John Knox Presbytery Manual of Operations

The Book of Confessions, containing historical statements of what we as a church believe, is available in english, spanish and korean. Use the language toggle above to access other version.

The Interactive Version of the 2025-2027 Book of Order provides a Table of Contents with jump links to the page numbers listed for the desired section.  

IMPORTANT NOTE: This version of the 2025-2027 Book of Order does not include the Appendixes or Indexes. You can find this information in the print version of the Book of Order.  You may also find this in the online Annotated Book of Order.

Outlines the roles, responsibilities, and standards for ordered ministries within the PC(USA), including guidance on the preparation for ministry, ordination, and ongoing service.

Provides the process for churches experiencing a pastoral vacancy, including steps for engaging pulpit supply and the Committee on Ministry.

Affirms JKP’s commitment to equal opportunity employment, ensuring fair and inclusive practices in all hiring decisions.

Describes the criteria and procedures for inclusion on the JKP pulpit supply list and how the list is maintained.

Establishes minimum salary, housing, and benefits standards for pastoral positions within the presbytery, updated annually.

Outlines expectations for providing appropriate sick and family leave for pastors to support health, family care, and wellbeing.

Encourages congregations to provide sabbatical leave for pastors as a time for rest, renewal, and continued vocational growth.

Supports ongoing pastoral development by defining expectations for annual continuing education and time allotment.

Details a scholarship opportunity to support leadership development for individuals serving or preparing to serve in ministry.

Offers scholarship support for leaders serving in small town and rural ministry settings, honoring Laurence Nelson’s legacy.

Outlines availability of presbytery resources for pastors considering vocational transitions or discerning next steps in ministry.

Defines the process for granting ministers permission to serve outside the geographical bounds of JKP while remaining a member.

Clarifies the process for validating non-traditional ministries as calls within the PC(USA), ensuring they meet ecclesiastical standards.

Explains criteria under which candidates may be ordained into temporary pastoral roles, with COM approval.

Describes the examination process for pastors seeking to transfer into JKP from other presbyteries.

Provides guidance for conducting ordination and installation services in accordance with PC(USA) polity and worship standards.

Offers a complete liturgical service for ordaining and installing a pastor within a congregation.

Provides a liturgical template specifically for the installation (without ordination) of a teaching elder.

Outlines policies related to the ordination and installation of candidates under care within JKP.

Describes how the presbytery formally acknowledges and honors the retirement of teaching elders.

Explains the presbytery’s practice of conducting regular visits with congregations and their pastors to offer care and support.

Provides procedures and resources for addressing conflict in congregational or pastoral contexts.

Describes a program for placing seminary students in supervised ministry settings within JKP for hands-on experience.

Outlines the calling and role of a designated pastor, including term length, expectations, and process.

Defines guidelines for hiring temporary pastoral leadership, including eligibility and oversight.

Clarifies ethical expectations when a pastoral relationship ends, ensuring healthy boundaries and transitions.

Establishes requirements for regular boundary training to promote safe and ethical ministry practices.

Part 1: Policies for Those Seeking Ordination as a Teaching Elder (pages 2-9)

• I. Introduction (page 2)
• II. Service of Covenant Relationship (page 2)
• III. Inquiry (page 3)
• IV. Educational Requirements (page 5)
• V. Candidacy (page 6)
• VI. Ordination Exams (page 8)
• VII. Personal Discernment Profile (PDP) (page 8)
• VIII. Final Assessment/Examination for Ordination (page 8)
• IX. Exceptions (page 9)
• X. Funding Assistance (page 9)

Part 2: Policies for Those Ruling Elders Seeking Commissioning (CRE) (pages 10-24)

• I. Overview (page 10)
• II. Procedures (page 11)
• III. Process for Preparation for Commissioning (page 12)
• Appendix 1. Commissioned Ruling Elder Application Form (page 15)
• Appendix 2. Commissioned Ruling Elder Session Endorsement Form (page 19)
• Appendix 3. CRE Sample Learning Plan (page 21)
• Appendix 4. Commissioned Ruling Elder Statement of Faith Outline (page 22)
• Appendix 5. CRE Completion of Requirements Form (page 23)

The latest revision is identifiable by the date "July 2025" and "Release 3.1" on the cover and copyright pages. The handbook provides moderators, presbytery staff, and applicants with an overview of the process and resources, its intentions and goals.

• Prologue: Statement on Ethical Behavior for the ordered ministry of Teaching Elder (page 1)
• Part I:  Preventative Measures (page 9)
• Part II:  Sexual Misconduct Policy (page 11)
• Part III:  Child Protection Policy For Youth Activities Sponsored By JKP (page 13)
• Part IV:  Process for Dealing with Allegations of Misconduct (page 16)
• Appendix 1:  Glossary of Terms (page 20)
• Appendix 2:  Questionnaire For Those Seeking To Provide Pastoral Services With the John Knox Presbytery (page 22)
• Appendix 3:  Child/Youth Worker And Volunteer Application Form (page 28)
• Appendix 4:  Acknowledgement Of Receipt Of Ethics And Accountability Policy (page 31)

• I. Fiscal Accountability Procedures (page 1)
• II. Budget Making (page 2)
• III. Income, Expenditures, Controls and Budget Changes and Adjustments (page 3)
• IV. Financial Administration (page 4)
• V. General Business Practice (page 5)
• VI. Investment Policies (page 6)
• VII. Other Financial Policies (page 6)

Outlines the responsibilities of the Committee on Representation in ensuring inclusive participation across presbytery leadership, with attention to race, ethnicity, age, gender, disability, and theological perspective, in accordance with PC(USA) commitments to diversity and equity.

• I. Style of the John Knox Presbytery Personnel System (page 1)
• II.Theology of Employment (page 1)
• III. Scope and Application of the Personnel Policies (page 1)
• IV. Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Policies (page 2)
• V. Basic Policies (page 2)
• VI. Employment Categories and Terms (page 6)
• VII. Position Descriptions (page 7)
• VIII. Recruitment and Selection (page 7)
• IX. Initial Evaluation Period (page 7)
• X.Work Week (page 7)
• XI. Salary Administration (page 7)
• XII. Benefits (page 8)
• XIII.Vacation with Pay (page 9)
• XIV. Leave with Pay (page 10)
• XV. Leave without Pay (page 12)
• XVI. Continuing Education (page 12)
• XVII. Renewal Leave (page 12)
• XVIII. Procedures for Addressing Employee Concerns and Problems (page 12)
• XIX. Unsatisfactory Performance and Involuntary Termination (page 13)
• XX. Reduction in Force (page 14)
• XXI. Voluntary Termination of Employment (page 15)
• XXII. Disability (page 15)
• XXIII. Death in Service (page 15)
• XXIV. Retirement (page 15)
• Plan for Equal Employment Opportunity (page 17)

Provides expectations and procedures for conducting stated meetings of the presbytery, including voting, docketing, and participation.

Outlines responsibilities and logistical recommendations for churches hosting presbytery meetings, including hospitality, technology, and accessibility.

Provides a structure for how presbytery committees and teams conduct meetings, record minutes, and maintain accountability in their work.

Summarizes the key functions and administrative practices that support the work of the presbytery.

Details temporary accommodations and adaptive measures for presbytery functions and worship during major disruptions such as pandemics or natural disasters.

Provides detailed procedures and checklists for the annual review of session records to ensure conformity with the Book of Order.

Outlines the process for congregations seeking presbytery approval to buy, sell, lease, or make improvements to church property.

Clarifies the procedures for handling church property when a congregation is dissolved, including asset management and reporting.

Describes funding opportunities available to support revitalization efforts in small congregations within the presbytery.

Supports collaborative efforts among congregations to offer shared youth ministry programming and leadership development.

Provides financial assistance for children and youth attending faith-based camps affiliated with the presbytery.

Outlines criteria and application processes for churches or ministries seeking emergency support or funding for time-sensitive opportunities.