Updated 8/19/2016 1 ORDINATION GUIDE FOR SOVEREIGN GRACE CHURCHES Table of Contents 1. Introduction……………………………………………………………………………………………………………...2 2. Rationale for the Ordination Standards for Sovereign Grace Churches……………………...3 3. Summary of Entire Ordination Procedure………………………………………………………………....4 4. Documents Required by the Regional Ordination Committee ……………………………….….6 5. Local Evaluation Questions ………………………………………………………………………………….….7 6. Preliminary Assessment Test………………………………………………………………………………....16 7. Ordination Resources……………………………………………………………………………………….……40 8. Suggested Study Plans…………….……………………………………………………………………….……48 9. Ordination Papers…………………………………………………………………………………………………53 10. Reading Report……………………………………………………………………………………………….......54 11. Test Preparation Guide for Ordination Exams……………………………………………………….55
58
Embed
ORDINATION GUIDE FOR SOVEREIGN GRACE CHURCHESs3.amazonaws.com/.../ordination-guide-8-16.pdf7. Ordination service in the local church. After these requirements are met, the local church
This document is posted to help you gain knowledge. Please leave a comment to let me know what you think about it! Share it to your friends and learn new things together.
As a first step, the elder candidate and his local elders should familiarize themselves withSections2,3,and9oftheBookofChurchOrder(BCO).Sections2and3addresstheofficeandqualifications of elders, and Section 9 addresses the ordination of elders, including arecommendedprocessforordination.
YourRegionalOrdinationCommittee (ROC)will be able to serve youwith anyquestions youmayhave.Whenalocaleldershipdesirestomovetowardordainingaman,theyshouldinformand involve the ROC at the outset. It is recommended that you contact the ROC at least 12monthsinadvanceofthedesireddateofordination,priortoinitiatingtheordinationprocessandstudyperiod.Thisallowssufficienttimeforpersonalstudy,evaluations,requiredreading,andwritingassignmentstobecompleted.
Inworkingtowardordination,weshouldkeepinmindthatthisprocessisvaluablenotonlyfortheevaluationitprovides,butalsofortheedificationandequippingthecandidateexperiences.Additionally, we should allow ordination to function as a reminder of Christ’s love for hischurch.Theonewhogaveuphislifeinloveforthechurchhasascendedtoheaven.Fromthatpositionofauthority,andmotivatedbythesamelove,henowgivesgiftedmenas leaderstothechurch.
May churches be built up, our partnership be strengthened, and the glory of Christ bepromotedthroughtheappointmentoffaithfulshepherdsinthechurchesofSovereignGrace.
God’s word presents the role of a pastor as a high calling and privilege. There is a uniqueauthority and responsibility entrusted to Christ’s under-shepherds. Every pastor is to be askilledteacherofScripture,andmustbecapableoffeedingtheflockfromGod’sword.Everypastorisalsoagoverningelderintheaffairsofthechurch,aspiritualoverseer,aguardianofsounddoctrine,andarefuteroffalsedoctrine.Therefore, tobeordainedasapastor,a candidatemustbeaprovenstudentofGod’sword,“rightlyhandlingthewordoftruth”(2Tim2:15).Thecandidatemustbe“abletoteach”(1Tim3:2). “Hemust hold firm to the trustworthyword as taught, so that hemay be able to giveinstructioninsounddoctrineandalsotorebukethosewhocontradict it”(Titus1:9).Hemustbeabletoprotecttheflockfromfalsedoctrineandfromwolves(Acts20:28-30).The Sovereign Grace Book of ChurchOrder (BCO), following Biblical standards for eldership,statesthatallofoureldersmustpossessanaptitudeforsounddoctrine:“Eldersmustpossessasaptitudeforsounddoctrine,whichmeanstheyunderstandandbelieveitandcanteachanddefendit”(3.5).Theymustalsohaveanabilitytoteach:“Suchanabilitytoteachimpliesabasicability toorganize ideas, accuratelyexegete thebiblical text, and communicate this in awaythatencourages,instructs,andeveninspiresotherbelievers”(3.5.3).TheordinationprocessforthechurchesofSovereignGraceisintendedtoprotecttheintegrityofourdoctrinalcommitmentsandvalues,toguardagainstbeinghastyinthelayingonofhands(1 Tim 5:22), and to ensure that called and qualifiedmen are filling our pulpits, leading ourchurchplants,andpastoringourchurches.AllcurrenteldersinthechurchesofSovereignGracehaveavestedinterestinthequalityofourfutureelders.Thetheologicalmaturityandbiblicalfidelityofourpastorsisfundamentaltothehealthofourunionofchurches.Forthisreason,theremustbeordinationstandardsthataccuratelyassessaman’sknowledgeand handling of Scripture, his ability to understand and apply sound doctrine, and hisfundamentaldoctrinalcommitments.Theremustbedoctrinalstandardsforeldershipthatarehigherthanwhatisrequiredofchurchmembers(Jas3:1).Thereshouldbeaprocessofcarefulstudy, preparation, andexamination. Candidates shouldbe assessed for their ability tobringGod’s word to bear on a range of theological, pastoral, and contemporary issues. TheexaminationshouldalsocoverourStatementofFaith,BCO,andoursharedvalues.SuchaprocessisfaithfultothestandardsofScripture,isinkeepingwiththeSovereignGraceBCO,andpromotesthefuturehealthofthechurchesofSovereignGrace.
1. Identification of a potential candidate: The responsibility for identifying and trainingelders restsoneach localeldership (see1Tim3:1-7,Titus1:7-9 for thequalifications;also 2 Tim 2:2 for the responsibility to identify potential elders). The section “LocalEvaluationQuestions”belowwillhelpyouasyouidentifyandevaluatepotentialelders.Any potential reservations or disagreements with the Sovereign Grace Statement ofFaithmustbeidentifiedatthispoint.
2. Preliminary assessment test: After you have identified a candidate for eldership, thenextstepistoevaluatehiscurrentlevelofbiblical,theological,andpastoralknowledge.Thepreliminaryassessmenttestthatisprovidedissimplyatooltohelpthecandidateandhis localelders.Aftertakingthistest, thecandidatewillbe inabetterpositiontopersonalizehisstudyplan.
3. Ordinationstudyperiod:Thelengthoftimerequiredforthiswillvary.Thegoalistousetheresultsofthepreliminaryassessmenttesttohelpeachmanbestprepareforboththe written and oral exams, and to write his ordination papers. The section marked“OrdinationResources”belowcontains the required readingsaswell as supplementalreadings to help aman addressweaknesses identified by the preliminary assessmenttest.Twosuggestedstudyplansareprovided(six-monthand12-month);thelengthoftimewillvarydependingonthecandidate’sbackground,abilities,andschedule.
4. Submissionofrequireddocuments:Asthecandidate’sstudyperiodends,theRegionalOrdinationCommittee(hereafterROC)shouldbenotifiedofthecandidate’sstatusandthe timetable for taking the ordination exams. See the section entitled “DocumentsRequiredbytheROC”forthefulllist.
5. Ordinationexams:
a. The Bible knowledge exam will be supplied by the ROC, to be taken by thecandidate on his own, and proctored by a member of the local eldership. ThecompletedexamshouldimmediatelybeforwardedtotheROC,whichshouldgradetheexamwithintwoweeksofreceivingit.TheROCwilltheninformthecandidateandhiseldershipofhisscore.
b. ThetheologyexamwillalsobesuppliedbytheROC,tobetakenbythecandidateon
his own, andproctoredby amember of the local eldership. The completed examshouldimmediatelybeforwardedtotheROC,whichshouldgradetheexamwithintwoweeksofreceivingit.TheROCwilltheninformthecandidateandhiseldershipofhisscore.ThetheologyexamcoversthecategoriesinourStatementofFaith.
c. The oral exam is administered by the ROC. Churches that are farther apart from
each other may want to consider conducting the oral exam either at the annualCouncil of Elders or a regional assembly. The oral exam focuses on 1) personalbackground, calling, and convictions, 2) polity and SovereignGrace shared values,and3)pastoralministry.Duringtheexam,thecandidatemaybequestionedbytheROConhiswrittenexam,ordinationpapers,evaluations,orbibleknowledgeshouldtheROCdeemithelpful.
6. ApprovalbytheRegionalAssemblyofElders(RAE):Uponsuccessfulcompletionofthewrittenandoralexams,thecandidateispresentedtotheRAEbythelocalelders.TheROCwill give their recommendation regarding theman’s ordination to the assembly.Thecandidatewillreceiveapprovalbyasimplemajorityvoteafterany“necessaryandrelevant questioning” (BCO-9.3.6). If the RAE approves the candidate, then thecandidate signs the statement regarding tohis subscription to the Statementof FaithandsubmissiontotheBCO(BCO-9.3.6).
7. Ordination service in the local church. After these requirements are met, the localchurch publicly announces a date for an official ordination service. The candidatepubliclyaffirmsaseriesofquestionsstipulatedintheBCO.TheelderslayhandsonthecandidateandpubliclycommendhimtoGodthroughprayer.
Thefollowingsetsofquestionsareforusebythecandidateandalsobythelocaleldership.Thepurposeistohelpamanthinkthroughhisstrengthsandweaknesses,andtogivetheeldersacomprehensiveevaluation.Butremember:weallstumbleinmanyways!Thegoalhereisnotthedocumentationofperfection,butanhonestassessmentofwhereGodisatworkandwheregrowth is needed. Be honest, be open, and remember: only the chief Shepherd receives aperfectgrade!
3. Doyouhaveacurrentparentingsituationthatweshouldbeconcernedabout?4. Wereyoupreviouslymarried?5. Are there any specific marriage conflicts or struggles that we should be concerned
about?6. Haveyoubeenconvictedofacrimeotherthanminortrafficcitations?7. Haveyoubeenaccusedofacrimeinvolvingachild?8. Haveyoueverdeclaredbankruptcy?9. Would another church be offended, have objections, or have any concerns and/or
• Whatisyourministryexperience?• Whatformaltraininghaveyouhad,includinganydegreesearned?• Doyoudesiretobeanelderprovidedtheevaluationprocessgoeswell?• Are youwilling towalk through this processwith an open attitude, trusting the Lord
withthefinalresult?
Updated8/19/2016
8
LocalElderTeamEvaluationQuestions
Thesewillbecompletedbythe localeldershipandsubmittedtotheROCwiththeordinationpacket (see section 4: “Required Documents by the Regional Ordination Committee). Thereasonforincludingpersonalcharacterandaman’sleadershipinthehomeisnotbecausetheROC is responsible to evaluate the candidate in these areas (although the personalknowledge/experience that a regional pastor may have of the candidate is legitimate toexplore). This evaluation functionsprimarily as a commendation from the local elders, andensuresthatathoroughevaluationhasbeendonelocally.
The goal here is to assess theman's character. There are specific areas of charactermentionedinthepastoraltexts,buttheNewTestamentgivesusotherareasthatshouldalsobeincludedintheevaluation(e.g.,Matt22:36ff.).Moreover,sincepastorsaretobeexamplestotheircongregations(1Tim4:12;1Pet5:3),thereisparticularapplicationtothem of the full range of Christian virtues. As with all areas, the requirement is notperfection, but there should be clear evidence that the man possesses exemplarycharacter.
Updated8/19/2016
9
Category VeryStrong
Strong Average Weak VeryWeak
1. Spirituality:Anevident loveofGoddemonstrated by a spiritualmindset, spiritual disciplines, andpassioninworship(Matt22:36ff.)
2. Prayer/Spiritual Disciplines: Has along track-record of regular prayerandpersonalBiblereading.
3. Hospitality: Committed tofellowship and consistent withhospitality (sharing his life andresourceswithothers)
4. Humility: Sees need for input andthen asks for it and acts on it;receives correction well; confessessin regularly; postures himself as alearner, a student; not controlledby selfish-ambition and a "title" (1Peter5:5-6;Prov28:13)
5. Servant: Demonstrates a servant'sheart(Matt20:25-26)
6. Life:Diligentlywatches his life andteachinganddemonstrates growthinboth(1Tim4:12-16)
7. Sexual purity: Not addicted topornography, has been faithful tohiswife,andrelatestotheoppositesexinagodlymanner(1Tim3:2-3,5:2)
8. Self-control: Time, physical health,finances,personalhabits,andothermiscellaneous areas alldemonstrateself-control
9. Gentleness: Able to be gentle andself-controlled in conflict (1 Tim3:3;2Tim2:24-25;Titus1:7)
10. Love: Proactive with people, takesinterest in others, listens andconverses well, not aloof orpreoccupied or unable to relate(Phil2:1-4;1Cor13;etc.)
Anyadditionalcommentsonthissection:
Updated8/19/2016
10
Marriage(Eph5:25ff.;1Tim3:2,4;1Peter3:7)
The goal here is to assess the man's marriage. There should be unity, affection,understanding, love, and the fruit of godly leadership. How long the man has beenmarried, the spiritual journey of the husband and wife, and other factors will beweighed.
Category Very
StrongStrong Average Weak Very
Weak1. Faithful to his wife for their
entiremarriage
2. Not addicted to pornography orgiventootherareasofsexualsin
3. Takes initiative in the marriageto build their relationship (e.g.,createstimealoneforthemasacouple,etc.)
4. Wife would testify that thehusband both loves heraffectionatelyandleadsherwell
5. Husband takes initiative inspiritualmatters in themarriage(e.g., makes decisions for thesakeoftheirspiritualhealthsuchas inquiring about her Biblereading and prayer, initiatingspiritualconversation,etc.)
6. Wifecantestifythatthehusbandhonors and cherishes her withhis actions and his words—bothinpublicandinprivate
7. Wife submitted to her husbandappropriately—notcoweringasadoormat, but complementary asahelpmate
Anyadditionalcommentsonthissection:
Parenting(1Tim3:4-5;Titus1:6;Eph6:4)
The goal here is to assess the man as a father. The primary fruit to examine is hischildren.Theirsubmissiontohimrevealshisgodlinessandfaithfulnessasamanagerofhishome.Thisisanareathatisdifficulttoassessinfalliblybecausetheheartofthechild
Updated8/19/2016
11
is a factor alongwith the father. Yet, the Bible clearly and emphatically holds up ourchildrenaspartoftheevidenceofourcallingasanelder.
2. Discipling his children in the fear ofthe Lord—incorporating formalelements like family Bible readingand informal elements likespontaneous conversations andsituationalguidance/counseling
3. Children are submitted to thespiritual direction of the father—attending the church where heattends, complyingwith the spiritualinitiatives of the father, even if theyarenotregenerate
4. Doesnot lead inangerbutwithself-controlandhumility
5. Faithful to discipline his children inage-appropriate and situation-appropriateways
6. Manages his home well generally—caringforhisfamily’sfinancialhealth,stewarding well their physicalproperty, family schedule is undercontrol;ageneralappearanceofwiseleadershipinalldomesticmatters
Anyadditionalcommentsonthissection:
"Abletoteach"(1Tim3:2;2Tim2:15;Titus1:9)
Thegoalhereistoassessthecandidate'sbasicteachingability.Itisassumedthathewillbe evaluated based on his Sunday preaching ability, yet we also understand thatdifferentelderswillbecalledupontoteachinavarietyofsettings.Somewillnotteachat all on Sundays, some in a mix of venues, some exclusively on Sundays. Althoughcertain qualities that point to an authentic spiritual gift should be present, there is awiderangeofgiftingthatconstitutesbeing"abletoteach."
Updated8/19/2016
12
Category VeryStrong
Strong Average Weak VeryWeak
1. Demonstratestheabilitytoclearlycommunicate the truth of God'sword
3. AbletoapplythetruthfromGod'sword to the lives of those in hischurch
4. The power of the Spirit is evident(i.e.,thereisapparentunctionandeffect when he preaches; hepreaches sermons, does not givelectures)
5. A track-record of consistent study(recognizingwealldiffergreatlyinourparticularinterestsandenergyinourstudies)
6. Broad grasp of the Bible,systematic theology, biblicaltheology, and church history (seebelow formore on the ordinationexams)
Anyadditionalcommentsonthissection:
"Overseer"(Acts20:28;Heb13:17;1Tim3:5;5:17)
Thegoalhere is toassess the leadershipof the candidate.Different rolesona churchstaffrequiredifferentlevelsofleadershipgifting,butsinceleadershipisinherenttothetask of being an elder (Acts 20:28; Heb 13:17; 1 Tim 3:5; 5:17), this gifting must bepresentinsomemeasure.
Category Very
StrongStrong Average Weak Very
Weak1. Abletocreateandexecuteaplanfor
ministry
2. Able to organize people—definingtheir tasks, communicating thevision,buildingateam
3. Able to communicate clearly ingeneral matters (typical
5. Has a track-record of discipleshipand building into others, especiallythoseonhisteam
6. Makes good decisions about groupsof people—identifying the needs,creatingawaytomeetthoseneeds,anticipatingtheimpactofdecisions
7. Abletomanagetaskswell 8. Able to both lead a teamof people
and be a contributingmember of ateam
9. Able to steward resources: thinkingthrough the budget of the churchwith some amount of wisdom andskill
Anyadditionalcommentsonthissection:"Shepherd": "Shepherd the church of Godwhich He purchasedwith His own blood" (Acts20:28,NASB;1Peter5:1-4)
The goal here is to assess the candidate's ability to shepherd the sheep God mightentrust to him. The role of a shepherd is a combination of anticipating andmeetingneeds,leading,protecting,andpossessingasincereconcernforGod'ssheep.Allmustbepresentforaneldertoservewell.
Category Very
StrongStrong Average Weak Very
Weak1. Cares forpeople (carries themonhis
heartandexpressesthatpersonally)
2. Can relate to a broad spectrum ofpeople
3. Ministers to encourage, edify, andserve,nottodomineerorcontrol.
4. Does not manipulate to win theloyaltiesofpeople
5. Ministers for the sake of others, notpersonalambitionorreputation
6. Able to counsel those who arestrugglingwithwisdomfromtheBible
Updated8/19/2016
14
7. Able to help others grow byincorporatingthetruthoftheBible
8. Able to identify the needs of aparticularsheepandthewholeflock
9. Able to see the dangers inside andoutsidethechurchthatcouldhurtthesheepentrustedtohim
10. Able to see the dangers for aparticularsheep
11. Fulfills his role as shepherd with anawarenessthatheismerelyanunder-shepherd who is serving the "ChiefShepherd"(1Peter5:4)
Thegoalhereistoassessthegeneralknowledgeofthecandidate.Toteachanddefendsounddoctrine requiresabroadknowledgeof theBible, theology, churchhistory,andthe distinctives of SG churches. A candidate does not need a PhD in theology to beordained,buthedoesneedtobeabletofunctionwellinthecommontasksofpastoralministry,which have at their root the truth ofGod’sword. These include counseling,teaching,evangelizing,andthedefenseofthefaiththathappensonsuchoccasions.Aswith teaching (see above), there is a spectrum of abilities and giftings that wouldconstitutemeetingtherequirementhere.
Category Very
StrongStrong Average Weak Very
Weak1. HasagoodgraspoftheOldandNew
Testaments.
2. Has a good command of systematictheology (seesectionXII formoreonthisissue)
3. Has a good knowledge of the keymomentsofchurchhistory
4. Understandsand is in full agreementwiththeSGMBookofChurchOrder
5. Understandsand is in full agreementwiththeSGMStatementofFaith
6. Any reservations or disagreements with the SG Statement of Faith have been identified,explored,anddeterminedtobeacceptable:Yesorno.
Updated8/19/2016
15
Anyadditionalcommentsonthissection:
Updated8/19/2016
16
6.PRELIMINARYASSESSMENTTEST
The following test is a simply a tool to help the candidate and his local elders assess thecandidate’sbiblicalandtheologicalknowledge.Aftertakingthetest,thecandidatewillbeinabetterpositiontopersonalizehisstudyplaninpreparationfortheordinationexams.HowtoUseThisTestTake the testunhurriedly,withoutprevious studying.DonotuseaBible forassistance.Thengradeyour test,using theanswerkey. Since this is apracticeexam,noproctor isnecessary.Each test is divided into sections with ten questions each. Use the information below todeterminewhereyouneedtostudyinpreparationfortheSovereignGraceordinationexam.Ifyourscoreforanysectionis,thefollowingactionsarerecommended:
• 8-10pts–dorequiredreading,butnoneedtodevoteextrastudytothistopic.2• 6-8pts–inadditiontorequiredreading,choose1-2supplementalresources.• 6ptsorbelow–doall requiredandsupplemental readingon this topic.Work
a. Solomon,1Kings1.b. Saul,1Samuel9.c. David,2Samuel7.d. Jesus,Psalm2.
9. Theterms“northernkingdom”and“southernkingdom”referrespectivelyto:a. ThelandofthePhilistinesandtheMoabites.b. IsraelandJudah,followingthedivisionofthekingdomsin1Kings12.c. The inheritanceofReuben,Gad,andManasseh,andthe inheritanceof therestof the
32. Trueorfalse:Jobisconsideredpartofthe“wisdomliterature”oftheBible?33. True or false: the prophets never speak to any nation except Israel and Judah in their
a. Imagery.b. Concisedescriptions.c. Parallelism.d. Rhyme.
36. Whichofthefollowingisatruestatementaboutinterpretinghistoricalnarratives:a. The narrator tells us everything that happened about the historical events, so some
detailsareirrelevant.b. ThenarratorgivesusahumanrecordofGod’sactions,sosomedetailsmightbefalse.c. The narrator tells us some things, but not everything, about the historical events, so
65. Theterm“OlivetDiscourse”refersto:a. Jesus’teachingtohisdisciplesintheUpperRoominJohn14-16b. Jesus’instructionaboutmissioninMatthew10c. Jesus’parables,foundinMark4,Matthew13,andLuke8d. Jesus’ teaching about the destruction of the temple and the end times found in
a. AfuturetimeperiodimmediatelybeforethereturnofChristb. TheperiodaftertheclosingoftheNewTestamentcanonc. TheentiretimeperiodbetweenthefirstandsecondcomingofChristd. TheperiodbetweenChrist’sresurrectionandascension
93. True or false: the work of Christ and the work of the Spirit in salvation are closely boundtogether.
b. ThenationofIsraelinPaul’sdayc. Thechurch,bothJewandGentiled. AprophecyofthefuturenationofIsrael
95. TherelationshipbetweentheOldandNewTestamentsisbestdescribedby:a. TheOldTestamentisaboutGod’sjudgment,theNewTestamentisaboutGod’sgrace.b. The Old Testament describes how God saved before Christ, the New Testament
describeshowGodsavesthroughChrist.c. The Old Testament prepares for and points to the work of Christ, while the New
a. Jesus’promisetoreturntoredeemhischurchattheendoftime.b. TherelationshipthatGodinitiateswithmenandwomenthroughJesusChrist.c. Anagreementbetweenchurchmembersthatformsthelocalchurch.d. God’spromisetoDavidthatoneofhisdescendantswouldruleforever.
a. ScriptureisaboutGod.b. PartsofScriptureincludecommandsofGodthatmustbeobeyed.c. TodisobeyScriptureistodisobeyGod.d. Scriptureisintendedtobethecivillawofeverynation.
118. Trueorfalse:thedoctrinesofcreationandprovidencerefertothesameactivityofGod.119. Which of the following are errors that arise from a misunderstanding of the doctrine of
120. True or false: the doctrine of providencemeans thatGod controls everything related to oursalvationandgodliness,butleavesotherthingstothelawsofnature.
a. Atonementforoursins.b. Illumination.c. Assurance.d. ManifestingthepresenceofGod.
133. TheHolySpirit’sroleinScriptureis:a. LimitedtotheworkofcreationintheOldTestament.b. LimitedtotheworkofsalvationintheNewTestament.c. Involved in both creation and salvation, and described in both the Old and New
137. Which of the following is not an accurate description of the relationship between the HolySpirit’sworkandChrist’swork?
a. Christaccomplishessalvation,theHolySpiritappliesittoourhearts.b. JesussecuresthegiftoftheHolySpiritforallhispeoplebyhisdeathandresurrection.c. Becausehewasdivine, Jesusdidnotneed theHoly Spirit to completehismissionon
a. ManwascreatedinGod’simage,butcompletelylostthatimageasaresultoftheFall.b. Godfirstdesignatedmanashisimage-bearerinGenesis9:6.c. Man was created in God’s image. The Fall greatly distorted that image, but did not
a. GodallowedsintoenterhiscreationthroughthevoluntarychoicesofAdamandEve.b. Godistheauthorofsin.c. Godissovereignoversin.d. GodcountedallhumansguiltybecauseofAdam’ssin.
146. Adam’ssinresultedin:a. GuiltonAdamandallofusashisdescendants,butnoeffectonournature.b. GuiltonAdam,andthepossibilitythatallhisdescendantswouldsinasAdamdid.c. Guilt and a sinful nature for Adam, and guilt and a sinful nature for all of his
a. Christdiedforoursins,wasburied,wasraised,andappearedtothedisciples.b. Christwasmadetobesinforus,sothatwecouldbecomerighteousinhim.c. Christboreoursinsinhisbodyonthetree.d. ChristJesusdiedforsinners.
154. Thedoctrineofimputationstatesthat:a. Godtreatsusashisimagebearers.b. GodtreatsusasifChrist’srighteousnessbelongedtous.c. GodtreatsChrist,aftertheresurrection,ashisexaltedandglorifiedSon.d. Godtreatsusas ifour imperfectgoodworks, iftheyaredoneinfaith,wereperfect in
a. Jesus’obedienceasaman.b. Christ’sdeathinourplace.c. Christ’sresurrection.d. Alloftheabovearepartoftheessentialcontentofthegospel.
156. Trueorfalse:faithistheonlygoodworknecessaryforsalvation.157. True or false: the gospel is primarily good news because of themiraculous change it brings
a. Mancancontributenothingtohissalvationexceptthefaithtobelievethegospeloffer.b. SalvationisentirelyGod’swork,butaftersalvation,sanctificationisentirelyourwork.c. Mancancontributenothingtohissalvation;evenfaithisagiftofGod.d. Oncewearesaved,Godhelpsthosewhohelpthemselves.
a. OurlegalstandingbeforeGod,basedonChrist’srighteousness.b. Theinstantaneousactwhereby,atChrist’ssecondcoming,wewillbemadelikehim.c. Theprocess,coveringalloftheChristianlife,throughwhichwebecomelikeJesus.d. An experience of freedom from sin, occurring by the Spirit’s power sometime after
a. SanctificationisentirelytheworkofGod;thebelieverisentirelypassive.b. Sanctificationisentirelytheworkofthebeliever;Godexpectsustostriveforholiness.c. SanctificationinvolvesboththeworkofGodandtheworkofthebeliever.d. Noneoftheabove.
a. ThetruththattheHolySpiritenablesbelievertoceasefromtheireffortstopleaseGodbecausetheyarealreadypleasingtohiminChrist.
b. Thedoctrinethatstatesthatthemiraculousspiritualgiftsceasedwiththeclosingofthecanon.
c. ThebeliefthattheHolySpiritenablesbelieverstoceasefromsinafterconversion.d. A view that theHoly Spirit ceased tominister to Jesus during his punishment on the
a. Agroupofbelieversjoinedtogetherataspecificlocalplace.b. AllNewTestamentChristians.c. Thecommunityofalltruebelieversforalltime.d. ThespiritsofallChristianswhohavediedandarenowwiththeLord.
d. Thebeliefthatonlyordainedministersshouldadministerbaptism.188. Trueorfalse:theterm“credobaptism”referstothesamethingas“believer’sbaptism.”189. Baptism:
a. SymbolizesourunionwithChristinhisdeath,burial,andresurrection.b. RepresentsourguiltinAdam.c. Isthemeansbywhichweexperienceregeneration.d. Alloftheabove.
a. Thebeliefthatthegospelisintendedforeverytribe,tongue,andnation.b. ThebeliefthatGodwillsaveallpeopleandjudgenoone.c. ThebeliefthatJesushasuniversalauthority.d. ThebeliefthatthesecondcomingofChristwillrenewtheuniverse.
Updated8/19/2016
40
7.ORDINATIONRESOURCESFORSTUDY
ThissectionlistsallrequiredandsupplementalresourcesforpreparingfortheSovereignGraceordinationexamsandpapers.Therequiredreadingmustbecompletedbyallcandidates.Eachsectionalsoincludessupplementalresources.Thepurposeoftheseistoprovidethecandidatewith material for further study, should his local eldership or the results of the preliminaryassessment test indicate a need to delve deeper into a particular topic. Candidates shouldespecially note the supplemental resources on Biblical Ethics as they write papers 5 and 6.Finally,andmostimportantly,candidatesshouldviewthisprocessofstudyaspreparingthem,notsimplyforanexam,butforalifetimeoffaithfulministryoftheWord.Requiredresources(note:notallresourceswillbereadintheirentirety;pagerequirementswillbegiveninthesectionstofollow):
• SystematicTheology,WayneGrudem• ESVStudyBible• InstitutesoftheChristianReligion,JohnCalvin• TheHolyTrinity,RobertLetham• WhatistheGospel,GregGilbert• “The Biblical Gospel,” D.A. Carson, in For Such a Time as This: Perspectives on
Carson,GraemeGoldsworthy• TheMeaningofMillennium:FourViews,ed.RobertClouse• AnIntroductiontotheOldTestament,TremperLongmanIIIandRaymondDillard• AnIntroductiontotheNewTestament,D.A.CarsonandDouglasMoo• TheCrossandChristianMinistry,D.A.Carson• “The Problem of New Testament Exegesis,” I. Howard Marshall, (available online at:
www.etsjets.org/files/JETS-PDFs/17/17-2/17-2-pp067-073_JETS.pdf)• ExegeticalFallacies,D.A.Carson• SovereignGraceBookofChurchOrder• Antinomianism:ReformedTheology’sUnwelcomeGuest?,MarkJones• WhatistheMissionoftheChurch?,GregGilbertandKevinDeYoung• “N.T. Wright Under Review,” Tom Schreiner, in Credo Magazine, Vol. 4, Issue 1
o DelightingintheTrinity,MichaelReeveso TheDeepThingsofGod,FredSanderso Father,Son,andHolySpirit:Relationships,Roles,andRelevance,BruceWareo ReformedDogmatics,Vol.2:GodandCreation,HermanBavinck,ch.6(79pgs)
• WhatIstheGospel,GregGilbert(128pgs)• “The Biblical Gospel,” D.A. Carson, in For Such a Time as This: Perspectives on
Evangelicalism,Past,PresentandFuture,eds.SteveBradyandHaroldRowdon.Alsoon-line at http://s3.amazonaws.com/tgc-documents/carson/1996_biblical_gospel.pdf) (10pgs)
• Supplemental:
Updated8/19/2016
43
o GettingtheGospelRight,R.C.Sproulo TheGospel,RayOrtlund
o RedemptionAccomplishedandApplied,JohnMurray:Part2,chs.1-4(38pgs)o SavedbyGrace,AnthonyHoekema:chs.1-10(148pgs)o Saved by Grace: the Holy Spirit’s Work in Calling and Regeneration, Herman
Bavincko From Heaven He Came and Sought Her, edited by David Gibson & Jonathan
o RedemptionAccomplishedandApplied,JohnMurray:Part2,chs.5-10(64pgs)o SavedbyGrace,AnthonyHoekema:ch.11(39pgs)o Justification:UnderstandingtheClassicReformedDoctrine, J.V.Fesko(esp.chs.
o ShowingtheSpirit,D.A.Carson:pp.137-188(51pgs)o TheHolySpiritandSpiritualGifts,MaxTurner(esp.chs.12-20;175pgs)o SavedbyGrace,AnthonyHoekema:ch.3(25pgs)o TheGiftofProphecy,WayneGrudem
o TheChurch,EdmundClowneyo NineMarksofaHealthyChurch,MarkDever:chs.6-9(96pgs)o WhyWeLovetheChurch,DeYoungandKlucko TheChurchintheBibleandtheWorld,ed.D.ACarson(seeesp.chps1&2;107
o IntroductionstoindividualbooksoftheBibleinESVStudyBibleo AnIntroductiontotheNewTestament,D.A.CarsonandDouglasMoo.o WhattheOldTestamentAuthorsReallyCaredAbout,JasonDeRouchie.
o TheCrossandChristianMinistry,D.A.Carsono TheChristianMinistry,CharlesBridges(esp.Part3,chs.1,3,6,&10)o ChurchElders:HowtoShepherdGod’sPeopleLikeJesus,JeramieRinneo Christ-CenteredPreaching,BryanChappello Preach:TheologyMeetsPractice,MarkDeverandGregGilberto Gospel-Centered Hermeneutics by Graeme Goldsworthy (especially Part 1 and
Thefollowingaresuggestedstudyplanstoassistthecandidateinpreparingfortheordinationexams.TheresultsfromthePreliminaryAssessmentTest(Section6)shouldprovideahelpfulgauge for thecandidate’sstudyneeds. Here isageneralsuggestion foraligningsomeof theresourceswithsectionswiththePreliminaryAssessmentTest.DevelopingyourstudyplanOldTestament
• Sanctification• EmpoweredbytheSpirit• TheChurch• AnIntroductiontotheOldTestament,TremperLongmanIII&RaymondDillard(25pgs)• AnIntroductiontotheNewTestament,D.A.CarsonandDouglasMoo:ch.1(54pgs)• “TheTheologyoftheNewTestament”inESVStudyBible:pp.1803-1805(2pgs)• “ReadingtheGospelsandActs”inESVStudyBible:pp.1811-1813(2pgs)• “ReadingtheEpistles”inESVStudyBible:pp.2147-2149(2pgs)• Write Paper 2 for the Regional Ordination Committee answering the question:What
does it mean to be continuationist in pneumatology? Explain your beliefs about theministryoftheHolySpiritinthelifeofthebelieverandthechurch.
• Write paper 3 for Regional Ordination Committee answering the question: What isexpositionalpreaching,andwhydoesitmatterinthelifeofthechurch?
• Writepaper5fortheRegionalOrdinationCommitteeansweringthequestion:Whatareyour views on divorce and remarriage, and how do these impinge upon the church,churchmembership,etc.?
the biblical view of gender as it relates to homosexuality? Briefly address how thisapplies pastorally to same-sex attraction, and culturally to same-sex marriage andtransgenderissues.
• Man’sResponsetotheGospel• Man’sInheritancethroughtheGospel• Sanctification• Write paper 1 for Regional Ordination Committee answering the question: Describe
the biblical view of gender as it relates to homosexuality? Briefly address how thisapplies pastorally to same-sex attraction, and culturally to same-sex marriage andtransgenderissues.
To help evaluate a candidate’s qualifications, the following papers should be written andsubmitted to the ROC. The paper topics are drawn primarily from the shared values ofSovereignGracechurches.Eachpapershouldbebetween750-1000words,typedanddouble-spaced, and supported with Scripture. A written sermon manuscript, and audio or videorecording of the sermon, is also required. (Note: this does not necessarily mean a Sundaymorning sermon, although that is ideal. The only requirement is that the sermon that issubmittedreflecttheman’sownexegesisandstudy.)