Presbytery of Port Phillip West

Pastoral Relations Committee

Pastoral Relations Committee is commonly known as PRC and is one of the specified committees of the Presbytery in the UCA Regulations. 3.7.2 (a)

Ministry of the PRC

The Ministry of the PRC is to Seek to stimulate and encourage healthy ministry placements and ministry agents so that the work of God and the worship, witness and service of the church can flourish.

The PRC meets on the first Tuesday of the month (except January) from 4pm. The agenda and associated paperwork closed at 5pm on the Wednesday prior to the meeting.

Role of PRC

The role of PRC is to:

  • Have oversight of Ministry Agents* and Ministry Contexts– this may include reviewing, helping, disciplining, counselling, keeping records, being available, and providing pastoral care and supervision. 
  • Support good communication and pastoral relationships between ministry agents an ministry contexts. 
  • Deal with matters of conflict, concern or complaint according to the UCA regulations as referred. 
  • Deal with matters relating to the placement or appointment of ministry agents including (but not limited to) approval of supply ministry for congregations, changes to Terms of Placements for Ministers and conclusions of placements. See Filling a Ministry Vacancy Steps Document
  • PRC will provide reports on ministers and congregations to the whole of Presbytery when required. See Life and Witness vs Mission Study Document/ sample format for consultations
  • Ensuring that all ministry agents are fulfilling the necessary requirements and responsibilities of their ministry including (but not limited to) attendance at Code of Ethics Training, Safe Church Training, undertaking regular supervision etc. 
  • Authorise acredited lay persons to preside at the sacraments when a minister is not available.

Ministry Working Group Sub-Committee:

The Ministry Working Group (MWG) Sub-committee of PRC was formed by the Presbytery in Council in February 2026. The role of the Working Group is:

  • To support and supervise people as they discern and or complete their preparation for ministry within the church. This includes people doing a period of discernment (POD), people who are studying to become a Minister of the Word or Minister of Deacon (candidates) and people preparing to be a Lay Preacher or for a Pastor position. The MWG has oversight of Pastors in Placement and Non-Placement Pastors. The MWG reports quarterly to the PRC.
  • Members of MWG may attend formation panels for candidates;
  • Review and advise PoD’s with their timelines and learning contracts;
  • Arrange mentors for individuals and support these people as they answer God’s call.

You can read the Terms of Reference of the Ministry Working Group here.

Forms and Links

 

There is a wealth of information for Ministry Agents on the Synod Minister Hub webpage –  https://victas.uca.org.au/minister-hub/

Members of PRC

All members are elected by the Presbytery in Council meeting. Some members can be co-opted by the committee or appointed by Standing Committee. The Chair is appointed by the Presbytery.

Chairperson:   Rev Will Nicholas       

Minute Secretary:   Amanda Mullen

Presbytery Staff: Supply Ministers: Rev Rose Broadstock and Rev Dr John Evans

Members:      Rev Deacon Gavin Blakemore, Annette Buckley, Ros Harris, Audrey Kateena, Lorraine Leitch, Peter Mitchell

Members of the Ministry Working Group Sub-Committee:

Convenor: Di Wookey

Members: Rev Peter Beale, Rev Tupe Ioelu, Rev Anne Key and Lisa Carey (Ex-officio).