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 2017 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 “December 2017” and “release 2.1” on the cover and copyright pages.
Complete “Advisory Handbook”
Portions related to specific topics are also available as handouts in either Adobe Reader (.pdf) or Microsoft Word (.doc) file formats.
“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
Deciding about “fitness and readiness” PDF│Word
Examining Inquirers and Candidates (G-2.0104) PDF│Word
Final Assessment and Negotiation for Service (G-2.0607) PDF│Word
Certified Ready for Examination, Pending a Call (G-2.0607) PDF│Word
Accommodations to Particular Circumstances (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
Resources
Forms for use in the preparation for ministry process PDF│Word
Accommodations and Alternatives to the Standard Exams PDF│Word