The Ministry Teams in Shenango Presbytery exist to strengthen and guide our pastors and congregations by providing connections to other congregations and the larger church, as well as the necessary resources for their mission and ministry.
We are here to ensure our congregations and their sessions fulfill God’s purposes for them by being a resource and a support. In conjunction with the Presbytery Advancement Team, we are also here to provide fresh ideas and creative solutions to our congregations.
We are also here to come alongside pastors serving calls in Shenango Presbytery, to oversee and engage in their support and direction. From inquirers to first calls to pastors contemplating retirement, we’re there providing pastoral care along the way. We encourage, uplift, and provide resources to candidates for ministry as well as pastors in crisis.
Meet our Congregations
Shenango Presbytery consists of 46 congregations in Mercer and Lawrence counties of western Pennsylvania.
Preparation for Ministry
Thinking of entering the ministry? Learn about the process, from getting started to finding a call.
Pastor Retreats and Continuing Education
Make the most of your study leave allowance by discovering opportunities for growth and enrichment.
Frequently Asked Questions
I am sensing that God may be calling me into vocation ministry. How can the Presbytery help? Where do I get started?
Our Committee on Preparation for Ministry (CPM) is led by Catherine Craley. She and the team would be glad to begin a conversation with you about God’s call and options for training service in ministry and how the Commissioned Lay Pastor (CLP) or Minister of Word and Sacrament options might work for you. See the CPM page for more details.
We need someone to fill our pulpit while our pastor is away or moderate our session. Help!!
No worries, we have a list of those pastors (lay and ordained) who are local and whom we recommend to fill your pulpit in the absence of your pastor. You can download the list here.
I am an elder or member of my local church and am concerned for my pastor’s well-being. What should I do?
First of all, talk to your pastor and check in! Second, reach out to the Directors of Ministry and let us know the concern. We would much rather serve proactively than before it’s too late.
How do the Pastoral Terms of Call work? Where can I get the form?
Pastoral terms of call is set up one of two ways: Called and Installed, or Contract.
Called and installed are full-time pastors who serve congregations in a “traditional” sense; that is, they are ordained and installed, and thus enrolled in the Board of Pensions programs. These calls are governed by the minimum effective salary, which for 2023 is $57,600. They are also approved by vote of the congregation. You can download the form here.
Contract calls are part-time pastoral calls which are approved for a maximum of twelve months at a time and are a fraction of the full-time call. While the presbytery minimum is used to give a range for such calls, they are more flexible. These can be served by ordained pastors or commissioned pastors (formerly “commissioned ruling elders” or “commissioned lay pastors”). You can download a sample contract here (coming soon) and guidance for contract calls here (coming soon).
Please also remember that these arrangements are to be approved by the Ministry Team, so please consult us when undertaking such contracts.
The Presbytery of Shenango 