A COMMISSIONED LAY PASTOR:
according to the Book of Order is:
"an elder of the Presbyterian Church (USA) who is granted a local commission
by the presbytery to lead worship and preach the gospel, watch over people,
and provide for their nurture and service" G-14.0801
A Commissioned Lay Pastor, given the required training, may also be
authorized by the presbytery to perform any or all of the following functions,
when it furthers the strategy for ministry in one or more congregations to which
he or she may be commissioned to serve:
1) Administer the Lord's Supper.
2) Administer the Sacrament of Baptism.
3) Moderate the session of the congregation under the supervision of and when
invited by the moderator of the session appointed by the presbytery.
And in addition,
4) Have a voice and vote in meetings of presbytery.
5) Perform a service of Christian marriage when invited by the session or other
responsible committee, and when allowed by the state. G-14.0801d
WHY
IS THIS PROGRAM AVAILABLE:
It's because the need is so great for people to serve Jesus Christ in a special
way in the church.
Responding to this need, our Presbyterian Church prayed for God's guidance.
We then talked with each other about how ministry in our congregations could be
done. Our General Assembly first decided that some of us should be "Commissioned
Lay Preachers," given the authority to preach in the pulpits of our
congregations. In those days, the function was pulpit supply.
Then, in recent years, the General Assembly decided that more was needed, that
there should be persons who could more fully serve congregations that for one
reason or another didn't have the possibility of calling someone as a resident
Minister of Word and Sacrament. So, the Presbyterian Church then recognized the
need for people to serve God as "A Commissioned Lay Pastor."
ACCOUNTABILITY OF A COMMISSIONED LAY PASTOR
"The commission is valid for a period of up to three years as determined by the
presbytery, and may be renewed or terminated." G-14.0801b
"The commissioned lay pastor shall work under the supervision of the presbytery
through the moderator of the session of the church being served or through the
Committee on Ministry. A minister of the Word and Sacrament shall be assigned as
a mentor and supervisor" G-14.0801d
 HOW TO BECOME A COMMISSIONED LAY PASTOR
You'll be learning many things, and it will take about two years for you to
complete your training. Your course of studies will take place in the time you
have to give, understanding that at the same time you most likely have to make
your living in an occupation and may have a family who needs you. For your
training, the presbytery approves a course of study and provides one or more
ways for you to fulfill the requirements for Commissioning.
Your study will include these areas:
*Bible
*Reformed Theology and Sacraments
*Presbyterian Polity
*preaching, leading worship, pastoral care, and teaching
- At the end of your period of study, you will have an examination by the
Committee on Preparation for Ministry. The examination will determine whether to
recommend you to the Committee on Ministry as being ready to serve the Church of
Jesus Christ in this particular way!
If you perceive the call, then talk to your pastor, who will bring you
interest to the session.
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