Greetings in the name of Christ!
On behalf of the CRE Committee, I welcome your interest in the CRE Program. CREs 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 CREs 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. A new class is scheduled to begin in January 2012.
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 CRE 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 Ruling Elder. They will certainly help you to grow in your discipleship for Jesus Christ.
The CRE Committee
November, 2011