The office of Ministry Associate is recognized in the Christian Reformed Church as a flexible, very localized alternate ordination into ministry. Ministry Associate is an “umbrella term” for a variety of ministry positions where this ordination may occur: Evangelist, Chaplain, Minister of Outreach, Youth Pastor, Minister of Congregational Life, and many more. As the Church Order Supplement to Article 23-a says, “The office of ministry associate is applicable to a variety of ministries, provided these ministries fit the guidelines adopted by Synod 2001 and that the other Church Order and synodical regulations for the office of ministry associate are observed. These include ministries such as education, evangelism, pastoral care, music, ministries to children, youth, adults and others within or outside of the congregation.”
Ordination to the office of Ministry Associate arises out of a local ministry context. That ministry will a) show the need for such ordained leadership and b) create a job description. The job description will then be considered by the classis in consultation with representatives from three neighboring classes (i.,e. the synodical deputies). Once all are agreed that the ministry as described in the job description fits the intention of Article 23 (as described by the guidelines adopted by Synod 2001), the process toward ordination can continue. This process involves verifying relevant ministry skills, gathering appropriate documents, preparing a sermon to be critiqued (if preaching is part of the job description), and preparing for an oral exam at the classis level.
It is noteworthy that up to this point very little has been said about the individual to be ordained. There is an underlying assumption that an individual will emerge that can fit the ministry position being created or recognized. All parties concerned need to be in prayer that such a “match” will occur and be affirmed through this process of discernment.
If your local ministry is doing a work that would be well served by the ordained leadership of a ministry associate, you are encouraged to speak to the classis leadership in your area. If you are an individual who wishes to be used in ministry as an ordained ministry associate, talk to your local church or classis leaders. Seek out especially the members of an area CMLT. Together as a church we are actively praying to the Lord of Harvest, that workers will be sent into his harvest field. (c.f. Luke 10:2)
Flow Chart Summarizing the Process of Ordaining a Ministry Associate
RECOGNITION OF A MINISTRY NEED FOR ORDAINED LEADERSHIP
DEVELOPMENT OF A JOB DESCRIPTION
APPROVAL OF A JOB DESCRIPTION
PREPARATION FOR ORDINATION
EXAMINATION BY CLASSIS
