Greetings in the name of Christ!
On behalf of the CLP Committee, I welcome your interest in the Commissioned Lay Pastor (CLP) Program. We currently have a class of four, the minimum number for a class, going through the system. We have tentatively scheduled our next class to begin in September 2009, but it is not too early to begin the application process. It is the hope of the committee that the information included in this packet of information will assist you in discerning if this program is right for you and will give you the necessary applications and reference forms to complete. If at any time you have any questions that this information packet has not addressed, please feel free to give me a call at 865-947-9397.
The Presbytery of East Tennessee has been training elders since 2000 for possible commissioning to local congregations in the presbytery. By February of 2008, nine CLP’s will be serving congregations—six as solo pastors, two as associates, and one in a truly unique ministry. The unique ministry is to those who are outside the church and are not likely to be reached by ordinary evangelization methods. Others have been commissioned previously, but are not currently seeking a new commission.
A total of eighteen people have been successful in completing the training. Two have since moved outside the bounds of the presbytery, and several are not currently interested in being commissioned to a local congregation. In some cases they have found the training to be effective for better service in other ministries: One has found it helpful in his work with the Presbyterian Frontier Fellowship. Another has found it very helpful in working to connect various congregations in an area in our presbytery. For now, others are content with being the best-trained elders in the presbytery, serving their home congregations on Sessions and doing occasional pulpit supply preaching.
Another benefit of this program is the new friends you will make, as you bond with your fellow classmates and with those who went through the program in previous classes. There are continuing education events where you will get to meet and better know all the others who have successfully been through the training.
If, after reading all of the items in this information packet, you want to be trained, I can promise you an exciting two years. These courses will challenge you and push you even as they help you to grow in your discipleship for Jesus Christ.
Grace and peace,
Bob Crail, Chair of the CLP Committee
January 2008