Greetings in the name of Christ!
On behalf of the Commissioned Lay Pastor Committee, I welcome your interest in the Commissioned Lay Pastor (CLP) Program. Commissioned Lay Pastors are very new in the Polity and Mission of the PCUSA. The Presbytery of East Tennessee has been training elders since 2000 for possible commissioning to local congregations in the presbytery. Nine CLP’s are serving congregations in our Presbytery—as solo pastors, as associates, and one in a specialized ministry. 22 people have completed the training.
Four persons completed the training in May of 2009. The next class will be scheduled by CLP and COM. NO class has been scheduled for 2010.
The two year training includes classes in:
- Bible, Reformed Theology
- Reformed Theology
- Pastoral Care and Presbyterian Polity
- Preaching and Worship
Classes involve thirty hours of classroom instruction, extensive readings, student participation and writing, mid-term and final exams. Class participants are mentored, evaluated and recommended for service by the CLP committee of the Presbytery.
We promise you an exciting two years. These courses will challenge you and push you and prepare you for service as elders and potentially as a Commissioned Lay Pastor. They will certainly help you to grow in your discipleship for Jesus Christ.
The CLP Committee
May, 2009