What is a CLP?: 2nd Best Pastor or Extraordinary Elder?

How should the PC(USA) understand the identity of the Commissioned Lay Pastor (CLP)?  Neither ecclesiastically nor practically speaking has this fundamental issue been settled.  Barbara Wheeler, President of Auburn Seminary and the Director of its’ Center for the Study of Theological Education, raises this question in some of her concluding remarks to a two-part study jointly commissioned by the PC(USA)’s Committee on Theological Education and its’ Office of Vocation.

Among the numerous findings the studies highlight the appreciation of presbyteries for the partnerships with seminaries to provide instruction for their programs.  The University of Dubuques online program is used by many.  More surprising was the similarity of the curriculum structures for the programs.  Almost all provide courses in the eight areas named in the Book of Order: Old Testament, New Testament, Reformed Theology (and Sacraments), Polity, Preaching, Christian Education, Worship (and Sacraments), and Pastoral Care (and professional ethics.)  Of concern was the finding that most programs require somewhere between 120-135 contact hours of instruction in total at a college level.  This is the equivalent of about three undergraduate level courses or about three-quarters of a semester course load.

CLP’s are serving the church more and more in ways that are often appreciated by presbyteries.  As many as 70% are serving congregations that currently are unable to afford a seminary trained pastor.  10% are serving racial/ethnic congregations.  10% are also serving in Associate Pastor-type positions, not role imagined when this idea was conceived. 

These studies has been forwarded to presbyteries and seminaries for further reflection and use and utilized at a recent CLP Conference at Montreat that was jointly sponsored by Louisville Seminary.  They hopefully can be used to strengthen programs and highlight what is being done well.

There is much more to consider in these studies that I have not highlighted.  Reading these well written and research studies would be worth the time of any church officer and every presbyter.  In fact, the Committee on Theological Education has voted to recommend that these studies be more widely distributed, studied by the GAC and COGA, and that further study be done.

I wonder what you think.  How are CLP’s being used in your experience?  Maybe you are a CLP, how do you identify yourself?  Your comments are welcome, just click "comments" below and share your thoughts!

 

Lee back in Louisville from the COTE meeting in Princeton