CLPs may bring relief for pastors

The Commissioned Lay Pastor program (CLPs for short) has been active in the US for some time now (see CLP's Why & When at PCUSA) and may offer great relief to pastors here who are seriously overburdened. For those of you who are unfamiliar, PCUSA defines commissioned lay pastors as “an elder of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) who is granted a local commission by the presbytery to lead worship and preach the gospel, watch over the people, and provide for their nurture and service.” These folks offer great opportunities for ministry when the supply of pastors and needs of communities far exceeds the resources of the presbytery and ordained pastors, and in Mexico that is definitely true!

CLP trainings have been going on here at the bible school this week, and the level of enthusiasm and excitement from these elders is really inspiring. They finally have a complete bible in their own language but still no access to concordances or commentaries in their own language. But because most of them speak Spanish well, they can use the Spanish concordances and commentaries together with their Tzeltal bibles to help them begin to dissect scripture and gospel teachings. They are learning about everything from preaching and teaching to marrying, burying and counseling. These elders will complete their training in mid-July and will be commissioned while one of the Salem Presbytery groups will be here.

For the pastors who have responsibilities for multiple churches, CLPs will be a great relief. For the members of their congregations, they will bring newfound understanding and insights into the gospel. And for the CLPs themselves, they will be stronger in their faith, better informed, and better equipped to lead. For those of us who work with them as they learn and grown, we are inspired by their enthusiasm and willingness to serve.

Thanks be to God.