Eligibility Exam and Ordination Interview Process for Pastoral Ministry Candidates

Introduction

The Christian Reformed Church in the Philippines – Classis Metro Manila Central (CMMC) is committed to nurturing and equipping qualified individuals for ministry. To ensure candidates meet the highest standards of theological knowledge, pastoral skills, and spiritual maturity, we have established a structured process for the Eligibility Exam and Ordination Examination.

Eligibility Exam Process

Application Requirements

Pastors and churches interested in the Eligibility Exam should meet the following criteria and submit the necessary documents:

  1. Age and Membership: Applicants must be at least 23 years old and a member in good standing of a CRCP church for at least two years. A personal resume with a testimony of conversion must be submitted.
  2. Theological Training:
    • Completion of 45-60 units in BLESS-CMMC or a degree from CRCP-accredited theological institutions (e.g., ATS in QC, PST in Cavite, or CTS in the USA).
    • If theological training was completed at a non-Reformed or unaccredited school, or if the applicant has no formal training but is endorsed under Article 7, they must complete the following courses through BLESS or their equivalent:
      • Reformed Theology of Scriptures and Salvation
      • Reformed Distinctives (5 SOLAS and TULIP)
      • Reformed Church Governance
      • Reformed Church History
      • Reformed Preaching and Worship
      • Reformed Perspective on Personal Life and Ministry.
  3. Internship: No internship is required for the Eligibility Exam, but at least one year of pastoral service is encouraged.
  4. Preaching Assignments: Applicants must preach in at least two congregations within CMMC, one of which must be a CRCP church outside of CMMC, with satisfactory endorsements from the consistories of those churches.
  5. Position Paper: Submit a position paper addressing a current social issue (minimum 3 pages, double-spaced).

Eligibility Examinations

The Eligibility Exam evaluates candidates on their readiness for ministry. It includes:

  1. Written Examination: Assessing knowledge of:
    • Bible Knowledge
    • Reformed Polity
    • Pastoral Care
    • Biblical Theology
    • Reformed Doctrine
  2. Practical Exercises: Candidates demonstrate preaching skills in two organized churches. Coordination with the Eligibility Team for referrals and scheduling is required.
  3. Oral Examination: Evaluates communication skills, theological understanding, and pastoral aptitude.
  4. Position Paper: Review of the submitted paper on a current social issue.

Passing Criteria

  • A minimum passing score of 80% is required in all subjects.
  • If an applicant fails a subject, they may retake it after review with the teacher. A second failure allows for another attempt after further review. A third failure means the candidate must wait until the following year.

Post-Exam Procedures

After the exam results are checked:

  • Applicants who pass all components will be informed promptly.
  • Eligibility Exam completion allows candidates to proceed to the Ordination Examination process if endorsed by their church.

Exam Scheduling and Format

  • The Eligibility Exam will be conducted face-to-face and scheduled for two morning sessions (2 hours each) or one extended morning session.
  • Candidates should coordinate with the CMMC Secretariat for scheduling and other logistical details.

Ordination Interview Process

Requirements for Ordination

  1. Completion of Eligibility Exam: Candidates must pass the Eligibility Exam without conditions before proceeding.
  2. Internship: A one-year internship (or two years of pastoral service) in a CMMC congregation is required.
  3. Letter of Call: Issued only after successful completion of the Eligibility Exam.
  4. Preaching Assignments: Evaluated during the Eligibility Exam phase.
  5. Synodical Deputies: Participation is required during the ordination process.

Ordination Process

  1. The candidate’s ordination interview will be conducted during a regular CMMC meeting by CMMC representatives in the presence of the calling church’s consistory and synodical deputies of neighboring classes.
  2. If no issues arise during the interview, the Letter of Call will be read and attested by CMMC representatives.
  3. The candidate will be excused while the body deliberates and votes for Yes or No.
  4. If the candidate passed he will be asked to join the meeting again and provide the body’s decision.

For More Information

For questions or clarifications, please contact the CMMC Secretariat at 0995 015 8555 or visit https://www.facebook.com/CRCP.CMMC/.