2011-2013 Advisory Handbook on Preparing for Ministry in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.
The revision to the Book of Order approved by the presbyteries in 2011 was intentionally different in tone and purpose from recent versions. Rather than a regulatory manual that provides guidance for all that we do as a church, it is a description of our common life. The Book of Order now opens with “Foundations of Presbyterian Polity” that lay out the important theological and ecclesial principles for the church’s life. The extensively revised Form of Government has many detailed provisions removed, leaving a broad framework within which councils of the church discern what is the best course of action based on their mission context and understanding of God’s will.
In keeping with that approach, the current “Advisory Handbook” guides those discerning a possible call to ordered ministry as teaching elders and those who work with them through the process of preparation for ministry. It explores the changing ministry landscape into which God will “send out laborers into his harvest” (Matthew 9:38), reviews the current constitutional requirements related to preparation for ordination as a teaching elder, outlines the responsibilities of the different partners in the process, and identifies resources on a variety of related topics.
This resource is no longer published for purchase. It is available without charge through the links below in a variety of formats. Mid-councils are free to use the documents or adapt them for incorporation into their own documents.
The “Advisory Handbook” is regularly updated in response to suggestions from the presbyteries and actions by the church and its agencies. The latest revision is identifiable by the date “March 2013” on the cover page and “Release 1.4” on the copyright page. )
Complete “Advisory Handbook”
Portions related to specific topics are also available as handouts in either Adobe Reader (.pdf) or Microsoft Word (.doc) file formats.
“Preparing for Ministry Today”
“Walking the Road Together” (Book of Order requirements review)
Preparing for ordination as a teaching elder
Inquiry, candidacy, and beyond (G-2.0601; G-3.0307) PDF│Word
Shared responsibilities for care (G-2.0605) PDF│Word
Oversight and Immigration Issues PDF│Word
Changing the partners to the covenant (G-2.0608) PDF│Word
Take the time necessary (G-2.0602) PDF│Word
Preparing for ministry through practice (G-2.0606) PDF│Word
Inquiry Phase (G-2.0603)
Deciding about “suitability for ordered ministry” PDF│Word
Candidacy Phase (G-2.0604)
Entering the Candidacy Phase PDF│Word
Examining Inquirers and Candidates PDF│Word
Deciding about “fitness and readiness” PDF│Word
Final Assessment and Negotiation for Service
Negotiation for Service (G-2.0607) PDF│Word
Final Assessment (G-2.0607a-d) PDF│Word
Certified Ready for Examination, Pending a Call (G-2.0607) PDF│Word
Exceptions (G-2.0610) PDF│Word
Removal from Covenant Relationship (G-2.0609) PDF│Word
Roles and Responsibilities of Participants
The Inquirer and Candidate
Before the process begins PDF│Word
Initiating the process with your session PDF│Word
Taking the session endorsement to the presbytery PDF│Word
During the inquiry phase PDF│Word
Considering transition to the candidacy phase PDF│Word
During the candidacy phase PDF│Word
Final assessment and negotiation for service PDF│Word
Receiving a call and ordination PDF│Word
The Session
Developing awareness of the call to teaching elder PDF│Word
Exploring the call to ministry as a teaching elder PDF│Word
Supporting inquirers and candidates PDF│Word
The Presbytery
Responsibilities of the presbytery as a whole PDF│Word
Organizing to provide for the “full preparation” of teaching elders PDF│Word
Responsibilities of the entity overseeing preparation for ministry PDF│Word
Deciding whether to enroll an inquirer PDF│Word
During the inquiry phase PDF│Word
Considering transition to the candidacy phase PDF│Word
During the candidacy phase PDF│Word
Final assessment and negotiation for service PDF│Word
Receiving a call and ordination PDF│Word
General Responsibilities PDF│Word
The Theological Institutions PDF│Word
The Synod and General Assembly PDF│Word
Resources
Forms for use in the preparation for ministry process PDF│Word
Alternative Assessment of Competency PDF│Word
