The final grade for the examination will be the average of the grades received
on all three Sections, with rounding up or down to be determined by the reader
on the basis of the examination's overall merit. However, the paper must receive
a grade of 3 or higher on at least two of the three Sections in order to be
considered Satisfactory.
If you prefer you may use a typewriter or word processor. You may bring
your own equipment or, at some exam sites, you may use equipment provided by
the proctor.
You may not consult or copy from personal notes or any other source on the computer
or network during the exam. A printed copy of the exam must be turned in before
you leave the exam area. Because failure to turn in the exam before leaving
will result in failure of the exam, you are strongly urged to make sure that
all the necessary equipment (computer, printer, font and printer software, etc.)
is properly working and coordinated. Please use double spacing and 12-point
font size. Please
number the pages, include your candidate number on each page of the exam, and
staple the printed copy to the first few pages of the exam booklet.
- 1 -
The readers, in grading the examination, will use the following criteria to
assess readiness for ministry:
**********************
IMPORTANT: READ THE ENTIRE QUESTION BEFORE
BEGINNING TO WRITE YOUR ANSWER
- 2 -
You are conducting a training class for newly elected officers of the church you serve as pastor. Mary Ann says:
In Chapter 1 of the Book of Order titled "Preliminary Principles", I was struck by G-1.0100d. which states:
In affirming with the earliest Christians that Jesus is Lord, the Church confesses that he is its hope and that the Church, as Christ's body, is bound to his authority
and thus free to live in the lively, joyous reality of the grace of God.
When I read or hear about the Presbyterian Church (U. S. A.), it certainly does not reflect that we Presbyterians under Christ's authority are "free to live in the lively, joyous reality
of the grace of God." What, in our constitutional heritage, would encourage us to be people who really do live in "the lively, joyous reality" of the grace of God"?
REQUIRED RESPONSES:
1. Using only Chapters 2, 3, and/ or 4 of the Book of Order, identify and discuss at least three (3) citations (e. g., X-0.0000) that reflect how the Church under Christ's
authority lives in the "lively, joyous reality of the grace of God." The citations should be from at least two different chapters of the Book of Order.
2. Based on your answer in Required Response 1, respond to the concerns raised by Mary Ann about our constitutional heritage concerning the Church's freedom to live
in "the lively, joyous reality of the grace of God."
- 3 -
You have answered your first call to First Presbyterian Church in Hometown, USA. At your first session meeting, you comment about all the possibilities for the 275 members of First
Presbyterian. Well, not exactly 275 members….
George: We've got a lot of dead wood on our roll of active members, and after all, we have to pay per capita on each person listed on the active roll.
Pastor, I've been waiting for you to arrive so you can get rid of them for us. That seems like the pastor's job to me.
Sue: We've been over and over this. We simply can't put some of these "children of the congregation" on the inactive roll even
though they left home years ago. Why, their parents are some of our more substantial givers and we'd lose all that money!
Henry: For instance, should we remove Aunt Ellie from membership? She's been in a nursing home for several years and neither attends
church nor gives money. And what about the kids from the youth group who are in college now? Do we keep them on the active roll?
Sherika: Just what does it mean to be a member of this church? Are there different kinds of membership?
REQUIRED RESPONSES:
1. List at least four (4) issues this situation raises. For each issue listed, cite at least one (1) reference from the Book of Order (e. g., X-0.0000).
2. Guided by your answer in Required Response 1, respond to each elder.
- 4 -
ONE HOUR OPEN BOOK REQUIRED
CHOOSE ONE: A OR B
A.
As pastor of the Lakeside Presbyterian Church, you have just returned from your annual vacation. In your absence you asked John, a retired Presbyterian pastor, to fill the pulpit. John
preached on baptism and demonstrated baptism to the children in the "Children's Time." One child raised her hand and said that looked like fun and that she wished to be baptized. John then
invited the little girl forward and proceeded to baptize her at that time. The child was staying with a relative who is a member of Lakeside while her parents, who are not members of any
church, vacationed abroad.
The clerk of session telephones you with concerns from the session and from the parents of the child who are aghast at what transpired.
REQUIRED RESPONSES:
1. Identify and discuss at least three (3) errors in this situation. For each error discussed, cite at least one (1) reference from the Book of Order (e. g., X-0.0000).
2. Guided by your answer in Required Response 1, respond to the clerk of session and the parents.
-OR-
REQUIRED RESPONSES:
1. Identify and discuss at least three (3) issues which pertain to this
situation. For each issue discussed, cite at least one (1) reference from the Book of Order
(e. g., X-0.0000).
2. Guided by your answer in Required Response 1, respond to the Music Director.
- 6 -
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
This examination is intended to "assess the candidate's working knowledge of the constitutional
structure of the Presbyterian Church (U. S. A.) and the method by which differences are properly
resolved and programs to fulfill the ~ission of the church are determined" [G-14.0310d( 5)].
The intent of this examination is to test readiness for ministry, which includes using the Book of
Order effectively. Candidates will utilize a clean, unmarked, printed copy of the 2003-2004
Book of Order of the Presbyterian Church (U. S. A.) in responding to the questions. No additional
books, notes, outlines, or. other outside resources maybe used. Questions will be from the Form
of Government, the Directory for Worship, and the Rules of Discipline.
ESSAY QUESTIONS THREE HOURS OPEN BOOK
The examination consists of three Sections. Sections I and II are required. Section III has two
options. Select one option. Each Section is designed to be completed in one hour.
The final grade for the examination will be the average of the grades received on all three
Sections, with rounding up or down to be determined by the reader on the basis of the
examination's overall merit. However, the paper must receive a grade of3 or higher on at least
two of the three Sections in order to be considered Satisfactory.
If you prefer you may use a word processor. You may bring your own equipment or, at
some exam sites, you may use equipment provided by the proctor. You may not consult
or copy from personal notes or any other source on the computer or network during the
exam. A printed copy of the exam ~ be turned in before you leave the exam area.
Because failure to turn in the exam before leaving will result in failure of the exam, you
are strongly urged to make sure that all the necessary equipment ( computer, printer,
font and printer software, etc.) is properly working and coordinated. Please use double
spacing and 12 point font size. Please number the pages, include your candidate
number on each page of the exam, and staple the printed copy to the first few pages of
the exam booklet.
- 7 -
PAGE20F6
Be advised that exams written in pencil and illegible papers will be returned ungraded. Also,
papers that cannot be understood by the readers because of poor syntax or grammar will be
graded accordingly-The
readers, in grading the examination, will use the following criteria to assess readiness for
ministry:
-Recognition and knowledge of the polity issues applicable to the question, and ability to
cite relevant sections of the Book of Order;
Ability to relate the polity issue to the situation, considering both the letter and the spirit
of the constitution;
Ability to express concern for the individua1( s) involved in the situation and for the
welfare of the church as a whole;
Knowledge of the process by which programs to fulfill the mission of the church are determined; and '
Ability to be coherent in expressing thoughts.
**********************
READ THE ENTIRE QUESTION BEFORE
IMPORTANT:
BEGINNING TO WRITE YOUR ANSWER.
- 8 -
PAGE30F6
SEcnON I. CONSTITUTIONAL HERITAGE
ONE HOUR OPEN BOOK REQUIRED
The Book of Order states under the section on Historic Principles of Church Order:
Election by the People:
That though the character, qualifications, and authority of Church officers are laid
down in the Holy Scriptures, as well as the proper method of their inves. titure, yet
the election of the persons to the exercise of this authority, in any particular
society, is in that society. (G-l. O306)
REQUIRED RESP. ONSE:
Cite and discuss five (5) references from the Book of Order (e. g., X-O. OOOO) that
give expression to this statement in the life of the Presbyterian Church (U. S. A.).
- 9 -
PAGE40F6
SEcnON II. CONSTITUTIONAL ORDER AS A TOOL FOR MINISTRY
ONE HOUR OPEN BOOK REQUIRED
As a memberof Presbytery's Committee on Ministry, you and the committee leam for
the fIrst time that for threeyears the pastoral relationship betweenthe pastor andthe
250-member SouthminsterPresbyterian Churchhas beendeteriorating. At the last session
meeting the situation exploded with accusationsandname-calling. Sessiondemandedthatthe
pastor call a special. congregationalmeeting for the purpose of dissolving the pastoral
relationship. The pastorrefused. Over the next few days sessionmembers called or visited or
wrote to members of the congregationto inform them that sucha congregational meeting would
be held the very next Sunday.
At the congregationalmeeting, the clerk of sessionpresided andnoticed that several
personspresentand voting were inactive or former members. Voting by ballot, the congregation
voted 16 to 2 to dissolve the pastoral relationship, effective immediately. The clerk informed the
presbytery office of this action by letter the following day.
REQUIRED RESPONSES:
Identify and briefly discuss at least four (4) errors in this situation. For eacherror cite at
least one (1) reference from the Book ofOrder (e. g., X-O. OOOO).
1
Guided by your answering Required Response 1 and as a member of the Presbytery's
Committee on Ministry, outline your initial presentation to the session of Southminster
Presbyterian Church.
- 10 -
Frank: I feel honored that you think I am capable of holding the office of elder. However, I feel my gifts lie in another area. You know I have business
training especially in financial management.
Sheila: That's wonderful, Frank, then perhaps you would be willing to be nominated for the board of trustees.
Festus: The Presbyterian Church I grew up in didn't have a board of trustees. Does every church need a board of trustees? Please explain the
difference between being an elder and a trustee.
REQUIRED RESPONSE:
1. Identify and discuss at least two (2) issues raised by this discussion. For each issue raised, cite at least one (1) reference from the Book of Order (e. g., X-0.0000).
2. Guided by your answer in Required Response 1, respond to Festus.
-OR-
- 11 -
REQUIRED OPEN BOOK ONE HOUR
CHOOSE ONE: A OR B
B.
You are a member o: f the Committee on Ministry in your presbytery. You are approached by
John, an elder moderator of the Nominating Committee at Center Presbyterian Church. Center
Church is a congregation of 50 members currently being served by a Stated Supply pastor. John
is concerned because it is becoming increasingly difficult to fmd people willing and eligible to
serve as elders. In fact, it is difficult to find persons to serve on the nominating committee. John
wants to know if you have any suggestions to solve these problems.
REQUIRED RESPONSES:
Identify and discuss at least two (2) issues raised by this situation. For each issue
discussed, cite at least one (1) Book of Order reference (e. g., X-O. OOOO). 1
Guided by your answer in Required Response 1, respond to John by giving
suggestions about how these problems might be resolved. 2
- 12 -
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
This examination is intended to "assess the candidate's working knowledge of the constitutional structure of the Presbyterian Church (U. S. A.) and the method by which
differences are properly resolved and programs to fulfill the mission of the church are determined" [G-14.0310d( 5)].
The intent of this examination is to test readiness for ministry, which includes using the Book of Order effectively. Candidates will utilize the 2002-2003 Book of Order of the
Presbyterian Church (U. S. A.) in responding to the questions. Questions will be from the Form of Government, the Directory for Worship, and the Rules of Discipline.
ESSAY QUESTIONS THREE HOURS OPEN BOOK
The examination consists of three Sections. Sections I and II are required. Section III has two options. Select one option. Each Section is designed to be completed in one
hour.
The final grade for the examination will be the average of the grades received on all three Sections, with rounding up or down to be determined by the reader on the basis of the
examination's overall merit. However, the paper must receive a grade of 3 or higher on at least two of the three Sections in order to be considered Satisfactory.
If you prefer you may use a word processor. You may bring your own equipment or, at some exam sites, you may use equipment provided by the
proctor. You may not consult or copy from personal notes or any other source on the computer or network during the exam. A printed copy of the exam must
be turned in before you leave the exam area. Because failure to turn in the exam before leaving will result in failure of the exam, you are strongly urged to
make sure that all the necessary equipment (computer, printer, font and printer software, etc.) is properly working and coordinated. Please use double spacing
and 12 point font size. Please number the pages, include your candidate number on each page of the exam, and staple the printed copy to the first few
pages of the exam booklet.
- 13 -
. Ability to relate the polity issue to the situation, considering both the letter and
the spirit of the constitution;
. Ability to express concern for the individua1( s) involved in the situation and for
the welfare of the church as a whole;
. Knowledge of the process by which programs to fulfill the mission of the
church are determined; and
. Ability to be coherent in expressing thoughts.
*************************
IMPORTANT: READ THE ENTIRE QUESTION BEFORE
BEGINNING TO WRITE YOUR ANSWER.
- 14 -
The Church is called a. to new openness to the presence of God in the Church and in the world, to
more fundamental obedience, and to a more joyous celebration in worship and work;
b. a new openness to its own membership, by affirming itself as a community of diversity, becoming in fact as well as in faith a community
of women and men of all ages, races, and conditions, and by providing for inclusiveness as a visible sign of the new humanity;
c. to a new openness to the possibilities and perils of its institutional forms in order to ensure the faithfulness and usefulness of these forms to God's
activity in the world;
d. to new openness to God's continuing reformation of the Church ecumenical, that it might be a more effective instrument of mission in the
world. (G-3.0401)
REQUIRED RESPONSE:
Select from the quote above one of the four statements (use a, b, c, or d). Cite and discuss five (5) references from the Book of Order (e. g., X-0.0000), that give
expression to the use of this statement in the life of the Presbyterian Church (U. S. A.).
- 15 -
REQUIRED RESPONSES:
1. Identify and discuss at least three (3) issues raised by John's concerns. Cite at least one (1) Book of Order reference (e. g., X-0.0000) for each issue.
2. Guided by your answer in required response 1, explain to the session how the pastor, the session, and the congregation are connected to the General
Assembly.
- 16 -
REQUIRED RESPONSES
1. Cite and discuss at least three (3) references from the Book of Order (e. g., X-0.0000) which pertain to this situation.
2. Guided by your answer in required response 1, respond pastorally to Sharon regarding how this situation could be handled.
-OR-
- 17 -
ONE HOUR OPEN BOOK REQUIRED
CHOOSE ONE: A OR B
B.
SITUATION:
You are the new pastor of Grace Presbyterian Church. You discover after your first worship service at Grace Church that the offering has been taken home by Hewon. He
counts it at home and puts it in the bank during the week. This has been Hewon's practice for handling the money for at least ten years.
In the course of trying to understand better the practices of your new church, you also discover from the clerk of session that no review of the financial records has ever been
done. The clerk tells you, that because both Hewon and the church treasurer have served the church faithfully for many years, they would consider it an insult if you questioned
their financial practices. The clerk tells you that, after all this is a small church and she too is just a volunteer who was asked last year by a member of the congregation to take
minutes at session meetings. It seems there were no elders in the congregation who would take the minutes so she was asked to do so, but she too wouldn't want her work
reviewed.
REQUIRED RESPONSES:
1. Identify and discuss at least three (3) issues this situation raises. For each issue discussed, cite at least one (1) Book of Order reference (e. g., X-0.0000).
2. Guided by your answer in required response 1, briefly discuss how you will handle the situation.
- 18 -
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
This examination is intended to "assess the candidate's working knowledge of the constitutional structure of the Presbyterian Church (U. S. A.) and the method by which
differences are properly resolved and programs to fulfill the mission of the church are determined" [G-14.0310d( 5)].
The intent of this examination is to test readiness for ministry, which includes using the Book of Order effectively. Candidates will utilize the 2002-2003 Book of Order of the
Presbyterian Church (U. S. A.) in responding to the questions. Questions will be from the Form of Government, the Directory for Worship, and the Rules of Discipline.
ESSAY QUESTIONS THREE HOURS OPEN BOOK
The examination consists of three Sections. Sections I and II are required. Section III has two options. Select one option. Each Section is designed to be completed in one hour.
The final grade for the examination will be the average of the grades received on all three Sections, with rounding up or down to be determined by the reader on the basis of the
examination's overall merit. However, the paper must receive a grade of 3 or higher on at least two of the three Sections in order to be considered Satisfactory.
If you prefer you may use a typewriter or word processor. You may bring your own equipment or, at some exam sites, you may use equipment provided
by the proctor. You may not consult or copy from personal notes or any other source on the computer or network during the exam. A printed copy of the
exam must be turned in before you leave the exam area. Because failure to turn in the exam before leaving will result in failure of the exam, you are
strongly urged to make sure that all the necessary equipment (computer, printer, font and printer software, etc.) is properly working and coordinated.
Please use double spacing and 12 point font size. Please number the pages, include your candidate number on each page of the exam, and staple the
printed copy to the first few pages of the exam booklet.
- 19 -
************************
IMPORTANT: READ THE ENTIRE QUESTION BEFORE
BEGINNING TO WRITE YOUR ANSWER.
- 20 -
SITUATION:
You as a minister member of presbytery are leading a training session for newly elected elder commissioners to presbytery.
James says, "In the Book of Order under The Historic Principles of Church Order (G-1.0300), there is a section on "Differences of Views" (G-1.0305). It says:
... we also believe that there are truths and forms with respect to which men of good characters and principles may differ. And in all these we think it the duty both of
private Christians and societies to exercise mutual forbearance toward each other."
James continues, "I have a strongly held opinion on an issue that will be coming to the presbytery and I know others will differ with me. How do our governing bodies ever
reach decisions and continue their work when there are differences? I don't know if I will be heard and if my view does not prevail, what are my options?"
REQUIRED RESPONSES:
1. Cite at least three (3) Book of Order references (e. g., X-0.0000), and explain how each reference addresses "Differences of Views" at governing body meetings.
2. Guided by your answer in required response 1, respond to James and his concerns about how "men (and women) of good characters and principles may differ" and
"exercise mutual forbearance toward each other." Describe what options are available to James if his view does not prevail.
- 21 -
Nita: Harold, will you sign this petition to let the session know we will not accept their decision to do away with the Christmas tree in the
sanctuary. We have always had a Christmas tree. It makes the sanctuary look so warm and inviting. Now the session approved a
new, expensive Advent wreath. We have to show the session that tradition matters.
Harold: Nita, I think you have gone too far with this petition. Even though I'm off session now, I care about what the Book of Order says.
This petition is inappropriate and you need to stop asking people to sign it.
Nita: I already have fifty signatures against the session's action. I'm an elder who cares about this church and when the session doesn't do
its job the congregation sometimes has to do it for them. I'm going to ask the pastor to have a congregational meeting so the
congregation can vote on having a tree for our Christmas celebration.
REQUIRED RESPONSES
1. Identify and discuss at least three (3) issues this situation raises. For each issue discussed, cite at least one (1) Book of Order reference, (e. g., X-0.0000).
2. Guided by your answer in required response 1, outline a plan to handle this situation.
- 22 -
Tom: I totally agree. I am tired of my friends in other denominations reading Presbyterian Church pronouncements in the newspapers and thinking that
I believe what they read is the position of the Presbyterian Church. I don't want somebody down at the legislature purporting to speak for me.
Sue: I am all for the church being involved in things like this. In fact, the proposal does not go far enough. I have a neighbor who belongs to
another denomination. My neighbor says that during election season her congregation endorses candidates they think will do a good job and vote
the right way. I like that.
Jane: As a former state legislator, I don't believe we should be endorsing candidates, but I do think that the Presbytery proposal is a good idea.
When I was in the legislature, I often wondered what the church and church people thought.
REQUIRED RESPONSE:
Cite and discuss at least three (3) Book of Order references (e. g., X-0.0000), which guide the session and these elders in addressing the issue of having a public
policy advocate at the state capitol.
-OR-
- 23 -
Priscilla: I hear this lay pastor is in a wheel chair. Do we really want a person with limitations?
Luke: This Presbyterian search process takes too long. The pastor of the non-denominational church down the street just resigned. Let's
hire him to be our pastor.
Joanna: I know our church is small and not wealthy, but can't we have a real pastor? Why are we stuck with this lay person?
REQUIRED RESPONSES:
1. Identify and discuss at least one (1) issue found in each elder's comments. For each issue discussed, cite one (1) specific Book of Order reference (e. g.,
X-0.0000).
2. Guided by your answer in required response 1, as the Committee on Ministry moderator, respond pastorally to Matthew, Priscilla, Luke and Joanna.
- 24 -
ESSAY QUESTIONS THREE HOURS OPEN BOOK
The examination consists of three Sections. Sections I and II are required. Section III has two options. Select one option. Each Section is designed to be completed in one hour.
The final grade for the examination will be the average of the grades received on all three Sections, with rounding up or down to be determined by the reader on the basis of the
examination’s overall merit. However, the paper must receive a grade of 3 or higher on at least two of the three Sections in order to be considered Satisfactory.
Submit all answers in ink, or type answers if you prefer. You need not erase in order to make corrections, deletions, or additions. You may use a computer word processor. If a
computer word processor is used, the candidate shall sign a statement on a separate sheet: "While writing the exam, I did not view or copy from personal notes or any other source on
the computer or a network." This sheet shall include the candidate's ID and it shall be turned in to the proctor. You must also bring a printer to the exam room. Before leaving
the exam room you must print a hard copy of your answer and staple it in the exam booklet.
If you type the examination, staple it to the first few pages of the examination booklet, not to the front cover. Make sure your identification number is on each page.
- 25 -
The readers, in grading the examination, will use the following criteria to assess readiness for ministry.
Recognition and knowledge of the polity issues applicable to the question, and ability to cite relevant sections of the Book of Order;
Ability to relate the polity issue to the situation, considering both the letter and the spirit of the constitution;
Ability to express concern for the individual(s) involved in the situation and for the welfare of the church as a whole;
Knowledge of the process by which programs to fulfill the mission of the church are determined; and
Ability to be coherent in expressing thoughts.
*************************
IMPORTANT: READ THE ENTIRE QUESTION BEFORE
BEGINNING TO WRITE YOUR ANSWER.
- 26 -
Chapter 18 of the Book of Order is on amendments to the constitution. G-18.0101 states:
The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) would be faithful to the Lordship of Christ and to its historic tradition of the Church reformed always
reforming, by the Spirit of God. In this faith, amendment procedures are understood as a means to faithfulness as God breaks forth yet more light
from God’s Word.
REQUIRED RESPONSE:
Cite and discuss at least three (3) references (e.g., X-0.0000) from the first four chapters of the Book of Order which influence the procedures
for amending the constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
- 27 -
REQUIRED RESPONSES:
1. Cite and discuss three (3) references from the Book of Order (e.g., X-0.0000) that apply to this situation.
2. Guided by your answer in required response 1, write a letter to this church group responding to their invitation.
- 28 -
ONE HOUR OPEN BOOK REQUIRED
CHOOSE ONE: A OR B
A.
SITUATION:
Gordon is graduating from seminary and is seeking his first call. In January of his senior year, he prepares a personal information form and circulates it. On May 10th the Eastminster Presbyterian
Church offers him a call to be their associate pastor beginning July 15th. By then, Gordon will have completed 16 months in the inquiry and candidacy process, 6 months of which will have been as a
candidate. The calling presbytery is making plans to set up Gordon’s ordination exam on the floor of presbytery on May 28 th , and if his examination is sustained, will present Gordon his call. While
making plans for his ordination service at his home church Gordon phones you. As his Committee on Preparation for Ministry moderator, you are asked to preach at his June 1st ordination service.
REQUIRED RESPONSES:
1. Identify and discuss at least three (3) errors that have occurred. Give at least one (1) Book of Order citation (e.g., X-0.0000) for each error.
2. Guided by your answer in required response 1, as Committee on Preparation moderator for this candidate, respond pastorally to Gordon’s request to preach at
his June 1st ordination service and help Gordon to understand the errors that have been made.
-OR-
- 29 -
REQUIRED RESPONSES:
1. Identify and discuss at least two (2) issues raised in the situation, citing at least one (1) Book of Order reference (e.g., X-0.0000), for each issue.
2. Guided by your answer in required response 1, respond to the motion that is made at the congregational meeting, and explain what you will do to resolve the conflict in
the church.
- 30 -
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
This examination is intended to “assess the candidate’s working knowledge of the constitutional structure of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and the method by which differences are properly
resolved and programs to fulfill the mission of the church are determined” [G-14.03 l0d(5)].
The intent of this examination is to test readiness for ministry, which includes using the Book of Order effectively. Candidates will utilize the 2000-2001 Book of Order of the Presbyterian
Church (U.S.A.) in responding to the questions. Questions will be from the Form of Government, the Directory for Worship, and the Rules of Discipline.
ESSAY QUESTIONS THREE HOURS OPEN BOOK
The examination consists of three Sections. Sections I and II are required. Section III has two options. Select one option. Each Section is designed to be completed in one hour.
The final grade for the examination will be the average of the grades received on all three Sections, with rounding up or down to be determined by the reader on the basis of the
examination’s overall merit. However, the paper must receive a grade of 3 or higher on at least two of the three Sections in order to be considered Satisfactory.
Submit all answers in ink, or type answers if you prefer. Memory typewriters, word processors, computers, and pencils shall not be used. You need not erase in order to make corrections,
deletions, or additions.
If you type the examination, staple it to the first few pages of the examination booklet, not to the front cover. Make sure your identification number is on each page.
- 31 -
*************************
IMPORTANT: READ THE ENTIRE QUESTION BEFORE
BEGINNING TO WRITE YOUR ANSWER.
- 32 -
Under the section “Preliminary Principles” the Book of Order states:
Christ calls the Church into being, giving it all that is necessary for its mission to the world, for its building up, and for its service to God. Christ is present with the Church in both Spirit and Word. It
belongs to Christ alone to rule, to teach, to call, and to use the Church as he wills, exercising his authority by the ministry of women and men for the establishment and extension of his Kingdom.
(G-l.0100b)
REQUIRED RESPONSES:
1. Discuss how the Church lives out this call, citing at least one (1) Book of Order citation for each of the governing bodies of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
2. Drawing upon your answer in required response 1, write an article for your presbytery newsletter explaining this “Preliminary Principle”.
- 33 -
The church school of First Presbyterian Church has planned to host, in the sanctuary during the usual worship hour, an annual Children’s Day program. This program will replace the
regularly scheduled Service for the Lord’s Day, including the regularly scheduled communion celebration. As the new pastor, you learn that the church school coordinator and teachers have
picked this date and have planned their program. The program they have planned includes the children singing songs, the awarding of attendance pins, presentations by Sunday School classes
about something they have learned during the year, and they will be able to use this time to share their projects or ideas with the congregation.
REQUIRED RESPONSES:
1. Identify and discuss at last two (2) issues raised by this situation, citing appropriate Book of Order references (e.g., X-0.0000). For each issue discussed, use at least one (1)
citation from the Form of Government and at least one (1) citation from the Directory for Worship.
2. Guided by your answer in required response 1, design a presentation which you will use with the church school teachers, worship committee, and session.
- 34 -
SITUATION:
You are pastor serving Grace Presbyterian Church. Three elders from the session come to you seeking your counsel and advice. Jane, an elder serving on session, is openly having an
affair with her married employer. This affair has become the subject of gossip and dissension in the congregation. The three elders prayed for guidance, then visited Jane hoping to bring an end
to this painful situation. Jane was negative and defiant and told them it was none of their business. The three
elders then make a decision that they will file a complaint against Jane.
REQUIRED RESPONSES:
1. A) Identify two (2) offenses from the Form of Government (X-0.0000)
allegedly committed by Jane.
B) Cite two (2) references from the Rules of Discipline (e.g., X-0.0000) and discuss how they apply to this situation.
2. Guided by your answer in 1, how would you as moderator of the session advise the three elders as they proceed in this process?
OR
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REQUIRED RESPONSES:
1. Citing appropriate references from the Book of Order (e.g., X-0.0000) list and discuss the various forms of censure and restoration in a disciplinary case.
2. Guided by your answer in required response 1, write a statement you will use to set the tone for the Permanent Judicial Commission when it meets to determine the degree of censure.
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GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
This examination is intended to “assess the candidate’s working knowledge of the constitutional structure of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and the method by which differences are properly
resolved and programs to fulfill the mission of the church are determined” [G-14.0310d( 5) ].
The intent of this examination is to test readiness for ministry, which includes using the Book of Order effectively. Candidates will utilize the 2001-2002 Book of Order of the Presbyterian
Church (U.S.A.) in responding to the questions. Questions will be from the Form of Government, the Directory for Worship, and the Rules of Discipline.
ESSAY QUESTIONS THREE HOURS OPEN BOOK
The examination consists of three Sections. Sections I and II are required. Section III has two options. Select one option. Each Section is designed to be completed in one hour.
The final grade for the examination will be the average of the grades received on all three Sections, with rounding up or down to be determined by the reader on the basis of the
examination’s overall merit. However, the paper must receive a grade of 3 or higher on at least two of the three Sections in order to be considered Satisfactory.
Submit all answers in ink, or type answers if you prefer. You need not erase in order to make corrections, deletions, or additions. You may use a computer word processor. If a computer
word processor is used, the candidate shall sign a statement on a separate sheet: “While writing the exam, I did not view or copy from personal notes or any other source on the computer or a
network.” This sheet shall include the candidate’s ID and it shall be turned in to the proctor. You must also bring a printer to the exam room. Before leaving the exam room you must print a
hard copy of your answer and staple it in the exam booklet.
If you type the examination, staple it to the first few pages of the examination booklet, not to the front cover. Make sure your identification number is on each page.
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The readers, in grading the examination, will use the following criteria to assess readiness for ministry:
Recognition and knowledge of the polity issues applicable to the question, and ability to cite relevant sections of the Book of Order;
Ability to relate the polity issue to the situation, considering both the letter and the spirit of the constitution;
Ability to express concern for the individual(s) involved in the situation and for the welfare of the church as a whole;
Knowledge of the process by which programs to fulfill the mission of the church are determined; and
Ability to be coherent in expressing thoughts.
*************************
IMPORTANT: READ THE ENTIRE QUESTION BEFORE
BEGINNING TO WRITE YOUR ANSWER.
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The Book of Order states under the section on THE CHURCH AND ITS MISSION (G-3.0000):
The Church is called to be Christ’s faithful evangelist (1) going into the world making disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name
of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all he has commanded;
(2) demonstrating by the love of its members for one another and by the quality of its common life the new reality in Christ; sharing in worship, fellowship, and
nurture, practicing a deepened life of prayer and service under the guidance of the Holy Spirit;
(3) participating in God’s activity in the world through its life for others by (a) healing and reconciliation and binding up wounds,
(b) ministering to the needs of the poor, the sick, the lonely, and the powerless,
(c) engaging in the struggle to free people from sin, fear, oppression, hunger, and injustice,
(d) giving itself and its substance to the service of those who suffer (e) sharing with Christ in the establishing of his just, peaceable, and loving
rule in the world. (G-3.0300c.)
REQUIRED RESPONSES:
1. Cite and discuss at least five (5) citations from the Book of Order (e.g., X-0.0000) that give expression to the use of the above statement
“Christ’s Faithful Evangelist” in the life of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). The citations must come from more than one chapter of the
Book of Order.
2. Using all five (5) of your citations, write a newsletter article expressing how the church’s understanding of being “Christ’s Faithful Evangelist” affects members of
your church today in their life and worship.
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SITUATION:
Elder Jane comes to you as pastor to discuss what the session and you can do to help her with Paul, a member of the youth group, which she advises. Paul, a church member, is making slanderous
remarks about Jane to other youth in the church and in the community. Jane informs you that she is also receiving anonymous, harassing phone calls. She has recorded these phone messages and wants
you and the session to hear them. Although the caller does not identify himself, she believes the caller to be Paul or one of his friends. Jane is asking the session and you to initiate an investigation
into this malicious slander against her character and seeks from the session some type of resolution to this situation.
REQUIRED RESPONSES:
1. Cite and discuss three (3) citations from the Book of Order (e.g., X-0.0000) which pertain to Jane’s situation.
2. Guided by your answer in required response 1, discuss briefly the steps you will follow in addressing this elder’s request for help at your next session meeting.
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ONE HOUR OPEN BOOK REQUIRED
CHOOSE ONE: A or B
SITUATION:
First Presbyterian Church is in a rapidly growing part of the city. During the last year many new people are worshiping regularly, and Ken, as interim pastor, finds that many have
expressed an interest in joining the church. At the initial gathering of a new members class Ken opens the floor to questions about
the church.
Jim: I have never been a member of a church before. What will I have to do to join?
Ellen: I was there last Sunday when you elected officers. I just assumed the pastor was in charge of the church. That’s the way it was in my last church.
Vi: When you were gone last month a woman preached. Does the church allow women ministers?
Cher: I want my children to be in Sunday school but I am not sure I will have time to do very much. I am excited about joining, but am I going to be expected to do much
as a member?
REQUIRED RESPONSES:
1. Identify and discuss one (1) issue raised by each person. Give at least one (1) Book of Order reference (e.g., X-0.0000) for each of the issues.
2. Guided by your answer in required response 1, respond to Jim, Ellen, Vi, and Cher.
-OR-
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Hewon: I read in the church newsletter that the church women will be collecting a special offering next Sunday to help them buy new curtains for the
parlor. Is that appropriate?
Nancy: I’m moderating Presbyterian Women and I can tell you it is. We really need to change the look in that room. The women feel it is too neglected.
Consuela: I say we let them do whatever they want with their money.
Nelson: Last year that is exactly what they did. When they collected money at the church bazaar they said they would spend it all on mission and yet
they spent half of it on a new silver tea set for coffee hour.
Consuela: So what? They are a separate organization of the church so we have no say in their work.
REQUIRED RESPONSES:
1. Identify and discuss at least three (3) issues raised. Give at least one (1) Book of Order reference (e.g., X.0.0000) for each of the issues.
2. Guided by your answer in required response 1, as moderator write out how you would use this as a teaching moment.
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GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
This examination is intended to “assess the candidate’s working knowledge of the constitutional structure of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and the method by which differences are properly
resolved and programs to fulfill the mission of the church are determined” [G-14.0310d(5)].
The intent of this examination is to test readiness for ministry, which includes using the Book of Order effectively. Candidates will utilize the 1999-2000 Book of Order of the Presbyterian
Church (U.S.A.) in responding to the questions. Questions will be from the Form of Government, the Directory for Worship, and the Rules of Discipline.
ESSAY QUESTIONS THREE HOURS OPEN BOOK
The examination consists of three Sections. Sections I and II are required. Section III has two options. Select one option. Each Section is designed to be completed in one hour.
The final grade for the examination will be the average of the grades received on all three Sections, with rounding up or down to be determined by the reader on the basis of the
examination’s overall merit. However, the paper must receive a grade of 3 or higher on at least two of the three Sections in order to be considered Satisfactory.
Submit all answers in ink, or type answers if you prefer. Memory typewriters, word processors, computers and pencils shall not be used. You need not erase in order to make corrections,
deletions, or additions.
If you type the examination, staple it to the first few pages of the examination booklet, not to the front cover. Make sure your identification number is on each page.
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Recognition and knowledge of the polity issues applicable to the question, and ability to cite relevant sections of the Book of Order;
Ability to relate the polity issue to the situation, considering both the letter and the spirit of the constitution;
Ability to express concern for the individual(s) involved in the situation and for the welfare of the church as a whole;
Knowledge of the process by which programs to fulfill the mission of the church are determined; and
Ability to be coherent in expressing thoughts.
*************************
IMPORTANT: READ THE ENTIRE QUESTION BEFORE
BEGINNING TO WRITE YOUR ANSWER.
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Eight principles are listed. (G-l.0301(l)(a) through G-1.0308(8))
REQUIRED RESPONSE:
Select five (5) of "The Historic Principles of Church Order" and discuss how these five (5) principles are carried out in the life of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). To support your
discussion, cite one (1) Book of Order reference (e.g., X-0.0000) for each principle selected (Citations from the first chapter of the Book of Order may not be used.)
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You phone Alice, the chair of the pastor nominating committee, and inquire about their progress in completing their form. Alice tells you:
Our presbytery executive told us it was a waste of time to fill out forms for the committee on ministry and that he wanted us to find a pastor quickly. He asked us to
interview John, a seminary senior, whom he wants in this position. We like John and have hired him.
REQUIRED RESPONSES:
1. List and discuss at least three (3) constitutional issues in this situation, citing Book of Order references (e.g., X-0.0000) to support your discussion for each issue.
2. As a member of the committee on ministry, what will you do to try to correct the issues?
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Yesterday Robert burst into your study waving in his hand a letter from the committee on ministry containing a motion which will go to the presbytery next week. The motion
recommends that Robert’s name be “deleted from the roll of ministers and that he be given a certificate of membership to a particular church he chooses.” The letter further states that it is
the committee’s opinion that Robert “does not have suitability to continue to render effective ministry as an ordained minister of the Word and Sacrament in the Presbyterian Church
(U.S.A.).”
Tears rolling down his face, Robert looks to you: “They can’t do this to me!” he says. “It’s just not fair!”
REQUIRED RESPONSES:
1. Identify and discuss at least two (2) issues involved in the committee on ministry’s recommendation, citing at least one (1) appropriate Book of Order reference
(e.g., X-0.0000) for each issue.
2. Guided by your answer in 1, discuss what course of action Robert could take.
OR
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REQUIRED RESPONSES:
1. Identify and discuss two (2) constitutional issues, citing appropriate Book of Order references (e.g., X-0.0000) for each issue raised here.
2. Guided by your answer in 1, help the pastor and the session develop a plan to deal appropriately and pastorally with Bessie Mae.
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GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
This examination is intended to “assess the candidate’s working knowledge of the constitutional structure of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and the method by which differences are properly
resolved and programs to fulfill the mission of the church are determined” [G-14.0310d(5)].
The intent of this examination is to test readiness for ministry, which includes using the Book of Order effectively. Candidates will utilize the 2000-2001 Book of Order of the Presbyterian
Church (U.S.A.) in responding to the questions. Questions will be from the Form of Government, the Directory for Worship, and the Rules of Discipline.
ESSAY QUESTIONS THREE HOURS OPEN BOOK
The examination consists of three Sections. Sections I and II are required. Section III has two options. Select one option. Each Section is designed to be completed in one hour.
The final grade for the examination will be the average of the grades received on all three Sessions, with rounding up or down to be determined by the reader on the basis of the
examination’s overall merit. However, the paper must receive a grade of 3 or higher on at least two of the three Sections in order to be considered Satisfactory.
Submit all answers in ink, or type answers if you prefer. Memory printers, word processors, computers, and pencils shall not be used. You need not erase in order to make corrections,
deletions, or additions.
If you type the examination, staple it to the first few pages of the examination booklet not to the front cover. Make sure your identification number is on each page.
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Recognition and knowledge of the polity issues applicable to the question, and ability to cite relevant sections of the Book of Order;
Ability to relate the polity issue to the situation, considering both the letter and the spirit of the constitution;
Ability to express concern for the individual(s) involved in the situation and for the welfare of the church as a whole;
Knowledge of the process by which programs to fulfill the mission of the church are determined; and
Ability to be coherent in expressing thoughts.
************************
IMPORTANT: READ THE ENTIRE QUESTION BEFORE
BEGINNING TO WRITE YOUR ANSWER.
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REQUIRED RESPONSES:
1. Citing at least two (2) Book of Order references from Chapters 5 and following (e.g., X-0.0000) for each of the following, describe how our church
continues to be guided and motivated by: a. “grace alone”
b. “faith alone” c. “Scripture alone”
2. Drawing upon your response in 1, write a brief article suitable for inclusion in a brochure for new members about how today’s church continues to be guided and
motivated by these Protestant watchwords.
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John says: “We need experienced leadership and stability at this time on our session and these four men represent those qualities.”
Kathi objects: “We can’t nominate four old men. The Book of Order requires us to nominate women and younger men.”
Larry, as moderator, cuts off the discussion by saying: “We can nominate anyone we choose. We already have one woman on the session and that’s
enough. The meeting is adjourned.”
REQUIRED RESPONSES:
1. Identify and discuss at least (2) issues, citing appropriate Book of Order references (e.g., X-0.0000) for each issue.
2. Guided by your answer in required response 1, respond with pastoral sensitivity to John, Kathi and Larry.
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ONE HOUR OPEN BOOK REQUIRED
CHOOSE ONE: A or B
A.
The town of Highwater, Minnesota has experienced a terrible flood in the past year. The Disciples of Christ church building has been destroyed beyond repair. Instead of
rebuilding, the chairman of the board of the Disciples church comes to you, as the pastor of the local Presbyterian church and suggests that the two congregations merge into a union
church.
REQUIRED RESPONSE:
1. Discuss at least three (3) important issues that the Presbyterian congregation will need to consider in making this decision. Cite at least one (1) Book of Order reference
(e.g., X-0.0000) for each issue.
2. Guided by your answer in 1, outline the steps that you would take as pastor in guiding your congregation through resolution of this question.
OR
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CHOOSE ONE: A or B B.
As the pastor of a small Presbyterian church in a rural area, you are visiting with four of the church’s newly elected deacons. In the course of the conversation the following statements are
made:
Rose: “I feel so honored to be elected a deacon here at First Presbyterian Church. It is so wonderful to be recognized for the work I’ve done for this church.”
Peter: “Don’t kid yourself, Rose, the search committee needed a warm body, and you were it!”
Lily: “I haven’t always been a Presbyterian, and in my last church we didn’t have deacons. Why do we have them here?”
Paul: “Wait a minute! Aren’t there some kind of guidelines regarding what a deacon is expected to do? What are the responsibilities? I don’t know if I am good
enough to be a deacon.”
REQUIRED RESPONSES:
1. Cite and discuss appropriate Book of Order references (e.g., X-0.0000), for each of the following:
a. Why there are deacons in the church? b. What are the responsibilities of the office of deacon?
c. What gifts are needed to be a deacon?
2. Guided by your answer in one (1), respond to each deacon’s remark.
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GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
This examination is intended to “assess the candidate’s working knowledge of the constitutional structure of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and the method by which differences are properly
resolved and programs to fulfill the mission of the church are determined” [G-14.0310d(5)].
The intent of this examination is to test readiness for ministry, which includes using the Book of Order effectively. Candidates will utilize the 1998-99 Book of Order of the Presbyterian Church
(U.S.A.) in responding to the questions. Questions will be from the Form of Government, the Directory for Worship, and the Rules of Discipline.
ESSAY QUESTIONS THREE HOURS OPEN BOOK
The examination consists of three Sections. Sections I and II are required. Section III has two options. Select one option. Each Section is designed to be completed in one hour.
The final grade for the examination will be the average of the grades received on all three Sessions, with rounding up or down to be determined by the reader on the basis of the
examination’s overall merit. However, the paper must receive a grade of 3 or higher on at least two of the three Sections in order to be considered Satisfactory.
Submit all answers in ink, or type answers if you prefer. Memory printers, word processors, computers, and pencils shall not be used. You need not erase in order to make corrections,
deletions, or additions.
If you type the examination, staple it to the first few pages of the examination booklet not to the front cover. Make sure your identification number is on each page.
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Recognition and knowledge of the polity issues applicable to the question, and ability to cite relevant sections of the Book of Order;
Ability to relate the polity issue to the situation, considering both the letter and the spirit of the constitution;
Ability to express concern for the individual(s) involved in the situation and for the welfare of the church as a whole;
Knowledge of the process by which programs to fulfill the mission of the church are determined; and
Ability to be coherent in expressing thoughts.
*************************
IMPORTANT: READ THE ENTIRE QUESTION BEFORE
BEGINNING TO WRITE YOUR ANSWER.
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REQUIRED RESPONSES:
1. Citing at least two (2) additional Book of Order references (e.g., X-0.0000) for each of the following, describe how our church’s commitment to diversity and
inclusiveness is practiced in relationship to: a) form
b) practice c) language
2. Drawing upon your response in 1, write an article suitable for a church newsletter which expresses how the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) strives to fulfill its commitment to
diversity and inclusiveness.
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REQUIRED RESPONSES:
1. Citing at least five (5) constitutional provisions, each from a different chapter of the Book of Order (e.g., X-0.0000), describe and explain the four levels of governance
in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
2. Guided by your answer in 1, respond to Kathy and the concerns she raises. Include an explanation of what it means to be a connectional church.
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REQUIRED RESPONSES:
1. Citing at least three (3) appropriate Book of Order references (e.g., X-0.0000), identify and discuss the errors committed by the session.
2. Guided by your answer in 1, identify and discuss the options available to you. How will you proceed?
OR
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REQUIRED RESPONSES:
1. Citing references from the Form of Government and Rules of Discipline (e.g., X-0.0000), identify and discuss at least three (3) constitutional issues related to this situation. Cite
references from both the Form of Government and the Rules of Discipline, citing at least one citation for each issue.
2. Building upon your answer in 1, outline a plan for dealing pastorally and administratively with this situation.
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GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
This examination is intended to “assess the candidate’s working knowledge of the constitutional structure of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and the method by which differences are properly
resolved and programs to fulfill the mission of the church are determined” [G-14.0310d(5)].
The intent of this examination is to test readiness for ministry, which includes using the Book of Order effectively. Candidates will utilize the 1999-2000 Book of Order of the Presbyterian
Church (U.S.A.) in responding to the questions. Questions will be from the Form of Government, the Directory for Worship, and the Rules of Discipline.
ESSAY QUESTIONS THREE HOURS OPEN BOOK
The examination consists of three Sections. Sections I and II are required. Section III has two options. Select one option. Each Section is designed to be completed in one hour.
The final grade for the examination will be the average of the grades received on all three Sessions, with rounding up or down to be determined by the reader on the basis of the
examination’s overall merit. However, the paper must receive a grade of 3 or higher on at least two of the three Sections in order to be considered Satisfactory.
Submit all answers in ink, or type answers if you prefer. Memory printers, word processors, computers, and pencils shall not be used. You need not erase in order to make corrections,
deletions, or additions.
If you type the examination, staple it to the first few pages of the examination booklet not to the front cover. Make sure your identification number is on each page.
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Recognition and knowledge of the polity issues applicable to the question, and ability to cite relevant sections of the Book of Order;
Ability to relate the polity issue to the situation, considering both the letter and the spirit of the constitution;
Ability to express concern for the individual(s) involved in the situation and for the welfare of the church as a whole;
Knowledge of the process by which programs to fulfill the mission of the church are determined; and
Ability to be coherent in expressing thoughts.
*************************
IMPORTANT: READ THE ENTIRE QUESTION BEFORE
BEGINNING TO WRITE YOUR ANSWER.
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“The radical principles of Presbyterian church government and discipline are:
That the several different congregations of believers, taken collectively, constitute one Church of Christ, called emphatically the Church;
that a larger part of the Church, or a representation of it, should govern a smaller, or determine matters of controversy which arise therein;
that, in like manner, a representation of the whole should govern and determine in regard to every part, and to all the parts united: that is, that a majority shall govern;
and consequently that appeals may be carried from lower to higher governing bodies, till they be finally decided by the collected wisdom and united voice of the whole Church.
For these principles and this procedure, the example of the apostles and the practice of the primitive Church are considered as authority.” (G-1.0400)
REQUIRED RESPONSE:
1. Cite and explain how each of these four (4) radical principles is demonstrated in the constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Provide at least two (2) citations from
the Book of Order (e.g., X-0.0000): for each of the four (4) radical principles listed above. (Citations may be taken from any or all of the sections of the Book of Order: Form
of Government, Directory for Worship, and Rules of Discipline.)
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REQUIRED RESPONSES:
1. Discuss at least three (3) issues raised by this situation, citing appropriate Book of Order references (e.g., X-0.0000) for each of the issues.
2. Guided by your answer in 1, formulate a plan to deal pastorally with the situation.
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REQUIRED RESPONSES:
1. Citing appropriate Book of Order references (e.g., X-0.0000), identify and discuss at least two (2) issues involved in this situation.
2. Based upon your answer in 1, respond to the elder.
OR
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Carol: I noticed that all of the pastoral staff’s compensation is missing. Have we not heard from the personnel committee?
Larry: Yes, we have. They recommended that due to confidentiality and personal sensitivity, none of the pastoral staff’s compensation should be listed.
Carol: But that is not right. How can the congregation vote on all the pastoral staff’s compensation if neither we nor the congregation know what it is?
Larry: The congregation does not vote on the budget. The session sets the budget and tells the congregation what it is. So, they really do not need to know
how much the pastors are getting paid.
REQUIRED RESPONSES:
1. Citing specific and appropriate Book of Order references (e.g., X-0.0000), identify and discuss at least two (2) issues involved in this situation.
2. Based upon your answer in 1, respond to the comments of Carol and Larry.
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GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
This examination is intended to “assess the candidate’s working knowledge of the constitutional structure of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and the method by which differences are properly
resolved and programs to fulfill the mission of the church are determined” [G-14.0310d(5)].
The intent of this examination is to test readiness for ministry, which includes using the Book of Order effectively. Candidates will utilize the 1997-98 Book of Order of the Presbyterian Church
(U.S.A.) in responding to the questions. Questions will be from the Form of Government, the Directory for Worship, and the Rules of Discipline.
ESSAY QUESTIONS THREE HOURS OPEN BOOK
The examination consists of three Sections. Sections I and II are required. Section III has two options. Select one option. Each Section is designed to be completed in one hour.
The final grade for the examination will be the average of the grades received on all three Sessions, with rounding up or down to be determined by the reader on the basis of the
examination’s overall merit. However, the paper must receive a grade of 3 or higher on at least two of the three Sections in order to be considered Satisfactory.
Submit all answers in ink, or type answers if you prefer. Memory printers, word processors, computers, and pencils shall not be used. You need not erase in order to make corrections,
deletions, or additions.
If you type the examination, staple it to the first few pages of the examination booklet not to the front cover. Make sure your identification number is on each page.
- 67 -
Recognition and knowledge of the polity issues applicable to the question, and ability to cite relevant sections of the Book of Order;
Ability to relate the polity issue to the situation, considering both the letter and the spirit of the constitution;
Ability to express concern for the individual(s) involved in the situation and for the welfare of the church as a whole;
Knowledge of the process by which programs to fulfill the mission of the church are determined; and
Ability to be coherent in expressing thoughts.
*************************
IMPORTANT: READ THE ENTIRE QUESTION BEFORE
BEGINNING TO WRITE YOUR ANSWER.
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“God alone is Lord of the conscience, and hath left it free from the doctrines and commandments of men which are in anything contrary to his Word, or beside it, in matters of
faith and worship” [G-1.0301(1) (a)] This statement is frequently quoted from the historic principles of church order. However, the Constitution also establishes standards for faith and
belief.
REQUIRED RESPONSES:
1. Cite and discuss at least two (2) references from the first four chapters of the Book of Order (e.g., X-0.0000) which establish boundaries for freedom of conscience.
2. Cite and discuss four (4) references from the remainder of the Book of Order (e.g., X-0.0000) which show how these boundaries provide for conformity with these
standards by the ordained officers of the church.
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SITUATION:
A month after becoming pastor of Hope Presbyterian Church, you stop by the church office on a Sunday afternoon. You find Justin, the church treasurer, counting the morning offering by
himself. You ask him if he has a helper and he replies: “Betty used to help me count the money, but she died three years ago. I decided it was easier and faster to count the offering by myself than to
train someone new to help me.”
As you leave Justin says: “Are you questioning my honesty? I have been treasurer of this church for 27 years. I am the church’s biggest contributor. If you do not trust me you can ‘fire’ me
and get the deacons to elect a new treasurer!”
REQUIRED RESPONSES:
1. Citing specific Book of Order references (e.g., X-0.0000), discuss at least two (2) constitutional issues raised in the situation.
2. Guided by your answer in 1, recommend a plan of action to deal with this situation.
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CHOOSE ONE: A or B
A.
SITUATION:
Presbytery has just appointed you moderator of the session of Westminster Presbyterian Church following the retirement of its pastor. When you meet with Westminster’s session for
the first time, you discover that all nine members are men whose ages you would guess range from sixty to ninety years. In talking with the men following the meeting, you learn that
Westminster’s practice has been to elect session members only to replace members who have died. “When you are elected,” the clerk tells you, “you are elected for life.”
REQUIRED RESPONSES:
1. Citing appropriate Book of Order references (e.g., X-0.0000), describe at least three (3) errors being practiced by Westminster Church.
2. Discuss what you, as moderator, would do to bring Westminster Church into conformity with the Book of Order.
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B. SITUATION:
The presbytery has asked you to lead a training event for potential candidates for church offices in the soon-to-be constituted Calvin Presbyterian Church. The participants are excited and a
bit fearful of the task before them.
Al: What officers do we need? What qualifications do they need to have? Who elects them?
Kim: And what responsibilities do these offices include?
REQUIRED RESPONSES:
1. Citing at least five (5) Book of Order references (e.g., X-0.0000), respond to the questions raised by Al and Kim.
2. Utilizing the five (5) citations you selected to answer question 1, draft a plan for the organizing congregation to use in establishing a means for nominating officers. Cite
any additional Book of Order references (e.g., X-0.0000) you might use to organize this plan.
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GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
This examination is intended to “assess the candidate’s working knowledge of the constitutional structure of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and the method by which differences are properly
resolved and programs to fulfill the mission of the church are determined” [G-14.0310d(5)].
The intent of this examination is to test readiness for ministry, which includes using the Book of Order effectively. Candidates will utilize the 1998-99 Book of Order of the Presbyterian Church
(U.S.A.) in responding to the questions. Questions will be from the Form of Government, the Directory for Worship, and the Rules of Discipline.
ESSAY QUESTIONS THREE HOURS OPEN BOOK
The examination consists of three Sections. Sections I and II are required. Section III has two options. Select one option. Each Section is designed to be completed in one hour.
The final grade for the examination will be the average of the grades received on all three Sessions, with rounding up or down to be determined by the reader on the basis of the
examination’s overall merit. However, the paper must receive a grade of 3 or higher on at least two of the three Sections in order to be considered Satisfactory.
Submit all answers in ink, or type answers if you prefer. Memory printers, word processors, computers, and pencils shall not be used. You need not erase in order to make corrections,
deletions, or additions.
If you type the examination, staple it to the first few pages of the examination booklet not to the front cover. Make sure your identification number is on each page.
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Recognition and knowledge of the polity issues applicable to the question, and ability to cite relevant sections of the Book of Order;
Ability to relate the polity issue to the situation, considering both the letter and the spirit of the constitution;
Ability to express concern for the individual(s) involved in the situation and for the welfare of the church as a whole;
Knowledge of the process by which programs to fulfill the mission of the church are determined; and
Ability to be coherent in expressing thoughts.
*************************
IMPORTANT: READ THE ENTIRE QUESTION BEFORE
BEGINNING TO WRITE YOUR ANSWER.
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REQUIRED RESPONSES:
l. Cite and discuss five (5) additional references, each from a different chapter of the Book of Order (e.g., X-0.0000) which are derived from this principle of shared
power.
2. Interpreting the references cited in response 1, write an article for your presbytery newsletter which describes the importance of our church’s commitment to the
sharing of ecclesiastical jurisdiction.
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SECTION II. CONSTITUTIONAL ORDER AS A TOOL FOR MINISTRY
ONE HOUR OPEN BOOK REQUIRED
You have accepted a call to serve as pastor of Central Church. Upon your arrival, you discovered that:
a) the organist/choir director is about to observe his 25 th year in that position; b) over the years a great bond of loyalty has been established between him and the
choir; c) your predecessors have been willing to give him total freedom of direction for all
phases of music in public worship; d) the session always has practiced a “hands-off” policy regarding the music program
of the church.
At your first meeting with the organist/choir director, you raise some basic issues with him regarding the respective roles of the session, the pastor, and the choir director in relationship to
the church’s music program. He becomes quite irate during this discussion and states in no uncertain terms that the music program of the church is his domain and that he will not tolerate
interference from anyone.
REQUIRED RESPONSES:
1. Citing appropriate Book of Order references from both the Form of Government and the Directory for Worship (e.g., X-0.0000), state the specific responsibilities of the session,
of the pastor, and of the organist/choir director regarding music in public worship.
2. What specific administrative and pastoral steps will you take to ensure that the references cited above might be implemented in your new ministry?
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Carol: I know we can borrow all the money we need from State Bank. As finance chair, I would be happy to make those arrangements.
REQUIRED RESPONSES:
1. Citing appropriate Book of Order references (e.g., X-0.0000), identify and discuss at least three (3) issues raised by the elders’ comments.
2. Incorporating the information from your response in 1, outline a plan that would enable First Presbyterian Church to undertake this building project.
OR
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ONE HOUR OPEN BOOK REQUIRED
CHOOSE ONE: A or B
B.
You are a member of the committee on ministry of Good News Presbytery. You recently met with a minister, ordained for seven years, in a denomination which is in correspondence with
the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). This minister wishes to become a minister of the Word and Sacrament of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and a member of your presbytery.
REQUIRED RESPONSES:
1. Citing at least three (3) appropriate references (e.g., X-0.0000) outline the steps and requirements that must be met for this transfer to take place.
2. Guided by your answer in 1, explain to this minister what appropriate options the presbytery might choose to take in responding to this request.
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GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
This examination is intended to “assess the candidate’s working knowledge of the constitutional structure of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and the method by which differences are properly
resolved and programs to fulfill the mission of the church are determined” [G-14.0310d(5)].
The intent of this examination is to test readiness for ministry, which includes using the Book of Order effectively. Candidates will utilize the 1996-97 Book of Order of the Presbyterian Church
(U.S.A.) in responding to the questions. Questions will be from the Form of Government, the Directory for Worship, and the Rules of Discipline.
ESSAY QUESTIONS THREE HOURS OPEN BOOK
The examination consists of three Sections. Sections I and II are required. Section III has two options. Select one option. Each Section is designed to be completed in one hour.
The final grade for the examination will be the average of the grades received on all three Sessions, with rounding up or down to be determined by the reader on the basis of the
examination’s overall merit. However, the paper must receive a grade of 3 or higher on at least two of the three Sections in order to be considered Satisfactory.
Submit all answers in ink, or type answers if you prefer. Memory printers, word processors, computers, and pencils shall not be used. You need not erase in order to make corrections,
deletions, or additions.
If you type the examination, staple it to the first few pages of the examination booklet not to the front cover. Make sure your identification number is on each page.
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Recognition and knowledge of the polity issues applicable to the question, and ability to cite relevant sections of the Book of Order;
Ability to relate the polity issue to the situation, considering both the letter and the spirit of the constitution;
Ability to express concern for the individual(s) involved in the situation and for the welfare of the church as a whole;
Knowledge of the process by which programs to fulfill the mission of the church are determined; and
Ability to be coherent in expressing thoughts.
*************************
IMPORTANT: READ THE ENTIRE QUESTION BEFORE
BEGINNING TO WRITE YOUR ANSWER.
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“The great ends of the church are the proclamation of the gospel for the salvation of humankind; the shelter, nurture, and spiritual fellowship of the children of God; the maintenance of divine worship;
the preservation of the truth; the promotion of social righteousness, and the exhibition of the Kingdom of Heaven to the world.” (G-1.0200)
REQUIRED RESPONSES:
Citing one additional Book of Order reference (e.g., X-0.0000) for each of the great ends of the church, write a newsletter article which explains to church members how Presbyterians
work to fulfill the great ends of the church.
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At its next meeting, the presbytery adopted the committee on ministry’s recommendation to concur in Eastminster Church’s request for dissolution of the pastoral relationship. Neither the pastor nor
the elder commissioners from Eastminster Church spoke against the recommendation.
Several supporters of the pastor were angry. They felt the presbytery’s committee on ministry had interfered with the congregation’s life; it had never asked the congregation’s permission to attend
session meetings or get involved in the congregation’s business.
REQUIRED RESPONSES:
A. Citing appropriate Book of Order provisions (X-0.0000) explain the role of the committee on ministry as it works in situations where conflict exists between pastor and
congregation.
B. Guided by your answer in A, as the committee on ministry liaison to Eastminster Church, respond to the concerns of the pastor’s supporters.
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“It appears to me that the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has become legalistic, trying to define in the Book of Order how the church should act in every possible situation. Hours
are wasted at presbytery meetings arguing about non-essential issues, and the Book of Order annually becomes longer and longer and more cumbersome to use.”
REQUIRED RESPONSE:
Responding to this elder’s concerns, and citing appropriate Book of Order references (X-0.0000) describe the process for amending the Constitution of the Presbyterian
Church (U.S.A.).
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Meada: Why should you meet with the other ministers? Some of them aren’t Reformed.
Delbert: We don’t have anything in common with other denominations. Do we?
REQUIRED RESPONSES:
1. Citing five Book of Order references (e.g., X-0.0000), discuss the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) understanding of ecumenism and commitment to ecumenical activity.
2. Informed by your answer in 1, reply to Sam, Meada and Delbert.
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GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
This examination is intended to “assess the candidate’s working knowledge of the constitutional structure of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and the method by which differences are properly
resolved and programs to fulfill the mission of the church are determined” [G-14.0310d(5)].
The intent of this examination is to test readiness for ministry, which includes using the Book of Order effectively. Candidates will utilize the 1997-98 Book of Order of the Presbyterian Church
(U.S.A.) in responding to the questions. Questions will be from the Form of Government, the Directory for Worship, and the Rules of Discipline.
ESSAY QUESTIONS THREE HOURS OPEN BOOK
The examination consists of three Sections. Sections I and II are required. Section III has two options. Select one option. Each Section is designed to be completed in one hour.
The final grade for the examination will be the average of the grades received on all three Sessions, with rounding up or down to be determined by the reader on the basis of the
examination’s overall merit. However, the paper must receive a grade of 3 or higher on at least two of the three Sections in order to be considered Satisfactory.
Submit all answers in ink, or type answers if you prefer. Memory printers, word processors, computers, and pencils shall not be used. You need not erase in order to make corrections,
deletions, or additions.
If you type the examination, staple it to the first few pages of the examination booklet not to the front cover. Make sure your identification number is on each page.
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The readers, in grading the examination, will use the following criteria to assess readiness for ministry:
Recognition and knowledge of the polity issues applicable to the question, and ability to cite relevant sections of the Book of Order;
Ability to relate the polity issue to the situation, considering both the letter and the spirit of the constitution;
Ability to express concern for the individual(s) involved in the situation and for the welfare of the church as a whole;
Knowledge of the process by which programs to fulfill the mission of the church are determined; and
Ability to be coherent in expressing thoughts.
*************************
IMPORTANT: READ THE ENTIRE QUESTION BEFORE
BEGINNING TO WRITE YOUR ANSWER.
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ONE HOUR OPEN BOOK REQUIRED
The Book of Order states that “The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) reaffirms, within the context of its commitment to the Church universal, a special commitment to basic principles of Presbyterian
polity.” (G-4.0301).
REQUIRED RESPONSE:
Select five (5) of the “basic principles of Presbyterian polity” and discuss how these five (5) principles arc carried out in the life of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). To support
your discussion, cite one (1) Book of Order reference (e.g., X-0.0000) for each principle selected. Citations from the first four chapters of the Book of Order may not be used.
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SITUATION: As interim pastor of Second Presbyterian Church, you ask the session why the average Sunday worship attendance is 125 when there are 860 on the active members’ roll.
Helen: We don’t really have 860 members. A couple hundred are grown children of church members and they live in other communities and have not joined
other churches. We don’t want to offend their parents by taking them off our rolls.
Joe: Another hundred people live in town and used to be active, but they have not been to worship in years. We have considered in the past removing them
from the church rolls, but that may make them angry and we do not want to upset people. We want them to feel that the church is here when they are
ready to come back.
Alice: I disagree. I have felt for years that we should remove from the rolls anyone who does not worship at least once a month and support the church
financially. We need to place greater demands on our members.
REQUIRED RESPONSES:
1. Describe the session’s responsibility for reviewing the church’s membership, citing at least four (4) appropriate Book of Order provisions (e.g., X-0.0000).
2. Guided by your answer in l, respond with pastoral sensitivity to each of the elder’s comments.
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Alasdair: There were a lot of others of us who were disturbed the week before, when the Reverend Smith spoke against using inclusive language in the service
at all!
Rosemary: Inclusive language is required by our Book of Order, isn’t it?
REQUIRED RESPONSES:
1. Cite and briefly discuss at least two (2) provisions (e.g., X-0.0000) which apply to this situation.
2. Guided by your answer in 1, respond pastorally to each of the elders and their concerns.
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REQUIRED RESPONSES:
1. Citing appropriate references (e.g., X-0.0000), identify and discuss three (3) issues raised by Bill.
2. Guided by your answer in 1, respond pastorally to Bill.
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GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
This examination is intended to “assess the candidate’s working knowledge of the constitutional structure of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and the method by which differences are properly
resolved and programs to fulfill the mission of the church are determined” [G-14.0310d(5)].
The intent of this examination is to test readiness for ministry, which includes using the Book of Order effectively. Candidates will utilize the 1994-95 Book of Order of the Presbyterian Church
(U.S.A.) in responding to the questions. Questions will be from the Form of Government, the Directory for Worship, and the Rules of Discipline.
ESSAY QUESTIONS THREE HOURS OPEN BOOK
The examination consists of three Sections. Sections I and II are required. Section III has two options. Select one option. Each Section is designed to be completed in one hour.
The final grade for the examination will be the average of the grades received on all three Sessions, with rounding up or down to be determined by the reader on the basis of the
examination’s overall merit. However, the paper must receive a grade of 3 or higher on at least two of the three Sections in order to be considered Satisfactory.
Submit all answers in ink, or type answers if you prefer. Memory printers, word processors, computers, and pencils shall not be used. You need not erase in order to make corrections,
deletions, or additions.
If you type the examination, staple it to the first few pages of the examination booklet not to the front cover. Make sure your identification number is on each page.
- 91 -
Recognition and knowledge of the polity issues applicable to the question, and ability to cite relevant sections of the Book of Order;
Ability to relate the polity issue to the situation, considering both the letter and the spirit of the constitution;
Ability to express concern for the individual(s) involved in the situation and for the welfare of the church as a whole;
Knowledge of the process by which programs to fulfill the mission of the church are determined; and
Ability to be coherent in expressing thoughts.
*************************
IMPORTANT: READ THE ENTIRE QUESTION BEFORE
BEGINNING TO WRITE YOUR ANSWER.
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The Form of Government states:
“The church in its witness to the uniqueness of the Christian faith is called to mission and must be responsive to diversity in both the church and the world. Thus the fellowship of
Christians as it gathers for worship and orders its corporate life will display a rich variety of form, practice, language, program, nurture, and service to suit culture and need.” (G-4.0401)
“Our unity in Christ enables and requires the church to be open to all persons and to the varieties of talents and gifts of God’s people...” (G-4.0402)
REQUIRED RESPONSES:
1. Cite and discuss one provision from each of the first five chapters in the exclusive of those quoted above (e.g., X-0.0000), which informs our church’s commitment to
diversity and inclusiveness.
2. Write an article on diversity and inclusiveness in the life of the church, suitable for your presbytery newsletter, incorporating the references cited in 1.
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Elder Jones, who has recently joined Third Church from another denomination, says, “In my other church the congregation made the decisions. After all, if we are the ones affected by the
decisions we should be the ones making the decisions. We don’t need some busy-bodies from outside telling us what to do. Majority rule by the congregation is the fairest for all.”
REQUIRED RESPONSES:
1. As pastor and leader of the training event, identify and explain to the officers and officers-elect the relationships among the governing bodies in the Presbyterian Church
(U.S.A.).
2. Citing at least three (3) references to the Book of Order (e.g., X-0.0000) respond to Elder Smith and Elder Jones on the authority of the presbytery in relation to a particular
congregation.
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Elder Maria responds: “I would be willing to take the Lord’s Supper to shut-ins. Is there any way that is possible?”
REQUIRED RESPONSES:
1. Citing at least three (3) Book of Order references (e.g., X-0.0000), respond to Gordon and his concern for the shut-in members.
2. Respond to Maria’s offer and question, outlining a plan of action which would allow shut-ins to receive the Lord’s Supper on a regular basis.
-OR-
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After six months, Barbara and Westminster’s clerk of session appear before your committee asking if the committee would endorse a call by Westminster Church to Barbara as their next installed
pastor. They explain that because of family responsibilities, Barbara is limited geographically where she can serve. They also point out that in the past six months it has become clear to the congregation
and to Barbara that God has called her to be Westminster Church’s next pastor.
In conclusion the clerk of session states: “We urge you to respond favorably to our request. In case you don’t, we want you to know that we shall not elect a pastor nominating committee, and it is our
intent that Barbara serve our church indefinitely as interim pastor. We shall not look for another pastor. Barbara will be our pastor, even if we cannot officially call and install her.”
REQUIRED RESPONSES:
1. Identify and discuss at least three (3) polity issues raised in this situation. Cite specific Book of Order references (e.g., X-0.0000) for each issue.
2. Guided by your answer in 1, respond to Barbara and the clerk of session making certain you address their concerns.
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GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
This examination is intended to “assess the candidate’s working knowledge of the constitutional structure of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and the method by which differences are properly
resolved and programs to fulfill the mission of the church are determined” [G-14.0310d(5)].
The intent of this examination is to test readiness for ministry, which includes using the Book of Order effectively. Candidates will utilize the 1996-97 Book of Order of the Presbyterian Church
(U.S.A.) in responding to the questions. Questions will be from the Form of Government, the Directory for Worship, and the Rules of Discipline.
ESSAY QUESTIONS THREE HOURS OPEN BOOK
The examination consists of three Sections. Sections I and II are required. Section III has two options. Select one option. Each Section is designed to be completed in one hour.
The final grade for the examination will be the average of the grades received on all three Sessions, with rounding up or down to be determined by the reader on the basis of the
examination’s overall merit. However, the paper must receive a grade of 3 or higher on at least two of the three Sections in order to be considered Satisfactory.
Submit all answers in ink, or type answers if you prefer. Memory printers, word processors, computers, and pencils shall not be used. You need not erase in order to make corrections,
deletions, or additions.
If you type the examination, staple it to the first few pages of the examination booklet not to the front cover. Make sure your identification number is on each page.
- 97 -
Recognition and knowledge of the polity issues applicable to the question, and ability to cite relevant sections of the Book of Order;
Ability to relate the polity issue to the situation, considering both the letter and the spirit of the constitution;
Ability to express concern for the individual(s) involved in the situation and for the welfare of the church as a whole;
Knowledge of the process by which programs to fulfill the mission of the church are determined; and
Ability to be coherent in expressing thoughts.
*************************
IMPORTANT: READ THE ENTIRE QUESTION BEFORE
BEGINNING TO WRITE YOUR ANSWER.
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In the second chapter of the Form of Government, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) describes the constitutional authority of the documents in the Book of Confessions.
The Form of Government states:
“While confessional standards are subordinate to the Scriptures, they are, nonetheless, standards. They are not lightly drawn up or subscribed to, nor may they be ignored or
dismissed.” (G-2.0200)
REQUIRED RESPONSES:
Cite and discuss three specific constitutional references in the Book of Order after Chapters I and II (e.g., X-0.0000), one for each of the following areas. Demonstrate how the church has
incorporated this understanding of its confessional standards into our common life.
1. governance 2. worship
3. discipline
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SITUATION: You are pastor of First Presbyterian Church. Tom and Carolyn have indicated on a pew card that they are new residents in the community and that they wish to unite with First Church.
In visiting with them at their home you learn that Carolyn is an elder and Tom is a deacon and that both of them had been deeply involved in the life of their former church. As you are about to leave
Tom says: “Pastor, there is one further thing we need to tell you. Carolyn and I are not married. We have been in love for the past two years, but both of our divorces are tied up in court, and we don’t
know when we shall be free to get married. We are committed to each other. We are committed to Christ. And we want to be active in a local congregation. Will First Church accept us into
membership?”
REQUIRED RESPONSES:
1. Identify and discuss four polity issues raised in this situation. Cite specific Book of Order references (e.g., X-0.0000) for each.
2. Informed by your answer in 1, respond pastorally to Tom and Carolyn, stating whether you would or would not encourage them to pursue uniting with First Church.
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Joe and the session, over the objection of Bill, called a special meeting of the congregation to:
(1) Dissolve the co-pastor relationship with Bill; and
(2) Elect Althea as the new co-pastor.
The congregation approves both actions by a 208-192 vote.
REQUIRED RESPONSES:
1. Citing specific Book of Order references (e.g., X-0.0000), list and briefly discuss at least three constitutional provisions governing the office and role of co-pastors.
2. As a member of presbyter’s committee on ministry, what steps would you take with the co-pastors, the associate pastor, the session and the congregation in regard to the actions
taken at the special congregational meeting?
-OR-
- 101 -
REQUIRED RESPONSES:
1. Citing specific Book of Order citations (e.g., X-0.0000) identify and discuss three constitutional errors in this situation.
2. Incorporating the issues identified in 1 and as a member of the presbytery’s committee on ministry, respond to Morgan’s demand for validation of his ministry.
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Questions on this examination deal with both WORSHIP AND SACRAMENTS. You will be expected to demonstrate the following:
. An ability to illustrate the connection between the contemporary understandings and
practices of worship set forth in the Directory for Worship and the theological heritage of the Reformed tradition as it is expressed in the Book of Confessions.
. An ability to articulate a Reformed theological framework for addressing issues and
practices related to worship and sacraments that arise from contemporary contexts for ministry .
. An ability to discern theological components in liturgical situations that may arise in ministry .
. An ability to discuss provisions of the Directory for Worship and to apply them in
concrete contexts for ministry . . An ability to reflect theologically and pastorally on the many different relationships
between the ways the church understands and carries out its ministry and mission in the world and its worship and celebration of the sacraments.
. An ability to respond to individuals or groups in given situations with sensitivity to their
needs, while also expressing the spirit of the constitutional standards.
In writing your answers, bear in mind that presbyteries elect elders as well as ministers of Word and Sacrament to serve as readers. Examinations should be written in jargon-free language.
Technical language should be used only where the task requires it or where it is appropriate.
The examination is divided into three sections: Section I is a required one-hour question about Reformed Liturgical Heritage. When you
complete Section I, give your copy of the Book of Confessions to the proctor who then will give you Sections II and III of the examination.
Section II is a required one-hour question calling for a Constructive Theological Reflection on Reformed Worship. No books or resources shall be used.
Section III is a required one-hour question dealing with Application to Ministry. There are two options. Select only one option. It is scheduled to be written in one hour. No
books or resources shall be used.
Identify every answer by the letter and number assigned to it (e. g., I. I. or III. A. I.).
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A CLEAN, UNMARKED, PRINTED COPY OF THE BOOK OF CONFESSIONS MAYBE USED AS A RESOURCE ONLY DURING SECTION I OF THE EXAMINATION. NO
OTHER BOOKS ARE ALLOWED.
Submit all answers in your own handwriting in ink; or type the answers if you prefer. Make corrections, deletions or additions without rewriting or erasing.
If you prefer you may use a word processor. You may bring your own equipment or, at some exam sites, you may use equipment provided by the proctor. You may not consult or copy from
personal notes or any other source on the computer or network during the exam. A printed copy of the exam must be turned in before you leave the exam area. Because failure to turn in the
exam before leaving will result in failure of the exam, you are strongly urged to make sure that all the necessary equipment (computer, printer, font and printer software, etc.) is properly
working and coordinated. Please use double spacing and 12 point font size. Please number the pages, include your candidate number on each page of the exam, and staple the printed copy to
the first few pages of the exam booklet.
Be advised that illegible papers will be returned ungraded. Papers that cannot be understood by readers because of poor syntax and/ or grammar will be graded accordingly. Papers written in
pencil will be returned ungraded.
The final grade for this examination will be the average of grades received on all three questions with rounding up or down determined by the readers on the basis of the examination' s overall
merit. You must complete all three sections of the examination. Even if two sections merit a superior score and one section is omitted, the examination will be considered unsatisfactory. The
examination must receive a grade of three or higher on at least TWO questions to be considered satisfactory.
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PAGE 3 0F 7
SECTION I: REFORMED LITURGICAL HERITAGE
ONE HOUR OPEN BOOK REQUIRED (BOOK OF CONFESSIONS ONLY)
A member of a non-Christian religious tradition calls you and says she is part of a group studying different rituals. They are particularly interested in Baptism in the Presbyterian Church.
They invite you to speak to them in order to answer the following questions:
A. Why are people always put under the water?
B. Why is Baptism called a sacrament?
C. How often is a person baptized?
D. What do you say when you baptize someone?
E. Will you baptize someone while you are here?
REQUIRED RESPONSES:
1. Write an essay on Baptism in the Reformed tradition, citing by number (e. g., 0.000) at least one (1) passage from at least three (3) different documents from the Book of Confessions. The
answer should demonstrate your knowledge of the Directory for Worship and the Book of Confessions.
2. Informed by your answer in 1, respond to at least three questions of the group.
NOTE: Section I must be completed in one hour. A clean, unmarked copy of the Book of Confessions must be used. When you complete Section I, give your copy of the Book of
Confessions to the proctor, who will give you Sections II and III of the examination (pp. 5-7).
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REQUIRED RESPONSES:
1. Discuss the theological significance of the funeral service as part of the public worship of the church. The answer should demonstrate your knowledge of the Directory for Worship.
2. Based on your answer in 1, describe how you will minister in this situation.
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REQUIRED RESPONSES:
1. Articulate a Reformed understanding of the reading of Scripture in public worship, including the responsibilities of the pastor and session, guided by your knowledge of the Directory for
Worship.
2. Based on your answer in 1, explain your position to the session.
-OR-
- 108 -
(CHOOSE: A or B)
B.
Mary, a long-time member of the church you serve, has Alzheimer's disease. Her family is having trouble coping with the illness. Mary's husband calls and asks you to lay hands on Mary so that she
might be healed and be the person she used to be.
REQUIRED RESPONSES:
1. Respond to the request of Mary's husband, demonstrating your knowledge of Scripture and the Directory for Worship.
2. Suggest liturgical options for responding to the husband's request.
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Questions on this examination deal with both WORSffiP AND SACRAMENTS. You will be
expected to demonstrate the following:
.An ability to illustr~ te the connection between the contemporary understandings
and practices of worship set forth in the Directory for Worship and the theological
heritage of the Reformed tradition as it is expressed in the Book of Confessions.
.An ability to articulate a Reformed theological framework for addressing issues
and practices related to worship and sacraments that arise from contemporary
contexts. for ministry .
.An ability to discern theological components in liturgical situations that may arise
in ministry .
.An ~bility to discuss provisions of the Directory for Worship and to apply them in
concrete contexts for ministry.
.An ability to reflect theologically and pastorally on the many different
relationships between the ways the church understands and carries out its ministry
and mission in the world and its worship and celebration of the sacraments.
.An ability to respond to individuals or groups in given situations with sensitivity
to their needs, while also expressing the spirit of the constitutional standards.
In writing your answers, bear in mind that presbyteries elect elders as well as ministers of Word
and Sacrament to serve as graders. Examinations should be written in jargon-free language.
Technical language should be used only where the task requires it or where it is appropriate.
The examination is divided into three sections:
Section I is a required one-hour question about Reformed Liturgical Heritage. When you
complete Section I, give your copy of the Book of Confessions to the proctor who then
will give you Sections II and III of the examination.
Section II is a required one-hour question calling for a Constructive Theological
Reflection on Refonned Worship. No books or resources shall be used.
Section III is a required one-hour question dealing with Application to Ministry. There
Identify every answer by the letter and number assigned to it (e. g., I. I. or III. A. I.).
are two options. Select only one option. It is scheduled to be written in one hour. No
books OfJesources shall be used.
- 110 -
Page 2 of 7
USE THE DIRECTORY FOR WORSHIP AS FOUND IN THE CURRENT BOOK OF ORDER
IN ~-o UR PREP ARA TI ON. IT MA Y NOT BE USED DURING THE EXAMIN A TI ON.
A CLEAN, UNMARKED, PRINTED COpy OF THE BOOK OF CONFESSIONS MAYBE
USED AS A RESOURCE ONLY DURING SEcnON I OF THE EXAMINA nON. NO
OTHER BOOKS ARE ALLOWED.
Submit all answers in your own handwriting in ink; or type the answers if you prefer. You may
make corrections, deletions or additions without rewriting or erasing.
If you prefer you may use a word processor. You may bring your own equipment
or, at some exam sites, you may use equipment provided by the proctor. You may
not consult or copy from personal notes or any other source on the computer or
network during the exam. A printed copy of the exam ~ be turned in b" efore you
leave the exam area. Because failure to turn in the exam before leaving will result in
failure of the exam, you are strongly urged to make sure that all the necessary
equipment ( computer, printer, font and printer software, etc.) is properly working
and coordinated. Please use double spacing and 12 point font size. Please number
the pages, include your candidate number on each page of the exam, and staple the
printed copy to the first few pages of the exam booklet.
Be advised that illegible papers will be returned ungraded. Papers that cannot be understood by
readers because of poor syntax and/ or grammar will be graded accordingly. Papers written in
pencil will be returned ungraded.
The final grade for this examination will be the average of grades received on all three questions
with rounding up or down detennined by the readers on the basis of the examination's overall
merit. You must complete all three sections of the examination. Even if two sections merit a
superior score and one section is omitted, the examination will be considered unsatisfactory; The
examination must receive a grade of three or higher on at least TWO questions to be considered
satisfactory .
- 111 -
PAGE30F7
SECTION I: REFORl'\ 1ED LITURGICAL HERITAGE
OPEN BOOK
(BOOK OF CONFESSIONS ONLY) REQUIRED ONE HOUR
As pastor of a congregation, you are leading an officer training series on worship. The following
questions are asked in response to the topic, "Prayer":
Why do we say the Lord's Prayer after the Great Thanksgiving when we have the Lord's
Supper?
A.
Isn't there a lot more to prayer in worship than just the Lord's Prayer? B
Shouldn't prayer be spoken from the heart rather than read from a piece of paper? c.
REQUIRED RESPONSES:
Articulate a Refomled understanding of prayer in public worship, citing by number (e. g.,
0.000) at least one (1) passage from at least three (3) different documents from the Book
of Confessiorzs. The answer should demonstrate your knowledge of the Directory for
Worship and the Book of Confessions.
.., :)
Infonned by your answer in 1, respond to each of the questions raised.
4.
NOTE: Section I must be completed in one hour. A clean, unmarked copy of the Book of
Confessions must be used. When you complete Section I, give your copy of the Book of
Confessions to the proctor, who will give you Sections II and ill of the examination
(pp. 5-7).
- 112 -
PAGE40F7
TillS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
UPON COMPLETIl" iG SECTION I
TURN IN YOUR BOOK OF CONFESSIO} TS
THE PROCTOR WILL GIVE YOU SECTIONS II AND ill
- 113 -
PAGE50F7
SECTION ll: CONSTRUCTIVE THEOLOGICAL REFLECTION ON REFORMED
WORSffiP
CLOSED BOOK REQUIRED ONE HOUR
As pastor, you are leading a new member class which is talking about use of the Bible in
worship. In the ensuing discussion the following remarks are made:
I love the way that after the reader finishes the lesson and says, "The Word of the
Lord," we all say "Thanks ~e to God".
A.
Isn't the sermon also the Word of God?
B.
I thought the sennon is a way to teach us about the Bible and how we should live. c.
But isn't Jesus the Word?
D.
REQUIRED RESPONSES:
Guided by your knowledge of the Directory for Worship, discuss the centrality of
Scripture in Reformed worship.
1
Based on your answer in 1, write an outline for a class session for new church members
explaining the Word of God in public worship.
2:.
- 114 -
PAGE60F7
SECTION III: APPLICATION TO MINISTRY
CLOSED BOOK ONE HOUR REQillRED
(CHOOSE: A or B)
A.
The worship committee of the church you serve as pastor receives a request from some members
that children below the third grade not attend the worship ser: vice on Sunday morning. One of the
suggestions on the request is to hold church school at the same time as the worship service or to
offer a separate worship service for children elsewhere in the building.
REQlliRED RESPONSES:
Demonstrating your knowledge of the Directory for Worship, discuss at least three (3)
reasons why children should or should not attend the worship service on Sunday morning.
Based on your answer in 1, give guidance to the worship committee as 'they respond to
this request, paying particular attention to the responsibilities of the pastor and session.
2.
-OR-
- 115 -
PAGE70F7
SECTION III: APPLICATION TO MINISTRY
CLOSED BOOK ONE HOUR REQUIRED
(CHOOSE: A or B)
B.
For three years James and Judy have been very active members of the congregation you serve.
Their children, ages 6 and 8, love the church. Neither has been baptized because their parents
want them to remember their baptism and to make their own decisions. James and Judy come to
you with this concern:
Pastor, when we decided not to have the children baptized, we thought it was a
good decision. Now we are troubled because our children are not able to
participate fully in worship. They can't partake of the Lord's Supper even though
many of their friends can. No child can fully understand what communion is all
about. Why do we say that some children can participate in the sacrament and
others cannot?
REQillRED RESPONSES:
Demonstrating your knowledge of the Directory for Worship, discuss the participation of
children in the sacrament of the Lord's Supper. 1.
Guided by your answer in 1, respond with appropriate pastoral sensitivity to James and
Judy, suggesting at least two (2) ways that they can help their children participate more fully in worship. . 2
- 116 -
Questions on this examination will deal with both WORSHIP AND SACRAMENTS. You will be expected to demonstrate the following:
. An ability to illustrate the connection between the contemporary understandings and
practices of worship set forth in the Directory for Worship and the theological heritage of the Reformed tradition as it is expressed in the Book of Confessions.
. An ability to articulate a Reformed theological framework for addressing issues and
practices related to worship and sacraments that arise from contemporary contexts for ministry.
. An ability to discern theological components in liturgical situations that may arise in
ministry. . An ability to discuss provisions of the Directory for Worship and to apply them in
concrete contexts for ministry. . An ability to reflect theological and pastorally on the many different relationships
between the ways the church understands and carries out its ministry and mission in the world and its worship and celebration of the sacraments.
. An ability to respond to individuals or groups in given situations with sensitivity to their
needs, while also expressing the spirit of the constitutional standards.
In writing your answers, bear in mind that presbyteries elect elders as well as ministers of Word and Sacrament to serve as graders. Examinations should be written in jargon-free language.
Technical language shall be used only where the task requires it or where it is appropriate.
The examination is divided into three sections: Section I is a required one-hour question about Reformed Liturgical Heritage. W hen you
complete Section I, give your copy of the Book of Confessions to the proctor who will then give you Sections II and III of the examination.
Section II is a required one-hour question calling for a Constructive Theological Reflection on Reformed Worship. No books or resources shall be used.
Section III deals with Application to Ministry. There are two options. Select one option. It is scheduled to be written in one hour. No books or resources shall be used.
Identify every answer by the letter and number assigned to it (e. g., I. 1. or III. A. I.).
- 117 -
If you prefer you may use a typewriter or word processor. You may bring your own equipment or, at some exam sites, you may use equipment provided
by the proctor. You may not consult or copy from personal notes or any other source on the computer or network during the exam. A printed copy of
the exam must be turned in before you leave the exam area. Because failure to turn in the exam before leaving will result in failure of the exam, you are
strongly urged to make sure that all the necessary equipment (computer, printer, font and printer software, etc.) is properly working and coordinated.
Please use double spacing and 12 point font size. Please number the pages, include your candidate number on each page of the exam, and staple the
printed copy to the first few pages of the exam booklet.
Be advised that illegible papers will be returned ungraded. Papers that cannot be understood by readers because of poor syntax and/ or grammar will be graded
accordingly. Papers written in pencil will not be graded.
The final grade for this examination will be the average of grades received on all three questions with rounding up or down shall be determined by the readers on
the basis of the examination's overall merit. You must complete all three sections of the examination -even if those two sections merit a superior score -the
examination will fail. The examination must receive a grade of three or higher on at least TWO of the three questions to be considered satisfactory.
- 118 -
The congregation you serve as pastor asks you to write a regular newsletter article addressing a question or situation submitted by a member of the congregation. Two
recent notes read as follows:
A. I don't come to church on Sundays when the Lord's Supper is celebrated. Now that you've started having it once a month, worship is too long on communion
Sundays. Why don't you just leave out the sermon on those days?
B. I really love your sermons, Pastor. But on the Sundays when we have communion, it seems to get in the way of your message. I know some people like
to take communion. Why couldn't you just do it after the benediction? That way those who like communion could stick around for it. The rest of us could leave
worship inspired by the message of your sermon.
REQUIRED RESPONSES:
1. Guided by your knowledge of the Directory for Worship and The Book of Confessions and citing by number (e. g., 0.000) at least one (1) passage from at
least three (3) different documents from The Book of Confessions, articulate a Reformed understanding of the relationship between Word and Sacrament.
2. Informed by your answer in 1, draft an article for the church newsletter addressing the concerns raised.
NOTE: Section I must be completed in one hour. A clean, unmarked copy of The Book of Confessions must be used. When you complete Section I, give your copy of
The Book of Confessions to the proctor, who will give you Sections II and III of the examination (pp. 5-7).
- 119 -
ONE HOUR CLOSED BOOK REQUIRED
Lydia, an active, longstanding member of the congregation of which you are pastor, calls you one morning to tell you that her husband Joe has just been diagnosed with a very
aggressive type of cancer. She asks you to talk to him at the hospital about being baptized. That afternoon you speak with Joe and are satisfied with his understanding of
the sacrament. You and he tentatively plan for his baptism in a worship service in the church as soon as he is able. However, on your way out of the hospital, Lydia
approaches you with Joe's attending physician, who tells you, "Joe will not be going home from the hospital. If you plan to baptize him, don't wait."
REQUIRED RESPONSES:
3. Guided by your knowledge of the provisions of the Directory for Worship, articulate a Reformed theological understanding of the meaning of Baptism as it
relates to the worshiping community.
4. Based on your answer in 1, discuss how you will minister to Joe and his family, in light of what the doctor has told you.
- 121 -
A.
You are teaching a Sunday school class studying the worship of the church. During the class the following comments are made:
Bill: I heard of a church down the street that doesn't take a collection during worship. People just put their money in a box in the hallway. I wish we would do that here.
Gus: I like having the chance to give my money during worship, but I wish that we would place more of an emphasis on giving our time and talents as well.
Sue: I like to think my offering goes to support God's mission in the world.
Fred: Don't we make an offering of ourselves, our praise and thanksgiving every time we celebrate the Lord's Supper?
REQUIRED RESPONSES:
5. Guided by your knowledge of the Directory for Worship, identify and discuss at least three (3) issues related to the meaning of offering in worship.
6. Informed by your response in 1, a nd demonstrating appropriate pastoral sensitivity, respond to each of the class members.
-OR-
- 122 -
Sarah: I would like to lead the congregation in liturgical dance on the day I conduct the service.
Kris: I hope my Sunday is communion Sunday, then I can preside at the table, breaking the bread and pouring the cup.
Gretchen: I have a book of short plays depicting Bible stories. I'll use one of them for my sermon.
REQUIRED RESPONSES:
1. Guided by your knowledge of the Directory for Worship, identify and briefly discuss at least one (1) liturgical issue raised in each of the elders' comments.
2. Based on your answer in 1, prepare a guide for the elders to use in preparing the services of worship while you are away.
- 123 -
Questions on this examination will deal with both WORSHIP AND SACRAMENTS. You will be expected to demonstrate the following:
An ability to illustrate the connection between the contemporary understandings and practices of worship set forth in the Directory for Worship and the theological heritage of
the Reformed tradition as it is expressed in the Book of Confessions. An ability to articulate a Reformed theological framework for addressing issues and
practices related to worship and sacraments that arise from contemporary contexts for ministry.
An ability to discern theological components in liturgical situations that may arise in ministry.
An ability to discuss provisions of the Directory for Worship and to apply them in concrete contexts for ministry.
An ability to reflect theological and pastorally on the many different relationships between the ways the church understands and carries out its ministry and mission in the
world and its worship and celebration of the sacraments. An ability to respond to individuals or groups in given situations with sensitivity to their
needs, while also expressing the spirit of the constitutional standards.
In writing your answers, bear in mind that presbyteries elect elders as well as ministers of Word and Sacrament to serve as graders. Examinations should be written in jargon-free language.
Technical language shall be used only where the task requires it or where it is appropriate.
The examination is divided into three sections: Section I is a required one-hour question about Reformed Liturgical Heritage. When you
complete Section I, give your copy of the Book of Confessions to the proctor who will then give you Sections II and III of the examination.
Section II is a required one-hour question calling for a Constructive Theological Reflection on Reformed Worship. No books or resources shall be used.
Section III deals with Application to Ministry. There are two options. Select one option. It is scheduled to be written in one hour. No books or resources shall be used.
Identify every answer by the letter and number assigned to it (e. g., I. 1. or III. A. I.).
- 124 -
If you prefer you may use a typewriter or word processor. You may bring your own equipment or, at some exam sites, you may use equipment provided by the proctor.
You may not consult or copy from personal notes or any other source on the computer or network during the exam. A printed copy of the exam must be turned
in before you leave the exam area. Because failure to turn in the exam before leaving will result in failure of the exam, you are strongly urged to make sure that
all the necessary equipment (computer, printer, font and printer software, etc.) is properly working and coordinated. Please use double spacing and 12 point font size.
Please number the pages, include your candidate number on each page of the exam, and staple the printed copy to the first few pages of the exam booklet.
Be advised that illegible papers will be returned ungraded. Papers that cannot be understood by readers because of poor syntax and/ or grammar will be graded
accordingly. Papers written in pencil will not be graded.
The final grade for this examination will be the average of grades received on all three questions with rounding up or down shall be determined by the readers on the basis of the
examination's overall merit. You must complete all three sections of the examination -even if those two sections merit a superior score -the examination will fail. The
examination must receive a grade of three or higher on at least TWO of the three questions to be considered satisfactory.
- 125 -
Beth is a young adult who has moved into the community. She has volunteered to teach in the day care center at the Presbyterian church you serve as pastor. She also attends an evening adult
Bible study, and she has agreed to coordinate the church's annual food collection. One Saturday afternoon, while sorting canned goods for the food pantry, you comment to Beth that you haven't
seen her in Sunday morning worship for the past couple of months. She replies:
I am a Christian. I think it is important that we study the Bible, and that God wants us to help one another. But I don't have to go to worship anywhere to do
those things. In fact, worship detracts from my spiritual life because I find sermons boring and the rituals archaic.
REQUIRED RESPONSES:
1. Guided by your knowledge of the Directory for Worship and citing by number (e. g., 0.000) at least one (1) passage from at least three (3) different documents of The Book of
Confessions, articulate a Reformed theological understanding of the purpose and role of worship in Christian life.
2. In light of your answer in 1, respond to Beth regarding her intentional absence from worship.
NOTE: Section I must be completed in one hour. A clean, unmarked copy of The Book of Confessions must be used. When you complete Section I, give your copy of The Book of
Confessions to the proctor, who will give you Sections II and III of the examination (pp. 5-7).
- 126 -
ONE HOUR CLOSED BOOK REQUIRED
Soon after arriving at John Knox Presbyterian Church, the pastor realizes that the communion table and baptismal font are not evident in the sanctuary. When asked about it, the clerk of the
session says:
We keep the little antique silver bowl used for baptism locked up so that it will not be stolen. We always fill the bowl with water that our former pastor brought
back from the Jordan River. The communion altar stands at the back of the church where people can pick up pamphlets and other reading material from it. We move
it to the front four times a year for the Lord's Supper.
REQUIRED RESPONSES:
3. Guided by your knowledge of the Directory for Worship, articulate a Reformed understanding of the purpose, presence and placement of font and table.
4. Based on your answer in 1, respond to the clerk with particular attention to the responsibilities of the pastor and the session regarding the place of Word and Sacrament
in worship.
- 128 -
REQUIRED RESPONSES:
5. Guided by your knowledge of the Directory for Worship, identify and briefly discuss at least three (3) issues in this situation relating to a Reformed understanding of the
administration of and the elements used in the Lord's Supper.
6. Based on your answer in 1, describe what you will do to address the request brought by the elder.
-OR-
- 129 -
Al: Is Bud's baptism valid? They immersed him in the water, which I know we don't do here.
Peg: Is our son now a member of that other church? We want him to be a Presbyterian.
Al: Yes, are we going to need to have him baptized again here, or is there some other kind of ceremony for him?
REQUIRED RESPONSES:
7. Guided by your knowledge of the Directory for Worship, articulate a Reformed understanding of Baptism, discussing at least three (3) issues raised by the situation and
the parents' reaction.
8. Based on your answer in 1, respond with appropriate pastoral sensitivity to Al and Peg about their concerns.
- 130 -
Questions on this examination will deal with both WORSHIP AND SACRAMENTS. You will be expected to demonstrate the following:
An ability to illustrate the connection between the contemporary understandings and practices of worship set forth in the Directory for Worship and the theological
heritage of the Reformed tradition as its expressed in the Book of Confessions. An ability to articulate a Reformed theological framework for addressing issues
and practices related to worship and sacraments that arise from contemporary contexts for ministry.
An ability to discern theological components in liturgical situations that may arise in ministry.
An ability to discuss provisions of the Directory for Worship and to apply them in concrete contexts for ministry.
An ability to reflect theological and pastorally on the many different relationships between the ways the church understands and carries out its ministry and mission
in the world and its worship and celebration of the sacraments. An ability to respond to individuals or groups in given situations with sensitivity
to their needs, while also expressing the spirit of the constitutional standards.
In writing your answers, bear in mind that presbyteries elect elders as well as ministers of Word and Sacrament to serve as graders. Examinations should be written in jargon-free language.
Technical language shall be used only where the task requires it or where it is appropriate.
The examination is divided into three sections. Section I is required one-hour question about Reformed Liturgical Heritage. When you
complete Section l, give your copy of the Book of Confessions to the proctor who then give you Sections II and III of the examination.
Section II is a required one-hour question calling for a Constructive Theological Reflection on Reformed Worship. No books or resources shall be used.
Section III deals with Application to Ministry. There are two options. Select one option. It is scheduled to be written in one hour. No books or resources shall be used.
Identify every answer by the letter and number assigned to it (e. g., I... 1. or III. A. 1.).
- 131 -
You may use a computer word processor. If a computer word processor is used, the candidate shall sign a statement on a separate sheet: "While writing the exam, I did not view or copy from
personal notes or ay other source on the computer or a network. This sheet shall include the candidate's ID and it shall be returned to the proctor. You must also bring a printer to the exam
room. Before leaving the exam room you must print a hard copy of your answer and staple it in the exam booklet.
If you type or print out the examination, staple it to the first few pages of the examination booklet, not to the front cover.
Be advised that illegible papers will be returned ungraded. Papers that cannot be understood by readers because of poor syntax and/ or grammar will be graded accordingly. Papers written in
pencil will not be graded.
The final grade for this examination will be the average of grades received on all three questions with rounding up or down shall be determined by the readers on the basis of the examination's
overall merit. You must complete all three sections of the examination -even if those two sections merit a superior score -the examination will fail. The examination must receive a grade
of three or higher on at least TWO of the three questions to be considered satisfactory.
- 132 -
The session has decided to add a second service of worship on Sunday because the congregation has outgrown the capacity of the sanctuary. For some time there has been increasing interest by
the session and congregation in a contemporary service of worship. The worship committee has asked you as pastor together with the director of music, to advise the session of significant issues
related to adding a contemporary worship service.
REQUIRED RESPONSES:
Using the Book of Confessions and guided by your knowledge of the provisions of the Directory for Worship:
1. Present a theological rationale for worship for the Lord's Day from the perspective of the Reformed tradition. Using at least two (2) different documents of the Book of
Confessions, support your rationale with at least three (3) citations (e. g., 0.000).
2. In light of your theological rationale, discuss at least three (3) liturgical issues important to the design of a new contemporary service of worship.
NOTE: Section I must be completed in one hour. A clean, unmarked copy of the Book of Confessions must be used. When you complete Section I, give your
copy of the Book of Confessions to the proctor, who will give you Sections II and III of the examination (pp. 5-7).
- 133 -
THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
UPON COMPLETING SECTION I
TURN IN YOUR BOOK OF CONFESSIONS.
THE PROCTOR WILL GIVE YOU SECTIONS II AND III.
- 134 -
ONE HOUR CLOSED BOOK REQUIRED
An elder from the congregation you serve as pastor calls on you at your office. She has attended a worship service in another church during which a child was baptized. The bulletin she shows
you calls the ceremony "The Sacrament of Infant Baptism." She asks, "Do we Presbyterians consider infant baptism a separate sacrament from adult baptism?"
REQUIRED RESPONSES:
1. Guided by your knowledge of the provisions of the Directory for Worship, articulate a Reformed theological understanding of baptism.
2. Based on your answer in 1, write a brief newsletter article which addresses the elder's question.
- 135 -
The Evangelism and Outreach Committee is concerned about the decline in membership. They meet to discuss what can be done to reverse the trend. Some committee members make the
following comments:
Ross: Perhaps we could make our worship services more attractive to the new folks in the neighborhood.
Joey: This neighborhood has so many single-parent families, why don't we offer a childcare program?
Phoebe: What we need is more publicity about who we are. When people realize how much we care for one another, they will want to join us.
REQUIRED RESPONSES:
1. Using your knowledge of the provisions of the Directory for Worship, discus the role of evangelism in the life of the worshiping community.
2. Based on your answer in 1, respond to the suggestions raised by Ross, Joey, and Phoebe.
-OR-
- 136 -
Xena: My grandparents visited once, and all the moving around by the children bothered them.
Yolanda: I know a lady who is very embarrassed because she has difficulty when we stand in worship.
Zach: Why do we need a special service? It's the pastor's job to be sensitive to the needs of young and old alike.
REQUIRED RESPONSES:
1. Using your knowledge of the provisions of the Directory for Worship, identify and discuss at least four (4) worship issues raised by the petition and the subsequent discussion.
2. Informed by your answer to 1, offer specific recommendations to the session.
- 137 -
MAXIMUM TIME: 3 HOURS
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
The Book of Order states:
"Worship and Sacraments. This examination shall assess the candidate's understanding of the meaning and purpose of corporate worship and the Sacraments, familiarity with the
Directory for Worship and the Book of Confessions, and their application to the life of worshiping communities." G-14.0310d( 4)
******************************************************************************
Questions on this examination will deal with both WORSHIP AND SACRAMENTS. You will be expected to:
1. Demonstrate your knowledge of the Directory for Worship and how to apply this knowledge in specific contexts for ministry.
2. Demonstrate your ability to illustrate the connection between particular worship practices and the theological heritage of the Reformed tradition as expressed in
the Book of Confession.
3. Demonstrate a clear theological understanding of the relationship between the Church's worship and its ministry and mission in the world.
4. Demonstrate your ability to work with individuals or groups involved in given situations with sensitivity to their needs, while also expressing the spirit of the
constitutional standards.
In writing your answers, bear in mind that presbyteries elect elders as well as ministers of Word and Sacrament to serve as graders. Examinations should be written in jargon-free language.
Technical language shall be used only where the task requires it or where it is appropriate.
- 138 -
Section III deals with Application to Ministry. There are two options. Select one option. It is scheduled to be written in one hour. No books or resources shall be used.
Identify every answer by the letter and number assigned to it (e. g., I.. l or III. A. 1.).
USE THE DIRECTORY FOR WORSHIP AS FOUND IN THE 2000-2001 BOOK OF ORDER IN YOUR PREPARATION. IT MAY NOT BE USED DURING THE
EXAMINATION.
A CLEAN, UNMARKED COPY OF THE BOOK OF CONFESSIONS MAY BE USED AS A RESOURCE ONLY DURING SECTION I OF THE EXAMINATION. NO OTHER BOOKS
ARE ALLOWED.
Submit all answers, in your own handwriting; or type the answers if you prefer. Memory typewriters, word processors, or computers shall NOT be used. You may make corrections,
deletions or additions without rewriting or erasing.
If you type the examination, staple it to the first few pages of the examination booklet, not to the front cover.
Be advised that illegible papers will be returned ungraded. Papers that cannot be understood by readers because of poor syntax and/ or grammar will be graded accordingly. Papers written in
pencil will not be graded.
The final grade for this examination will be the average of grades received on all three questions with rounding up or down shall be determined by the readers on the basis of the examination's
overall merit. You must complete all three sections of the examination -even if those two sections merit a superior score -the examination will fail. The examination must receive a grade
of three or higher on at least TWO of the three questions to be considered satisfactory.
- 139 -
The Directory for Worship, in W-3.3202, includes the following statement:
The order offered here is a logical progression, is rooted in the Old and New Testaments, and reflects the tradition of the universal Church and our Reformed heritage . . . The
order that follows is presented in terms of five major actions centered in the Word of God:
(1) gathering around the Word; (2) proclaiming the Word;
(3) responding to the Word; (4) the sealing of the Word;
(5) bearing and following the Word into the world.
REQUIRED RESPONSES:
1. Articulate a Reformed theological understanding for this ordering of worship on the Lord's Day, citing passages by number (e. g., 0.000) from at least two (2) different documents in the
Book of Confession, and being guided by your knowledge of the Directory for Worship.
2. In light of your answer in 1, list at least one element of worship which would be appropriate to include in each of the five (5) major actions stated in the Directory for Worship citation.
For each element offer a one-sentence explanation of why you put it where you did.
NOTE: Section I must be completed in one hour. When you complete Section I, give your copy of the Book of Confessions to the proctor, who will give you
Sections II and III of the examination.
- 140 -
THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
UPON COMPLETING SECTION I
TURN IN YOUR BOOK OF CONFESSIONS.
THE PROCTOR WILL GIVE YOU SECTIONS II AND III
- 141 -
ONE HOUR CLOSED BOOK REQUIRED
Marsha has recently joined the congregation of which you are pastor. She comes to you with the following concern:
Pastor, I need some help with my personal devotional life. What are some of the ways I can develop a devotional life that would be meaningful to me and
acceptable to God?
REQUIRED RESPONSES:
1. Guided by your knowledge of the provisions of the Directory for Worship, articulate a Reformed theological understanding of the discipline of daily personal worship.
2. Informed by your answer in 1, list and briefly discuss at least three (3) spiritual practices Marsha might incorporate into her devotional life.
- 142 -
A.
You are an associate pastor with primary responsibility for youth and young adult ministry. You have been leading classes for senior high youth on the meaning and purpose of the sacraments,
and the interest level has been very good. Near the end of the unit on baptism two members of the class approach you, saying:
Richard: The more I see how meaningful baptism is, the more upset I become that I can't remember my own baptism. I was only four weeks old when my
parents had me baptized. I want to be baptized again.
Midori: My grandfather was an active member of this church, but when my grandmother died he stopped attending worship. He feels he doesn't
belong here anymore. In what ways could the church's belief about baptism offer him comfort?
REQUIRED RESPONSES:
1. Guided by your knowledge of the provisions of the Directory for Worship, discuss the meaning and purpose of reaffirming the baptismal covenant.
2. Informed by your answer in 1 and demonstrating appropriate pastoral sensitivity, respond to Richard and Midori, specifically addressing how reaffirming the baptismal covenant
might speak to their concerns.
-OR -
- 143 -
B.
Jerry, a member of the church you serve as pastor, works at a local factory. Because his normal days off from work are Monday and Tuesday, he seldom attends corporate worship on Sunday.
He comes to your office one afternoon with the following request:
Pastor, as you know, my work schedule prevents me from attending Sunday morning worship. I do read the Bible and listen to a tape of your sermon. I pray
for the church and its mission as well as for my family and friends. I set aside money for the offering, which I send to the church. What I really miss is
participating in the Lord's Supper. Could you set aside some of the bread and juice on those Sundays when the congregation celebrates the sacrament? Then I
could pick up the elements on Monday and take communion at home.
REQUIRED RESPONSES:
1. Guided by your knowledge of the provisions of the Directory for Worship, discuss the meaning and purpose of the Lord's Supper.
2. Informed by your answer in 1 and demonstrating appropriate pastoral sensitivity, respond to Jerry and the situation.
- 144 -
Questions on this examination will deal with both WORSHIP AND SACRAMENTS. You will be expected to demonstrate the following:
An ability to illustrate the connection between the contemporary understandings and practices of worship set forth in the Directory for Worship and the theological
heritage of the Reformed tradition as its expressed in the Book of Confessions. An ability to articulate a Reformed theological framework for addressing issues
and practices related to worship and sacraments that arise from contemporary contexts for ministry.
An ability to discern theological components in liturgical situations that may arise in ministry.
An ability to discuss provisions of the Directory for Worship and to apply them in concrete contexts for ministry.
An ability to reflect theological and pastorally on the many different relationships between the ways the church understands and carries out its ministry and mission
in the world and its worship and celebration of the sacraments. An ability to respond to individuals or groups in given situations with sensitivity
to their needs, while also expressing the spirit of the constitutional standards.
In writing your answers, bear in mind that presbyteries elect elders as well as ministers of Word and Sacrament to serve as graders. Examinations should be written in jargon-free language.
Technical language shall be used only where the task requires it or where it is appropriate.
The examination is divided into three sections. Section I is required one-hour question about Reformed Liturgical Heritage. When you
complete Section l, give your copy of the Book of Confessions to the proctor who then give you Sections II and III of the examination.
Section II is a required one-hour question calling for a Constructive Theological Reflection on Reformed Worship. No books or resources shall be used.
Section III deals with Application to Ministry. There are two options. Select one option. It is scheduled to be written in one hour. No books or resources shall be used.
Identify every answer by the letter and number assigned to it (e. g., I... 1. or III. A. 1.).
- 145 -
You may use a computer word processor. If a computer word processor is used, the candidate shall sign a statement on a separate sheet: "While writing the exam, I did not view or copy from
personal notes or ay other source on the computer or a network. This sheet shall include the candidate's ID and it shall be returned to the proctor. You must also bring a printer to the exam
room. Before leaving the exam room you must print a hard copy of your answer and staple it in the exam booklet.
If you type or print out the examination, staple it to the first few pages of the examination booklet, not to the front cover.
Be advised that illegible papers will be returned ungraded. Papers that cannot be understood by readers because of poor syntax and/ or grammar will be graded accordingly. Papers written in
pencil will not be graded.
The final grade for this examination will be the average of grades received on all three questions with rounding up or down shall be determined by the readers on the basis of the examination's
overall merit. You must complete all three sections of the examination -even if those two sections merit a superior score -the examination will fail. The examination must receive a grade
of three or higher on at least TWO of the three questions to be considered satisfactory.
- 146 -
During the confirmation class, one of the students says:
Pastor, sometimes I go to worship with my friends who belong to other churches. I have noticed that their worship is different from ours in a lot of ways. When I went to one
church, they even said I could not take communion because I wasn't a member. And yet, my friends are served communion when they worship here.
REQUIRED RESPONSES:
1. Using the Book of Confessions and guided by your knowledge of the provisions of the Directory for Worship, identify and briefly discuss at least three (3) characteristics of a
Reformed understanding of the Lord's Supper. Support your discussion with citations (e. g., 0.000) from at least three (3) different documents from the Book of Confessions.
2. Discuss how each of the characteristics which you have identified helps determine who is invited to receive in the sacrament.
NOTE: Section I must be completed in one hour. A clean, unmarked copy of the Book of Confessions must be used. When you complete Section I, give your
copy of the Book of Confessions to the proctor, who will give you Sections II and III of the examination (pp. 5-7).
- 147 -
THIS PAGE WAS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
UPON COMPLETING SECTION I
TURN IN YOUR BOOK OF CONFESSIONS.
THE PROCTOR WILL GIVE YOU SECTIONS II AND III.
- 148 -
ONE HOUR CLOSED BOOK REQUIRED
You are the pastor of Third Presbyterian Church. Bob, the son of Mary, a member of the church staff commits suicide. As you are preparing the funeral service, several church members express
their concerns to you.
One says, "I think I know why he did it. His suffering was overwhelming. I'm glad he is in heaven."
Another says that her boyfriend has told her that Bob is now in hell. "Maybe you should refuse to conduct the service."
A third suggests, "With all the pain and anguish around this situation, why don't we just have a low-key gathering outdoors where we can sit around and talk about Bob."
REQUIRED RESPONSES:
1. Using your knowledge of the provisions of the Directory for Worship, identify and briefly discuss at least three (3) theological issues raised in this situation.
2. Outline a service of worship for Bob's funeral and explain how the theological issues raised in response 1 are dealt with liturgically.
- 149 -
Sam: We just put all this money into a new organ, and this contemporary electronic stuff seems irreverent. It's too much like popular culture. What is wrong with
Bach and Handel?
REQUIRED RESPONSES:
Using your knowledge of the provisions of the Directory for Worship:
1. In response to the situation described above, discuss the function of music in worship.
2. Based on your answer in 1, write a brief statement to guide the Worship Committee as they prepare to deal with the issue.
-OR-
- 150 -
B:
Cynthia and Jack, longtime members of the congregation you serve as pastor, were married to each other while stationed at a naval base in the Philippines. They come to you with several
requests.
We missed the fun of a big wedding with all our families and friends in attendance. Now we want a church wedding. Because we have so many people
coming from out of town, would you announce to the congregation that the ceremony is open only to close friends and our relatives? Our friends have a band
and have offered to play music from our dating days. Since many of our guests will be military personnel, we would like to display the flags of our service units
as part of the sanctuary decorations.
REQUIRED RESPONSES:
1. Using your knowledge of the provisions of the Directory for Worship: a) List at least three (3) liturgical issues raised by Cynthia and Jack's requests.
b) Discuss each of these issues in relation to a Reformed understanding of worship and Christian marriage.
2. Demonstrating appropriate pastoral sensitivity, respond to their requests.
- 151 -
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
The Book of Order states:
"Worship and Sacraments. This examination shall assess the candidate's understanding of the meaning and purpose of corporate worship and the Sacraments, familiarity with the
Directory for Worship and the Book of Confessions, and their application to the life of worshiping communities." G-14.0310d( 4)
******************************************************************************
Questions on this examination will deal with both WORSHIP AND SACRAMENTS. You will be expected to:
1. Demonstrate your knowledge of the Directory for Worship and how to apply this knowledge in specific contexts for ministry.
2. Demonstrate your ability to illustrate the connection between particular worship practices and the theological heritage of the Reformed tradition as expressed in
the Book of Confession.
3. Demonstrate a clear theological understanding of the relationship between the Church's worship and its ministry and mission in the world.
4. Demonstrate your ability to work with individuals or groups involved in given situations with sensitivity to their needs, while also expressing the spirit of the
constitutional standards.
In writing your answers, bear in mind that presbyteries elect elders as well as ministers of Word and Sacrament to serve as graders. Examinations should be written in jargon-free language.
Technical language shall be used only where the task requires it or where it is appropriate.
- 152 -
Section III deals with Application to Ministry. There are two options. Select one option. It is scheduled to be written in one hour. No books or resources shall be used.
Identify every answer by the letter and number assigned to it (e. g., I... 1. or III. A. 1.).
USE THE DIRECTORY FOR WORSHIP AS FOUND IN THE 1999-2000 BOOK OF ORDER IN YOUR PREPARATION. IT MAY NOT BE USED DURING THE
EXAMINATION.
A CLEAN, UNMARKED COPY OF THE BOOK OF CONFESSIONS MAY BE USED AS A RESOURCE ONLY DURING SECTION I OF THE EXAMINATION. NO OTHER BOOKS
ARE ALLOWED.
Submit all answers in your own handwriting in ink; or type the answers if you prefer. Memory typewriters, word processors, or computers shall NOT be used. You may make corrections,
deletions or additions without rewriting or erasing.
If you type or print out the examination, staple it to the first few pages of the examination booklet, not to the front cover.
Be advised that illegible papers will be returned ungraded. Papers that cannot be understood by readers because of poor syntax and/ or grammar will be graded accordingly. Papers written in
pencil will not be graded.
The final grade for this examination will be the average of grades received on all three questions with rounding up or down shall be determined by the readers on the basis of the examination's
overall merit. You must complete all three sections of the examination -even if those two sections merit a superior score -the examination will fail. The examination must receive a grade
of three or higher on at least TWO of the three questions to be considered satisfactory.
- 153 -
Gail and Max are members of the Evangelism Committee of the church you serve as pastor. At a committee meeting Gail reports a conversation she had with a neighbor whom she invited to
attend worship. Her comment prompts a response from Max.
Gail: My friend said she doesn't believe that she has to join the church or even attend worship. She believes that God will save everyone who leads a
good and just life.
Max: It is true that we can worship God anywhere, but church membership and participation in corporate worship are important aspects of the Christian
faith and life.
REQUIRED RESPONSE:
Citing by number (e. g., 0.000) at least one (1) passage from at least four (4) different documents of the Book of Confessions, and being guided by your knowledge of the provisions of the
Directory for Worship, articulate a Reformed understanding of the relationship between church membership, worship and salvation.
NOTE: Section I must be completed in one hour. When you complete Section I, give your copy of the Book of Confessions to the proctor, who will give you
Sections II and III of the examination.
- 154 -
ONE HOUR CLOSED BOOK REQUIRED
The moderator of the session's Peacemaking Committee of the congregation you serve as pastor makes the following report to the session:
At the upcoming Mission Fair, the committee will highlight the problem of world hunger. We plan to host a "Hunger Meal," i. e., we will serve a meager meal to
half of those attending, and a gourmet meal to the other half. We request permission to celebrate the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper at the conclusion of
the Hunger Meal.
REQUIRED RESPONSES:
1. Guided by your knowledge of the provisions of the Directory for Worship, articulate a Reformed understanding of the relationship between the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper
and the church's mission in the world.
2. Informed by your answer in 1, briefly discuss the guidance you would give the session with regard to the appropriateness of celebrating the Lord's Supper in conjunction with the
Hunger Meal.
- 156 -
Samantha: My aunt is an accomplished musician, and I would like for her to be placed in charge of the music for the service.
Darren: Since we have been engaged to one another for four years, we will not need pre-marital counseling.
REQUIRED RESPONSES:
1. Guided by your knowledge of the provisions of the Directory for Worship, discuss a Reformed understanding of Christian marriage and of the responsibilities of the pastor and
session in relation to the wedding service.
2. Informed by your answer in 1, and demonstrating appropriate pastoral sensitivity, respond to Samantha and Darren, making certain that you address the issues and suggestions raised by
them.
-OR-
- 157 -
Dean: I suggest you put the children's message early in the service so that they don't get bored before we dismiss them to the fellowship hall for milk and
cookies.
Joey: I don't think children should be in worship at all. They should wait until they're old enough to profess their faith and join the church.
REQUIRED RESPONSES:
1. Guided by your knowledge of the provisions of the Directory for Worship, discuss children's participation in worship.
2. Informed by your answer in 1, and demonstrating appropriate pastoral sensitivity, respond to Frank, Sammi, Dean and Joey. Make certain that you address at least one (1) concern raised
by each person.
- 158 -
MAXIMUM TIME: 3 HOURS
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
The Book of Order states:
"Worship and Sacraments. This examination shall assess the candidate's understanding of the meaning and purpose of corporate worship and the Sacraments, familiarity with the
Directory for Worship and the Book of Confessions, and their application to the life of worshiping communities." G-14.0310d( 4)
******************************************************************************
Questions on this examination will deal with both WORSHIP AND SACRAMENTS. You will be expected to:
1. Demonstrate your knowledge of the Directory for Worship and how to apply this knowledge in specific contexts for ministry.
2. Demonstrate your ability to illustrate the connection between particular worship practices and the theological heritage of the Reformed tradition as expressed in
the Book of Confession.
3. Demonstrate a clear theological understanding of the relationship between the Church's worship and its ministry and mission in the world.
4. Demonstrate your ability to work with individuals or groups involved in given situations with sensitivity to their needs, while also expressing the spirit of the
constitutional standards.
In writing your answers, bear in mind that presbyteries elect elders as well as ministers of Word and Sacrament to serve as graders. Examinations should be written in jargon-free language.
Technical language shall be used only where the task requires it or where it is appropriate.
- 159 -
The examination is divided into three sections.
Section I is required one-hour question about Reformed Liturgical Heritage. When you complete Section l, give your copy of the Book of Confessions to the proctor who then
give you Sections II and III of the examination.
Section II is a required one-hour question calling for a Constructive Theological Reflection on Reformed Worship. No books or resources shall be used.
Section III deals with Application to Ministry. There are two options. Select one option. It is scheduled to be written in one hour. No books or resources shall be used.
Identify every answer by the letter and number assigned to it (e. g., I... 1. or III. A. 1.).
USE THE DIRECTORY FOR WORSHIP AS FOUND IN THE 2000-2001 BOOK OF ORDER IN YOUR PREPARATION. IT MAY NOT BE USED DURING THE
EXAMINATION.
A CLEAN, UNMARKED COPY OF THE BOOK OF CONFESSIONS MAY BE USED AS A RESOURCE ONLY DURING SECTION I OF THE EXAMINATION. NO OTHER BOOKS
ARE ALLOWED.
Submit all answers in your own handwriting in ink; or type the answers if you prefer. Memory typewriters, word processors, or computers shall NOT be used. You may make corrections,
deletions or additions without rewriting or erasing.
If you type or print out the examination, staple it to the first few pages of the examination booklet, not to the front cover.
Be advised that illegible papers will be returned ungraded. Papers that cannot be understood by readers because of poor syntax and/ or grammar will be graded accordingly. Papers written in
pencil will not be graded.
The final grade for this examination will be the average of grades received on all three questions with rounding up or down shall be determined by the readers on the basis of the examination's
overall merit. You must complete all three sections of the examination -even if those two sections merit a superior score -the examination will fail. The examination must receive a grade
of three or higher on at least TWO of the three questions to be considered satisfactory.
- 160 -
Phil and Sarah are members of the church you serve as pastor. They ask to meet with you to discuss the baptism of their infant daughter. In reviewing with them the vows which the
Directory for Worship requires parents to make, you come to the one which asks them to "renounce evil and affirm their reliance on God's grace" [W-3.3603( b)]. Phil responds by
saying:
I am not sure I can make that vow. I don't think evil is something a human being can renounce.
REQUIRED RESPONSES:
1. Citing by number (e. g., 0.000) at least one (1) specific passage from at least three (3) different documents in the Book of Confessions, and being guided by your knowledge of the
Directory for Worship, articulate a Reformed understanding of the meaning of baptism.
2. Informed by your answer in 1, discuss the significance of making this vow in the church's celebration of the Sacrament of Baptism in the Reformed tradition.
NOTE: Section I must be completed in one hour. When you complete Section I, give your copy of the Book of Confessions to the proctor, who will give you
Sections II and III of the examination.
- 161 -
THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
UPON COMPLETING SECTION I
TURN IN YOUR BOOK OF CONFESSIONS.
THE PROCTOR WILL GIVE YOU SECTIONS II AND III
- 162 -
ONE HOUR CLOSED BOOK REQUIRED
You have just preached a sermon based on the first chapter of John's gospel. In the course of your sermon you referred several times to Jesus Christ as the Word of God. A member of the
congregation comes to you after worship and says, "I always thought that the Bible was the one and only Word of God. What does our church believe?"
REQUIRED RESPONSES:
1. Guided by your knowledge of the provisions of the Directory for Worship, articulate a Reformed theological understanding of "Word of God."
2. Informed by your answer in 1, list and briefly discuss four (4) specific ways this understanding of "Word of God" is expressed in worship.
- 163 -
Amelia: I think it would be more interesting if we use a video to present the creation story instead of just reading it.
Bart: As a part of the sermon we should explain what we have learned in science class at school about how the world was created.
Caitlin: I think we should use some rap music for the anthem and an electronic keyboard to accompany the hymns. The music in worship is usually so
dull and ancient.
Doug: We should probably omit the Lord's Prayer and the Apostles' Creed. Some of my friends are planning to come to the service, and they don't
know either one of them.
REQUIRED RESPONSES:
1. Guided by your knowledge of the provisions of the Directory for Worship, identify and briefly discuss at least one (1) issue raised by each person concerning the relationship
between worship and contemporary culture.
2. Informed by your answer in 1, and demonstrating appropriate pastoral sensitivity, respond to Amelia, Bart, Caitlin, and Doug. Make certain that you address the issues that you have
identified from their comments.
-OR-
- 164 -
Julia: I feel sorry for foreign refugees, but I think we should focus on the needy people right in our own community.
Marti: The best thing we could do is increase our mission giving.
Bill: It is a political issue. We need to stay out of it.
REQUIRED RESPONSES:
1. Guided by your knowledge of the provisions of the Directory for Worship, discuss the relationship between the church's worship and its mission in the world.
2. Informed by your answer in 1, and demonstrating appropriate pastoral sensitivity, respond briefly to each elder's comments.
- 165 -
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
The Book of Order states:
"Worship and Sacraments. This examination shall assess the candidate's understanding of the meaning and purpose of corporate worship and the Sacraments, familiarity with the
Directory for Worship and the Book of Confessions, and their application to the life of worshiping communities." G-14.0310d( 4)
******************************************************************************
Questions on this examination will deal with both WORSHIP AND SACRAMENTS. You will be expected to:
1. Demonstrate your knowledge of the Directory for Worship and how to apply this knowledge in specific contexts for ministry.
2. Demonstrate your ability to illustrate the connection between particular worship practices and the theological heritage of the Reformed tradition as expressed in
the Book of Confession.
3. Demonstrate a clear theological understanding of the relationship between the Church's worship and its ministry and mission in the world.
4. Demonstrate your ability to work with individuals or groups involved in given situations with sensitivity to their needs, while also expressing the spirit of the
constitutional standards.
In writing your answers, bear in mind that presbyteries elect elders as well as ministers of Word and Sacrament to serve as graders. Examinations should be written in jargon-free language.
Technical language shall be used only where the task requires it or where it is appropriate.
- 166 -
Section III deals with Application to Ministry. There are two options. Select one option. It is scheduled to be written in one hour. No books or resources shall be used.
Identify every answer by the letter and number assigned to it (e. g., I... 1. or III. A. 1.).
USE THE DIRECTORY FOR WORSHIP AS FOUND IN THE 1998-99 BOOK OF ORDER IN YOUR PREPARATION. IT MAY NOT BE USED DURING THE
EXAMINATION.
A CLEAN, UNMARKED COPY OF THE BOOK OF CONFESSIONS MAY BE USED AS A RESOURCE ONLY DURING SECTION I OF THE EXAMINATION. NO OTHER BOOKS
ARE ALLOWED.
Submit all answers in your own handwriting in ink; or type the answers if you prefer. Memory typewriters, word processors, or computers shall NOT be used. You may make corrections,
deletions or additions without rewriting or erasing.
If you type or print out the examination, staple it to the first few pages of the examination booklet, not to the front cover.
Be advised that illegible papers will be returned ungraded. Papers that cannot be understood by readers because of poor syntax and/ or grammar will be graded accordingly. Papers written in
pencil will not be graded.
The final grade for this examination will be the average of grades received on all three questions with rounding up or down shall be determined by the readers on the basis of the examination's
overall merit. You must complete all three sections of the examination -even if those two sections merit a superior score -the examination will fail. The examination must receive a grade
of three or higher on at least TWO of the three questions to be considered satisfactory.
- 167 -
SECTION I. REFORMED LITURGICAL HERITAGE
ONE HOUR OPEN BOOK REQUIRED (BOOK OF CONFESSIONS ONLY)
A member of the congregation you serve as pastor writes to you in reference to a recent worship service. Her letter contains the following concerns:
Why are there so many prayers in worship? We have printed prayers of adoration and confession, special prayers for baptism and communion, and litanies for other things as
well. Your pastoral prayer always seems to be about justice and social issues, and is frequently too long, in my opinion. Do our prayers have to be so formal or is there room
for spontaneity? Don't we pray because God's Spirit moves us to do so not because the words are written by someone else and printed out in front of us?
REQUIRED RESPONSES:
1. Citing by number (e. g., 0.000) passages from at least four (4) documents of the Book of Confessions, and being guided by your knowledge of the provisions of the Directory for
Worship, articulate a Reformed theological understanding of the purpose of prayer in public worship.
2. Informed by your answer in 1, briefly discus the following specific concerns: a) the number and variety of prayers in worship;
b) the use of printed prayers in worship; c) the length and content of the "pastoral prayer"; and
d) the opportunity for spontaneous prayer.
NOTE: Section I must be completed in one hour. When you complete Section I, give your copy of the Book of Confessions to the proctor, who will give you
Sections II and III of the examination.
- 168 -
THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK.
UPON COMPLETING SECTION I
TURN IN YOUR BOOK OF CONFESSIONS
THE PROCTOR WILL GIVE YOU SECTION II AND III.
- 169 -
Penelope: As new Christians, we would like you to baptize us by immersion.
Jason: We would like to get our infant son "done" at the same time.
Penelope: We don't need to meet with the session because we don't plan to join the church.
Jason: We accepted Jesus as our personal Savior, and that's all we need to know.
REQUIRED RESPONSES:
1. Guided by your knowledge of the provisions of the Directory for Worship, articulate a Reformed theological understanding of the relationship between church membership and
the Sacrament of Baptism.
2. Informed by your answer in 1, respond to each of the comments made by Jason and Penelope.
- 170 -
A.
The Worship Committee of the congregation you serve as pastor receives a letter signed by several active church members complaining about "Passing the Peace" in Sunday worship. This
practice, which takes place before the final hymn and benediction, has occurred weekly in worship for the past two years. In part, the letter reads:
We request the elimination of "Passing the Peace" from Sunday worship. It disrupts the service and spoils our train of thought and prayer. The way we greet each other before
and after worship or in the coffee hour is much more sincere. If you cannot eliminate this practice from the service, at least move it to the beginning right after the announcement
time so that it won't be so disruptive.
REQUIRED RESPONSES:
1. Guided by your knowledge of the provisions of the Directory for Worship, discuss the meaning and purpose of "Passing the Peace" in worship.
2. Informed by your answer in 1, and demonstrating appropriate pastoral sensitivity, write a letter in which you
a. respond to their concerns, and b. discuss three (3) places in the order of worship where "Passing the Peace" would be
appropriate, stating a theological rationale for each option.
-OR-
- 171 -
ONE HOUR CLOSED BOOK REQUIRED
Choose: A or B
B.
Your predecessor, as pastor of the Calvin Presbyterian Church served his entire 40-year ministry in that congregation. He delivered two sermons each Sunday -the morning sermon from one book of
the Old Testament and the evening session from one book of the New Testament. He began at the beginning of each book and worked his way through to the end, regardless of the calendar, until he
covered the entire Bible.
You would like to introduce the congregation to the seasons of the church year and to a pattern of scripture readings based upon it. When you raise the issue with the session, the following comments
are made:
Jeanne: As much as I liked our former pastor's preaching, I did miss observing Christmas and Easter in church each year. Maybe you could include those two celebrations in
the schedule but leave the rest of the year unchanged.
Randy: What I miss celebrating is Mother's Day and the Fourth of July during worship.
Lisel: Let's create our own worship calendar and pick scripture readings to go with it.
REQUIRED RESPONSES:
1. Guided by your knowledge of the provisions of the Directory for Worship, identify and discuss at least one (1) issue related to the observance of "Days and Seasons" raised by
each elder.
2. Informed by your answer in 1, and demonstrating appropriate pastoral sensitivity, respond to Jeanne, Randy and Lisel, making certain that you address at least one issue
raised by each.
- 172 -
MAXIMUM TIME: 3 HOURS
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
The Book of Order states:
"Worship and Sacraments. This examination shall assess the candidate's understanding of the meaning and purpose of corporate worship and the Sacraments, familiarity with the
Directory for Worship and the Book of Confessions, and their application to the life of worshiping communities." G-14.0310d( 4)
******************************************************************************
Questions on this examination will deal with both WORSHIP AND SACRAMENTS. You will be expected to:
1. Demonstrate your knowledge of the Directory for Worship and how to apply this knowledge in specific contexts for ministry.
2. Demonstrate your ability to illustrate the connection between particular worship practices and the theological heritage of the Reformed tradition as expressed in
the Book of Confession.
3. Demonstrate a clear theological understanding of the relationship between the Church's worship and its ministry and mission in the world.
4. Demonstrate your ability to work with individuals or groups involved in given situations with sensitivity to their needs, while also expressing the spirit of the
constitutional standards.
In writing your answers, bear in mind that presbyteries elect elders as well as ministers of Word and Sacrament to serve as graders. Examinations should be written in jargon-free
language. Technical language shall be used only where the task requires it or where it is appropriate.
- 173 -
Section III deals with Application to Ministry. There are two options. Select one option. It is scheduled to be written in one hour. No books or resources shall be used.
Identify every answer by the letter and number assigned to it (e. g., I... 1. or III. A. 1.).
USE THE DIRECTORY FOR WORSHIP AS FOUND IN THE 1999-2000 BOOK OF ORDER IN YOUR PREPARATION. IT MAY NOT BE USED DURING THE
EXAMINATION.
A CLEAN, UNMARKED COPY OF THE BOOK OF CONFESSIONS MAY BE USED AS A RESOURCE ONLY DURING SECTION I OF THE EXAMINATION. NO OTHER BOOKS
ARE ALLOWED.
Submit all answers in your own handwriting in ink; or type the answers if you prefer. Memory typewriters, word processors, or computers shall NOT be used. You may make corrections,
deletions or additions without rewriting or erasing.
If you type or print out the examination, staple it to the first few pages of the examination booklet, not to the front cover.
Be advised that illegible papers will be returned ungraded. Papers that cannot be understood by readers because of poor syntax and/ or grammar will be graded accordingly. Papers written in
pencil will not be graded.
The final grade for this examination will be the average of grades received on all three questions with rounding up or down shall be determined by the readers on the basis of the examination's
overall merit. You must complete all three sections of the examination -even if those two sections merit a superior score -the examination will fail. The examination must receive a grade
of three or higher on at least TWO of the three questions to be considered satisfactory.
- 174 -
The session of the church you serve as pastor has gathered for a long-range planning retreat. In a discussion concerning ministry priorities for the future, the elders make the following remarks:
Irving: The church is an organization of people who are called to come together to worship and serve God.
Maria: No, the church is God's creation, a place where the Word is rightly preached, the sacraments are rightly administered and discipline is
uprightly ministered.
Kim: Isn't the church a community called to build God's Kingdom on earth through its social action?
Justinian: The church is sent to preach the good news and to tell the world about God's love.
REQUIRED RESPONSES:
1. Citing by number (e. g., 0.000) at least one (1) passage from at least four (4) different documents of the Book of Confessions, and being guided by your knowledge of the
provisions of the Directory for Worship, articulate a Reformed understanding of the church and its mission.
2. Informed by your response in 1, briefly describe at least one (1) way each of the descriptions of the church proposed by Irving, Maria, Kim and Justinian could be
emphasized within the church's worship practices.
NOTE: Section 1 must be completed in one hour. When you complete Section I, give your copy of the Book of Confessions to the proctor, who will give you
Sections II and III of the examination.
- 175 -
THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
UPON COMPLTING SECTION I
TURN IN YOUR BOOK OF CONFESSIONS
THE PROCTOR WILL GIVE YOU SECTIONS II AND III
- 176 -
ONE HOUR CLOSED BOOK REQUIRED
You are the pastor of a congregation located in a diverse metropolitan neighborhood. Mike, a member of the congregation, has died of AIDS following many months of congregational care.
The grief is strong, as Mike was well-liked by his many friends in the church and neighborhood. A group of them have come to you to ask if they might help plan the funeral service. Their
concern is to make sure that the service will speak to the pain and grief they are feeling.
REQUIRED RESPONSES:
1. Guided by your knowledge of the provisions of the Directory for Worship, articulate a Reformed theological understanding of the church's services on the occasion of death
and how such services demonstrate the church's ministry of pastoral care.
2. Informed by your answer in 1, identify and briefly discuss how at least three (3) elements of such a service manifest the church's ministry of pastoral care.
- 177 -
A.
Ryan and Amanda regularly attend the church you serve as pastor, but are not members. Their three-year-old son, Jason, has been diagnosed with autism. This condition renders the child
unable to respond to outside stimuli in predictable ways. The parents express their desire to have Jason baptized, but are concerned that the large crowd usually present at the Sunday worship
service might be too stressful for him. They ask whether a special baptismal service could be held at a time other than Sunday morning with attendance limited to family and close friends.
REQUIRED RESPONSES:
1. Guided by your knowledge of the provisions of the Directory for Worship, identify and briefly discuss at least three (3) issues concerning the Sacrament of Baptism raised by the
situation.
2. Informed by your answer in 1, and demonstrating appropriate pastoral sensitivity: a. state the recommendation you will make to the session regarding their request and the
basis for that recommendation; and b. explain that recommendation to Ryan and Amanda.
-OR-
- 178 -
Carlos: The Lord's Supper is to be observed only on Sundays. The minister has the sole authority for deciding on which Sundays we do it.
Donna: The session has the right to serve Communion whenever the minister is away. On such occasions one of the elders can conduct the supper.
Steve: The only reason we even celebrate Communion is because the Apostle Paul said it was important.
REQUIRED RESPONSES:
1. Guided by your knowledge of the provisions of the Directory for Worship, identify and briefly discuss at least one (1) issue concerning the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper
raised by each person.
2. Informed by your response in 1, and demonstrating appropriate pastoral sensitivity, respond to Betty, Carlos, Donna, and Steve making certain that you address the issues
you have identified from their comments.
- 179 -
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
The Book of Order states:
"Worship and Sacraments. This examination shall assess the candidate's understanding of the meaning and purpose of corporate worship and the Sacraments, familiarity with the
Directory for Worship and the Book of Confessions, and their application to the life of worshiping communities." G-14.0310d( 4)
******************************************************************************
Questions on this examination will deal with both WORSHIP AND SACRAMENTS. You will be expected to:
1. Demonstrate your knowledge of the Directory for Worship and how to apply this knowledge in specific contexts for ministry.
2. Demonstrate your ability to illustrate the connection between particular worship practices and the theological heritage of the Reformed tradition as expressed in
the Book of Confession.
3. Demonstrate a clear theological understanding of the relationship between the Church's worship and its ministry and mission in the world.
4. Demonstrate your ability to work with individuals or groups involved in given situations with sensitivity to their needs, while also expressing the spirit of the
constitutional standards.
In writing your answers, bear in mind that presbyteries elect elders as well as ministers of Word and Sacrament to serve as graders. Examinations should be written in jargon-free language.
Technical language shall be used only where the task requires it or where it is appropriate.
- 180 -
An ecumenical worship service, thanking God for the life and ministry of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., is held in the sanctuary of the Presbyterian church you serve as pastor.
Following the service Grace, a member of that congregation, approaches you and says:
Pastor, that service was so moving. What was amazing is that we had everybody here mostly Protestants, but also a lot of Catholics. And that started me wondering. Dr. King
was someone I would call a saint, but most Presbyterians would look at me funny if I referred to him as St. Martin. Why is it that the only people Presbyterians ever call saints
have been dead for nearly 2,000 years? Catholics get new saints all the time. Maybe they are not as selective about who gets to be a saint. They have Irish saints, African
saints, Italian saints, Native American saints, Hispanic saints and Asian saints. Why are we so sensitive about saints?
REQUIRED RESPONSES:
1. Citing by number (e. g., 0.000) at least three (3) specific passages of the Book of Confessions and being guided by your knowledge of the provisions of the Directory for Worship, discuss
a Reformed understanding of "saints" and their place in the life and worship of the Church.
2. Informed by your answer in 1, write an article for the church newsletter in which you address the specific comments and questions raised by Grace.
NOTE: Section I must be completed in one hour. When you complete Section I, give your copy of the Book of Confessions to the proctor, who will give you
Sections II and III of the examination.
- 181 -
Section III deals with Application to Ministry. There are two options. Select one option. It is scheduled to be written in one hour. No books or resources shall be used.
Identify every answer by the letter and number assigned to it (e. g., I... 1. or III. A. 1.).
USE THE DIRECTORY FOR WORSHIP AS FOUND IN THE 1997-98 BOOK OF ORDER IN YOUR PREPARATION. IT MAY NOT BE USED DURING THE
EXAMINATION.
A CLEAN, UNMARKED COPY OF THE BOOK OF CONFESSIONS MAY BE USED AS A RESOURCE ONLY DURING SECTION I OF THE EXAMINATION. NO OTHER BOOKS
ARE ALLOWED.
Submit all answers in your own handwriting in ink; or type the answers if you prefer. Memory typewriters, word processors, or computers shall NOT be used. You may make corrections,
deletions or additions without rewriting or erasing.
If you type or print out the examination, staple it to the first few pages of the examination booklet, not to the front cover.
Be advised that illegible papers will be returned ungraded. Papers that cannot be understood by readers because of poor syntax and/ or grammar will be graded accordingly. Papers written in
pencil will not be graded.
The final grade for this examination will be the average of grades received on all three questions with rounding up or down shall be determined by the readers on the basis of the examination's
overall merit.
You must complete all three sections of the examination -even if those two sections merit a superior score -the examination will fail. The examination must receive a grade of three or
higher on at least TWO of the three questions to be considered satisfactory.
- 182 -
THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
UPON COMPLETING SECTION I
TURN IN YOUR BOOK OF CONFESSIONS
THE PROCTOR WILL GIVE YOU SECTIONS II AND III
- 183 -
ONE HOUR CLOSED BOOK REQUIRED
Jenny is a long-time faithful member and leader of the congregation you serve as pastor. Last night David, her husband, committed suicide. Although David was not a member of the church
and did not attend worship, Jenny has requested that the funeral service for him be held in the sanctuary of the church and that the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper be included. When the
request is made you receive telephone calls from two members. They express the following concerns:
Christine: It would be offensive to God to hold a funeral service in our church for someone who committed suicide.
Patrick: David was not a believer, so it would not be right to celebrate the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper at his funeral.
REQUIRED RESPONSES:
Guided by your knowledge of the provisions of the Directory for Worship:
1. Articulate a Reformed theological understanding of the meaning, purpose and ordering of "Services on the Occasion of Death."
2. Informed by your answer in 1, discuss the specific concerns raised by Christine and Patrick.
- 184 -
On the night he was betrayed, he had supper with his friends. He took bread, thanked you, broke the bread and gave it to all who were present, saying,
"This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me." After supper he took a cup of wine and, after giving thanks to you, said,
"This is the cup of the new covenant sealed in my blood: Drink from it, all of you, in remembrance of me."
Help us to remember, O God, what a great gift was given on our behalf. Let our meal of bread and wine bind us to one another and to Jesus.
For we pray this in his name. Amen.
REQUIRED RESPONSES:
Guided by your knowledge of the provisions of the Directory for Worship:
1. Describe the basic form and thematic order of a Thanksgiving (Eucharistic) Prayer.
2. In light of your answer in 1 and demonstrating appropriate pastoral sensitivity, compose a letter to Elaine in which you:
a. Assess the strengths and weaknesses of the prayer she has submitted. b. Offer suggestions for how she might improve the prayer.
-OR-
- 185 -
Peter: Our church believes only adults who make a public profession of faith should be baptized.
Nicholas: We never receive anyone into membership who has not been baptized by immersion.
Catherine: We baptize people when family and friends can be present. Most of the time that is not during the Sunday morning worship service.
Alexandra: Our congregation dedicates infants to God instead of baptizing them.
REQUIRED RESPONSES:
Guided by your knowledge of the provisions of the Directory for Worship:
1. Identify and discuss at least one (1) issue important to Reformed baptismal practice raised by the comments of each person.
2. Informed by your answer in 1, write an article for the church newsletter discussing a Reformed understanding of the Sacrament of Baptism.
- 186 -
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
The Book of Order states:
"Worship and Sacraments. This examination shall assess the candidate's understanding of the meaning and purpose of corporate worship and the Sacraments, familiarity with the
Directory for Worship and the Book of Confessions, and their application to the life of worshiping communities." G-14.0310d( 4)
******************************************************************************
Questions on this examination will deal with both WORSHIP AND SACRAMENTS. You will be expected to:
1. Demonstrate your knowledge of the Directory for Worship and how to apply this knowledge in specific contexts for ministry.
2. Demonstrate your ability to illustrate the connection between particular worship practices and the theological heritage of the Reformed tradition as expressed in
the Book of Confession.
3. Demonstrate a clear theological understanding of the relationship between the Church's worship and its ministry and mission in the world.
4. Demonstrate your ability to work with individuals or groups involved in given situations with sensitivity to their needs, while also expressing the spirit of the
constitutional standards.
In writing your answers, bear in mind that presbyteries elect elders as well as ministers of Word and Sacrament to serve as graders. Examinations should be written in jargon-free language.
Technical language shall be used only where the task requires it or where it is appropriate.
- 187 -
Section III deals with Application to Ministry. There are two options. Select one option. It is scheduled to be written in one hour. No books or resources shall be used.
Identify every answer by the letter and number assigned to it (e. g., I... 1. or III. A. 1.).
USE THE DIRECTORY FOR WORSHIP AS FOUND IN THE 1998-99 BOOK OF ORDER IN YOUR PREPARATION. IT MAY NOT BE USED DURING THE
EXAMINATION.
A CLEAN, UNMARKED COPY OF THE BOOK OF CONFESSIONS MAY BE USED AS A RESOURCE ONLY DURING SECTION I OF THE EXAMINATION. NO OTHER BOOKS
ARE ALLOWED.
Submit all answers in your own handwriting in ink; or type the answers if you prefer. Memory typewriters, word processors, or computers shall NOT be used. You may make corrections,
deletions or additions without rewriting or erasing.
If you type or print out the examination, staple it to the first few pages of the examination booklet, not to the front cover.
Be advised that illegible papers will be returned ungraded. Papers that cannot be understood by readers because of poor syntax and/ or grammar will be graded accordingly. Papers written in
pencil will not be graded.
The final grade for this examination will be the average of grades received on all three questions with rounding up or down shall be determined by the readers on the basis of the examination's
overall merit.
You must complete all three sections of the examination -even if those two sections merit a superior score -the examination will fail. The examination must receive a grade of three or
higher on at least TWO of the three questions to be considered satisfactory.
- 188 -
As a candidate for ordination, you are being examined by the Committee on Preparation for Ministry. One member of the committee poses the following question to you:
The month of October begins with the celebration of World Communion Sunday and ends with the celebration of Reformation Sunday. How do these two liturgical
celebrations help us to understand what it means to be the church in the Reformed tradition?
REQUIRED RESPONSES:
1. Citing by number (e. g., 0.000) passages from at least three (3) different documents of the Book of Confessions including at least one 20th century document, and being guided by
your knowledge of the provisions of the Directory for Worship, articulate a Reformed theological understanding of the relationship between the one holy catholic Church and
the Reformed tradition.
2. Informed by your answer in 1, identify and briefly discuss a. two (2) elements of worship on the Lord's Day which illustrate the distinctiveness
of our Reformed heritage; and b. two (2) elements of worship on the Lord's Day which illustrate our shared
identity as part of the Church universal.
NOTE: Section I must be completed in one hour. When you complete Section I, give your copy of the Book of Confessions to the proctor, who will give you
Sections II and III of the examination.
- 189 -
THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK.
UPON COMPLETING SECTION I
TURN IN YOUR BOOK OF CONFESSIONS.
THE PROCTOR WILL GIVE YOU SECTION II AND III.
- 190 -
ONE HOUR CLOSED BOOK REQUIRED
You are pastor of a congregation whose members' average age is 75. Nearly half of the members are physically unable to attend worship regularly, and many of them are in nursing
homes. The congregation celebrates the Lord's Supper once each month. Making arrangements for those who are home-bound to receive the Sacrament takes up a significant portion of each
session meeting. As plans for home communion are being discussed, some of the elders begin to raise concerns about the whole issue of home communion.
Lamar: It's too much to ask those of us on the session to take communion to all of these people.
Dick: Some of these people are so senile they wouldn't notice if we just stopped coming.
Carol: Maybe they wouldn't notice, but I would. Don't we still have a responsibility to them?
REQUIRED RESPONSES:
1. Guided by your knowledge of the provisions of the Directory for Worship, discuss a Reformed understanding of the relationship between church membership and access to the
means of grace through participation in the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper.
2. Informed by your answer in 1, address the concerns raised by Lamar, Dick and Carol.
- 191 -
A.
As a member of presbytery, you serve on an Administrative Commission seeking to bring healing and reconciliation within a small congregation that has experienced several years of
conflict. Commission has been very successful. You are asked by the session to prepare a Service of Acceptance and Reconciliation for use with this congregation.
REQUIRED RESPONSES:
1. Guided by your knowledge of the provisions of the Directory for Worship, discuss the relationship between worship and the church's ministry of reconciliation.
2. Informed by your answer in 1, list and briefly discuss the meaning and purpose of at least four (4) elements you would consider to be important in such a Service of Acceptance and
Reconciliation.
-OR-
- 192 -
B.
The youth group of the congregation you serve as pastor is planning a retreat. The youth responsible for worship at the retreat meet with you to discuss their ideas. The following
suggestions are made:
Ella: Let's use music in the service that expresses our feelings and concerns.
Alfonso: We could ask each person to select a favorite poem or story to be used as the sermon.
Joanna: By the last day we will feel close to one another. Let's have a communion service
Ryan: We don't need an offering because the church is paying for everything.
REQUIRED RESPONSES:
1. Guided by your knowledge of the provisions of the Directory for Worship identify and briefly discuss one (l) issue raised by each youth.
2. Informed by your answer in 1, respond with appropriate pastoral sensitivity to Ella Alfonso, Joanna and Ryan, making certain that you address the suggestion made by each
of them.
- 193 -
The Book of Order states:
"Worship and Sacraments. This examination shall assess the candidate's understanding of the meaning and purpose of corporate worship and the Sacraments, familiarity with the
Directory for Worship and the Book of Confessions, and their application to the life of worshiping communities." G-14.0310d( 4)
******************************************************************************
Questions on this examination will deal with both WORSHIP AND SACRAMENTS. You will be expected to:
1. Demonstrate your knowledge of the Directory for Worship and how to apply this knowledge in specific contexts for ministry.
2. Demonstrate your ability to illustrate the connection between particular worship practices and the theological heritage of the Reformed tradition as expressed in
the Book of Confession.
3. Demonstrate a clear theological understanding of the relationship between the Church's worship and its ministry and mission in the world.
4. Demonstrate your ability to work with individuals or groups involved in given situations with sensitivity to their needs, while also expressing the spirit of the
constitutional standards.
In writing your answers, bear in mind that presbyteries elect elders as well as ministers of Word and Sacrament to serve as graders. Examinations should be written in jargon-free language.
Technical language shall be used only where the task requires it or where it is appropriate.
- 194 -
Section III deals with Application to Ministry. There are two options. Select one option. It is scheduled to be written in one hour. No books or resources shall be used.
Identify every answer by the letter and number assigned to it (e. g., I... 1. or III. A. 1.).
USE THE DIRECTORY FOR WORSHIP AS FOUND IN THE 1996-97 BOOK OF ORDER IN YOUR PREPARATION. IT MAY NOT BE USED DURING THE
EXAMINATION.
A CLEAN, UNMARKED COPY OF THE BOOK OF CONFESSIONS MAY BE USED AS A RESOURCE ONLY DURING SECTION I OF THE EXAMINATION. NO OTHER BOOKS
ARE ALLOWED.
Submit all answers in your own handwriting in ink; or type the answers if you prefer. Memory typewriters, word processors, or computers shall NOT be used. You may make corrections,
deletions or additions without rewriting or erasing.
If you type or print out the examination, staple it to the first few pages of the examination booklet, not to the front cover.
Be advised that illegible papers will be returned ungraded. Papers that cannot be understood by readers because of poor syntax and/ or grammar will be graded accordingly. Papers written in
pencil will not be graded.
The final grade for this examination will be the average of grades received on all three questions with rounding up or down shall be determined by the readers on the basis of the examination's
overall merit.
You must complete all three sections of the examination -even if those two sections merit a superior score -the examination will fail. The examination must receive a grade of three or
higher on at least TWO of the three questions to be considered satisfactory.
- 195 -
ONE HOUR OPEN BOOK REQUIRED (BOOK OF CONFESSIONS ONLY)
You are greeting people following worship on Sunday morning. John, a member of the congregation, says to you, "Pastor, I really enjoy coming to church. There's just one part of the
service that upsets me – the Prayer of Confession. I want to feel uplifted when I come to church, but that prayer makes me feel bad. Why do we need it?"
REQUIRED RESPONSES:
A. Citing by number at least four (4) specific passages from the Book of Confessions, (e. g., 0.000) and being guided by your knowledge of the provisions of the Directory for
Worship, discuss a Reformed understanding of sin, forgiveness and renewal of life.
B. Informed by your answer to A, respond to John's question, specifically addressing the significance of the confession of sin in worship.
NOTE: Section I must be completed in one hour. When you complete Section I, give your copy of the Book of Confessions to the proctor, who will give you
Sections II and III of the examination.
- 196 -
THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
UPON COMPLETING SECTION I
TURN IN YOUR BOOK OF CONFESSIONS
THE PROCTOR WILL GIVE YOU SECTION II AND III.
- 197 -
ONE HOUR CLOSED BOOK REQUIRED
The congregation you serve as pastor has been celebrating the Lord's Supper once each quarter. The session is considering an increase in the number of times this Sacrament is celebrated. In
the session's discussion, the following comments are made:
Ruth Ann: I'm against having communion more often. I usually skip church on Communion Sundays, because it's too morbid for me.
Isaac: Look, some people really like communion, and we ought to meet their needs, too. The pastor could consecrate the elements immediately after the 11 o'clock
service. People could come and take communion anytime on Sunday afternoon.
Carlos: Why don't we have two services? The first service would always have communion. The second service would never have it. That way everybody
would be happy.
REQUIRED RESPONSES:
Guided by your knowledge of the provisions of the Directory for Worship:
A. Articulate a Reformed understanding of the practice of the Lord's Supper within the worship life of the church.
B. Informed by your answer in 1, respond to the comments of Ruth Ann, Isaac, and Carlos.
- 198 -
Tom: Whenever there is a divorce, sooner or later one party feels compelled to leave the congregation. We don't want that to happen.
Paula: We were wondering if, when the divorce is final, there could be some kind of worship service which helps everyone deal with the fact that we were unable to
keep our marriage vows.
REQUIRED RESPONSES:
Guided by your knowledge of the provisions of the Directory for Worship:
1. Discuss the purpose of "Services of Acceptance and Reconciliation."
2. Informed by your answer in 1, list the elements appropriate for a "Service of Acceptance and Reconciliation," and describe how they would address the concerns of Tom and
Paula.
-OR-
- 199 -
Louise: I was taught that everyone is welcome at church. The only way for them to learn How to worship is to participate with us.
Juan: This is a good opportunity for us to do mission. We can hold special worship Services just for them.
Sang Var: Is there some way we can get to know them better so that everyone will feel more Comfortable worshiping together?
REQUIRED RESPONSES:
Guided by your knowledge of the provisions of the Directory for Worship:
1. Discuss how the church's worship is related to its ministry in the world.
2. Informed by your answer in 1 and demonstrating appropriate pastoral sensitivity, respond to the specific comments made by Clarence, Louise, Juan and Sang Var.
- 200 -
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
The Book of Order states:
"Worship and Sacraments. This examination shall assess the candidate's understanding of the meaning and purpose of corporate worship and the Sacraments, familiarity with the
Directory for Worship and the Book of Confessions, and their application to the life of worshiping communities." G-14.0310d( 4)
******************************************************************************
Questions on this examination will deal with both WORSHIP AND SACRAMENTS. You will be expected to:
1. Demonstrate your knowledge of the Directory for Worship and how to apply this knowledge in specific contexts for ministry.
2. Demonstrate your ability to illustrate the connection between particular worship practices and the theological heritage of the Reformed tradition as expressed in
the Book of Confession.
3. Demonstrate a clear theological understanding of the relationship between the Church's worship and its ministry and mission in the world.
4. Demonstrate your ability to work with individuals or groups involved in given situations with sensitivity to their needs, while also expressing the spirit of the
constitutional standards.
In writing your answers, bear in mind that presbyteries elect elders as well as ministers of Word and Sacrament to serve as graders. Examinations should be written in jargon-free language.
Technical language shall be used only where the task requires it or where it is appropriate.
- 201 -
Section III deals with Application to Ministry. There are two options. Select one option. It is scheduled to be written in one hour. No books or resources shall be used.
Identify every answer by the letter and number assigned to it (e. g., I... 1. or III. A. 1.).
USE THE DIRECTORY FOR WORSHIP AS FOUND IN THE 1997-98 BOOK OF ORDER IN YOUR PREPARATION. IT MAY NOT BE USED DURING THE
EXAMINATION.
A CLEAN, UNMARKED COPY OF THE BOOK OF CONFESSIONS MAY BE USED AS A RESOURCE ONLY DURING SECTION I OF THE EXAMINATION. NO OTHER BOOKS
ARE ALLOWED.
Submit all answers in your own handwriting in ink; or type the answers if you prefer. Memory typewriters, word processors, or computers shall NOT be used. You may make corrections,
deletions or additions without rewriting or erasing.
If you type or print out the examination, staple it to the first few pages of the examination booklet, not to the front cover.
Be advised that illegible papers will be returned ungraded. Papers that cannot be understood by readers because of poor syntax and/ or grammar will be graded accordingly. Papers written in
pencil will not be graded.
The final grade for this examination will be the average of grades received on all three questions with rounding up or down shall be determined by the readers on the basis of the examination's
overall merit.
You must complete all three sections of the examination -even if those two sections merit a superior score -the examination will fail. The examination must receive a grade of three or
higher on at least TWO of the three questions to be considered satisfactory.
- 202 -
You are conducting a class for new elders. You are discussing the Scots Confession, a portion of which reads as follows:
" … The notes of the true Kirk, therefore, we believe, confess, and avow to be: first, the true preaching of the Word of God, in which God has revealed himself to us, as
the writings of the prophets and apostles declare; secondly, the right administration of the sacraments of Christ Jesus, with which must be associated the Word and
promise of God to seal and confirm them in our hearts; and lastly, ecclesiastical discipline uprightly ministered, as God's Word prescribes, whereby vice is repressed and
virtue nourished..." (Book of Confessions 3.18) [emphasis added]
One elder asks, "The pastor who baptized my daughter, Ellen, was dismissed from the ministry for misconduct. Is my daughter's baptism valid?"
REQUIRED RESPONSES:
1. Citing by number (e. g., 0.000) passages from at least four (4) documents of the Book of Confessions and being guided by your knowledge of the provisions of the Directory for
Worship, articulate a Reformed understanding of the Sacrament of Baptism and its "right administration."
2. Informed by your answer in 1, address the elder's question.
NOTE: Section I must be completed in one hour. When you complete Section I, give your copy of the Book of Confessions to the proctor, who will give you (pp. 5-
7). Sections II and III of the examination.
- 203 -
THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK.
UPON COMPLETING SECTION I
TURN IN YOUR BOOK OF CONFESSIONS
THE PROCTOR WILL GIVE YOU SECTION II AND III.
- 204 -
ONE HOUR CLOSED ROOK REQUIRED
Mario, the moderator of the evangelism committee sends a letter to you, the pastor. The letter contains a recommendation from that committee to the session to add a second service each
Sunday. Unlike the regular order for congregational worship, the proposed new service would be focused on the needs of seekers, i. e., those who do not find traditional worship meaningful.
According to the letter, the new service would differ from the more traditional service in the following specific ways:
1. The service would take place in the evening rather than in the morning, and would be held in the fellowship hall rather than in the sanctuary.
2. The music for the worship service would be drawn from the works of contemporary Christian rock artists.
3. The sacraments would never be celebrated at this service. 4. An offering would be taken, but visitors would be told that they were not supposed to
contribute. 5. A sermon based on biblical themes would be a regular part of the service, but there would
be no reading of passages from either the Old or the New Testaments.
Knowing how committed you are to evangelism, Mario ends the letter with a request that you support the committee's recommendation at the upcoming session meeting.
REQUIRED RESPONSE:
Guided by your knowledge of the provisions of the Directory for Worship:
Identify and discuss at least one (1) theological issue, important to a Reformed understanding of corporate worship, raised by each of the committee's five (5) proposals, noting your reasons for
supporting or not supporting each of them.
- 205 -
You are a new member of your presbytery's Committee on Preparation for Ministry. Part of your responsibility is to serve as a contact person with those preparing for ordination as ministers
of the Word and Sacrament. You are assigned to work with Josiah, an inquirer who is a first-year seminary student. In the course of your conversations, you ask Josiah what led him to
seminary. He replies:
Three years ago my life was out of control. I had become a compulsive gambler. My wife left me and took our two children. I was in trouble at work and could not pay my
bills. If anything could go wrong, it did. What saved me was my local congregation. The session intervened. The elders helped me with financial planning so I could get out
of debt, and they got me involved with Gamblers Anonymous. The pastor of one of the deacons visited with me nearly every day. They just loved me through it. I made a
promise that, if God would get me through this, I would spend my life in God's service. That is why I came to seminary.
REQUIRED RESPONSES:
Guided by your knowledge of the provisions of the Directory for Worship:
1. Identify and discuss at least three (3) issues related to Christian vocation raised by Josiah's reply to your question.
2. W-5.6003 reads, "God hallows daily life, and daily life provides opportunity for holy living. As Christians honor and serve God in daily life, they worship God. For
Christians, work and worship cannot be separated." In light of this citation and informed by your answer in response 1, discuss the adequacy of Josiah's understanding
of Christian vocation.
-OR-
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A group of members from the church you serve as pastor is interested in conducting prayer services for the healing of the sick. You meet with them to hear their ideas and help them plan.
During the discussion the following remarks are made:
Richard: I think if we prayed hard enough, we could heal some of our members.
Elaine: The service would be more meaningful if we invited only those who are ill, their families, and those who want to pray for them.
Aldous: Would anointing with oil make the prayers more effective?
Consuela: We know you are busy, Pastor, so we will do this ourselves and save you some time.
REQUIRED RESPONSES:
Guided by your knowledge of the provisions of the Directory for Worship:
1. Discuss the meaning and ordering of "Services for Wholeness."
2. Informed by your answer in 1 and demonstrating appropriate pastoral sensitivity, respond to Richard, Elaine, Aldous and Consuela, addressing their specific questions or concerns.
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The Book of Order states:
"Worship and Sacraments. This examination shall assess the candidate's understanding of the meaning and purpose of corporate worship and the Sacraments, familiarity with the
Directory for Worship and the Book of Confessions, and their application to the life of worshiping communities." G-14.0310d( 4)
******************************************************************************
Questions on this examination will deal with both WORSHIP AND SACRAMENTS. You will be expected to:
1. Demonstrate your knowledge of the Directory for Worship and how to apply this knowledge in specific contexts for ministry.
2. Demonstrate your ability to illustrate the connection between particular worship practices and the theological heritage of the Reformed tradition as expressed in
the Book of Confession.
3. Demonstrate a clear theological understanding of the relationship between the Church's worship and its ministry and mission in the world.
4. Demonstrate your ability to work with individuals or groups involved in given situations with sensitivity to their needs, while also expressing the spirit of the
constitutional standards.
In writing your answers, bear in mind that presbyteries elect elders as well as ministers of Word and Sacrament to serve as graders. Examinations should be written in jargon-free language.
Technical language shall be used only where the task requires it or where it is appropriate.
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Section III deals with Application to Ministry. There are two options. Select one option. It is scheduled to be written in one hour. No books or resources shall be used.
Identify every answer by the letter and number assigned to it (e. g., I... 1. or III. A. 1.).
USE THE DIRECTORY FOR WORSHIP AS FOUND IN THE 1995-96 BOOK OF ORDER IN YOUR PREPARATION. IT MAY NOT BE USED DURING THE
EXAMINATION.
A CLEAN, UNMARKED COPY OF THE BOOK OF CONFESSIONS MAY BE USED AS A RESOURCE ONLY DURING SECTION I OF THE EXAMINATION. NO OTHER BOOKS
ARE ALLOWED.
Submit all answers in your own handwriting in ink; or type the answers if you prefer. Memory typewriters, word processors, or computers shall NOT be used. You may make corrections,
deletions or additions without rewriting or erasing.
If you type or print out the examination, staple it to the first few pages of the examination booklet, not to the front cover.
Be advised that illegible papers will be returned ungraded. Papers that cannot be understood by readers because of poor syntax and/ or grammar will be graded accordingly. Papers written in
pencil will not be graded.
The final grade for this examination will be the average of grades received on all three questions with rounding up or down shall be determined by the readers on the basis of the examination's
overall merit.
You must complete all three sections of the examination -even if those two sections merit a superior score -the examination will fail. The examination must receive a grade of three or
higher on at least TWO of the three questions to be considered satisfactory.
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ONE HOUR OPEN BOOK REQUIRED (BOOK OF CONFESSIONS ONLY)
As a seminary student, you regularly attend Wednesday evening worship services at First Presbyterian Church. One Wednesday, the pastor preaches a sermon on reaffirming the
commitments made at Baptism. Following the sermon, people come forward to be sprinkled with water and to reaffirm their baptismal vows. Following the service, you overhear the
remark, "That service of re-baptism was really meaningful to me."
REQUIRED RESPONSES
A. Citing by number at least five (5) specific passages (e. g., 0.000) from the Book of Confessions, and being guided by your knowledge of the Directory for Worship,
articulate a Reformed theological understanding of the relationship between the doctrine of sanctification and the Sacrament of Baptism.
B. Informed by your answer in A, describe the difference between reaffirmation of baptismal vows and re-baptism.
NOTE: Section I must be completed in one hour. When you complete Section I, give your copy of the Book of Confessions to the proctor, who will then give you
Sections II and III of the examination.
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ONE HOUR CLOSED BOOK REQUIRED
You are serving as interim pastor of a congregation. While you are leading the Session in a study of the elements of Reformed worship, several elders comment on the offering and its place in
worship.
Libby: Collecting money during worship is probably necessary, but let's get it over with early in the service. That way, the important parts of worship won't be ruined.
Bud: When I lost my job a few years ago, I had nothing to give. I felt so guilty about not paying my pledge that I almost quit coming to church.
Joanna: Why doesn't the church just send a bill each month and let people pay by mail?
LaShonda: It seems to me that the offering is very worshipful because it serves God's purposes in the world.
REQUIRED RESPONSES:
Guided by your knowledge of the provisions of the Directory for Worship:
A. Identify and discuss at least one (1) issue raised by each elder which is important to a Reformed understanding of the place of "self-offering" in worship.
B. Informed by your answer in A, write a brief article for the church newsletter in which you discuss:
1. The importance of "self-offering" as an element of Reformed worship; and
2. The ways in which "self-offering" may be expressed in worship.
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A.
Rosita, a member of the congregation you serve as pastor, has suffered a miscarriage in the fifth month of her pregnancy. You go to visit Rosita and her husband Michael. Obviously grieving
their loss, they request that you conduct a special service for their child.
REQUIRED RESPONSES:
Guided by your knowledge of the provisions of the Directory for Worship:
1. Discuss the following:
a. The relationship between worship and the church's ministry of pastoral care; and
b. The resources that worship provides for pastoral care.
2. Informed by your answer in 1, respond to Rosita and Michael, making certain that you address their specific request.
-OR-
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Rita: At our age, you don't fool around. We want to be married immediately--next Sunday.
Leonard: We don't want to make a spectacle of ourselves. Therefore, we want a private ceremony in my home.
Rita: We don't need any counseling or special meetings. After all, we've each been married previously and we've known each other for years as best friends.
REOUIRED RESPONSES:
Guided by your knowledge of the provisions of the Directory for Worship:
1. Identify and discuss at least four (4) issues concerning Christian marriage raised by the remarks of Rita and Leonard.
2. Informed by your answer in 1, respond to Rita and Leonard, making certain that you address their specific concerns.
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2. TECHNOLOGY. Word processors, computers, or memory typewriters may be used to produce this examination. Examinations may also be handwritten in ink. Papers written in pencil will not be
graded. 3. FORM. Papers that cannot be understood because of illegibility or poor grammar/ syntax will be
returned ungraded. 4. HONESTY. Candidates are expected to do own work, without giving or receiving aid from anyone
after the passages are announced. The exam will not be proctored. 5. IMPORTANT DATES. The books from which the passages are drawn will be announced on 23
JANUARY 2004. The specific passages will be announced, and the exam questions distributed on SATURDAY. 21 FEBRUARY 2004. The completed examination is due on THURSDAY. 26
FEBRUARY 2004 AT 9: 00 a. m. The time of submission will be strictly observed.
ASSIGNMENT OF PASSAGE
You will be given a choice of a selected passage from:
ISAIAH 40: 1-11 OR JOHN 20: 1-18
Your proctor will inform you of the specific passages on 21 FEBRUARY 2004.
Your examination is due to your proctor at 9: 00 a. m., 26 FEBRURARY 2004 .
SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS
1. To assist the readers of your examination in understanding your intentions, number or letter your answers in a manner consistent with the examination questions. Please double-space your answers to
Sections I and ll.
2. You are not required to provide a translation of your own for the passage under examination. When translation of a specific word or phrase is significant for interpretation, use and justify your own or any
other translation of that particular word or phrase.
3. You will be expected to demonstrate a working knowledge of Hebrew or Greek for the satisfactory completion of this exam. In choosing which questions on the examination to answer, also in
formulating your answers to any and all questions, remember that your readers will be looking for your demonstration of facility with the original language of the text.
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7. In order to maintain the anonymity of the writer so as to insure the integrity of the ordination exam process, an examination that contains any of the following will be returned ungraded:
-the name of the person writing the exam -the educational institution or congregation where the writer studies or worships
-the names of professors with whom the writer has studied, except as they may appropriately appear in citations or bibliography
-references to having taken the exam previously.
REQUIRED PARTS OF A SATISFACTORY EXAMINATION The following sections are required parts of a satisfactory examination. Failure to complete any of these
sections will result in the failure of the examination as a whole. Specific questions in each of the categories of Section I will be provided when the passages are announced.
Section I: Exegetical Study and Responses to Exegetical Questions After studying the passage, choose six (6) of the exegetical questions provided. Choose at least one from
each of the categories below. At least one (1) question from each category (A, B, C, and D) must be answered for the paper to pass.
A. The language of the text --text-critical issues, translation, syntax, and word use
B. Literary issues --the passage's boundaries, structure and composition, literary context, and genre
C. Principal contents and theology --principal motifs, themes, and ideas developed in the passage
D. History of composition and interpretation. --the passage's historical/ sociological setting, redaction history, and its subsequent
interpretation by communities of faith. To assist the readers of your examination, clearly label this portion as Section I and identify each response
by letter and number. Limit your answer to each question to 600 words.
Section II: Exegetical Focus Based on your exegetical work, state what you consider to be the principal meaning of the passage. Limit
your statement to 100 words.
Section III: Application Based on your understanding of the principal meaning of the passage as indicated in your exegetical focus
statement, develop a sermon outline or lesson plan for this passage. Include a brief description of the context in which this sermon or lesson would be used. Limit your outline or lesson plan to 2 pages
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~yIl; p. Ki in this context.
2. Discuss issues of text and translation posed by the following two renderings of Isaiah 40: 6a:
Translation A: A voice says, "Cry out!" And I said, "What shall I cry?" Translation B: A voice rings out: "Proclaim!" Another asks, "What shall I proclaim?"
3. In view of the following variant translations, discuss the contextual syntax and sense
of the Hebrew expressions !AYci tr, F, b; m. and ~l'v'Wry> tr, F, b; m. in Isaiah 40: 9:
Translation A: On a high mountain get you up, O heralds of good news to Zion! Lift up your voice with strength, O heralds of good news to Jerusalem!
Translation B: Get you up to a high mountain, O Zion, herald of good tidings, lift up your voice with strength, O Jerusalem, herald of good tidings.
B. Literary Issues
1. Does Isaiah 40: 1-11 form a coherent and complete literary unit (pericope)? Why or why not? Comment on the setting and general significance of the passage in the larger
context of the book of Isaiah.
2. Comment on the rhetorical structure of these verses, giving particular attention to identifications of the speakers and the parties addressed.
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2. What do these verses tell us about the identity, character, and purposes of the one who is initially called "your God" (v. 1)?
D. History of Composition and Interpretation
1. Discuss the literary genre and function of Isaiah 40: 1-11 in comparison with the prophetical commissioning reports in Isaiah 6 and Jeremiah 1.
2. Discuss the interpretive uses of Isaiah 40: 1-11 in Luke 3: 1-6, John 1: 19-23, and 1 Peter 1: 22-25.
Section II: Exegetical Focus
Based on your exegetical work, state what you consider to be the principal meaning of the passage. Limit your statement to 100 words.
Section III: Application
Based on your understanding of the principal meaning of the passage as indicated in your exegetical focus statement, develop a sermon outline or lesson plan for this passage. Include a
brief description of the context in which this sermon or lesson would be used. Limit your outline or lesson plan to 2 pages.
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2. Translate the Greek text of John 20: 17. Parse the form a[ ptou. Discuss the
following options for translating the phrase mh,, mou a[ ptou in verse 17. Which
of these do you consider best in this context? Why? Translation A: "touch me not"
Translation B: "do not hold on to me" Translation C: "stop clinging to me"
B. Literary Issues
1. Discuss whether or not John 20: 1-18 forms a single and coherent literary unit (pericope), commenting on the boundaries and narrative structure of these verses.
2. John 20: 1-18 is part of a larger complex of post-crucifixion narratives beginning in John 19: 38 and concluding in John 20: 29. How does this larger context influence the
interpretation of John 20: 1-18?
C. Principal Contents and Theology
1. Discuss the sense and significance of the phrase skoti, aj eti in verse 1 against the background of the imagery of light and dark in the gospel of John.
2. In comparison with the language of seeing and believing in John 20: 24-29, discuss what the other disciple "saw and believed" in 20: 8.
3. Compare Mary Magdalene's response to the resurrection of Jesus in John 20: 1-18 to that of the other disciples in this passage.
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When Magdalene sees Jesus, she thinks that he has returned as he promised and now will stay with her and his other followers, resuming normal
relationships. He had said, "I shall see you again, and your hearts will rejoice with a joy that no one can take :from you" (xiv 22). Magdalene is trying to
hold onto the source of her joy, since she mistakes an appearance of the risen Jesus for his permanent presence with his disciples. In telling her not to hold
onto him, Jesus indicates that his permanent presence is not by way of an appearance, but by way of the gift of the Spirit that can come only after he has
ascended to the Father (Raymond E. Brown, The Gospel According to John: XIII-XXI. Anchor Bible, vol 29a. Garden City: Doubleday, 1970, p. l012).
In view of your study of John 20: 1-18, do you agree with Brown? Why or why not?
2. Discuss the particular emphases of John 20: 1-18 in comparison with the post-resurrection appearance narratives in the Synoptic gospels.
Section II: Exegetical Focus
Based on your exegetical work, state what you consider to be the principal meaning of the passage. Limit your statement to 100 words.
Section III: Application
Based on your understanding of the principal meaning of the passage as indicated in your exegetical focus statement, develop a sermon outline or lesson plan for this passage. Include a
brief description of the context in which this sermon or lesson would be used. Limit your outline or lesson plan to 2 pages.
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"The candidate shall have access to any or all of the following: Hebrew and Greek texts, translations, commentaries, and other exegetical tools, including those
which presuppose knowledge of the biblical languages. Using these, he or she will be asked to state the meaning of the passage, show how hear she arrived at this interpretation, and suggest
how this passage might be used in the contemporary life of the church." [G-14.0310d( 1)]
1. mENTIFICAllON NUMBER. Write your identification number (not your name) at the top of
each page of the exam. 2. TECHNOLOGY. Word processors, computers, or memory typewriters may be used to produce
this examination.. Examinations may also be handwritten in ink. Papers written in pencil will not
be graded. . 3. FORi"\ II. Papers that cannot be understood because of illegibility or poor grammar/ syntax will be
returned ungraded. 4. HONESTY. Candidates are expected to do own work, without giving or receiving aid frQm
anyone after the passages are announced. The exam will not be proctored. 5. IMPORTA1~ DATES. The books from which the passages are drawn will be announced on ~
AUGUS! 2003. The specific passages will be announced, and the exam questions distributed on SATURDAY, 20 SEPTEMBER ~003. The completed examination is due on THURSDAY,~
SEPTEMBER 2003 AT 9: 00 a. m. The time of submission will be strictly observed.
ASSIGNMENT OF PASSAGE
You will be given a choice of a selected passage from:
ES'fHER 4: 1-17 or 2 CORINTHIANS 4: 7-15
Your proctor will inform you of the specific passages on 20 SEPTEMBER 2003".
Your examination is due to your proctor at 9: 00 a. m., 25 SEPTEMBER 2003.
SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS
To assist the readers of your examination in Wlderstanding your intentions, number or letter your
answers in a manner consistent with the examination questions. Please double-space your
answers to Sections I and II.
You are not required to provide a translation of your own for the passage under examination.
When translation of a specific word or phrase is significant for interpretation, use and justify your
own or any other translation of that particular word or phrase.
2.
3. You will be expected to demonstr'ate a working knowledge of Hebrew or Greek for the satisfactory completion of this exam. In choosing which questions on the examination to answer,
and in formulating your answers to any and all questions, remember that your readers will be
looking for your demonstration of facility with the origlnallanguage of the text.
- 221 -
4: You are expected to provide original answers to the exam questions. When using written material
from other sources, the author, title, and page number must be identified. Electronic sources, either software or on-line, must also be identified. You may use parenthetical citations within the
text of your answers, endnotes, or footnotes.
5. Include a bibliography of consulted works,
6. Readers will be looking for logical organization and consistency within the examination. The
exam will be graded as a writ and not in parts.
7. In order to maintain the anon~ ity of the writer so as to insure the integrity of the ordination
exam process, an examination that contains any of the following will be returned ungraded: -the name of the person writing the exam
-the educationw institution or congregation where the writer studies or worships -the names of professors with whom the writer has studied, except as they may
appropriat~ iy app~ ar In ~itations or bibliography -referenc~ s to having taken the exam previously.
REQUIRED PARTS OF A SATISFACTORY EXAMINATION The following sections are required parts of a satisfactory examination. Failure to complete any of these
sections will result in the failure of the examination as a whole. Specific questions in each of the categories of Section I will be provided when the passages are announced.
Section I: Exegetical Study and Responses to Exegetical Questions After Studyjng the passage, choose ~ (6) of the exegetical questions provided. Choose at least one from
each of the categories below. At least one (1) question from each category (A. B, C, and D) must be answered for the paper to pass.
A. The language of the text
--text-critical issues, 1rans1ation, syntax, and word use B. Literary issues
--the passage's boundaries, structure and composition, literary context, and genre
C. Principal contents and theology
--principal motifs, themes, and ideas developed in the passage D. History of composition and interpretation.
--the passage's historical/ sociological setting, redaction
history, and its subsequent interpretation by comm\ n1ities of faith. To assist the readers of your examination, clearly label this portion as Section I and identify each response
by letter and number. Limit your answer to each question to 600 words.
Section ll: Exegetical Focus Based on your exegetical work, state what you consider to be the principal meaning of the passage. Limit
your statement to 100 wordy;.
Section ill: Application Based on your understanding of the principal meaning of the passage as indicated in your exegetical focus
statement, develop a sennon outline or lesson plan for this passage. Include a brief description of the context in which this sennon or lesson would be used. Limit your outline or lesson plan to 2 pages
- 222 -
Esther 4: 1-17 OR 2 Corinthians 4: 7-15
Esther 4: 1-17
Section I: Exegetical Study and Response to Exegetical Questions
Study Esther 4: 1-17. On the basis of your study, answer any §i! (6) of the following questions,
be~ g sure that you have chosen at least one question from each of the categories. A. B. C. D.
Limit your answer to each question to 600 words.
A. The Language of the Text
Translate the Hebrew text of Esther 4: 13. DisC1; 1SS the sense and synta. '"{ of Mordecai's
words: ;C"! 'i!~ iJ-L; f~ l?~ iJ-n"~ ~7~ ry? It; j~~ '.? "~ JI; 1-L;~
2 Translate the Hebrew text of Esther 4: 14. Discuss the sense and syntax of Esther
4: 14b (cited below). Consider also the options for translating the tenn ni': '7~ as it is
used elsewhere in the book of Esther, and explain why you have chosen to render it as
you have in this context: ni': '7~? I; 1lJ~ iJ n~ r~ n¥ 7-c~ lJji" "~ i
B. Literary Issues
Discuss the significance of the motif of clothing in this chapter and in the book of
Esther as a whole.
1
How does this passage use dialogue to show the development of Esther's character? 2
3. How do allusions to royal edicts and laws function in this chapter and shape the larger
plot of the book?
C. Principal Contents and Theology
Discuss the issue ofhiddenness and disclosure of Jewish etbnicity in this chapter in
particular and in the book of Esther in general. 1
2. In view the lack of direct reference to God'in the book of Esther, discuss the possible theological and/ or ethical dimensions of Mordecai's words in verse 14 and of Esther's
reply in verse 16.
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Page 4 of 6
D. History of Composition and Interpretation
In the Greek version of Esther, six major additions appear. Chapter 4 is immediately
followed by a lengthy section in which both Mordecai and Esther pray before Esther
approaches the king. Mordecai says:
I did this so that I might not set hUman glory above the glory of God, and I
will not bow down to anyone but you, who are my Lord; and I will not do
these things in pride. (Addition C, verse 14)
Esther says:
You know that I hat, e the splendor of the wicked and abhor the bed of the
uncircumcised and of any alien. You know my necessity-that I abhor the
sign of my proud position, which is upon my head on days when I appear
in public. ... And your servant has not eaten at Haman's table, and I have
not honored the king's feast or drunk the wine of libations. Your servant.
has had no joy since the day I was brought here until now, except in you,
0 Lord GOd of Abraham. 0 God, whose might is over all, hear the voice
offue despairing, and save us from the hands of evildoers. And save me
from my fear! (Addition C, verses 15-19)
How does the inclusion of such a section in the Greek version of Esther affect the interpretation of the events of chapter 4 in particular and the story of Esther as a
whole?
Comment on African-American Yvonne Delk's observations about Esther as she is
introduced in Esther 2-4:
2.
The denial and loss of memory had effectively silenced her. .. Her ability to name
evil had been clouded by the material comfort that now defined her existence.
You can't speak too loudly when you buy into the institutions that control and
manipulate you. ... And yet, she was placed in the king's house for just such a
time as this.
Section ll: Exegetical Focus Based on your exegetical work, state what you consider to be the principal meaning of the
passage. Limit your statement to 100 words.
Section ill: Application Based on your understanding of the principal meaning of the passage as indicated in your
exegetical focus statement, develop a se~ on outline or lesson plan for this passage. Include a
brief description of the context in which this sennon or lesson would be used. Limit your outline
or lesson plan to 2 pages.
- 224 -
Page5 of 6
2 Corinthians 4: 7-15
SectionI: ExegeticalStudy and Response to ExegeticalQuestions
Study2 Corinthians4: 7-15. Onthebasisof your study,answerany~ (6)of thefollowing
questions,beingsurethat youhavechosenat leastonequestionfrom each of thecategories A. B.
~. Limit your answer to each question to 600 words
A. The Languageoftbe Text
1. Translate the Greek text of 2 Corinthians 4: 7. Consider the options for translating
iJiTEp~ A.~!ft<; 6uv6.~ EW<;. Where else does Paul use iJiTEP~ OA.~ ? How do other contexts
in which he uses the word help you to understand 2 Corinthians 4: 7?
2. Translate the Greek text of2 Corinthians 4: 10. What doesthe phraseVEKpwaLV -rou
1" aou in verse 10 mean? In what other contextsdoesPaul useVEKPWOL!; and its
cognates?How do you understandthe relationship between vEKpwaLI; ande& va. 't'O!;?
3. Discuss the quotation from the Septuagintcited by Paul in 2 Corinthians 4: 13,
comparing the Greek text of the psalm (psalm 115: 1 in the Septuagint)to the Hebrew
version of Psalm 116: 1.
B. Literary Issues
Discusstheboundaries of thispassage. Within your answer,comment specificallyon 1
How doesthe immediate literary setting of this passagewithin 2 Corinthians
influence its interpretation?
2
C. Principal contentsand Theology
Discuss the function of the list of hardshipsin verses 8-9 in light of other suchlists in
the Pauline letters. According to Paul, what is the theological relationship between the
hardships of the apostlesand the deathof Jesus?
1
2. How doesPaul understandthe relationship between life and deathin verses10-l2?
Discuss the imagery of the "treasurein clayjars" in verse 7 andits implications for
Paul' sunderstanding of apostolic ministry.
3
whetherornot subsequent verses shouldbeincludedwithin theboundaries of the
passage.
- 225 -
Page 6 of6
D. History of Composition and Interpretation
1
How do contemporary critical scholars ti. '1derstand the history of composition of2
Corinthians? What impact might one's understanding of this history have on the
interpretation of 4: 7-151
2 Compare Paul's view of his own ministry in this passage with his views of other
people's ministries in such places as 2 Corinthians 2: 17 and 3: 1.
Section II: Exegetical Focus Based on your exegetical work, sta. te what you consider to be the principal meaning of the
passage. Limit your statement to 100 words.
Section ill: Application Based on your understanding of the principal meaning of the passage as indicated in your
exegetical focus statement, develop a sermon outline or lesson plan for this passage. Include a
brief description of the context in which this sermon or lesson would be used. Limit your outline
or lesson plan to 2 pages.
- 226 -
nderstand its historical situation." u
"The candidate shall have access to any or all of the following: Hebrew and Greek texts, translations, commentaries, and other exegetical tools, including those
which presuppose knowledge of the biblical languages. Using these, he or she will be asked to state the meaning of the passage, show how he or she arrived at this interpretation, and suggest
how this passage might be used in the contemporary life of the Church" [G-14.0310d( 1)].
1. IDENTIFICATION NUMBER. Write your identification number (not your name) at the top of each page of the exam, including your exegetical method page.
2. TECHNOLOGY. Word processors, computers, or memory typewriters may be used to produce this examination. Examinations may also be handwritten in ink. Papers written in pencil will not
be graded. 3. FORM. Papers that cannot be understood because of illegibility or poor grammar/ syntax will be
returned ungraded. 4. HONESTY. Candidates are expected to do their own work, without giving or receiving aid from
anyone after the passages are announced. The exam will not be proctored. 5. IMPORTANT DATES. The books from which the passages are drawn will be announced on 27
JANUARY 2003. The specific passages will be announced on SATURDAY, 22 FEBRUARY 2003. The completed examination is due on THURSDAY, 27 FEBRUARY 2003 at 9: 00 A. M.
The time of submission will be strictly observed.
A SSIGNMENT OF PASSAGE
Y ou will be given a choice of a selected passage from:
NUMBERS -OR -MATTHEW
Your proctor will inform you of the specific passages on 22 FEBRUARY 2003.
Your examination is due to your proctor at 9: 00 a. m., 27 FEBRUARY 2003.
SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS
1. To assist the readers of your examination in understanding your intentions, number or letter your answers in a manner consistent with the examination questions. Please double-space your
answers to Sections I and II.
2. You are not required to provide a translation of your own for the passage under examination. When translation of a specific word or phrase is significant for interpretation, use and justify your
own or any other translation of that particular word or phrase.
3. You will be expected to demonstrate a working knowledge of Hebrew or Greek for the satisfactory completion of this exam. In choosing which questions on the examination to answer,
and in formulating your answers to any and all questions, remember that your readers will be looking for your demonstration of facility with the original language of the text.
- 227 -
5. Readers will be looking for logical organization and consistency within the examination. The exam will be graded as a unit and not in parts.
6. In order to maintain the anonymity of the writer so as to insure the integrity of the ordination exam process, an examination that contains any of the following will be returned ungraded:
-the name of the person writing the exam -the educational institution or congregation where the writer studies or worships
-the names of professors with whom the writer has studied, except as they may appropriately appear in citations or bibliography
-references to having taken the exam previously.
REQUIRED PARTS OF A SATISFACTORY EXAMINATION The following sections are required parts of a satisfactory examination. Failure to complete any of these
sections will result in the failure of the examination as a whole. Specific questions in each of the categories f Section I will be provided when the passages are announced. o
Section I: Exegetical Study and Responses to Exegetical Questions After studying the passage, choose six of the exegetical questions provided. Choose at least one from each
of the four categories below. At least one question from each category (A, B, C, and D) must be answered for the paper to pass.
A. The language of the text --text-critical issues, translation, syntax, and word use
B. Literary issues
--the passage's boundaries, structure and composition, literary context, and genre C. Principal contents and theology
--principal motifs, themes, and ideas developed in the passage D. History of composition and interpretation.
--the passage's historical/ sociological setting, redaction history, and its subsequent interpretation by communities of faith.
To assist the readers of your examination, clearly label this portion as Section I and identify each response by letter and number. Limit your answer to each question to 600 words.
Section II: Exegetical Focus Based your exegetical work, state what you consider to be the principal meaning of the passage. Limit your
statement to 100 words.
Section III: Application Based on your understanding of the principal meaning of the passage as indicated in your exegetical focus
statement, develop a sermon outline or lesson plan for this passage. Include a brief description of the context in which this sermon or lesson would be used. Limit your outline or lesson plan to 2 pages.
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Numbers 11: 16-30 OR Matthew 25: 14-30
Numbers 11: 16-30
Section I: Exegetical Study and Response to Exegetical Questions
Study Numbers 11: 16-30. On the basis of your study, answer any six of the following questions. being sure that you have chosen at least one question from each of the four categories. Limit your
answer to each question to 600 words.
A. The Language of the Text
1. Discuss issues of text and translation posed by the following two renderings of Numbers 11: 25b:
Translation A: "when the spirit rested upon them, they prophesied, and did not cease."
Translation B: "when the spirit rested upon them, they prophesied. But they did not do so again."
2. Translate the Hebrew text of Numbers 11: 29 (or supply the modern translation you think is best and explain why). Discuss the Hebrew syntax
of the verse.
B. Literary Issues
1. Discuss the relationship of this passage to its immediate literary context. Is Numbers 11: 16-30 an appropriate pericope for exegesis? Why or why not?
2. Discuss the significance of the shifts in physical location of the story's events (between the "camp" and the "tent of meeting").
C. Principal Contents and Theology
1. According to this passage, how is the Lord's presence manifest to the community of Israel?
2. Discuss the character and significance of the relationships among Moses, Joshua, and the elders in this passage.
3. Discuss the question in verse 23 in relation to similar questions in other passages of the Bible concerning the limitations of God's power.
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2. The church has frequently associated this story with Pentecost. Discuss the relationship between Numbers 11: 16-30 and Acts 2: 1-21.
Section II: Exegetical Focus Based on your exegetical work, state what you consider to be the principal meaning of the
passage. Limit your statement to 100 words.
Section III: Application Based on your understanding of the principal meaning of the passage as indicated in your
exegetical focus statement, develop a sermon outline or lesson plan for this passage. Include a brief description of the context in which this sermon or lesson would be used.
Limit your outline or lesson plan to 2 pages.
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A. The Language of the Text
1. What is a ta, lanton? What else does one need to know about Greco-Roman economic and social structures in order to understand the
language of this pericope?
2. Identify and discuss the textual issues in verses 15 and 16. How do these textual variations reflect alternative interpretations of this
passage?
3. Translate verse 26 and discuss its syntax and imagery.
B. Literary Issues
1. Identify the literary genre of this pericope and explain what implications this genre has for your interpretation of the passage.
2. Compare this passage with the parallel in Luke. What is similar, and what is different? How does your comparison inform your
interpretation of this pericope in Matthew?
3. How does this pericope function within the context of Matthew 24-25?
C. Principal Contents and Theology
1. How does this pericope fit within the theological message of Matthew?
2. What are the principal topics and the message this passage tries to convey to its readers?
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So in computing success Jesus has His own revolutionary standards. The question is not, "How many talents have you
earned?" but rather, "How many, compared with the number entrusted to you?" The demand is not, "What treasure?" but
rather "What faithfulness?" Surely, the judgments of heaven are without a flaw! There is no pe nalty for poverty of endowment,
and no acclaim for excess of gifts.
Section II: Exegetical Focus Based on your exegetical work, state what you consider to be the principal meaning of
the passage. Limit your statement to 100 words.
Section III: Application Based on your understanding of the principal meaning of the passage as indicated in your
exegetical focus statement, develop a sermon outline or lesson plan for this passage. Include a brief description of the context in which this sermon or lesson would be used.
Limit your outline or lesson plan to 2 pages.
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ASSIGNMENT OF PASSAGE
You will be given a choice of a selected passage from:
1 SAMUEL -or -ROMANS
Your proctor will inform you of the specific passages on 21 SEPTEMBER 2002.
Your examination is due to your proctor at 9: 00 a. m., 26 SEPTEMBER 2002.
SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS
1. To assist the readers of your examination in understanding your intentions, number or letter your answers in a manner consistent with the examination questions. Please double-space your
answers to Sections I and II.
2. You are not required to provide a translation of your own for the passage under examination. When translation of a specific word or phrase is significant for interpretation, use and justify your
own or any other translation of that particular word or phrase.
3. You will be expected to demonstrate a working knowledge of Hebrew or Greek for the satisfactory completion of this exam. In choosing which questions on the examination to answer,
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5. Readers will be looking for logical organization and consistency within the examination. The exam will be graded as a unit and not in parts.
6. In order to maintain the anonymity of the writer so as to insure the integrity of the ordination exam process, an examination that contains any of the following will be
returned ungraded: -the name of the person writing the exam
-the educational institution or congregation where the writer studies or worships -the names of professors with whom the writer has studied, except as they may
appropriately appear in citations or bibliography -references to having taken the exam previously.
REQUIRED PARTS OF A SATISFACTORY EXAMINATION The following sections are required parts of a satisfactory examination. Failure to complete any
of these sections will result in the failure of the examination as a whole. Specific questions in each of the categories of Section I will be provided when the passages are announced.
Section I: Exegetical Study and Responses to Exegetical Questions After studying the passage, choose six of the exegetical questions provided. Choose at least one
from each of the four categories below. At least one question in each of the categories (A, B, C, and D) must be answered for the exam to pass.
A. The language of the text --text-critical issues, translation, syntax, and word use
B. Literary issues --the passage's boundaries, structure and composition, literary context, and genre
C. Principal contents and theology --principal motifs, themes, and ideas developed in the passage
D. History of composition and interpretation --the passage's historical/ sociological setting, redaction history, and its
subsequent interpretation by communities of faith. To assist the readers of your examination, clearly label this portion as Section I and identify each
response by letter and number. Limit your answer to each question to 600 words.
Section II: Exegetical Focus Based on your exegetical work, state what you consider to be the principal meaning of the
passage. Limit your statement to 100 words.
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SEPTEMBER 2002
OPEN BOOK EXAMINATION IN BIBLE EXEGESIS
PASSAGES FOR SEPTEMBER 2002
Page 3 of 6
1 Samuel 16: 1-13 OR Romans 4: 1-12
1 Samuel 16: 1-13
Section I: Exegetical Study and Response to Exegetical Questions
Study 1 Samuel 16: 1-13. On the basis of your study, answer any six of the following questions, being sure that you have chosen at least one question from each of the four categories. Limit
your answer to each question to 600 words.
A. The Language of the Text
1. Discuss the text-critical issues reflected in the difference between the following translations of the elders' question in verse 4. How might these
differences have arisen, which reading is preferable, and why? Translation A: "Is your visit peaceful, O seer?"
Translation B: "Do you come in peace?"
2. Discuss the use and significance of had in this passage.
3. Discuss the Hebrew syntax of the major clauses of the LORD's speech in verse 7.
B. Literary Issues
1. Discuss the boundaries of the passage. Within your answer, comment specifically on whether or not 1 Samuel 15: 34-35 should be included
within the boundaries of the passage.
2. Discuss the placement of this text in its context in 1 Samuel. How does the context influence the interpretation of the passage?
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2. Discuss the sense and significance of the following phrase for this passage and for 1-2 Samuel:
aWhh; ~wOYh; me rwIR""-la, hw" hy>-h; Wr hl; c. Tiw: (((( v. 13)
3. Discuss the ways in which this story evokes the biblical motif of God's selection of apparently unlikely candidates.
D. History of Composition and Interpretation
1. Briefly describe and compare the ways in which David is introduced in the following three passages: 1 Samuel 16: 1-13; 16: 14-24; 17: 1-58. How do
you understand the relationship among these portraits?
2. The Revised Common Lectionary associates 1 Samuel 16: 1-13 with John 9: 1-41 and Ephesians 5: 8-14 as the texts for the fourth Sunday in Lent,
Year A. What common themes do you see in these passages?
Section II: Exegetical Focus Based on your exegetical work, state what you consider to be the principal meaning of the
passage. Limit your statement to 100 words.
Section III: Application Based on your understanding of the principal meaning of the passage as indicated in your
exegetical focus statement, develop a sermon outline or lesson plan for this passage. Include a brief description of the context in which this sermon or lesson would be used. Limit your outline
or lesson plan to 2 pages.
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2. What is the literary context of this pericope? At what point in the overall argument does this passage come? Why does Paul talk about Abraham in
this particular stage of his argument?
3. In what ways is Paul's discussion of Abraham in Romans 4 like and unlike what he says about him in Galatians 3?
C. Principal Contents and Theology
1. What are the sense and significance of the terms peritomh, and avkrobusti, a as Paul uses them in this passage? How is his use shaped by
his religious heritage?
2. How does Paul understand the relationship between righteousness and circumcision in this passage? How does he interpret the Abraham stories
in Genesis to support this understanding?
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Section II: Exegetical Focus Based on your exegetical work, state what you consider to be the principal meaning of the
passage. Limit your statement to 100 words.
Section III: Application Based on your understanding of the principal meaning of the passage as indicated in your
exegetical focus statement, develop a sermon outline or lesson plan for this passage. Include a brief description of the context in which this sermon or lesson would be used. Limit your outline
or lesson plan to 2 pages.
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GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
1. IDENTIFICATION NUMBER. Write your identification number (not your name) at the top of each page of the exam, including your exegetical method page.
2. TECHNOLOGY. Word processors, computers, or memory typewriters may be used to produce this examination. Such exams must be double spaced. Examinations may also
be handwritten in ink. Papers written in pencil will not be graded.
3. LENGTH. The length of the paper describing the exegetical method shall not exceed 250 words. The length of the main body of the examination, including the sermon
outline or lesson plan, shall not exceed 3,750 words (excluding bibliography, and endnotes or footnotes if used). Papers which exceed the maximum length of 4,000 words
will be returned ungraded.
4. FORM. Papers which cannot be understood because of illegibility, poor syntax or grammar will be returned ungraded.
5. HONESTY. Candidates are expected to do their own work, not giving or receiving aid from anyone after the passages are announced. The exam will not be proctored.
6. IMPORTANT DATES. The books from which the passages are drawn will be announced on OCTOBER 15, 2001. The specific passages will be announced on
FEBRUARY 16, 2002. The examination paper is due on FEBRUARY 22 at 9: 00 A. M. The time of submission will be strictly observed.
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PROVERBS – OR -COLOSSIANS
Your proctor will inform you of the specific passages on FEBRUARY 16, 2002. Your examination is due to your proctor at 9: 00 a. m. FEBRUARY 22, 2002.
***** EXAMINATION
The following are required parts of a satisfactory examination: A. 1., A. 2., A. 3., and B. Each of these four parts should be clearly identified in the paper. The absence of
any of these parts will be considered grounds for the failure of the exam as a whole.
A. EXEGESIS AND INTERPRETATION.
1. EXEGETICAL METHOD. Prepare a brief description of an exegetical method, appropriate to the selected text, and staple it to the first page of the examination
book.
2. EXEGETICAL FINDINGS. Employing your stated method, write an exegesis that demonstrates competence in the areas required by the Book of Order [G-14.0310d(
l)]. You are encouraged to pay careful attention to the "Specific Instructions Regarding the Examination" on the following page (page 3 of 4).
3. EXEGETICAL FOCUS. Produce a clear, coherent statement of the principal meaning of the text, based on and consistent with your exegetical findings.
B. CONTEMPORARY APPLICATION
Provide a contemporary application in the form either of a sermon outline or of a lesson plan. In writing your contemporary application, briefly describe the situation and audience being
addressed. The application must be derived from and informed by the exegesis.
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1. To assist the readers of your examination, number or letter the various sections of your exegesis consistent with your one-page description of your exegetical method.
2. You need not provide a complete translation of your own in the examination booklet. When translation of a specific word or phrase is significant for interpretation, use and justify your own
or other translation.
3. You can demonstrate a working knowledge of Hebrew or Greek by such things as: -analysis of grammar and syntax -analysis of significant words or phrases
-parsing verb forms -discussion of text critical and translation issues A demonstration of a working knowledge of the language must also communicate the impact of
this information on the interpretation of the passage.
4. You are expected to provide an original exegesis and application. When using written material from other sources, author, title and page number must be identified. Electronic
sources, either software or on-line, must also be identified. You may use parenthetical citations within the text of the paper, endnotes, or footnotes.
5. Readers will be looking for logical organization and consistency within the examination as a whole. The examination will be graded as a unit and not in parts.
Concerning the Exegetical Process: Presbyteries' Cooperative Committee on Examinations recognizes that a variety of methods and
interpretative approaches are current in contemporary exegesis and are being taught in theological institutions. You may incorporate in your exegetical method one or more of these
approaches. The following questions have been identified by the Committee and by examination readers as basic to the exegetical process, although they are not equally applicable to all texts.
1. What are the boundaries of the passage? What is the relation of the passage to its larger literary context, particularly to the book in its final form?
2. Are there text-critical problems important for understanding the passage?
3. What are the prominent literary features of the text? Are there particular difficulties in translating any words and/ or phrases in the passage? What are the implications of these features
for an interpretation of the passage?
4. When, where, and by whom was the passage written? What degree of certainty is there regarding its authorship? What were the historical, sociological, and religious and/ or theological
settings in which it was written? How has the passage been used by other biblical writers?
5. How has the community of faith interpreted the passage? What theological and practical insights may be gained from the church's past understanding of this passage?
6. Is the application grounded in the exegesis and pertinent to the situation and audience described?
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In order to maintain the anonymity of the writer which ensures the integrity of the ordination examination process, an examination which contains any of the following
information will be returned ungraded.
1. The name of the person writing the examination.
2. The educational institution/ congregation where the writer works or attends.*
3. The names of professors with whom one has studied, except as they may appear in the bibliography or notes of the Biblical Exegesis Examination.
4. References to having taken the examination previously.
If any of these conditions are violated, the examination will be returned ungraded.
* When the examination requires you to address the question of context for ministry, (i. e., the Biblical Exegesis examination) use generic rather than
specific identifying characteristics: e. g., "small, rural church in the south" rather than "1st Presbyterian Church of Calvin, Arkansas."
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2. TECHNOLOGY. Word processors, computers, or memory typewriters may be used to produce this examination. Such exams must be double spaced. Examinations may also
be handwritten in ink. Papers written in pencil will not be graded.
3. LENGTH. The length of the paper describing the exegetical method shall not exceed 250 words. The length of the main body of the examination, including the sermon
outline or lesson plan, shall not exceed 3,750 words (excluding bibliography, and endnotes or footnotes if used). Papers which exceed the maximum length of 4,000 words
will be returned ungraded.
4. FORM. Papers which cannot be understood because of illegibility, poor syntax or grammar will be returned ungraded.
5. HONESTY. Candidates are expected to do their own work, not giving or receiving aid from anyone after the passages are announced. The exam will not be proctored.
6. IMPORTANT DATES. The books from which the passages are drawn will be announced on OCTOBER 15, 2000. The specific passages will be announced on
FEBRUARY 17, 2001. The examination paper is due on FEBRUARY 23 at 9: 00 A. M. The time of submission will be strictly observed.
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EXODUS – OR – MARK
Your proctor will inform you of the specific passages on FEBRUARY I7, 2001.
Your examination is due to your proctor at 9: 00 a. m., FEBRUARY 23, 2001.
EXAMINATION
The following are required parts of a satisfactory examination: A. 1., A. 2., A. 3., and B. Each of these four parts should be clearly identified in the paper. The absence of any of
these parts will be considered grounds for the failure of the exam as a whole.
A. EXEGESIS AND INTERPRETATION.
1. EXEGETICAL METHOD. Prepare a brief description of an exegetical method, appropriate to the selected text, and staple it to the first page of the examination
book.
2. EXEGETICAL FINDINGS. Employing your stated method, write an exegesis which demonstrates competence in areas required by the Book of Order [G-14.0310d(
1)]. You are encouraged to pay careful attention to the "Specific Instructions regarding the Examination" on the following page (page 3 of 4).
3. EXEGETICAL FOCUS. Produce a clear, coherent statement of the principal meaning of the text, based on and consistent with your exegetical findings.
B. CONTEMPORARY APPLICATION
Provide a contemporary application in the form either of a sermon outline or of a lesson plan. In writing your contemporary application, briefly describe the situation and audience being
addressed. The application must be derived from and informed by the exegesis.
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1. To assist the readers of your examination, number or letter the various sections of your exegesis consistent with your one-page description of your exegetical method.
2. You need not provide a complete translation of your own in the examination booklet. When translation of a specific word or phrase is significant for interpretation, use and justify your own
or other translation.
3. You can demonstrate a working knowledge of Hebrew or Greek by such things as: -analysis of grammar and syntax -analysis of significant words or phrases
-parsing verb forms -discussion of text critical and translation issues A demonstration of a working knowledge of the language must also communicate the impact of
this information on the interpretation of the passage.
4. You are expected to provide an original exegesis and application. When using written material from other sources, author, title and page number must be identified. Electronic
sources, either software or on-line, must also be identified. You may use parenthetical citations within the text of the paper, endnotes, or footnotes.
5. Readers will be looking for logical organization and consistency within the examination as a whole. The examination will be graded as a unit and not in parts.
Concerning the Exegetical Process: Presbyteries' Cooperative Committee on Examinations recognizes that a variety of methods and
interpretative approaches are current in contemporary exegesis and are being taught in theological institutions. You may incorporate in your exegetical method one or more of these
approaches. The following questions have been identified by the Committee and by examination readers as basic to the exegetical process, although they are not equally applicable to all texts.
1. What are the boundaries of the passage? What is the relation of the passage to its larger literary context, particularly to the book in its final form?
2. Are there text-critical problems important for understanding the passage?
3. What are the prominent literary features of the text? Are there particular difficulties in translating any words and/ or phrases in the passage? What are the implications of these features
for an interpretation of the passage?
4. When, where, and by whom was the passage written? What degree of certainty is there regarding its authorship? What were the historical, sociological, and religious and/ or theological
settings in which it was written? How has the passage been used by other biblical writers?
5. How has the community of faith interpreted the passage? What theological and practical insights may be gained from the church's past understanding of this passage?
6. Is the application grounded in the exegesis and pertinent to the situation and audience described?
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In order to maintain the anonymity of the writer which ensures the integrity of the ordination examination process, an examination which contains any of the following
information will be returned ungraded.
1. The name of the person writing the examination.
2. The educational institution/ congregation where the writer works or attends.*
3. The names of professors with whom one has studied, except as they may appear in the bibliography or notes of the Biblical Exegesis Examination.
4. References to having taken the examination previously.
If any of these conditions are violated, the examination will be returned ungraded.
* When the examination requires you to address the question of context for ministry, (i. e., the Biblical Exegesis examination) use generic rather than specific identifying
characteristics: e. g., "small, rural church in the south" rather than "1st Presbyterian Church of Calvin, Arkansas."
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2. TECHNOLOGY. Word processors, computers, or memory typewriters may be used to produce this examination. Such exams must be double spaced. Examinations may also
be handwritten in ink. Papers written in pencil will not be graded.
3. LENGTH. The length of the paper describing the exegetical method shall not exceed 250 words. The length of the main body of the examination, including the sermon
outline or lesson plan, shall not exceed 3,750 words (excluding bibliography, and endnotes or footnotes if used). Papers which exceed the maximum length of 4,000 words
will be returned ungraded.
4. FORM. Papers which cannot be understood because of illegibility, poor syntax or grammar will be returned ungraded.
5. HONESTY. Candidates are expected to do their own work, not giving or receiving aid from anyone after the passages are announced. The exam will not be proctored.
6. IMPORTANT DATES. The books from which the passages are drawn will be announced on MAY 15, 2001. The specific passages will be announced on
SEPTEMBER 22, 2001. The examination paper is due on SEPTEMBER 28 at 9: 00 A. M. The time of submission will be strictly observed.
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GENESIS -OR -LUKE
Your proctor will inform you of the specific passages on SEPTEMBER 22, 2001. Your examination is due to your proctor at 9: 00 A. M., SEPTEMBER 28, 2001.
*****
EXAMINATION
The following are required parts of a satisfactory examination: A. 1., A. 2., A. 3., and B. Each of these four parts should be clearly identified in the paper. The absence of any of
these parts will be considered grounds for the failure of the exam as a whole.
A. EXEGESIS AND INTERPRETATION.
1. EXEGETICAL METHOD. Prepare a brief description of an exegetical method, appropriate to the selected text, and staple it to the first page of the examination
book. 2. EXEGETICAL FINDINGS. Employing your stated method, write an exegesis
that demonstrates competence in the areas required by the Book of Order [G-14.0310d( 1). You are encouraged to pay careful attention to the "Specific
Instructions Regarding the Examination" on the following page (page 3 of 4). 3. EXEGETICAL FOCUS. Produce a clear, coherent statement of the principal
meaning of the text based on and consistent with your exegetical findings.
B. CONTEMPORARY APPLICATION
Provide a contemporary application in the form either of a sermon outline or of a lesson plan. In writing your contemporary application, briefly describe the situation and audience being
addressed. The application must be derived from and informed by the exegesis.
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1. To assist the readers of your examination, number or letter the various sections of your exegesis consistent with your one-page description of your exegetical method.
2. You need not provide a complete translation of your own in the examination booklet. When translation of a specific word or phrase is significant for interpretation, use and justify your own
or other translation.
3. You can demonstrate a working knowledge of Hebrew or Greek by such things as: -analysis of grammar and syntax -analysis of significant words or phrases
-parsing verb forms -discussion of text critical and translation issues A demonstration of a working knowledge of the language must also communicate the impact of
this information on the interpretation of the passage.
4. You are expected to provide an original exegesis and application. When using written material from other sources, author, title and page number must be identified. Electronic
sources, either software or on-line, must also be identified. You may use parenthetical citations within the text of the paper, endnotes, or footnotes.
5. Readers will be looking for logical organization and consistency within the examination as a whole. The examination will be graded as a unit and not in parts.
Concerning the Exegetical Process: Presbyteries' Cooperative Committee on Examinations recognizes that a variety of methods and
interpretative approaches are current in contemporary exegesis and are being taught in theological institutions. You may incorporate in your exegetical method one or more of these
approaches. The following questions have been identified by the Committee and by examination readers as basic to the exegetical process, although they are not equally applicable to all texts.
1. What are the boundaries of the passage? What is the relation of the passage to its larger literary context, particularly to the book in its final form?
2. Are there text-critical problems important for understanding the passage?
3. What are the prominent literary features of the text? Are there particular difficulties in translating any words and/ or phrases in the passage? What are the implications of these features
for an interpretation of the passage?
4. When, where, and by whom was the passage written? What degree of certainty is there regarding its authorship? What were the historical, sociological, and religious and/ or theological
settings in which it was written? How has the passage been used by other biblical writers?
5. How has the community of faith interpreted the passage? What theological and practical insights may be gained from the church's past understanding of this passage?
6. Is the application grounded in the exegesis and pertinent to the situation and audience described?
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In order to maintain the anonymity of the writer which ensures the integrity of the ordination examination process, an examination which contains any of the following
information will be returned ungraded.
1. The name of the person writing the examination.
2. The educational institution/ congregation where the writer works or attends.*
3. The names of professors with whom one has studied, except as they may appear in the bibliography or notes of the Biblical Exegesis Examination.
4. References to having taken the examination previously.
If any of these conditions are violated, the examination will be returned ungraded.
* When the examination requires you to address the question of context for ministry, (i. e., the Biblical Exegesis examination) use generic rather than specific identifying
characteristics: e. g., "small, rural church in the south" rather than "1st Presbyterian Church of Calvin, Arkansas."
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2. TECHNOLOGY. Word processors, computers, or memory typewriters may be used to produce this examination. Such exams must be double spaced. Examinations may also
be handwritten in ink. Papers written in pencil will not be graded.
3. LENGTH. The length of the paper describing the exegetical method shall not exceed 250 words. The length of the main body of the examination, including the sermon
outline or lesson plan, shall not exceed 3,750 words (excluding bibliography, and endnotes or footnotes if used). Papers which exceed the maximum length of 4,000 words
will be returned ungraded.
4. FORM. Papers which cannot be understood because of illegibility, poor syntax or grammar will be returned ungraded.
5. HONESTY. Candidates are expected to do their own work, not giving or receiving aid from anyone after the passages are announced. The exam will not be proctored.
6. IMPORTANT DATES. The books from which the passages are drawn will be announced on OCTOBER 15, 1999. The specific passages will be announced on
FEBRUARY 19, 2000. The examination paper is due on FEBRUARY 25 at 9: 00 A. M. The time of submission will be strictly observed.
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DEUTERONOMY -OR -JOHN
Your proctor will inform you of the specific passages on FEBRUARY 19, 2000.
Your examination is due to your proctor at 9: 00 a. m., FEBRUARY 25, 2000.
*****
EXAMINATION
The following are required parts of a satisfactory examination:
A. EXEGESIS AND INTERPRETATION.
1. EXEGETICAL METHOD. Prepare a brief description of an exegetical method, appropriate to the selected text, and staple it to the first page of the examination
book.
2. EXEGETICAL FINDINGS. Employing your stated method, write an exegesis that demonstrates competence in the areas required by the Book of Order [G-14.0310d(
1). You are encouraged to pay careful attention to the "Specific Instructions Regarding the Examination" on the following page (page 3 of 4).
3. EXEGETICAL FOCUS. Produce a clear, coherent statement of the principal meaning of the text based on and consistent with your exegetical findings.
B. CONTEMPORARY USE.
1. SITUATION AND AUDIENCE. In writing your contemporary application, briefly describe the situation and audience being addressed.
2. APPLICATION. Conclude with a contemporary application in the form of either a sermon outline or a lesson plan. The sermon outline or plan may include
a credal statement, hymn, prayer, litany or other medium. The application must be derived from and informed by the exegesis.
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1. To assist the readers of your examination, number or letter the various sections of your exegesis consistent with your one-page description of your exegetical method.
2. You need not provide a complete translation of your own in the examination booklet. When translation of a specific word or phrase is significant for interpretation, use and justify your own
or other translation.
3. You can demonstrate a working knowledge of Hebrew or Greek by such things as: -analysis of grammar and syntax -analysis of significant words or phrases
-parsing verb forms -discussion of text critical and translation issues A demonstration of a working knowledge of the language must also communicate the impact of
this information on the interpretation of the passage.
4. You are expected to provide an original exegesis and application. When using written material from other sources, author, title and page number must be identified. Electronic
sources, either software or on-line, must also be identified. You may use parenthetical citations within the text of the paper, endnotes, or footnotes.
5. Readers will be looking for logical organization and consistency within the examination as a whole. The examination will be graded as a unit and not in parts.
Concerning the Exegetical Process: Presbyteries' Cooperative Committee on Examinations recognizes that a variety of methods and
interpretative approaches are current in contemporary exegesis and are being taught in theological institutions. You may incorporate in your exegetical method one or more of these
approaches. The following questions have been identified by the Committee and by examination readers as basic to the exegetical process, although they are not equally applicable to all texts.
1. What are the boundaries of the passage? What is the relation of the passage to its larger literary context, particularly to the book in its final form?
2. Are there text-critical problems important for understanding the passage?
3. What are the prominent literary features of the text? Are there particular difficulties in translating any words and/ or phrases in the passage? What are the implications of these features
for an interpretation of the passage?
4. When, where, and by whom was the passage written? What degree of certainty is there regarding its authorship? What were the historical, sociological, and religious and/ or theological
settings in which it was written? How has the passage been used by other biblical writers?
5. How has the community of faith interpreted the passage? What theological and practical insights may be gained from the church's past understanding of this passage?
6. Is the application grounded in the exegesis and pertinent to the situation and audience described?
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Page 4 of 4
PASSAGES FOR FEBRUARY, 2000
DEUTERONOMY 10: 12-22
-OR -
JOHN 21: 15-23
In order to maintain the anonymity of the writer which ensures the integrity of the ordination examination process, an examination which contains any of the following
information will be returned ungraded.
1. The name of the person writing the examination.
2. The educational institution/ congregation where the writer works or attends.*
3. The names of professors with whom one has studied, except as they may appear in the bibliography or notes of the Biblical Exegesis Examination.
4. References to having taken the examination previously.
If any of these conditions are violated, the examination will be returned ungraded.
* When the examination requires you to address the question of context for ministry, (i. e., the Biblical Exegesis examination) use generic rather than specific identifying
characteristics: e. g., "small, rural church in the south" rather than "1st Presbyterian Church of Calvin, Arkansas."
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2. TECHNOLOGY. Word processors, computers, or memory typewriters may be used to produce this examination. Such exams must be double spaced. Examinations may also
be handwritten in ink. Papers written in pencil will not be graded.
3. LENGTH. The length of the paper describing the exegetical method shall not exceed 250 words. The length of the main body of the examination, including the sermon
outline or lesson plan, shall not exceed 3,750 words (excluding bibliography, and endnotes or footnotes if used). Papers which exceed the maximum length of 4,000 words
will be returned ungraded.
4. FORM. Papers which cannot be understood because of illegibility, poor syntax or grammar will be returned ungraded.
5. HONESTY. Candidates are expected to do their own work, not giving or receiving aid from anyone after the passages are announced. The exam will not be proctored.
6. IMPORTANT DATES. The books from which the passages are drawn will be announced on MAY 15, 2000. The specific passages will be announced on
SEPTEMBER 16, 2000. The examination paper is due on SEPTEMBER 22 at 9: 00 A. M. The time of submission will be strictly observed.
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AMOS -OR -PHILIPPIANS
Your proctor will inform you of the specific passages on SEPTEMBER 16, 2000.
Your examination is due to your proctor at 9: 00 a. m. SEPTEMBER 22, 2000.
*****
EXAMINATION
The following are required parts of a satisfactory examination: A. 1. A. 2., A. 3., and B. Each of these four parts should be clearly identified in the paper. The absence of any of these
part will be considered grounds for the failure of the exam as a whole.
A. EXEGESIS AND INTERPRETATION.
1. EXEGETICAL METHOD. Prepare a brief description of an exegetical method appropriate to the selected text and staple it to the first page of the examination
book.
2. EXEGETICAL FINDINGS. Employing your stated method, write an exegesis which demonstrates competence in areas required by the Book of Order [G-14.0310d(
1)]. You are encouraged to pay careful attention to the "Specific Instructions regarding the Examination" on the following page
(page 3 of 4).
3. EXEGETICAL FOCUS. Produce a clear coherent statement of the principal meaning of the text, based on and consistent with your exegetical findings.
B. CONTEMPORARY APPLICATION
Provide a contemporary application in the form either of a sermon outline or of a lesson plan. In writing your contemporary application, briefly describe the situation and audience being
addressed. The application must be derived from and informed by the exegesis.
- 258 -
1. To assist the readers of your examination, number or letter the various sections of your exegesis consistent with your one-page description of your exegetical method.
2. You need not provide a complete translation of your own in the examination booklet. When translation of a specific word or phrase is significant for interpretation, use and justify your own
or other translation.
3. You can demonstrate a working knowledge of Hebrew or Greek by such things as: -analysis of grammar and syntax -analysis of significant words or phrases
-parsing verb forms -discussion of text critical and translation issues A demonstration of a working knowledge of the language must also communicate the impact of
this information on the interpretation of the passage.
4. You are expected to provide an original exegesis and application. When using written material from other sources, author, title and page number must be identified. Electronic
sources, either software or on-line, must also be identified. You may use parenthetical citations within the text of the paper, endnotes, or footnotes.
5. Readers will be looking for logical organization and consistency within the examination as a whole. The examination will be graded as a unit and not in parts.
Concerning the Exegetical Process: Presbyteries' Cooperative Committee on Examinations recognizes that a variety of methods and
interpretative approaches are current in contemporary exegesis and are being taught in theological institutions. You may incorporate in your exegetical method one or more of these
approaches. The following questions have been identified by the Committee and by examination readers as basic to the exegetical process, although they are not equally applicable to all texts.
1. What are the boundaries of the passage? What is the relation of the passage to its larger literary context, particularly to the book in its final form?
2. Are there text-critical problems important for understanding the passage?
3. What are the prominent literary features of the text? Are there particular difficulties in translating any words and/ or phrases in the passage? What are the implications of these features
for an interpretation of the passage?
4. When, where, and by whom was the passage written? What degree of certainty is there regarding its authorship? What were the historical, sociological, and religious and/ or theological
settings in which it was written? How has the passage been used by other biblical writers?
5. How has the community of faith interpreted the passage? What theological and practical insights may be gained from the church's past understanding of this passage?
6. Is the application grounded in the exegesis and pertinent to the situation and audience described?
- 259 -
In order to maintain the anonymity of the writer which ensures the integrity of the ordination examination process, an examination which contains any of the following
information will be returned ungraded.
1. The name of the person writing the examination.
2. The educational institution/ congregation where the writer works or attends.*
3. The names of professors with whom one has studied, except as they may appear in the bibliography or notes of the Biblical Exegesis Examination.
4. References to having taken the examination previously.
If any of these conditions are violated, the examination will be returned ungraded.
* When the examination requires you to address the question of context for ministry, (i. e., the Biblical Exegesis examination) use generic rather than specific identifying
characteristics: e. g., "small, rural church in the south" rather than "1st Presbyterian Church of Calvin, Arkansas."
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2. TECHNOLOGY. Word processors, computers, or memory typewriters may be used to produce this examination. Such exams must be double spaced. Examinations may also
be handwritten in ink. Papers written in pencil will not be graded.
3. LENGTH. The length of the paper describing the exegetical method shall not exceed 250 words. The length of the main body of the examination, including the sermon
outline or lesson plan, shall not exceed 3,750 words (excluding bibliography, and endnotes or footnotes if used). Papers which exceed the maximum length of 4,000 words
will be returned ungraded.
4. FORM. Papers which cannot be understood because of illegibility, poor syntax or grammar will be returned ungraded.
5. HONESTY. Candidates are expected to do their own work, not giving or receiving aid from anyone after the passages are announced. The exam will not be proctored.
6. IMPORTANT DATES. The books from which the passages are drawn will be announced on OCTOBER 15, 1998. The specific passages will be announced on
FEBRUARY 20, 1999. The examination paper is due on FEBRUARY 26 at 9: 00 A. M. The time of submission will be strictly observed.
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PSALMS -OR -MATTHEW
Your proctor will inform you of the specific passages on FEBRUARY 20, 1999.
Your examination is due to your proctor at 9: 00 a. m., FEBRUARY 26, 1999.
*****
EXAMINATION
The following are required parts of a satisfactory examination:
A. EXEGESIS AND INTERPRETATION.
1. EXEGETICAL METHOD. Prepare a brief description of an exegetical method, appropriate to the selected text, and staple it to the first page of the examination
book.
2. EXEGETICAL FINDINGS. Employing your stated method, write an exegesis that demonstrates competence in the areas required by the Book of Order [G-14.0310d(
1). You are encouraged to pay careful attention to the "Specific Instructions Regarding the Examination" on the following page (page 3 of 4).
3. EXEGETICAL FOCUS. Produce a clear, coherent statement of the principal meaning of the text based on and consistent with your exegetical findings.
B. CONTEMPORARY USE.
1. SITUATION AND AUDIENCE. In writing your contemporary application, briefly describe the situation and audience being addressed.
2. APPLICATION. Conclude with a contemporary application in the form of either a sermon outline or a lesson plan. The sermon outline or plan may include
a credal statement, hymn, prayer, litany or other medium. The application must be derived from and informed by the exegesis.
- 262 -
1. To assist the readers of your examination, number or letter the various sections of your exegesis consistent with your one-page description of your exegetical method.
2. You need not provide a complete translation of your own in the examination booklet. When translation of a specific word or phrase is significant for interpretation, use and justify your own
or other translation.
3. You can demonstrate a working knowledge of Hebrew or Greek by such things as: -analysis of grammar and syntax -analysis of significant words or phrases
-parsing verb forms -discussion of text critical and translation issues A demonstration of a working knowledge of the language must also communicate the impact of
this information on the interpretation of the passage.
4. You are expected to provide an original exegesis and application. When using written material from other sources, author, title and page number must be identified. Electronic
sources, either software or on-line, must also be identified. You may use parenthetical citations within the text of the paper, endnotes, or footnotes.
5. Readers will be looking for logical organization and consistency within the examination as a whole. The examination will be graded as a unit and not in parts.
Concerning the Exegetical Process: Presbyteries' Cooperative Committee on Examinations recognizes that a variety of methods and
interpretative approaches are current in contemporary exegesis and are being taught in theological institutions. You may incorporate in your exegetical method one or more of these
approaches. The following questions have been identified by the Committee and by examination readers as basic to the exegetical process, although they are not equally applicable to all texts.
1. What are the boundaries of the passage? What is the relation of the passage to its larger literary context, particularly to the book in its final form?
2. Are there text-critical problems important for understanding the passage?
3. What are the prominent literary features of the text? Are there particular difficulties in translating any words and/ or phrases in the passage? What are the implications of these features
for an interpretation of the passage?
4. When, where, and by whom was the passage written? What degree of certainty is there regarding its authorship? What were the historical, sociological, and religious and/ or theological
settings in which it was written? How has the passage been used by other biblical writers?
5. How has the community of faith interpreted the passage? What theological and practical insights may be gained from the church's past understanding of this passage?
6. Is the application grounded in the exegesis and pertinent to the situation and audience described?
- 263 -
4. References to having taken the examination previously.
If any of these conditions are violated, the examination will be returned ungraded.
* When the examination requires you to address the question of context for ministry, (i. e., the Biblical Exegesis examination) use generic rather than specific identifying
characteristics: e. g., "small, rural church in the south" rather than "1st Presbyterian Church of Calvin, Arkansas."
- 264 -
2. TECHNOLOGY. Word processors, computers, or memory typewriters may be used to produce this examination. Such exams must be double spaced. Examinations may also
be handwritten in ink. Papers written in pencil will not be graded.
3. LENGTH. The length of the paper describing the exegetical method shall not exceed 250 words. The length of the main body of the examination, including the sermon
outline or lesson plan, shall not exceed 3,750 words (excluding bibliography, and endnotes or footnotes if used). Papers which exceed the maximum length of 4,000 words
will be returned ungraded.
4. FORM. Papers which cannot be understood because of illegibility, poor syntax or grammar will be returned ungraded.
5. HONESTY. Candidates are expected to do their own work, not giving or receiving aid from anyone after the passages are announced. The exam will not be proctored.
6. IMPORTANT DATES. The books from which the passages are drawn will be announced on MAY 15, 1999. The specific passages will be announced on
SEPTEMBER 18, 1999. The examination paper is due on SEPTEMBER 24 at 9: 00 A. M. The time of submission will be strictly observed.
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JONAH/ RUTH – OR – HEBREWS
Your proctor will inform you of the specific passages on SEPTEMBER 18, 1999.
Your examination is due to your proctor at 9: 00 a. m., SEPTEMBER 4, 1999.
*****
EXAMINATION
The following are required parts of a satisfactory examination:
A. EXEGESIS AND INTERPRETATION.
1. EXEGETICAL METHOD. Prepare a brief description of an exegetical method, appropriate to the selected text, and staple it to the first page of the examination
book.
2. EXEGETICAL FINDINGS. Employing your stated method, write an exegesis that demonstrates competence in the areas required by the Book of Order [G-14.0310d(
1). You are encouraged to pay careful attention to the "Specific Instructions Regarding the Examination" on the following page (page 3 of 4).
3. EXEGETICAL FOCUS. Produce a clear, coherent statement of the principal meaning of the text based on and consistent with your exegetical findings.
B. CONTEMPORARY USE.
1. SITUATION AND AUDIENCE. In writing your contemporary application, briefly describe the situation and audience being addressed.
2. APPLICATION. Conclude with a contemporary application in the form of either a sermon outline or a lesson plan. The sermon outline or plan may include
a credal statement, hymn, prayer, litany or other medium. The application must be derived from and informed by the exegesis.
- 266 -
1. To assist the readers of your examination, number or letter the various sections of your exegesis consistent with your one-page description of your exegetical method.
2. You need not provide a complete translation of your own in the examination booklet. When translation of a specific word or phrase is significant for interpretation, use and justify your own
or other translation.
3. You can demonstrate a working knowledge of Hebrew or Greek by such things as: -analysis of grammar and syntax -analysis of significant words or phrases
-parsing verb forms -discussion of text critical and translation issues A demonstration of a working knowledge of the language must also communicate the impact of
this information on the interpretation of the passage.
4. You are expected to provide an original exegesis and application. When using written material from other sources, author, title and page number must be identified. Electronic
sources, either software or on-line, must also be identified. You may use parenthetical citations within the text of the paper, endnotes, or footnotes.
5. Readers will be looking for logical organization and consistency within the examination as a whole. The examination will be graded as a unit and not in parts.
Concerning the Exegetical Process: Presbyteries' Cooperative Committee on Examinations recognizes that a variety of methods and
interpretative approaches are current in contemporary exegesis and are being taught in theological institutions. You may incorporate in your exegetical method one or more of these
approaches. The following questions have been identified by the Committee and by examination readers as basic to the exegetical process, although they are not equally applicable to all texts.
1. What are the boundaries of the passage? What is the relation of the passage to its larger literary context, particularly to the book in its final form?
2. Are there text-critical problems important for understanding the passage?
3. What are the prominent literary features of the text? Are there particular difficulties in translating any words and/ or phrases in the passage? What are the implications of these features
for an interpretation of the passage?
4. When, where, and by whom was the passage written? What degree of certainty is there regarding its authorship? What were the historical, sociological, and religious and/ or theological
settings in which it was written? How has the passage been used by other biblical writers?
5. How has the community of faith interpreted the passage? What theological and practical insights may be gained from the church's past understanding of this passage?
6. Is the application grounded in the exegesis and pertinent to the situation and audience described?
- 267 -
In order to maintain the anonymity of the writer which ensures the integrity of the ordination examination process, an examination which contains any of the following
information will be returned ungraded.
1. The name of the person writing the examination.
2. The educational institution/ congregation where the writer works or attends.*
3. The names of professors with whom one has studied, except as they may appear in the bibliography or notes of the Biblical Exegesis Examination.
4. References to having taken the examination previously.
If any of these conditions are violated, the examination will be returned ungraded.
* When the examination requires you to address the question of context for ministry, (i. e., the Biblical Exegesis examination) use generic rather than specific identifying
characteristics: e. g., "small, rural church in the south" rather than "1st Presbyterian Church of Calvin, Arkansas."
- 268 -
BIBLE EXEGESIS
"This examination shall assess the candidates ability to find and state the meaning of an assigned passage of Scripture demonstrating working knowledge of the original language of the text and
ability to understand its historical situation.
The candidate shall have access to any or all of the following: Hebrew and Greek texts, translations, commentaries, and other exegetical tools including
those which presuppose knowledge of the biblical languages. Using these, he or she will be asked to state the meaning of the passage, show how he or she arrived at this
interpretation, and suggest how this passage might be used in the contemporary life of the Church"
(G-14.0310d( 1)].
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
1. IDENTIFICATION NUMBER. Write your identification number (not your name) at the top of each page of the exam, including your exegetical method page.
2. TECHNOLOGY. Word processors, computers, or memory typewriters may be used to produce this examination. Such exams must be double spaced. Examinations may also
be handwritten in ink. Papers written in pencil will not be graded.
3. LENGTH. The length of the paper describing the exegetical method shall not exceed 250 words. The length of the main body of the examination, including the sermon
outline or lesson plan, shall not exceed 3,750 words (excluding bibliography, and endnotes or footnotes if used). Papers which exceed the maximum length of 4,000 words
will be returned ungraded.
4. FORM. Papers which cannot be understood because of illegibility, poor syntax or grammar will be returned ungraded.
5. HONESTY. Candidates are expected to do their own work, not giving or receiving aid from anyone after the passages are announced. The exam will not be proctored.
6. IMPORTANT DATES. The books from which the passages are drawn will be announced on OCTOBER 15, 1997. The specific passages will be announced on
FEBRUARY 21, 1998. The examination paper is due on FEBRUARY 27 at 9: 00 A. M. The time of submission will be strictly observed.
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ECCLESIASTES -OR -JAMES
Your proctor will inform you of the specific passages on FEBRUARY 21, 1998.
Your examination is due to your proctor at 9: 00 a. m., FEBRUARY 27, 1998.
*****
EXAMINATION
A. EXEGESIS AND INTERPRETATION.
1. EXEGETICAL METHOD. Prepare a brief description of an exegetical method, appropriate to the selected text, and staple it to the first page of the examination
book.
2. EXEGETICAL FINDINGS. Employing your stated method, write an exegesis that demonstrates competence in the areas required by the Book of Order [G-14.0310d(
1). You are encouraged to pay careful attention to the "Specific Instructions Regarding the Examination" on the following page (page 3 of 4).
3. EXEGETICAL FOCUS. Produce a clear, coherent statement of the principal meaning of the text based on and consistent with your exegetical findings.
B. CONTEMPORARY USE.
1. SITUATION AND AUDIENCE. In writing your contemporary application, briefly describe the situation and audience being addressed.
2. APPLICATION. Conclude with a contemporary application in the form of either a sermon outline or a lesson plan. The sermon outline or plan may include
a credal statement, hymn, prayer, litany or other medium. The application must be derived from and informed by the exegesis.
- 270 -
CONCERNING THE EXEGETICAL PROCESS
Presbyteries' Cooperative Committee on Examinations recognizes that a variety of methods and interpretative approaches are current in contemporary exegesis and are being taught in theological
institutions. You are encouraged to incorporate in your method those approaches you deem important. Although the following questions are not equally applicable to all texts, they have been
identified by the Committee and by examination readers as pertinent to the exegetical process.
1. What are the boundaries of the passage? What is the relation of the passage to its larger literary context, particularly to the book in its final form?
2. Are there text-critical problems important for understanding the passage?
3. What are the prominent literary features of the text? Are there particular difficulties in translating any words and/ or phrases in the passage? What are the implications of these
features for an interpretation of the passage?
4. When, where, and by whom was the passage written? What degree of certainty is there regarding its authorship? What were the historical, sociological, and religious and/ or
theological settings in which it was written? How has the passage been used by other biblical writers?
5. How has the community of faith interpreted the passage? What theological and practical insights may be gained from the church's past understanding of this passage?
6. Is the sermon outline or lesson plan grounded in the exegetical process and pertinent to the situation and audience described?
- 271 -
In order to maintain the anonymity of the writer which ensures the integrity of the ordination examination process, an examination which contains any of the following
information will be returned ungraded.
1. The name of the person writing the examination.
2. The educational institution/ congregation where the writer works or attends.*
3. The names of professors with whom one has studied, except as they may appear in the bibliography or notes of the Biblical Exegesis Examination.
4. References to having taken the examination previously.
If any of these conditions are violated, the examination will be returned ungraded.
* When the examination requires you to address the question of context for ministry, (i. e., the Biblical Exegesis examination) use generic rather than specific identifying
characteristics: e. g., "small, rural church in the south" rather than "1st Presbyterian Church of Calvin, Arkansas."
- 272 -
2. TECHNOLOGY. Word processors, computers, or memory typewriters may be used to produce this examination. Such exams must be double-spaced. Examinations may also
be handwritten in ink. Papers written in pencil will not be graded.
3. LENGTH. The length of the paper describing the exegetical method shall not exceed 250 words. The length of the main body of the examination, including the sermon
outline or lesson plan, shall not exceed 3,750 words (excluding bibliography, and endnotes or footnotes if used). Papers which exceed the maximum length of 4,000 words
will be returned ungraded.
4. FORM. Papers which cannot be understood because of illegibility, poor syntax or grammar will be returned ungraded.
5. HONESTY. Candidates are expected to do their own work, not giving or receiving aid from anyone after the passages are announced. The exam will not be proctored.
6. IMPORTANT DATES. The books from which the passages are drawn will be announced on MAY 15, 1998. The specific passages will be announced on
SEPTEMBER 19, 1998. The examination paper is due on SEPTEMBER 25 at 9: 00 A. M. The time of submission will be strictly observed.
- 273 -
JEREMIAH -OR -GALATIANS
Your proctor will inform you of the specific passages on SEPTEMBER 19, 1998.
Your examination is due to your proctor at 9: 00 a. m., SEPTEMBER 25, 1998.
*****
EXAMINATION
A. EXEGESIS AND INTERPRETATION.
1. EXEGETICAL METHOD. Prepare a brief description of an exegetical method, appropriate to the selected text, and staple it to the first page of the examination
book.
2. EXEGETICAL FINDINGS. Employing your stated method, write an exegesis that demonstrates competence in the areas required by the Book of Order [G-14.0310d(
1). You are encouraged to pay careful attention to the "Specific Instructions Regarding the Examination" on the following page (page 3 of 4).
3. EXEGETICAL FOCUS. Produce a clear, coherent statement of the principal meaning of the text based on and consistent with your exegetical findings.
B. CONTEMPORARY USE.
1. SITUATION AND AUDIENCE. In writing your contemporary application, briefly describe the situation and audience being addressed.
2. APPLICATION. Conclude with a contemporary application in the form of either a sermon outline or a lesson plan. The sermon outline or plan may include
a credal statement, hymn, prayer, litany or other medium. The application must be derived from and informed by the exegesis.
- 274 -
2. You may demonstrate your working knowledge of Greek or Hebrew by analysis of selected phrases or terms, using either primary or secondary language sources.
3. When using written material from other sources, author, title and page number must be identified. Electronic sources, either software or on-line, must also be identified. You may use
parenthetical citations within the text of the paper, endnotes, or footnotes.
4. Readers will be looking for logical organization and consistency within the examination as a whole. The examination will be graded as a unit and not in parts.
CONCERNING THE EXEGETICAL PROCESS
Presbyteries' Cooperative Committee on Examinations recognizes that a variety of methods and interpretative approaches are current in contemporary exegesis and are being taught in theological
institutions. You are encouraged to incorporate in your method those approaches you deem important. Although the following questions are not equally applicable to all texts, they have been
identified by the Committee and by examination readers as pertinent to the exegetical process.
1. What are the boundaries of the passage? What is the relation of the passage to its larger literary context, particularly to the book in its final form?
2. Are there text-critical problems important for understanding the passage?
3. What are the prominent literary features of the text? Are there particular difficulties in translating any words and/ or phrases in the passage? What are the implications of these
features for an interpretation of the passage?
4. When, where, and by whom was the passage written? What degree of certainty is there regarding its authorship? What were the historical, sociological, and religious and/ or
theological settings in which it was written? How has the passage been used by other biblical writers?
5. How has the community of faith interpreted the passage? What theological and practical insights may be gained from the church's past understanding of this passage?
6. Is the sermon outline or lesson plan grounded in the exegetical process and pertinent to the situation and audience described?
- 275 -
JEREMIAH 28: 1-17
-OR-
GALATIANS 4: 21 -5: 1
In order to maintain the anonymity of the writer which ensures the integrity of the ordination examination process, an examination which contains any of the following
information will be returned ungraded.
1. The name of the person writing the examination.
2. The educational institution/ congregation where the writer works or attends.*
3. The names of professors with whom one has studied, except as they may appear in the bibliography or notes of the Biblical Exegesis Examination.
4. References to having taken the examination previously.
If any of these conditions are violated, the examination will be returned ungraded.
* When the examination requires you to address the question of context for ministry, (i. e., the Biblical Exegesis examination) use generic rather than specific identifying
characteristics: e. g., "small, rural church in the south" rather than "1st Presbyterian Church of Calvin, Arkansas."
- 276 -
"This examination shall assess the candidates ability to find and state the meaning of an assigned passage of Scripture demonstrating working knowledge of the original language of the text and
ability to understand its historical situation.
The candidate shall have access to any or all of the following: Hebrew and Greek texts, translations, commentaries, and other exegetical tools including
those which presuppose knowledge of the biblical languages. Using these, he or she will be asked to state the meaning of the passage, show how he or she arrived at this
interpretation, and suggest how this passage might be used in the contemporary life of the Church"
(G-14.0310d( 1)].
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
1. IDENTIFICATION NUMBER. Write your identification number (not your name) at the top of each page of the exam, including your exegetical method page.
2. TECHNOLOGY. Word processors, computers, or memory typewriters may be used to produce this examination. Such exams must be double-spaced. Examinations may also
be handwritten in ink. Papers written in pencil will not be graded.
3. LENGTH. The length of the paper describing the exegetical method shall not exceed 250 words. The length of the main body of the examination, including the sermon
outline or lesson plan, shall not exceed 3,750 words (excluding bibliography, and endnotes or footnotes if used). Papers which exceed the maximum length of 4,000 words
will be returned ungraded.
4. FORM. Papers which cannot be understood because of illegibility, poor syntax or grammar will be returned ungraded.
5. HONESTY. Candidates are expected to do their own work, not giving or receiving aid from anyone after the passages are announced. The exam will not be proctored.
6. IMPORTANT DATES. The books from which the passages are drawn will be announced on OCTOBER 15, 1996. The specific passages will be announced on
FEBRUARY 22, 1997. The examination paper is due on FEBRUARY 28 at 9: 00 A. M. The time of submission will be strictly observed.
- 277 -
LEVITICUS -OR -1st & 2nd THESSALONIANS
Your proctor will inform you of the specific passages on FEBRUARY 22, 1997.
Your examination is due to your proctor at 9: 00 a. m., FEBRUARY 28, 1997.
EXAMINATION
A. EXEGESIS AND INTERPRETATION.
1. EXEGETICAL METHOD. Prepare a brief description of an exegetical method, appropriate to the selected text, and staple it to the first page of the examination
book.
2. EXEGETICAL FINDINGS. Employing your stated method, write an exegesis that demonstrates competence in the areas required by the Book of Order [G-14.0310d(
1). You are encouraged to pay careful attention to the "Specific Instructions Regarding the Examination" on the following page (page 3 of 4).
3. EXEGETICAL FOCUS. Produce a clear, coherent statement of the principal meaning of the text based on and consistent with your exegetical findings.
B. CONTEMPORARY USE.
1. SITUATION AND AUDIENCE. In writing your contemporary application, briefly describe the situation and audience being addressed.
2. APPLICATION. Conclude with a contemporary application in the form of either a sermon outline or a lesson plan. The sermon outline or plan may include
a credal statement, hymn, prayer, litany or other medium. The application must be derived from and informed by the exegesis.
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CONCERNING THE EXEGETICAL PROCESS
Presbyteries' Cooperative Committee on Examinations recognizes that a variety of methods and interpretative approaches are current in contemporary exegesis and are being taught in theological
institutions. You are encouraged to incorporate in your method those approaches you deem important. Although the following questions are not equally applicable to all texts, they have been
identified by the Committee and by examination readers as pertinent to the exegetical process.
1. What are the boundaries of the passage? What is the relation of the passage to its larger literary context, particularly to the book in its final form?
2. Are there text-critical problems important for understanding the passage?
3. What are the prominent literary features of the text? Are there particular difficulties in translating any words and/ or phrases in the passage? What are the implications of these
features for an interpretation of the passage?
4. When, where, and by whom was the passage written? What degree of certainty is there regarding its authorship? What were the historical, sociological, and religious and/ or
theological settings in which it was written? How has the passage been used by other biblical writers?
5. How has the community of faith interpreted the passage? What theological and practical insights may be gained from the church's past understanding of this passage?
6. Is the sermon outline or lesson plan grounded in the exegetical process and pertinent to the situation and audience described?
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In order to maintain the anonymity of the writer which ensures the integrity of the ordination examination process, an examination which contains any of the following
information will be returned ungraded.
1. The name of the person writing the examination.
2. The educational institution/ congregation where the writer works or attends.*
3. The names of professors with whom one has studied, except as they may appear in the bibliography or notes of the Biblical Exegesis Examination.
4. References to having taken the examination previously.
If any of these conditions are violated, the examination will be returned ungraded.
* When the examination requires you to address the question of context for ministry, (i. e., the Biblical Exegesis examination) use generic rather than specific identifying
characteristics: e. g., "small, rural church in the south" rather than "1st Presbyterian Church of Calvin, Arkansas."
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"This examination shall assess the candidates ability to find and state the meaning of an assigned passage of Scripture demonstrating working knowledge of the original language of the text and
ability to understand its historical situation.
The candidate shall have access to any or all of the following: Hebrew and Greek texts, translations, commentaries, and other exegetical tools including
those which presuppose knowledge of the biblical languages. Using these, he or she will be asked to state the meaning of the passage, show how he or she arrived at this
interpretation, and suggest how this passage might be used in the contemporary life of the Church"
(G-14.0310d( 1)].
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
1. IDENTIFICATION NUMBER. Write your identification number (not your name) at the top of each page of the exam, including your exegetical method page.
2. TECHNOLOGY. Word processors, computers, or memory typewriters may be used to produce this examination. Such exams must be double-spaced. Examinations may also
be handwritten in ink. Papers written in pencil will not be graded.
3. LENGTH. The length of the paper describing the exegetical method shall not exceed 250 words. The length of the main body of the examination, including the sermon
outline or lesson plan, shall not exceed 3,750 words (excluding bibliography, and endnotes or footnotes if used). Papers which exceed the maximum length of 4,000 words
will be returned ungraded.
4. FORM. Papers which cannot be understood because of illegibility, poor syntax or grammar will be returned ungraded.
5. HONESTY. Candidates are expected to do their own work, not giving or receiving aid from anyone after the passages are announced. The exam will not be proctored.
6. IMPORTANT DATES. The books from which the passages are drawn will be announced on MAY 15, 1997. The specific passages will be announced on
SEPTEMBER 20, 1997. The examination paper is due on SEPTEMBER 26 at 9: 00 A. M. The time of submission will be strictly observed.
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ISAIAH 1-39 -OR -LUKE
Your proctor will inform you of the specific passages on SEPTEMBER 20, 1997.
Your examination is due to your proctor at 9: 00 a. m., SEPTEMBER 26, 1997.
EXAMINATION
A. EXEGESIS AND INTERPRETATION.
1. EXEGETICAL METHOD. Prepare a brief description of an exegetical method, appropriate to the selected text, and staple it to the first page of the examination
book.
2. EXEGETICAL FINDINGS. Employing your stated method, write an exegesis that demonstrates competence in the areas required by the Book of Order [G-14.0310d(
1). You are encouraged to pay careful attention to the "Specific Instructions Regarding the Examination" on the following page (page 3 of 4).
3. EXEGETICAL FOCUS. Produce a clear, coherent statement of the principal meaning of the text based on and consistent with your exegetical findings.
B. CONTEMPORARY USE.
1. SITUATION AND AUDIENCE. In writing your contemporary application, briefly describe the situation and audience being addressed.
2. APPLICATION. Conclude with a contemporary application in the form of either a sermon outline or a lesson plan. The sermon outline or plan may include
a credal statement, hymn, prayer, litany or other medium. The application must be derived from and informed by the exegesis.
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CONCERNING THE EXEGETICAL PROCESS
Presbyteries' Cooperative Committee on Examinations recognizes that a variety of methods and interpretative approaches are current in contemporary exegesis and are being taught in theological
institutions. You are encouraged to incorporate in your method those approaches you deem important. Although the following questions are not equally applicable to all texts, they have been
identified by the Committee and by examination readers as pertinent to the exegetical process.
1. What are the boundaries of the passage? What is the relation of the passage to its larger literary context, particularly to the book in its final form?
2. Are there text-critical problems important for understanding the passage?
3. What are the prominent literary features of the text? Are there particular difficulties in translating any words and/ or phrases in the passage? What are the implications of these
features for an interpretation of the passage?
4. When, where, and by whom was the passage written? What degree of certainty is there regarding its authorship? What were the historical, sociological, and religious and/ or
theological settings in which it was written? How has the passage been used by other biblical writers?
5. How has the community of faith interpreted the passage? What theological and practical insights may be gained from the church's past understanding of this passage?
6. Is the sermon outline or lesson plan grounded in the exegetical process and pertinent to the situation and audience described?
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LUKE 22: 14-23
In order to maintain the anonymity of the writer which ensures the integrity of the ordination examination process, an examination which contains any of the following
information will be returned ungraded.
1. The name of the person writing the examination.
2. The educational institution/ congregation where the writer works or attends.*
3. The names of professors with whom one has studied, except as they may appear in the bibliography or notes of the Biblical Exegesis Examination.
4. References to having taken the examination previously.
* When the examination requires you to address the question of context for ministry, (i. e., the Biblical Exegesis examination) use generic rather than specific identifying
characteristics: e. g., "small, rural church in the south" rather than "1st Presbyterian Church of Calvin, Arkansas."
IF ANY OF THESE CONDITIONS ARE VIOLATED, THE EXAMINATION WILL BE RETURNED UNGRADED. NO APPEAL WILL BE CONSIDERED.
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2. TECHNOLOGY. Word processors, computers, or memory typewriters may be used to produce this examination. Such exams must be double-spaced. Examinations may also
be handwritten in ink. Papers written in pencil will not be graded.
3. LENGTH. The length of the paper describing the exegetical method shall not exceed 250 words. The length of the main body of the examination, including the sermon
outline or lesson plan, shall not exceed 3,750 words (excluding bibliography, and endnotes or footnotes if used). Papers which exceed the maximum length of 4,000 words
will be returned ungraded.
4. FORM. Papers which cannot be understood because of illegibility, poor syntax or grammar will be returned ungraded.
5. HONESTY. Candidates are expected to do their own work, not giving or receiving aid from anyone after the passages are announced. The exam will not be proctored.
6. IMPORTANT DATES. The books from which the passages are drawn will be announced on OCTOBER 16, 1995. The specific passages will be announced on
FEBRUARY 17, 1996. The examination paper is due on FEBRUARY 23 RD at 9: 00 A. M. The time of submission will be strictly observed.
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EZEKIEL -OR-1 ST , 2 ND PETER
Your proctor will inform you of the specific passages on FEBRUARY 17, 1996.
Your examination is due to your proctor at 9: 00 a. m., FEBRUARY 23, 1996.
EXAMINATION
A. EXEGESIS AND INTERPRETATION.
1. EXEGETICAL METHOD. Prepare a brief description of an exegetical method, appropriate to the selected text, and staple it to the first page of the examination
book.
2. EXEGETICAL FINDINGS. Employing your stated method, write an exegesis that demonstrates competence in the areas required by the Book of Order [G-14.0310d(
1). You are encouraged to pay careful attention to the "Specific Instructions Regarding the Examination" on the following page (page 3 of 4).
3. EXEGETICAL FOCUS. Produce a clear, coherent statement of the principal meaning of the text based on and consistent with your exegetical findings.
B. CONTEMPORARY USE.
1. SITUATION AND AUDIENCE. In writing your contemporary application, briefly describe the situation and audience being addressed.
2. APPLICATION. Conclude with a contemporary application in the form of either a sermon outline or a lesson plan. The sermon outline or plan may include
a credal statement, hymn, prayer, litany or other medium. The application must be derived from and informed by the exegesis.
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CONCERNING THE EXEGETICAL PROCESS
Presbyteries' Cooperative Committee on Examinations recognizes that a variety of methods and interpretative approaches are current in contemporary exegesis and are being taught in theological
institutions. You are encouraged to incorporate in your method those approaches you deem important. Although the following questions are not equally applicable to all texts, they have been
identified by the Committee and by examination readers as pertinent to the exegetical process.
1. What are the boundaries of the passage? What is the relation of the passage to its larger literary context, particularly to the book in its final form?
2. Are there text-critical problems important for understanding the passage?
3. What are the prominent literary features of the text? Are there particular difficulties in translating any words and/ or phrases in the passage? What are the implications of these
features for an interpretation of the passage?
4. When, where, and by whom was the passage written? What degree of certainty is there regarding its authorship? What were the historical, sociological, and religious and/ or
theological settings in which it was written? How has the passage been used by other biblical writers?
5. How has the community of faith interpreted the passage? What theological and practical insights may be gained from the church's past understanding of this passage?
6. Is the sermon outline or lesson plan grounded in the exegetical process and pertinent to the situation and audience described?
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2. TECHNOLOGY. Word processors, computers, or memory typewriters may be used to produce this examination. Such exams must be double-spaced. Examinations may also
be handwritten in ink. Papers written in pencil will not be graded.
3. LENGTH. The length of the paper describing the exegetical method shall not exceed 250 words. The length of the main body of the examination, including the sermon
outline or lesson plan, shall not exceed 3,750 words (excluding bibliography, and endnotes or footnotes if used). Papers which exceed the maximum length of 4,000 words
will be returned ungraded.
4. FORM. Papers which cannot be understood because of illegibility, poor syntax or grammar will be returned ungraded.
5. HONESTY. Candidates are expected to do their own work, not giving or receiving aid from anyone after the passages are announced. The exam will not be proctored.
6. IMPORTANT DATES. The books from which the passages are drawn will be announced on MAY 15, 1996. The specific passages will be announced on
SEPTEMBER 21, 1996. The examination paper is due on SEPTEMBER 27 at 9: 00 A. M. The time of submission will be strictly observed.
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I KINGS -OR -ACTS
Your proctor will inform you of the specific passages on SEPTEMBER 21, 1996.
Your examination is due to your proctor at 9: 00 a. m., SEPTEMBER 27, 1996.
EXAMINATION
A. EXEGESIS AND INTERPRETATION.
1. EXEGETICAL METHOD. Prepare a brief description of an exegetical method, appropriate to the selected text, and staple it to the first page of the examination
book.
2. EXEGETICAL FINDINGS. Employing your stated method, write an exegesis that demonstrates competence in the areas required by the Book of Order [G-14.0310d(
1). You are encouraged to pay careful attention to the "Specific Instructions Regarding the Examination" on the following page (page 3 of 4).
3. EXEGETICAL FOCUS. Produce a clear, coherent statement of the principal meaning of the text based on and consistent with your exegetical findings.
B. CONTEMPORARY USE.
1. SITUATION AND AUDIENCE. In writing your contemporary application, briefly describe the situation and audience being addressed.
2. APPLICATION. Conclude with a contemporary application in the form of either a sermon outline or a lesson plan. The sermon outline or plan may include
a credal statement, hymn, prayer, litany or other medium. The application must be derived from and informed by the exegesis.
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CONCERNING THE EXEGETICAL PROCESS
Presbyteries' Cooperative Committee on Examinations recognizes that a variety of methods and interpretative approaches are current in contemporary exegesis and are being taught in theological
institutions. You are encouraged to incorporate in your method those approaches you deem important. Although the following questions are not equally applicable to all texts, they have been
identified by the Committee and by examination readers as pertinent to the exegetical process.
1. What are the boundaries of the passage? What is the relation of the passage to its larger literary context, particularly to the book in its final form?
2. Are there text-critical problems important for understanding the passage?
3. What are the prominent literary features of the text? Are there particular difficulties in translating any words and/ or phrases in the passage? What are the implications of these
features for an interpretation of the passage?
4. When, where, and by whom was the passage written? What degree of certainty is there regarding its authorship? What were the historical, sociological, and religious and/ or
theological settings in which it was written? How has the passage been used by other biblical writers?
5. How has the community of faith interpreted the passage? What theological and practical insights may be gained from the church's past understanding of this passage?
6. Is the sermon outline or lesson plan grounded in the exegetical process and pertinent to the situation and audience described?
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In order to maintain the anonymity of the writer which ensures the integrity of the ordination examination process, an examination which contains any of the following
information will be returned ungraded.
1. The name of the person writing the examination.
2. The educational institution/ congregation where the writer works or attends.*
3. The names of professors with whom one has studied, except as they may appear in the bibliography or notes of the Biblical Exegesis Examination.
4. References to having taken the examination previously.
* When the examination requires you to address the question of context for ministry, (i. e., the Biblical Exegesis examination) use generic rather than specific identifying
characteristics: e. g., "small, rural church in the south" rather than "1st Presbyterian Church of Calvin, Arkansas."
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MAXIMUM TIME: 3 HOURS
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
WHAT IS BEING EXAMINED
This examination shall assess the candidate's capacity to make effective use of the classical theological disciplines and of the confessional documents of the church in
relating the Gospel to the faith and life of the church in the contemporary world. [Book of Order G-l .O310d( 3)]
The Examination of Theological Competence seeks to determine the candidate's readiness for ministry in the use of biblical, classical, and/ or contemporary theological insights within the
Reformed heritage of the Presbyterian Church (U. S. A.). The examination may deal with questions of confessional, doctrinal, historical, and/ or ethical significance. Accordingly,
questions intend to test a candidate's ability to discern the theological issues inherent in a situation and to address them competently as follows:
1. Interpreting a confessional stance faithfully in context. An open book question utilizing The Book if Confessions of the Presbyterian Church (U. S. A.) will be included
on this examination. The purpose of this question is to explore the candidate's capacity to articulate the contemporary relevance of the Reformed tradition as it is embodied in
the confessional documents. 2. Showing that Christian doctrines as expressed in the Reformed tradition illuminate
Christian faith and life. 3. Applying Reformed theology in the practice of ministry in relation to questions of
ecclesiastical, political, social, economic, and personal ethics.
The word "Reformed," wherever it is used in this examination, means a theological perspective in broad agreement with the theology of John Calvin, the confessional literature of the Reformed
churches, and The Book of Confessions.
WHAT IS NOT BEING EXAMINED
This examination does not seek to examine personal faith or to determine the acceptability of the candidate's views within Presbyterian confessional standards. That determination rests with the
presbytery. Rather, this examination seeks to determine the candidate's competence to work within the Reformed theological heritage. There is some latitude within this heritage, and an
answer will not be graded down for taking one position rather than another within the heritage. However, answers outside the scope of the Reformed heritage would tend to demonstrate lack of
readiness for Presbyterian ministry.
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
A clean, unmarked, printed copy of The Book of Confessions (Copyright 1996 or later) will be needed as a resource for Section I of the examination. No additional books, notes, outlines, or
other outside resources may be used.
Sections II and III of the examination are CLOSED BOOK.
You may write your answers in ink, in your own handwriting, type them, or use a computer. Do not use pencils for your answers. Any such answers shall be returned ungraded. Please write on every line in the
examination book supplied for the examination. You may make corrections, deletions, or additions without rewriting or erasing. Identify every answer by the number and letter assigned to it (e. g., III. B).
Illegible papers shall be returned ungraded.
If you prefer you may use a typewriter or word processor. You may bring your own equipment or, at some exam sites, you may e equipment provided by the proctor. You may not consult or copy from personal
notes or other source on the computer or network during the exam. A printed copy of the exam must be turned in before you leave the exam area. Because failure to turn in the exam before leaving will result in
failure of the exam, you are strongly urged to make sure that all the necessary equipment (computer, printer, font and printer software, etc.) is properly working and coordinate. Please use double spacing and
12-point font size. Please number the pages, type your candidate number on the exam, and staple the printed copy to the first few pages of the exam booklet.
Papers that cannot be understood by the readers because of poor syntax and/ or grammar shall be graded accordingly.
The final grade for the examination will be the average of grades received on all three sections. Rounding up or down shall be determined by the reader on the basis of the examination's overall merit.
All three sections must be answered. The paper must receive a grade of 3 or higher on at least two of the three sections to be considered Satisfactory.
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A Brief Statement of Faith, 10.4, lines 66, 69
REQUIRED RESPONSES:
1. Write an essay in which you articulate different understandings of the theme of idolatry in The Book of Confessions, discussing the citation above and at least one (1) citation from each
of three (3) different documents in The Book of Confessions (e. g., 0.000), other than A Brief Statement of Faith.
2. Based on your answer in part 1, identify and briefly discuss at least one (1) possible idolatry in a local church or a culture with which you are familiar.
(As the general instructions indicate, please do not name a specific congregation which might identify yourself.)
NOTE: Section I must be completed in one hour. A clean, unmarked, printed copy of The Book of Confessions must be used. When you complete Section I, give your copy of The
Book of Confessions to the proctor, who will then give you Sections II and III of the examination (pp. 5-7).
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THIS PAGE HAS BEEN INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK.
UPON COMPLETING SECTION I,
TURN IN YOUR COPY OF THE BOOK OF CONFESSIONS.
THE PROCTOR WILL GIVE YOU SECTIONS II AND III.
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ONE HOUR CLOSED BOOK REQUIRED
"For by a kind of mutual bond the Lord has joined together the certainty of his Word and of his Spirit so that the perfect religion of the Word may abide in our minds when
the Spirit, who causes us to contemplate God's face, shines; and that we in turn may embrace the Spirit with no fear of being deceived when we recognize him in his own
image, namely, in the Word. So, indeed it is. God did not bring forth his Word among men for the sake of a momentary display, intending at the coming of his Spirit to
abolish it. Rather, he sent down the same Spirit by whose power he had dispensed the Word, to complete his work by the efficacious confirmation of the Word."
John Calvin, The Institutes of the Christian Religion, ed. John T. McNeill (Philadelphia: The Westminster Press, 1960), 1.9.3
REQUIRED RESPONSE:
Considering this quotation, articulate a Reformed understanding of the relationship of Word and Spirit, basing your answer on at least one (1) of these
resources -scripture, classical theology, contemporary theology.
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Eugene: We need the sacraments because that is the only way we can truly experience the risen Christ.
Harriet: Well, I really don't get much out of the Lord's Supper, but I guess we have to celebrate it because Jesus told us to.
They turn to you and ask for your theological advice.
REQUIRED RESPONSES:
1. Reflect theologically on hoe celebrating the Lord's Supper brings us to a deeper understanding of the resurrection. Base your discussion on your knowledge of the Reformed tradition using at least one
(1) of these resources -scripture, classical theology, contemporary theology.
2. Based on your answer in part 1, respond to Katrina, Eugene, or Harriet.
-OR-
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Page 7 of 7
SECTION III. APPLICATION TO MINISTRY (continued)
ONE HOUR CLOSED BOOK REQUIRED
CHOOSE ONE: A or B
B.
The session you moderate is struggling with how the church can make an appropriate and faithful response to poverty in the world. They have asked you to write a position paper
for the session relative to the following quotation:
"Because Jesus identified himself with the needy and exploited, the cause of the world's poor is the cause of his disciples."
The Confession of 1967, 9.46
REQUIRED RESPONSES:
In the position paper for the session, include these two parts:
1. Discuss why, theologically, the congregation should take up the cause of the world's poor. Base your discussion on your knowledge of the Reformed tradition, using at
least one (1) of these resources -scripture, classical theology, contemporary theology.
2. Based on your answer in part 1, describe briefly how the congregation might put this into practice.
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MAXIMUM TIME: 3 HOURS
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
WHAT IS BEING EXAMINED
This examination shall assess the candidate's capacity to make effective use of the
classical theological disciplines and of the confessional documents of the church
in relating the Gospel to the faith and life of the church in the contemporary
world. [Book of Order G-14.0310d( 3)]
The Examination of Theological Competence seeks to detennine the candidate's readiness for
ministry in the use of biblical, classical, and/ or contemporary theological insights within the
Reformed heritage of the Presbyterian Church (U. S. A.). The examination may deal with
questions of confessional, doctrina~, historical, and/ or ethical significance. Accordingly,
questions intend to test a candidate's ability to discern the theological issues inherent in a
situation and to address them competently as follows:
2.
3
Interpreting a confessional stance faithfully in context. An open book question
utilizing The Book of Confessions of the Presbyterian Church (U. S. A.) will be
included on this examination. The purpose of this question is to explore the
candidate's capacity to articulate the contemporary relevance of the RefonIled
tradition as it is embodied in the confessional documents.
Showing that Christian doctrines as expressed in the RefonIled tradition
illuminate Christian faith and. life.
Applying RefonIled theology in the practice of ministry in relation to questions of
ecclesiastical, political~ social, economic, and personal ethics.
The word "Reformed," wherever it is used in this examination, means a theological perspective
in broad agreement with the theology of John Calvin, the confessional literature of the Refonned
churches, and The Book of Confessions.
WHAT IS NOT BEING E: xAMINED
This examination does not seek to examine personal faith or to detennine the acceptability of the
candidate's views within Presbyterian confessional standards. That detennination rests with the
presbytery. Rather, this examination seeks to detem1ine the candidate's competence to work
within the Refonned theological heritage. There is some latitude within this heritage, and an
answer will not be graded doWn for taking one position rather than another within the heritage.
However, answers outside the scope of the Refonned heritage would tend to demonstrate lack of
readiness for Presbyterian ministry.
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THEOLOGICAL COMPETENCE EXAl" 1INAiION
Page 2 of 7
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS (Continued)
It is to be recognized, however, that in becoming a candidate or officer of the
Presbyterian Church (U. S. A.) one chooses to exercise freedom of conscience
within certain bounds. His or her conscience is captive to the Word of God as
interpreted in the standards of the church so long as he or she continues to seek or
hold office in that body. [Book of Order G-6.0108b]
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
A clean, unmarked, printed copy of The Book of Confessions (Copyright 1996 or later) will
be needed as a resource for Section I of the examination. No additional books, notes,
outlines, or other outside resources may be used.
Sections II and III of the examination are CLOSED BOOK.
You may write your answers in ink, in your own handwriting, type them, or use a computer. Do
not use pencils for your answers. Any such answers shall be returned ungraded. Please write on
every line in the examination book supplied for the examination. You may make corrections,
deletions, or additions without rewriting or erasing. Identify every answer by the number and
letter assigned to it (e. g., III. B). illegible papers shall be returned ungraded.
If you prefer you may use a typewriter or word processor. You may bring your own equipment
or, at some exam sites; you may use equipment provided by the proctor. You may not consult or
copy from personal notes or any other source on the computer or network during the exam. A
printed copy of the exam must be turned in before you leave the exam area. Because failure to
turn in the exam before leaving will result in failure of the exam, you are strongly urged to make
sure that all the necessary equipment (computer, printer, font and printer software, etc.) is
properly working and coordinated. Please use double spacing and 12-point font size. Please
number the pages, type your candidate number on the exam, and staple the printed copy to the
first few pages of the exam booklet.
Papers that cannot be understood by the readers because of poor syntax and/ or grammar shall be graded accordingly. .
The final grade for the examination will be the average of grades received on all three sections.
Rounding up or down shall be determined by the reader on the basis of the examination's overall
merit. All three sections must be answered. The paper must receive a grade of 3 or higher on at
least two of the three sections to be considered Satisfactory.
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Page 3 of 7
SECTION I. CONFESSIONAL HERITAGE
ONE HOUR OPEN BOOK REQUIRED
(mE BOOK OF CONFESSIONS ONLY)
A college student poses a question to you: "1 know that Christians talk about God as Trinity. In
addition to the Trinity, what do Christians believe about God?"
REQUIRED RESPONSES:
Answer the s'tudent's question, articulating a Christian ecumenical understanding of the doctrine of God, using the Nicen~ Creed and/ or the Apostles' Creed.
Answer the student's question, articulating one (1) or more of the distinctive1yReformed emphases of the doctrine of God, using and discussing at least one (1) citation from each
of two (2) different documents, other than the Nicene Creed and the Apostles' Creed, in
The Book of Confessions (e. g., 0.000).
2.
NOTE: Section I must be completed in one hour. A clean, unmarked, printed copy of The
Book of Confessions must be used. When you complete Section I, give your copy of The
Book of Confessions to the proctor, who will then give you Sections II and III of the
examination (pp. 5-7).
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Page 5 of 7
SECTION II. CONSTRUCTIVE STATEMENT OF CHRISTIAl"" i DOCTRINE
ONE HOUR CLOSED BOOK REQUIRED
You are a pastor leading a confirmation class. You mention that if the young people join this
church, they will publicly profess their faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Three of them-respond:
My friend goes to a church that always talks about God's wrath.
And my friend says Jesus died to satisfy the wrath of God. Is that
what we believe?
Angela:
I think being saved means knowing how much God loves me. Brittany:
But wasn't theresometbing more cosmic going on when Jesus
saved the world, like a superhero saving the planet from an evil
plot?
Cortney:
REQUIRED RESPONSES:
Write an essay, articulating a Refonned understanding of the atoning work of Jesus
Christ, basing your answer on at least one (1) of these resources-scripture, classical
theology, contemporary theology.
1
Based on your anSwer in part 1, respond to the point of view of each young person. 2.
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A.
The elders of the congregation that you serve as pastor are discussing some of the burdens and
difficulties that particular individuals in the congregation are cuITently experiencing.
I admire Christians in other parts of the world who remain strong
in faith. even though they suffer for their faith. Perhaps their
example could inspire us to stay strong when we face difficulty.
Last week I spoke to two members of our congregation who are ;;
battling cancer. One of them seems to be coming to a deeper sense
of trust in God, but the other seems to be falling apart spiritually.
Hyung June:
God doesn't expect people just to put up with their suffering. We
need to resist everything that causes suffering.
But sometimes we suffer for our own sins and mistakes. Jamie:
REQillRED RESPONSES:
Reflect theologically on a Reformed understanding of suffering and perseverance, basing
your answer on at least one (1) of these resources-scripture, claSsical theology,
contemporary theology.
1.
Based on your answer in part 1, respond to the points of view of two (2) of the elders. 2.
-OR-
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Page 7 of 7
SECTION III. ~t\ PPLICATION TO MINISTRY (continued)
CLOSED BOOK REQUIRED ONE HOUR
CHOOSE ONE: A or B
.B.
You are seeking to make needed changes in the church you serve. The maj ority of elders have
strongly resisted your efforts. You open the session meeting with the following prayer:
"0 Lord, open our hearts to new possibilities. Help us to lay aside our old
prejudices, so that we may ,do your will. Amen."
The next morning Margaret, one of the few elders who agrees with you about the needed
changes in the church, comes to your study and says: "Pastor, I t!; lought that your prayer at the
session meeting last night was manipulative and a discredit to your role as pastor."
REQUIRED RESPONSES:
Reflect theologically on a Refornled understanding of the purpose of prayer and what
would constitute an abuse of prayer, basing your answer on at least one (1) of these
resources-scripture, classical L~ eology, contemporary theology.
Based on your response in part 1, respond to Margaret's concern. 2.
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GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
WHAT IS BEING EXAMINED This examination shall assess the candidate's capacity to make effective use of the
classical theological disciplines and of the confessional documents of the church in relating the Gospel to the faith and life of the church in the contemporary
world. [Book of Order G-14.0310d( 3)]
The Examination of Theological Competence seeks to determine the candidate's readiness for ministry in the use of biblical, classical, and/ or contemporary theological
insights within the Reformed heritage of the Presbyterian Church (U. S. A.). The examination may deal with questions of confessional, doctrinal, historical, and/ or ethical
significance. Accordingly, questions intend to test a candidate's ability to discern the theological issues inherent in a situation and to address them competently as follows:
1. Interpreting a confessional stance faithfully in context. An open book question utilizing The Book of Confessions of the Presbyterian Church (U. S. A.) will be
included on this examination. The purpose of this question is to explore the candidate's capacity to articulate the contemporary relevance of the Reformed
tradition as it is embodied in the confessional documents. 2. Showing that Christian doctrines as expressed in the Reformed tradition
illuminate Christian faith and life. 3. Applying Reformed theology in the practice of ministry in relation to questions of
ecclesiastical, political, social, economic, and personal ethics.
The word "Reformed," wherever it is used in this examination, means a theological perspective in broad agreement with the theology of John Calvin, the confessional
literature of the Reformed churches, and The Book of Confessions.
WHAT IS NOT BEING EXAMINED This examination does not seek to examine personal faith or to determine the acceptability of the
candidate's views within Presbyterian confessional standards. That determination rests with the presbytery. Rather, this examination seeks to determine the candidate's competence to work
within the Reformed theological heritage. There is some latitude within this heritage, and an answer will not be graded down for taking one position rather than another within the heritage.
However, answers outside the scope of the Reformed heritage would tend to demonstrate lack of readiness for Presbyterian ministry.
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Sections II and III of the examination are CLOSED BOOK.
You may write your answers in ink, in your own handwriting, type them, or use a computer. Do not use pencils for your answers. Any such answers shall be returned ungraded. Please
write on every line in the examination book supplied for the examination. You may make corrections, deletions, or additions without rewriting or erasing. Identify every answer by the
number and letter assigned to it (e. g., III. B). Illegible papers shall be returned ungraded.
If you prefer you may use a typewriter or word processor. You may bring your own equipment or, at some exam sites, you may use equipment provided by the proctor. You
may not consult or copy fro