The Pastor / Parish Relations Committee is a mouthful and that is why we usually call it the PPR committee, but the name does help explain what the committee is about. The committee is responsible for helping the relationship between the parish (congregation) and pastor by keeping the line of communication open.

The PPR has as one of its most important roles the continued communication and interpretation of the church’s mission and vision. The membership and appointed pastor need consistent reminders of the common aim and direction for the shared ministry between themselves.

The PPR committee tries to discern, with the help of the Holy Spirit, what the needs of the congregation are and what the needs of the pastor are. They then work on behalf of the pastor and the congregation to bring the two together. They advise and counsel the pastor to help the pastor become better aligned with the mission and vision the congregation feels God has given them.

This is the committee that is responsible for evaluating the work of the pastor and bringing to the pastor’s attention areas in which they feel improvements can be made.

The PPR committee is responsible for recommending to the administrative board any change in pastor’s compensation. They also speak on behalf of the congregation to the bishop and cabinet concerning the church’s desires as it pertains to pastoral leadership. If you feel uncomfortable walking up to the pastor and saying, “well you sure messed that up, preacher,” just communicate that criticism to a member of the PPR committee and they will forward it to your pastor. To put it as simply as I know how, the PPR committee is the go-between for the congregation and pastor.

Members of the PPR committee include those people elected during charge conference plus the lay leader and delegate to the annual conference.