Pca ministry candidate
- Thread starter Reformguy
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Clark-Tillian
Puritan Board Freshman
An MDiv is de jure in Reformed denominations. If you're sharp an MAR etc is okay. But it truly depends on the presbytery. This is true on a plethora of issues.
What flies in Metro New York, might take an Icarus-esque plunge here in Ascension.
What flies in Metro New York, might take an Icarus-esque plunge here in Ascension.
Jack K
Puritan Board Doctor
Guys with credentials from the most prestigious seminaries tend to have an easier time. I've heard it told that in some presbyteries, Westminster graduates are hardly challenged because most of the guys questioning them already feel a tad inferior. In the case of an M. Div. from a school that isn't one of the usual suspects, a guy can probably expect a more rigorous exam from presbytery. It'd be wise to ask a pastor or two from that presbytery what he thinks the group's concerns might be. There's nothing wrong with getting a feel for how the presbytery is likely to think before deciding to be examined.
Covenant Joel
Puritan Board Sophomore
I was ordained with my MAR. Technically, the BCO requires a Master's in theological studies with the biblical languages. My MAR ticked those boxes. But as others have suggested, it depends on the presbytery, and probably more than anything, depends on how your exams go. Whereas an MDiv might get a little more grace on some things, if you don't have the MDiv, you're doing to want to prepare really well for the ordination exams. I would say if possible, get the MDiv. My circumstances were such that it wasn't really feasible to do that, and I'm grateful for it, because having to write the thesis for my MAR opened up the door to the PhD program I am currently pursuing.
Ask Mr. Religion
Flatly Unflappable
It generally would not be an immediate bar, but again, it always depends upon the presbytery.
The Latinist in me can't resist!
It's actually de facto not de jure in this instance.de facto = according to fact (i.e. not technically required, but in fact required)
de jure = according to (the) law (i.e. technically required)
Reformguy
Puritan Board Freshman
The reason I asked is I'm 62 years old. I was a Assemblies of God licensed minister. I do have a BS in Biblical Studies. I left the faith for many years but still that the Lord is calling me into the ministry. I would love to go to seminary but at my age I'm not sure I could swing it. I do a lot of personal study in the Reformed faith and would be willing to do whatever I feel led to do. I will have to check with my pastor and the presbytery when the time is right.
Reformguy
Puritan Board Freshman
Please explain
Reformguy
Puritan Board Freshman
Sorry not real clear, the Lord brought me back about 1 year ago, and believe the Lord is calling me into the ministry.
iainduguid
Puritan Board Junior
Larry,
I think the best step would be to sit down with your pastor and elders and explain your sense of calling and hear their counsel. They are the people who know you and can best evaluate whether your sense of calling matches your gifts and help you to look at what the options for pastoral training might be. One of the beauties of Presbyterianism is that calling to the ministry is not simply a matter of personal leading but is something that the Session can help you with.
Reformguy
Puritan Board Freshman
Thank you Iain. I do plan to do that when the timing is right. I was trying to get a feel on what I might face.
Just bought your Is Jesus in the Old Testament? along with David Murray's Jesus on every Page; enjoying both. Thanks again.
Reformguy
Puritan Board Freshman
Thank you also Andrew!
Edward
Puritanboard Commissioner
With exceptions in extraordinary circumstances.
Edward
Puritanboard Commissioner
I know of a former Baptist pastor with a Bible college bachelor's who was ordained after several years of mentoring and training by one of the fathers of our denomination. But as you noted, the number is few.
Yes. I am the opposite end of the story's confirmation. I was a Ruling Elder who was Chairman of our Presbytery's Candidates and Credentials (examining) Committee, and Secretary of the General Assembly's Theological Examining Committee, and I still needed to get an M.Div. to become a Teaching Elder.
Clark-Tillian
Puritan Board Freshman
The Latinist in me can't resist!
de facto = according to fact (i.e. not technically required, but in fact required)
de jure = according to (the) law (i.e. technically required)
You got me! It was late. LOL
No worries, brother! Just having some Latin fun!The Latinist in me can't resist!
de facto = according to fact (i.e. not technically required, but in fact required)
de jure = according to (the) law (i.e. technically required)
You got me! It was late. LOL
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