Advisory Handbook on Preparing for Ministry in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
A new edition of the Advisory Handbook has been released to reflect amendments to the Book of Order approved by the presbyteries in 2023 related to the preparation for ministry process and to continue the work of providing “models of ways presbyteries are responding to unique and emerging issues related to the preparation and equipping of persons for ordered ministry as a teaching elder” (General Assembly Minutes, 2014, Part 1, pages 378-79). Every section of the Handbook has been reviewed and updated as necessary.
The “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.
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 “July 2023” and “Release 3.0” on the cover and copyright pages.
Complete “Advisory Handbook”
Download: English