The Committee recommends that the Presbytery staff include an energetic, innovative, full-time Head of Staff who can meet the qualifications specified in the attached draft position description. The Committee recommends the title "Teaching Presbyter" for this position. The Teaching Presbyter will interpret the mission of the Presbytery and provide the strong leadership required during transformation. The Teaching Presbyter will be a visionary leader who will focus on hearing the will and concern of the Presbytery and working with the congregations to accomplish their goals through cooperation, consensus, and caring.

Throughout the listening process, the Committee heard from nearly every group that there is a need for better, more effective communication within the Presbytery. If the needs for opening up dialogue and continuing conversation are to be met, the Teaching Presbyter will set the tone and serve as a model for leadership. Successful attention to the duties of the position will require the Teaching Presbyter to travel within the Presbytery, visiting and consulting with congregations, clergy, and laypersons. The Teaching Presbyter will use available technology including the Presbytery web site and email to accomplish the work of the Presbytery.

The Teaching Presbyter will provide oversight to the entire Presbytery staff, assisting with planning and regular performance evaluation. In turn, the Teaching Presbyter will be responsible to the Presbytery through Presbytery Council, which will provide annual performance evaluations.

The Teaching Presbyter will consult with Presbytery Council to set priorities for his/her work.

The Committee recommends that the Presbytery staff include a Stated Clerk/Associate for Administration who will assume the duties and responsibilities of Stated Clerk, conduct the day-to-day operations of the Presbytery, and supervise and evaluate staff. Additional information on this position can be found in the attached position description. The Committee suggests that the position be full time but recognizes the budget challenge of adding a new full time position. Initially, the position may need to be a part time position, growing into full time as funds allow. Presbytery Council will need to explore available options for providing funding for this position.

The Administrative staff will consist of the positions that currently exist: Secretary, Bookkeeper, and Resource Librarian. Brainerd Presbyterian Center will continue the services of its Director of Camping Ministry, Site Manager, and Secretary.