Become ordained as a Presbyterian minister

Become ordained as a Presbyterian minister

Become ordained as a Presbyterian minister : Multi-thousand tips to make your life easier.

Staying faithful to your calling as a Presbyterian minister brings a profound sense of fulfillment and joy. By serving the church and preaching God's word, you also have the opportunity to express your love for God. But to fully take on the role, you must first be ordained as a Presbyterian minister. Here is what you need to do:

1. Inform your church of your calling. The session, the church's governing body, will verify that you are being called to be a Presbyterian minister by subjecting you to at least a year as an inquirer. During this time, you will be exposed to the responsibilities and functions of an ordained minister. After passing the inquiry and proving the authenticity of your faith, you will be considered a candidate and will undergo extensive mentoring and training.
2. Complete your Master of Divinity degree. The program includes coursework in the Old and New Testaments, Bible interpretation, church history, counseling, and other subjects. An internship is required to complete the seminary degree and will involve working at a church, hospital, or nonprofit organization. Seminary education requires an undergraduate degree and takes at least three years to finish. It is highly important that you complete your degree at an accredited theological seminary.
3. Undergo the formal ordination process. This involves taking exams that will test your competency in areas including, but not limited to, theology, Bible, and church polity. You will also be required to complete a series of interviews. This ordination process will further validate your desire to be a minister and prove your aptitude for taking on such a serious and life-defining responsibility.
4. Participate in the ordination service. Depending on your credentials and the results of the ordination process, the church's Committee on Preparation for Ministry will decide whether to ordain you and appoint you to serve the church. If approved, a formal ordination service will take place, during which the Presbytery, the regional governing body, will declare you an ordained Presbyterian minister.
5. Be ready for life changes. Realize that when you finally become an ordained Presbyterian minister, your life will take a different route. The ministry will be among your top priorities, and good leadership will be one of your dominant characteristics. Remember also that much will be expected from you, as the congregation will look upon you as a living example of a true Christian. And because being a Presbyterian minister is church work, acknowledge that this is not a lucrative vocation. But it is, in its own ways, a fulfilling profession.

The Bible says that few are chosen, and out of those chosen few, even fewer ultimately stay faithful to their calling. But nothing is sweeter than stepping into what you are called to be. So if you are sure you are called to be a Presbyterian minister, it is time to get ordained and fulfill your life purpose.