ECOeco-pres.org/static/media/uploads/resources/eco_ordination_manual... · Dear ECO Community, I am so thankful for the countless individuals who have helped to create, refine and

ECO

ECO

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?