Admission to Membership in the Presbytery of San Gabriel
for Ministers of
Word and Sacrament of Other Denominations
(except full communion churches)
The purpose of this document is to establish the policy by which the Committee on Ministry shall fulfill its responsibility in carrying out the provisions of the Form of Government, G-11.0404 and related provisions.
A candidate “shall furnish credentials and evidence of good standing acceptable to the presbytery or its appropriate committee, and also submit satisfactory evidence of possessing the qualifications of character and scholarship required of candidates of this church.”
G-11.0404a(1)
A candidate shall present the following:
1. A baccalaureate degree from an undergraduate program accredited by the Western Association Schools and Colleges or its equivalent.
2. A Masters of Divinity degree from an Association of Theological Schools accredited program.
All requests for a domestic or foreign equivalency shall be reviewed and approved by the Membership Working Group of the Committee on Ministry.
G-11.0404a(2)
A candidate shall pass the standard ordination examinations as provided in G-14.0311d to be administered by the Presbytery’s Cooperative Committee on Examinations for Ordination. The Committee on Ministry may waive this requirement as provided in G-11.0404b.
G-11.0404a(3)
Upon successful completion of the above requirements, a candidate shall provide a biographical statement, a statement of faith, and complete a membership application. A candidate, upon the recommendation of the Committee on Ministry, shall be examined for membership by presbytery.
Upon the request of a pastor nominating committee or properly established administrative commission, in the case of a minister for a new immigrant fellowship or congregation seeking membership in the Presbytery of San Gabriel, the Committee on Ministry shall first find the candidate potentially suitable for a call to ministry within the bounds of presbytery (G-11.0502d). The Committee on Ministry shall then undertake an evaluation to determine whether or not the candidate meets the required educational standards, as well as proficiency and understanding in the required areas indicated in G-14.0404f. In the event the candidate does not, the Committee on Ministry may conduct an orientation in any area where it deems there is a deficiency. If needed, the Committee on Ministry may require a candidate to \successfully complete a prescribed course of study prior to the start date of the call. This shall be done at the expense of the congregation or administrative commission and shall include continuation of terms of call. Accommodation for limited English may be made.
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