AUTHORIZED
LAY PREACHER EXAMINATION PROCEDURE
1. After completion of one year of coursework (2
trimesters in the accelerated program) and the successful completion of at least
one preaching course, the student is eligible to preach occasionally as part of
the pulpit supply service of the Presbytery.
2. Before the examination to be Authorized as a
lay preacher (ALP), there must be at least one observation of conduct of a Service of Worship (including Preaching) by an
evaluator designated by CPM.
3. Upon completion of 2 years of coursework (4
trimesters in the accelerated program) the following materials should be submitted to CPM:
Faith
Statement
Comprehensive
Reflection Paper
Exegetical
paper, sermon prepared upon that exegesis, and full order of worship (including
all prayers and hymn selections)
sermon
video tape or DVD (reviewed with the mentor for this examination; available to
CPM)
CPM EXAMINATION OF THE TRAINEE
CPM's examination of the student includes:
1. Reflection on the written materials: Faith
Statement, Reflection Paper, Sermon: manuscript, exegesis, tape, worship
materials
2. Oral interview on Bible Content, and understanding of Polity, Reformed
Theology, Reformed Worship and Sacraments, and the Book of Confessions
3. Oral reflective interview on:
- a. How have you grown spiritually or moved along on your faith journey since the beginning of
this Training Program?
- b. How has your understanding of God changed?
- c. How has your understanding of yourself changed?
- d. How have these changes or new understandings influenced your daily life?
- e. What do you regard as your strengths and weaknesses?
- f. What has it meant to be part of this covenant community?
- 4. Consideration of faithfulness in fulfilling
the mentor/trainee covenant
OUTCOME OF THE AUTHORIZED LAY PREACHER
EXAMINATION
1. CPM may recommend to the presbytery that the
Student is ready to be recognized as an Authorized Lay Preacher.
2. CPM may request the Student to resubmit any of the materials.
3. CPM may recommend that a specified number of mentoring sessions
take place before authorization (if other requirements have been
satisfied, but mentoring has not).
4. CPM may determine the Student needs more experience in preaching,
and reexamine at a later date.
5. CPM may recommend that the Student not be authorized as a lay
preacher.
