Commission on Preparation for Ministry (CPM)*

The CPM Handbook describes the process for becoming an ordained Minister of the Word and Sacrament in the Presbytery of Greater Atlanta.

• Form 1: Application for Inquiry

• Form 2: Reflections for Inquiry

• Form 3: Session Endorsement

• Form 4: Covenant Agreement

• Form 5:  Application for Candidacy

• Form 6:  Reflections on Outcomes of Inquiry

• Form 7:  Session Recommendation

• Form 8:  Covenant Agreement

Annual Consultation Form

Inquirers and candidates may apply for limited need-based financial assistance while under care of the Commission. A maximum of $1,000 is available during each of the inquiry and candidacy phases of the process to support seminary tuition, CPE fees, books, ordination exam fees, counseling services, spiritual direction, and other such expenses. Additional emergency support of up to $1,000 may also be available for particular circumstances. Financial assistance from CPM should be matched with contributions from the inquirer’s or candidate’s congregation, seminary, or other source. Funds are ordinarily disbursed directly to an organization and not to the individual, as any disbursements to an individual are reported as taxable income.

All applications should be submitted to Stated Clerk Andy James at cajames@atlpcusa.org.

Download Application for Financial Assistance.

Commission on Preparation for Ministry (CPM) 

(Must be an ordained ruling/teaching elder) 

Overview: The Commission on Preparation for Ministry (CPM) walks beside and mentors inquirers and candidates under the care of the Presbytery of Greater Atlanta as they discern their call to ministry and move through the steps to meet the requirements for ordination as Teaching Elders in the PC(USA). This commission focuses on building relationships, offering encouragement, and helping inquirers and candidates navigate the ordination process. 

Terms of Service: Three-year term (elected), eligible for re-election for a total of two terms/six years. New members are provided a handbook (accessible on-line), a new member training (January), and specific trainings for the whole committee throughout the year. 

Meetings: Monthly, typically on the fourth Thursday of each month (with exceptions being holidays when the meeting is moved to the third Thursday). The commission members gather at 4:30pm for a general business meeting, followed by up to two interviews, which normally conclude by 7:30pm. Regular attendance at monthly meetings is essential. While it is understandable that conflicts will occasionally arise, it is helpful for commission members to prioritize this meeting and make every effort to be present. 

Requirements: CPM aims to represent both the theological diversity of our presbytery, as well as diversity of calls to which a candidate might be pursuing. As such, it is essential that members of CPM be relational, open-minded, and creative. A willingness to ask difficult questions and engage in challenging conversations is also helpful. Comfort using email is imperative.  Commission members can expect to spend 5-7 hours/month in work related to CPM, which includes attendance at monthly meetings, reading paperwork prior to meetings, and working as a liaison with assigned students.  Liaisons: When an individual is approved as an inquirer, he/she is assigned a liaison who will follow them through the process. CPM members may be liaisons for several inquirers/candidates from their sub-group. The liaison responsibilities require a commitment of time outside of the regular meetings. Most members this to be the most rewarding part of service on CPM. As a liaison, you will have the opportunity to connect with your assigned inquirers and candidates several times throughout the year. We encourage liaisons to check in regularly via Zoom, emails, texts, meeting for coffee, or a phone call.  The responsibilities of the liaison include: 

1.     Conduct an initial consultation that allows you to get to know the inquirer/candidate 

2.     Conduct annual consultations 

3.     Be a resource for any questions or concerns the inquirer/candidate may have while in the process 

4.     Provide encouragement and support to them in their journey to ordination 

5.     Complete endorsements for study grants and sign off on applications for scholarships 

6.     Keep inquirers/candidates updated on deadlines for applying for study grants, registration for ordination exams and other important information that needs to be provided to them  

Potential CPM members can direct any questions regarding service on the commission to Andy James (cpmadmin@atlpcusa.org) or Aisha Brooks-Johnson (ep@atlpcusa.org) 

Class of 2025

1. Barry Gaeddert - TE

2. David Lower - TE

3. Seung-eun Rhee - TE

4. Erin Morgan - TE  

5. Justin Colussy-Estes - RE

6. Kristy Ray - TE

7. Shirley Lukens - RE

Class of 2026

1. Jill Joyner - TE - Moderator

2. Mark Ribbens - RE

3. Tyler Brock - TE

4. Cindy Ferguson - RE

5. Sally Foster - TE

6. Laura Jernigan - TE

7. Kendra Matthews - RE

Class of 2027

1. Davis Bailey - TE

2. Rachel Breyer Mulgrave - TE

3. Ann Hunter - RE

4. Jody Andrade - TE

5. Irene Choi - TE

6. VACANCY

7. VACANCY

Commission on Preparation for Ministry – Typically 4th Thursdays – 4:30-7:30 PM – Alternating Decatur PC/Zoom

Note: Some dates may be different from the usual schedule or canceled due to conflict. 

• Thursday, January 23 – Decatur 

• Thursday, February 27 – Zoom  

• Thursday, March 27 – Decatur 

• Thursday, April 24 – Zoom 

• Thursday, May 22 – Zoom 

• Thursday, June 26 – No Meeting 

• Thursday, July 24 – Zoom 

• Thursday, August 28 – Decatur 

• Thursday, September 25 – Zoom 

• Thursday, October 23 – Decatur 

• Thursday, November 20 – Zoom – Conflict: Thanksgiving, changed 27 to 20 

• Thursday, December 11– Zoom – Conflict: Christmas, changed 25 to 11 

Commission on Preparation for Ministry – Typically 4th Thursdays – 4:30-7:30 PM – Alternating Decatur PC/Zoom

Note: Some dates may be different from the usual schedule or canceled due to conflict. 

• Thursday, January 22, 2026 – Decatur 

• Thursday, February 26, 2026 – Zoom 

• Thursday, March 26, 2026 – Decatur 

• Thursday, April 23, 2026 – Zoom 

• Thursday, May 28, 2026 – Zoom 

• Thursday, June 25, 2026 – No Meeting 

• Thursday, July 23, 2026 – Zoom 

• Thursday, August 27, 2026 – Decatur 

• Thursday, September 24, 2026 – Zoom 

• Thursday, October 22, 2026 – Decatur 

• Thursday, November 19, 2026 – Zoom 

• Thursday, December 10, 2026 – Zoom