Commissioned Pastors Program
Commissioned Pastors
In the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), Commissioned Pastors (CP) are ruling elders who have successfullycompleted a course of study provided by their presbytery, and who have been examined by the Committee on Preparation for Ministry (CPM) and deemed ready to receive a commission.
CPs serve in a variety of ministry settings, including as pastors in small congregations. Each presbytery determines how a CPs may contribute to the ministry and mission needs of the presbytery, which leads to a great variety in the role of CPs from presbytery to presbytery.
While there are overarching guidelines from the PC(USA), each presbytery has latitude to determine the course of study needed for training CPs. Once a CP receives a commission, their authority—which may include preaching, administering sacraments, moderating session, and/or performing weddings and funerals—is typically limited to that particular commission.
Only Ruling Elders of a particular congregation within the Presbytery of East Tennessee may apply to the commissioned pastor program and, if accepted, engage in the program. Applying does not guarantee admission to the program, and completing all of the coursework does not guarantee that the CPM, in examining an individual, will deem that person ready to receive a commission.
The CP program is a two-year course of study taught by ministers in the Presbytery of East Tennessee. Typically, the course begins with orientation in August. Applications are due by June 30, 2026. For more information or to ask questions, contact Rev. Dr. Richard Coble (richard@wpcknox.org), current chair of the CPM.
Two-year program
In person on Saturdays, particular date/time to be determined
If you miss a class, course work will be made up to the instructor’s satisfaction.
If you cannot take a class when offered, you will have to wait for the next cycle.
Internship – after first year of study
Required annual Consultation with CPM.
Required psychological Evaluation with a provider approved by CPM.
Student Course Fee: $150.00 per class with the one exception of a combined Bible Content and Exegesis class, which will run for more instruction hours and will have a fee of $250.
Paid prior to the beginning of each course
Required Courses (in order):
Orientation – August 22nd 10am – 3pm
Polity (16hrs); fall 2026 – Led by Rev. Gradye Parsons
Bible Survey and Exegesis (20 hours); winter 2027 – Led by Peggy Cowan
Preaching (16hrs); spring 2027 – Led by Rev. Dr. Bill Carl and Commissioned Pastor, Lynne Shockley
Worship and Sacraments (16hrs); spring 2027 – Led Rev. Susan Reisinger
Internship; summer 2027
Pastoral Care (16 hrs); fall 2027 – Led by Rev. Paul Rader
Reformed Theology (16hrs); winter 2028 – Led by Rev. Bill Meyer
Review and Evaluation; spring 2028