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DearECOCommunity, Iamsothankfulforthecountlessindividualswhohavehelpedtocreate,refineandimplementanordinationprocessforECO.WehavealreadyseenanumberofexceptionalcandidatesbecomeordainedinECOandhavedozensofotherswhoareundercareinourpresbyteries.WhileECOisfirmlycommittedtounleashingthelaityinourcongregations,weunderstandthatlayempowermentwillhappenwhenwehaveordainedclergywhohavetheabilitytopastorandleadwellinthe21stcentury. Youmaybereadingthismanualasacandidate,apotentialcandidate,oraleaderofacongregationwhoishelpingsomeonediscernhisorherpotentialfutureasapastorinECO.Inwhatevercircumstanceyoufindyourself,Iamgratefulthatyouaretakingthetimetoorientyourselftoourprocess.
ECO’sprocessisbaseduponprinciplesthatwillhelpthosetowhomGodiscallingtopastoralministrybecomeaspreparedaspossibleforpastoralwork.Webelievethatapastorneedstoshowreadinessinthreeareas.
First,apastorneedstoobtainthenecessaryknowledgerequiredtoleadacongregation.Thisknowledgeincludes,butisnotlimitedto,knowledgeofScripture,theology,polity,andappropriateapplicationofhisorherknowledgeoftheseareasinvarioussituations.
Second,apastorneedstohavenecessaryskillsforministry.Theseskillsincludetheabilitytoteach,preach,castvision,discipleothers,trainpeople,developleaders,andworkwithindividualsandteams.
Third,andperhapsmostimportant,apastorneedstodisplayspiritualmaturity.Apastorcanhaveskillsandknowledge,butwithoutspiritualmaturity,heorshewillnotbeaneffectivepastoralleader.SpiritualmaturityincludesapersonalconnectionwiththelivingGod,aswellasthedisplayofaChrist-likecharacter. SomewillsaythatECO’sordinationprocessiseasierthanmostbecausewedonotrequirecandidatestojumpthroughmanyhoops.However,thiscouldnotbefurtherfromthetruth.TherealityisthatwearetryingtoraisethebaronChrist-likecharacterqualitiesthatarepresentwithinourpastors. IlookforwardtowatchingwomenandmenbenurturedwellinthisordinationprocessastheypreparetoleadcongregationsandotherministriestowardGod’sfutureforECO.InChrist,
Rev.Dr.DanaS.AllinSynodExecutive
TableofContentsOverviewoftheOrdinationProcess………………………………………………………………………………….3-6
CandidacyProcess…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….6-9
Ordination…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………10
Appendix1–Form1…………………………………………………………………………………………………………11-16
Appendix2–Form2…………………………………………………………………………………………………………17
Appendix3–Form3…………………………………………………………………………………………………………18
Appendix4–CreatingaCommunityofDiscernment………………………………………………………..19-20
Appendix5–CompetenciesforECOPastors…………………………………………………………………….21-22
Appendix6–Guidelines&ResponsibilitiesforCongregationalEndorsement…………………..23-24
Appendix7–AnnualConsultationReport…………………………………………………………………………25-26
Appendix8–SampleCandidateDevelopmentPlan………………………………………………………….27-28
Appendix9–GuidelinesforCreatingPastoralCovenantGroups………………………………………29-32
OverviewoftheOrdinationProcess
Pre-ApplicationPhase:PotentialordinationapplicantsdiscernwithintheirlargercommunitywhetherornottheymightfeelcalledtopursueordinationinECO.Discerningwiththeirlargercommunityshouldincludeconversationswithpastors,elders,peerswithwhomtheyhaveworkedalongsideinministry,aswellasthosetowhomtheyhaveministered.(SeeAppendix#4–CreatingaCommunityofDiscernment.)BecominganORDINATIONAPPLICANT:AnordinationapplicantisonewhohasfilledoutanapplicationandsubmittedittotheECOoffice.TheapplicationcanbeobtainedontheECOwebsitewww.eco-pres.org.Acompletedapplicationincludes:
• Application–Form#1(seeAppendix#1)• StatementofFaith• Endorsementsandreferences• Signedauthorizationforabackgroundcheck• $25backgroundcheckfee
MovingfromORDINATIONAPPLICANTtoCANDIDATEstatus:Aftertheapplicationhasbeensubmitted,theECOofficerunsthenecessarybackgroundcheckontheapplicant.Oncethebackgroundcheckiscompleted,theofficethenforwardstheapplicationandnotificationofbackgroundclearancetotheappropriatePresbyteryMinistryandOrdinationTeam(PMOT)locatedinthecandidate’sgeographicalregion.ThePMOT,orarepresentativegroup,willmeetwiththeordinationapplicanttodeterminewhetherornottheywouldliketoreceivetheapplicantundertheircareasacandidate.Ifthereisamutualagreementtohavetheordinationapplicantenrollasacandidateforordination,thenForm#2(seeAppendix#2),“CandidateAcceptanceforOrdinationApplicant”isfilledoutandsubmittedtotheECOofficebythePMOTrepresentative.TheapplicantisthenrecognizedasanofficialECOcandidate.TheCandidacyProcess: Whilethecandidateisundercareofthelocalpresbytery,itisthePMOT’sresponsibilitytoensurethatthecandidateobtainstheappropriateeducation,training,spiritualdevelopmentandexperiencerequiredforpastoralministry.ThePMOTwillworkwithacandidateuntilheorshedemonstratestherequiredcompetenciesoutlinedin“CompetenciesforECOPastors”(SeeAppendix#5).Onceacandidatecompletestherequiredexamsanddemonstratesnecessaryproficiencyandmaturity,thePMOTdeemsthecandidateasreadytoreceiveacall.Uponthisdecision,thePMOTfillsoutForm#3(seeAppendix#3),“CertifiedReadytoReceiveaCall”.Thecandidateisthenfreetoexploreand/orformalizecallopportunities.
Ordination:Onceacandidatehasreceivedacallandbeenapprovedforacallbythepresbyteryofjurisdiction(wherethecallislocated),thecandidatewillbeordained.Theordinationmayoccureitherinthepresbyteryofcallorthepresbyteryofcareasthecandidatedesires.TheStatedClerkofthecallingpresbyterywillthencommunicatetotheECOSynodOfficethattheindividualhasbeenordained.
BecominganOrdinationApplicantAnordinationapplicantisdefinedasanindividualwhohassubmittedacompletedapplicationtobecomeacandidateinECO.Thereareseveralcomponentsnecessarytocompletethisapplication. Application:TheapplicationitselfisalsocalledForm#1(Appendix#1).Alongwithroutinedataregardingtheapplicant,thereareseveralothernecessaryelementstocompletethisform.Theseinclude:
• Endorsementofcandidacyfromtheapplicant’ssession–OrdinarilythecandidatewillcomefromanECOchurchorachurchthatisaffiliatedwiththeFellowshipCommunity.Ineitherofthesecases,thecandidate’ssessionshallmeetwithanddeterminewhetherornottoendorsethecandidate.IfthecandidateisnotaffiliatedwithanECOorFellowshipchurch,thenanotherchurchmayendorsethecandidate.However,thatchurchwilllikelyneedtobeinstructedaboutECOandtherequirementsforcongregationalendorsement.SeeAppendix#6,“GuidelinesandResponsibilitiesforCongregationalEndorsement.”
• VerificationofaCommunityofDiscernment–TheapplicantneedstobeworkingwithaCommunityofDiscernment.ThiscommunitywillhelptheindividualdeterminewhetherifheorsheshouldbecomeacandidateforordinationwithinECO.TheCommunitywillwalkalongsidethecandidatethroughouthisorherordinationprocess.
• References–Thecandidateshallhavethreereferences.AtleastoneofthosereferencesshouldbeanECOpastor.
StatementofFaith:TheStatementofFaithisusedfrequentlybycandidatesaswellaspastorswhoareseekingmembershipinanewpresbytery.ItisnotexpectedthattheordinationapplicantwillhaveafullyformedandmatureStatementofFaith.SubmittingaStatementofFaithatthispointdoeshoweverindicatewhereacandidatemightbeinunderstandingandadherencetoclassicReformedfaith. TheStatementofFaithisordinarily1-pagesingle-spaced,andaddressesthefollowingtopics:anunderstandingoftheTriuneGod,astatementontheindividualpersonsoftheTrinity,creation,fallandsin,atonement,justificationbyfaith,thechurchanditsmission,thesacraments,thesecondcoming,andglorification.
BackgroundCheckAuthorization:Thecandidatemustprovideboththewrittenauthorizationformforthenationwidebackgroundcheck,alongwiththe$25feetocoverthecostofthebackgroundcheck.Ifthereisanypotentialcriminalhistory,itisrecommendedthattheapplicantsubmitastatementofexplanationaboutsuchhistoryalongwithhisorherapplication.
TheentireapplicationanddocumentsaretobeemailedtotheECOOfficeat:office@eco-pres.org.Emailisourpreferredmethodofapplicationsubmission.Alternatively,theapplicationanddocumentscanbemailedtotheofficeat:ECO:ACovenantOrderofEvangelicalPresbyterians5638HollisterAve.Suite#200Goleta,CA93117
MovingfromOrdinationApplicanttoCandidateStatus
AftertheapplicationisreceivedattheECOoffice,thebackgroundcheckisconductedandtheentiretyoftheapplicationissenttothePMOTofthepresbyteryofcare,alongwithnotificationofbackgroundcheckclearance.TheapplicantshouldhearfromarepresentativefromthePMOTwithin30daysofthedatethattheapplicationissubmittedtotheECOoffice.ArepresentativefromthePMOTwillconnectwiththecandidatetoscheduleaninterviewwiththePMOToranauthorizedgroupfromthePMOT.ThePMOTmayaskforadditionalinformationpriortotheinterview.ThePMOTmayalsorequirethatthecandidate’spsychologicalassessmentbeadministeredpriortotheinterview.Duringtheinterview,thePMOTwillexplorethecandidate’sStatementofFaith,education,experience,senseofcalltoECO,spiritualmaturity,andwillingnesstosubmittotheoversightandcareofthePMOT.ThePMOT,orauthorizedgroupfromthePMOT,maytakeoneofthefollowingthreeactionswiththecandidate:
• ThePMOTmaydenytheapplicantadmissiontocandidacyunderthePMOT.IfthePMOTchoosestodenytheapplicant,theyshallinformtheECOSynodofficeofsuchdecisioninwriting.
• ThePMOTmaydelayadecisionontheadmissionoftheapplicanttocandidacystatuswiththePMOT.Theymaydothisifthereismoreinformationneededtomakeadeterminationonacandidate.IfthePMOTbelievesadecisiononthecandidate’sapplicationwilltakelongerthan3-4months,theyshallinformtheECOSynodofficeofsuchadecisionsothatanotecanbemadeinthecandidate’sfile.
• ThePMOTmayaccepttheapplicanttocandidacystatus.IfthePMOTchoosestoacceptthecandidate,thepresbyteryshouldsubmitacompletedForm#2,“CandidateAcceptanceforOrdinationApplicant”totheECOSynodOfficeviaemail,aswellastothecandidate.
OncetheECOSynodOfficereceivesForm#2(Appendix#2),“CandidateAcceptanceforOrdinationApplicant”fromthePMOTrepresentative,theapplicantisofficiallyacandidateforordinationinECO.
CandidacyProcess
TheGoalandPhilosophyoftheCandidacyProcess:Thegoalofthecandidacyprocessistoensurethatallfuturepastorsdemonstrateproficiencyandmaturityinthe10competenciesofanECOpastor.ThesecompetenciesarearticulatedinAppendix#5andarerelatedtothepastor’sspiritualmaturity,biblicalandtheologicalacuity,andskillsforministry.Thecandidacyprocessisamixtureofstandarduniversalelementsbutalsotakesintoaccounttheuniqueexperience,needs,andcallingofanindividualcandidate.Somecandidateswillhavelimitedbiblicaleducationandexperience.Therefore,theywillneedtocompletesignificantworktorisetothelevelofproficiencyandmaturityinthevariouscompetencies.Somecandidatesmayhavedonesignificanttheologicalstudyand/oraretransferringfromtheordinationprocessofotherdenominations.Theymayperhapsevenalreadybeordainedinanothertradition.Thesecandidatesmaybeproficientinmanyofthecompetenciesnecessaryandperhapsneedfocusedattentioninafewspecificcompetencies.ThePMOTistoevaluatethecandidateandhelpthecandidatedesignanappropriateactionplantoenhancehisorherproficiencyinvariousneededcompetencies.CreatingaDevelopmentPlan:Whenacompetencyareaislacking,thePMOT,alongwiththecandidate,shoulddeterminetheappropriatecourseofactiontogaintherequiredcompetency.Candidatescannotappropriatelyaddressallcompetenciesatonce.Aconsciousdecisionshouldbemadetofocusonaselectfewcompetencies.Candidatesmaygainproficiencyandcompetencyinavarietyofwaysincludingformalorinformaleducationalopportunities,mentoring,ministryexperience,spiritualdirectionanddevelopment,counseling,etc.Annually,thecandidateandthePMOTshoulddevelopaplanthatensuresdevelopmentintherequiredareas.SeeAppendix#8forasampleCandidateDevelopmentPlan.
StandardUniversalRequirements:Thereareseveralstandardanduniversalrequiredrequirementsforcandidatesduringtheircandidacyprocess.ExamsTherearefourexamsrequiredofcandidatesintheECOordinationprocess.ThefirstexamthatistobetakenisaBibleContentExam.Thereisnofeeforthisexam.TheBibleContentExamisordinarilytakenatthebeginningofacandidate’sprocessandensuresthatcandidateshaveanin-depthworkingknowledgeoftheScriptures,bothindividuallyandasawhole.Thisexamisamixtureof100multiplechoiceandfill-intheblankquestions.Neartheendofacandidacyprocess,acandidatetakesthreewrittenordinationexamsovera1-2weekperiod.Thecostoftheexamsis$200,whichcoversthetimeandexpenseofthegraders.Thethreeexamsare:
• Exegesis–Inthisexam,thecandidatewritesa10-13-pagepaper,aswellasa1-2pageoutlineofasermonthatwouldbepreachedonthepassage.Thisexamtestsacandidate’sabilitytoexegeteapassageofScriptureincontext.
• PolityandMissionalStrategy–Inthisexam,thecandidateisgiventhreereallifescenariosandaskedtorespondtoeachofthescenariosappropriatelyinlightofECO’spolity.CandidatesmustalsorespondpastorallyandinsuchawaythatwillmovethemissionofGodforward.
• TheologyandWorship–Inthisexam,candidatesaregiventhreereallifescenariosandaskedtorespond.Thisexamdemonstratesthecandidate’sunderstandingandapplicationofthetheologyofECO,includingConfessionsandEssentialTenets.
GradingoftheExam–ThethreeexamsaresubmittedtogethertotheSynodoffice,andgradedbytwogradersthatarenotmembersofthecandidate’spresbyteryofcare.Thisexamprocessisdesignedtoassessthecandidate’soverallpastoralandtheologicalabilities,aswellashisorherperceivedstrengthsineachofthecorecompetencies(seeAppendix#5).Candidatesdonotreceivealphanumericgrades.RathertheywillbeassessedusingthetermsOutstanding,Satisfactory,orNeedsImprovement.CandidatesandtheirPMOTsreceivewrittencommentsfromthegradersalongwithanoverallassessment.Inaddition,anassessmentineachcorecompetencyregardingthecandidate’sperceivedstrengthsandweaknessesforpastoralministryinECOwillbeincluded.PsychologicalEvaluations–ItisstronglyrecommendedthatPMOTshavecandidatesreceiveapsychologicalevaluation.Thereareavarietyofoptionsavailableforpsychologicalevaluationsthatrangeinscopeandcost.PMOTsmayhavesomecandidatestakeamorein-depthevaluationthanothercandidates.PMOTsmayalsohaveacandidate’sspouseincludedintheevaluationaswell,inordertodeterminewaysinwhichacandidate’sfamilylifecanbestrengthenedastheyenterintothedemandsandpressuresofordainedministry.
Insomecases,candidateswillhaveotherexperiencesthatfulfilltheneedforapsychologicalevaluation.Forexample,mostchurchplanterassessmentshaveapsychologicaloremotionalhealthcomponentaspartoftheassessment.PMOTsmayallowsuchassessmentstotaketheplaceofanadditionalpsychologicalassessment.PeerReviewGroups–TwoofthecorewordswithinECOareCovenantandOrder.Ordainedpastorsarecommittedtolivingincovenantcommunitywithoneanother.Thishabitofcommunitybeginswhenacandidateispreparingforordination.Eachcandidateshouldbeinacovenantgroupwithothercandidates.Inthiscovenantgroup,heorshecandevelopthepracticeofcreatingaccountableconnectionswithoneanotheranddevelopingapersonalpastoralruleforhisorherownlife.InAppendix#9,thereareguidelinesforcreatingpastoralcovenantgroups.Thecandidateshouldusethisdocumenttocreateacovenantgroup.Ideallyacovenantgroupofcandidatesshouldhaveamentorpastorwhoisguidingthecandidates.Amentorisnotalwayspossibletoobtain,butcanbeveryhelpfulinthedevelopmentofemergingpastors.PMOTshaveflexibilityastohowcandidatesdevelopandformtheirvariouscovenantgroups.Theneedsandabilityforsuchgroupsmaychangedrasticallydependingonthesituation.ItisthePMOT’sresponsibility,however,toensurethatthecandidateislivingoutthespiritandintentionofapeerreviewgroup.EducationalRequirements–ECOpolitystates(Section2.04)thatapastorwillordinarilyhave“amaster’sdegreefromanaccreditedtheologicalseminaryinbiblicalortheologicalstudies.”Theintentionofthisrequirementisthatpastorswillhaveamaster’slevelunderstandingoftheScripturesandReformedtheology.ThisexpectationisalsoarticulatedinAppendix#5,“CompetenciesforECOPastors”.Thereareseveralwaysapersonmayfulfilleducationalrequirements.Themostobviousandfrequentwayisbyobtainingamaster’sdegree.Forexample,acandidatecouldchoosetoseekaMasterofDivinitydegree.However,acandidatemayhavecompletedtherequirementsforalessintensivetwo-yearmaster’sdegreeinBiblicalStudiesandthereforemaybequalifiedforordination.Somecandidates,throughsignificantexperienceandwidestudy,mayalsofulfilltherequirementsaswell.MinistryExperience–Candidatesforministryshouldnotonlyhaveministryexperiencepriortoenteringintothecandidacyprocess,buttheyshouldhavesignificantministryexperiencewhiletheyareinthecandidacyprocess.PMOTsshouldbeinconsultationwiththecandidate’ssupervisorinministry.ThePMOTandthesupervisorcanhelpevaluatethecandidate’sstrengthsandweaknessesaswellasdesignexperiencesthatwillhelpcandidatesgrowintheirministrycapacities.OtherRequirements–ThePMOTmayhaveotherrequirementsforallcandidates,orparticularrequirementsforindividualcandidatesbasedupontheperson’sneeds.Examplesofsuch
requirementsmayincludethingslikedevelopingaphilosophyofministry,preachingasermonforacommittee,orparticipatinginspecializedorspecificstudy.
Becoming“CertifiedReadytoReceiveaCall”
Whenacandidatehascompletedtherequirementsforministry,includingdemonstratingtherequiredmaturityandproficienciesthataredictatedintheestablishedcompetencies,thecandidatemaybedeemedreadytoreceiveacall.ThePMOTshoulddeterminetheprocessbywhichacandidateisreadytoreceiveacall.ThisprocessordinarilywillincludeafinaloralexaminationbythePMOToranauthorizedgroupfromthecommittee.Whenacandidateiscertifiedreadytoreceiveacall,thepresbyteryshallfilloutForm#3(seeAppendix#3),“CertifiedReadytoReceiveaCall”.ThisformissubmittedviaemailtotheECOSynodoffice.TheECOSynodofficethenensuresthatabackgroundcheckhasbeencompletedandallpreviousformshavebeensubmitted.Oncethecandidateisreadytoreceiveacall,thecandidatemayrequestthathisorherinformationstaysonfilewiththeECOSynodofficeandismadeavailabletotheMinistryPartnershipTeamofallpresbyteriesandgiventoallcongregationswhoaresearchingforvariouspositions.
OrdinationAcandidatewhoisreadytoreceiveacallisthenabletobegintheprocessofsearchingforacall.Asacallbeginstoform,thecandidatewillneedtoworkwiththeMinistryPartnershipTeam(MPT)ofthepresbyteryinwhichheorshemightbeordained.Onceacallhasbeenissuedtothecandidateandconfirmedbythepresbyteryofcall,thecandidatewillthenbeabletobeordained.Theordinationofthecandidatemayoccurinthepresbyteryofcallorthepresbyteryofcareasdesiredbythecandidate.TheordainingpresbyteryshallensurewiththeSynodofficethatthecandidateisindeedcertifiedreadytoreceiveacallwithacompletedForm#3(Appendix#3),“CertifiedReadytoReceiveaCall”onrecord.Theordainingpresbyteryshallalsoensurethatthecandidatehasindeedreceivedacallandhasbeenacceptedintothepresbyteryofcall,pendingordination.Aftertheserviceofordination,theordainingpresbyteryshallcommunicateinwritingviaemailtotheSynodofficethattheindividualhasbeenordained,alongwiththedateofordinationandifapplicable,thenameofthecongregationthattheywillserve.AssumingtherequiredpaperworkisinorderwiththeSynodoffice,thecandidatewillbemovedto“pastorstatus”withintheECOdatabaseandwillbeplacedontheECOwebsite.
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Appendix#4
CreatingaCommunityofDiscernment
InECO,webelievethatwhensomeoneentersaprocesstoprepareforordination,thatperson
needstohavethesupport,encouragement,andwisdomofaCommunityofDiscernment.A
CommunityofDiscernmentisagroupofpeoplewhodeeplyloveandcareforthecandidate
andwhohavetheabilitytospeakthetruthinloveintothecandidate’slife.TheCommunityof
Discernmentmaynotbepeoplewhoallknoweachother,andtheymaynotphysicallymeet
togetherasagroup.However,theCommunityofDiscernmentshouldbeinregularcontact
withthecandidateindividuallyandmayengageincollectiveconferencecallswiththe
candidate.
Priortoenteringtheordinationprocess,thepotentialcandidateshouldformaCommunityof
Discernment.TheCommunityofDiscernmentisthepotentialcandidate’s“innercircle”.This
groupwillordinarilybeatleast5individualsandinclude:hisorherspouse(ifapplicable),
pastor,amemberoftheleadershipofhisorherhomechurch,apersonwhohasbenefited
fromhisorherministry,andacoupleofclosespiritualfriends.Theremaybepeopleaddedto
theCommunityofDiscernmentaftertheindividualbecomesacandidate.Thesepeoplecould
includeamemberorliaisonfromthePresbyteryMinistryandOrdinationTeamand/orpeople
fromthepotentialcandidate’snewministrycontext.
Priortotheindividualbecomingacandidate:InorderfortheindividualtobecomeanECOcandidate,heorshemustformaCommunityof
Discernment.Thiscommunityshouldengagewiththeindividualtohelpdiscernifthe
individualshouldseektobecomeacandidateforministryinECO.Inaddition,theleadershipof
thecandidate’scongregationwillneedtoendorsethecandidate.However,dependingupon
thedynamicsofthecongregation,theleadershipboardwillnothaveasmuchintimacywiththe
candidateastheCommunityofDiscernment.ThereforetheCommunityofDiscernmentshould
alsoensurethattheindividualisreadytobecomeacandidatebyfocusingonthreespecific
areas.
1. Aptitude,calling,giftingandfruitfulnessinministry-Thecommunityshouldaskif
thepotentialcandidatehasbeeninvolvedinsignificantministryandifithasbeen
fruitful.Thisexperiencedoesn’thavetobeinapaidcapacity,howeverthe
experienceinministryshouldhaveinvolvedsignificantopportunitiestoteach,
discipleandleadothers.
2. SpiritualandPersonalMaturity–Thefollowingquestionsshouldbeasked:DoesthepotentialcandidatehaveagrowingrelationshipwiththeLordandcontinuein
habitsthatcontributetothatgrowth?Doesthecandidatepossessmaturitywhen
workingwithothers?
3. BiblicalandTheologicalCompetency–ThepotentialcandidatewillcontinuetogrowinhisorherknowledgeofScriptureandtheologyduringtheordination
process.However,thecandidateshouldalreadypossessadepthofunderstanding
ofScriptureandhaveapersonaltheologythatisconsistentwiththeReformed
tradition.
Iftheindividualdoesnotyetdemonstrateabaselinequalityinthesethreeareas,the
CommunityofDiscernmentshouldencouragethecandidatetogrowinknowledge,experience,
andspiritualmaturity.TheCommunityofDiscernmentmayalsofeelthattheindividualis
calledinadifferentdirectionandwillwanttoworkwiththeindividualaccordingly.
IftheCommunityofDiscernmentdoesfeelliketheindividualshouldpursueacalltoministry,
thentheymaycontinuetosupportthecandidateduringhisorherordinationprocess.
Supportingacandidateduringhisorherordinationprocess:
TheCommunityofDiscernmentshouldregularlybeincontactwiththecandidateandsupport
thecandidateinthefollowingways:
• Findoutthespecificneedsofthecandidateandcontinuetoliftthoseneedsinprayer.
• Helpthecandidateprocesshisorherexperiencesinministry.
• Walkwiththecandidateinhisorherownspiritualgrowthasappropriate.
Appendix#5
CompetenciesforECOPastors
PresbyteryMinistryOrdinationTeamsaretaskedwithoverseeingthedevelopmentof
ECO’sfuturepastors.Ratherthansimplyassumingthatobtainingaparticulardegreewill
ensurethedevelopmentoftherightkindofpastor,ECOseekstoidentifythequalitiesand
characteristicsthatshouldbedevelopedpriortoanindividualbeingordained.Thereis
considerableworkthatneedstobedonetofullyarticulateandshapethesequalities.Inthis
documentarethe10preliminaryqualitiesthatPMOTswillbeusingtobothevaluate
candidates,aswellasguidethosecandidatesintheircontinueddevelopment.
ECOwantstoensurethatthewholeofaleaderisdevelopedandisnotsimplyanincreasein
knowledgeorthedevelopmentofskills.These10corecompetenciesthereforecanbe
articulatedintothreebroadercategoriesof“BE–KNOW–DO”.
• BE–Arethecompetenciesassociatedwiththecharacterandintegrityofaleaderinhis
orherrelationshipwithGodandwithothers?Competencies1and2couldbeclassified
asthe“BEcompetencies”.
• KNOW-Arethecompetenciesassociatedwithwhataleaderknowsintellectuallyandis
abletoapplyinvarioussituations?Competences3-5arerelatedmorecloselytoa
candidate’sknowledge.
• DO–Arethecompetenciesassociatedwithaleader’sskillandability?Competencies6-
10arerelatedprimarilytowhataleaderisabletodo.
COMPETENCY#1-MATURITYOFPERSONALFAITHANDPERSONALCALL–Theextenttowhich
theleaderhasanintimateandpersonalrelationshipwiththetriuneGodthatiscontinually
formedthroughavarietyofpractices,aswellasanunderstandingofthecallHehasplacedon
theleader’slife.
COMPETENCY#2PERSONALINTEGRITY–Theextenttowhichtheleader’sactionsandattitudes
areconsistentwiththedesiresofGodandtheexampleofJesus.
COMPETENCY#3-BIBLICALKNOWLEDGEANDINTERPRETATION–Theextenttowhichthe
leaderunderstandstheentireBible,aswellastheabilitytostudyandapplyScripture
appropriately.
COMPETENCY#4-THEOLOGICALKNOWLEDGE–Theextenttowhichtheleaderunderstands,
embraces,andisabletoapplyboththecoreoftheChristianfaithaswellastheReformedFaith
ofECOasexpressedinourEssentialTenetsandConfessions.
COMPETENCY#5-POLITYKNOWLEDGEANDAPPLICATION–Theextenttowhichtheleader
understandsECO’spolity,ethos,andvalues,aswellashisorherabilitytoappropriatelyapply
thisknowledgeinvarioussituations.
COMPETENCY#6-SACRAMENTALKNOWLEDGEANDPRACTICE–Theextenttowhichtheleader
understandsthesacramentsfromaReformedperspectiveandisabletocelebratethose
sacramentsinappropriatecircumstancesandcontexts.
COMPETENCY#7-MISSIONALENGAGEMENT–Theextenttowhichtheleaderisabletotake
theincarnationalpostureofChristintoasurroundingcontexttobringabouttransformationin
theKingdom.
COMPETENCY#8-LEADERSHIPDEVELOPMENT–Theextenttowhichtheleaderisabletohelp
othersdeterminetheirgiftednessandcalling,aswellashisorherabilitytohelpotherleaders
developgreatercompetency.
COMPETENCY#9-TEAMLEADERSHIP–Theextenttowhichtheleaderisableworkwithand
leadothers(bothindividuallyandcorporately)whohaveavarietyofgifts,personalitiesand
experiences.
COMPETENCY#10-PREACHING–Theextenttowhichtheleadercanpreachbothtopicallyand
exegeticallyinwaysthataretruetothemeaningofthescriptures,aswellasclear,winsome,
well-organized,andcontextuallyappropriate.
Appendix#6
GuidelinesandResponsibilitiesforCongregationalEndorsement
AssomeonesensesthatGodmaybecallinghimorhertoordainedministry,hisorhersending
congregationhasahugeprivilegeandresponsibilityinthediscernmentanddevelopment
process.ECOaskstheleadershipofthecongregationtoprayerfullyandintentionallyengagein
thediscernmentprocesswiththepotentialcandidate.
WhenanindividualisapplyingtobecomeacandidateforministryinECO,theleadershipofhis
orhercongregationmustendorsehimorherinthatprocess.Further,theendorsing
congregationhastheresponsibilitytocontinuallyengagewiththeindividualasheorshegoes
throughtheprocess.
Thisdocumentcontainsinformationthatwillhelptheleadershipofthecongregationdiscern
whetherornotsomeoneisreadytoengageintheordinationprocess.Inaddition,itoutlines
thecandidate’sresponsibilitiesthroughouttheprocess.
DeterminingthesuitabilityofanindividualtoenterECO’scandidacyprocess:
AnindividualwillbegintosenseGod’scalltoordainedministry.Thissenseofcallmaybeginin
thesouloftheindividualorthroughtherecognitionofgiftingbythoseintheperson’s
community.Whilethepotentialcandidateforministrywillcontinuetodiscernduringhisorher
processofordination,thepotentialcandidateshoulddisplaysomebasicqualitiesand
characteristicsthatdemonstratereadinesstobegintheprocesstowardordainedministry.The
leadershipofthecongregationshouldconfirmthatthesecharacterqualitiesarepresentprior
toendorsingthecandidateandencouraginghimorhertoengageintheprocess.
1. Aptitude,calling,giftingandfruitfulnessinministry-Thecommunityshouldaskif
thepotentialcandidatehasbeeninvolvedinsignificantministryandifithasbeen
fruitful.Thisexperiencedoesn’thavetobeinapaidcapacity,howeverthe
experienceinministryshouldhaveinvolvedsignificantopportunitiestoteach,
disciple,andleadothers.
2. SpiritualandPersonalMaturity–Thefollowingquestionsshouldbeasked:DoesthepotentialcandidatehaveagrowingrelationshipwiththeLordandcontinuein
habitsthatcontributetothatgrowth?Doesthecandidatepossessmaturitywhen
workingwithothers?
3. BiblicalandTheologicalCompetency–ThepotentialcandidatewillcontinuetogrowinhisorherknowledgeofScriptureandtheologyduringtheordination
process.However,thecandidateshouldalreadypossessadepthofunderstanding
ofScriptureandhaveapersonaltheologythatisconsistentwiththeReformed
tradition.
Iftheleadershipofthecongregationfeelsthatthecandidatepossessestheabovequalitiesand
characteristics,theycanendorsetheindividualforministryasapartoftheindividual’s
application(Form#1).
Journeyingwiththecandidateduringhisorherordinationprocess:
Asponsoringcongregationdoesn’tcompletetheirrolewiththecandidateaftertheybeginthe
process.Thecongregation,especiallyitsleadership,isanimportantpartnerintheordination
journey.
Thesponsoringcongregationshoulddothefollowing:
• Supportthecandidatefinancially.Ataminimum,thecongregationshouldbewillingto
helppayfornecessarypsychologicaltesting,ordinationexamsandotheraffiliated
expenses.Theymayalsoprovidesomeexpensesforeducation.Thecongregation
shouldarticulatetothecandidatehowtheywillsupportthecandidatefinancially.
• Continuetosupportthecandidatespiritually.Thecongregationshouldberegularlycheckinginwiththecandidateanddiscoveringhowbesttoprayforthecandidate.
• Encouragethecandidate’sgrowthinministry.Insomesituations,thecandidatewillbe
removedgeographicallyfromtheirsponsoringcongregationastheyattendseminary.
Inthiscase,thecongregationshouldensurethatthecandidateisconnectedwith
anothercongregationwhereheorshecanusehisorherskillsforministry.Inother
situations,thecandidatewillcontinuetobedirectlyinvolvedinthesponsoring
congregation.Inthiscase,thecongregationshouldensurethatthecandidatehas
continuedopportunitiestoministerandbestretched.
• Reviewandgiveinputtothecandidate’scurrentplanforgrowth.TheplanforgrowthisadocumentputtogetherbythePresbyteryMinistryOrdinationTeambasedon
feedbackfromthecandidateandleadersinthecandidate’sministrycontext.
Appendix#7
AnnualConsultationReport
Growth&DevelopmentintheLast12Months
Candidate’sName:________________________
Phone:____________________Cell:____________________FAX:___________________
AnnualConsultation(date)________________________
A.EducationforMinistry
B.SpiritualDisciplines–Brieflydescribeyourspiritualdisciplines,includingyourparticipation
inworshipandmissionofaPresbyteriancongregation.
C.InterpersonalRelations–Describeyourrelationshipwithyourpeers,authorityfigures,
family,andotherswhoaresignificanttoyou.Whataretheimplicationsofthoserelationships
foryourministry?
D.PersonalGrowth–Describerecentexperiencesofemotionalimpact,ifany,andhowyou
dealtwiththem.
E.ProfessionalGrowth–Describerecentexperiencesofemotionalimpact,ifany,andhowyou
dealtwiththem.
VI.Listotherissueswhichyouwishtodiscusswiththecommitteeincludingfinancialneeds,
familyconcerns,etc.
VIII.HaveyousubmittedyourStatementofFaith/PhilosophyofMinistry/Confirmationof
EssentialTenets?
Appendix#8
SampleCandidateDevelopmentPlan
Name:SallySample
Date:12/1/15
Overview:
SallySamplehasbeeninthecandidacyprocessfortwoyears.Priortoenteringthe
process,Sallyhadbeeninvolvedinthestudentministryatherchurchwhereherresponsibilities
includedleadingadiscipleshipgroupofseveralstudentsandoccasionallyteachinginalarge
groupsetting.
Sallymovedfromherhomechurchtoattendseminaryandhasbeeninvolvedwitha
largercongregationintheareawheresheisleadinganadultsmallgroup.Shehastakenafull
yearofcourseworkattheseminary,primarilyrelatedtobiblicalandtheologicalstudy.Sally’s
peersandsupervisorsaffirmherstrongpersonalfaith,character,andabilitytoworkwellwith
others.
Sallyisnotsureofherpost-seminarycall,butwouldliketobepreparedtobeasolo
pastorofasmallerchurchaftergraduation.
Growthplan: Sallyhasgreatpotentialasasolopastor,butneedssomedifferentexperienceinthe
comingyearinordertohavetheneededcompetencyforsuchministry.Inadditionto
continuinghercoursework,Sallyneedstoengageinministryinasmallercongregation.A
formalinternshipneedstobeestablishedwithinasmallcongregation.Sallymayormaynot
receivecompensationfortheinternshipbutthepastorofthecongregationneedstobewilling
towalkwithSallyinthefollowingaspectsofministry:
• Participateinallaspectsofatleasttwomemorialservices.Participationshouldincludepastoralcareoftheindividualpriortohisorherpassing,meetingwiththe
familytoplanthememorialservice,workingwiththepastorasheorsheputstogether
thelogisticsoftheservice,andparticipatingintheactualmemorialservice.
• Preachatleast6times.ThepastorshouldworkwithSallyonthestudyandcraftingofthemessageaswellastheplanningoftheworshipservice.
• ParticipateintheplanningandleadingofservicesinLent,HolyWeek,andtheAdventseason.
• Attendoccasionalsessionmeetingsanddebriefwiththepastor.• Writethreeseparatecasestudiesonissuesandchallengeswithinthecongregation.• Participateinthebudgetpreparationprocess.• Meetwithseveralelderstounderstandtheministryofthecongregationfromtheir
perspective.• ThepastorwillalsoneedtoworkwithSallyonmaintainingalifelongpostureof
spiritualgrowthinthemidstofministry.
Inadditiontotheinternshipabove,Sallyneedstodothefollowing:
• Meetandinterviewtwotothreeothersolopastorstogainfromtheirexperience.
• Meetandinterviewapastorwhohasseenhisorhercongregationdoubleinsize.
• Attendsessionmeetingsofoneortwoothercongregations.
SallyalsoneedstocontinueherrelationshipwithhercovenantgroupandprovidethePMOT
withacopyoftheircovenant.
_________________________________ __________________________________
Chair/LiasonofPMOT Date Candidate Date
Appendix#9
GuidelinesforCreatingPastoralCovenantGroups
Partofbeingina“CovenantOrder”isthewillingnessforpastorstocommittothecareand
accountabilityofotherpastors.InFellowshipCommunityandECO,webelievethis
commitmentwillincreaseourcapacitytobethepastorswesensethatGodiscallingustobe.
Weunderstandthatthereareforcesinsideofusashumanbeingsthatcanmakeiteasiertobe
individualistsandtoresistbeingknown.Weknowthatwewillremainblindtobeing“curvedin
uponourselves”(Luther)unlesssomeonehelpsustoseeandrepent.Hence,webelievethat
theCovenantOrderprovidestheexternalaccountabilitytokeepusfocuseduponourmissional
callingandourbiblical/theologicalroots.
Thus,apastorshallbeapartofaPastoralCovenantGroup(PCG)inordertoincrease
accountabilityandencouragementaswellastospuroneanotherontowardloveandgood
deeds.Thepurposeofthesegroupsistocoach,encourageandprayforoneanotherasthe
pastorsinthecovenantgroupstriveforgreatermissionaleffectivenessby:
• Exploringthehealthofeachother’scurrentministries
• Exploringthefutureobjectivesofeachother’sministries
• Addresschallengesandobstaclestomeetingthoseobjectives
• Sharebestpracticesandinsights
• Exploreeachother’sphysical,spiritual,relational,emotional,vocationaland
congregationalhealth
ThesePCGsareordinarily5-8pastorsorganizedaroundarelationalwillingnesstocommit.
Therecouldbegroupsorganizedwithsimilarchurchtypesorproximategeography.These
groupscouldbeonesalreadyinexistencefromyearspast.Theymayalsoconsistofpastorsin
similarlifeorministrystages.ItwouldbeoneofthehopesofFellowshipCommunityandECO
thatthegroupsmightincludeavisionformentoringyoungerpastors.Normally,duetothe
vulnerabilityanddesiredrelationalintimacy,thegroupswillbesame-gender.
PastoralCovenantGroupswillbepeer-to-peerrelationships.Theyshallmeettogetherface-to-
faceatleastonceayear.Theyarealsoencouragedtofindwaystoconnectthroughouttheyear.PCGsshallbeginwiththequestionsprovidedbelow,butmayappropriatelyinclude
materialsfromvariousPastoralRules,theFellowshipCovenantorotherresources.
CompositionofthePastoralCovenantGroups–Eachshallbecomprisedof5to8pastors,
representingcongregationsorotherrelatedministries.Thesegroupscanbecomprisedof
pastorswhoareallinECO,orallinFellowshipCommunity,oramixofthetwo.Thegroupsare
self-selective.ForECOpastors,eachpresbytery’sCommitteeonMinistry(orequivalent)shall
ensurethatallpastorsareparticipatinginaPCG.FellowshipCommunitypastorsshall
participateinaPCGasdesignatedandagreedtointheFellowshipCovenant.
Commitment–ThePCGshouldstaytogether3to4years,thusgivingaperiodoftimetobond.
Afterthatperiodoftimeyoumayre-covenant,oryoumaychangethecompositionofthe
group.Thiscommitmentprovidesanaturalbreakingpointifchangeisneeded.
Pre-work-Eachpastorwillneedtoprayerfullyspendtimedevelopinghisorherthoughtsand
answerstotheCovenantquestions.Thetimeeachpastorspendsonthesequestionswillbe
significantandstrategic.Theanswersorthoughtsarisingfromthesequestionsmayprovide
thebasisfordiscussionamongthegroup.Ifthegroupagrees,writtencopiesoftheanswers
maybedistributedaheadoftime.
MeetingSites–Ideally,theremightbearetreat-likesettingfortheannualmeeting–away
fromnormalworklocations.Thegroupcandecidewhatlocationmightbebestandmay
includearotationofhostingamongthevariousmembersofthegroup.
TimeCommitment–Itwouldbebesttoplanon8hoursoftalkingtimetogether.Table
fellowshipisencouraged.Anovernightsomewheremightbehelpful.
SuggestedOutlineofInitialMeeting
1) Gettingtoknoweachothera. Loginwithbriefintroductionsandcurrentministrycontext
b. Sharingofbiographicalhistories
c. Sharingofcallstories
2) Goingdeepera. Sharingof6areasofdisclosureofhealth:
i. Spiritual
ii. Relational
iii. Physical
iv. Emotional
v. Vocational
vi. Congregational
b. Engageinprayeraftereachpersonshares.Sharingcontinuesintothenext
morning,ifneeded.Vulnerabilityandtrustwillgrowovertimetogether.
3) Conclusionandlookingaheada. Concludingquestionsmightinclude:
i. Whatdidwealllearnfromthisexercise?
ii. Howwillaccountabilityworkoverthenextyear?
iii. Whenwewillmeetagain?
b. Ideally,thenextmeetinglocation,dateandtimewillbesetbeforeallparties
depart.
ChallengesPastoralCovenantGroupsaresomethingnewformanyofus.Itmayfeelawkwardinthe
beginning.ForthePCGstohavemaximumeffect,eachpastorwillneedtofocusonhumility
andvulnerability.Initially,groupsshouldintentionallyworkondevelopingtrust,being
genuinelyopen,andpracticingtransparency.Confidentialityisparamount.Cynicalattitudes
andgossipwillneedtoberesisted.Braggingwouldbeoutofplace–yetafocusonwhatthe
HolySpirithasdoneorisdoinginyourmidstistobecelebrated.Bestpracticesshouldbe
sharedandenjoyedbyall.Mistakesandfailurescanbelearningexperiencesforeachpastor.
WhilethisproposedstructuremayserveasastartingpointforPCGs,thegroupsmayfindthat
asrelationshipsdevelop,meetingsandstructuremaychange.Groupsmaydecidetoinclude
continuingeducationorlearningopportunitiesastheygather.Or,theymayengageinmore
structuredprayer,Scripturemeditation,ortheologicalengagementaspartoftheirtime
together.Althoughthestructuresand/orprocesscanbeflexible,thecorepurposeofthese
covenantgroups–authenticaccountabilityandfaithfulencouragement–shouldnotbe
neglected.
SomeSuggestedQuestionsforEngagementIntroductionsandBiographicalQuestions
1) Describeyourfamilyoforiginandhowitisnow.
a. Whatis/wasthegreatestinfluenceofyourfather?Howhas/didthat
relationshipchangeandgrowovertime?
b. Whatis/wasyourrelationshiplikewithyourmother?Howhas/didthat
relationshipchangeandgrowovertime?
c. Describeyourrelationship(s)withyoursibling(s)andhowtheyhaveshapedand
formedyou.
2) Discussyourcurrentfamilysituation.
a. Whatarethejoysandchallengesinyourcurrentfamilialrelationships?
b. Ifmarried,howwouldyoudescribeyourmarriage?Whatarethejoysand
delightsoflifewithyourspouse?Howdoesyourspouseencourageorchallenge
yourrelationshipwithChrist?Describesomeofthepastchallengesor
disappointmentsinyourmarriageandhowyouandyourspouseovercame
them.Howareyouupholdingfidelityinyourmarriage?
c. Ifnotmarried,describeyourrelationalstatus.Areyoudivorced,widowed,
neverbeenmarried,dating?Howisthatforyou?Areyoujoyful,content,
grieving,unsettled,frustrated,lonely,thankful?Howareyouupholdingachaste
life?
d. Areyouaparent?Describeyourrelationshipwithyourchild(ren).Whatjoys
andchallengeshaveyouexperiencedinparenthood?
HealthQuestions1) Spiritualhealth:Whatdoesspiritualhealthlooklikeinyourmind?Whereareyouin
relationtothatideal?HowareyouactivelyengaginginyourrelationshipwithChrist?
Areyoukeepingaregularquiettime?Areyouactivelyengaginginscripturalstudyor
meditationoutsideofyourpastoralresponsibilities?Howisyourprayerlife?What
prayerpracticesdoyoufindparticularlyfruitfulinyourwalkwithChrist?Howwould
youdescribeyourworshippractices?Describeyourpracticeofconfessionofsinand
repentance.
2) Relationalhealth:Whatwouldrelationalhealthlooklikeinyourmind?Whereisthat
strongestandweakestinyourcurrentexperience?Whatrelationshipscauseyouthe
greateststruggle?Arethereareasofreconciliationorconflictthatneedtobe
addressed?Howwillyougoaboutresolvingthatconflict?Inwhichrelationshipsdoyou
findpeaceandjoy?Arethererelationshipsinyourlifethatyouhaveneglectedor
relationshipsthathaveruntheircourse?Areyouengagedinanyrelationshipsright
nowthatarepullingordrawingyouawayfromyourprimaryfamilialrelationshipsor
pastoralresponsibilities?
3) Physicalhealth:Whatisidealphysicalhealthforyou?Whatgetsinyourwayfrom
beinginthatplace?Whatwillyoudotogetthereinthecomingyear?Doyouexercise
regularly?Whatareyoureatinghabits?Doyougetregularsleep?Haveyoustruggled
withanyillnesses,chronicpain,orotherdebilitatinghealthissues?Whattypesof
medicationsdoyoutake,ifany?Doyouhaveanyissueswithdrugabuse?Doyouhave
ahealthyrelationshipwithalcoholconsumption?
4) Emotionalhealth:Whatdoesitmeantobeemotionallyhealthy?Whereareyouin
relationtothatideal?Whatmakesyouangry,sad,and/orfrustrated?Doyoustruggle
withdepression?Whatthings,situationsorpeopledoyouavoidandwhy?Whenhave
youdelightedintheLord?Whenareyoujoyful,peaceful,content?Inwhatwaysdo
youstruggleorwrestlewithdoubt?
5) Vocationalhealth:Vocationalhealthmaybeanewterm.Itmeansweareworkingin
healthywaysbybalancingouruseoftime,Sabbath,power,collegiality,and
humility/pride.Whereareyouinthisseasonoflife?Areyouactivelykeepinga
Sabbath?Howareyoumodelingahealthywork/lifebalancetoothersinyour
congregationandamongthestaffofthechurch?Areyoupracticingproperstewardship
ofyourfinances?Whatdoesstewardshiplooklikeforyouandyourfamily?Inwhat
waysareyouprayinganddiscerningyourcurrentsenseofcall?
6) Congregationalhealth:Howwouldyoudescribethehealthofthecongregationyouserve?Whatdysfunctionshaveexistedinthepastorarecurrentlypresent?Whatis
thenatureofconflictwithinthecongregationandhowhaveyoualldealtwithit?
Describeyourrelationshipwiththesessionofthechurch.Howhaveyouallworked
togethertodiscernandcastthevisionofthecongregation?Isthereahealthy
developmentofspiritualleaderswithinthecongregation?Howhasthecongregation
adaptedtochangeinthepastand/orhowaretheycurrentlyadaptingtochange?
DescribeanddiscussyourMissionAffinityGrouprelationshipsandmeetings.What
challengeslieaheadforthecongregation?