Creating a Blog

Here are sites I looked at before starting this one.

http://blog.penelopetrunk.com/2006/11/10/the-easiest-instructions-for-how-to-start-a-blog/

http://michaelhyatt.blogs.com/workingsmart/2005/04/how_to_start_a_.html

http://courtneytuttle.com/2007/02/25/starting-a-blog-in-5263-words/

http://www.windley.com/essays/2004/how_to_start_a_blog.shtml (pretty technical)

Hope that is helpful,
--Bill

Contemporary Worship

Many churches do it. Many churches talk about it. What is contemporary worship?

In the 1970's, it was guitars and jeans; some places still use that model. Other places have Christian rock bands. Still others are grafting ancient Christian practices back into the liturgy. Art, poetry, incense, candles, discussions of faith issues...how do we reach the people of these times while continuing to use worship to glorify God? What do you think? What do you do?

Twofers

Really, now! I guess this is only for men, but I would certainly be interested in hearing if it happens to women CLPs. Have you come across cases where hiring the minister implies the spouse will certainly play the piano/lead the choir/head up Sunday school/lead the women's circles? I wonder if this is even still the case for MWS.

Politics and Acceptability

From what I see on the Web, there is a broad spectrum of attitudes towards CLPs in the church. These attitudes are spread along three dimensions at least -- that of Presbytery members and Ministers of the Word and Sacraments, and that of congregations --your home congregation, and that of potential commissions. How's that working for you?

CLP Examinations

This is what divides the candidates from the employable. I have no idea what to expect. How about you? Has your Presbytery given you any expectations? For those who have been examined, what was it like? Some places are using past versions of the regular minister exams.

CLP Education

Presbyteries have a variety of CLP training programs. Mine uses the CLP courses at University of Dubuque Theological Seminary (UDTS). These are supposed to be one credit hour equivalent courses, but from my experience , they require as much work as a three hour course. My pastor and others have said these are pretty much equivalent to seminary classes. This is a joy to me...not a complaint! What have your training experiences been? Have questions about classes? I hope these are the kinds of questions that can be addressed in this thread.

Blessings,

Opening Post

Well, here it is. I would like to invite Commissioned Lay Pastors of the PC(USA), and those studying to become a CLP to post issues here.