Blog Post by Dr. John Hughes, Ruling Elder
Dean of Commissioned Pastor Education
Member of Webster Groves Presbyterian Church
Just what is a commissioned pastor anyway? So it often goes when we in the church hear about this important office. Commissioned pastors are not the equivalent of ordained clergy. Their training is quite different and their calls to serve are more limited. But commissioned pastors (CPs) do fill important roles in the presbytery. Many serve as solo pastors of mostly smaller congregations, performing a range of similar functions as seminary-trained ministers (preaching and sacraments, for example). Their commissions are limited to our presbytery only, however, and are time-limited. CP commissions are reviewed every three years.
In our Reformed tradition all of us—yes, all of us—are called to ministries of one sort or another. Commissioned pastors are ordained elders of the PCUSA who answer a
call to step deeper into their lay ministries. Many seek CP training so that they, like others, can serve in congregations as their pastors. Others start the training sure only of their call into a deeper commitment, but still open to exactly where God is leading them. All who participate..however, will develop new relationships with other wonderful people who take the same journey into deeper commitment and service.
Training to become a CP requires a two-year commitment and no small measure of study into scripture and the workings of Presbyterian worship. A new training course for Giddings-Lovejoy begins this coming January and will continue through December 2024. Participants will complete eight online courses through Dubuque Seminary in Des Moines. The classes are spread over two years with students enrolling in only two classes at a time. In addition, CP candidates meet twelve times in person to receive additional training from clergy within the presbytery. Many, if not most, who participate in the training are also employed full-time.
Costs of the training are divided among the candidate, their home church, and the presbytery. Exact costs for the upcoming class are yet to be determined but each candidate’s portion will likely be about $2300 over the two years.
There is a real need for commissioned pastors in meeting the changing needs of the presbytery. In the coming years, lay leadership will likely take on increasingly important roles. Keep in mind that many who complete the training will go on to fill pulpits desperately in need of stable pastorates. Others likely will serve in other ways. CP training will strengthen anyone in calls to a variety of helping ministries. The training will also deepen understanding of scriptures and the church, enabling greater service to one’s home church. In whatever way one seeks to serve, the training offers a wonderful journey into a fuller life of Christian service.
For more information follow this link that will provide specific contact information and some specific requirement for candidacy in the program.
Dr. John Hughes
Dean of Commissioned Pastor Education
Member of Webster Groves Presbyterian Church
