This is a specialized track for Commissioned Lay Pastors and their spouse. The CLP Gathering begins a day early -- on Monday afternoon, October 12, 2009 -- starting with supper. We will meet Monday evening and Tuesday morning to network and share information on small church redevelopment. There is NO additional cost to CLP's and their spouse who come this day early.

Randy Marcum, a member of our Planning Team, and his wife, Dianna, will be leading a special program for Lay Pastors. Dianna and Randy, while still in CLP training, were asked by members of Green Ridge Presbyterian Church, a small rural church in Missouri Union Presbytery, to come to help revitalize their dwindling church. The presbytery had suggested the church should close its doors and the members join another larger congregation in a larger town about fifteen miles away. In 15 months God added nine new members and their families to the congregation.

Estranged members are returning; a thriving after school program and a new Presbyterian Women's group has been added. The future looks bright for this small church.

Randy and Dianna will come to the 2009 Wee Kirk Conference a day early. CLP's and their spouse are invited to join them Monday evening for dinner and an informal time together. Those attending will have an opportunity to network and share their joys and trials as Dianna and Randy tell the story of the revitalization of the Green Ridge Presbyterian Church Monday evening and Tuesday morning. This will be a special time of sharing of church building and mission strategy with CLP's.