CLP Program Frequently Asked Questions

  • CLP’s must:
    - Be a member of a PC(USA) church,
    - Regularly attend worship at said church, and
    - Be an ordained Ruling Elder.

  • Each CLP has a unique call and duties both while in training and in their service. The exact duties come out of a candidate’s discernment process with their community and the Presbytery.

    Generally, the duties fall into three broad categories: moderating session only, providing sacraments only, or a “full call” where a CLP takes on most of the duties that a Minister of Word and Sacrament would handle in a community.

  • The process for all CLP’s is the same though the timeframe will differ depending on the number and type of trainings you require.

    1. Be ordained as a ruling elder in your church and regularly participate in worship.

    2. After a period of discernment, complete the CLP Application and ask the Session of your church for a formal endorsement. If your church does not have a session, the Commissioned Lay Pastor Task Force (CLPTF) will provide this.

    3. Mail the application (with endorsement from your Session if applicable) to the Presbytery.

    4. Meet with the CLPTF for an initial interview and discernment conversation about your call.

    5. Once the CLPTF gives its approval, complete all trainings and courses needed for your call. All candidates are required by the PC(USA) Book of Order to complete Boundary Training (which includes sexual misconduct and child abuse prevention trainings). Other trainings and coursework will be determined by the CLPTF in light of your call/ministry.

    6. Be formally commissioned during a worship service.

  • Obviously, you seek to serve Christ in all persons, particularly in the ways you have discerned in your call and commission! You should also engage in a proactive practice of prayer and lifelong learning, including seeking advice and assistance from the Presbytery.

    This is not a path trod alone. You will be supported in your call by the Session(s) or other relevant councils of the Presbytery as well as a mentor, who will be a Minister of Word and Sacrament. Your mentor is both a resource and an advocate. The Session, your mentor, and you will also complete an annual evaluation of your ministry.

  • The Book of Order mandates that all CLP candidates complete Boundary Training, which covers sexual misconduct and child abuse prevention among other topics.

    In consultation with the CLPTF, you will determine the exact trainings and courses needed to equip you in your discerned calling. The broader your commission, the more training will be required.

  • Trainings may be provided by the Presbytery or through conferences, self-taught presentations, and seminaries, conferences, and other schools and programs. There is no set time frame dictating when you must complete your trainings. This process is self-paced and meant to fit your life and context.

    Check the Resources page from time to time. We try to keep it as up to date as possible. All training can be done without leaving Alaska.

  • While the Presbytery does not assess any fees, there are costs for certain courses or trainings, which can vary substantially based on the provider. CLP candidates have reported that a typical, non-degree seeking student should expect to spend $350-$500 per course on average. However, churches can (and are highly encouraged to) assist with these costs and scholarship funds are available through the Presbytery to help offset these costs.

  • There is, thanks be to God! The Presbytery has some dedicated resources for equipping laypeople for ministry and we want to use them! If cost is an issue, please contact the Presbytery as soon as possible.

  • You can serve both your own church and other churches with the permission of that church’s Session or governing body and/or the Presbytery.

  • CLP’s may be paid. The Presbytery encourages this, but it is not required.

    If an agreement with a community or communities results in the CLP agreeing to provide at least 20 hours/week of service, then they are eligible to be enrolled in the Board of Pensions programs. In this case, the church or churches must offer the pension package and pay the dues (currently 10% of salary) at a minimum.

  • Each commission lasts for at most three years after which time it is renewable indefinitely.

  • No. CLP commissions are very specific to both a CLP and a presbytery, including most of the training and standards required of candidates. Therefore, there is no transfer process as with Ministers of Word and Sacrament.

    However, the Presbytery of Yukon can certainly work with you and your new presbytery to determine how to continue your service to the church.