D. Ministry Associate

(Church Order Article 23)
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 document the job description showing the need for such ordained leadership. 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.

This process is described in greater detail in the CRC Church Order Supplement 23-a. In this material you will also find a extensive description of qualifications for Ministry Associates relative to character, knowledge and skill. As had been said in section II A of this book, these guidelines in fact apply to those who serve in any ordained ministry capacity.

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. Thus, persons seeking to be ordained as a Ministry Associate should pray that God will lead them to a ministry need more than they pray to be led to an ordained position. And ministries seeking a leader for a ministry should pray that God will send the right leader more than they pray that “the right job description” will be created.

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)

The Journey to Ordination: Article 23 (Summary)

RECOGNITION OF A MINISTRY NEED FOR ORDAINED LEADERSHIP

DEVELOPMENT OF A JOB DESCRIPTION

APPROVAL OF A JOB DESCRIPTION

PREPARATION FOR ORDINATION

EXAMINATION BY CLASSIS

Profile for the Process: Article 23

____ Discernment of the appropriateness of seeking a Ministry Associate (Note: See tool kit p. 99 for directions to the Synod 2001 Study on Ordination, which discusses the principles behind the office of Ministry Associate)

____ Preparation of a Job Description to be submitted to Classis and the Synodical Deputies (Note: It is wise to consult with leaders of a local CMLT in developing a job description)

____ Approval of the Job Description by Classis, with the concurrence of representatives from three neighboring classes (i.e. 3 synodical deputies). (Note: See tool kit p. 88 for the guideline adopted by Synod 2001 relative to Ministry Associate)

____ Preparation for Ordination (see tool kit p. 89 for the material from Church Order Supplement 23-a, intended to guide classes in preparing candidates for this office. Also consult the Candidacy Committee web site for recommendations for study plans for Ministry Associates.)

____ Demonstrated ability of the candidate to function in the ministry to which he or she is called.

____ Presentation of Documents (see tool kit p. 91 for a sample application form)

____ Council recommendation from the church in which appointee holds membership

____ Diplomas and transcripts giving evidence of formal general education and any specialized training in ministry

____ Copy of the letter of appointment from the church/ministry that is requesting ordination of the candidate as ministry associate

____ A copy of the candidate’s letter of acceptance

____ Other documents desired by a local classis: __________________________________________

____ Any other preparation steps desired by a local classis: ________________________________________

____ Where applicable (if preaching is in the job description), public presentation of a sermon on a text assigned by the classis, in the presence of two representatives of the classis, who will serve as sermon critics.

____ Examination before Classis (see tool kit p. 93 for material from the Church Order Supplement 23-c that offers guidelines for the examination.)

Note: You can also consult the “Ministry Associate Handbook” for a compilation of these and other documents that discuss the policies and practices of the office of Ministry Associate in the CRC. This handbook is available on the Candidacy Committee web site, and also by contacting Rev. David Koll (dkoll@crcna.org).