Information for Candidates

Written by Bob Carter

Wednesday, 18 July 2007

Information for Licensure and Ordination Candidates Bob Carter ( This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ) is the chairman of the Credentials committee. If you are a candidate for licensure or ordination, please read BCO chapter 19 or 21 and the information below before contacting him. General Information about Credentialing in Metro Atlanta Presbytery. We do not combine licensure and ordination exams; they must be taken separately and approved at different Presbytery meetings. Licentiates submit sermon CDs or MP3s and written manuscripts for the committee to review, instead of preaching them at Presbytery. The process for both licensure and ordination includes a written, closed-book exam (received and returned electronically), an oral exam before members of the credentials committee, and appearing before the Presbytery for questions. Written exams must be received roughly seven weeks prior to the next Presbytery meeting; oral examinations occur roughly two weeks after the written exam deadline. Contact the chairman for specific dates. There are no officially recommended study materials, but several are available through the denomination’s CE&P Bookstore: www.cepbookstore.com. Despite the rigor and great seriousness of this process (see 1 Tim 5:22), we are brothers who are “for” you. Work hard, for the Lord’s sake and with all his energy, and you will do fine. Instructions for Licensure Candidates You should be under care of a PCA Presbytery. If you’re already under care in Metro Atlanta Presbytery, then great. If not, your former Presbytery’s clerk or credentials committee chair should contact our chairman to verify that you are under care with them. Contact the chairman anytime after August 1, 2010  in order to receive the exam via email. It is closed book, on the honor system, and will cover Theology, Bible Content, and BCO. It is due on or before August 15, 2010. By the same deadline as your exam, submit to the chairman either a CD, an mp3 file, or an online link to an mp3 sermon you have preached within the last year. Per BCO 19-2.d, you must also submit a written version of the sermon, ideally in electronic format. By the same deadline as your exam, submit to the chairman in electronic form a 3-page document containing the information below. A one-page biographical sketch that includes: Profession of Faith Family information including picture Call to Ministry and Ministry Experience Work to which you are being called. Hobbies/Interests If divorced, please give circumstances A one- or two-page summary of views that include: Theological Convictions View of Scripture World and Life View Trinity Person and Work of Christ Justification Sanctification Covenant Theology Covenant Baptism Covenant of Works and Grace Five Points of Calvinism Gifts of the Spirit Evangelism Church Discipline Stated Differences with the statements and or propositions of Westminster Standards (see BC0 21-4) After turning in your exam, the credentials committee will have two weeks to review it, while you go back and correct or supplement any answers on your own.  The Credentials Committee will meet on August 31, 2010. Oral exams are normally held at Intown Community Church in Atlanta. They are usually a minimum of two hours long. Plan to attend the next Presbytery (September 21, 2010) in person and be prepared to answer any questions about your knowledge or views. Instructions for Ordination Candidates You should be under care of a PCA Presbytery. If you’re already under care in Metro Atlanta Presbytery, then great. If not, your former Presbytery’s clerk or credentials committee chair should contact our chairman to verify that you are under care with them. You should be licensed by a PCA Presbytery. If you’re already licensed in Metro Atlanta Presbytery, then great. If not, your former Presbytery’s clerk or credentials committee chair should contact our chairman to verify that you have been licensed by them. You should have completed an approved internship in a PCA Presbytery. If you have not yet had your internship approved in Metro Atlanta Presbytery, contact Hunter Bailey to initiate this process:  This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . See BCO 19-6ff for details. Contact the chairman anytime after August 1, 2010 in order to receive the exam via email. It is closed book, on the honor system, and will cover Church History and the Sacraments. The exam is due on or before August 15, 2010. Contact your seminary and have them mail your official transcript to the committee secretary by the same deadline as the exam: Hunter Bailey, 2059 LaVista Road, Atlanta, GA  By the same deadline as your exam, submit to the secretary electronic copies of two 10-15-page papers: one theological and one exegetical (either Greek or Hebrew). You may use papers from seminary. They should demonstrate masters-level competence in thoughtful theological reflection and thorough exegetical skill. If you have not already done so during the licensure process, submit to the secretary in electronic form a 3-page document containing a brief bio, theological views and constitutional differences as outlined above. After turning in your exam, the credentials committee will have two weeks to review it, while you go back and correct or supplement any answers on your own. The Credentials Committee will meet on August 31, 2010. Plan to attend the next Presbytery (September 21, 2010) in person and be prepared to answer any questions about your knowledge or views.

Last Updated ( Wednesday, 05 May 2010 )