Pastoral Ordination

Process
2017-2018 EDITION

These resources are intended for District Exam Board Leaders and
Mentors to Equip and Evaluate men for Pastoral Ordination.
 Pastoral Ordination Process

Table of Contents

Introduction
The INSPIRE – Charis Pastors Network ............................................................... page 3
What is the District Examination Board? ............................................................... page 3-4
Contacting Your District Examination Board ……………………………………… page 5
Pastoral Search Team Tools.................................................................................... pages 6
Purpose of Ordination Examination Process ........................................................ page 7
Overview of Process ................................................................................................ pages 7-8
Entry Points ................................................................................................................ page 9-10

STEP 1 – Application
Application .............................................................................................................. page 11-15
Reference Form ………………………………………………………………………… page 16-21
A First Look at Charis Identity Form ………………………………………………… pages 22-25

STEP 2 – Local Church Recognition

Local Church Recognition Form …………………………………………………… pages 26

STEP 3 - Preparation & Mentorship

Expectations of Mentorship .................................................................................... page 27
Recommended Reading List ................................................................................. page 27
Charis Beliefs 1 & 2 …….……………………………………………………………….. page 28
Mentor Assessment Check List ............................................................................... page 29
Mentor Recommendation Form ........................................................................... page 30

STEP 4 - Examination Procedure

Written Exam ............................................................................................................. page 31
Oral Exam.................................................................................................................. page 31
Standards for Affirmation ........................................................................................ page 31

STEP 5 – Recommendation for Ordination

Recommendation for Ordination ......................................................................... page 32
Local Church Ordination Service Instructions .................................................... page 33

INSPIRE – Charis Pastors Network

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Formerly named The Association of Grace Brethren Ministers, INSPIRE grew out of the
Progressive Brethren movement. The 1894 Brethren Annual contains the written record
of a meeting held the year before to organize the national Brethren Ministerial
Association. The minutes for this meeting contain a complete constitution and a
course of study for ministers.

By 1939, the organization went by the name of The National Ministerial Association of
the Brethren Church. That year, the Brethren church had a split, and ministers
reorganized themselves as the National Fellowship of Brethren Ministers. It was the
Association’s 45th annual meeting.

The ministers revised their constitution in 1974 to reflect the addition of the word Grace
to its name, clearly indicating its cooperation with the Fellowship of Grace Brethren
Churches. In 1999, they changed the name to the Association of Grace Brethren
Ministers.

In 2017-18, the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches updated their statement of faith
to what is called the Identity Statement and rebranded as Charis Fellowship. In
harmony with our Fellowship, INSPIRE updated the National Ordination Exam and
Process to reflect the Identity Statement and rebranded as INSPIRE – Charis Pastors
Network. Today, more than 400 licensed and ordained ministers belong to
INSPIRE. They offer themselves for service to Charis Fellowship churches all over the
world.

WHAT IS THE DISTRICT EXAMINATION BOARD?

Charis Fellowship is comprised of local churches who share a common purpose

centered on similar beliefs and practices. Our movement is summarized by a
commitment to Biblical Truth, Biblical Relationships and Biblical Mission. Since we have
churches in many parts of the United States, we are also organized in geographical
regions that we call districts. This enables us to maintain regular contact with other
churches and provide a working structure for us to carry out our overall purposes.

Since we are a fellowship and not a denomination, we place a high value on the
local church and its autonomy. However, our districts can provide services to the local
church to help them carry out their mission. A very important service that a district can
provide is to aid the local church in the process of affirming a man’s call to the
ministry. Our means to this end is the District Examination Board. Its work provides a
protection for a local church and is a way to ensure that within our fellowship we are
walking with as much agreement and unity as we can and should.

Typically, most people only think of theology when they think of an examination
board. Those ultimately recommended for ordination must demonstrate a clear
understanding of Scripture, the Gospel, theology and doctrine. However, our process
will also include a way to assess their ministerial skill, personal and ministry relationships,
their understanding of the church and its mission and their Christian character. We

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believe a person who has been ordained should be very balanced in his Christian life
and ministry.

This process is not meant to be threatening to any man that God has called into
ministry. We believe though that a call of God into Christian ministry is a high and holy
calling. Our main goal is to be helpful and encouraging so a man can effectively
carry out this great responsibility. (James 3:1)

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 Contacting Your District Examination Board Chairman

Allegheny: Randy Haulk – (814) 634-0355 prhaulk@juno.com

Artic: Chris Ball – (907) 333-2484 sermonater@aol.com
Blue Ridge:
Chesapeake: Jack Hunt – (204) 235-6599 jack.hunt@clintorace.org
Florida: Rich Schnieders – (239) 281-8847 rich.schnieders@gmail.com
Hawaii: Ted Kirnbauer (808) 671-6166 pastorted@gracefellowshiphawaii.org
Heartland: Larry Richeson (765) 438-9477 ihgbc@att.net
Iowa-Midlands:
Mid-Atlantic: Carl Baker (304) 263-2272 pastorcarl77@hotmail.com
Mountain Plains:
Nor-Cal:
Northcentral Ohio: Gary Webb (614) 839-6815 gary.webb@gracepolaris.org
Northeastern Ohio: Joe Cosentino (330) 499-3818 pastorjoe@cantongbc.org
Northern Atlantic:
Northwest Ohio:
Pacific Northwest: Greg Howell (509) 261-0850 ghowell@fgbc.org
Southern:
So-Cal: Terry Daniels (626) 799-0086 sopasgbc@juno.com
Tri-State: Danny Wright (937) 547-0065 danny@greenvillegrace.org
West Penn: Rod Lingenfelter (814) 931-5552 rllwwjd@aol.com

IF YOUR DISTRICT DOES NOT HAVE A FUNCTIONING MINISTERIUM – Please contact

INSPIRE to help coordinate a mentor and an examination plan.

Contacting INSPIRE
Mark Lingenfelter, President
14 Brethren Lane, Duncansville, PA 16635
Gracefc@atlanticbb.net
(814) 515-3821

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 PASTORAL SEARCH TEAM TOOLS

The local church has the responsibility for choosing its Pastor and staff. However,
without proper tools for evaluating a man’s theological understanding, doctrinal
convictions, ministerial skills, personal life, matters of integrity and an understanding of
the mission of the church – a local church may cause harm to itself, the community,
our Fellowship and the name of Jesus Christ. We recommend that a local church
request help BEFORE hiring a pastor to provide clarity on the type of pastor it should be
looking for. It is very difficult if the District Examination Board is asked to evaluate
qualifications after a man has already been hired.

The Ordination Application Form, Personal Reference Form and the First Look at Charis
Identity (included in this packet) will help you evaluate a man’s theological
understanding, doctrinal convictions, ministerial skills, personal life, matters of integrity
and an understanding of the mission of the church. We recommend that you send
these Forms to the District Examination Board for review before either hiring or
commissioning a man to Pastoral ministry. Additionally, familiarity with the Application
process will give you a clear picture of the things that we think are important when
considering your pastor.

Feel free to contact the Charis Fellowship Coordinator

(Tom Avey – tomavey@charisfellowship.us ) to request a pastoral vacancy be posted
on the Fellowship Website. You are also encouraged to contact the District
Examination Chairman or INSPIRE president for additional help in evaluating a
potential Pastor.

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 PURPOSE AND OVERVIEW OF PASTORAL ORDINATION EXAMINATION
PROCESS

The PURPOSE of the Pastoral Examination Process (provided by the district examination
board or INSPIRE) is to aid and protect local churches by assessing theological
understanding, doctrinal convictions, ministerial skills, personal life & integrity and an
understanding of the mission of the church.

OVERVIEW OF EXAMINATION PROCESS

STEP 1 – Application

The LOCAL CHURCH has the authority and responsibility to hire and ordain pastors for
ministry. The candidate completes the Application as a way for the local church
leadership to evaluate his theological understanding, doctrinal convictions, ministerial
skills, personal life & integrity. It is recommended that a local church considering hiring
a pastor use this application and send it to the district exam board for a
recommendation.
This application is also used to formally request entrance into the Pastoral Ordination
Process. The Application should be sent to their District Examination Board Chairman
(or to the INSPIRE president if no District Examination Board exists). The entire Pastoral
Ordination Process is dependent on where the candidate is in his ministry experience
(see page 8). The maximum time allotted should not exceed 3 years.

STEP 2 – Recognition

The LOCAL CHURCH has the authority and responsibility to ordain pastors for ministry.
After the candidate completes the Application and is affirmed by the Local Church
Elders (and preferably the District Exam Board) the local church officially recognizes
the candidate as a man who has demonstrated sound character, ministerial gifting
and calling into the pastoral ministry. This official action by the local church is to be
considered a Commissioning to Pastoral Ministry (qualifying for clergy status as defined
by the IRS)and is valid only in the commissioning local church until the Ordination
Process has been completed.

STEP 3 – Preparation (Mentorship)

Upon receipt of the Application and Local Church Recognition Form, the District
Examination Board will determine the proper entry point into the Ordination Process for
the candidate based on level of experience and Biblical training. Each candidate will
be expected to be connected to a mentor to help him prepare for the written and
oral exam, and will be responsible to evaluate his life and ministry skills using Charis
Beliefs 1 & 2. Each district will determine the best possible way to achieve this goal.

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STEP 4 – Examination

Candidates who have not previously demonstrated mastery of Biblical understanding

of theology and doctrine will complete the National Written Examination. The
candidate will then complete an Oral Examination with the District Examination Board.
The purpose of this examination is to clarify any inadequate or insufficient answers from
the written exam.

STEP 5 – Recommendation

After a satisfactory Written Exam, Oral Exam and Mentor Recommendation of Life,
Ministry and Integrity, a Recommendation will be made to the local church to
proceed with Ordination. The LOCAL CHURCH is then expected to plan an ordination
service and formally ordain the candidate into pastoral ministry.

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 ENTRY POINTS
Not every candidate seeking Ordination into Pastoral Ministry is starting at the same
place. Some are coming right out of seminary and have little experience. Some have
less formal training but a lot of ministry experience. Some have both formal training
and years of experience and some have been ordained outside the Charis Fellowship.

With this reality in view, the Pastoral Ordination Process has a variety of ENTRY POINTS.
Although the entry points are flexible the purpose of the Process remains to assist and
protect the local church by assessing theological understanding, doctrinal
convictions, ministerial skills, personal life & integrity and an understanding of the
mission of the church of the candidate. The District Examination Board will determine
the best entry point for each candidate based on an evaluation of ministry experience
and Biblical training.

ENTRY POINT A - The Beginner

Those with limited ministry experience or Biblical training will be assigned a mentor by
the District Examination Board who will help him prepare for the written and oral exam
as well as intentionally evaluate his life and ministry skills. This process is expected to
take up to but no longer than 3 years.

ENTRY POINT B - The Veteran

Those who have received sufficient Biblical training and have more extensive ministry
experience will be assigned a mentor by the District Examination Board who will help
prepare for the written and oral exam as well as intentionally evaluate his life and
ministry skills. The length of this process is more flexible than for the Beginner because of
his ministry experience.

ENTRY POINT C – Already Licensed.

Those who have already been licensed within the Fellowship, but have not yet been
ordained, have already passed a rigorous and thorough written and oral exam by a
District Examination Board. These men will complete the Pastoral Ordination
Application, submit it to the District Examination Board and then be assigned a mentor
to review the Application. These discussions are intended to be a time for evaluation
of the candidate’s personal doctrinal convictions, personal life, ministerial skills and
integrity. The District Examination Board will then meet with the candidate to review
the completed Pastoral Ordination Application before making a formal
recommendation to the local church for Ordination.

ENTRY POINT D – Already Ordained

Those who have been ordained outside the Fellowship will complete the Pastoral
Ordination Application, submit it to the District Examination Board and then be
assigned a mentor to review the Application. These discussions are intended to be a
time for evaluation of the candidate’s personal doctrinal convictions, personal life,
ministerial skills and integrity. (Depending on the candidate’s alignment with our Charis
Identity, the mentor may recommend the candidate take the National Written Exam.)
When the Mentor is confident the candidate is in alignment with our Charis Identity to
the extent the he can live and serve harmoniously within the Charis Fellowship, the
mentor will recommend him to the District Examination Board. The District Examination

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Board will then meet with the candidate to review the completed Pastoral Ordination
Application before making a formal recommendation to the local church for
Ordination.

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 STEP 1 - INSPIRE Pastoral Ministry or Ordination Application

Name ___________________________________ Age _____ Email _______________________

Address ________________________________________ Phone __________________________

Have you previously applied for examination for local church commissioning to
pastoral ministry (traditional licensure) or ordination in a Charis Fellowship Church?

Yes or No (If Yes Circle One: Commissioning or Ordination)

Date ________________ District _________________________________________

CHRISTIAN EXPERIENCE

1. How long have you been a Christian?

________________________________________________________________________________

2. Give your personal testimony?

________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________

3. Why is your belief in Jesus so strategic to everything you do (in your personal life,
church, your world, our Fellowship)?
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________

4. Briefly explain your personal and family habit in devotional bible study and prayer.
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________

CHURCH AFFILIATION RECORD

Please provide the name, location and dates of the church families you have primarily
been connected to:

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CHURCH MEMBER (Y/N) PLACE DATES
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________

FAMILY LIFE

1. Single ___ Married ____

2. If Married: Date ___________ Place _______________________________________________

3. Have you or your wife ever been divorced? ____________

4. Have your wife provide her personal testimony summary.

____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________

5. Briefly describe your strategy for maintaining a strong marriage

____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________

6. List children, if any:

NAME AGE IF SAVED AT WHAT AGE
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________

7. Are there any family relationships that are broken? If so, explain and share what
steps you have taken to restore that relationship.
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________

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____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________

CALL TO CHRISTIAN MINISTRY

1. Explain your call to Christian ministry.

____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________

2. What gifts has God given you for Christian ministry?

____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________

3. Why are you seeking Ordination?

____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________

EDUCATIONAL

1. What educational preparation have you had?

SCHOOL DEGREE MAJOR DATE
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________

2. Do you plan to take additional education work?

____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________

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ETHICAL ISSUES

1. Explain your strategy for maintaining integrity in ministry:

____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________

2. How would you describe your financial strategy? Have you ever filed for
bankruptcy? (Yes or No)
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________

3. In case of difficulties in your ministry, would you be willing to consult with your district
examining board
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________

4. What are your ideas as to how a minister should conduct himself toward women in
and out of the church?
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________

5. What is your personal view of the use of alcoholic beverages, tobacco, marijuana
and narcotics?
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________

6. Do you have any arrest record or felony convictions? (Yes or No)

Have you provided the local church with a criminal background and child abuse
clearances. (Yes or No)

REFERENCES

Provide references from three people:

(1) A Pastor who knows you well and whom you respect
(2) A Friend who knows you well and whom you respect
(3) A Non-Believer who knows you well and whom you respect

*Reference Form Provided on next page.

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15
 Reference Form for Pastoral Ordination (Pastor/Elder)

____________________________________________________ (Applicants Name) is applying

for Pastoral Ordination in the Charis Fellowship and has given your name as a
reference. We appreciate your prompt response to the following questions and want
to assure you that all information received will be treated confidentially. References
are very important to the Examination Board in determining the qualifications and
character of an applicant. Family members and subordinates (employee/volunteer)
are not acceptable as references. To qualify as a reference, you must have known the
applicant for at least one year.

This reference is submitted by (Your Name)

_____________________________________________________________________________

How long have you personally known the applicant?

_____________________________________________________________________________

What is your relationship with the applicant?

_____________________________________________________________________________

Would you describe the applicant as Very Effective/ Somewhat Effective/ Not
Effective in ministry? (Circle one)

Does the applicant work well with others? (Yes or No)

Explain how the applicant deals with conflict.

____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________

If you have a comfortable understanding of Christianity, would you say the applicant is
living a life that reflects a desire to be like Jesus Christ? (Yes or No or N/A)

If you have ever observed the applicant preach a sermon, how would you evaluate
the his ability to preach and/or teach? (Circle N/A if not observed)
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________

If you have a comfortable understanding of the gospel of Jesus Christ, how would you
evaluate the applicant’s ability to share the Gospel? (Circle N/A if you are not
comfortable answering this question)
____________________________________________________________________________________
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____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________

Describe the applicant’s relationship with his wife and children (If applicable).
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________

How would you describe the applicant’s social skills?

____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________

How would you describe the applicant’s work ethic?

____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________

How would you describe the applicant’s leadership skills (Wisdom, Discernment,
Responsibility, Vision)?
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________

Are there any areas of behavior that you are aware of that could hinder the
applicant’s ability to lead in Christian ministry? (For example: Improper sexual
behavior, drunkenness, unethical behavior)
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________

If you were looking to hire a pastor or needed personal pastoral care, would you hire
this candidate or desire the applicant to help during your time of need? (Yes or No)
Please explain:
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________

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 Reference Form for Pastoral Ordination (Friend)

____________________________________________________ (Applicants Name) is applying

for Pastoral Ordination in the Charis Fellowship and has given your name as a
reference. We appreciate your prompt response to the following questions and want
to assure you that all information received will be treated confidentially. References
are very important to the Examination Board in determining the qualifications and
character of an applicant. Family members and subordinates (employee/volunteer)
are not acceptable as references. To qualify as a reference, you must have known the
applicant for at least one year.

This reference is submitted by (Your Name)

_____________________________________________________________________________

How long have you personally known the applicant?

_____________________________________________________________________________

What is your relationship with the applicant?

_____________________________________________________________________________

Would you describe the applicant as Very Effective/ Somewhat Effective/ Not
Effective in ministry? (Circle one)

Does the applicant work well with others? (Yes or No)

Explain how the applicant deals with conflict.

____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________

If you have a comfortable understanding of Christianity, would you say the applicant is
living a life that reflects a desire to be like Jesus Christ? (Yes or No or N/A)

If you have ever observed the applicant preach a sermon, how would you evaluate
the his ability to preach and/or teach? (Circle N/A if not observed)
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________

If you have a comfortable understanding of the gospel of Jesus Christ, how would you
evaluate the applicant’s ability to share the Gospel? (Circle N/A if you are not
comfortable answering this question)
____________________________________________________________________________________
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____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________

Describe the applicant’s relationship with his wife and children (If applicable).
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________

How would you describe the applicant’s social skills?

____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________

How would you describe the applicant’s work ethic?

____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________

How would you describe the applicant’s leadership skills (Wisdom, Discernment,
Responsibility, Vision)?
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________

Are there any areas of behavior that you are aware of that could hinder the
applicant’s ability to lead in Christian ministry? (For example: Improper sexual
behavior, drunkenness, unethical behavior)
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________

If you were looking to hire a pastor or needed personal pastoral care, would you hire
this candidate or desire the applicant to help during your time of need? (Yes or No)
Please explain:
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________

Reference Form for Pastoral Ordination (Friend)

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____________________________________________________ (Applicants Name) is applying
for Pastoral Ordination in the Charis Fellowship and has given your name as a
reference. We appreciate your prompt response to the following questions and want
to assure you that all information received will be treated confidentially. References
are very important to the Examination Board in determining the qualifications and
character of an applicant. Family members and subordinates (employee/volunteer)
are not acceptable as references. To qualify as a reference, you must have known the
applicant for at least one year.

This reference is submitted by (Your Name)

_____________________________________________________________________________

How long have you personally known the applicant?

_____________________________________________________________________________

What is your relationship with the applicant?

_____________________________________________________________________________

Would you describe the applicant as Very Effective/ Somewhat Effective/ Not
Effective in ministry? (Circle one)

Does the applicant work well with others? (Yes or No)

Explain how the applicant deals with conflict.

____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________

If you have a comfortable understanding of Christianity, would you say the applicant is
living a life that reflects a desire to be like Jesus Christ? (Yes or No or N/A)

If you have ever observed the applicant preach a sermon, how would you evaluate
the his ability to preach and/or teach? (Circle N/A if not observed)
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________

If you have a comfortable understanding of the gospel of Jesus Christ, how would you
evaluate the applicant’s ability to share the Gospel? (Circle N/A if you are not
comfortable answering this question)
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________

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Describe the applicant’s relationship with his wife and children (If applicable).
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________

How would you describe the applicant’s social skills?

____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________

How would you describe the applicant’s work ethic?

____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________

How would you describe the applicant’s leadership skills (Wisdom, Discernment,
Responsibility, Vision)?
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________

Are there any areas of behavior that you are aware of that could hinder the
applicant’s ability to lead in Christian ministry? (For example: Improper sexual
behavior, drunkenness, unethical behavior)
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________

If you were looking to hire a pastor or needed personal pastoral care, would you hire
this candidate or desire the applicant to help during your time of need? (Yes or No)
Please explain:
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________

A FIRST LOOK AT CHARIS IDENTITY

UNDERSTANDING BIBLICAL TRUTH, RELATIONSHIP AND MISSION

Local Church: The following tool can be used for Pastoral search teams, but should be
included with the Local Church Recognition form to the District Examining Board.

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Candidate: For each of the following statements, please indicate your level of
understanding or agreement:

1. The One True God - There is one, and only one, true God, the God of Abraham, Isaac,
and Jacob. He is the Creator and Lord of all, existing eternally in three persons, never
less and never more - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
❑ I HAVE SOME QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS ❑ THIS ACCURATELY DESCRIBES WHAT I BELIEVE

2. The Lord Jesus Christ - Jesus Christ is fully God, existing eternally. Everything was created
by Him and for Him. His incarnation took place in the womb of a virgin. He became
man, but never sinned. He died a substitutionary death to atone for sin, resurrected
bodily, and ascended into heaven where He remains fully God and fully man, and is
presently ministering until He comes again.
❑ I HAVE SOME QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS ❑ THIS ACCURATELY DESCRIBES WHAT I BELIEVE

3. The Holy Spirit - The Holy Spirit is fully God, existing eternally. He is a person, and was
involved in Creation and the inspiration of Scripture. His works of convicting and
regenerating are essential to the believer’s salvation. Believers are entitled to the
benefit and joy of being filled and walking in the Spirit for empowerment in Christian life,
service, and mission.
❑ I HAVE SOME QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS ❑ THIS ACCURATELY DESCRIBES WHAT I BELIEVE

4. The Bible - The sixty-six books, and only these, known as the Old and New Testaments,
are the written Word of God. God’s inspiration and superintendence of the writing of
every word of the Bible guarantees that what was written is His Word and therefore
authoritative, true, and without error in the original manuscripts. God preserves His Word,
which is powerful and effective to accomplish His purpose of salvation among all
nations. God’s Spirit illumines the minds of believers in every culture to understand and
apply the unchanging truth of Scripture in fresh and relevant ways for the benefit of the
whole Body of Christ.
❑ I HAVE SOME QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS ❑ THIS ACCURATELY DESCRIBES WHAT I BELIEVE

5. Humanity - God created man and woman in His image. As a result, all people are
bearers of that image. However, Adam’s subsequent sin resulted in a condition of
spiritual death which all people since Adam have experienced, marring the beauty of
God’s image in them in every facet of life. This condition of spiritual death has rendered
all people unable to save themselves, and leads to physical death. Therefore, new birth
is necessary for salvation.
❑ I HAVE SOME QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS ❑ THIS ACCURATELY DESCRIBES WHAT I BELIEVE

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6. Salvation - The salvation brought by God is a complete and eternal salvation by His
grace alone, received as the free gift of God through personal faith alone in the Lord
Jesus Christ and His finished work, as he declares believers righteous in Him.
True believers put their trust in Jesus Christ and are kept forever in the saving grace of
God through His promises and His power. Every believer has been eternally justified,
blessed with all spiritual blessings, and set free from all condemnation.
❑ I HAVE SOME QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS ❑ THIS ACCURATELY DESCRIBES WHAT I BELIEVE

7. Church - There exists one true Church, which is called the Household of God, the Body of
Christ, and the Temple of the Holy Spirit. It is comprised of all true disciples of Jesus Christ,
and is created by the action of the Holy Spirit. Tangible expressions of this true Church
are found in local churches.
❑ I HAVE SOME QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS ❑ THIS ACCURATELY DESCRIBES WHAT I BELIEVE

8. Christian Life - The believer is saved by faith alone. The faith that saves is expected to
produce obedience and good works, which are the products of the indwelling Holy
Spirit. The dimensions of biblical ethics are both individual and social, and extend to
every facet of life. God faithfully continues to finish the work of sanctification, which He
initiated in the life of each believer with the goal of Christlikeness.
The Holy Spirit’s works of baptizing, sealing, and indwelling occur simultaneously with
regeneration and are the possession of every true believer. The Holy Spirit gives each
believer a unique combination of spiritual gifts for the purpose of serving God and
people.
❑ I HAVE SOME QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS ❑ THIS ACCURATELY DESCRIBES WHAT I BELIEVE

9. Angels, Satan, Demons - God created a multitude of spiritual beings called “angels”.
Righteous angels continue to serve God and work both in the heavenly sphere and on
earth. By his disobedience, Satan, a fallen angel, became the adversary of God and
God’s people, carrying with him a procession of demons. Jesus Christ has overcome
Satan so that the final judgment and doom of Satan and his demons are certain.
❑ I HAVE SOME QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS ❑ THIS ACCURATELY DESCRIBES WHAT I BELIEVE

10. Future Life - The dead will have a conscious existence in eternity and their bodies will be
resurrected. Unbelievers, already under condemnation, will be sentenced to suffer
eternal separation from God. Believers, already having been granted eternal life, will be
judged and rewarded according to their works, and will experience a glorified, eternal
existence in the presence of the Lord.
❑ I HAVE SOME QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS ❑ THIS ACCURATELY DESCRIBES WHAT I BELIEVE

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11. Ordinances – Jesus Christ gave ordinances to the church: Baptism testifies to the reality
of our salvation and identifies us as disciples of the Triune God. The Grace Brethren
express this ordinance in triune immersion. Communion testifies to our justification,
sanctification and glorification, which are accomplished through Jesus Christ. The Grace
Brethren express this ordinance through the practice of these symbols: the bread and
the cup, the washing of feet and the sharing of a meal.
❑ I HAVE SOME QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS ❑ THIS ACCURATELY DESCRIBES WHAT I BELIEVE

12. The Return of Christ – The Church began on a particular day of Pentecost when our
ascended Lord sent His Spirit to the waiting disciples. The present Church age will come
to an end when our Lord comes in the air to remove His Church from the earth and fulfill
His promises to Israel. The second coming of Christ is the personal, physical, and visible
return from heaven of Christ to earth with His Church, to establish His thousand-year reign
before instituting His eternal kingdom.
❑ I HAVE SOME QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS ❑ THIS ACCURATELY DESCRIBES WHAT I BELIEVE

13. Biblical Relationships – The Triune God serves as the perfect and ultimate model for
human relationships. As a result, each person has equal value yet different roles, which
are expressed in loving unity. The differences in gifts and ministries are a manifestation of
the multifaceted grace of God. As a result, we encourage all believers to use their gifts
in ways that promote the unity, growth and ministry of the local church.
Our obligation to love and respect one another and to practice the “one another”
exhortations results in a commitment to work together and to resolve our differences for
the good of individuals, churches and communities.
It is the responsibility of the local church to govern their own affairs while living and
serving in community and interdependency with other churches. The mandate and
urgency to fulfill the Great Commission leads us to seek ways to cooperate with one
another and with likeminded Christians on the local, regional and global levels.
❑ I HAVE SOME QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS ❑ THIS ACCURATELY DESCRIBES WHAT I BELIEVE

14. Biblical Mission – God’s plan for this age is best summarized in Jesus’ command to make
disciples of all nations. This includes the evangelistic call to reconciliation with God by
means of the completed work of Christ and the lifelong pursuit of obedience to God by
means of the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit.
God’s plan for this age includes the recognition, training and releasing of spiritually
qualified and appropriately trained leaders. While the specific gifts, abilities and
responsibilities of leaders may vary, all leaders must serve as servants of God, shepherds
of God’s people and stewards of God’s resources.
God’s plan for this age is most fully expressed through establishing healthy churches.
Although practices may vary between cultures, healthy local churches are comprised of

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believers in Christ who assume a mutual commitment to worship, learning, service,
prayer and witness.
God’s plan for this age includes our responsibility to express the compassion of Christ
through proclaiming the Gospel in words while loving in deeds. This demands a
commitment to finding creative and practical ways to address the physical, emotional,
social and spiritual needs of a fallen humanity.
❑ I HAVE SOME QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS ❑ THIS ACCURATELY DESCRIBES WHAT I BELIEVE

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 STEP 2 - Local Church Recognition Form

The LOCAL CHURCH has the authority and responsibility to ordain pastors for
ministry. The Pastoral Ordination process begins with the local church officially
recognizing a man who has demonstrated sound character, ministerial gifting
and calling into the pastoral ministry. However, as a member church in the
Charis Fellowship there should be a commitment to mutual accountability,
support and help. Submission to the process accepted by our Fellowship and
the INSPIRE demonstrates this mutual relationship. Recognition from a district
examination board not only strengthens your church but it nurtures our mutual
relationship.

Please complete this form in accordance with your local church policies and
submit it along with the completed Application Form to the District Chairman of
your District or the President of INSPIRE if no District Examination Board exists.

___________________________________________________________________
(Name of candidate for Pastoral Ordination)

is officially recognized by
___________________________________________________________________
(Name of Local Church)

and it’s leadership as having solid Christian character, discernment and ability in
ministry. We also recognize God’s calling in his life for Christian ministry. We
understand that this commissioning to Pastoral Ministry is valid only in our local
church until the ordination process has been complete. We therefore request
that he be examined for Ordination by the District (National) Examining Board as
to his qualification in Biblical Truth, Biblical Relationship and Biblical Mission.

______________________________________________ Elder or Officer

______________________________________________ Elder or Officer

______________________________________________ Elder of Officer

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 Step 3 – Preparation & Mentorship

Mentorship Expectations

1. Build a strong relationship. Spend time together getting to know one

another and praying together.
2. Evaluate the Application with the Candidate looking for areas of
concern.
3. Prepare the Candidate for both written and oral exam using the Charis
Beliefs 1 & 2.
4. Make recommendation for improvement in Biblical understanding,
ministry skills, relationships and integrity using Mentor Assessment Check
List.
5. Provide the Mentor Recommendation of Life, Ministry and Integrity Form to
the District Examination Board prior to written exam.

Recommended Reading List

The candidate is not expected to read ALL these books, nor is this list intended
to limit the candidates reading list. The candidate and the mentor may agree
on a reading list that will best equip the candidate for a successful written and
oral examination.

Restoring the Household Todd Scoles

Ordinances: What Are They David Plaster
Finding Our Focus David Plaster
Could It Be Three Tim Hodge
Doing Right While Doing Good Ken Bickel, Kevin Vanderguard
The Greatness of the Kingdom Alva J. McClain
Law and Grace Alva J. McClain
Millenialism: Two Views Charles Feinberg
Well Intentioned Dragons Marshall Shelley

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 Charis Beliefs
“Charis Beliefs is a set of resources being developed around the framework of
the Charis Commitment to Common Identity. The purpose of these resources is
to provide concise training in our shared theology for individuals, study groups,
leadership teams, elder boards, and especially as a guide for mentors to use to
help prepare those working through the ordination process.

CHARIS BELIEFS – Workbook 1

The Center and Evangelical Core

INTRODUCTION
SESSION 1 – The One True God
SESSION 2 – The Lord Jesus Christ
SESSION 3 – The Holy Spirit
SESSION 4 – The Bible
SESSION 5 – Humanity
SESSION 6 – Salvation
SESSION 7 – Church
SESSION 8 – Christian Life
SESSION 9 - Angels, Satan, Demons
SESSION 10 – Future Life

CHARIS BELIEFS – Workbook 2

The Shared Commitments of our Global Movement

INTRODUCTION
SESSION 1 – Hermeneutics
SESSION 2 – Christian Ethics
SESSION 3 – Regeneration
SESSION 4 – Ordinances
SESSION 5 – The Church
SESSION 6 – Roles & Gifts
SESSION 7 – Fellowship
SESSION 8 – Discipleship
SESSION 9 – Historical Context
SESSION 10 - Global Impact

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 Mentor Assessment Check List

1. Theology & Doctrine

a. The Center Date Completed ___________________
b. The One True God Date Completed ___________________
c. The Lord Jesus Christ Date Completed ___________________
d. The Holy Spirit Date Completed ___________________
e. The Bible Date Completed ___________________
f. Humanity Date Completed ___________________
g. Salvation Date Completed ___________________
h. Church Date Completed ___________________
i. Christian Life Date Completed ___________________
j. Angels, Satan, Demons Date Completed ___________________
k. Future Life Date Completed ___________________

2. Personal Relationship with God

a. Application Review Date Completed ___________________
b. Regeneration Date Completed ___________________

3. Ministry Skill
a. Historical Context Date Completed ___________________
b. Hermeneutics Date Completed ___________________
c. Ordinances Date Completed ___________________
d. Discipleship Date Completed ___________________
e. Global Impact Date Completed ___________________

4. Personal Relationships with Others

a. Roles and Gifts Date Completed ___________________
b. Fellowship Date Completed ___________________

5. Integrity
a. Christian Ethics Date Completed ___________________
b. The Church Date Completed ___________________

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Mentor Recommendation of Life, Ministry and Integrity Form

After careful evaluation, as the District (National) Approved Mentor, from

______________ (Starting Date) to _________________ (Completion Date) – I fully
recommend ____________________________________ (Name of Candidate) to be
examined by the District Examining Board for Ordination. We have completed
the Mentor Assessment Checklist and I am confident that this candidate has the
theological understanding, the ministry skill, the ethical integrity and the personal
relationship with God and others that would reflect a close walk with Jesus
Christ.

__________________________________ ____________________________________
Candidate Print Name Mentor Print Name

__________________________________ ____________________________________
Candidate Sign Name Mentor Sign Name

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 Step 4 - Examination Procedure

WRITTEN EXAM

Each candidate will complete a written exam based on questions relating to

the Charis Fellowship Identity Statement and Positions Statements. This exam is
intended to aid and protect local churches by assessing the candidate’s
theological understanding, doctrinal convictions, ministerial skills, personal life,
integrity and an understanding of the mission of the church. This exam will be
updated annually to reflect any changes in our Position Statements.

ORAL EXAM

Each candidate will prepare for and follow through with an Oral Exam where
the District (or National) Examination Board will evaluate the candidate’s
application, references, written exam and report from the Mentor. The focus of
the oral exam will be on areas of weakness or insufficiency. The Examination
Board’s final recommendation will be based on the following Standard for
Affirmation.

STANDARDS FOR AFFIRMATION

1. The candidate has a mastery level understanding of Scripture, the Gospel,

theology and doctrine so that he can adequately teach others.
2. The candidate has a clear understanding of the mission of the church.
3. The candidate has solid Christian character, discernment and ability in
ministry.
4. The candidate has the support of his spouse (if married) and has healthy
relationships.
5. The candidate has a clear understanding of his calling in pastoral ministry.
6. The candidate agrees to cooperate harmoniously and walk with integrity
within the Charis Fellowship Family:
a. That is part of the Evangelical community.
b. Whose ordinances are triune immersion and threefold communion.
c. Whose eschatology follows a pre-millennial hermeneutic.
d. That believes the eldership of the church has been given to men.
e. That believes in the security of the believer.
7. The candidate intends to be intentional about his relationships with the
Charis Fellowship Family.

STEP 5 - RECOMMENDATION FOR ORDINATION

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This Affirms that ________________________________________ has successfully met
the requirements for being ordained as a Charis Fellowship pastor. This is being
given in recognition of a call to Christian ministry, a life of personal and
professional integrity, a demonstration of skills as they relate to pastoral care and
a demonstration of a working knowledge of the Bible and a commitment to it as
the Word of God.

______________________________________________ is hereby recommended to his

church as a man qualified for pastoral ministry in a Charis Fellowship Church. All
legal credentials to be bestowed upon him rest in the authority of the Local
Church. The Local Church also bears the responsibility to hold him accountable
to the standards set forth in Scripture for Christian ministry and as an Elder in a
Grace Brethren church.

Given this ________________ Day of ________________________ 20___________

____________________________ ____________________________
Local Church Pastor/Elder Exam Chairman

____________________________ ____________________________
Local Church Pastor/Elder Ordained Pastor

____________________________ ____________________________
Local Church Pastor/Elder Ordained Pastor

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 LOCAL CHURCH ORDINATION SERVICE INSTRUCTIONS

The following are instructions for an ordination service to be planned and

executed by the leaders of the local church. It is not the responsibility of the
District, the Fellowship or the man being ordained to plan or execute the
ordination service.

1. The Elders of the Local Church should plan a special service. The man
being ordained should provide input, but should not be expected to plan
the service alone. Traditionally an Ordination Service includes the favorite
worship songs of the candidate, a speaker that would be meaningful to
the candidate and a time of recognition by the District Examination
Chairman, but feel free to be creative. Remember the purpose of the
Ordination Service is to affirm and celebrate the candidate’s call to
pastoral ministry
2. District pastors should be invited. The District Exam Chairman upon request
can provide a list of pastors and addresses.
3. A meal should be planned if possible. The local church family should plan
this meal.
4. A special offering should be taken to bless the pastor in ministry.
5. A signed copy of the Ordination Certificate should be sent to the District
Examination Chairman and the INSPIRE President.

Other Important Information Regarding Local Church Ordination

When hiring a pastor who already holds Ordination credentials, it is the

responsibility of the local church to request proof of those credentials from the
church that ordained him. It is not the responsibility of the District or INSPIRE to
transfer credentials from church to church. The local church may request the
District Examination Board to verify alignment with Charis Fellowship practices
and beliefs when hiring an ordained pastor outside the Charis Fellowship of
churches before ordaining him as a Charis Fellowship pastor.

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