The Standing Commission on Ministry Development (SCMD) is an interim body of General Convention. It came into being at the 72nd General Convention in July 1997. At that time, two former bodies were discontinued (the Council for Development of Ministry and the Board for Theological Education) and the Standing Commission on Ministry Development was formed to continue the scope of their work.

The Office for Ministry Development supports the work of the Standing Commission on Ministry Development.

Other aspects of ministry development include Congregational Ministries, and Youth and Young Adult Ministries.

MISSION:

The Standing Commission on Ministry Development acts to invigorate and equip all the baptized in living the Baptismal Covenant.

GOALS:

1. Recommend policies and strategies to the General Convention for the development, affirmation and exercise of the ministry of all the baptized;
2. Encourage and facilitate networks of individuals, institutions and agencies engaged in education, training, deployment and formation for ministry by all four orders;
3. Study the needs and trends of theological education for all four orders with this Church, including issues of recruitment, training, deployment, evaluation and continuing education; to make recommendation to the several seminaries, the Executive Council and the General Convention; and to aid the General Board of Examining Chaplains in the exercise of its function;
4. Discharge such other duties as may be assigned by the General Convention.