NEW ALP/CLP CLASS FORMING FOR FALL 2000
A new Authorized Lay Preacher/Commissioned Lay Pastor class will begin in Fall 2000, with sessions meeting at Westminster College. In 1997 the Presbytery of Kiskiminetas adopted a new Authorized Lay Preacher/ Commissioned Lay Pastor Training Program. This program trains Authorized Lay Preachers (ALPs) and Commissioned Lay Pastors (CLPs) to serve churches of the presbytery.
The Presbytery of Kiskiminetas recognizes the validity and necessity of trained lay leadership in our churches. All ministry is important in the eyes of God. The concept of lay leadership in ministry affirms our reformed understanding of the priesthood of all believers. It is the duty of every one of us to glorify God and further the kingdom of Jesus Christ. The ministry of Supply Preachers and Commissioned Lay Pastors, however, is not to be regarded as a substitute for trained Ministers of Word and Sacrament. The intention is to enhance the work of ordained clergy as well as to provide competent lay leadership for congregations in need of that leadership.
How Are Authorized Lay Preachers and Commissioned Lay Pastors Used in the Presbytery of Kiskiminetas?
Authorized Lay Preachers receive basic training in preaching and worship. They are assigned by the Presbytery Office to preach in churches needing pulpit supply. Such needs include temporary supply due to the vacation/study leave or temporary disability of the pastor, churches currently without a pastor or those with a moderator but no pastor, and churches belonging to larger parishes/Area Ministries with a pulpit rotation. Commissioned Lay Pastors receive more advanced training. In addition to preaching/worship leadership they may assume other duties, including pastoral oversight of a church, as assigned by the presbytery.
Who May Apply to Become a Supply Preacher/Commissioned Lay Pastor?
The requirements are spelled out fully in the ALP/CLP Manual, which is available on the presbytery website, www.kiskipby.org or from the presbytery office. In brief, applicants must be Elders who have been active members for at least two years of the sponsoring congregation. They must be High School graduates and must be endorsed both by the pastor/moderator and the session of their church. The presbytery relies upon the local churches to identify those members with the skills and qualities which might indicate God is calling them to this form of ministry:
When women and men, by God's providence and gracious gifts, are called by the church to undertake particular forms of ministry, the church shall help them to interpret their call and to be sensitive to the judgments and needs of others. As persons discover the forms of ministry to which they are called, and as they are called to new forms, they and the church shall pray for the presence and guidance of the Holy Spirit upon them and upon the mission of the Church. [G-6.0105]
While those applying will need to be trained in biblical studies, preaching, and worship leadership, applicants should be identified by their churches as having the potential to become capable preachers in order to fulfill the mandate from the Directory for Worship:
Preaching requires diligence and discernment in the study of events and issues affecting the lives of the people, and a consistent and personal obedience to Jesus Christ. The sermon should present the gospel with simplicity and clarity, in language which can be understood by the people. [W-2.2007]
How Are ALPs/CLPs Trained?
The Presbytery of Kiskiminetas, in cooperation with 7 other presbyteries and Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, sponsors a joint training program. The program is organized into 3 Trimesters per year. ALP Training is a 2 year program, while the Commissioned Lay Pastor Training will add a third year. The Fall and Spring Trimesters are one Friday/Saturday session (with an overnight) per month. The Winter Trimester is organized by individual presbyteries for their own trainees. Fees are set by the seminary, with every effort to keep costs at a reasonable level. Sessions are urged to consider providing some financial support to the applicants they endorse.
What is the Application Process?
All application materials are available on the website or from the office. An application form must be filed by all applicants wishing to serve as ALPs/CLPs. Applicants are required to file Session and Pastor/Moderator Endorsement Forms and the 3 Personal Reference Forms. Application is to be made to the Presbytery's Committee On Preparation for Ministry. The Application deadline is June 1, 2000. Erin Cox-Holmes, the Presbytery Associate for Congregational Ministries, staffs this program, and can answer any questions you might have. Feel free to contact her.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth Rogers, Chair
Presbytery of Kiskiminetas Committee on Preparation for Ministry