Guidelines for Becoming an AUTHORIZED LAY PREACHER

The Book of Order [G.14.1513d] provides for "A temporary supply (who) may be ... an elder secured by the session to conduct services when there is no pastor or the pastor is unable to perform pastoral duties." The Presbytery of Kiskiminetas attempts to provide the churches of the Presbytery with qualified elders, who are not Commissioned Lay Pastors, to serve as Lay Authorized Lay Preachers.

THE AUTHORIZATION TO PREACH AND LEAD SERVICES OF WORSHIP

1. Is granted by the Committee on Preparation for Ministry upon completion of all requirements and examination..

2. Is recognized by the Presbytery at a regular meeting of the Presbytery.

3. Is valid for a period of up to three years as determined by the Presbytery.

4. The authorization may be renewed at expiration or terminated at any time at the discretion of the Presbytery.

5. There will be an annual report from the Committee on Ministry of the status of those serving in this capacity to the Presbytery.

THE TRAINING

1. The person shall be an elder recommended by the Session of their local church and the pastor/moderator of that church.

2. The person shall make application to the Committee on Preparation for Ministry. If the application is accepted, the person shall participate in a 2 year training program.

3. The person shall receive basic instruction in Bible, Preaching, Reformed Theology and the Sacraments, Presbyterian polity, and pastoral care. Satisfactory completion of these courses will be required for authorization.

4. The person shall be examined by the Committee on Preparation for Ministry on personal faith, motives for seeking to serve as Authorized Lay Preacher, and the areas of instruction outlined above.

5. The Presbytery shall continue to provide resources for the person's spiritual and professional development.

THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE AUTHORIZED LAY PREACHER

1. To lead worship and preach the Gospel as assigned by the Presbytery.

2. May not administer the sacraments of the Lord's Supper or Baptism and may not perform a Service of Christian Marriage.

3. To serve on a Committee of Presbytery if requested to do so.

4. Agree to complete appropriate level of training before being qualified to serve as a Authorized Lay Preacher for the presbytery

5. As duties allow, continue active participation in the life and mission of the church of membership.

6. Take initiative in maintaining regular communication with the assigned mentor.

7. Understand that completion of training does not guarantee being qualified to preach or assignment as a Authorized Lay Preacher.

8. Agree to regular continuing education approved by the Committee on Ministry.

SUPERVISION

1. Authorized Lay Preachers shall work under the supervision of a mentor assigned by the Committee on Ministry. The mentor will usually be the pastor/moderator of the church of membership of the Authorized Lay Preacher. Other pastors/moderators willing to serve as mentors may be assigned by the Committee on Ministry.

2. Authorized Lay Preachers regularly serving in an Area Ministry or larger parishes shall be under the supervision of a mentor who would normally be the Area Minister or Pastor of the larger parish. Another mentor may be assigned by the Committee on Ministry.