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STEPS
IN PREPARATION FOR
THE MINISTRY OF WORD AND SACRAMENT
The process of preparation for ordination
to the office of Minister of Word and Sacrament in the Presbyterian Church
(U.S.A.) is designed to complement and guide one's theological education.
It does not have to happen at the same time one is studying for the first
theological degree, but that is the customary time frame.
There are many steps. The process can seem
daunting. But, spread over more than two years, it is quite manageable.
The Committee on Preparation for Ministry is here to support and guide
you and to recommend a schedule that will work for you.
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Discernment is the purpose of this process.
During the Inquiry phase, the emphasis is on discerning if you are called
to the ministry of Word and Sacrament. During the Candidacy phase, the
emphasis will be on discerning your particular gifts and skills for ministry.
In some cases, the result may be recognition that a form of ministry other
than Word and Sacrament is more appropriate for you.
Keep track of our Calendar.
Many steps require meeting deadlines and substantial delays can result
when they are missed.
Also review our Policies
which provide detail about our requirements.
Imagine the process in three tracks --
Personal, Denominational and Educational -- each involving several requirements.
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Personal
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Denominational
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Educational
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Pre Inquiry
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Contact CPM
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Prepare Form
1
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Meet with local Session
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On Session recommendation, meet with CPM
Inquiry
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On CPM approval, complete Forms 2A
& 2B - Inquiry Covenant
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Take Bible Content Exam given ONLY in February.
(Note Dec. 15 application deadline. App available in the Vocation section
at www.pcusa.org). Practice tests are
available
here.
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When ready, prepare Form 5 A
& B - Application for Candidacy
& Covenant
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Meet with local Session for recommendation
to Candidacy
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Meet with CPM about Candidacy
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Upon recommendation, prepare Faith Journey
for presentation to Presbytery
Candidacy
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Plan for becoming
Certified Ready for Examination, pending a Call
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Take Exegesis, Theology, Polity and Worship
Ordination Exams given in August and January. See Presbyteries'
Cooperative Committee on Exams AND Louisville Seminary resources.
(Note application deadlines AND discount for early registration. Contact
CPM for permission.)
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Preach for CPM [G-14.0305j6]
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Meet with CPM for Final Review and Assessment
After being
Certified Ready
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Acceptable undergraduate transcript.
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Biblical Hebrew
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Biblical Greek
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Exegesis of Old and New Testaments using Biblical
languages
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Reformed Theology
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Theological degree
PSNE Requires
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