Interested aspirants should go through a process of self-discernment. Review all the materials on the CLM website, contact any member of the CLM council to express interest and seek insight into what the program is like.

Questions to consider are:

• Why do I want to become a CLM as opposed to an "active and committed lay member”?
• What gifts do I have to offer?
• What are the costs (money, time, emotional energy) of the program?
• What will I need to give up to be a CLM?
• What areas of the program will be a challenge for me?
• How will my relationship to the minister, staff, leaders, and members of my congregation change if I become a CLM, and do I accept those changes?

The aspirant should prepare and present a presentation to the congregational leadership about the CLM program. Assistance to the applicant and the leadership is available from the CLM Council. This includes helping the congregation's leadership understand the roles of the congregation and the CLM.

The aspirant and the congregational minister should meet. The Covenant Partner for the aspirant is normally the congregation’s minister. These questions should be discussed:

• Is the congregation a good fit for a CLM?
• Is there a match between the aspirant's gifts and the congregation's needs?

The aspirant should discern and decide on area(s) of focus.

The aspirant needs to meet with their Board to discuss expectations and create a letter of agreement. Sample agreements are available from the council.

The aspirant and the congregational minister or covenant partner should write a covenant.

The next step is the application process. Once all the materials are received, the CLM Council will schedule an interview with the aspirant.