In 1988 the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church adopted a memorial from East Tennessee Presbytery to allow elders, with the approval of their presbyteries, to serve as lay leaders in congregations other than their own. In 1995, the general Assembly adopted a non-mandatory training/certification program for these elders.

The pastoral Development Ministry Team recognizes that the memorial is the definitive action of the church relative to elders serving as lay leaders. They are authorized, as approved by their presbyteries, to provide ministerial leadership to small congregations unable to secure the services of a called pastor or stated supply minister.

This handbook is intended to guide presbyteries, elders called to serve as lay leaders, and congregations desiring their services in this needed ministry. The handbook and the procedures described within it are meant to guide and assist presbyteries, congregations and elders called to serve as lay leaders in providing ministerial leadership to congregations in need of such services.