I. PURPOSE

The purpose of the Certified/Commissioned Lay Pastor Program is to provide pastoral services in particular settings where the services of a Minister of Word and Sacrament is not available. To accomplish this the Presbytery:

1. selects, trains, educates, prepares and equips elders of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) to lead worship, preach the Gospel, watch over the people, provide for their nurture and service, and perform duties assigned to them in conjunction with designated local commissions.

2. establishes and maintains requirements for certification and commissioning.
3. provides certification and commissioning.

II. ADMINISTRATION OF THE CERTIFIED/COMMISSIONED LAY PASTOR PROGRAM

1. The Constitutional authority for the program is found in the Form of Government, Section G-14.0801.

2. In the Presbytery of the Northern Plains, the administration of the program is under the oversight of the Committee on Preparation for Ministry. The Committee on Preparation for Ministry shall report to the Presbytery.
3. The Committee on Preparation for Ministry shall carry out the following functions:

1. Review applications and meet with those seeking to enroll in the program as learners.

2. Establish a training program for all learners and Certified/Commissioned Lay Pastors.
3. Appoint mentors for all learners and CLP’s.
4. Examine learners who complete the initial training, and following approval of placement by the Committee on Ministry, recommend those whose examinations are sustained, to the Presbytery for commissioning.
5. Conduct the annual review of those commissioned and submit the results to the Committee on Ministry for its review.

III. DEFINITION OF TERMS

1. A CERTIFIED LAY PASTOR is an elder of the Presbyterian Church(U.S.A.) who has received the endorsement of the session of the church where he/she is a member, has successfully completed the training program provided by the Presbytery of Northern Plains, has been examined by the Committee on Preparation for Ministry and received endorsement to appear before the Presbytery of Northern Plains, and has received an affirmative vote by the Presbytery with regard to the person’s readiness to serve as a Certified Lay Pastor within the Presbytery.

2. A COMMISSIONED LAY PASTOR is a Certified Lay Pastor who is granted a local commission by the Presbytery of Northern Plains to lead worship and preach the Gospel, watch over the people and provide for their nurture and service in a particular setting.

3. A LOCAL COMMISSION is an agreement between a particular church/es and/or other institution approved by Committee on Ministry, a Certified Lay Pastor, and the Presbytery of Northern Plains. It may be renewed at expiration or terminated at anytime at the discretion of the Presbytery.

4. COMMISSIONED LAY PASTOR LEARNER is a person who has been accepted into the Certified/Commissioned Lay Pastor Training Program.

5. THE PRIVILEGES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF COMMISSIONED LAY PASTORS are determined for each assignment by the Presbytery, Committee on Ministry and the local commission, and may be performed only within the bounds of a particular commission(G14.0801a). When the Presbytery determines that its strategy for mission requires it, the Presbytery, upon receiving recommendation from Committee on Ministry and from the session of a local church or the governing body of the calling institution, may authorize a Commissioned Lay Pastor who has received the instruction and training necessary to perform any or all of the following functions.

1. administer the Lord’s Supper

2. administer the Sacrament of Baptism

3. moderate the session of the congregation/s she/he is serving, under the supervision of, and when invited by the Moderator of the session appointed by the Presbytery.

4. perform a service of Christian marriage when invited by the session or other responsible committee and when allowed by the state in which the Commissioned Lay Pastor is serving.

6. SUPERVISION FOR CERTIFIED AND COMMISSIONED LAY PASTORS is provided by the Committee on Preparation for Ministry.

1. Commissioned Lay Pastors - Committee on Preparation for Ministry is responsible for assigning a Minister of Word and Sacrament to supervise each Commissioned Lay Pastor during his/her service. Supervision for Commissioned Lay Pastors without a particular commission is also provided by the Committee on Preparation for Ministry.

2. Certified Lay Pastor - Committee on Preparation for Ministry is responsible for supervision of Certified Lay Pastors and will assign a Minister of Word and Sacrament to supervise each Certified Lay Pastor.  Supervision for both Commissioned and Certified Lay Pastors will include responsibilities for ongoing training and evaluation.

3. Commissioned Lay Pastor Learner - Committee on Preparation for Ministry provides supervision of Commissioned Lay Pastor Learners.

7. THE CERTIFIED/COMMISSIONED LAY PASTOR TRAINING PROGRAM is the training program administered by the Committee on Preparation for Ministry and is designed to offer the required training for all Certified/Commissioned Lay Pastor’s that they may become knowledgeable in the areas of Bible, Reformed Theology and Sacraments, Presbyterian Polity, preaching, leading worship, pastoral care, and teaching. (G14.0801a)

 

IV. APPLICATION - REQUIREMENTS AND PROCESS

1. The gospel of Jesus Christ is best served when the church’s leaders are well trained for their particular service. To this end, the Presbytery of the Northern Plains endeavors to provide the best training that our circumstances allow for those called to particular forms of service. Most of the persons seeking to serve as a Certified/Commissioned Lay Pastor enter the program already busy with other paid employment. Therefore, provision must be made for a program of their training that both accommodates the time they can realistically give to study and preparation and will serve the goal of making them knowledgeable in the areas of Bible, Reformed Theology and Sacraments, Presbyterian Polity, preaching, leading worship, pastoral care, and teaching.

2. To accomplish this, a person seeking to become a Certified/Commissioned Lay Pastor will study and prepare under the guidance of a Minister of Word and Sacrament who is designated by the Presbytery’s Committee on Preparation for Ministry to be the person’s principal mentor. Training should be undertaken through Dubuque Seminary on-line courses [see attached], the Institute for the Development of Lay Ministry (IDLM) [see attached] or a college, a seminary or a curriculum submitted and approved by Committee on Preparation for Ministry . Ordinarily, the expense for all courses taken will be shared between, the learner, the sponsoring church, and the Presbytery.

1. Enrolling

1. A person seeking to enroll in the CLP Training Program should review the CLP Training Packet. If one is not available at the seeker’s church, it should be requested from the Presbytery office.

2. If the decision of the seeker is to continue, the seeker should complete the application and follow the process specified.

3. When the Presbytery Office receives copies of the completed application, it shall make copies and distribute them to the members of the Committee on Preparation for Ministry.

4. The seeker shall be invited to meet with the Committee on Preparation for Ministry, at which time the application will be reviewed and the seeker shall be afforded the opportunity to expand on his/her reasons for becoming a Commissioned Lay Pastor.

5. Within six months of enrolling in the CLP program a learner will schedule a time to participate in a series of psychological and professional interest instruments to help the learner better identify his/her gifts and suitability to be engaged in ministry. These instruments will be administered through the North Central Ministry Development Center. Ordinarily, the expense for this exercise will be share be between, the learner, the sponsoring church, and the Presbytery.

2. Selecting a Mentor

1. If the decision of the Committee on Preparation for Ministry is to advance the seeker to learner status, then, with the learner, the committee shall select a minister of the Word and Sacrament to serve as a mentor.

2. A member of the committee shall contact the potential mentor. If the potential mentor does not have a CLP Training Packet available, the committee member shall arrange to have a packet mailed from the Presbytery Office and establish a time when the information in the packet can be reviewed with the potential mentor, paying particular attention to, “Guideline for Mentors”.

3. If, after completing the review, the potential mentor agrees, that person will then be designated as the mentor for the learner.

3. Monitoring Progress

1. The learner shall then begin study of the material in the forthcoming semester under consideration. See “Method of Training”

2. Following the Mentor’s role as an evaluator described in “Guidelines for Mentors,” the mentor shall notify the Committee on Preparation for Ministry when each area of study is completed and this shall be noted on the CLP Record Form.

4. Examining the Learner

When the mentor is satisfied that the learner has completed the “Method of Training” and is ready to be examined, he/she shall notify the chair of the Committee on Preparation for Ministry and a time shall be set for the examination to take place.

5. Commissioning

1. The Committee on Ministry shall be notified when a learner has successfully passed the examination. Before commissioning can take place, that committee will need to approve a job description and placement in the Presbytery.

2. Once this approval is granted, the learner shall then be presented to the Presbytery for commissioning. While the responsibility for the examination rests with the Committee on Preparation for Ministry, the members of Presbytery can use the opportunity to get to better know the learner. The commissioning can take place at the meeting of Presbytery, or if it is advantageous to do so, by an administrative commission appointed by the Presbytery in the learner’s home church, or the church in which he/she will be serving.

6. Annual Reviewing

An annual review of the work of the Commissioned Lay Pastor shall be conducted by the Committee on Preparation for Ministry and the results of that review shall be shared with the Committee on Ministry.

The term of the course of study will normally take up to two years. During that time, the person will have study in the areas of:

• The Bible

• Reformed Theology and the Sacraments

• Presbyterian Polity

• Leading Worship and Preaching

• Pastoral Care

3. GUIDELINES FOR MENTORS

1. Introduction

    The relationship between mentor and Commissioned Lay Pastors (CLP) and/or Learners is essential to the effective development of CLPs. Mentors serve as advisors, teachers, and evaluators both in the Learner stage of CLP preparation and after a CLP has been commissioned. The Mentor is the primary contact to the Committee on Preparation for Ministry regarding a Learner’s preparation for ministry and a CLP’s practice of ministry.

    The Mentor shall be accessible for meetings and phone conversations with the CLP/Learner and be willing to make time available for consultation. The Mentor will be approachable and non-judgmental. The Mentor shall counsel the CLP Learner on all aspects of ministry and intentionally strive to be a true friend in Christ.

   The Mentor shall be a positive role model for the CLP/Learner. The way the Mentor relates to the CLP/Learner should demonstrate the kind of openness and caring the CLP/Learner should develop as a CLP. The Mentor will share information on the ministry to enrich the CLP/Learner’s efforts at developing ministerial skills.

    Mentors of Learners shall assist the Committee on Preparation for Ministry in assessing the mental and emotional status and the maturity of the individual and where the Learner is in his/her faith journey. If, at any point in the process, the Mentor feels that the Learner should not continue in the CLP program, such concern will be communicated in writing to the Committee on Preparation for Ministry which will make a determination about the Learner’s status.
    The relationship between a Mentor and a Learner, or a Mentor and a CLP may be terminated by the Committee on Preparation for Ministry, or at the request of either party, without prejudice. Following termination of a mentoring relationship, the Committee on Preparation for Ministry shall appoint a new mentor to the Learner or CLP as soon as possible.

    Expenses incurred by Mentors shall be reimbursed through the Committee on Preparation for Ministry following Presbytery reimbursement procedures.

2. Specific Responsibilities of Mentors of CLP Learners
       Most of the time, CLP Learners will be engaged in either “independent study,” or “directed study.” Consequently, the degree of “hands on” mentoring the Mentor has with the Learners will vary from Learner to Learner. The following responsibilities thus constitute the minimum engagement between the Mentor and the Learner during the Learning stage of the CLP program. It should be noted that the goal of the CLP program is not to produce seminary students or PhD candidates; the goal is to produce Commissioned Lay Pastors who have demonstrated competencies in the required areas of study.

3. The Mentor as Advisor
       As an Advisor the Mentor will be drawing upon his/her own experience in ministry, both in terms of seminary education and practice of ministry. The Committee on Preparation for Ministry recommends that Learners, to as great a degree as in feasible, take courses in the required areas for commissioning “online” through Dubuque University Theological Seminary or IDLM. However, as timing of courses, and the individual Learner’s time allowance and needs don’t always coincide with the offering of these opportunities, the Mentor as Advisor will work with the Learner, following the training method for the CLP program, in determining how the Learner can best meet the requirements for commissioning.
       Mentors should serve as a resource to the Learner, providing direction in establishing criteria for the Learner’s individual study program, but also suggesting means of applying what is learned in ministry settings. The Mentor can suggest reading materials to the Learners, apart from the bibliography recommended in the CLP Learner guidelines. The Mentor can pass on to the Learner opportunities for continuing education in the form of seminars and other programs which come to his/her attention. The Mentor can suggest to the Learner specific opportunities for engaging in ministry with the church which augment what the learner is studying.
       The Mentor should be an ongoing “sounding board” for the Learner, providing a sympathetic ear, encouragement, and advice when needed apart from regular consultations about the Learner’s development.

4. The Mentor as Teacher
       Again, depending on whether the Learner is taking courses in a specific area of study online through Dubuque Seminary or through IDLM, the Mentor’s role as teacher will vary. If the Learner is taking courses online, the Mentor may find his/her teaching role as that of answering questions the Learner as about some aspect of the course, discussing theoretical situations raise by the course of study, and helping the Learner identify areas of ministry and/or service to the church which complement the course of study. The Mentor should make it a point to review and offer critique of any written materials the Learner has prepared for the Seminary or through IDLM, prior to those materials being submitted for evaluation.
       Should the Learner not be taking a course in a specific area of study, the Mentor will then help the Learner define learning objectives. On-going instruction may take the form of meetings with the Learner to discuss particular topics, the Mentor providing supplemental materials for the Learner to read, and/or the Mentor giving the Learner specific assignments.

5. The Mentor as Evaluator
       The Mentor should work with the Learner to determine what will be evaluated to ascertain the Learner’s competency in the given area of study. Things to be evaluated may take the form of written materials such as essays, Christian Education curricula, reports on books read, long-range plans for specific ministry areas, etc. It may be that the material to be evaluated consists of the Learner’s own evaluation of some aspect of ministry. Particular Learners and Mentors may decide to engage in an oral examination regarding what the Learner has been studying. This evaluation should occur periodically during a given period of study.
       When the Mentor is satisfied that the Learner has completed the work required for a particular area of study, the Mentor will notify the Committee on Preparation for Ministry and proceed to the next areas of study with Learner. After the Learner has completed the required areas of study, the Mentor shall review with the Learner all material studies to determine if the Learner is ready to be examined for commissioning by the Committee on Preparation for Ministry. If the Mentor determines that the Learner is ready, the Mentor shall notify the Committee on Preparation for Ministry who shall schedule the examination. If the Mentor believes the Learner is unprepared for the examination, the Mentor and the Committee on Preparation for Ministry will together ascertain what specific areas of study need further work in order for the Learner to complete the learning requirements.
       Mentors for both Learners and CLPs shall make an annual report to the Committee on Preparation for Ministry regarding the Learner/CLP’s preparation and/or work. The Mentor shall rate the Learner/CLP’s performance and share with the Committee on Preparation for Ministry areas in which the Learner/CLP might benefit from additional training. This information will be used to develop future colloquiums for Learner and CLPs.

4. Brief papers written by the applicant will be required in each of the topics mentioned above. The mentor may suggest what these papers should cover or may ask the Presbytery’s Committee on Preparation for Ministry for suggestions as to which each paper should cover. In the case of preaching, the applicant must either:

1. Submit to the mentor a written manuscript of a sermon he/she has preached to a congregation, along with a separate paper giving a brief statement about the meaning of the Bible passage that was being preached - what it said to the preacher, and how that message developed into the sermon.

2. Preach a sermon to the Committee on Preparation for Ministry at the time of examination for approval, and be prepared to talk about its Biblical basis.

5. During the time of preparation, the applicant shall meet with his/her mentor regularly (at least monthly is recommended) for discussion of reading, evaluation of assignments fulfillment, planning, and support.

 

V. SEXUAL MISCONDUCT POLICY

1. This policy applies to all elders, deacons, and ministers of the Word and Sacrament (“ordained officers”) of the Presbytery of the Northern Plains.

2. The Presbytery of the Northern Plains will not tolerate sexual misconduct by its ordained officers. Ordained officers are servants of God and as such are responsible to God, to the people entrusted to their care, and to the church for their behavior. They are therefore expected to refrain from sexual misconduct.
3. Sexual misconduct includes sexual harassment, sexual abuse, and sexual immorality.
4. Written and signed accusations of sexual misconduct shall be dealt with according to the process provided in the Rules of Discipline. In addition, such conduct may be subject to civil and/or criminal prosecution according to the laws of the State. The Presbytery will automatically notify the appropriate criminal or civil agency in the event of any alleged or suspected sexual abuse involving children. Presbytery will impose appropriate discipline when sexual misconduct has been proven.
5. When a written and signed accusation of sexual misconduct has been filed with the Stated Clerk and an investigating committee has been designated by the Presbytery, the investigating committee shall instruct both the accused and the accuser that it will not tolerate any attempt to tamper with the process or its outcomes. Intimidation, manipulation, or any other kind of interference is unacceptable, and may result in further judicial action.
6. Presbytery may set aside an amount of money to be distributed at the sole discretion of the Stated Clerk, to be used as partial payment for psychological and spiritual counseling for those affected by the process.

VI. EXAMINATION GUIDELINES

1. When the Learner and the Mentoring Pastor determines that the Learner is ready for examination in the area of academic competency, the Mentor shall report this to the Committee on Preparation for Ministry. The Committee on Preparation for Ministry will then schedule an examination on the area of competency.

2. Expectations of Lay Pastors to be Sustained by Examination

1. Bible

1. Have a basic understanding of the historical evolvement of the Bible.

2. Be able to name the various types of literature found in our Scriptures and give examples of each.
3. Know the historical acts of God, the remembering of which provide the central message of the Old Testament. Also, of the New Testament.
4. Be able to illustrate the difference between the Gospels.
5. Be able to relate the current scientific views of creation and evolution to the Biblical account.
6. Have a way to approach a biblical text to faithfully determine its meaning.

2. Reformed Theology

1. Know the essential tenets of the Reformed faith.

2. Be able to describe the original purpose of each of the confessions in the Book of Confessions and its relevance and authority for today.

3. Be able to highlight major events in the development of the Presbyterian Church starting with the reformation.

4. Be familiar with the lives of leaders of the Reformation and their major contributions.

5. Relate how the study of the Reformed faith enhanced their personal faith.

3. Worship and Sacraments

1. Be able to describe the essential elements of Christian worship and organize them in a worship service.

2. Know the primary meaning of baptism and the essential elements in the sacrament and why are they there.

3. Know who may be baptized and when.

4. Know the primary meaning of Holy Communion and the essential elements necessary in the service.

5. Give their understanding of the presence of Jesus Christ in the Lord’s Supper.

4. Polity

1. Know the “Great Ends of the Church” as found in the Book of Order.

2. Be able to name the divisions of the Book of Order and define their purpose.

3. Be able to show how the four governing bodies of the Presbyterian Church relate to each other.

4. Be able to describe the major functions of the Elders, Session, Deacons, Minister of Word and Sacrament.

5. Be able to tell how one becomes a member of the Presbyterian Church.

3. Procedures for examination

1. The Learner can choose to be examined either orally or by submitting responses to questions in writing.

2. The examining team shall consist of at least three members of the Committee on Preparation for Ministry.

3. Each member of the examining team shall rate the Learner’s response to each question using the following scale:

1. An excellent response (5)

2. A good response (4)

3. An adequate response (3)

4. Showing some understanding,
   but less than adequate (2)

5. Indicating little or no understanding (1)

4. The responses to each question in the area of the examination will be averaged by each team member, and that average will be averaged with the assessment of other team members for the particular area. An average of 3.0 shall be considered as passing. The Learner must achieve a passing grade for each area of examination before academic competency for commissioning can be considered sustained.

5. If the Learner should fail to pass an area of the examination, the Committee on Preparation for Ministry shall recommend to the Learner and the Mentoring Pastor directions for further study in that area.

VII. CERTIFICATION

1. After a period of study, training and practical experience, under the guidance of an approved mentor, the learner and the mentor shall stipulate to the Committee on Preparation for Ministry that the learner is ready for examination for certification. The learner will be required to submit a written statement of faith, and demonstrate written proficiency and knowledge in the areas of Bible, preaching, leading worship, pastoral care, and polity. (G14.0801a) Care should be taken, however, to remember that the learner is not a seminary graduate and that their areas of expertise and proficiency are more circumscribed.

2. When the Committee on Preparation for Ministry is satisfied that the applicant is ready, it shall recommend to the Presbytery that the applicant be examined. The applicant may also be questioned on the floor of Presbytery as to his/her journey of faith, the essential tenets of the Reformed faith, Presbyterian polity, and reasons for seeking certification.
3. Following the successful examination of the learner, Committee on Preparation for Ministry will recommend to the Presbytery that the Certified/Commissioned Lay Pastor trainee be approved as a Certified Lay Pastor.
4. If no commission is available, the Certified/Commissioned Lay Pastor trainee shall be designated as a Certified Lay Pastor. This does not extend the rights and responsibilities and privileges of a Commissioned Lay Pastor, but indicates that the person is ready for commissioning.

VIII. COMMISSIONING

1. When a church or other approved institution, in consultation with and approved by Committee on Ministry and Committee on Preparation for Ministry, extends an invitation to serve a local commission to a Certified Lay Pastor , Committee on Preparation for Ministry will recommend to the Presbytery to commission the Certified Lay Pastor.

2. The Moderator of Presbytery will ask the Certified Lay Pastor the constitutional questions.(G14.0801e) If answered in the affirmative, a brief charge shall be given by a member of Presbytery, followed by a prayer offered by the Moderator.

IX. COMMISSIONED LAY PASTORS

1. Committee on Ministry shall determine whether or not a Certified Lay Pastor is suitable for a local commission. Prior to any commissioning, Committee on Preparation for Ministry must examine the Lay Pastor and report its findings to the Presbytery.

2. The report of Committee on Ministry approval of a commission to the Presbytery shall include:

1. the terms of the contract, which shall be negotiated by Committee on Ministry, the individual, and representative/s of the local commission. The terms shall include the name of the local commission church/es or institution, the ministry to be provided (including whether the individual is permitted to perform duties listed under “Rights and Responsibilities”), the initiating date of service, the length of service, and compensation for said service.

2. the Presbytery of Northern Plains has established minimum salary requirements for full time Commissioned Lay Pastors. (P-6.0101b) This figure is reviewed annually by Committee on Ministry.

3. It is the responsibility of the Committee on Preparation for Ministry to oversee the work of any Commissioned Lay Pastor and to provide proper support during the tenure of service in a local commission. Commissioned Lay Pastors shall work under the supervision of the Presbytery through the Committee on Preparation for Ministry and the Minister of Word and Sacrament assigned to the person for supervision.

4. The names of Commissioned Lay Pastors actively serving in the Presbytery of Northern Plains shall be reported by the Committee on Preparation for Ministry to the Presbytery annually.

5. A review of the work of all Commissioned Lay Pastors shall be conducted annually by Committee on Preparation for Ministry.

X. CERTIFIED LAY PASTORS

1. Persons who have received certification by the Presbytery but who are not working under a local commission will be considered Certified Lay Pastors as well as those who have been commissioned but are not presently working under a local commission. Their gifts and abilities should be continually fostered by providing opportunities to preach in churches as needed for pulpit supply.

2. Certified Lay Pastors shall meet annually with their assigned supervisors to review work and continued study and a report by both shall be presented to the Committee on Preparation for Ministry.

XI. COMMISSIONED LAY PASTOR TRAINEE

    Under the direction of the Committee on Preparation for Ministry, Commissioned Lay Pastor learners shall be allowed to preach in local congregations when invited by the sessions as pulpit supply.

 

XII. EVALUATION OF CERTIFIED/COMMISSIONED LAY PASTORS

1. Commissioned Lay Pastors

1. The Committee on Preparation for Ministry shall conduct an annual evaluation of all Commissioned Lay Pastors. The evaluation will include a report of service and work, continuing education, future plans, goals, and a report from the supervisor as well. The Moderator of the Session of the local commission, the supervising pastor, the Commissioned Lay Pastor and a representative of the Session shall ordinarily participate in the annual evaluation.

2. The Committee on Preparation for Ministry Mentor for the Commissioned Lay Pastor and Commissioned Lay Pastor shall discuss the ministry of the local commission prior to the annual evaluation.
3. As part of the annual evaluation of each Commissioned Lay Pastor, the Committee on Preparation for Ministry shall vote to continue or discontinue the service to the local commission. This vote shall be reported the Presbytery at its next meeting.

2. Certified Lay Pastors

Committee on Preparation for Ministry will conduct an annual evaluation of all Certified Lay Pastors which will include a report of service and work, continuing education, future plans, goals and a report from the supervisor.

3. Annual CLP performance review Letter
   To: CLP Name and Mentor Name
   From: Committee on Preparation for Ministry Chair Name, moderator, Committee on Preparation for Ministry
   Subject: Annual CLP performance review
   For the CLP:
   If at all possible, we would like to meet with you at (place and time).
   Please have ready the following:

1. A summary of your activities as a CLP this past year.

2. A copy of your job description and any anticipated changes for the coming year.

3. Plans you have for continuing education.

4. Specific areas in which you would find further training to be helpful.

5. A copy or outline of one of your recent sermons.

If you find that it will be impossible for you to be there at the time scheduled, please let me know at once so that we can adjust the time schedule for others. We will then reschedule a time to meet.

For the Mentor:
How would you rate the person’s overall performance as a CLP?
(circle one which applies)
Excellent Very Good Good Fair Needs Improvement

What were areas of greatest strength?

In what areas do you feel that this CLP would benefit from more training?

Do you recommend commissioning be continued for another year? YES/NO

Date: ________________ Signature ________________________________

XI. RENEWAL AND TERMINATION OF THE LOCAL COMMISSION

1. The local commission is granted for a period of up to three years, the length of which must be specified as a part of the local commissioning agreement by the Presbytery at the time of commissioning. A commission may be renewed upon expiration and at the end of three years, at the discretion of the Presbytery upon recommendation of the Committee on Preparation for Ministry, and the session of the local church or the employing institution. A commission may not be renewed for more than a three year period of time.
2. Upon the recommendation of the Committee on Preparation for Ministry, the Presbytery may revoke the local commission of any Commissioned Lay Pastor who does not abide by the provisions specified in G-14.0800 of the Book of Order and the provisions contained in this policy.
3. Upon the recommendation of the Committee on Preparation for Ministry, the Presbytery may revoke the status of any Certified Lay Pastor who does not abide by the provisions specified in G-14.0800 of the Book of Order and the provisions contained in this policy.

Approved January 29, 2005