Overture 04-46. On Amending G-14.0705c, G-11.0407, W-3.3603, and W 3.3616 Regarding Certified Christian Educators—From the Presbytery of Western North Carolina.

The Presbytery of Western North Carolina overtures the 216th General Assembly (2004) to send the following proposed amendments to the presbyteries for their affirmative or negative votes:

1. Shall G-14.0705c be amended as follows: [Text to be deleted is shown with a strike-through; text to be added or inserted is shown as italic.]

“The presbytery shall grant the privilege of the floor to the Certified Associate Christian Educator at all its meetings with voice. (G-11.0407) Certified Christian Educators who have been examined and approved by the presbytery (or through its committee on ministry) shall be members of the presbytery with voice and vote, wherein they serve, but only as long as they are employed by a session or the presbytery (or another governing body or agency).”

2. Shall G-11.0407 be amended as follows: [Text to be deleted is shown with a strike-through; text to be added or inserted is shown as italic.]

“The stated clerk shall maintain four rolls, . . . one listing all Certified Christian Educators who are members of presbytery, and Certified Associate Christian Educators within the bounds of the presbytery who are entitled to the privilege of the floor with voice at all presbytery meetings . . .”

3. Shall the last paragraph of W-3.3603 be amended as follows: [Text to be deleted is shown with a strike-through; text to be added or inserted is shown as italic.]

“An elder or a Certified Christian Educator may lead the congregation in these professions and affirmations. (W-2.2009; W-2.3011-.3014)”

4. Shall W-3.3616d be amended as follows: [Text to be deleted is shown with a strike-through; text to be added or inserted is shown as italic.]

“d. The bread and the cup may be served by ordained officers of the church, Certified Christian Educators, or by other church members on invitation of the session or authorizing governing body.”

Rationale

The certified Christian educator has been entrusted by the church with one of its most important tasks—the nurturing of our children, youth, and adults in the faith and service of Jesus Christ.

The education and training of the certified Christian educator approximates that of the minister of Word and Sacrament. Generally, a Master of Arts in Christian Education has been earned, and Certified Christian Educators have passed General Assembly examinations in Biblical Interpretation, Reformed Theology, Human Development, Religious Education and Practice, Polity, Program and Mission of the PC(USA), and Worship and Sacraments. They have also usually been employed by a church for several years.

As a contrasting example, the office of commissioned lay pastor (much needed and much appreciated in our denomination) has been authorized to perform many more functions (G-14.0801), even though commissioned lay pastors have generally had less education, training, and experience.

Since certified Christian educators have usually been intimately involved in teaching church members about the Sacraments, it is fitting that they be able to assist in the celebrations of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.