not yet eligible for retirement status?

The minister is listed as a Minister within the Bounds and may be given associate status on the same basis as a national ordained minister.

7 What ministry functions can a local ordained minister exercise when a minister within the bounds?

See answer to question 5 above.

8 What is the status of a local minister who retires from the charge to which he/she has been inducted?

The presbytery decides, in the normal way, whether or not to grant the status of minister emeritus/emerita and then lists the minister appropriately on the ministerial roll. As ministers emeriti local ordained ministers are entitled to associate membership of presbytery. Full membership may be granted on the same basis as for national ordained ministers.
(Reference: Book of Order 2003, Appendix E7.9, page 173)

9 What ministry functions can local ordained ministers emeriti exercise?