Maumee Valley Presbytery offers two training programs for elders who want to do more in the church.

The Commissioned Lay Pastor program prepares elders to lead worship and preach the gospel, watch over the people of a local church, and provide for their nurture and service. (Book of Order G-14.0560).

The Certified Elder program prepares elders to serve their own churches in extended ways (Book of Order W-4.3000).

The training for both of these programs consists of three years of relatively rigorous weekend courses (called retreats), on subjects such as Old and New Testament, Pastoral Care, Preaching, Christian Education, and Polity. Those seeking to become Commissioned Lay Pastors also serve as interns in local churches for 12 months. For more information click here.