Guidelines for Becoming a COMMISSIONED LAY PASTOR

The Book of Order [G.14.05156] provides for the functional position of Commissioned Lay Pastor. 
The Commissioned Lay Pastor is not to be regarded as a replacement for the ordained clergy.

THE COMMISSION

1. Is granted by the Presbytery to lead worship, preach the gospel and perform other duties as granted to individual Commissioned Lay Pastors by the Presbytery.

2. Is valid in one or more congregations designated by the Presbytery.

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

4. The Commission 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 endorsed 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 3 year training program.

3. The person shall receive basic and advanced instruction in Bible, Reformed Theology and the Sacraments, Presbyterian polity, Preaching, the Educational Ministry of the church, program and mission in the local church and pastoral care. Satisfactory completion of these courses will be required for commissioning.

4. The person shall be examined by the Committee on Preparation for Ministry on personal faith, motives for seeking the commission, and the areas of instruction outlined above.

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

THE COMMISSIONING

Commissioning of Lay Pastors shall be done by the Presbytery at a regular meeting upon the recommendation of the Committee on Preparation for Ministry.

THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE COMMISSIONED LAY PASTOR

1. To lead worship, preach the Gospel and perform other duties as granted to individual Commissioned Lay Pastors by the Presbytery.

2. May be assigned pastoral oversight of a local church.

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:

a) Serve as a Supply Preacher for the presbytery
b) Serve as a Commissioned Lay Pastor.

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 commissioning as a Commissioned Lay Pastor.

8. Understand that qualification as a Supply Preacher or Commissioning as a Commissioned Lay Pastor does not guarantee preaching assignments or placement as a Commissioned Lay Pastor.

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

SUPERVISION

1. Lay Pastors assigned to (a) particular congregation (s) shall work under the supervision of a mentor assigned by the Committee on Ministry.

2. Lay Pastors not assigned to (a) particular congregation (s) shall be under the supervision of a mentor assigned by the Committee on Ministry. This mentor might be the pastor/moderator of the church of membership of the Commissioned Lay Pastor. Other pastors/moderators willing to serve as mentors may be assigned by the Committee on Ministry.

3. Commissioned Lay Pastors serving in Area Ministries 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.