Ordination

[Dpatt2033]

Here's a discussion we were having earlier: Is there a way for a man with substantial pastoral experience , seminary training or on-going training , who comes from a tradition outside of the reformed faith, and be called by a NAPARC church? what do some of our governing documents say? Have you ever heard of such a scenario?

 

[Contra_Mundum]

It is a thing that happens, and a waiver of the standard education requirements is supposed to be asked from General Assembly (typically granted pro forma, unless for some reason an odd objection were raised).

What is never waived is not education--a means to an end--but the examinations ordered and applied and judged by Presbytery as this body oversees the men admitted to membership. This is the true hurdle a man must satisfy: to be received by men willing to have him, after he has fulfilled his demonstrations incumbent on all ministers as spelled out in the Book of Church Order.

 

[BertMulder]

In churches adhering to the Three Forms of Unity they normally sit for what is called a 'Colloquium Doctum' at a Classis Meeting, by which they may be admitted to the ministry in that denomination or federation. In the United Reformed Churches, see article 5/appendix 5 of the Church Order.

 

[Jack K]

It happens sometimes. It might mean the presbytery or classis examines the man more rigorously or in more detail.