Introduction to PC-Biz

1. About this Course

This course introduces PC-Biz, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)'s online platform for seeing and following the business of a General Assembly. It will take approximately 10 minutes. 

The course covers the following: 

• How to search; 
• Tools to help you track business; 
  
• Finding committee information.

2. Simple Search Example

Let's start with an example: As a commissioner to the assembly, you want to search for any assembly business related to peacemaking. 

2.1. Click the "Search" function

Click the "Search" option in the top menu.

2.2. Enter your search term(s)

In this example, we've done the following:

1. Typed "peacemaking";
2. Selected the 222nd GA (2016) from the drop-down list;
3. When ready we'll click "Search".

2.3. Search results are displayed

PC-Biz populates the screen with the items of business that match your search terms.

2.4. Click an item of business

We found what we wanted, Item 12-06 Risking Peace in a Violent World.

2.5. Item of business in detail

Let's have a closer look at an item of business, in this example 12-06.

3. Advanced Search Example

PC-Biz can help find you find specific information. In this advanced search example, we want to see all the items that a particular committee "Approved as Amended."

3.1. "More Options" feature

We'll start the search by selecting two items from the basic drop-down menus: "222nd GA (2016)" and "Church Polity and Ordered Ministry". Next, we'll click "More options".

3.2. Filtering a search

New filters (drop-down menus) appear on the screen; you may use one or more of them. Here under "Committee Action" we selected "Approved as Amended" and clicked "Search".

3.3. Advanced Search Results

There are four items of business that meet are search criteria. Clicking on the items in this list will show the item's full details.

4. Keeping Track of Business

Now that you have an account and are signed in to PC-Biz, several new features are available to you.

For this example, you are a commissioner with the Bills and Overtures committee, however, you want to track peacemaking business that's assigned to another committee.

4.1. Start with the item of business

Locate the item(s) you're interested in following, in this example item 12-06.

4.2. Add the item to your "Watch List".

Click "Watch Item" on the menu; it is now starred.

4.3. Make notes for the item.

Click "Notes" to bring up the Notes dialog box. Type your notes, click "Add Note", and then Click "OK". Your notes are private and only viewable by you.

4.4. Show items

Your watch list items and items with notes are now listed on the PC-Biz home screen (provided you are signed in).

5. PC-Biz in Committee

For this example, you are a commissioner with the Mid Councils committee and you want to see the committee's business, meeting schedule, and membership.

5.1. Open your committee's page.

Start by clicking "Committees" on the top menu. Next, make the appropriate drop-down selections under "Event" and "Committee".

5.2. Business before the commitee

Items assigned to your committee are listed here, along with additional drop-down filters. Here we selected "Information for Committee" under the "Item Type" drop-down filter.

For more information on items of business, refer to the section Keeping Track of Business.