Section G-2.10 in the Book of Order permits presbyteries to commission Ruling Elders for limited pastoral service as assigned by the presbytery. It also specifies that the Presbytery determines the preparation and instruction for this service in such a way that it is appropriate to the particular commission.

The Presbyteries of Redstone, Pittsburgh, Upper Ohio Valley, Washington, Beaver-Butler, and Shenango have collaborated to facilitate a training program called Inter-Presbytery Leadership Formation (IPLF). IPLF is designed to prepare ruling elders for possible positions as Commissioned Ruling Elders (CREs) or Commissioned Pastors (CPs) to serve churches. IPLF also trains leaders for preaching, leading worship and various ministries, such as visitation.

Enrolling in IPLF

Opportunities for new IPLF enrollments are available every January and August.

Classes for the Fall Term of 2026 are Saturdays, August 8, September 5, October 10, November 14, December 12.

The morning class will Reformed Worship and Sacraments with Instructor, Rev. Dr. Peter Bowers. 

Required and Elective Workshops are held in the afternoon.

If interested in becoming a CP, please get in touch with the Beaver-Butler Presbytery Office at 724-452-7515.

IPLF Required and Elective Workshops

The IPLF Elective Workshops are also open and free to Pastors and Ruling Elders who are not enrolled in the IPLF program. They are available in-person at Laboratory Presbyterian Church in Washington, PA or online.

Afternoon Workshops for Fall 2026

Presbyterian Virtual Assistant
Pastoral Care
Presbyterian Polity
Boundaries and Ethics
Working Through Conflict in Church