Ordination: National Ordination Council Examination 23 Ordination: Confidential Reference Form 24
1. Courses in Brethren Pastoral Ministry 37
2. Bible Reading 37
3. Books read since initial licensure 38
District Responsible for Oversight: _________________________________________________
Name of Supervising Elder: _______________________________________________________
Street: ________________________________________________________________________
City, State, Zip Code: ____________________________________________________________
DISTRICT ACTION TAKEN
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Date
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Action
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Forms Received
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Forms Sent
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Actions Leading to Licensure and/or Ordination
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Initial Meeting
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License Granted
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MMPI Taken & Results Received
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License Renewal
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License Renewal
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License Renewal
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License Renewal
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NOC Exam for Ordination Requested
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Actions Leading to Recognition of Ordination from Other Denomination or Reactivation of Ordination
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Initial Meeting
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License Granted
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MMPI Taken & Results Received
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License Renewal (if needed)
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NOC Exam for Ordination Requested
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Actions Leading to Commissioning for Special Ministry
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Initial Meeting
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Commission Granted
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Other Actions
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Licensure Suspended
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Licensure Terminated
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EVERY CHURCH, CANDIDATE, AND MENTORING PASTOR SHOULD HAVE ALL OF THE FOLLWING MATERIALS (Current Edition)
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Manual of Commissioning Procedures
___ Manual of Ordination Procedures
___ Manual of Procedure of the Brethren Church
___ Manual of Pastoral and Congregational Procedures of the Brethren Church
___ Brethren Beliefs
___ District Constitution/
By-Laws
___ Brethren Pastor's Handbook
___ Other Items Required by Specific District:
___ Item1: ______________________________________________________________
___ Item 2: ______________________________________________________________
___ Item 3: ______________________________________________________________
___ Item 4: ______________________________________________________________
___ Item 5: ______________________________________________________________
Important Deadlines
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Ordination: National Ordination Council Examination must be sent to Facilitator of NOC by January 1st of the year candidate seeks ordination.
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All parts of a candidates written exam, including references, completion of readings and classes taken, must be sent to the Facilitator of NOC February 15th of the year candidate seeks ordination.
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A recording of two (2) recent sermons by the candidate must be sent to the Facilitator of NOC by February 15th of the year candidate seeks ordination.
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The candidate will pay the fee to have all required assessment tests and a background check completed prior to N.O.C. examination. Churches and/or districts may absorb this cost.
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The candidate will be examined by the National Ordination Council in May of the year candidate seeks ordination, or make special arrangements with the Facilitator of NOC. N.O.C. meetings require the attendance of individuals from nine districts, so special meetings require significant advance notice.
Other Important Information
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Please submit all forms digitally (doc, pdf, rtf) if possible.
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The Study List of the written examination, including intensive courses, videos, and reading lists, must be completed by those who have not earned a Masters of Divinity Degree or equivalent. Those completing such degrees should indicate on the study list the extent of their readings.
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Those who received a Masters of Divinity or equivalent from a school not affiliated with the Brethren Church or seeking recognition of ordination from another denomination may be required to complete the intensive courses, and core Brethren materials distributed with the Examination packet.
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National Ordination Council Examinations last about 1 ½ hours, with the spouse being interviewed with the candidate, if available, for the last thirty minutes. The examination is not a test of Brethren knowledge, but a careful assessment of the progress of the candidate though the ordination process, with special attention to areas of theology, polity, and personal spiritual formation that may present challenges to the candidate’s ministry within the Brethren Church. The spouses are interviewed to assure that they are receiving the support and care they need as pastoral spouses, and to assure that each spouse is supportive of the candidate’s ministry.
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Individuals seeking ordination should be licensed for a minimum of at least one year, and be in an active Brethren context of significant ministry for at least one year prior to seeking ordination.
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The National Ordination Council may respond to a candidate’s examination in the following ways:
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Approval for ordination
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Approval with conditions to be supervised by the district prior to ordination
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Approval with conditions to be supervised by NOC prior to ordination
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Conditional approval with request for a future meeting with candidate prior to ordination
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Delay of approval for period of one year with further examination the following year.
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Denial of approval for ordination
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Each District operates under its own unique system of oversight. The candidate should maintain regular contact with their respective District to determine any additional requirements or expectations that may need fulfilled.
© 1998 The Brethren Church
Electronic Edition © 2003, 2009 The Brethren Church
SEQUENCE OF EVENTS FOR LICENSING, & ORDINATION
Revised 5/1/2012
This document is used in cooperation with the
“Licensing & Ordination Candidate Tracking Form”
Candidate, Mentor and the District Examining Board/Board of Oversight should maintain separate copies of this document for each candidate, marking when each item is completed.
PLEASE SUBMIT ALL DOCUMENTS DIGITALLY IF POSSIBLE
STEP 1 - INITIAL CALL (Optional)
1. At any time, the local church may call a person to consider the Pastoral Ministry or any Special Ministry. The candidate must hold membership in a recognized Brethren Church or under the authority of the United States Ministry Council for a period of not less than one year prior to issuance of call. NOTE: Each candidate & each local congregation is responsible for qualifications delineated by local & District constitutions.
2. The local church
notifies the Board of Oversight/Examining Board of action (Use Ordination: Call to Ministry)
3. Such a call is not necessarily a prerequisite for commissioning, licensing, or ordination
4. Candidate would then proceed to Step 2 – Initial Licensing
STEP 2: INITIAL LICENSING
~ Also includes recognition of ordination and reinstatement of ordination ~
1. The local church votes to request examination for licensing & notifies the Board of Oversight/Examining Board (Use Ordination: Examination for Licensure or Renewal).
2. The Board of Oversight/Examining Board sends the candidate three (3) copies of the Confidential Reference Form (Use Ordination: Confidential Reference Form), giving a date for return of the copies.
3. The date & place are set for examination. The candidate is notified by the secretary of the Board of Oversight/Examining Board & given a basic outline of areas to be covered during the interview.
4. The Board of Oversight/Examining Board notifies the candidate & the local church about results of examination (Use Ordination: Authorization for Licensure or Renewal).
5. The local church conducts a public recognition of licensing, returning a completed Ordination: Authorization for Licensure or Renewal to the Board of Oversight/Examining Board & requesting a Ministerial Card for licensing.
6. The candidate arranges to take the DISC, Myers Briggs Personality Inventory, and have a Criminal Background Check completed and have the results sent to the District Board
7. Individuals will then proceed to either Step 4: Renewal of Licensing or Step 5: Ordination
STEP 3: RENEWAL OF LICENSING – UP TO FOUR (4) CYCLES
Only One Ordination: Examination For Licensure or Renewal per Candidate, updated annually
1. The local church votes to request examination for renewal of the licensing & notifies the Board of Oversight/Examining Board (Use Same Ordination: Examination for Licensure or Renewal). This is repeated each year while under licensure for accountability
between candidate, local church & District Board of Oversight/Examining Board.
2. The Board of Oversight/Examining Board interviews the candidate to update the Board's understanding of the candidate's training, beliefs, & experience.
3. DISC, Myers Briggs Personality Inventory and Criminal Background Check are reviewed with the candidate, with suggestions for responding to areas of concern. (Taken in first year, progress reviewed in following cycles)
4. If the candidate's licensing is renewed, the Board of Oversight/Examining Board notifies the church (Use Ordination: Authorization for Licensure or Renewal) and the church publicly renews the license. This is repeated each year while under licensure for accountability between candidate, local church & district Board of Oversight/Examining Board.
5. If the candidate is ready for ordination examination, proceed to Step 5: Ordination
STEP 4: ORDINATION
1. The local church votes to request that the Board of Oversight/Examining Board recommends the candidate's examination by the National Ordination Council, and informs the Board of Oversight/Examining Board of this action (Use Ordination: Examination for Ordination).
2. The Candidate has several requirements for examination, through the District Board of Oversight/Examining Board, which must be completed prior to scheduling with National Ordination Council. They include:
· Licensed either by a recognized district or by the United States Ministry Council for a period of not less than one year (some districts require longer) prior to their examination. Be aware that several districts have requirements as to actively serving a congregation. Please check your district Constitution.
· A complete written application, with all sections, references, resume, sermons, and forms properly completed and turned into the facilitator of NOC by February 15th of the year seeking NOC examination.
· Completion of all Brethren classes as an A.T.S. M. Div. graduate OR completion of intensive courses if following a reading program, or coming from another denomination, or doing a study program. All those who have not taken the Brethren classes are required to complete all three intensives prior to their Final approval for ordination & prior to their ordination service & national certification. These courses may be given by video tape, taught by an A.T.S. recognized instructor off campus, or on the A.T.S. campus itself. At least one course must be completed on the A.T.S. campus.
· Special assignments given by the District Board of Oversight/Examining Board.
. Refer to Tracking Ordination: Examination for Ordination for more information
3. Upon completion of requirements, the Board of Oversight/Examining Board sends Ordination: National Ordination Council Examination to the National Ordination Council requesting examination.
4. The District will contact the candidate with regard to providing a recorded sermon as well as psychological tests prior to meeting with the National ordination Council. Fees for the testing are the responsibility of the candidate.
5. No licensed individual may be ordained until ALL requirements for ordination are completed, & have been certified as completed by their respective districts & the Director of Pastoral Ministries. The N.O.C. may not require a future meeting to assure completion, but an ordination service cannot take place until all requirements are met. Please see checklist and other documentation for details.
RECOGNITION OF PREVIOUS ORDINATION
FROM ANOTHER DENOMINATION
OR
REINSTATEMENT OF ORDINATION
1. Should a licensed or ordained pastor of another denomination desire to become an elder in The Brethren Church, that individual will need to meet the requirements for membership in a local congregation.
2. In the case of the licensed pastor from another denomination, the local church may vote to request the District Board of Oversight/Examining Board to consider licensure in the Brethren Church. Follow the outline as presented in Step 2: Initial Licensing.
3. In the case of the ordained pastor from another denomination, the local church may vote to request that the District Board of Oversight/Examining Board approve that person as provisionally ordained for one year, during which a Brethren elder serves as an advisor. Again, follow the outline as presented in Step 2: Initial Licensing. An ordained elder from another denomination is expected to complete the Brethren Intensives, the written exam, and appear before NOC.
4. In the case of a Brethren elder whose ordination has lapsed for reasons of inactivity or other circumstances not covered in “The Manual of Pastoral/Congregational Procedures of the Brethren Church”, the local church may vote to request that the District Board of Oversight/Examining Board approve that person as a licensed pastor for one year, during which a Brethren elder serves as an advisor. Again, follow the outline as presented in Step 3: Initial Licensing. After one year, the district may reinstate the ordination, or, at the district’s discretion, request NOC review before reinstatement.
5. In the case of a Brethren elder whose ordination has been removed (defrocked) under the guidelines of “The Manual of Pastoral/Congregational Procedures of the Brethren Church”, the district board of oversight may, after completion of a developed plan for repentance and reconciliation and restoration, license the individual for a period of one year, with a Brethren elder serving as advisor. After one year, the district should request NOC review of the process and approval for
reinstatement of ordination, using the same forms for initial ordination, but with the word “REINSTATEMENT” printed prominently across the top of all forms submitted.
© 1988 The Brethren Church
Electronic Edition © 2003, 2009 The Brethren Church
Procedures For LicenSURE and Ordination
Revised 5/5/2009
These Procedures are also outlined in the Licensing & Ordination Candidate Tracking and Ordination Sequence of Events.
STEP 1: INITIAL CALL
Overview
1. At any time, the local church may call a person to consider the Pastoral Ministry or a Special Ministry.
2. The local church notifies the Board of Oversight of action. (Use Ordination: Call to Ministry).
3. Such a call is not necessarily a prerequisite licensing or ordination.
Procedure
1. When a local church deems that one of its members evidences potential for either the Pastoral Ministry or a Special Ministry, it may "call" such a member. Should a member feel led by the Holy Spirit to offer himself or herself to these specialized life-work vocations, that person may notify the church leaders and request that they consider issuing a "call."
2. Following previous announcement, the church may vote upon extending the prospect a call "to consider the Pastoral Ministry or a Special Ministry as a lifework." This may be done at a regular church business meeting or a specially called meeting of the congregation. The vote should be by secret ballot. Such a decision by a local church may come at any time in the life of the prospect and does not automatically include a request for examination for commissioning or licensing, which is a separate process ( see Step 2 and Step 3, below).
3. When the vote indicates a "call," the presiding officer or secretary should notify the Board of Oversight of the church's action, using a form obtained from the Board (Ordination: Call to Ministry).
4. Such a call may not require a prerequisite to licensing or ordination.
STEP 2: INITIAL LICENSING
Overview
1. The local church votes to request examination for licensing and notifies the Board
of Oversight (Use Ordination: Examination For Licensure or Renewal).
2. The Board of Oversight sends the candidate three [3] copies of the Confidential
Reference Form (Use Ordination: Confidential Reference Form), giving a date for return of the copies.
3. The date and place are set for the examination. The Candidate is notified by the secretary of the Board of Oversight and given a basic outline of areas to be covered during the interview.
4. The Board of Oversight notifies the candidate and the local church about results of examination (Use Ordination: Authorization for Licensure or Renewal).
5. The Local Church conducts a public recognition of licensing, returning a completed Ordination: Authorization for Licensure or Renewal to the Board of Oversight and requesting a Ministerial Card for licensing.
6. The Board of Oversight then notifies the National Ordination Council of the Licensing (Use Ordination: Authorization for Licensure or Renewal).
Procedure
1. When a local church deems that one of its members evidences interest in, a capacity for, the Ordained Ministry, it may "call" such a member to that work and recommend examination for licensing. Should a member feel led by the Holy Spirit to offer oneself to the ordained Ministry, that person may notify the church leaders and request that they consider issuing a call to that work and recommend examination for licensing.
2. Following the previous announcement, the church may vote at a regular church business meeting or a specially called meeting of the congregation. The vote should be by ballot. It is acceptable, if possible, that a member of Board of Oversight be invited to preside over this action.
3. When the vote indicates a "call" and a request for licensing examination, the church secretary, [or clerk] then notifies the Board of Oversight of the action, using Ordination: Examination for Licensure or Renewal obtained from the Board of Oversight. The same form requires the candidate to indicate a desire for examination and licensing.
4. Upon receipt of Ordination: Examination For Licensure or Renewal from the church, the Board of Oversight shall send three (3) copies of the Confidential Reference Form to the candidate and arrange a suitable time and place for the candidate to appear for examination. The candidate is also given a basic outline of areas to be covered during the interview.
5. For the examination, the Board of Oversight shall use questionnaires and procedures consistent with those recommended by the National Ordination Council. Freedom of discussion is encouraged, both on oral questions and answers given on any questionnaires completed beforehand.
a. Agenda for Examination may include:
--A Bible Content Questionnaire or other similar exercise
-- A review of the confidential Reference Forms to determine specific areas to be discussed in interview.
-- An Oral Examination, using included outlines, to determine the candidate's present potential for ministry and areas for future study and development, including but no limited to:
--Personal history, faith experiences, strengths and weaknesses;
--Biblical content, theology, and Christian literature
--Attitudes toward the church and social issues.
--The selection of a Board approved supervisor/mentor to counsel the candidate during the licensing years.
--The Board completes the Structured interview Rating Form.
6. When the Board of Oversight approves the candidate's licensing for one year, they shall, if its decision is ready, inform the candidate verbally, at once, and later in writing. The Board shall also notify the church requesting the examination of its decision. If the Board approves licensing it shall so authorize the church, using Ordination: Authorization for Licensure or Renewal, and keep a copy for its own files.
7. Upon receipt of authorization from the Board of Oversight, the local church shall formally license. This may be done according to the local church's preference, at a regular or specially called business meeting. This meeting may be held in connection with a regular worship service. A copy of the completed Ordination: Authorization for Licensure or Renewal needs to be returned to the Board. Using Ordination: Authorization for Licensure or Renewal, the Board will also notify the National Ordination Council of its decision.
8. The local church will also send a copy of Ordination: Authorization for Licensure or Renewal to the Board requesting the issuance of a Ministerial card to the licensee, valid for one year.
9. The Board of Oversight will appoint a supervisor to counsel the licensee during the years of licensing.
10. The candidate and the Board of Oversight arrange for the candidate to take the MMPI and have results sent to the Board within the first year of licensure, so that the results may be reviewed with the candidate prior to their first renewal or examination for recommendation for ordination.
STEP 3: RENEWAL OF LICENSING (Up to Four (4) Cycles)
Overview
1. The local church votes to request examination for renewal of the licensing and
notifies the Board of Oversight (Use Ordination: Examination For Licensure or Renewal).
2. The Board of Oversight interviews the candidate to update the Board's understanding of the candidate's training, beliefs, and experience.
3. If the Candidate's licensing is renewed, the Board of Oversight notifies the church (Use Ordination: Authorization for Licensure or Renewal) and the church publicly renews the license.
4. The Board of Oversight then sends Ordination: Authorization for Licensure or Renewal to the National Ordination Council.
Procedure
1. Either upon the local church's own initiative, or at the request of the licensee, the church shall decide by vote whether it desires to ask the Board of Oversight for authority to license for another year. If the decision favors renewal, the church updates Ordination: Examination for Licensure or Renewal, Petitioning authority to renew the license, complete the requirements and return the form to the Board.
2. Following an interview with the licensee, if the board approves, the board shall so notify the church, keeping on file a copy of the authorized Ordination: Authorization for Licensure or Renewal.
3. The local Church will formally renew the license, as an act of public knowledge, and return a completed copy of Ordination: Authorization for Licensure or Renewal to the Board promptly.
4. The Board of Oversight will then send an updated copy of Ordination: Authorization for Licensure or Renewal to the National Ordination Council.
5. All candidates for the Ordained Ministry will be licensed for at least one year and in active pastoral ministry for a period of one year before being recommended for ordination.
6. The District Conference permits four renewals of a license, making possible a five-year tenure. If, after five years of Ordination Council for authority to ordain, further annual licensing will not ordinarily continue. However, if the candidate gives evidence of steady progress in training and growth, the Board of Oversight may consider, after careful study, further extensions of the license.
7. No License is recognized by the District which has not been authorized by the Board of Oversight
STEP 4: ORDINATION:
Overview
1. The local church votes to request that the Board of Oversight recommend the candidate's examination by the National Ordination Council, and informs the Board of Oversight of this action (Use Ordination: Examination for Ordination).
Procedure
1. Upon completion of the licensing ministry, experience and study requirements for ordination the church may request the board of Oversight recommend the candidate's examination for ordination by the National Ordination Council.
2. Following a previous announcement, the church may vote at a regular church business meeting or a specially called meeting of the congregation. The vote will be by ballot. It is acceptable, if possible, that a member of the Board of Oversight be invited to preside over this action.
3. When the vote is affirmative, the church secretary will notify the Board of Oversight of the action, using Ordination: Examination for Ordination, which is obtainable from the Board. The same form requires the candidate to indicate a desire for examination and ordination.
4. Upon receipt of Ordination: Examination for Ordination, and following consultation, the Board of Oversight will determine whether or not to request that the National Ordination Council examine the candidate for ordination. Ordination: National Ordination Council Examination is provided for this request.
5. If Ordination is approved by the National Ordination Council, then the local church may proceed with this special service.
6. The following time table has been established by the National Ordination Council for submission of materials.
A. Ordination: National Ordination Council Examination, from the District Board of Oversight is to be submitted to the Facilitator of NOC by January 1st of the year the candidate seeks ordination. Psychological profiles will be provided to the candidate at the candidate's expense, arranged through the District prior to completion of the first year of licensure.
B. Information from the District Board of Oversight is to be sent to the candidate concerning what is required and when these requirements are to be met.
C. All Information from the candidate and the District Board of Oversight is to be sent to the Facilitator of NOC by February 15th of the year the candidate seeks ordination.
D. Materials and recordings concerning all candidates from the Facilitator of NOC is to be sent to all National Ordination Council members by March 15th of each year.
E. National Ordination Council meetings are held in May and at other times of the year as agreed upon by the candidates and the National Ordination Council.
© 1998 The Brethren Church
Electronic Edition © 2003, 2009 The Brethren Church
BRETHREN CHURCH BOARDS OF OVERSIGHT/EXAMINING BOARDS
FORMS FOR COMMISSIONING, LICENSING AND ORDINATION
ORDINATION: CALL TO MINISTRY
(Revised 5/1/2012)
Completed by Local Church Issuing Call
Date: ________________________________
TO: The Board of Oversight/Examining Board of the ____________________________District:
_______________________________________________________________ is a member in
good standing and full fellowship of the ______________________________________Brethren
Church located in _____________________________________________________________.
This candidate received a “call” to consider the Pastoral Ministry or a special Ministry by this
congregation in a business meeting on ____/______/_______/ (mm/dd/yyyy).
The result of the secret ballot vote was __________ affirmative and ____________ negative,
with _________________ qualified voters present.
We believe this person has the potential of serving well the Lord and The Brethren Church in the
years ahead. We will continue to encourage, nurture, and pray for this potential servant of the
Lord.
Signed:
Pastor:______________________________________________________________________
Moderator: ___________________________________________________________________
Secretary: _____________________________________________________________________
Deacon(ess): __________________________________________________________________
Deacon(ess): __________________________________________________________________
Instructions: Send one copy to the candidate, another to District Board, and another to The Brethren Church, 524 College Ave., Ashland, OH 44805.
BRETHREN CHURCH BOARDS OF OVERSIGHT/EXAMINING BOARDS
FORMS FOR COMMISSIONING, LICENSING AND ORDINATION
ORDINATION: EXAMINATION FOR LICENSURE OR RENEWAL
(Revised 5/1/2012)
Completed by Local Church Issuing Call and Candidate
ORDINATION: RESUME’ AND PASTORAL PROFILE SHOULD ALSO BE COMPLETED (UPDATED)
AND SUBMITTED WITH THIS FORM
Date: ________________________________
TO: The Board of Oversight/Examining Board of the ____________________________District:
____________________________________________________ is a member in good standing
and full fellowship of the ______________________________________Brethren Church
located in _____________________________________________________________.
The church affirmed its “call” to this candidate and now requests the Board to examine for licensing (or renewal of licensing). This affirmation occurred at a congregational meeting on
____/______/_______/ (mm/dd/yyyy). The result of the secret ballot vote was ___ affirmative and ___ negative, with ____ qualified voters present. We believe this candidate for licensing to be sound in the faith, having the qualifications set forth in I Timothy 3:2-7 and Titus 1:5-9.
Signed:
Pastor:______________________________________________________________________
Moderator: ___________________________________________________________________
Secretary: _____________________________________________________________________
Deacon(ess): __________________________________________________________________
Deacon(ess): __________________________________________________________________
Candidate:
I hereby indicate my desire to be examined for licensing (or renewal) for the Gospel Ministry, anticipating future ordination in The Brethren Church
Signature of Candidate:____________________________________________ Date: _________
Instructions: Send one copy to Board, another copy to National Office.
RENEWALS: Date: __________ Yes (number): _____ No (number): _______ Total:________
Date: __________ Yes (number): _____ No (number): _______ Total:________
Date: __________ Yes (number): _____ No (number): _______ Total:________
Date: __________ Yes (number): _____ No (number): _______ Total:________
BRETHREN CHURCH BOARDS OF OVERSIGHT/EXAMINING BOARDS
FORMS FOR COMMISSIONING, LICENSING AND ORDINATION
ORDINATION: AUTHORIZATION FOR LICENSURE OR RENEWAL
(Revised 5/1/2012)
Completed by Board and Local Church Issuing Call
NOTE: THIS FORM SHOULD BE UPDATED EACH YEAR OF LICENSING
Date: ________________________________
This is to certify that _______________________________________________________, a
member of the ___________________________________________ Brethren Church located in
____________________________________ was examined by the Board of Oversight/Examining Board on the above date and approved for ministerial licensing for one year, unless revoked for cause. We are satisfied with the candidate’s faith, life,
spiritual attainment, and personal fitness for ministry.
Signed:
District: ______________________________________________________
Board Chairperson/President: __________________________________________________
Board Member: _____________________________________________________________
Mentor/Supervisor/Board Member: ______________________________________________
RENEWALS: Date: ______________________
Board Chairperson/President:___________________________________
Date: ______________________
Board Chairperson/President:___________________________________
Date: _____________________
Board Chairperson/President:___________________________________
Date: ______________________
Board Chairperson/President:___________________________________
Date: ______________________
Board Chairperson/President:___________________________________
Date: ______________________
Board Chairperson/President:___________________________________
Instructions: Send one copy to Board, another to District Secretary to request Ministerial License Card, valid for one year.
BRETHREN CHURCH BOARDS OF OVERSIGHT/EXAMINING BOARDS
FORMS FOR COMMISSIONING, LICENSING AND ORDINATION
ORDINATION: EXAMINATION FOR ORDINATION
(Revised5/1/2012)
Completed by Local Church Issuing Call and Candidate
Date: ________________________________
TO: The Board of Oversight/Examining Board of the ____________________________District:
_______________________________________________________________ is a member in
good standing and full fellowship of the ______________________________________Brethren
Church located in _____________________________________________________________.
We request that the Board of Oversight/Examining Board recommend this licensed candidate’s examination for ordination by the National Ordination Council, believing the candidate to be sound in faith, having the qualifications set forth in I Timothy 3:2 -7 and Titus 1:5 - 9.
This request was approved by the congregation in a business meeting on ___/____/_____ .
The result of the secret ballot vote was __________ affirmative and ____________ negative,
with _________________ qualified voters present.
Signed:
Pastor:______________________________________________________________________
Moderator: ___________________________________________________________________
Secretary: _____________________________________________________________________
Deacon(ess): __________________________________________________________________
Deacon(ess): __________________________________________________________________
Candidate:
I hereby indicate my desire to be examined for ordination for the Gospel Ministry in The Brethren Church by the National Ordination Council
Signature of Candidate:____________________________________________ Date: _________
Instructions: Send one copy to Board, another copy to Facilitator of NOC.
BRETHREN CHURCH BOARDS OF OVERSIGHT/EXAMINING BOARDS
FORMS FOR COMMISSIONING, LICENSING AND ORDINATION
ORDINATION: NATIONAL ORDINATION COUNCIL EXAMINATION
(Revised 5/1/2012)
Completed by Board and National Ordination Council
Date: ________________________________
This is to certify that _________________________________________________________
of the ______________________________________Brethren Church located in
_____________________________________________________________ has been licensed
and supervised by the Board of Oversight/Examining Board, since ____________(mm/dd/yyyy)
under the mentoring/supervision of _______________(mentor/supervisor).
The Local Church has requested, and the Board of Oversight/Examining Board recommends, that the National Ordination Council examine this candidate for ordination.
Signed:
District: ______________________________________________________
Board Chairperson/President: __________________________________________________
Board Member: _____________________________________________________________
Mentor/Supervisor/Board Member: ______________________________________________
Instructions: Send one copy to candidate, another copy to Facilitator of NOC
A Formal Letter of the National Ordination Council’s Decision will be included in the candidate’s permanent file following examination.
If the approval was condition, the specifications of those conditions and evidence of their completion will be included.
BRETHREN CHURCH BOARDS OF OVERSIGHT/EXAMINING BOARDS
FORMS FOR COMMISSIONING, LICENSING AND ORDINATION
ORDINATION: CONFIDENTIAL REFERENCE FORM
(Revised 5/1/2012)
To Be Completed by References
TO THE CANDIDATE: Forward one of these questionnaires to the following -- your pastor, church moderator, and one other person who knows you well (none of whom is a family member}.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR RESPONDENTS: Please complete all items of this evaluation with reference to the candidate named below, who has applied for either Ministerial licensing or Commissioning for a Special Ministry in the District. Your candid response will enable the Board of Oversight to give recognition in areas of strength and counsel in areas of weakness. Your prompt response will be appreciated. All evaluations are confidential.
Please return before ______________(date) to the following:
The ___________________________ District Board of Oversight/Examining Board
Address Line 1: ________________________________________________________
Address Line 2: ________________________________________________________
City, State, Zip Code: ____________________________________________________
Thanks in advance.
Candidate's full name: _________________________________________________________
Respondent's name and title:_____________________________________________________
Respondent's Address: _________________________________________________________
Respondent's City, State, Zip:_____________________________________________________
Respondent’s Phone: ____________________________________________________________
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How long and how well have you known the candidate?
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How do you perceive the candidate’s parental and family relationships?
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How do you perceive the candidate’s marital relationship (if married)?
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What contribution has the candidate made to the ministry of the local church?
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Instructions: Place an "X" in the column which best describes the candidate. In the case of very' high or very low marks, a supplemental comment, using the back of this form, would be helpful.
Characteristics
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Very Poor
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Personal Appearance
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Personal Financial Management
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Adaptability in New Situations
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Emotional Stability
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Personal Initiative
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Self Discipline
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Self Confidence
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Self Understanding
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Tact
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Conduct and Character
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Punctuality
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Participation in the Church
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Leadership Skills
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Dependability
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Skill in Verbal Communication
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Skill in Written Communication
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Creativity and Resourcefulness
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Teaching Skill
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Tolerance for Others
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General Intelligence
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Faith and Commitment
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Harmony in Relationships
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Overall Promise as a Christian Leader
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5. Other comments or insights that might be helpful in evaluating this candidate’s effectiveness in Christian Ministry (use other side if desired).
Thanks again for completing this questionnaire.
Please return to address on first page by due date.
BRETHREN CHURCH BOARDS OF OVERSIGHT/EXAMINING BOARDS
FORMS FOR COMMISSIONING, LICENSING AND ORDINATION
ORDINATION: RESUME’ AND PASTORAL PROFILE
(Revised 5/1/2012)
NOTE: A COMPLETE RESUME’ WITH PICTURE IS TO BE COMPLETED IN ADDITION TO THIS FORM
Date this profile was completed - -_____
Name _________________________________________ Date of Birth - - ___
Last first middle initial
Address (where to send correspondence)
________________________________________ ___________________________
(Street Address) (city)
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(state) (zip code)
Telephone number: ________-_________-_______ (H) _______-________-______ (W)
Email: __________________@______________
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Pastoral Status District Congregation
Date of Licensing __________ ______________________________
Date of Ordination __________ ______________________________
Date of Commissioning__________ ______________________________
If non-Brethren, please provide contact information for verification purposes.
Name:
Phone:
Email:
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Current church membership _____________________________________________
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Current ministry position _____________________________________________
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Family Description: Single _____ Married _____ Divorced________ Widowed _____
Spouse’s name _______________________ Date Married ____/______/_______
Child(ren)’s name(s) ___________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
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Have you been married more than once? _______ (If yes, please explain circumstances using additional page)
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Current or recent community Involvements
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Current district or denominational involvements