How Should We Ordain Our Pastors? - Part 1

Ordination is a big deal in the church/pastoral world. It is the means by which a Church or Denominational body certifies and approves a person for a pastoral office.

In another post, I will explore the biblical, theological, and historical reasons for a thorough ordination process, and I will also explore how I go about preparing a man for ordination. But for now, this is the questionnaire that I use when bringing a man to his ordination council (you can pick up on my personal theology in that statement).

This questionnaire should be used as the fruit of a long period of study, equipping, and preparation. I use this questionnaire for two purposes:

• First, for the candidate to display his thorough knowledge of scriptural, theologic, and pastoral issues.

• Second, the completed document is sent to his examining council, along with an explanation of the work he has done, as they prepare to examine his fitness for the pastoral office.

You'll notice the document is broken into eight sections, each with multiple sub-questions. This allows the candidate to display his knowledge and theological positions, and also provides the council with a roadmap for examination and places where they may want to press further.

• For example, in section 6 on eschatology, a good council may take a candidate's stated position and press him into the potential pastoral applications of his stated theological beliefs.

• You'll also note that such a council will take a good deal of time.

One last note: This is certainly not an infallible document, and I am always adding and adjusting as necessary.

Here is the Questionnaire:

“Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress. Keep a close watch on yourself and on the doctrine. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.”  

-1 Timothy 4:12-16

Please read and answer the following questions, using Scripture references to support your answers and positions.  

Section 1: The Doctrine of the Word of God.

Define and briefly explain...

-Infallibility: 

-Inerrancy: 

-Inspiration: 

How would you define and apply the Authority, Clarity, Necessity, and Sufficiency of Scripture?

-Authority: 

-Clarity:

-Necessity: 

-Sufficiency: 

Section 2: The Doctrine of God. (Theology, Christology, Pneumatology) 

-Provide a concise description of the concept of the Trinity and the relationship between Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. 

-Define God’s role in Creation.

-How should we understand the correlation between God’s sovereignty and human responsibility?

-Briefly define the Incarnation of Christ and describe the hypostatic union (God/man): 

-How is redemption accomplished in and through the person and work of Christ? 

-In simple, evangelistic terms: What is the gospel?

-What is the Holy Spirit’s role in applying salvation?

-How do you view spiritual gifts in the church today (continuation/cessation)? State and briefly defend your position. 

Section 3: The Doctrine of Man. 

-What does it mean for man to be made in the image of God?

-For what purpose did God create humanity?

-What is fallen man’s condition apart from/prior to salvation? 

Section 4: The Doctrine of Redemption/Soteriology

Please define and explain:

-Calling: 

-Justification:

-Regeneration: 

-Adoption: 

-Sanctification: 

-Perseverance: 

Section 5: The Doctrine of the Church. 

-What constitutes a local church?

-What is the significance of the church ordinances (baptism and Lord’s Supper), and what guiding principles should be observed in the application of these ordinances?

-What are the Offices of the Church? 

-What is the function and purpose of church discipline?

-How is church membership understood in the context of the New Testament, and what is its significance?

-What is the value of expository preaching?

-What is the purpose of missions, and to what extent should the local church be involved?

-Why are you Baptist? 

Section 6: Eschatology 

-Briefly state your eschatology and the reasons for holding to that position. 

Section 7: Pastoral Applications.

-Why is it essential for a Pastor to have a strong and settled doctrine of the Word of God? 

-State and briefly defend your position on Divorce and Remarriage.

-How would you counsel a male in an active homosexual relationship who wants to join your church?  

-Define discipleship and briefly explain what that looks like in your own life. 

Section 8:  Provide a brief statement describing your conversion experience and call to ministry.