ARTICLE I. Ordination Examination
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
The pattern established in the scriptures (2 Tim. 2:1–2) is that Timothy was to commit the things that he had learned to those faithful men who would be able to teach others. Having established elders in every city, it further was the pattern that this process of succession was perpetuated by those already established in the office. This task clearly requires that a determination be made as to whether a man is characterized by a faithful life and whether he is skilled in teaching others.
Our purposes are therefore twofold, first we must examine a Teaching Elder candidate’s manner of life and doctrine and secondly his ability to teach scripturally. We believe that it is the local session that primarily carries the burden of this critical determination.
As a Presbytery, our purpose is to provide assistance to the local session in this examination, while recognizing the limitations of a presbytery to review a pastoral candidate. First, it is the session that is preeminently qualified to examine a candidate’s manner of faithful life and ability to teach. Secondly, it is prudent for the session to seek the accountability of the broader church as a protection to the flock, and it is a good testimony when they do so. Thirdly, the broader church, as represented by the Presbytery, is generally better able to examine a candidate’s doctrinal preparedness, ability to use the original languages, and his exegetical abilities, and knowledge of English bible.
Ultimately, the session is charged with faithfully considering the wisdom of the broader church and is responsible before God for the ordination of a candidate.
Ordination Examination Process
The examination process and related matters is described fully in the document Guidelines and Instructions for the Presbytery Ordination Exams and Related Matters of Ordination available from the Moderator.
The examination process for ordination to the office of pastor (teaching elder) is divided into three phases: a) Preliminary written exam from the Moderator administered in the context of the local church; b) A second written examination overseen by an Ordination Committee from the Presbytery appointed by the Moderator, and c), An oral examination administered at Presbytery by the Ordination Committee.
Recommendation Procedures
At the end of the (c) oral examination (phase three), the Evaluation Committee will, by majority vote, recommend or not recommend the candidate for ordination at that time. The Committee will report their decision and any other recommendations to the Moderator of the Presbytery and to the elders of the local congregation. If the Committee does not recommend ordination and the session determines to proceed with ordination against the recommendation of the Committee, then the session is to indicate in writing to the Moderator their reasons for disregarding the recommendation. The Moderator will, in that case, evaluate the criteria of the session to determine if there is egregious sin involved on the part of the session, and then proceed as per article 3(R) of the constitution.
Previously Ordained Men Entering the CRE
While we believe in the holy catholic Church and therefore accept the ordination of ministers outside of the CREC, it is both wise and proper for their credentials to be examined. It is recommended, though not obligatory, that CREC churches seek the wisdom of the broader church in assessing these credentials. Assessing the credentials and views of an ordained minister is not the same process as an ordination examination and is not to be as comprehensive. The aim in examining a transferring minister is to assist the local congregation in confirming orthodoxy and competency.
- When the church desires to call a man to the office of pastor one who was ordained outside of the CREC or who is not a minister in the CREC, the elders of the church shall inform the Moderator.
- The Moderator will facilitate the ministerial credentials examination by appointing a committee composed of three CREC presbyters. This may take place at a time determined by the Moderator, in coordination with the local church elders.
- The Committee will provide a report of their decision and any other recommendations to the Moderator of the Presbytery and to the elders of the local congregation. If the Committee recommends the call of the minister, the church may proceed with the call. At the next Presbytery, the minister will then be received into the CREC as an ordained minister with a report from the Committee and an opportunity for a brief examination on the floor of the Presbytery. If the session determines to proceed with the call against the recommendation of the Committee, then the session is to indicate in writing to the Moderator their reasons for disregarding the recommendation. The Moderator will, in that case, evaluate the criteria of the session to determine if there is egregious sin involved on the part of the session, and may proceed as per article 3(R) of the constitution.
The Ordination of Elders Not Recognized in the CREC as Pastors (“Ruling Elders”)
The Presbytery is not involved in the process of a “ruling elder’s” examination or ordination. Nevertheless, since all elders are required to perform the same primary function of ruling and overseeing the church as do pastors, a similar standard of Biblical and doctrinal knowledge should be encouraged.
ARTICLE II. Recognition of Ordained Ministers
- Any CREC member church that wishes to have her minister(s) ordination formally recognized by the CREC shall submit such a request to the moderator (in writing).
- Ordained ministers who are members of a CREC church and duly installed as a minister of that church shall be added to the list of recognized ordained men under one of the following conditions:
- A previously ordained man, upon entering the CREC along with his church, was received by the presbytery and thus had his ordination formally recognized by the presbytery.
- Any man who sat for a CREC ordination exam and was recommended by the examining committee, ordained by his local CREC church, and installed as a minister.
- Any previously ordained man who was called by a CREC member church to be their minister, and is duly installed; subject to final approval at the next presbytery meeting.
- The moderator shall establish and maintain a list of recognized ordained ministers in the CREC. Upon request, the moderator may issue a letter to an inquiring body stating that the minister in question has been formally recognized by the CREC as a lawfully ordained minister of the gospel. (CREC Book of Procedures)
