Commission on Preparation for Ministry

The Commission on Preparation for Ministry (CPM) is governed by the Book of Order(G-3.0307) and guides, nurtures, and oversees the process of preparing one to become a minister. The Commission has oversight of all inquirers and candidates, receives inquirers, and makes recommendations to the Presbytery on those to become candidates, holds annual consultations, and certifies candidates ready for ordination as a minister with the authority to:


  • Accept applicants for the office of minister as inquirers.
  • Transfer the Covenant Relationship of Candidates for the office of minister to another Presbytery when requested by the other Presbytery, when such transfer is deemed to be in the best interest of the Candidate and the Church.


To learn more about the CPM, please see pages 12-13 of the PEVA Manual of Administrative Operations.


CPM Members

Rev. Emma Ouelette, Class of 2024, Moderator

Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Bell - (Transitions)

Rev. Michelle Burcher "Mike", Class of 2024

Elder Karen Harris (First Presbyterian Church, Virginia Beach), Class of 2026

Elder Charlie Reece (KirkWood Presbyterian Church), Class of 2025

Elder Judi Rogers (Great Bridge Presbyterian Church), Class of 2024

Elder Q. John Tamm (Stated Clerk), Ex Officio

Rev. Dr. Brian J. Wells, Class of 2026

Rev. Andrew Whitehead, Class of 2025

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