Presby Prep is the first year of the presbytery’s Authorized Lay Preacher/Commissioned Pastor Preparation Program. However, it is also more than that. It is an opportunity to become more knowledgeable about what it means to be Presbyterian and part of the Reformed family of churches.
Presby Prep is open to anyone, including –
- ruling elders and those who are sensing a call to serve in pastoral leadership in particular congregations or to help provide occasional pulpit supply. While one has to be a ruling elder to be commissioned, others may just want to grow more in their faith, understanding, and knowledge
- ruling elders and others who aren’t exactly sure what God is calling them to be and do at this point in their lives but want to explore more of what that might look like
- people who just like to learn more
Presby Prep consists of 8 courses, one each month from January – May and September – November.
Each course is 3 hours long and offered on Thursday evenings or Saturday mornings; each course also has an assignment to be completed in advance. While the registration form asks which time you plan to attend, you can attend the time that is most convenient each month. All courses will be offered on Zoom.
If your congregation is without pastoral leadership, the session is encouraged to consider who in the congregation God might be calling to this role. Perhaps you’ll see that face in your bathroom mirror.
Folks can register for Presby Prep and pay online here or download the registration form and send a check to the address noted. The registration deadline for the all-course rate is Thursday, Nov. 30. For individual courses, you will need to register at least a month in advance in order to receive and complete the advance assignment.
If you have questions, please contact Susan Sharp Campbell at 304-667-9428 or susan_sharp_campbell@hotmail.com.