The Act of Ordination
Ordination is the act of recognizing God’s call upon a person’s life to special ministry in His name. Special in the sense that the person feels called to something more than the common ministry of servanthood to one another expected of every Christian. Furthermore, it is the affirmation of spiritual gifts for that ministry.
The Act of Ordination is a formal setting apart of a person by the laying on of hands and prayer for the ministry to which God has called him. The prayer is especially for the anointing of the Holy Spirit to empower, guide, and gift the person for ministry. It has the effect of deepening the person’s sense of the sacredness of the call as well as of making others aware of this special anointing of God’s servant calling them to prayerful support of the ministry.
Ordination serves the purpose of affirming those whom God has called and equipped for Christian ministry so that they might go forward in confidence knowing that others have heard their testimony, examined their character, and reviewed their qualifications.
Furthermore, the act of ordination provides the Church and para-church agencies with qualified pastors and credentialed leaders helping protect the same from ill-prepared, misguided and unworthy workers.
Ordination may be conferred in this Region on those individuals called of God and confirmed by an ordination council whose gifts and callings require them to be so set apart for the work of Christian ministry.
The following categories shall be recognized as appropriate callings for ordination, but ordination shall not be limited to these generally recognized areas of ministry
1. Pastoral work / Church Planting
2. Teaching (usually in a formal setting)
3. Evangelist
4. Missionary
5. Chaplain
6. Christian Counseling
7. Administration / Leadership
Anyone aspiring to the office of ordained minister must meet the following personal, spiritual and educational qualifications:
1. Relationship
The person must normally be a member in good standing in an active Advent Christian Church. An exception may be made when a person lives in an area where there isn’t an active Advent Christian Church or an active Conference of Advent Christian Churches. Such a person must be sponsored by a denominational leader and meet the other qualifications as outlined here. Furthermore, he must consciously practice the highest ethical standards, including his relationship with the church or ministry in which he serves, other colleagues in ministry, other churches, and the Advent Christian Denomination. Romans 12:9-21; 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. Most importantly, he must give evidence of a strong loving and caring relationship with his spouse and children.
He must further graciously submit himself to the authority of the Conference of which he is a part as well as to the Eastern Regional Superintendent. Hebrews 13:7; 1 Peter 2:13-15. He is expected to file annual reports on the form provided as may be requested.
2. Christian Character
The person must be well spoken of by his peers exhibiting a Christlikeness in his demeanor and displaying evidence of the fruit of the Spirit. Acts 6:3; Titus 1:3-9. Additionally, the person should demonstrate good social graces and evidence spiritual maturity in the face of conflict or criticism.
3. Giftedness
The person should have a clear sense of God’s call on His life and an awareness of spiritual gifts given by God to fulfill that call. An understanding of Spiritual gifts and how they operate in the body is essential to ministry. The person should demonstrate proficiency in the use of language and be able to communicate clearly. He should understand the principles of sermon construction and public speaking and be comfortable in a preaching/teaching setting as nearly every ordained minister will be called upon to speak before a congregation or group at some point in time.
4. Biblical Understanding
The person must be able to demonstrate a good
working knowledge of the Bible. 2 Timothy 2:15.
He must know and be able to expound clearly the fundamental doctrines of
the Christian faith. He is expected to
maintain diligent study of the Bible, church life, and leadership through
continuing education opportunities as they may become available.
1 Timothy 4:13-16.
1 Timothy 3:9.
5. Experience
Normally, any person seeking the status of ordination will have been involved in ministry as a commissioned minister, an elder, or other church leader for at least three years. During this time the person will have gained a good understanding of the organizational structure of the Church and how decisions are made. The person should have learned, through such experience, internship or mentoring, the practical dimensions of leadership in the Church, or other para-church ministry. Assessment should be made of the person’s preparation for ministry so as not to lay hands on one prematurely. 1 Timothy 5:22
6. Education
Formal academic training in the area of Biblical studies, Church History, Advent Christian doctrine and polity, or leadership and administration is recommended for anyone seeking the status of ordained minister.
Normally a person should have earned at least a bachelor’s degree from an approved college or university. Additionally, church pastors and other leaders are encouraged to pursue studies on a graduate level so as to be more properly equipped to fulfill their calling in our contemporary culture. Once ordained the credentialee shall be expected to practice the discipline of regular reading, attend seminars and periodically engage in refresher courses as the situation may warrant and as a minimal expectation.
A person not meeting these qualifications may on certain occasions be approved by an ordination council providing there is in the mind of the council, an unmistakable call of God on the person’s life, with a corresponding divine giftedness, spiritual maturity, and need. Such occasions will be viewed as an exception.
7. Calling
A person seeking the status of ordained minister should have a clear sense of God’s call on his life for Christian ministry. Confirmation of the call should be given by those who know the candidate and/or have sat under his ministry.
8. Criminal Offense Record Investigation (CORI check)
The Eastern Regional Association, Advent Christian General Conference reserves the right to conduct a CORI check on any candidate applying for ordination.
The Ordained Minister Credential recognizes the divine calling of God upon a person’s life, setting him apart for the work of Christian ministry. With this credential is the bestowal of all rights and privileges pertaining to the office of ordained minister. Additionally, the person so ordained accepts the responsibility to carry out his ministry according to the highest ethical standards and commits to live his life in the most exemplary and Christ honoring way.
Among those rights conferred on the ordained minister is the right to:
1. Use the designation of “Reverend” in all legal and ecclesiastical contexts as may be desired or required (the use of the title Reverend is a personal discretionary choice).
2. Administer the sacraments of the Church.
3. Oversee the Church or church related agency as one called, equipped, and commissioned by the risen Christ, Lord of the Church.
The following Pastoral Code of Ethics should serve as a guide in exercising one’s rights and privileges.
Pastoral Code of Ethics
The pastor must keep the nobility of his calling uppermost in his own mind, remembering that he is an under-shepherd of Christ. Since the pastor is called by God and spends much time helping others understand and live the Christian life, a code of ethics is needed for the pastor. This code will support and guide him in these times when the role, identity, and demands on the pastor are increasingly complex. This code will also support and encourage a strong Biblical ministry, rather than restrict or limit it. Acts 20:28-35.
The Pastor’s Personal Life – 1 Timothy 4:12
1. He should cultivate and develop a deep devotional life that will increase his spiritual effectiveness as a man of God.
2. He should be responsible in his stewardship of time, setting priorities with his church to facilitate effective ministry, not neglecting his physical, spiritual, or emotional needs.
3. He should give high priority to his family relationships, presenting a model for his parish. He must not allow the demands of his profession to jeopardize his relationship with his spouse and children.
4. He should take proper care of his physical being, demonstrating that one’s body as a temple of the Holy Spirit requires respect and healthful care. He should avoid any habits detrimental to personal efficiency and spiritual influence.
5. He should be responsible in his stewardship of money. He should live within his income and meet all financial obligations promptly.
The Pastor’s Relationship to the Church
1. Upon receiving a call from a church, he should prayerfully respond as quickly as possible.
2. He should never discuss or negotiate a call with a church to replace a pastor who has not tendered his resignation or whose resignation has not been accepted by the church.
3. He should make adequate preparation for each of the tasks he performs in his ministry.
4. He should refrain from showing partiality to individuals or groups within his ministry charge.
5. He should hold as sacred and totally private all that is told him in confidence.
6. He should exercise discretion in his relationships with women.
7. He should never break his agreement (written or verbal) with the church except by mutual consent.
8. He ought not to take employment outside the church without the knowledge and consent of the church.
9. He should clear with the church if expected, all invitations to outside speakers who receive a gratuity from the church, or who request an offering from the people.
10. He should make certain that appropriate arrangement is made with visiting speakers in advance, including the amount of the gratuity and the time of payment.
11. He should give proper notice to the church when terminating his pastorate.
12. He should avoid any relationships with members of a former parish which could in any way be understood to hinder the effectiveness of the incumbent pastor.
a. He should avoid communications with lay members of a former parish in which church policies or issues either past or present are discussed.
b. He may return for the purpose of performing a pastoral function only with the knowledge and consent of the incumbent pastor.
The Pastor’s Relationship to his Denomination
1. He should remain loyal to the denominational distinctives as expressed in the Declaration of Principles.
2. He should refrain from being disrespectful of his denomination or its leaders. He should endeavor to do his part to build a stronger and more effective Body through which God can manifest Himself and His works.
3. He should not hold credentials with another denomination or group while credentialized as an Advent Christian. Exception may be made only at the discretion of the Conference leadership where he resides or the Eastern Regional Association.
The Pastor’s Relationship to his Profession
1. He should never discredit a predecessor.
2. He should never speak anything that adversely reflects upon a colleague’s personal integrity or professional competence. When there is knowledge of questionable behavior by a colleague, he should first approach him in the spirit of meekness and in accord with Matthew 18:15. However, when there is evidence of serious incompetence or misconduct by a colleague, he should also consult with that colleague’s Pastoral Care Committee or with the Regional Superintendent. 1 Timothy 5:19
3. He should perform pastoral services within the parish of another pastor only with his knowledge and consent.
4. He should not expect nor accept a gratuity for service rendered to a fellow pastor or his family.
5. He should not compromise his professional and theological integrity.
6. When leaving a parish he should leave pastoral records and church property provided for his use in good order and condition.
7. He should affirm his calling by developing his God-given gifts through continuing education and constant theological reflection.
8. He should not plagiarize, but be careful to give credit when using another’s material or thoughts.
9. He should maintain personal integrity in preaching and teaching, proclaiming as truth only that in which he firmly believes.
10. He should submit himself to the authority of the Region or Conference (in cases where the credential is issued by the Conference) in all matters pertaining to his licensure and its privileges. Heb 13:17.
The Ordained Minister
Credential Process
The process for securing the Ordained Minister credential involves the following steps:
1. Submit a formal application
An application form is
available from the Eastern Regional Association, PO Box 1913, Rochester, NH
03866-1913. An application will be made
available to anyone interested in ordination providing a letter of
recommendation has been received from the candidate’s home church or location
of ministry. In the event a candidate
lives in an area where there are no Advent Christian Churches, a letter of
recommendation shall be required from a denominational leader who has personal
knowledge of the candidate and who is willing to sponsor the candidate. The letter of
recommendation should be addressed to the office of the Eastern Regional
Association. The Superintendent of the
Region shall be responsible for arranging a preliminary interview of the
candidate either with the Conference Ministerial Committee or a special
committee appointed by the Superintendent.
The purpose of the preliminary interview will be to assess the
candidate’s sense of call, preparedness, and need for ordination. Upon the written approval and recommendation
of the candidate to the Regional Office, an application will be sent to the
candidate.
The
application includes a comprehensive written examination designed to evaluate a
person’s understanding of the Bible as well as measure his leadership
competencies. The candidate is expected
to complete the application in six months.
2. Letters of Recommendation
In addition to the letter
of recommendation from the candidates home church or
ministry venue, three letters of recommendation from either professors, peers,
or lay church leaders shall be required.
Any of these letters of recommendation may be followed-up by personal interview
or additional forms to be filled out at the discretion of the examining
body. The candidate shall furnish the
Regional Office with the names and addresses of those chosen to provide the
letters of recommendation.
3. Personality Profile
Each candidate for ordination will be required to undergo a formal personality profile evaluation administered by a qualified counselor in order to measure the candidates emotional maturity and ability to cope with the pressures of Christian Ministry. The results of said evaluation shall become a part of the candidates file and be available to the ordination council for review.
4. The Ordination Council
The completed application should be returned to the office of the Eastern Regional Association. A 7 member Ordination Council shall be convened to review the candidates application and recommendations. A personal interview with said Council shall be a part of the ordination process during which the candidate will defend his sense of call as well as his understanding of doctrine and ministry.
The Ordination Council shall be made up of the candidates peers and shall consist of 3 ordained ministers recommended by the candidate and/or the church recommending his ordination and 3 ordained ministers chosen by the Conference of which the candidate is a member. The Region shall appoint the chairperson. In most cases the appointee shall be a member of the Regional Commission on Christian Ministry representing the Conference participating in the ordination. A participating Conference may choose to use its own Ministerial Committee to serve as the Ordination Council if it so desires. The process otherwise will remain the same.
At the conclusion of the personal interview and evaluation, the Council shall meet in private session to formulate a recommendation to the Eastern Regional Association. A perfect consensus shall be required of the Ordination Council to proceed with the ordination.
If a candidate is found to be lacking in certain qualifications, the Council may approve the candidate for ordination pending the fulfillment of certain conditions. Once the candidate has met the conditions to the satisfaction of the Ordination Council, the candidate may proceed with plans for a service of ordination.
5. The Ordination Service
Providing the candidate has met the requirements for the Ordained Minister credential and has received a favorable recommendation from the Ordination Council, a service of ordination will be arranged by the Eastern Regional Association in consultation with the candidate, his sponsoring church, and Conference leadership, at which time the candidate will be officially vested with the Ordination recognition through the laying on of hands in prayer.
6. Length of Credential
The Ordination credential shall be issued in the following manner:
1. The initial ordination credential shall cover a period of three years from the time of ordination except that the credential shall be issued on a calendar year basis. If the initial ordination occurs after July 1 of any given year it shall be in effect for three years from the following January. The initial ordination credential shall be referred to as “The Green Card.”
2. After 3 years, the Ordained Minister shall receive “The Blue Card,” providing the credentialee has continued to meet the personal and spiritual qualifications for the credential and shall demonstrate a need for continuation. This second level credential is valid for seven years.
3. After 10 years, the Ordained Minister shall receive “The Silver Card,” providing the credentialee has continued to meet the personal and spiritual qualifications for the credential and shall demonstrate a need for continuation. “The Silver Card” has a life of 15 years.
4. After 25 years, the Ordained Minister shall receive “The Gold Card,” or “Lifetime Card,” providing the credentialee has continued to meet the personal and spiritual qualifications for the credential and shall demonstrate a need for continuation. This credential is valid for the remainder of a person’s ministry life.
7. Renewal Process
The Ordination Credential will be automatically renewed as outlined in the preceding, providing the credentialee maintains his ministry at the required standard. The Eastern Regional Commission on Christian Ministry may schedule a meeting with a credentialed minister at any time they deem it appropriate. Failure to comply may result in disciplinary action by the Commission.
The credentialee shall fill out an annual report demonstrating his active involvement in ministry and providing such other information as may be requested (see Credential Understandings for exceptions). At each stage of credential change (3 years, 10 years, 25 years) the credentialee may be required to meet for a personal interview with the Regional Commission on Christian Ministry or other designated committee to give account for his ministry and to receive prayerful encouragement and support for that ministry. Additionally, each participating Conference should establish a committee or program, which is intentionally relational, developing and maintaining networks of prayer, cooperation, care and mentoring as needed among Conference pastors and leaders.
The Ordination Credential may be withdrawn, suspended, or revoked by the Eastern Regional Association at any time for due cause and upon the recommendation of a participating Conference.
The
Ordained Minister
Credential Understandings
The Ordained Minister credential is the property of the Eastern Regional Association, Advent Christian General Conference, and is conferred as a recognition of God’s calling and equipping of a person for ministerial service. Acceptance of an ordained minister credential recognizes the ordaining body as the exclusive agency to define rights and privileges and to execute discipline as stated in these standards and procedures. Every ordainee by accepting the ordained minister credential agrees to settle any dispute regarding said credential through the church’s judicial process and furthermore agrees under no circumstances to seek redress in a civil court of law.
Maintenance of the credential shall require submission of an annual written report, continued formation of spiritual character and ongoing need as may be evidenced by ministry service. The exception being for one in a retired status as understood in the traditional sense, or inactive due to disability. Such a person shall not be required to submit an annual report, but will be given the opportunity to report any ministry activity, blessing or other pertinent information as may be desired.
The Ordained Minister credential is a privileged status and may be withdrawn or revoked by the Eastern Regional Association at any time for due cause. Withdrawal or revocation should not be confused with non-renewal, which status may be invoked if a person fails to meet the qualifications for maintenance as outlined above.
If the Ordained Minister credential is not renewed at any time, the credentialee shall be expected to return the credential to the Eastern Regional Association. Said credential may be activated at any time the credentialee shall comply with the maintenance qualifications above.
If the Ordained Minister credential is withdrawn or revoked for cause, the credentialee shall return the credential to the Eastern Regional Association upon demand. The credentialee shall be entitled to a hearing before the Regional Commission on Christian Ministry if he so chooses.
The Eastern Regional Association recognizes the historical precedent of the Advent Christian denomination in respect to the ordination of women. At the same time, the Region respects the position that the Bible establishes an order of authority and responsibility for a man as head of a household and in the sense that Christ likens that order to Himself and His church, acknowledges that it may be most appropriate to limit ordination to men. This is not a matter of superiority of men to women or in any sense an inequality of women to men. It is a matter of calling and role. The issue has been debated throughout the history of the Church and the Region views itself as a facilitator for those whom God has called to specialized ministries within the Body. This means that if all other qualifications are met and the sex of the candidate is the only issue, the Region will give due consideration to the ordination providing the person in question can testify to an unmistakable, confirmable call of God on her life to a ministry that requires ordination.
Accountability
Every person holding a ministerial credential issued by the Eastern Regional Association shall be under the authority of the Eastern Regional Association in all matters of faith and conduct.
Accountability shall also serve as a covering for that ministry as long as the credential is in good standing. The Eastern Regional Association encourages the development of ministerial networks as a means of encouragement, prayer, support, accountability, and mentoring.
Accusations made against a commissioned or ordained minister must be made in writing, giving details of the accusation, and must be signed by the person(s) making said accusation and presented to the Eastern Regional Association office.
Upon receiving an accusation, the Eastern Regional Association shall forward the same to the Conference Executive/Ministerial Board to prayerfully consider the merits of said accusation and if deemed appropriate, proceed with an investigation of the charges.
The Board shall conduct its business in the spirit of Matthew 18:15-20. At all times the spiritual well being of all parties to the action shall be a guiding consideration. Restoration is to be valued over retribution.
If the Conference Executive/Ministerial Board determines
that disciplinary action is appropriate a statement to that effect with
supporting documentation should be made to the Regional office with accompanying recommendation. The Regional Office is authorized to act on
the recommendation providing the Conference has met the above stated
requirements. Any person whose credential
has been suspended or revoked as a result of disciplinary action initiated by a
participating Conference shall not normally have the credential reinstated
until such time as the issue(s) precipitating disciplinary action has been
resolved to the satisfaction of the Conference recommending the action.
Discipline may take one of the
following forms:
1.
Reprimand. A reprimand is a formal written statement
that informs the credentialee that the conduct for which a hearing was held is
an unacceptable behavior which if continued would result in a more serious act
of discipline. The credentialee may be
placed on a probationary status for a prescribed period of time. It is not necessary to inform the public of
such discipline.
2.
Suspension or
Withdrawal. A suspension of one’s
credential is a form of discipline enacted after appropriate hearings and would
normally establish a set time for the suspension. The credentialee would be given a list of
requirements to be met before consideration of reinstatement. A person whose credential has been withdrawn
is required to surrender his credential to the ordaining body and may not
engage in any official function of an ordained minister during the period of
suspension without the express written agreement of the ordaining body. Suspension or withdrawal of the ordination
credential is a temporary action and does not alter the fact of
ordination.
Appropriate ecclesiastical jurisdictions should be informed
of the action taken.
3.
Revocation or
Defrocking. The defrocking of an
ordained Minister of the Gospel is the most serious form of discipline to be
administered and alters the credentialee’s status of ordained minister. The status of ordained minister is revoked. Such discipline is only administered after
egregious violation of ministerial standards and after extensive investigation
and hearings.
Once
defrocked, a person may not engage in any ministry function as an ordained
minister, may not use the title of Reverend, and may not represent himself to
any constituency, whether ecclesiastical or governmental, as an ordained
minister.
The
ordaining body must officially notify both governmental and denominational
judicatories of the action taken.
Any credentialed person so
disciplined may appeal the decision to the Regional Judiciary Committee if he
so chooses. In all such cases, the
findings of the Judiciary Committee shall be considered final.
If a Conference chooses, it may defer the entire disciplinary process to the Regional Commission on Christian Ministry.
The issuance of a Regional Ordination Credential means that an Ordained Minister may move from one participating Conference to another within the jurisdiction of the Eastern Regional Association without the need to transfer credentials.
However, when a person moves to another Region, or to a non-participating Conference, he should request a transfer of his credential to the appropriate jurisdiction within 30 days of moving. If a person has not requested transfer within 90 days and has not given just reason for said action, his credential shall be considered suspended or non-active.
Any ordained minister moving to a Church within a participating Conference from another Region or from a non-participating Conference shall transfer his credential to the jurisdiction of the Eastern Regional Association within 90 days of moving to his new ministerial charge.
An Ordained Minister who desires to transfer credentials to another denomination shall make written request for his release to the Superintendent of the Eastern Regional Association.
When a minister requests release in order to affiliate with another denomination he may be asked to meet with the Regional Commission on Christian Ministry to explain his request.
If the organization to which transfer is requested is deemed by the Commission to be a legitimate agency of the Body of Christ, the Commission shall after due counsel approve the release, and issue a letter of transfer.
If the organization to which transfer is requested is deemed by the Commission not to be a legitimate agency of the Body of Christ, and if the applicant after due counsel persists in pursuing a change in affiliation, then the Commission may issue a letter of release in good standing to the applicant.
If the Regional Commission on Christian Ministry does not meet with the person in question, the Regional Superintendent is authorized to effect the transfer as a matter of convenience providing there are no character issues pending with a local church or participating conference.
Dual Credential
No Ordained Minister within the Region may ordinarily hold credentials simultaneously in more than one denomination, association, or Advent Christian Association. In exceptional circumstances permission may be given after due consideration.
Credentials from Another Denomination
The Eastern Regional Association shall ordinarily recognize only those credentials issued by duly authorized Advent Christian agencies. However, transfer may be accepted from other denominations providing such credentials have been issued consistent with Regional standards.
Furthermore, an ordained minister from another denomination shall be granted the courtesy of affiliation providing he meets the following criteria:
1. He shall present the Regional office with a letter of recommendation from the Advent Christian Church with which he is affiliating. In the event the person lives in an area where there are no Advent Christian Churches, the letter of recommendation shall come from a denominational leader who is familiar with the candidate.
2. He shall present the Regional office with appropriate documentation regarding his current ministerial standing.
3. He shall meet with a Conference ministerial committee or other committee appointed by the Regional Superintendent for the purpose of examining his Christian witness, character, and theological compatibility.
4. The Region reserves the right to confer with officials of the denomination with which the candidate holds or has held credentials.
5. The Region may at its discretion conduct a CORI check (Criminal Offense Record Investigation).
Courtesy privileges and recognition in conformity to Regional standards may be granted to guest ministers of good reputation from other denominations, who do not seek affiliation or who are denied affiliation based on doctrinal convictions providing they meet the following conditions:
Ministers who serve an Advent Christian Church while holding credentials in another Church or denomination shall be expected to sign the Regional Agreement for non-credentialed ministers (see Appendix Form #3).