Download Guidelines to the Credentials Process

Guidelines
to the
Credentials Process
in the
Northwest Georgia Presbytery
2014
GUIDELINES TO THE CREDENTIALS PROCESS
IN THE NORTHWEST GEORGIA PRESBYTERY
2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION TO THE CREDENTIALS PROCESS ..................................................................... 2
OVERVIEW OF THE CREDENTIALS PROCESS ............................................................................... 6
The Doctrine of Vocation ........................................................................................................... 8
Checklist for Coming Under Care ............................................................................................ 10
CANDIDACY (COMING UNDER CARE OF PRESBYTERY) ......................................................... 11
Forms at back of section (to be returned to Credentials Committee chairman)
Candidacy Application.............................................................................................................. 19
Session Certification ................................................................................................................. 22
Spiritual Inventory .................................................................................................................... 23
INTERNSHIP IN THE PCA.................................................................................................................... 32
Form at back of section (to be returned to Credentials Committee chairman)
Internship Application............................................................................................................... 44
LICENSURE TO PREACH IN THE PCA............................................................................................. 46
Form at back of section (to be returned to Credentials Committee chairman)
Licensure Application ............................................................................................................... 44
ORDINATION TO THE GOSPEL MINISTRY ......................................................................58
TRANSFER OF ORDAINED MINISTERS TO MVP.......................................................................... 70
Form at back of section (to be returned to Credentials Committee chairman)
Ministerial Application ............................................................................................................. 77
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Introduction
Please accept the warmest greetings of the Credentials Committee of the Northwest Georgia
Presbytery. We want to take this opportunity to inform you about the process you are
undertaking. The Credentials Committee is responsible to examine and make recommendations
regarding each man who desires to be received by presbytery, come under its care or minister
within its bounds. To do this effectively we must ask certain questions, and thus we require
specific information.
Though these forms and procedures may appear complex and involved, the Credentials
Committee has labored to make them brief and to the point. We have gathered the necessary
information that each applicant will need and then condensed this information into the guidelines
set forth in this booklet. Much of the content has been drawn from the Book of Church Order as
well as from the policies and procedures of other presbyteries.
Read the “Guidelines” before Filling Out the Forms!
The “Guidelines” explain which forms must be filled out in which situations. You may not need
to fill out all the forms, so be sure to read the directions.
ALL APPLICATIONS AND SUPPORTING MATERIALS MUST BE RECEIVED
ELECTRONICALLY AS A PDF FILE. If not, they will be returned. No hard copy or
handwritten forms will be accepted.
DEADLINES: The Credentials Committee meets approximately a month before each meeting
of the Northwest Georgia Presbytery. All applications, reports, papers and requests must be
received in time to allow for distribution and study. Contact the chair of the committee for
deadline dates.
COMPLETED APPLICATIONS SHOULD BE SENT TO:
Current Credentials Committee Chairman – see http://nwgp.org/committees/
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Overview of the Credentials Process
Presbyterian Church in America
Presbytery of Northwest Georgia
IMPORTANT FIRST STEP! Purchase and read the PCA Book of Church Order. In it you will
find everything you need to know about the credentials process as well as other information
about PCA polity.
The following is meant to provide an overview of the usual process and to define important
terminology.
DEFINITIONS:
Candidate. (sometimes referred to as “Under Care”) “A candidate for ministry is a member of
the church in full communion who, believing himself to be called to preach the Gospel, submits
himself to the care and guidance of the presbytery in his course of study and of practical training
to prepare himself for this office.” (BCO 18-1)
Every applicant for candidacy must have been a member of the congregation whose Session
provides an endorsement for at least SIX months before filing his application.
Candidacy is a required step in the process toward ordination.
Licensure. “To preserve the purity of the preaching of the Gospel, no man is permitted to preach
in the pulpits of the Presbyterian Church in America on a regular basis without proper licensure
from the presbytery having jurisdiction where he will preach.” (BCO 19-1)
The Presbytery of Northwest Georgia has defined “on a regular basis” as preaching more than
once a month in the same church. If you preach more than that in the same church you must be
licensed by presbytery.
Internship. “The Holy Scriptures require that some trial be previously made of those who are to
be ordained to the ministry of the Word, both concerning their gifts and concerning their ability
to rule as teaching elders…. To provide for such a period of trial, a candidate for ordination must
serve an internship. This period of internship shall be at least one year in length, and may be
longer at the discretion of the presbytery so as to give sufficient time for the presbytery to judge
the candidate’s qualifications and service.” (BCO 19-7)
Internship is a formal process. It is NOT just a job in a church which might happen to be called
an internship. Presbytery must approve and act upon an internship request. Certain requirements,
which differ from presbytery to presbytery, must be met. Our requirements can be found in the
section on internships.
Ordination. “Ordination is the authoritative admission of one duly called to an office in the
Church of God…” (BCO 17-2)
To proceed to ordination a candidate must first complete an internship, have a call to a specific
ministry, and meet certain educational and examination requirements. (See BCO 21)
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The Goal
Ordination
(BCO 17, 21)
Call to a Specific Work
(BCO 21)
Internship
(BCO 19)
Various Other Education/Examination
Requirements
(BCO 21-24)
Candidacy
(BCO 18)
Where You Are Today
7
“The Doctrine of Vocation”
(The Calling to Ministry)
Ordination to sacred office in the church is a high and holy calling from God: a vocation. It is
the privilege and purpose of God to set aside men for ordination to the Gospel ministry. In doing
so, God follows a well-known procedure involving the people of His church.
The Book of Church Order of the Presbyterian Church in America describes that process in these
words:
16-1. Ordinary vocation to office in the church is the calling of God by the
Spirit, through the inward testimony of a good conscience, the manifest
approbation of God’s people, and the concurring judgment of a lawful court of the
church.
16-2. The government of the church is by officers gifted to represent Christ, and
the right of God’s people to recognize by election to office those so gifted is
inalienable. Therefore no man can be placed over a church in any office without
the election, or at least the consent of that church.
16-3. Upon those whom God calls to bear office in His Church He bestows
suitable gifts for the discharge of their various duties. And it is indispensable
that, besides possessing the necessary gifts and abilities, natural and acquired,
every one admitted to an office should be sound in the faith, and his life be
according to godliness. Wherefore every candidate for office is to be approved
by the court by which he is to be ordained.
The BCO clearly sets forth the three stages of vocation or calling that must be verified before a
man is ordained to office in the church:
1.
2.
3.
The calling of God, by the Holy Spirit, through the inward testimony of a good
conscience (the candidate)
The manifest approbation (approval) of God’s people (the congregation)
The concurring judgment of a lawful court of the church (the Session and the
presbytery)
As a man seeking ordination to Gospel ministry in the PCA, you are attesting to the fact that God
has given you a “good conscience” in seeking this ordination to holy office. In fact, in your
ordination vows you will attest to the fact that you have “been induced, as far as you know your
own heart, to seek the office of the holy ministry from love to God and a sincere desire to
promote His glory in the Gospel of His Son.” (BCO 21-5, vow #5)
To ensure that the Presbyterian Church in America follows God’s plan in calling men into the
ministry, our church polity provides for a series of steps to be taken by candidates to prepare
them for sacred office. It is the stated intention of this procedure to search out a man’s motives,
test his suitability and giftedness for office, and develop his ministerial skills over a process of
several years. In summary, the steps in this process of preparation are as follows:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Coming Under Care or Candidacy in a presbytery: attestation to the inward call
of God and possible giftedness for ministry
Internship in a local church or special ministry: development of both gifts and
understanding of ministry
Licensure to preach in a presbytery: development of expository gifts and skills
Ordination to a specific call to ministry
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Although the aforementioned steps may be taken simultaneously and, in special instances,
compressed in time, the normal, healthy, and preferred pattern would be for this process to cover
a span of three to four years as follows: seminary training followed by a period of time for
completion of licensure and ordination exams. These steps have been set into the following chart.
Stage of Seminary
Stage of Preparation
Prior to Seminary: the approval and
recommendation of your church
Session to come under care of
presbytery
Recognition by your church elders that
God may well have set you aside for
sacred ministry
Year 1
Candidacy
Accepted by the presbytery as a
candidate for ministry: The supervision
of your training and testing for
ordination (BCO 18:1-8)
(often completed during seminary)
Year 2
Internship
A planned program, equivalent to one
full-time year of ministry, in a local
church or ministry to prepare you for
ordination (BCO 19:7-16)
(often completed during Seminary)
Year 3
Licensure
Certification to preach regularly in the
pulpits of the PCA. Good for four
years without renewal (BCO 19:1-6)
Year 4
Ordination
Authoritative admission by the
presbytery to ministry in a specific call
at a local church, mission agency or
related ministry. Ordination can only
be made to a specific work of ministry
(BCO 20:1-13; 21:1-11)
Those of you who have not yet begun the process toward ordination should be aware that this
procedure should not be, and ordinarily will not be, hurried or shortened, because the very genius
of the process is the validation of calling, gifts and experience over an extended period of time,
accompanied by a series of tests. The process itself is part of the “trials of ordination.”
Even the very first step, the recognition of the inner calling of God with a good conscience
toward ministry, cannot be short-circuited. To that end, every candidate for ministry will be
required to read and write a response to Edmund Clowney’s book Called to the Ministry and
William Still’s book The Work of the Pastor (1-2 typewritten pages to be brought to your first
meeting with the Credentials Committee). Upon completion of these things, please contact your
pastor and begin the process of coming under the care of presbytery as a candidate for the Gospel
ministry.
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Please be aware that two “certifications” are necessary. The first involves your call to the
ministry. No man should take upon himself the privilege of preparing for ordination without
prayerful, serious, extended, and detailed discussion with the overseers of his home church.
Therefore, no man should apply to seminary and then to come under care who is not a member
of a local church and without the referral of that church.
Secondly, those seeking ordination in the Presbyterian Church in America should remember that
BCO 18-2 requires membership in a PCA church for six months prior to coming under care of
presbytery as a candidate. Therefore, it is ill advised for seminarians or those coming under care
to neglect active membership in a PCA church. Sessions may refuse to provide endorsements to
those whom they do not know well because of inactive membership, poor attendance, or noninvolvement in their congregation.
The rule of thumb is simple: Active membership first, coming under care second. In order to be
ordained to pastoral ministry, one should prove a desire, a willingness, and faithfulness in
ministry to a specific local church. Ideally, a man should come under care, become an intern, be
licensed, and then ordained at the local church where his membership or associate membership is
held.
Checklist for Coming Under Care

I have read Edmund Clowney’s Called to Ministry and William Still’s book The Work of
the Pastor and completed the required response paper for each. Moreover, I am
convinced that I am being set aside by God for sacred office in the Gospel ministry.

I have been a faithful and involved member of my local church. The pastor(s) and ruling
elders know me well and can attest to my calling and my readiness to undertake seminary
education.

I have applied to, am currently in, or have finished seminary.

I have established a full or associate membership in a local PCA church and am involved
in visible, regular ministry in order that my Session may get to know me well and that my
gifts might be tested.
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Candidacy
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“Candidacy”
(Coming Under Care of Presbytery)
Every man seeking ordination for ministry in the Presbyterian Church in America must be a
member of a PCA church for a minimum of six months prior to candidacy. This PCA church
should know him well enough to honestly complete the Sessional endorsement to presbytery for
candidacy.
Ordinarily this presbytery should be the one of which his endorsing church is a member. In other
words, a man usually comes under care of the presbytery of his home church or the church
holding his full membership.
Every applicant for the ministry must put himself under the care of presbytery, which should
ordinarily be the presbytery that has jurisdiction of the church of which he is a member. The
Session must provide to the presbytery an endorsement consisting of testimonials regarding
his Christian character and promise of usefulness in the ministry. The endorsement should
also describe the ministry activities the applicant has participated in along with a brief
evaluation.
Every applicant for care shall be a member of the congregation whose Session provides an
endorsement for at least six months before filing his application, except in those cases
deemed extraordinary by the presbytery. (BCO 18-2, para. 1&2)
There are other options for candidates, such as membership in a home church and candidacy in a
presbytery where one holds an associate membership, but these are not preferred. A candidate
would be wise to come under the care of the presbytery in which he will eventually seek
ordination.
Applications for candidacy must be filed with the clerk of presbytery at least one month in
advance of the presbytery meeting (BCO 18-2, para. 3). Please contact the chairman of the
Credentials Committee for information on deadline dates.
See Current Credentials Committee Chairman Contact Information –
http://nwgp.org/committees/
The candidate must have completed the following documents for candidacy status (enclosed):
1.
2.
3.
4.
General Candidacy Application
Sessional Certification for Candidacy
A copy of college and seminary transcripts
The Spiritual Inventory
 for candidate
 for spouse
5. A letter of transfer from your current presbytery if you are requesting transfer of your
candidacy to the Northwest Georgia Presbytery (NWGP).
Guidelines and requisite forms are enclosed in this section of the booklet.
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BCO, Chapter 18:1-8
Candidates for the Gospel Ministry
18-1. A candidate for the ministry is a member of the church in full communion who, believing
himself to be called to preach the Gospel, submits himself to the care and guidance of the
presbytery in his course of study and of practical training to prepare himself for this office.
18-2. Every applicant for the ministry must put himself under the care of presbytery, which
should ordinarily be the presbytery that has jurisdiction of the church of which he is a member.
The endorsement of his Session must be given to the presbytery, consisting of testimonials
regarding his Christian character and promise of usefulness in the ministry. The endorsement
should also describe the activities of ministry the applicant has participated in with brief
evaluation.
Every applicant for care shall be a member of the congregation whose session provides an
endorsement for at least six months before filing his application, except in those cases deemed
extraordinary by the presbytery.
Every applicant must file his application with the clerk of the presbytery at least one month
before the meeting of the presbytery. An applicant for care may not be received under care and
also be examined for ordination at the same meeting of the presbytery, since he must serve a
period of at least one year of internship prior to ordination (see BCO 19-7 and 21-4). An
applicant for internship is obliged to be under care and may be licensed to preach the Gospel.
Further, one who is not already under care may be taken under care, be licensed to preach the
Gospel, and become an intern at the same meeting of presbytery.
18-3. The applicant shall appear before the presbytery in person, and shall be examined by the
presbytery on experiential religion and on his motives for seeking the ministry.
If the testimonials and the examination prove satisfactory, the presbytery shall receive him under
its care after the following manner:
The moderator shall propose to the applicant these questions:
1. Do you promise in reliance upon the grace of God to maintain a becoming Christian
character, and to be diligent and faithful in making full preparation for the sacred ministry?
2. Do you promise to submit yourself to the proper supervision of the presbytery in matters that
concern your preparation for the ministry?
If these questions be answered in the affirmative, the moderator, or someone appointed by him,
shall give the candidate a brief charge; and the proceeding shall close with prayer.
The name of the applicant is then to be recorded on the presbytery’s roll of candidates for the
ministry.
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18-4. The candidate continues to be a private member of the church and subject to the jurisdiction of
the Session, but as respects his preparatory training for the ministry he is under the oversight of the
presbytery. It shall be the duty of the presbytery to show a kindly and sympathetic interest in him, and
to give him counsel and guidance in regard to his studies, his practical training, and the institutions of
learning he should attend. In no case may a candidate omit from his course of study any of the subjects
prescribed in the Form of Government as tests for ordination without obtaining the consent of presbytery
(see BCO 21-4); and where such consent is given the presbytery shall record the fact and the reasons
therefore.
18-5. For the development of his Christian character, for the service he can render, and for his more
effective training, the candidate, when entering on his theological studies, should be authorized and
encouraged by the presbytery to conduct public worship, to expound the Scriptures to the people, and to
engage in other forms of Christian work. These forms of service should be rendered under the direction
of presbytery, and also with the sanction and under the guidance of the candidate’s instructors during the
time of his being under their instruction. A candidate should not undertake to serve a church which is
without a pastor as regular supply unless he has been licensed and approved for that supply by the
presbytery having jurisdiction of the church (see BCO 19-1).
18-6. The presbytery shall require every candidate for the ministry under its care to make a report to it
at least once a year; and it shall secure from his instructors an annual report upon his deportment,
diligence, and progress in study.
18-7. The presbytery may, upon application of the candidate, give a certificate of dismission to another
presbytery. The candidate may be allowed to retain membership in his home church upon the request of
his Session and the approval of both presbyteries involved. A candidate shall, at his request, be allowed
to withdraw from the care of the presbytery. The presbytery may also, for sufficient reasons, remove
the name of the candidate from its roll of candidates; but in such a case it shall report its actions and the
reasons therefore to the candidate and to the Session of his church.
18-8. An applicant coming as a candidate from another denomination must present testimonials of his
standing in that body and must become a member of a congregation in the Presbyterian Church in
America. He shall then fulfill the requirements of applicants listed under BCO 18-2, as well as
requirements placed upon those desiring to be licensed or to become an intern as set forth in BCO 19.
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Candidate’s Checklist








Completed General Candidacy Application. Submitted to Credentials Committee.
Have given Sessional Certification to my pastor or Clerk of Session and have received same
back from them.
Have met with my pastor and Session concerning my conversion and call to the ministry.
Submitted certification to Credentials Committee.
Submitted transcripts to Credentials Committee
If transferring from another presbytery, requested letter of transfer to NWGP.
Completed Spiritual Inventory.
Spouse has completed Spiritual Inventory.
Contacted Credentials chairman about time, date and location of Credentials Committee
examination.
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Guidelines for Applicants for Candidacy
Prerequisites:
1.
You must be a member of a Presbyterian Church in America congregation for at least six (6)
months before applying.
2.
You may be a candidate in another presbytery of the PCA and desire to transfer your candidacy.
Forms Required: (Must be submitted by date in Schedule of Deadlines)
1.
A completed “General Candidacy Application”
2.
A copy of all your college (official copy from registrar) and seminary (unofficial) transcripts
3.
“Sessional Certification” from your church Session
4.
If transferring, a copy of your letter to your current presbytery requesting transfer to Northwest
Georgia Presbytery
Procedure:
1.
Submit all paperwork listed above by the date provided by the chairman of the C&C committee.
2.
If you are transferring your candidacy from another presbytery, you must write a letter to the
chairman of the appropriate committee in that presbytery requesting to be transferred to NWGP.
3.
All applicants are required to appear before the Credentials Committee approximately one month
preceding the meeting of presbytery, and then again before the presbytery to be examined on
experiential religion (personal testimony of conversion and lifestyle) and motives for seeking the
ministry. You should contact the chairman of the Credentials Committee for notification of exact
dates, times and locations of committee meetings and examinations.
Responsibilities:
The Credentials Committee is responsible to seek to help and guide candidates in their preparation for
the ministry. To do so, we expect each candidate to report regularly to the committee.
Terms:
Candidates will be maintained on the roll of presbytery only as long as they remain active in reporting to
presbytery.
ALL APPLICATIONS AND SUPPORTING MATERIALS MUST BE RECEIVED
ELECTRONICALLY
Send applications, reports, and papers to: Current Credentials Committee Chairman Contact Information
– http://nwgp.org/committees/
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General Candidacy Application
Date:
Name:
Phone:
Address:
City/State/Zip:
E-mail address:
Birthdate:
Age:
Parents:
Parents’ Address:
Spouse: _____________________________________________________ Age:______________
Has either of you ever been divorced? Y ___ N ___
If yes, please give full details on a separate sheet of paper.
Children (names/ages):
Have they received covenant baptism?
Age at your conversion:
Y ___
N ___ Where?
Most influential pastor:
Church membership:
City/State:
Church you attend: ____________________________Attendance: Sunday: a.m.__ p.m.__ Wedn.__
List organizations you have belonged to and give dates:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Educational record: (List Institutions, Dates, GPA, Degree, Major)
1.
2.
3.
4.
Seminary Status:
Junior ___
Middler ___
Senior ___
Presbytery Affiliation
Intern ___
Relation
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Graduate ___
List recent employers and type of work:
1.
2.
3.
Please answer the following questions succinctly:
1.
Why do you love God? Describe how that love began and developed.
2.
Why do you want to serve God as a minister of the Gospel? What people have
encouraged you? Why have you chosen the Presbyterian Church in America?
3.
What do you consider to be the most important concern facing the church?
4.
What abilities and spiritual gifts has God given you that will assist you as a pastor,
preacher, teacher? What will you emphasize in your ministry?
5.
How do your parents feel about your plans to enter the ministry?
6.
Have you studied the biblical requirements for elder in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1, and are
you persuaded by God in your own mind that you meet these qualifications? In what
areas do you see need for improvement?
7.
Describe your devotional habits for yourself and your family.
18
8.
What is your current financial situation?
The following are to be answered by your spouse:
1.
How do you feel about your husband serving as a minister of the Gospel?
2.
What qualifications do you see that will make him a useful servant of Christ?
3.
How has he displayed those qualities as a husband and father?
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Session Certification
Name of applicant: ______________________________________________________________
Church: _________________________________
Date received as member: _______________
1.
City/State: __________________________
Date of Session Certification: _____________
How does the Session evaluate the applicant’s character?
Strengths:
Weaknesses:
His usefulness for ministry:
2.
In what ministries has the applicant been involved? Evaluate his performance in those
ministries.
3.
In recommending the applicant, are there qualifications or concerns which you believe
the Credentials Committee ought to address.
CERTIFICATION
We do hereby certify that the above applicant has been a member of this church at least six
months, and we recommend that he be admitted as a candidate of the Presbytery of Northwest
Georgia.
Moderator of the Session: ________________________________________________________
Please return to: Current Credentials Committee Chairman Contact Information –
http://nwgp.org/committees/
20
Spiritual Inventory
Directed Towards an Inventory of Personal Character and Issues of the Heart
Northwest Georgia Presbytery
Credentials Committee
Introduction:
This spiritual inventory has been designed to enable candidates, licentiates and men seeking
licensure and ordination in Northwest Georgia Presbytery to take stock of the progress of grace
in the heart. Character formation requires the continued deepening of the sanctifying graces of
the Holy Spirit. Some questions will be considered “very personal, even intimate,” but they are
examples of issues that every servant of Christ must deal with faithfully.
Your signature at the space provided at the end of this paragraph indicates that you understand
that though your responses are personal, they will ordinarily be read by Credentials Committee
members only. You are thereby granting the committee permission to copy, distribute, and read
these reflections (within the committee) in order to more faithfully assist you in spiritual
accountability and growth in grace. Your responses on this inventory will become a portion of
your file. Married men will be asked to have their wives give some reflection on a separate form,
under the same conditions as above.
The premise of this inventory is as follows: The man who is prepared to examine his own heart
with integrity and ruthless honesty is then well prepared to look into the heart of God and the
heart of the people whom he has been given to shepherd. Further, of the qualifications listed for
office in the Pauline passages of Timothy and Titus, the majority of qualifications listed focus
directly on the character of the man. It behooves us, then, to take careful stock of character
issues.
I have read and agree to the above.
Signed____________________________________
(Husband)
Questions:
1.
What measurable advances has the Lord made in your soul’s sanctification in the past
five years?
2.
What measurable advances have you been seriously praying for in the last six months?
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3.
Please open your Bible to Philippians 2:5-11. With this text before you and meditating
thereupon, how do the main themes of this passage bear upon your view of your life in
ministry?
4.
Are you presently experiencing real profit in your soul from the public means of grace?
How so?
5.
In what ways does your relationship with your wife positively mirror Christ’s relationship
to the church?
6.
In what ways should your relationship with your wife more faithfully reflect Christ’s
relationship to His church?
7.
Are there chronic areas of repeated failure in your marriage? Have you discerned any
patterns to these failures?
8.
How are you as the head of your home cultivating affection for your wife in your
marriage?
9.
Please explain your prayer life together.
10.
As far as you can discern, are your children walking with Christ? What gives you reason
to hope this is so?
22
11.
How are you concretely nurturing your children in the admonition of the Lord?
12.
Please describe your patterns of family worship.
13.
Is there anything in the area of sexual sin, and the lusts of the flesh, which has mastery
over you? In addition, are you engaged in any spousal sexual unfaithfulness, sexual
promiscuity or homosexuality?
14.
Do you presently make use of or entertain any form of pornography?
15.
Is your conscience clear before the face of God with respect to your TV and movie
viewing habits?
16.
Have you been completely above reproach in all of your financial matters? Taxes?
Credit cards? Indebtedness? Tithes and offerings? Etc.
17.
Is there any pending legal action against you, and/or are there large debts and creditors
which impact you at this time?
18.
Do you give to the Lord in His visible church regularly and proportionally?
23
19.
To your knowledge, does anyone have an unresolved grievance against you?
20.
Other than your spouse, is there anyone, or a number of other men, to whom you are
accountable at a deep personal and spiritual level? In other words, who knows you well
enough to hold your spiritual feet to the fire? Are you meeting presently with that
person or persons in an effective way?
21.
When do you find yourself becoming angry?
22.
How do you resolve your anger?
23.
How do you resolve conflict between your wife and yourself? Your children?
24.
Is there anything in your life at present that may legitimately be defined as an addiction?
(e.g., pornography, alcohol, tobacco, illegal substances, etc.)
24
25.
Please describe the role of hospitality to others in your home. In light of this, how often
do you entertain in your home, other than relatives?
26.
Please describe your patterns of private communion with Christ in prayer.
27.
What has consistently been your greatest spiritual struggle? What are you actively doing
to gain victory in this area?
28.
Are you presently harboring anything against a brother or sister in Christ’s church? Are
you harboring a bitterness of some kind toward someone?
29.
In what ways are you taking care of your body to the glory of Christ and His Spirit,
whose temple you are?
30.
Please list three books (Christian works, excluding required reading for academia) you
have read this past year. Additionally, what three books would you say have had the
most impact upon you other than the Bible?
27
I have reflected on what has been written and affirm that this has been written with sincerity and
integrity.
__________________________________________________ Signature of Candidate
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Spiritual Inventory
Reflections for the Wife of a Man Under Care, Candidacy or Licensure
Northwest Georgia Presbytery
Credentials Committee
Introduction:
This spiritual inventory has been designed to enable candidates, licentiates and men seeking
licensure and ordination in Northwest Georgia Presbytery to take stock of the progress of grace
in the heart. Character formation requires the continued deepening of the sanctifying graces of
the Holy Spirit. Some questions will be considered “very personal, even intimate,” but they are
examples of issues that every servant of Christ must deal with faithfully.
Your signature at the space provided at the end of this paragraph indicates that you understand
that though your responses are personal, they will ordinarily be read only by Credentials
Committee members. You are thereby granting the committee permission to copy, distribute, and
read these reflections (within the committee) in order to more faithfully assist you in spiritual
accountability and growth in grace. Your responses on this inventory will become a portion of
your file. Married men will be asked to have their wives give some reflection on a separate form,
under the same conditions as above.
The premise of this inventory is as follows: The man who is prepared to examine his own heart
with integrity and ruthless honesty is then well prepared to look into the heart of God and the
heart of the people whom he has been given to shepherd. Further, of the qualifications listed for
office in the Pauline passages of Timothy and Titus, the majority of qualifications listed focus
directly on the character of the man. It behooves us, then, to take careful stock of character
issues.
I have read and agree to the above,
Signed_____________________________________________
(Wife)
Questions:
1.
In what ways does your husband’s relationship with you positively mirror Christ’s
relationship to His church?
2.
In what ways should your husband’s relationship with you more faithfully reflect Christ’s
relationship to His church?
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3.
How are you cultivating affection for your husband in your marriage?
4.
Are there chronic areas of repeated failure in your marriage? Have you discerned any
patterns to these areas of struggle and weakness?
5.
Respond to the following, please: “I know my husband loves me because . . .”
6.
If applicable, respond to the following, please: “I know my husband loves our children
because . . .”
7.
When do you find your husband becoming easily angered?
8.
How does he resolve his anger?
9.
How do you resolve conflict between the two of you?
10.
11.
In what ways is it evident to you that your husband is called to be a pastor?
With respect to any of the questions on my husband’s inventory, I would add the
following reflections:
I have reflected on what has been written both by my husband and me and affirm that this has
been written with sincerity and integrity.
__________________________________________________ Signed by Candidate’s’ Wife
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Internship
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“Internship in the PCA”
An internship as outlined in BCO 19:7-11 is now mandatory for every candidate for ordination in the
PCA. The purpose of this internship is to test one’s gifts, examine one’s abilities, and develop one’s
experience for the Gospel ministry.
The Holy Scriptures require that some trial be previously made of those who are to be ordained
to the ministry of the Word, both concerning their gifts and concerning their ability to rule as
teaching elders, in order that this sacred office may not be degraded by being committed to weak
or unworthy men, and that the Church may have an opportunity to form a better judgment
respecting the gifts of those to whom this sacred office is committed.
To provide for such a period of trial, a candidate for ordination must serve an internship. This
period of internship shall be at least one year in length, and may be longer at the discretion of the
presbytery so as to give sufficient time for the presbytery to judge the candidate’s qualifications
and service. This period of internship may occur during or after the candidate’s formal
theological education. When it occurs during his formal theological education, it may include an
intern year in addition to his time of academic training or it may run concurrent with his
academic training.
The nature of the internship shall be determined by the presbytery, but it should involve the
candidate in full scope of the duties of any regular ministerial calling approved by the presbytery.
It is to be both a time of practical instruction and testing by the presbytery, and may be in any
work which the presbytery deems to be a suitable ministry to test the intern’s gifts. The intern
should be closely supervised by the presbytery throughout this trial period. (BCO 19-7)
The NWGP allows for five different plans of internship, each equivalent to one year’s full-time work in
a local church or special ministry (e.g., RUF, chaplaincy, mission field, etc.). The internship usually
includes some financial compensation, but this remuneration is not mandatory. The internship is an
educational and developmental program, rather than a job requiring remuneration. Thus, internships may
be without financial compensation.
To complete an internship eight things are required by The Book of Church Order:
1. A position and program in a church or ministry affording the intern “suitable ministry to test the
intern’s gifts” (BCO 19-7).
2. A mentor. The mentor may be a teaching elder or ruling elder involved in the intern’s ministry
(preferably a pastor at the local church being served).
3. Candidacy status: You may become a candidate and a licentiate at the same time you become an
intern (BCO 19-8).
4. Completion of appropriate applications and testimonials.
5. Appearance before the Credentials Committee to present:
 Testimony to conversion
 Testimony to call to the ministry
 Approval of internship plan
6. Approval of presbytery and declaration of intern status (BCO 19-10).
7. Completion of presbytery requirements (see attached).
8. Proper reports submitted to presbytery.
All communication concerning internships should be sent to: Current Credentials Committee Chairman
Contact Information – http://nwgp.org/committees/
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BOOK OF CHURCH ORDER
19:7-16
19-7. The Holy Scriptures require that some trial be previously made of those who are to be ordained
to the ministry of the Word, both concerning their gifts and concerning their ability to rule as teaching
elders, in order that this sacred office may not be degraded by being committed to weak or unworthy
men, and that the Church may have an opportunity to form a better judgment respecting the gifts of
those to whom this sacred office is committed.
To provide for such a period of trial, a candidate for ordination must serve an internship. This
period of internship shall be at least one year in length, and may be longer at the discretion of the
presbytery so as to give sufficient time for the presbytery to judge the candidate’s qualifications and
service. This period of internship may occur during or after the candidate’s formal theological education.
When it occurs during his formal theological education, it may include an intern year in addition to his
time of academic training or it may run concurrent with his academic training.
The nature of the internship shall be determined by the presbytery, but it should involve the
candidate in full scope of the duties of any regular ministerial calling approved by the presbytery. It is to
be both a time of practical instruction and testing by the presbytery, and may be in any work which the
presbytery deems to be a suitable ministry to test the intern’s gifts. The intern should be closely
supervised by the presbytery throughout this trial period.
19-8. An applicant for internship must be a candidate and may be a licentiate in the presbytery in
which he is seeking to become an intern. He may, however, become a candidate, and an intern at the
same meeting of presbytery. If an applicant for internship is already a candidate in another presbytery,
that presbytery should dismiss him as a candidate to the Presbytery in which he is seeking to become an
intern.
19-9. Examination for Internship
Before the applicant begins his period of internship, he shall give to the presbytery a written and/or an
oral statement (at the discretion of the presbytery) of his inward call to the ministry of the Word.
19-10. When an applicant is approved for internship, the moderator of the presbytery shall offer a prayer
suitable for the occasion, and shall address the applicant, if present, as follows:
In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and by that authority which He has given to the Church
for its edification, we do declare you to be an intern of this presbytery as a means of testing
your gifts for the holy ministry wherever God in His providence may call you; and for this
purpose may the blessing of God rest upon you, and the Spirit of Christ fill your heart.
Amen.
Record shall be made of the internship in the following or like form, namely:
At ____________, the ___ day of ______, the _________ presbytery, having received testimonials
commending _____, having received him as a candidate for the ministry, has placed him under
internship at his request in order to test his gifts for the holy ministry.
19-11. When any intern shall have occasion, while his internship is in progress, to remove from the
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bounds of his own presbytery into those of another, the latter presbytery may, at its discretion, on his
producing proper testimonials from the former, take up his internship at the point at which it was left,
and conduct it to a conclusion in the same manner as if it had been commenced itself. Presbytery shall
repeat any portion of the previous presbytery’s examination it desires, but it must at least examine the
intern on:
a. his Christian experience,
b. his call to the ministry,
c. his views in theology, and
d. church government.
When God gives the intern the providential opportunity to serve the church and to receive
part of his training within the bounds of a presbytery other than the one in which he has been
declared an intern, the presbyteries involved may develop a cooperative agreement to assure the
proper training of the intern. In such cases the home presbytery retains the final responsibility for
and authority over the internship, but may rely to any extent considered necessary and proper in
the circumstances, on the assistance of the sister presbytery. When regular preaching of the Word
is involved, care must be taken to comply with BCO 19-1.
19-12. Presbyteries should require interns to devote themselves diligently to the trial of their
gifts; and no one should be ordained to the work of the ministry of the Word until he has
demonstrated the ability both to edify and to rule in the Church. Reports on every intern in the
presbytery should be presented at each stated meeting of the presbytery by the committee of
presbytery charged with the oversight of interns, and these reports shall become a part of the
minutes of presbytery. The presbytery shall also require every intern himself to make a report to
it at least once a year describing his ministerial experiences. If the intern is still in school, the
presbytery shall secure from his instructors an annual report upon his deportment, diligence, and
progress in study.
19-13. At the end of the period of time set by the presbytery for his internship, an intern shall
have his internship either approved or disapproved. Even if it is approved, he cannot be ordained
without a call to some specific work. If the internship is disapproved, the presbytery may either
extend it for another definite period of time or it may completely rescind his intern status and
may revoke his internship. If the intern shall devote himself unnecessarily to such pursuits as
interfere with a full trial of his gifts, it shall be the duty of the presbytery to rescind his intern
status, and to record its reasons therefore in the minutes of presbytery.
19-14. An intern, who, during his internship, is to serve a congregation in the capacity of the
minister of the Word must be called by the congregation in the same way that a regular minister
is called. A congregation may later call such a man as its pastor. This call must be approved by
presbytery prior to the time of ordination. In the event a congregation does not desire to call such
a man as its pastor as determined by a congregational vote, notice should be given as early as
possible. Interns may be called to serve as assistants to ministers during their internship, by the
Session of a church with approval of the call by presbytery.
19-15. Restrictions.
The intern may be asked by the moderator of a Session temporarily to chair the meeting of the
Session. In such cases the moderator shall supervise this activity and may overrule the intern or
re-assume the chair at will. The intern is not a member of Session and may not vote in the
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meetings unless he has previously been ordained a Ruling Elder and elected to the Session by the
congregation. Normally, he shall serve in an advisory capacity to the Session and Diaconate
when he has been called to work out his internship by a congregation. He shall have the right to
conduct funerals. An intern may not administer the Sacraments. He may serve on committees of
the church he serves.
19-16. When circumstances warrant, a presbytery may approve previous experience which is
equivalent to internship. This equivalency shall be decided by a three-fourths (3/4) vote of
presbytery at any of its regular meetings. Such equivalent experience shall be decided only after
the presbytery’s internship committee has determined and reported that the candidate has met the
following requirements:
a. he has had at least one (1) year of experience in comparable ministry;
b. he has satisfactorily performed the full scope of ministerial duties;
c. he has the manifest approbation of God’s people in a local church as having the requisite
gifts of the pastoral ministry.
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Intern’s Checklist






Met with my pastor and Session to secure an internship.
Completed internship application.
Secured letter from a mentor agreeing to oversee my internship.
Have read and understood the NWGP Internship Program guidelines.
Contacted the chairman of the Credentials Committee and the chairman of the
Shepherding/Christian Education Committee concerning my internship.
Have completed candidacy applications (if necessary) and licensure applications and
exams (if desired). See appropriate guidelines.
Contact Credentials chairman for time, date and location of committee meetings and
examinations.
ALL APPLICATIONS AND SUPPORTING MATERIALS MUST BE RECEIVED
ELECTRONICALLY. Send all application, reports and papers to: Current Credentials
Committee Chairman Contact Information – http://nwgp.org/committees/
Guidelines for Applicants Seeking Internship
Internship is now required of any applicant who applied to seminary after June 21, 1981.
Internship involves one full year of supervised ministry in a PCA church.
Prerequisites:
1. You must be a candidate (or applying) in the PCA, and seeking licensure and ordination in
the PCA.
2. You must have a PCA church in which to serve as an intern. Internship is intended to give
you exposure to the various aspects of ministry and preaching. Your development in these
roles is paramount!
3. Seek a teaching or ruling elder who is willing to serve as your mentor in a particular PCA
church. Secure a written agreement from him to serve as your mentor.
4. Complete the “Internship Application” and return it to the Credentials Committee according
to the deadline given by the chairman of the C&C Committee.
5. Submit your completed “Internship Application” to the chairman of the Credentials
Committee according to the deadline given by the chairman of the C&C Committee.
6. Appear before the Credentials Committee and presbytery to be declared an intern. Contact
the chairman of the Credentials Committee for deadlines and exact dates, times and locations
of committee meetings and examinations.
Responsibilities:
1. You must complete the requirements of internship. An “Internship Checklist” is provided.
2. The mentor you choose to supervise your program must be approved by the committee. It is
preferable that your mentor be the pastor of the church you serve.
3. You must make arrangements to meet with your mentor at least once a month to evaluate
your progress and to go over your completed assignments. You must submit the substance of
these meetings in your reports to the committee. Note: These meetings are required whether
you are actively serving in a church or are between ministries.
4. You must submit an annual report to the Credentials Committee during the winter meeting.
(to be submitted prior to the meeting of the Credentials Committee). Reports should include a
description of your work, dates of meetings with your mentor, concerns raised, evaluation of
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your progress, and the status of your education.
5. Reports are required from the beginning of your internship until the completion of it. Interns
between ministries are not exempt from submitting reports.
6. Any changes in an internship program must receive prior approval of the Credentials
Committee
APPENDIX A
PRESBYTERY'S INTERNSHIP TRAINING PROGRAM
1. Statement of purpose:
The purposes of this program are as follows: to ensure that all candidates meet the requirements of the
Book of Church Order (19-7); to ensure that each candidate's seminary training conforms to the uniform
curriculum; to ensure that each candidate has confirmation of his calling to the gospel ministry; to
ensure that presbytery complies with the stated requirements of the BCO concerning candidacy,
licensure, and internship; to allow each candidate the opportunity, under the supervision of the
Credentials Committee, to correct any weakness in his examination for licensure; and to provide
practical experience for each intern.
2. Implementation:
The applicant for internship will be examined for licensure by the Credentials Committee and presbytery
according to the BCO 19-6,7,9. If there are deficiencies in the applicant's examination, the committee is
to devise a plan of study to correct them. The committee will report to each meeting of presbytery the
progress being made by the intern in eliminating his deficiencies.
3. Financial Arrangements:
The financial aspects of this program will be flexible. Candidates, licentiates, and interns will be
responsible for the expenses of their academic education and internship. Presbytery, local churches, and
individuals may provide financial aid to interns.
4. The Intern:
It is expected that each intern will participate fully in the training program established by these
guidelines. It is the responsibility of the intern to fulfill the requirements. It is recognized, however, that
candidates will be received during various stages of training, and every effort will be made to cooperate
with presbyteries from which candidates might transfer. Each intern must report four times yearly to the
Credentials Committee, two months before each presbytery meeting, and must be responsive to the
committee's counsel and guidance. It is further recognized that some men will be specializing in
Christian education or foreign missions. In such case the intern must complete the specific requirements
set forth in this program, since he will be called upon to fulfill all the duties of a minister of the gospel.
A candidate's internship may be fulfilled overseas on a short-term missionary assignment at the
discretion of presbytery.
5. Mentors:
A mentor for an intern must meet the following requirements:
a. He must be a PCA teaching or ruling elder with at least three (3) years’ experience as an elder.
b. He must meet with the intern monthly to review/measure the intern’s progress and to
shepherd him in the following:
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•
•
•
•
Character - assisted by the intern's spiritual inventory which was previously submitted
to the Credentials Committee,
Knowledge - according to the Constitution of the PCA (see BCO 19-2),
Pastoral duties - The mentor must model these duties.
Teaching and Preaching (if applicable) - evaluate and assess.
c. He will make brief, semi-annual assessments of the intern - his gifts and graces - and submit each
assessment to the Credentials Committee for the committee's spring and fall stated meetings.
d. He will, in person and just prior to the completion of the intern's training program, relate to the
Credentials Committee an account of the development of the internship and give his final
assessment of the intern's gifts and graces for ministry (according to I Timothy 3:1-7).
6. The Intern and the Uniform Curriculum:
As part of his internship a candidate will provide the Credentials Committee with transcripts for all
seminary academic work. The Credentials Committee will determine if there are any deficiencies
existing between seminary training and the uniform curriculum. The committee will provide a plan to
correct any deficiencies.
7. Practical On-the-Field Assignment for the Intern:
a. Approval: Presbytery must approve all assignments.
b. Time: The equivalent of a year of full-time experience is required.
Various combinations of full and part-time ministries may apply toward partial fulfillment of the
requirement. In all cases a minimum of six consecutive months of full-time experience as an
intern in this presbytery is required.
c. Reports: All written reports and papers must be typed and presented to the Credentials
Committee.
d. Specific Assignments given to be completed by Each Intern:
Examples include: preaching and teaching opportunities; observe baptism, funeral, marriage
ceremonies; be a part of visitations; deacon and elder meetings; church committee meetings;
presbytery meetings; new member classes and all the various ministries of the pastorate.
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Intern Checklist
Name:
Preliminary Matters
___
Intern assignment approved by Credentials Committee
___
Date internship approved by presbytery:
___
Mentor chosen and approved by Credentials Committee
Mentor’s Name:
Specific Assignment Ideas
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Internship Application
Date: ________________
Name: ________________________________________________________________________
Phone: _______________________________________________________________________
Address: ______________________________________________________________________
City/State/Zip: _________________________________________________________________
E-mail address: _________________________________________________________________
Seminary Status: _____ Junior
_____Ordained
_____ Middler
_____ Senior
_____ Graduate
(Church ____________________________________________)
Are you a candidate of the Northwest Georgia Presbytery? ______________________________
Date you became a candidate: _____________________________________________________
1. How do you plan to fulfill the time requirements of internship?
___Plan A: Work twelve months full time (40+ hours, 52 weeks)
___Plan B: Work full time during the summer (40+ hours, 13 weeks)
+ work part time during the school year (15 hours, 32 weeks)
+ work full time for six consecutive months (40+ hours, 26 weeks)
___Plan C: Work full time for two summers (40+ hours, 13 weeks x 2)
+ work full time for six consecutive months (40+ hours, 26 weeks)
___Plan D: Work part time during two school years (15 hours, 32 weeks x 2)
+ work full time for six consecutive months (40+ hours, 26 weeks)
___Plan E: Other—must be approved by the Credential Committee
2. Where do you plan to serve as an intern?
Church: ___________________________
City/State: _______________________
Pastor/Mentor: ______________________
Phone: __________________________
Address: ___________________________________________________________________
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3. Do you plan to fulfill all internship requirements at this church?
____Yes
____ No
If not, explain:
4. What will be your primary responsibilities?
5. Describe the relationship you expect to have with the pastor or mentor.
6. What occasions will enable your pastor/mentor to give encouragement, instruction and
constructive criticism?
7. What goals do you have for yourself during this time of internship?
8. Will you be compensated for your labors as an intern? ____Yes
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No ____
Licensure
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“Licensure to Preach in the PCA”
Licensure to preach in the PCA is not an essential step in the process of ordination unless one is
to preach regularly in PCA pulpits during candidacy and internship. Licensure can occur before,
during, or after an internship. Licensure may also be granted to ruling elders, to non-PCA
personnel, or to PCA teaching elders ordained in other presbyteries, or to others desiring to
preach in our presbyteries.
To preserve the purity of the preaching of the Gospel, no man is permitted to preach in
the pulpits of the Presbyterian Church in America on a regular basis without proper
licensure from the presbytery having jurisdiction where he will preach. An ordained
teaching elder who is a member in good standing of another presbytery of the
Presbyterian Church in America may be licensed after being examined as to his views,
according to the provision of BCO 13-6. This license shall immediately become void if
the minister’s own presbytery administers against him a censure of suspension from
office or the sacraments, or deposition from office, or of excommunication (in the event
of such censures, the presbytery with jurisdiction shall always notify the licensing
presbytery). A ruling elder, a candidate for the ministry, a minister from some other
denomination, or some other man may be licensed for the purpose of regularly providing
the preaching of the Word upon his giving satisfaction to the presbytery of his gifts and
passing the licensure examination. (See also BCO 22-5 and 22-6.) (BCO 19-1)
Licensure is required for any person preaching once a month, on a regular basis, in any PCA
church.
Sessions desiring to have a minister, a student preparing for the ministry, or a ruling elder
fill their pulpit more than once a month on a regular basis must request approval for a
supply relationship from the presbytery. Preliminary approval may be granted by the
Credentials Committee for members of NWGP or for other men who have been
examined by the committee. No man may fill a pulpit more than once a month on a
regular basis in any church in the presbytery without meeting with the Credentials
Committee.
Licensure will also be necessary for those interns who regularly preach as part of their internship
responsibilities. A man may choose to be licensed in preparation for his ordination exams, since
licensure exams are very similar, and in parts are identical, to ordination examinations. The
licensure examinations include:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Christian experience and call to the ministry
English Bible
Reformed Theology (Westminster Standards)
Church Government (Book of Church Order)
Views on specific theological issues
A sermon outline/manuscript/audio
Men who are seeking a stated supply or student supply relationship with a local church should
provide a letter of request from the Clerk of the Session of said church.
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In order to provide necessary changes in pastorates, a temporary relation may be
established between a church and a minister called Stated Supply. If a church is unable to
secure a regular pastor or a Stated Supply, then the Session with approval of presbytery
may establish a temporary relation between the church and a licentiate called Student
Supply or Ruling Elder Supply. (BCO 22-5)
Such temporary relationships can take place at the invitation of the church Session to the
minister of the Word, the licentiate, or the ruling elder. The length of the relationship will
be determined by the Session and the minister, the licentiate, or the ruling elder, with the
approval of the presbytery. Stated supply, student supply, or ruling elder supply
relationships will be for no longer than one year, renewable at the request of the Session
and at the review of the presbytery. (See also BCO 19-1). (BCO 22-6)
Guidelines for application and examination for licensure are enclosed in this booklet. Be careful
to read all the instructions for the various parts of the written examinations.
Licensure Checklist






Completed and submitted licensure application.
Secured letter of request from the Session of the church seeking stated supply (if
necessary).
Completed an “Examination on Views,” English Bible, Theology and Church
Government.
Submitted a written sermon outline/manuscript.
Have applied for renewal of licensure if necessary.
Contacted the Credentials chairman for deadline dates and the time, date and location of
Credentials Committee meeting and examinations.
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Views on Theological Issues
The following list of controversial issues and theological topics will be covered in examinations
of all candidates. This list is provided so that the candidate will know to be prepared.
1.
Length of days of creation (Genesis 1)
2.
The role of women in church office
3.
The two-office or three-office view of church government
4.
The regulative principle for worship (drama, dance, music styles, etc.)
5.
The Sabbath view held by each candidate
6.
Signs, or “miraculous,” or apostolic gifts
 Tongues
 Interpretation
 Miracles
 Healing
7.
The continuing role of prophecy in the Church today
8.
The covenant of works
9.
Antinomianism: the Law as it applies today
10.
Views of psalmody in worship
11.
Frequency of communion
12.
Paedo-communion
13.
Divorce and remarriage
14.
The validity of Roman Catholic baptism
15.
The validity of re-baptism
16.
The Lordship controversy and the carnal Christian
17.
Fencing the Lord’s Table
18.
The necessity and method of church discipline
19.
Subscription to subordinate standards
20.
Christian liberty: the use of alcohol and tobacco
21.
Civil disobedience
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22.
Christian education: public school, private school, home school, Christian school
23.
Your definition of Presbyterianism
24.
Theonomy
25.
The Impeccability of Christ
26.
Federal Vision
27.
New Perspectives on Paul
28.
Intinction
29.
The Historicity of Adam
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BCO 19:1-6
19-1. To preserve the purity of the preaching of the Gospel, no man is permitted to preach in
the pulpits of the Presbyterian Church in America on a regular basis without proper licensure
from the presbytery having jurisdiction where he will preach. An ordained teaching elder who is
a member in good standing of another presbytery of the Presbyterian Church in America may be
licensed after being examined as to his views, according to the provision of BCO 13-6. This
license shall immediately become void if the minister’s own presbytery administers against him
a censure of suspension from office or the sacraments, or deposition from office, or of
excommunication (in the event of such censures, the presbytery with jurisdiction shall always
notify the licensing presbytery). A ruling elder, a candidate for the ministry, a minister from
some other denomination, or some other man may be licensed for the purpose of regularly
providing the preaching of the Word upon his giving satisfaction to the presbytery of his gifts
and passing the licensure examination. (See also BCO 22-5 and 22-6.)
19-2. Examination for Licensure.
The examination for licensure shall be as follows:
a. Give a statement of his Christian experience and inward call to preach the Gospel in
written form and/or orally before the presbytery (at the discretion of the presbytery).
b. Be tested with a written and/or oral examination by the presbytery (at the discretion of
the presbytery) for his:
1.
basic knowledge of Biblical doctrine as outlined in the Confession of Faith and
Larger and Shorter Catechisms of the Presbyterian Church in America.
2.
practical knowledge of the Bible content.
3.
basic knowledge of the government of the Presbyterian Church in America as
defined in The Book of Church Order.
c. Be examined orally before presbytery for his views in the areas outlined in part b above.
d. Provide his written sermon on an assigned passage of Scripture embodying both
explanation and application, and present orally his sermon or exhortation before
presbytery or before a committee of presbytery.
No presbytery shall omit any of these parts of examination except in extraordinary cases; and
whenever a presbytery shall omit any of these parts, it shall always make a record of the reasons
therefore, and of the trial parts omitted.
19-3. Questions for Licensure.
If the presbytery be satisfied with the trials of the applicant, it shall then proceed to license him
in the following manner:
The moderator shall propose to him the following questions, namely:
1. Do you believe the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, as originally given, to
be the inerrant Word of God, the only infallible rule of faith and practice?
2. Do you sincerely receive and adopt the Confession of Faith and the Catechisms of
this Church as containing the system of doctrine taught in the Holy Scripture?
3. Do you promise to strive for the purity, peace, unity and edification of the Church?
4. Do you promise to submit yourself, in the Lord, to the government of this
presbytery, or of any other into the bounds of which you may be called?
53
19-4. The applicant having answered these questions in the affirmative, the moderator shall
offer a prayer suitable for the occasion, and shall address the applicant as follows:
In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and by that authority which He has given to the
church for its edification, we do license you to preach the Gospel in this presbytery
wherever God in His providence may call you; and for this purpose may the blessing of
God rest upon you, and the Spirit of Christ fill your heart. Amen.
Record shall be made of the licensure in the following or like form:
At
________ , the
________ day of _____, the _________presbytery, having
received testimonials commending_________, proceeded to submit to him to the
prescribed examination for licensure, which was met to the approval of the presbytery.
Having satisfactorily answered the questions for licensure, _______was licensed by
the presbytery to preach the Gospel within the bounds of this presbytery.
19-5. When any licentiate shall have occasion to remove from the bounds of his presbytery into
those of another, the latter presbytery may, at its discretion, on his producing proper testimonials
from the former, repeat any portion of the previous presbytery’s examination it desires. The
presbytery into whose bounds the licentiate is moving, however, must at least examine the man
concerning:
a. his Christian experience,
b. his call to preach the Gospel,
c. his views in theology,
d. his Bible content,
e. church government.
This presbytery then may license him to preach within its bounds.
19-6. The license to preach the Gospel shall expire at the end of four years. The presbytery
may, if it thinks proper, renew it without further examination. The licentiate must apply for
renewal prior to expiration. If the license expires, the stated clerk shall report the expiration to
the presbytery and to the individual’s Session, and such action shall be recorded in the minutes.
The procedures of BCO 19-2 must be followed for re-licensure and such fact shall be recorded in
the minutes. The license may be terminated at any time by a simple majority vote of the issuing
presbytery. The presbytery shall always record its reasons for this action in its minutes.
54
Guidelines for Applicants Seeking Licensure
Who should seek Licensure?
1. You need to be licensed if you preach more than once a month in one of the pulpits of the
Presbytery of Northwest Georgia.
2. Depending on the frequency of preaching, you may need to be licensed in order to become an
intern of this presbytery.
3. You need not be a candidate of this presbytery in order to be licensed.
Forms Required: (MUST BE SUBMITTED BY THE DATE PROVIDED BY THE
CHAIRMAN)
A completed “Licensure Application”
A completed “Examination on Views”
A completed set of examinations: English Bible, Theology and Church Government
A manuscript of the sermon you will preach at presbytery
Use the enclosed “Guidelines for Sermon” as a reference for composing your sermon.
5. A written request for you to become a Student (or Stated) Supply from the Session of the
church you intend to supply (if applicable). This request must be renewed annually.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Procedure:
Applicants for licensure are required to be examined in the areas of Christian Experience,
Theology, English Bible, and Church Government. This examination will be three-fold. First,
you will take a written examination at a scheduled time approximately three weeks before the
Credentials Committee meets. Second, the Credentials Committee is charged to give you an
oral examination in the same areas. Finally, the full presbytery will examine you again in these
areas at its stated meeting. You will also be expected to preach at presbytery. Please contact the
chairman of the Credentials Committee for exact times and locations of committee meetings and
examinations.
Terms:
Licensure will expire at the end of four years, at which time the licentiate may apply for renewal.
ALL APPLICATIONS AND SUPPORTING MATERIALS MUST BE RECEIVED
ELECTRONICALLY. Send all applications, reports and papers to:
Current Credentials Committee Chairman Contact Information – http://nwgp.org/committee
55
Licensure Application
Date: _____________
Name: ___________________________________
Phone: ___________________________
Address: ________________________________
City/State/Zip:_____________________
E-mail address: _________________________________________________________________
Seminary Status: ___ Junior
If other, explain:
___ Middler
___ Senior
___ Other
Graduate of which seminary? _________________________________
Denominational Status:
Are you a member of the Presbyterian Church in America? Yes ______
No _____
If no, which denomination?
If yes, answer the following questions about your status:
___Candidate of Northwest Georgia Presbytery (Date received: ___________ )
___Applying for candidacy (Date:_____________ )
___Candidate in ________________ Presbytery (State:_____ Date received: _______ )
___Licensed in _________________ Presbytery (State:_____ Date received:_________)
For applicants who plan to supply a church:
1.
Church you plan to supply: _________________________________________________
City/Town _____________________________________ Phone __________________
2.
Clerk of Session _________________________________ Phone__________________
3.
Explain how you were chosen to supply this church.
4.
How many services per month do you plan to supply?
5.
Do you plan to perform other pastoral duties (visiting, teaching, etc.)? ___Yes
If yes, what do you plan to do?
6.
How long do you expect to supply this pulpit?
7.
Do you want this experience to apply toward internship? ___ Yes
8.
If yes, you must apply for internship.
9.
If you are not seeking internship at this time, what are your plans for internship?
58
___No
___No
Ordination
59
“Ordination to the Gospel Ministry”
Ordination to the office of teaching elder is always to some specific (definite) call. This call may
come from a local church, a mission agency (MTW), a campus work (RUM), or other ministry
necessitating ordination. The Book of Church Order is clear about this:
17-1 Those who have been called to office in the church are to be inducted by the
ordination of a court.
17-2. Ordination is the authoritative admission of one duly called to an office in the
Church of God, accompanied with prayer and the laying on of hands, to which it is proper
to add the giving of the right hand of fellowship.
17-3. As every ecclesiastical office, according to the Scriptures, is a special charge, no
man shall be ordained unless it be to the performance of a definite work.
21-1. No minister, licentiate or candidate shall receive a call from a church but by the
permission of his presbytery. When a call has been presented to the presbytery, if found
in order and the presbytery deem it for the good of the Church, they shall place it in the
hands of the person to whom it is addressed.
Ordinarily a candidate or licentiate may not be granted permission by the presbytery to
move on to the field to which he has been called prior to his examination for licensure or
ordination. Likewise, an ordained minister from another Presbyterian Church in America
presbytery or another denomination ordinarily shall not move on to the field to which he
has been called until examined and received by presbytery.
21-2. When an intern has completed his internship to the satisfaction of the presbytery,
and has accepted a call, the presbytery shall take immediate steps for his ordination.
The trials for ordination include an extensive series of examinations, set forth by the BCO.
a. A careful examination as to:
1. his acquaintance with experiential religion, especially his personal character and
family management (based on the qualifications set out in 1 Timothy 3:1-7, and Titus
1:6-9),
2. his knowledge of the Greek and Hebrew languages,*
3. Bible content,
4. theology,
5. the Sacraments,
6. Church history,
7. the history of the Presbyterian Church in America, and
8. the principles and rules of the government and discipline of the church.
*A presbytery may accept a seminary degree which includes study in the original
languages in lieu of an oral examination in the original languages.
b. He shall prepare a thesis on some theological topic assigned by presbytery.
c. The candidate shall prepare an exegesis on an assigned portion of Scripture, requiring the
use of the original language or languages.
d. He shall further be required to preach a sermon before the presbytery or committee
thereof, upon three-fourths (3/4) vote. (21-4)
60
These requirements from the BCO are met by NWGP in the following manner:
BCO Requirement
NWGP Examination
Experiential Religion
Testimony of conversion and call
to the ministry
Knowledge of Greek and Hebrew
Transcripts from seminary and an
exegesis paper (seminary paper
acceptable)
Bible content
Examination in English Bible
Theology
Examination in Theology and Views
on certain Theological issues
The Sacraments
Examination on the Sacraments
Church History and History of the
PCA
Examination in Church History
Rules of Government and Discipline
Examination on the Book of Church
Order
Exegesis of Scripture
Exegetical paper on a passage of
Scripture
Thesis on some Theological topic
Theology paper (seminary paper
acceptable)
Preach a sermon
Written sermon in full manuscript and
preached before presbytery
Call to a specific work
Written call following the form of
BCO 20-6
Sections of the ordination examination which were completed for licensure will not need to be
repeated. Consult the Credentials chairman prior to beginning ordination exams.
In addition to a written copy of your call to a particular ministry, you must also provide a
commission for your ordination.
Among the matters that may be properly executed by commissions are the taking
of the testimony in judicial cases, the ordination of ministers, the installation of
ministers, the visitation of portions of the church affected with disorder, and the
organization of new churches.
Every commission appointed by presbytery shall consist of at least two teaching
elders and two ruling elders, and the presbytery at the time of the appointment of
the commission shall determine what the quorum shall be. However, should a
presbytery clothe a commission with judicial powers and authority to conduct
61
judicial process, or with power to ordain or install a teaching elder of the Gospel,
the quorum of such commission shall not be less than two teaching elders and two
ruling elders. The quorum for a commission appointed as an interim session
need not conform to the requirements of a judicial commission, but only to those
of a session (BCO 12-1). When the ordination of a minister is committed to a
commission, the presbytery itself shall conduct the previous examination. (BCO
15-2)
This commission shall consist of three teaching elders and three ruling elders and may include
“visiting brothers” from other PCA presbyteries. This will allow for a quorum of two teaching
elders and two ruling elders to conduct the ordination service. The written copy of the
commission should include the date, the place and the time of the ordination service.
Ordination Checklist









Contact Credentials chairman for copies of examinations.
Submit final copies of seminary transcripts.
Submit exegesis paper.
Submit theology paper.
Submit written sermon (if not submitted for licensure).
Submit call to a specific ministry (BCO 20-6).
Submit written copy of your ordination commission.
Complete and submit examinations: Theology & Views, Church Government, English
Bible (if not done during licensure), Church History, and Sacraments
Contact Credentials chairman for date, time and location of committee meeting and
examinations.
Commission for Ordination
Place:
_____________
Date:
_________
Teaching Elders:
1.
2.
3.
Time: ________
Ruling Elders:
_____________
1. ___________
_____________
_____________
Visiting Members:
62
2.
___________
3.
___________
Views on Theological Issues
The following list of controversial issues and theological topics will be covered in examinations
of all candidates. This list is provided so that the candidate will know to be prepared. Many of
these will have been covered in the licensure examination.
1.
Length of days of creation (Genesis 1)
2.
The role of women in church office
3.
The two-office or three-office view of church government
4.
The regulative principle for worship (drama, dance, music styles, etc.)
5.
The Sabbath view held by each candidate
6.
Signs, or “miraculous,” or apostolic gifts
 Tongues
 Interpretation
 Miracles
 Healing
7.
The continuing role of prophecy in the Church today
8.
The covenant of works
9.
Antinomianism: the Law as it applies today
10.
Views of psalmody in worship
11.
Frequency of communion
12.
Paedo-communion
13.
Divorce and remarriage
14.
The validity of Roman Catholic baptism
15.
The validity of re-baptism
16.
The Lordship controversy and the carnal Christian
17.
Fencing the Lord’s Table
18.
The necessity and method of church discipline
19.
Subscription to subordinate standards
20.
Christian liberty: the use of alcohol and tobacco
63
21.
Civil disobedience
22.
Christian education: public school, private school, home school, Christian school
23.
Your definition of Presbyterianism
24.
Theonomy
25.
The Impeccability of Christ
26.
Federal Vision
27.
New Perspectives on Paul
28.
Intinction
29.
The Historicity of Adam
64
The Proper Form of a Call
THE PRESBYTERY OF Northwest Georgia
Call to a Particular Ministry
The [Church name] Presbyterian Church, [town, state] being on sufficient grounds well satisfied
with the qualifications of you, TE [Pastor’s name], and having good hopes from our knowledge
of your labors that your ministrations in the Gospel will be profitable to our spiritual interests,
does earnestly call you to undertake the pastoral office in said congregation, promising you, in
the discharge of your duty, all proper support, encouragement and obedience in the Lord.
That you may be free from worldly cares and avocations, we hereby promise and oblige
ourselves to pay you the sum of $ ______________ a year in regular monthly payments, with the
following benefits: [specific amounts]
Housing Allowance:
Health & Life Insurance:
Long Term Disability:
Retirement:
Travel Allowance (Only for initial moving expenses):
Vacation Time: At least three weeks per year,
during the time of your being and continuing the regular pastor of this church.
(The Session of the local congregation is free to add to the above list of benefits.)
This . . . [date of the congregational meeting].
Signed:
__________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
Attest: I, having moderated the congregational meeting which extended a call to [name] for his
ministerial services, do certify that the call has been made in all respects according to the rules
laid down in the Book of Church Order, and that the persons who signed the foregoing call were
authorized to do so by vote of the congregation.
__________________________________
[Name] Moderator
THE CALL MUST BE SUBMITTED TO THE CLERK OF PRESBYTERY AND TO
THE CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE.
65
PRESBYTERY OF NORTHWEST GEORGIA
REPORT OF COMMISSION to ordain and/or install Mr./Rev. _________________________
as Pastor of _______________________ and ________________________ church(es):
The Commission met on _____________, ________, at ______ p.m. at the church (or at
____________________________).
Commission members present were:
Teaching Elders: _________________ (chairman); _________________;__________________.
Ruling Elders: ____________________; ____________________; ___________________.
Others Present: ________________________; ________________________.
The Commission meeting was opened with prayer by _________________________.
____________________ was elected Secretary of the Commission. The Commission recessed
with prayer by ____________________ for the ordination/installation service.
The Chairman presided in the sanctuary service, which was opened with singing, prayer, and
Scripture reading. (If desired, record who read the Scripture passages: ___________________
and who had the prayer: ______________________.) The sermon was preached by the
Rev. __________________________ on the topic/text: ________________________________.
The Chairman stated briefly the previous proceedings of the Presbytery, and pointed out the
nature and importance of the ordination/installation ordinance.
The Chairman propounded the constitutional questions to the Candidate/Minister (BCO, 22-5)
and these were answered in the affirmative. The Chairman then propounded the constitutional
questions to the congregation, and these were answered in the affirmative by the members
holding up their right hands. The candidate then kneeled and was set apart to the holy office of
the Gospel Ministry with prayer and the laying on of hands. He then rose and members of the
Commission gave him the right hand of fellowship. The Chairman then declared that
Mr./Rev.___________________ had been regularly elected, (ordained,) and installed as Pastor
of the _________________________________ Church.
(If additional churches): The Chairman then propounded the constitutional questions to the
Candidate/Minister and to the ______________________________ congregation, and these
were answered in the affirmative in the prescribed manner. He then declared that
Mr./Rev.___________________________ had been regularly elected and installed as Pastor of
that Church.
A Charge to the Pastor was delivered by Mr./Rev. __________________________________.
A Charge to the Congregation(s) was delivered by Mr./Rev. _____________________________.
Following prayer and singing, the new Pastor pronounced the benediction.
The Commission reconvened, approved its minutes, and was adjourned with prayer by
_____________________________.
___________________________________
Secretary
THE SECRETARY WILL PLEASE SEND THIS REPORT PROMPTLYTO THE
PRESBYTERY’S STATED CLERK.
66
Guidelines for Applicants Seeking Ordination in
the Presbytery of Northwest Georgia
Prerequisites:
1.
2.
3.
A bachelor’s degree and a seminary education or its approved equivalent.
Completion of an Internship Program.
A call to a particular church or work. A copy of the call should be sent by the calling
church to the Credentials Committee and to the Stated Clerk of Presbytery.
Papers Required: (MUST BE SUBMITTED BY THE DEADLINE GIVEN BY THE
CHAIRMAN)
4.
Transcripts from college and seminary awarding your degrees (if not previously
submitted).
5. Completed “General Candidacy Application.”
6. Exegesis paper (may be a seminary paper).
7. Theological paper (may be a seminary paper or the paper written during your
internship).
8. Written sermon in full manuscript form. Use the enclosed “Guidelines for Sermon” as a
reference for composing your sermon. You will preach this sermon before presbytery
on the day of your ordination trials. (NOTE WELL!! If you were licensed in the
Presbytery of the Northwest Georgia and prepared and preached a sermon for those
trials, you will NOT be asked to preach a sermon for ordination.)
9. Completed set of examinations: Theology, Views, Church History, Polity, Sacraments
and English Bible.
10. A call to a particular work (properly attested and signed: see BCO 20-6 through 20-8).
11. Recommended Commission (members, date and time) to ordain and install you. Your
Commission should consist of three teaching elders and three ruling elders from the
Presbytery of Northwest Georgia. At least one of each should be from churches other
than the one to which you have been called.
Procedure:
12. Submit all required paperwork by the date provided by the chairman of the Committee.
13. Take written examination (date will be approximately two weeks prior to the Stated
Meeting of the Credentials Committee).
14. Be examined by Credentials Committee and then by full presbytery in all areas listed in
BCO 21-4.
15. Contact the chairman of the Credentials Committee for exact dates, times and locations
of committee meetings and examinations.
16. Be ordained and installed by a commission of presbytery.
ALL APPLICATIONS AND SUPPORTING MATERIALS MUST BE RECEIVED
ELECTRONICALLY. Send all applications, reports and papers to:
Current Credentials Committee Chairman Contact Information – http://nwgp.org/committees/
67
Transfer
Guidelines for Ordained Ministers Applying for Membership
in the Presbytery of Northwest Georgia
Prerequisites:
1.
2.
Ordained by the PCA or other church body whose ordination is recognized by the PCA.
(If you have a question about this, please contact the chairman of the Credentials
Committee of the Presbytery of Northwest Georgia.) Ordination must be current.
If you are a non-PCA member, you must meet the educational requirements of the PCA
Book of Church Order (BCO) chapter 21-4 (first paragraph) and will be required to
answer the questions in BCO 21-5. Please read the section in this guide book on
ordination since you will be asked to meet some of the stated requirements.
Forms and papers required of PCA ministers:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Letter from Stated Clerk of your current presbytery attesting that you are a member in
good standing with that presbytery.
A copy of the call from a local church or other approved work in the Presbytery of
Northwest Georgia. (This may be submitted by the calling church or agency.)
A completed Transfer Exam. (MUST be typewritten).
A completed “Ministerial Application” (MUST be typewritten).
Forms and papers required of non-PCA ministers:
5.
6.
7.
8.
A certified copy of your ordination certificate.
Transcript from the college from which you received your bachelor’s degree.
Transcript from the seminary where you studied for the ministry.
A letter from the appropriate official of your denomination verifying that you are a
currently ordained minister in good standing in that denomination.
9. A copy of the call from a local church or other approved work in the Presbytery of
Northwest Georgia. (This may be submitted by the calling church or agency.)
10. A completed Transfer Exam (MUST be typewritten).
11. A completed “Ministerial Application” (MUST be typewritten).
12. You must provide a written and/or audio copy of a recent sermon, and you will be
asked to preach before presbytery.
68
Procedure:
13. Submit all required papers to the Credentials Committee.
14. In addition to the written Transfer Exam which you will have submitted, you will be
examined by both the Credentials Committee and the full presbytery in the areas
required by the Book of Church Order. Contact the chairman of the Credentials
Committee for exact dates, times and locations of committee meetings and
examinations.
ALL APPLICATIONS AND SUPPORTING MATERIALS MUST BE RECEIVED
ELECTRONICALLY. Send all applications, reports and papers to: Current Credentials
Committee Chairman Contact Information – http://nwgp.org/committees/
Views on Theological Issues
The following list of controversial issues and theological topics will be covered in
examinations of all candidates. This list is provided so that the candidate will know to be
prepared.
1.
Length of days of creation (Genesis 1)
2.
The role of women in church office
3.
The two-office or three-office view of church government
4.
The regulative principle for worship (drama, dance, music styles, etc.)
5.
The Sabbath view held by each candidate
6.
Signs, or “miraculous,” or apostolic gifts
 Tongues
 Interpretation
 Miracles
 Healing
7.
The continuing role of prophecy in the Church today
8.
The covenant of works
9.
Antinomianism: the Law as it applies today
10.
Views of psalmody in worship
11.
Frequency of communion
12.
Paedo-communion
13.
Divorce and remarriage
14.
The validity of Roman Catholic baptism
69
15.
The validity of re-baptism
16.
The Lordship controversy and the carnal Christian
17.
Fencing the Lord’s Table
18.
The necessity and method of church discipline
19.
Subscription to subordinate standards
20.
Christian liberty: the use of alcohol and tobacco
21.
Civil disobedience
22.
Christian education: public school, private school, home school, Christian school
23.
Your definition of Presbyterianism
24.
Theonomy
25.
The Impeccability of Christ
26.
Federal Vision
27.
New Perspectives on Paul
28.
Intinction
29.
The Historicity of Adam
70
The Proper Form of a Call
THE PRESBYTERY OF Northwest Georgia
Call to a Particular Ministry
The [Church name] Presbyterian Church, [town, state] being on sufficient grounds well
satisfied of the qualifications of you, TE [Pastor’s name], and having good hopes from
our knowledge of your labors that your ministrations in the Gospel will be profitable to
our spiritual interests, does earnestly call you to undertake the pastoral office in said
congregation, promising you, in the discharge of your duty, all proper support,
encouragement and obedience in the Lord.
That you may be free from worldly cares and avocations, we hereby promise and oblige
ourselves to pay you the sum of $ ______________ a year in regular monthly
payments, with the following benefits: [specific amounts]
Housing Allowance:
Health & Life Insurance:
Long Term Disability:
Retirement:
Travel Allowance (Only for initial moving expenses):
Vacation Time: At least three weeks per year,
during the time of your being and continuing the regular pastor of this church.
This
[day] of
of the congregational meeting].
[month], A.D. ___________[year] [this is date
Signed:
__________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
Attest: I, having moderated the congregational meeting which extended a call to [name]
for his ministerial services, do certify that the call has been made in all respects
according to the rules laid down in the Book of Church Order, and that the persons who
signed the foregoing call were authorized to do so by vote of the congregation.
__________________________________
[Name] Moderator
THE CALL MUST BE SUBMITTED TO THE CLERK OF PRESBYTERY AND
TO THE CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE.
71
PRESBYTERY OF NORTHWEST GEORGIA
REPORT OF COMMISSION to ordain and/or install Mr./Rev. ___________________ as Pastor
of _______________________ and ________________________ church(es):
The Commission met on _____________, _______, at ______ p.m. at the church (or at
_____________________________).
Commission members present were:
Rev. Messrs: ____________________ (chairman); ____________________;
______________________.
Ruling Elders: __________________; __________________; ___________________.
Others Present: ____________________; ________________________.
The Commission meeting was opened with prayer by _______________. ____________ was
elected Secretary of the Commission. The Commission recessed with prayer by ______________
for the ordination/installation service.
The Chairman presided in the sanctuary service, which was opened with singing, prayer, and
Scripture reading. (If desired, record who read the Scripture passages: __________________ and
who had the prayer: ______________.) The sermon was preached by the Rev. ______________
on the topic/text: _________________________.
The Chairman stated briefly the previous proceedings of the Presbytery, and pointed out the nature
and importance of the ordination/installation ordinance.
The Chairman propounded the constitutional questions to the Candidate/Minister (BCO, 22-5) and
these were answered in the affirmative. The Chairman then propounded the constitutional questions
to the congregation, and these were answered in the affirmative by the members holding up their
right hands. The candidate then kneeled and was set apart to the holy office of the Gospel Ministry
with prayer and the laying on of hands. He then rose and members of the Commission gave him the
right hand of fellowship. The Chairman then declared that Mr./Rev._____________________
had been regularly elected, (ordained,) and installed as Pastor of the _______________ Church.
(If additional churches): The Chairman then propounded the constitutional questions to the
Candidate/Minister and to the ____________________ congregation, and these were answered
in the affirmative in the prescribed manner. He then declared that Mr./Rev.________________
had been regularly elected and installed as Pastor of that Church.
A Charge to the Pastor was delivered by Mr./Rev. _____________________.
A Charge to the Congregation(s) was delivered by Mr./Rev. ____________________.
Following prayer and singing, the new Pastor pronounced the benediction.
The Commission reconvened, approved its minutes, and was adjourned with prayer by
______________________.
___________________________________
Secretary
THE SECRETARY WILL PLEASE SEND THIS REPORT PROMPTLYTO THE
PRESBYTERY’S STATED CLERK.
72
Ministerial Application
Northwest Georgia Presbytery
Date: _____________
Name: _______________________________________________________
Phone:_______________________________________________________
Address: ______________________________________________________
E-mail Address _________________________________________________
Birthdate: ___________ Age: _____ Spouse’s Name: _____________________
Have either of you been divorced? ___ Yes
___ No
If yes, please give full details on a separate sheet of paper.
Children (names/ages):
Ordained by: _____________________________ Date:_________________
Current Ministry:________________________________________________
Current Presbytery: ______________________________________________
Educational Record (List institution, dates, degree):
List organizations you have belonged to and give dates:
List all ministries (and positions held) since ordination:
What experiences have you had in presbytery committees and offices?
In what areas would you like to serve presbytery?
73
Intern and Mentor
Guidelines
in
Northwest Georgia
Presbytery
This packet is intended to be a quick reference and includes the forms for
interns and mentors to submit their required, regular reports to presbytery.
For a more complete description of the duties of interns and mentors,
please see Book of Church Order chapter 19 and the “Guidelines to the
Credentials Process in the Northwest Georgia Presbytery.”
2014
74
APPENDIX A
PRESBYTERY'S INTERNSHIP TRAINING PROGRAM
1. Statement of purpose:
The purposes of this program are: to ensure that all candidates meet the requirements
of the Book of Church Order (19-7); to ensure that each candidate's seminary training
conforms to the uniform curriculum; to ensure that each candidate has confirmation of
his calling to the gospel ministry; to ensure that presbytery complies with the stated
requirements of the BCO concerning candidacy, licensure, and internship; to allow each
candidate the opportunity, under the supervision of the Credentials Committee, to
correct any weakness in his examination for licensure; and to provide practical
experience for each intern.
2. Implementation:
The applicant for internship will be examined for licensure by the Credentials
Committee and presbytery according to the BCO 19-6,7,9. If there are deficiencies in the
applicant's examination, the committee is to devise a plan of study to correct these. The
committee will report to each meeting of presbytery the progress being made by the
intern in eliminating his deficiencies.
3. Financial Arrangements:
The financial aspects of this program will be flexible. Candidates, licentiates, and interns
will be responsible for the expenses of their academic education and internship.
Presbytery, local churches, and individuals may provide financial aid to interns.
4. The Intern:
It is expected that each intern will participate fully in the training program established
by these guidelines. It is the responsibility of the intern to fulfill the requirements. It is
recognized, however, that candidates will be received during various stages of training,
and every effort will be made to cooperate with presbyteries from which candidates
might transfer. Each intern must report annually to the Credentials Committee at its
winter stated meeting and must be responsive to the committee's counsel and guidance.
It is further recognized that some men will be specializing in Christian education or
foreign missions. In such cases the intern must complete the specific requirements set
forth in this program, as he will be called upon to fulfill all the duties of a minister of the
gospel. A candidate's internship may be fulfilled overseas on a short-term missionary
assignment at the discretion of presbytery.
5. Mentors:
Each intern will be assigned a mentor who meets the following requirements:
a. He is a PCA teaching or ruling elder with at least three (3) years’ experience as an
elder.
b. He will meet with the intern monthly to review/measure the intern’s progress
and to shepherd him in the following:
• Character - assisted by the intern's spiritual inventory which was previously
submitted to the Credentials Committee,
• Knowledge - according to the Constitution of the PCA (see BCO 19-2),
• Pastoral duties - The mentor must model these duties.
• Teaching - evaluate and assess.
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c. He will make semi-annual assessments of the intern - his gifts and graces - and
submit those assessments to the Credentials Committee for the committee's
winter stated meeting.
d. He will, in person and just prior to the completion of the intern's training
program, relate to the Credentials Committee an account of the development of
the internship and give his final assessment of the intern's gifts and graces for
ministry (according to I Timothy 3:1-7).
6. The Intern and the Uniform Curriculum:
A candidate must provide the Credentials Committee with transcripts for all seminary
academic work. The Credentials Committee will determine if there are any existing
deficiencies between seminary training and the uniform curriculum. The committee will
provide a plan to correct any deficiencies and report to each meeting of presbytery the
progress being made by the intern in eliminating these.
7. Practical On-the-Field Assignment for the Intern:
a. Approval: Presbytery must approve all assignments.
b. Time: The equivalent of a year of full time experience is required.
Various combinations of full and part-time ministries may apply toward partial
fulfillment of the requirement. In all cases a minimum of six consecutive months
of full time experience as an intern in this presbytery is required.
c. Reports: All written reports and papers must be typed and presented to the
Credentials Committee no later than the end of the internship.
d. Specific Assignments are to be given to each Intern.
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Intern Report
Northwest Georgia Presbytery
This completed form is to be submitted to the credentials committee at the spring and fall
meetings according to the schedule of deadlines.
Date:_______________
Name of intern: _______________________________
Name of mentor: ______________________________
Church where you are serving as an intern: _____________________________
Give a description of your duties as an intern:
Describe the content of your meetings with your mentor and the ways you believe you are
benefiting from your relationship with him. Are there any ways in which you believe you
could further benefit from your relationship with your mentor?
In what ways do you see your gifts and graces being tested through this internship, and as a
result of this period of trial and self-examination what is your sense of your call to the
ministry?
Please return this completed form electronically to: Current Credentials Committee Chairman
Contact Information – http://nwgp.org/committees/
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Mentor Assessment of Intern
Northwest Georgia Presbytery
This report is to be completed for each intern and submitted to the Credentials Committee
annually at the fall stated meeting.
Name of Mentor: ____________________________________________________________________
Name of Intern:______________________________________________________________________
Church:____________________________________________________________________________
Date:__________________
1. What is your evaluation of the intern’s character?
Strengths:
Weaknesses:
2. If applicable, how would you evaluate his faithfulness as a husband and a father?
3. In so far as you know, is he maintaining blamelessness in sexuality, financial matters, use of
entertainment, and so forth?
4. Is there consistency in his devotional life?
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5. Describe the regularity of your meetings with the intern over the past six (6) months and the
ground covered.
6. In what ministries has the intern been involved?
Evaluate his performance in those ministries.
7. Do you believe the intern can clearly and articulately communicate the content of the gospel?
Do you see any weakness in this area?
8. Are you currently working through the constitution of the PCA with the intern covering any
potential areas of misunderstanding and/or controversy in his views? If so, in what ways?
Please return this completed form electronically to:
Current Credentials Committee Chairman Contact Information – http://nwgp.org/committees/
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Session Assessment of Intern
Northwest Georgia Presbytery
This report is to be completed for each intern or candidate and submitted to
the credentials committee annually at the fall meeting.
Candidate’s Name: __________________________
To the Clerk of the Session,
The Candidates Committee of the Northwest Georgia Presbytery requests your assistance in
the oversight of the above candidate.
1. What has the Session observed to be the strengths of the intern?
2. What has the Session observed to be areas the intern could work to improve?
3. Do you have any other comments concerning the intern?
Your Name:___________________________
Date: _________________
Church Name:______________________________________________________
Address:__________________________________________________________
Email:___________________________________________________________
Please return this completed form electronically to: Current Credentials Committee Chairman
Contact Information – http://nwgp.org/committees/
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Faculty Report on Candidates and Interns
Northwest Georgia Presbytery
This report is to be completed for each intern or candidate and submitted to
the Credentials Committee annually at the fall meeting.
Candidate/Intern Name: _________________________________
To whom it may concern,
The Credentials Committee of Northwest Georgia Presbytery requests your assistance in complying
with our BCO's requirement that candidates (BCO 18:6) and interns (BCO 19:12) "secure from his
instructors an annual report upon his deportment, diligence, and progress in study." Please answer
these questions concerning the candidate named above. We thank you in advance.
1.
From an academic perspective, how well is he preparing for the gospel ministry?
2.
What strengths and/or weaknesses have you observed in his studies?
3.
Do you have any areas of concern that the Northwest Georgia Presbytery should be made
aware of in regards to the deportment or character of this intern?
Please return this completed form electronically to: Current Credentials Committee Chairman
Contact Information – http://nwgp.org/committees/
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