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ORDINATIONGUIDE

FORSOVEREIGNGRACECHURCHES

TableofContents

1. Introduction……………………………………………………………………………………………………………...2

2. RationalefortheOrdinationStandardsforSovereignGraceChurches……………………...3

3. SummaryofEntireOrdinationProcedure………………………………………………………………....4

4. DocumentsRequiredbytheRegionalOrdinationCommittee……………………………….….6

5. LocalEvaluationQuestions………………………………………………………………………………….….7

6. PreliminaryAssessmentTest………………………………………………………………………………....16

7. OrdinationResources……………………………………………………………………………………….……40

8. SuggestedStudyPlans…………….……………………………………………………………………….……48

9. OrdinationPapers…………………………………………………………………………………………………53

10. ReadingReport……………………………………………………………………………………………….......54

11. TestPreparationGuideforOrdinationExams……………………………………………………….55

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1.INTRODUCTION

SovereignGracePastors,

ThegoalofthisOrdinationGuideistoassistyou,localelderships,intheordinationprocessbyprovidinginformationandmaterialsrelatedtoordinationinSovereignGraceChurches(SGC).Itincludesanoverviewoftheprocess,evaluationforms,assignments,recommendedreading,astudyguide,andmore.

As a first step, the elder candidate and his local elders should familiarize themselves withSections2,3,and9oftheBookofChurchOrder(BCO).Sections2and3addresstheofficeandqualifications of elders, and Section 9 addresses the ordination of elders, including arecommendedprocessforordination.

YourRegionalOrdinationCommittee (ROC)will be able to serve youwith anyquestions youmayhave.Whenalocaleldershipdesirestomovetowardordainingaman,theyshouldinformand involve the ROC at the outset. It is recommended that you contact the ROC at least 12monthsinadvanceofthedesireddateofordination,priortoinitiatingtheordinationprocessandstudyperiod.Thisallowssufficienttimeforpersonalstudy,evaluations,requiredreading,andwritingassignmentstobecompleted.

Inworkingtowardordination,weshouldkeepinmindthatthisprocessisvaluablenotonlyfortheevaluationitprovides,butalsofortheedificationandequippingthecandidateexperiences.Additionally, we should allow ordination to function as a reminder of Christ’s love for hischurch.Theonewhogaveuphislifeinloveforthechurchhasascendedtoheaven.Fromthatpositionofauthority,andmotivatedbythesamelove,henowgivesgiftedmenas leaderstothechurch.

May churches be built up, our partnership be strengthened, and the glory of Christ bepromotedthroughtheappointmentoffaithfulshepherdsinthechurchesofSovereignGrace.

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2.RATIONALEFORORDINATIONSTANDARDSFORSOVEREIGNGRACECHURCHES

God’s word presents the role of a pastor as a high calling and privilege. There is a uniqueauthority and responsibility entrusted to Christ’s under-shepherds. Every pastor is to be askilledteacherofScripture,andmustbecapableoffeedingtheflockfromGod’sword.Everypastorisalsoagoverningelderintheaffairsofthechurch,aspiritualoverseer,aguardianofsounddoctrine,andarefuteroffalsedoctrine.Therefore, tobeordainedasapastor,a candidatemustbeaprovenstudentofGod’sword,“rightlyhandlingthewordoftruth”(2Tim2:15).Thecandidatemustbe“abletoteach”(1Tim3:2). “Hemust hold firm to the trustworthyword as taught, so that hemay be able to giveinstructioninsounddoctrineandalsotorebukethosewhocontradict it”(Titus1:9).Hemustbeabletoprotecttheflockfromfalsedoctrineandfromwolves(Acts20:28-30).The Sovereign Grace Book of ChurchOrder (BCO), following Biblical standards for eldership,statesthatallofoureldersmustpossessanaptitudeforsounddoctrine:“Eldersmustpossessasaptitudeforsounddoctrine,whichmeanstheyunderstandandbelieveitandcanteachanddefendit”(3.5).Theymustalsohaveanabilitytoteach:“Suchanabilitytoteachimpliesabasicability toorganize ideas, accuratelyexegete thebiblical text, and communicate this in awaythatencourages,instructs,andeveninspiresotherbelievers”(3.5.3).TheordinationprocessforthechurchesofSovereignGraceisintendedtoprotecttheintegrityofourdoctrinalcommitmentsandvalues,toguardagainstbeinghastyinthelayingonofhands(1 Tim 5:22), and to ensure that called and qualifiedmen are filling our pulpits, leading ourchurchplants,andpastoringourchurches.AllcurrenteldersinthechurchesofSovereignGracehaveavestedinterestinthequalityofourfutureelders.Thetheologicalmaturityandbiblicalfidelityofourpastorsisfundamentaltothehealthofourunionofchurches.Forthisreason,theremustbeordinationstandardsthataccuratelyassessaman’sknowledgeand handling of Scripture, his ability to understand and apply sound doctrine, and hisfundamentaldoctrinalcommitments.Theremustbedoctrinalstandardsforeldershipthatarehigherthanwhatisrequiredofchurchmembers(Jas3:1).Thereshouldbeaprocessofcarefulstudy, preparation, andexamination. Candidates shouldbe assessed for their ability tobringGod’s word to bear on a range of theological, pastoral, and contemporary issues. TheexaminationshouldalsocoverourStatementofFaith,BCO,andoursharedvalues.SuchaprocessisfaithfultothestandardsofScripture,isinkeepingwiththeSovereignGraceBCO,andpromotesthefuturehealthofthechurchesofSovereignGrace.

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3.SUMMARYOFENTIREORDINATIONPROCEDURETherearesevenelementstotheordinationprocedure:

1. Identification of a potential candidate: The responsibility for identifying and trainingelders restsoneach localeldership (see1Tim3:1-7,Titus1:7-9 for thequalifications;also 2 Tim 2:2 for the responsibility to identify potential elders). The section “LocalEvaluationQuestions”belowwillhelpyouasyouidentifyandevaluatepotentialelders.Any potential reservations or disagreements with the Sovereign Grace Statement ofFaithmustbeidentifiedatthispoint.

2. Preliminary assessment test: After you have identified a candidate for eldership, thenextstepistoevaluatehiscurrentlevelofbiblical,theological,andpastoralknowledge.Thepreliminaryassessmenttestthatisprovidedissimplyatooltohelpthecandidateandhis localelders.Aftertakingthistest, thecandidatewillbe inabetterpositiontopersonalizehisstudyplan.

3. Ordinationstudyperiod:Thelengthoftimerequiredforthiswillvary.Thegoalistousetheresultsofthepreliminaryassessmenttesttohelpeachmanbestprepareforboththe written and oral exams, and to write his ordination papers. The section marked“OrdinationResources”belowcontains the required readingsaswell as supplementalreadings to help aman addressweaknesses identified by the preliminary assessmenttest.Twosuggestedstudyplansareprovided(six-monthand12-month);thelengthoftimewillvarydependingonthecandidate’sbackground,abilities,andschedule.

4. Submissionofrequireddocuments:Asthecandidate’sstudyperiodends,theRegionalOrdinationCommittee(hereafterROC)shouldbenotifiedofthecandidate’sstatusandthe timetable for taking the ordination exams. See the section entitled “DocumentsRequiredbytheROC”forthefulllist.

5. Ordinationexams:

a. The Bible knowledge exam will be supplied by the ROC, to be taken by thecandidate on his own, and proctored by a member of the local eldership. ThecompletedexamshouldimmediatelybeforwardedtotheROC,whichshouldgradetheexamwithintwoweeksofreceivingit.TheROCwilltheninformthecandidateandhiseldershipofhisscore.

Ifacandidatefailstheexam,heshouldbeinformedonlyofhisoverallscore,andnotbeinformedofwhichquestionswererightandwrong.Failingtheexamrequireswaitingatleastamonthandtakingthesameexamagain,withagradedcopyofeachtesthandedintotheRegionalOrdinationCommittee.Thiscontinuesuntilthecandidateisabletoscore75%orabove.

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Thecandidateshouldnothaveaccesstotheexambeyondthedurationoftimeheistakingtheexam.Inpreparingfortheexam,itisimportantthatlocaleldersdonotassistthecandidatebygivinghimsamplequestionsfromtheactualexam.

b. ThetheologyexamwillalsobesuppliedbytheROC,tobetakenbythecandidateon

his own, andproctoredby amember of the local eldership. The completed examshouldimmediatelybeforwardedtotheROC,whichshouldgradetheexamwithintwoweeksofreceivingit.TheROCwilltheninformthecandidateandhiseldershipofhisscore.ThetheologyexamcoversthecategoriesinourStatementofFaith.

Ifacandidatefailstheexam,heshouldbeinformedonlyofhisoverallscore,andnotbeinformedofwhichquestionswererightandwrong.Failingtheexamrequireswaitingatleastamonthandtakingthesameexamagain,withagradedcopyofeachtesthandedintotheRegionalOrdinationCommittee.Thiscontinuesuntilthecandidateisabletoscoreabove75%.Thecandidateshouldnothaveaccesstotheexambeyondthedurationoftimeheistakingtheexam.Inpreparingfortheexam,itisimportantthatlocaleldersdonotassistthecandidatebygivinghimsamplequestionsfromtheactualexam.

c. The oral exam is administered by the ROC. Churches that are farther apart from

each other may want to consider conducting the oral exam either at the annualCouncil of Elders or a regional assembly. The oral exam focuses on 1) personalbackground, calling, and convictions, 2) polity and SovereignGrace shared values,and3)pastoralministry.Duringtheexam,thecandidatemaybequestionedbytheROConhiswrittenexam,ordinationpapers,evaluations,orbibleknowledgeshouldtheROCdeemithelpful.

6. ApprovalbytheRegionalAssemblyofElders(RAE):Uponsuccessfulcompletionofthewrittenandoralexams,thecandidateispresentedtotheRAEbythelocalelders.TheROCwill give their recommendation regarding theman’s ordination to the assembly.Thecandidatewillreceiveapprovalbyasimplemajorityvoteafterany“necessaryandrelevant questioning” (BCO-9.3.6). If the RAE approves the candidate, then thecandidate signs the statement regarding tohis subscription to the Statementof FaithandsubmissiontotheBCO(BCO-9.3.6).

7. Ordination service in the local church. After these requirements are met, the localchurch publicly announces a date for an official ordination service. The candidatepubliclyaffirmsaseriesofquestionsstipulatedintheBCO.TheelderslayhandsonthecandidateandpubliclycommendhimtoGodthroughprayer.

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4.REQUIREDDOCUMENTSBYTHEREGIONALORDINATIONCOMMITTEE:ThefollowingdocumentsmustbesubmittedasanordinationpackettotheROC60dayspriortothecandidate’soralexam.Thecandidatewillprovidehiseldershipwithallofthefollowingitemsexcept#2,whichwillbecompletedbytheeldership,and#s4-5,whichwillbeproctoredbythelocaleldership.TheentireordinationpacketwillthenbesentbythelocaleldershiptothechairmanoftheROC.1. Self-evaluationquestionsfromtheeldercandidate(evaluationguideprovided)2. Localelderteamevaluationquestionsofeldercandidate(evaluationguideprovided)3. StatementofanyreservationsordisagreementsthecandidatemayhavewiththeSovereign

GraceStatementofFaith.4. Bibleknowledgeexam(providedbytheROC;proctoredbylocaleldership,gradedbyROC)5. GradedTheologyexam(providedbytheROC;proctoredbylocaleldership,gradedbyROC)6. Ordinationpaper1(750-1000words):Soteriology17. Ordinationpaper2(750-1000words):Preaching&theChurch8. Ordinationpaper3(750-1000words):Continuationism9. Ordinationpaper4(750-1000words):BiblicalManhood&Womanhood10. Ordinationpaper5(750-1000words):Divorce&Remarriage11. Ordinationpaper6(750-1000words):GenderIssues:Pastoral&Cultural12. Sermonmanuscriptandaudio/videorecordingofthesermon13. Signedstatementthatrequiredreadingwascompleted

1SeeSection9,p.53,forthespecifictopicsforOrdinationPapers.

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5.LOCALEVALUATIONQUESTIONS

Thefollowingsetsofquestionsareforusebythecandidateandalsobythelocaleldership.Thepurposeistohelpamanthinkthroughhisstrengthsandweaknesses,andtogivetheeldersacomprehensiveevaluation.Butremember:weallstumbleinmanyways!Thegoalhereisnotthedocumentationofperfection,butanhonestassessmentofwhereGodisatworkandwheregrowth is needed. Be honest, be open, and remember: only the chief Shepherd receives aperfectgrade!

Self-EvaluationQuestions

Eacheldercandidateshouldprovidewrittenanswerstothefollowingquestions.Thesewillbereviewedbythelocaleldership,aswellassentontotheROCpriortotakingthewrittenandoralexams.PersonalForquestions1-9,answeryesorno.Iftheanswerisyes,pleaseprovideanexplanation.

1. Arethereanycurrentbattleswithsin that, inyouropinion,wouldpotentiallypreventyoufrombeinganelder?

2. Arethereanyprevioussinsorsituationsthat, inyouropinion, iftheyweretobecomeknownwouldpreventyoufrombeingabletocontinueasanelder?

3. Doyouhaveacurrentparentingsituationthatweshouldbeconcernedabout?4. Wereyoupreviouslymarried?5. Are there any specific marriage conflicts or struggles that we should be concerned

about?6. Haveyoubeenconvictedofacrimeotherthanminortrafficcitations?7. Haveyoubeenaccusedofacrimeinvolvingachild?8. Haveyoueverdeclaredbankruptcy?9. Would another church be offended, have objections, or have any concerns and/or

questionsiftheyheardthatyouweretobeanelderinourchurch?

Ministry

• Whatisyourministryexperience?• Whatformaltraininghaveyouhad,includinganydegreesearned?• Doyoudesiretobeanelderprovidedtheevaluationprocessgoeswell?• Are youwilling towalk through this processwith an open attitude, trusting the Lord

withthefinalresult?

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LocalElderTeamEvaluationQuestions

Thesewillbecompletedbythe localeldershipandsubmittedtotheROCwiththeordinationpacket (see section 4: “Required Documents by the Regional Ordination Committee). Thereasonforincludingpersonalcharacterandaman’sleadershipinthehomeisnotbecausetheROC is responsible to evaluate the candidate in these areas (although the personalknowledge/experience that a regional pastor may have of the candidate is legitimate toexplore). This evaluation functionsprimarily as a commendation from the local elders, andensuresthatathoroughevaluationhasbeendonelocally.

DesireforPastoralMinistry:"Ifanyoneaspirestotheofficeofoverseer,hedesiresanobletask."(1Tim3:1)

Thegoalhereistoassesswhetherthemanfeelsapersonalsenseofcallingandwhetherotherscanalsoattesttothatcalling.However,theroleitselfisdemandingenoughthatamanmusthaveastrongsenseofcallinganddesire.

Category Very

StrongStrong Average Weak Very

Weak1. Hasadesiretobeanelder (1Tim

3:1)

2. Hasapersonalsenseofcalling 3. Spousealsoconfirmsthissenseof

calling

4. Other leaders—family, friends,home group, elders of SGC,pastors, regional leader, regionalordinationcommittee,etc.—affirmthissenseofcalling

Anyadditionalcommentsonthissection:

PersonalCharacter,"AboveReproach"(1Tim3:1-7;Titus1:5-9)

The goal here is to assess theman's character. There are specific areas of charactermentionedinthepastoraltexts,buttheNewTestamentgivesusotherareasthatshouldalsobeincludedintheevaluation(e.g.,Matt22:36ff.).Moreover,sincepastorsaretobeexamplestotheircongregations(1Tim4:12;1Pet5:3),thereisparticularapplicationtothem of the full range of Christian virtues. As with all areas, the requirement is notperfection, but there should be clear evidence that the man possesses exemplarycharacter.

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Category VeryStrong

Strong Average Weak VeryWeak

1. Spirituality:Anevident loveofGoddemonstrated by a spiritualmindset, spiritual disciplines, andpassioninworship(Matt22:36ff.)

2. Prayer/Spiritual Disciplines: Has along track-record of regular prayerandpersonalBiblereading.

3. Hospitality: Committed tofellowship and consistent withhospitality (sharing his life andresourceswithothers)

4. Humility: Sees need for input andthen asks for it and acts on it;receives correction well; confessessin regularly; postures himself as alearner, a student; not controlledby selfish-ambition and a "title" (1Peter5:5-6;Prov28:13)

5. Servant: Demonstrates a servant'sheart(Matt20:25-26)

6. Life:Diligentlywatches his life andteachinganddemonstrates growthinboth(1Tim4:12-16)

7. Sexual purity: Not addicted topornography, has been faithful tohiswife,andrelatestotheoppositesexinagodlymanner(1Tim3:2-3,5:2)

8. Self-control: Time, physical health,finances,personalhabits,andothermiscellaneous areas alldemonstrateself-control

9. Gentleness: Able to be gentle andself-controlled in conflict (1 Tim3:3;2Tim2:24-25;Titus1:7)

10. Love: Proactive with people, takesinterest in others, listens andconverses well, not aloof orpreoccupied or unable to relate(Phil2:1-4;1Cor13;etc.)

Anyadditionalcommentsonthissection:

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Marriage(Eph5:25ff.;1Tim3:2,4;1Peter3:7)

The goal here is to assess the man's marriage. There should be unity, affection,understanding, love, and the fruit of godly leadership. How long the man has beenmarried, the spiritual journey of the husband and wife, and other factors will beweighed.

Category Very

StrongStrong Average Weak Very

Weak1. Faithful to his wife for their

entiremarriage

2. Not addicted to pornography orgiventootherareasofsexualsin

3. Takes initiative in the marriageto build their relationship (e.g.,createstimealoneforthemasacouple,etc.)

4. Wife would testify that thehusband both loves heraffectionatelyandleadsherwell

5. Husband takes initiative inspiritualmatters in themarriage(e.g., makes decisions for thesakeoftheirspiritualhealthsuchas inquiring about her Biblereading and prayer, initiatingspiritualconversation,etc.)

6. Wifecantestifythatthehusbandhonors and cherishes her withhis actions and his words—bothinpublicandinprivate

7. Wife submitted to her husbandappropriately—notcoweringasadoormat, but complementary asahelpmate

Anyadditionalcommentsonthissection:

Parenting(1Tim3:4-5;Titus1:6;Eph6:4)

The goal here is to assess the man as a father. The primary fruit to examine is hischildren.Theirsubmissiontohimrevealshisgodlinessandfaithfulnessasamanagerofhishome.Thisisanareathatisdifficulttoassessinfalliblybecausetheheartofthechild

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is a factor alongwith the father. Yet, the Bible clearly and emphatically holds up ourchildrenaspartoftheevidenceofourcallingasanelder.

Category Very

StrongStrong Average Weak Very

Weak1. Children are submitted to his

leadership—notincoweringfear,butinawillingsincerity

2. Discipling his children in the fear ofthe Lord—incorporating formalelements like family Bible readingand informal elements likespontaneous conversations andsituationalguidance/counseling

3. Children are submitted to thespiritual direction of the father—attending the church where heattends, complyingwith the spiritualinitiatives of the father, even if theyarenotregenerate

4. Doesnot lead inangerbutwithself-controlandhumility

5. Faithful to discipline his children inage-appropriate and situation-appropriateways

6. Manages his home well generally—caringforhisfamily’sfinancialhealth,stewarding well their physicalproperty, family schedule is undercontrol;ageneralappearanceofwiseleadershipinalldomesticmatters

Anyadditionalcommentsonthissection:

"Abletoteach"(1Tim3:2;2Tim2:15;Titus1:9)

Thegoalhereistoassessthecandidate'sbasicteachingability.Itisassumedthathewillbe evaluated based on his Sunday preaching ability, yet we also understand thatdifferentelderswillbecalledupontoteachinavarietyofsettings.Somewillnotteachat all on Sundays, some in a mix of venues, some exclusively on Sundays. Althoughcertain qualities that point to an authentic spiritual gift should be present, there is awiderangeofgiftingthatconstitutesbeing"abletoteach."

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Category VeryStrong

Strong Average Weak VeryWeak

1. Demonstratestheabilitytoclearlycommunicate the truth of God'sword

2. AbletoexegeteatextofScripture,bothOldandNewTestaments

3. AbletoapplythetruthfromGod'sword to the lives of those in hischurch

4. The power of the Spirit is evident(i.e.,thereisapparentunctionandeffect when he preaches; hepreaches sermons, does not givelectures)

5. A track-record of consistent study(recognizingwealldiffergreatlyinourparticularinterestsandenergyinourstudies)

6. Broad grasp of the Bible,systematic theology, biblicaltheology, and church history (seebelow formore on the ordinationexams)

Anyadditionalcommentsonthissection:

"Overseer"(Acts20:28;Heb13:17;1Tim3:5;5:17)

Thegoalhere is toassess the leadershipof the candidate.Different rolesona churchstaffrequiredifferentlevelsofleadershipgifting,butsinceleadershipisinherenttothetask of being an elder (Acts 20:28; Heb 13:17; 1 Tim 3:5; 5:17), this gifting must bepresentinsomemeasure.

Category Very

StrongStrong Average Weak Very

Weak1. Abletocreateandexecuteaplanfor

ministry

2. Able to organize people—definingtheir tasks, communicating thevision,buildingateam

3. Able to communicate clearly ingeneral matters (typical

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conversation,informaladvice,etc.)4. Abletofollow-throughonaministry

plan

5. Has a track-record of discipleshipand building into others, especiallythoseonhisteam

6. Makes good decisions about groupsof people—identifying the needs,creatingawaytomeetthoseneeds,anticipatingtheimpactofdecisions

7. Abletomanagetaskswell 8. Able to both lead a teamof people

and be a contributingmember of ateam

9. Able to steward resources: thinkingthrough the budget of the churchwith some amount of wisdom andskill

Anyadditionalcommentsonthissection:"Shepherd": "Shepherd the church of Godwhich He purchasedwith His own blood" (Acts20:28,NASB;1Peter5:1-4)

The goal here is to assess the candidate's ability to shepherd the sheep God mightentrust to him. The role of a shepherd is a combination of anticipating andmeetingneeds,leading,protecting,andpossessingasincereconcernforGod'ssheep.Allmustbepresentforaneldertoservewell.

Category Very

StrongStrong Average Weak Very

Weak1. Cares forpeople (carries themonhis

heartandexpressesthatpersonally)

2. Can relate to a broad spectrum ofpeople

3. Ministers to encourage, edify, andserve,nottodomineerorcontrol.

4. Does not manipulate to win theloyaltiesofpeople

5. Ministers for the sake of others, notpersonalambitionorreputation

6. Able to counsel those who arestrugglingwithwisdomfromtheBible

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7. Able to help others grow byincorporatingthetruthoftheBible

8. Able to identify the needs of aparticularsheepandthewholeflock

9. Able to see the dangers inside andoutsidethechurchthatcouldhurtthesheepentrustedtohim

10. Able to see the dangers for aparticularsheep

11. Fulfills his role as shepherd with anawarenessthatheismerelyanunder-shepherd who is serving the "ChiefShepherd"(1Peter5:4)

Anyadditionalcommentsonthissection:

Doctrine:"Hemustholdfirmtothetrustworthywordastaught,sothathemaybeabletogiveinstructioninsounddoctrineandalsotorebukethosewhocontradictit."(Titus1:9)

Thegoalhereistoassessthegeneralknowledgeofthecandidate.Toteachanddefendsounddoctrine requiresabroadknowledgeof theBible, theology, churchhistory,andthe distinctives of SG churches. A candidate does not need a PhD in theology to beordained,buthedoesneedtobeabletofunctionwellinthecommontasksofpastoralministry,which have at their root the truth ofGod’sword. These include counseling,teaching,evangelizing,andthedefenseofthefaiththathappensonsuchoccasions.Aswith teaching (see above), there is a spectrum of abilities and giftings that wouldconstitutemeetingtherequirementhere.

Category Very

StrongStrong Average Weak Very

Weak1. HasagoodgraspoftheOldandNew

Testaments.

2. Has a good command of systematictheology (seesectionXII formoreonthisissue)

3. Has a good knowledge of the keymomentsofchurchhistory

4. Understandsand is in full agreementwiththeSGMBookofChurchOrder

5. Understandsand is in full agreementwiththeSGMStatementofFaith

6. Any reservations or disagreements with the SG Statement of Faith have been identified,explored,anddeterminedtobeacceptable:Yesorno.

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Anyadditionalcommentsonthissection:

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6.PRELIMINARYASSESSMENTTEST

The following test is a simply a tool to help the candidate and his local elders assess thecandidate’sbiblicalandtheologicalknowledge.Aftertakingthetest,thecandidatewillbeinabetterpositiontopersonalizehisstudyplaninpreparationfortheordinationexams.HowtoUseThisTestTake the testunhurriedly,withoutprevious studying.DonotuseaBible forassistance.Thengradeyour test,using theanswerkey. Since this is apracticeexam,noproctor isnecessary.Each test is divided into sections with ten questions each. Use the information below todeterminewhereyouneedtostudyinpreparationfortheSovereignGraceordinationexam.Ifyourscoreforanysectionis,thefollowingactionsarerecommended:

• 8-10pts–dorequiredreading,butnoneedtodevoteextrastudytothistopic.2• 6-8pts–inadditiontorequiredreading,choose1-2supplementalresources.• 6ptsorbelow–doall requiredandsupplemental readingon this topic.Work

withyourlocaleldershiptodevelopafurtherstudyplanifneeded.

Thesearesimplyrecommendations. Samplestudyplans(6-month&12-month)areprovidedlaterinthisguideinSection8toassistthecandidateinpreparingfortheordinationexams.

2Requiredandsupplementalreadingarelistedbelowunder“OrdinationResources,”Section7,pp.40ff.

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OLDTESTAMENTRedemptivehistory:

1. WhatisthesignificanceofGenesis3:15?a. Itisthefirstmentionoftheword“covenant.”b. ItisthefirstpromiseofaRedeemer.c. Itisthesourceofthecurseonwork.d. Alloftheabove.

2. The“Abrahamiccovenant”refersto:a. TheagreementGodmadewithAbrahamfirstinGenesis12andexpandedinGenesis15

and17.b. Abraham’sformerworshipofidolsbeforeGodappearedtohim.c. ThecircumcisioncommandinGenesis17.d. ThegiftofIsaacinAbrahamandSarah’soldage.

3. Whichofthefollowingisthecorrectorderofevents?a. God’scovenantwithAbraham,theSinaiticcovenant,God’scovenantwithDavid.b. TheMosaiccovenant,theAbrahamiccovenant,theDavidiccovenant.c. TheDavidiccovenant,thecovenantofworks,thecovenantofgrace.d. TheAbrahamiccovenant,theDavidiccovenant,theMosaiccovenant.

4. Whichkingwasresponsibleforconstructingthetemple?a. David.b. Saul.c. Solomon.d. Josiah.

5. WhatwasthefirstphysicalexpressionofGod’spromisethathewoulddwellwithhispeople?a. Thetabernacle.b. Thetemple.c. Jerusalem.d. Noneoftheabove.

6. Whatdoesthearkofthecovenantsymbolize?a. God’ssovereignty.b. God’spresence.c. Thesacredofficeofthepriests.d. Thesacrificialsystem.

7. WherewastheMostHolyPlace(or“HolyofHolies”insometranslations)located?a. Inthecenterofthetabernacle.b. Insidethearkofthecovenant.c. OnMountSinai.d. Noneoftheabove.

8. Towhichkingwasthefollowingpromisemade:“Yourhouseandyourkingdomshallbemadesureforeverbeforeme.Yourthroneshallbeestablishedforever”?WhereisthispromiselocatedinScripture?

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a. Solomon,1Kings1.b. Saul,1Samuel9.c. David,2Samuel7.d. Jesus,Psalm2.

9. Theterms“northernkingdom”and“southernkingdom”referrespectivelyto:a. ThelandofthePhilistinesandtheMoabites.b. IsraelandJudah,followingthedivisionofthekingdomsin1Kings12.c. The inheritanceofReuben,Gad,andManasseh,andthe inheritanceof therestof the

tribesofIsrael.d. ThelandofIsraelandthelandofEdom.

10. Followingthedivisionofthekingdoms,whichofthetwokingdomshadakinginDavid’sline?a. Judah,thesouthernkingdom.b. Israel,thenorthernkingdom.

KeyEvents:11. WhichbookandchaptercontainsGod’scovenantwithIsraelatSinai?

a. Exodus20.b. Genesis17.c. Numbers6.d. Deuteronomy32.

12. WhichchapterdescribestheDayofAtonement?a. Leviticus1.b. Numbers6.c. Leviticus16.d. Exodus40.

13. Abraham(Abramatthetime)isfirstmentionedwhereinScripture?a. Genesis9.b. Genesis11.c. Genesis12.d. Genesis15.

14. WhichtwosetsofbookscontainthestoryofIsraelandJudah’scaptureandexile?a. GenesisandExodus.b. EstherandRuthc. JoshuaandJudgesd. 1and2Kings,and1and2Chronicles.

15. Theprophetscangenerallybedividedintowhichthreecategories?a. Major,Minor,andEschatological.b. Pre-exilic,exilic,andpost-exilic.c. Hebrew,Aramaic,andGreek.d. Judgment,mercy,andcovenant.

16. WhichbookorbooksoftheBibledescribeareturntothelandaftertheexile?a. Esther.

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b. 1and2Samuel.c. EzraandNehemiah.d. Ecclesiastes.

17. WhichbooknarratesthedeathofMoses?a. Numbers.b. Leviticus.c. Deuteronomy.d. Joshua.

18. WhichofthefollowingeventsdoesnotoccurinthebookofNumbers?a. Theinstructionsforconstructingthetabernacle.b. TheAaronicblessing.c. Theincidentinvolvingthebronzeserpent.d. ThedeathofAaron.

19. ThefirstkingofIsraelwas:a. Samuel.b. Saul.c. David.d. Solomon.

20. ThelastjudgeofIsraelwas:a. Samson.b. Gideon.c. Samuel.d. Ehud.

BibleOutlines:21. Theterm“Pentateuch”referstowhichbooksoftheBible?

a. Genesis,Exodus,Leviticus,Numbers,andDeuteronomy.b. Joshua,Judges,Ruth,1and2Samuel.c. 1and2Chronicles,EzraandNehemiah.d. Isaiah,Jeremiah,andEzekiel.

22. AbasicdivisionoftheOldTestamentwouldbe:a. BookswrittenbyMoses,bookswrittenbyDavid,bookswrittenbytheprophets.b. ThePentateuch,theproverbialliterature,andtheprophets.c. Pentateuch,historicalbooks,wisdomliterature,prophets.d. Historicalnarratives,law,poetry.

23. Whichofthefollowingisthecorrectsequenceforthehistoricalbooks?a. Joshua,Judges,1and2Samuel,1and2Chronicles,1and2Kings.b. Judges,Joshua,1and2Samuel,1and2Chronicles,1and2Kings.c. 1and2Samuel,1and2Chronicles.1and2Kings,Ezra,andNehemiah.d. Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 and 2 Samuel, 1 and 2 Kings, 1 and 2 Chronicles, Ezra, and

Nehemiah.24. HowisthebookofPsalmsdivided?

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a. Into3books.b. Into4books.c. Into5books.d. Therearenointernaldivisions.

25. WhichofthefollowingisconsideredoneoftheMinorProphets?a. Joel.b. Ezekiel.c. Jeremiah.d. Isaiah.

26. WhichofthefollowingareconsideredbooksoftheMajorProphets?a. Hosea.b. Zephaniah.c. Daniel.d. Noneoftheabove.

27. WhichofthefollowingisacorrectoutlineforthebookofJob?a. Chapters1-10,narrativeofJob’ssuffering;chapters11-41,God’sresponse;chapter42,

proseepilogue.b. Chapters1-38,alternatingbetweennarrativestoriesandpoetry;chapters39-42,God’s

response.c. Chapters 1-2, narrative of Job’s suffering; chapters 3-37, dialogueswith Job’s friends;

chapters38-41,God’saddresstoJob;chapter42,proseepilogue.d. Noneoftheabove.

28. ThebookofExoduscontainswhichofthefollowingevents?a. Theinstructionsforconstructingthetabernacle.b. ThedeathofMoses.c. TheconquestofthePromisedLand.d. MiriamandAaron’srevoltagainstGodandMoses.

29. WhichbookcontainsnoexplicitmentionofGod?a. Ruth.b. Judges.c. Lamentations.d. Esther.

30. Thephrase,“Vanityofvanities”isfoundinwhichbook?a. Job.b. Proverbs.c. Psalms.d. Ecclesiastes.

UnderstandingLiteraryGenre:31. Whichofthefollowingisnotatypeofpsalm?

a. Lament.b. Thanksgiving.

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c. Praise.d. Epistolary.

32. Trueorfalse:Jobisconsideredpartofthe“wisdomliterature”oftheBible?33. True or false: the prophets never speak to any nation except Israel and Judah in their

prophecies?34. Trueorfalse:poetrymustbeinterpreteddifferentlythanhistoricalnarrative?35. Whichofthefollowingisnotafeatureofbiblicalpoetry?

a. Imagery.b. Concisedescriptions.c. Parallelism.d. Rhyme.

36. Whichofthefollowingisatruestatementaboutinterpretinghistoricalnarratives:a. The narrator tells us everything that happened about the historical events, so some

detailsareirrelevant.b. ThenarratorgivesusahumanrecordofGod’sactions,sosomedetailsmightbefalse.c. The narrator tells us some things, but not everything, about the historical events, so

everydetailissignificant.d. BecausethenarratorwasunawareofJesusChrist,thestorycan’tbedirectlyappliedto

Christians.37. Theterm“apocalypticliterature”refersto:

a. Theologicalhistorywriting.b. Poeticbooks.c. Literature thatportraysworldhistoryandtheendof timeusingsymbolsandcomplex

imagery.d. Noneoftheabove.

38. Whichofthefollowingbooksdoesnotcontainapocalypticmaterial?a. Ecclesiastes.b. Daniel.c. Zechariah.d. Noneoftheabovebookscontainapocalypticmaterial.

39. ThebookofGenesiscanbeinternallydividedby:a. God’scommandmentstothenationofIsrael.b. Abraham’sjourneys.c. Thesectionheading“thesearethegenerationsof….”d. Noneoftheabove.

40. WhichsectionoftheOldTestamentisprimarilyconcernedwith“skill intheartofgodlyliving”(ESVStudyBible)?

a. Theprophets.b. Thehistoricalbooks.c. Thewisdomliterature.d. ThePentateuch.

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BiblicalTheology:41. Whichofthefollowingstatementsiscorrect?

a. AlloftheOldTestamentisexplicitlyaboutChrist.b. The Old Testament only contains a few prophecies about Christ; the majority of its

passagesthushavelittledirectrelevancefortheNewTestamentChristian.c. AlloftheOldTestamentinsomewaypointstoorpreparesfortheworkofChrist.d. ThewritersoftheOldTestamentcouldnothaveimaginedthefuturecomingofChrist;

thereforenoOldTestamentpassage,evenprophecy,waswrittenaboutChrist.42. WhichofthefollowingarewaysthebookofPsalmspointstoJesus?

a. Directlymessianicpsalms,whichspeakaboutChrist’sfuturereignb. Royalpsalms,writtenbyorfortheDavidicking,whichpointtoJesusastheSonofDavidc. Laments,whichexpressJesus’experienceofoppositionfromsinfulhumanityd. Alloftheabovee. Noneoftheabove

43. WhichbookprovidesthemostdirectOldTestamentpictureofredemptioninJesusChrist?a. 1and2Samuelb. Exodusc. Ruthd. Proverbs

44. TheOldTestamentthemeofthePromisedLandpointsto:a. TheChristian’sfutureinheritanceofthenewheavensandnewearthinChrist.b. ThemodernnationofIsrael.c. Christian’spresentdayfinancialblessings.d. Noneoftheabove.

45. ThewildernesswanderingsofIsraelareapictureof:a. TheChristianlifejourneyingfromthisworldtothenewworldb. Jesus’experienceoflife“intheformofaservant”(Philippians2:7)c. Thelifeofunbelieversd. Alloftheabovee. AandB

46. Which of the following pairs of Old Testament books is best described as a picture of Jesus’buildingofhischurch?

a. JobandProverbsb. GenesisandExodusc. EzraandNehemiahd. JoshuaandJudges

47. Trueorfalse: it isappropriatetoreadeverypsalmasaprayerofJesuswho–whileremainingsinless–experiencedeveryhumanemotionportrayedinthePsalms.

48. WhichofthefollowingdescribeshowthepropheticbooksenrichourunderstandingoftheworkofChrist?

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a. By describing God’s judgment on sin and apostasy, they enrich our understanding ofwhatChristsufferedinourplace.

b. ByprophesyingofacomingMessiahorSufferingServant,theyenrichourunderstandingofGod’seternalplantosavethroughJesusChrist.

c. By describing the conquest of the Promised Land, they enrich our understanding ofJesusasconqueringKing.

d. Alloftheabove.e. AandB

49. Trueorfalse:theprophetsclearlydistinguishbetweenChrist’sfirstandsecondcomings.50. Trueorfalse:theportrayalofthewisemaninthebookofProverbsisapictureofChristinhis

sinlesshumanity.

NEWTESTAMENTRedemptivehistory:

51. Trueorfalse:JesuschosetwelvedisciplesasadeliberateparallelwiththetwelvetribesofIsrael.52. Whichofthefollowingeventscanbeconsideredthe“birthday”ofJesus’church?

a. Thecrucifixionb. Theresurrectionc. Thechoosingofthetwelveapostlesd. TheDayofPentecoste. TheclosingoftheNewTestamentcanon

53. InMatthew11,Jesusindicatesthat_______wasthegreatestoftheprophets?a. Isaiahb. Jeremiahc. Mosesd. JohntheBaptist

54. Trueorfalse:theapostlePaulconsideredhimselfanapostleofequalstandingandauthorityasthetwelvewhofollowedJesusduringhisearthlyministry.

55. Thesentence“youwillbemywitnesses in Jerusalemand inall JudeaandSamaria,and to theendoftheearth”isfoundin:

a. Matthew28:20b. John20:22c. Acts1:8d. Luke24:44

56. Thewords“IdeliveredtoyouasoffirstimportancewhatIalsoreceived”arefoundin:a. Galatians2:20b. Acts1:3c. 1Cor.15:3d. Romans1:3-4

57. WhichisthecorrectorderingofthefollowingeventsinJesus’accomplishmentofoursalvation?a. Earthlyministry,crucifixion,session,ascension?b. Crucifixion,resurrection,ascension,session?

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c. Crucifixion,resurrection,incarnation,ascension,session?d. Incarnation,crucifixion,justification,resurrection,ascension?

58. WhichpassageindicatesthattheHolySpiritwouldnotbegivenuntilafterJesus’glorification?a. Matthew28:19-20b. John3:34c. John7:39d. Acts1:8

59. TheOldTestamentpassagePetercitestoexplaintheeventsoftheDayofPentecostis:a. Isaiah53:1-12b. Ezekiel36:22-32c. Joel2:28-29d. Habakkuk2:4

60. Trueorfalse:theNewTestamentwritersviewGod’spromisesasalreadyfulfilledinChristJesus,butstillawaitingafinalconsummation.

KeyEvents:61. TheGreatCommissionislocatedin:

a. Luke24:44-46b. John20:22c. Mark16:9-20d. Matthew28:18-20

62. TheDayofPentecostisdescribedinwhichbookandchapter?a. Mark13b. Acts2c. Matthew28d. Acts3-4

63. WhichtwogospelsnarrateJesus’birth?a. MarkandMatthewb. MatthewandJohnc. MatthewandLuked. LukeandJohn

64. TheSermonontheMountiscontainedin:a. Mark4-6b. John2-3c. Luke4-5d. Matthew5-7

65. Theterm“OlivetDiscourse”refersto:a. Jesus’teachingtohisdisciplesintheUpperRoominJohn14-16b. Jesus’instructionaboutmissioninMatthew10c. Jesus’parables,foundinMark4,Matthew13,andLuke8d. Jesus’ teaching about the destruction of the temple and the end times found in

Matthew24,Mark13,andLuke21.

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66. Trueorfalse:allfourgospelsincludeanaccountoftheresurrection.67. Trueorfalse:allfourgospelsdescribethefeedingofthe5,000.68. TheconversionofSaul/Paulisrecountedin:

a. Acts8b. Acts10c. Acts5d. Acts9

69. TheJerusalemcouncilisdescribedin:a. Acts4b. Acts15c. Luke24d. Acts16

70. ThebookofActsrecountshowmanymissionaryjourneysoftheapostlePaul?a. 2b. 3c. 4d. 5

BibleOutlines:71. True or false: the book of Acts can be outlined by Luke’s summary statements about the

progressofthewordandthechurch.72. ThebookofMatthewcontains____blocksofJesus’teaching?

a. 3b. 4c. 5d. 6

73. Trueorfalse:LukewrotehisgospelandActsasseparate,unrelatedbooks.74. ThestorylinesofMatthew,Mark,andLuketurnaroundwhichcentralevent?

a. Jesus’baptismb. Thefeedingofthe5,000c. Peter’sconfessionthatJesusistheChrist,theSonofGodd. ThegardenofGethsemane

75. WhichsectionofthebookofRomanscontainsalengthydescriptionofelection,calling,andtheroleofIsraelinGod’ssalvationplan?

a. Romans1-4b. Romans5-7c. Romans9-11d. Romans12-16

76. Which New Testament epistle discusses the ministry of Melchizedek as a foreshadowing ofChrist?

a. Hebrewsb. Romans

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c. Johnd. James

77. Theterm“thepastoralepistles”refersto:a. 1and2Corinthiansb. 1Timothy,2Timothy,andTitusc. Galatians,Ephesians,Philippians,Colossiansd. 1and2Peter

78. WhichbookofScriptureincludesspecificletterstosevenchurches?a. 1Corinthiansb. Jamesc. Hebrewsd. Revelation

79. PauldescribesChrist’sroleincreationandre-creationin:a. Romans7b. Colossians1c. 1Timothy2d. 1Corinthians14

80. Hebrews8containsalengthyquotationfrom:a. Ezekiel36b. Jeremiah31c. Isaiah6d. Zechariah3

UnderstandingLiteraryGenre:81. Theterm“synopticgospels”refersto:

a. Luke-Actsb. Extra-biblicalgospelssuchastheGospelofThomasc. Johnd. Matthew,Mark,andLuke

82. Trueorfalse:thegospelsdescribetheeventsofJesus’ministryinthesameorderandfromthesameperspective.

83. Theprimarydifferencesin interpretivestrategybetweenthegospelsandtheepistles isduetothefactthat:

a. Thegospelsarehistorical,theepistlesaretheological.b. The gospels were written by eyewitness, while some of the epistles were written by

thosewhoweren’t.c. Thegospelsprimarilylookforwardtothecrossandresurrection,whiletheepistleslook

backatthecrossandresurrection.d. The gospels contain the actual teachings of Jesus,while the epistles only contain the

teachingofhisfollowers.84. Trueorfalse:theepistlesaretheologicalessayswrittenforalltime,ratherthanwithaspecific

situationinmind.

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85. Whichgospelcanbedescribedashavinga“fromheavendown”presentationofthepersonandworkofChrist?

a. Matthewb. Markc. Luked. John

86. WhichbookoftheNewTestamentdescribeshowaprimarilyJewishmovementcametoincludeGentilebelievers?

a. 2Corinthiansb. Markc. Actsd. James

87. Whichgospelusesthephrase“mustbe”torepeatedlyemphasizethateventsinJesus’lifewereforeordainedbyGod?

a. Matthewb. Markc. Luked. John

88. Theterm“apocalyptic”canrightlybeappliedto:a. 1and2Thessaloniansb. Ephesiansc. Juded. Revelation

89. Trueor false: thewritersof theNewTestamentepistlesarecareful tousewords in thesameway,withthesamedefinition,astheotherepistlewriters.

90. Recordedspeechesandsermonsplayasignificantrolein:a. Revelationb. Hebrewsc. Markd. Acts

BiblicalTheology:91. Trueorfalse:theOldTestamentandNewTestamentexpectationofthelastdaysarethesame.92. Theterm“thelastdays”or“theendoftheages”refersto:

a. AfuturetimeperiodimmediatelybeforethereturnofChristb. TheperiodaftertheclosingoftheNewTestamentcanonc. TheentiretimeperiodbetweenthefirstandsecondcomingofChristd. TheperiodbetweenChrist’sresurrectionandascension

93. True or false: the work of Christ and the work of the Spirit in salvation are closely boundtogether.

94. Paulusestheterm“theIsraelofGod”inGalatians6:16toreferto:a. OldTestamentIsrael

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b. ThenationofIsraelinPaul’sdayc. Thechurch,bothJewandGentiled. AprophecyofthefuturenationofIsrael

95. TherelationshipbetweentheOldandNewTestamentsisbestdescribedby:a. TheOldTestamentisaboutGod’sjudgment,theNewTestamentisaboutGod’sgrace.b. The Old Testament describes how God saved before Christ, the New Testament

describeshowGodsavesthroughChrist.c. The Old Testament prepares for and points to the work of Christ, while the New

TestamentexplainsthesignificanceofChristinlightoftheOldTestament.d. TheNewTestamentessentiallyrepeatstheOldTestament,butindifferenttermsandin

adifferenthistoricalcontext.96. The“newcovenant”refersto:

a. Jesus’promisetoreturntoredeemhischurchattheendoftime.b. TherelationshipthatGodinitiateswithmenandwomenthroughJesusChrist.c. Anagreementbetweenchurchmembersthatformsthelocalchurch.d. God’spromisetoDavidthatoneofhisdescendantswouldruleforever.

97. ThekingdomofGodis:a. Thechurch.b. God’sfutureruleoverthenewheavensandnewearth.c. God’srule,alreadypresentinJesusChrist,butnotyetpresentinitsfuturefullness.d. ThepromisedlandofIsrael.

98. WhichofthefollowingisakeythemeingraspingNewTestamenttheology?a. Promiseandfulfillment.b. Liberationfromworldlystructures.c. Already,notyet.d. Alloftheabove.e. BandCf. AandC

99. WhichofthefollowingaccuratelysummarizesthestoryofScripture?a. God’splanAforIsrael,God’sPlanBthroughChristb. Creation,fall,redemption,consummation.c. IsraelischosenbyGod,fails,isrejected,andGodinsteadchoosesGentilesinChrist.d. Alloftheabove.

100. Hebrew1:1impliesthatGod’sfinalwordtohispeopleis:a. TheNewTestamentb. ThegiftoftheSpirit.c. Jesus,hisSon.d. Theongoingministryofthewordthroughcalledmen.

THEOLOGY.DoctrineofScripture(CoversSoFsection“TheScriptures”)

101. ThelogicalimplicationoftheauthorityofScriptureisthat:

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a. ScriptureisaboutGod.b. PartsofScriptureincludecommandsofGodthatmustbeobeyed.c. TodisobeyScriptureistodisobeyGod.d. Scriptureisintendedtobethecivillawofeverynation.

102. WhichpassageiscrucialforunderstandingScripture’steachingaboutScripture?a. 1Timothy1:15.b. 2Peter3:15.c. 2Timothy3:16-17.d. Matthew28:19-20.

103. TheclarityofScripturemeansthat:a. AllpartsofScripturecanbeunderstoodequallywellbyanyone.b. Scriptureshouldbeinterpretedliterally.c. Themessageof theBiblecanbeunderstoodbyanyonewho reads itasking forGod’s

helptoobey.d. Preachersshouldtrytomaketheirsermonsclear.

104. ThenecessityofScripturedoesnotmeanthat:a. Scriptureisnecessaryforknowledgeofthegospel.b. ScriptureisnecessarytoknowGodexists.c. ScriptureisnecessaryforknowingGod’swill.d. Scriptureisnecessaryforourmaturity.

105. Whichtheologicaltermbestfitsthisdefinition:“Scripturecontainsallweneedtoknowforlifeandgodliness.”

a. TheauthorityofScripture.b. ThenecessityofScripture.c. ThesufficiencyofScripture.d. TheinspirationofScripture.

106. Whichtheologicaltermbestfitsthisdefinition:“Scriptureisthestandardoftruth.”a. TheauthorityofScripture.b. ThenecessityofScripture.c. ThesufficiencyofScripture.d. TheinspirationofScripture.

107. Trueorfalse:God’swordisauthoritativebecauseitisinspiredbyGod.108. Trueorfalse:God’swordistrueinallitteachesaboutsalvationandspiritualmatters,butmay

containerrorsinspecificdetails.109. True or false: the Spirit may inspire further additions to the books of Scripture before the

returnofChrist.110. ThecanonofScripturerefersto:

a. Scripture’sauthority.b. ThegroupofmenGodinspiredtowriteScripture.c. The66booksoftheOldandNewTestaments.d. TheoriginalHebrewandGreekmanuscripts.

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DoctrineofGod(CoversSoFsections“GodisTriune”and“GodtheFather”)

111. WhichofthefollowingisafaithfulsummaryofScripture’steachingabouttheTrinity?a. ThereisonlyoneGod.b. There isoneGodwhohasrevealedhimself firstasFather, thenasSon, finallyasHoly

Spirit.c. ThereisoneGod,whoeternallyexistsasthreepersons:Father,Son,andSpirit.d. ThereoneGod,whointheincarnationtookonhumanformandbecameourSavior.

112. Trueorfalse:ScriptureteachesthattheSonisinferiortotheFather.113. Trueorfalse:thethreepersonsoftheGodheadtakedifferentrolesinsalvation.114. Trueorfalse:becauseoftheunityofGod,itisappropriatetosaythattheFathersufferedon

thecross.115. Whichofthefollowingisacorrectstatement?

a. TheFather,Son,andHolySpiritareallactiveincreationandsalvation,buttakedifferentrolesonlyinsalvation.

b. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are all active in creation and salvation, and takedifferentrolesinboth.

c. TheFatheristheinitiatorofcreation,theSontheinitiatorofsalvation.d. TheHolySpiritisinvolvedinsalvation,butnotincreation.

116. ThedoctrineofGod’sprovidencerefersto:a. God’sruleoverhiscreation.b. God’sinitiativetosavemenandwomenthroughJesus.c. TheHolySpirit’sworktorecreateusinChrist’simage.d. God’sauthoritytoruleoverhischurch.

117. Whichofthefollowingtermsisnotassociatedwiththedoctrineofprovidence?a. Preservation.b. Governance.c. Concurrence.d. Co-inherence.

118. Trueorfalse:thedoctrinesofcreationandprovidencerefertothesameactivityofGod.119. Which of the following are errors that arise from a misunderstanding of the doctrine of

providence?a. Deism.b. Pantheism.c. Universalism.d. Alloftheabove.e. AandB.f. BandC.

120. True or false: the doctrine of providencemeans thatGod controls everything related to oursalvationandgodliness,butleavesotherthingstothelawsofnature.

DoctrineofChrist(CoversSoFsection“JesusChrist”)

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121. AbiblicalfaithfuldoctrineofChristmusttakeintoaccount:a. Christ’shumanity.b. Christ’sdivinity.c. Christ’ssinlessness.d. Alloftheabove.

122. Theterm“hypostaticunion”refersto:a. TheunionthatexistedbetweenJesus’innerlife(the“heart”inbiblicallanguage)andhis

physicalbody.b. TheunionthatexistsbetweenChristandhischurch.c. TheunionbetweenChrist’shumananddivinenaturesinoneperson.d. TheunionthatexistsbetweenthemembersoftheTrinity.

123. Trueorfalse:Lukewritesthat“JesusincreasedinwisdomandinstatureandinfavorwithGodandman”(Luke2:52).InlightofJesus’divinity,LukemeansthatJesus,tohisparentsandfamily,appearedtomature.

124. IntheNewTestament,theemphasisison:a. Jesus’humanity.b. Jesus’divinity.c. BoththedivinityandhumanityofJesus.

125. WhenreferringtoJesus’work,thephrase“vicarious”means:a. Christwassinless.b. ChristborethewrathofGod.c. Christsufferedinourplace.d. Christ’sresurrectionprovedthatGodacceptedhissacrifice.

126. WhichofthefollowingisatruestatementregardingChrist’swork?a. ItwasnecessaryforChristtobedivine,sothathecouldsatisfyGod’swrath.b. ItwasnecessaryforChristtobehuman,sothathecouldstandinourplace.c. ItwasnecessaryforChristtodie,sothatGodcouldlovesinfulmenandwomen.d. Alloftheabove.e. AandB.f. AandC.

127. Thephrase“penalsubstitution”meansthat:a. Christboreourpunishmentinourplace.b. Jesus’divinenaturesubstitutedforourhumannature.c. JesuswasGod’schosenmediator.d. TheNewTestamentchurchisthesubstituteforOldTestamentIsrael.

128. OneofthewaystheNewTestamentdescribesChrist’sworkisasasecond:a. Davidb. Solomonc. Adamd. Noah

129. Christ’sofficesarebestdescribedas:

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a. Prophet,Savior,andHealer.b. Prophet,Priest,Healer,andKing.c. Prophet,Priest,andKing.d. HighPriestandauthorofoursalvation.

130. Theterm“session”refersto:a. Jesus’earthlyministry.b. Thechurch’srelationshiptoGod.c. TheentiretyofChrist’swork.d. TheNewTestamentdescriptionofJesusasseatedatGod’srighthand.

DoctrineofHolySpirit(CoversSoFsection“TheHolySpirit”)131. Trueorfalse:theHolySpiritistheBible’stermforthepowerofGod.132. WhichofthefollowingisnotaworkoftheHolySpirit?

a. Atonementforoursins.b. Illumination.c. Assurance.d. ManifestingthepresenceofGod.

133. TheHolySpirit’sroleinScriptureis:a. LimitedtotheworkofcreationintheOldTestament.b. LimitedtotheworkofsalvationintheNewTestament.c. Involved in both creation and salvation, and described in both the Old and New

Testaments.d. OnlydescribedafterthecrossandresurrectionofChrist.

134. Trueorfalse:itisappropriatetorefertotheHolySpiritas“it.”135. WhichofthefollowingScripturepassagesreferstotheministryoftheHolySpirit?

a. John1:1-18.b. Colossians1:15-21.c. John3:5-8.d. Galatians2:20.

136. Trueorfalse:theNewTestamentportraystheHolySpirit’sworkasprimarilyconfinedtothespiritualgiftsasdescribedin1Corinthians12-14.

137. Which of the following is not an accurate description of the relationship between the HolySpirit’sworkandChrist’swork?

a. Christaccomplishessalvation,theHolySpiritappliesittoourhearts.b. JesussecuresthegiftoftheHolySpiritforallhispeoplebyhisdeathandresurrection.c. Becausehewasdivine, Jesusdidnotneed theHoly Spirit to completehismissionon

earth,butwenowneedtheSpirittofollowinhissteps.138. WhatistheprimarychangefromtheOldTestamenttotheNewTestamentwithregardstothe

Spirit’sministry?a. TheSpiritwasabsentintheOldTestament,butisnowpresentintheNewTestament.b. TheSpiritwasactiveincreationintheOldTestament,andnowisactiveinsalvationin

theNewTestament.

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c. TheSpiritwasactiveincreationandsalvationintheOldTestament,buthisministryisgreatlyexpandedtoallofGod’speopleintheNewTestament.

139. Trueorfalse:Ephesians4:30helpsusunderstandthepersonalnatureoftheHolySpirit.140. Trueorfalse:itispossibletobeaChristianbutnothavetheHolySpirit(e.g.,afterregeneration

butbeforereceivingspiritualgifts)

DoctrineofMan(CoversSoFsection“Man”)141. Whichofthefollowingiscorrect?

a. ManwascreatedinGod’simage,butcompletelylostthatimageasaresultoftheFall.b. Godfirstdesignatedmanashisimage-bearerinGenesis9:6.c. Man was created in God’s image. The Fall greatly distorted that image, but did not

removeitentirely.d. TheFallhadnoeffectonman’sbeingmadeinGod’simage.

142. Whichofthefollowingisanaspectofhumanity’screationinGod’simage?a. Ourrelationalcapacity.b. Ourintellectualcapacity.c. Ourmoralcapacity.d. Ourspiritualnature.e. Alloftheabove.f. Noneoftheabove.

143. Trueorfalse:MenarecreatedinGod’simage.Womenareonlyreflectionsofthat.144. Trueorfalse:someaspectsofourpersonhood,suchasourphysicalbodies,arenotaffectedby

theFall.145. Whichofthefollowingisafalsestatement?

a. GodallowedsintoenterhiscreationthroughthevoluntarychoicesofAdamandEve.b. Godistheauthorofsin.c. Godissovereignoversin.d. GodcountedallhumansguiltybecauseofAdam’ssin.

146. Adam’ssinresultedin:a. GuiltonAdamandallofusashisdescendants,butnoeffectonournature.b. GuiltonAdam,andthepossibilitythatallhisdescendantswouldsinasAdamdid.c. Guilt and a sinful nature for Adam, and guilt and a sinful nature for all of his

descendants.d. GuiltonEve.

147. Trueorfalse:becauseoftheFall,menandwomenhavedifferentrolesinthefamilyandinthechurch.

148. Galatians3:28says,“ThereisneitherJewnorGreek,thereisneitherslavenorfree,thereisnomaleandfemale,foryouarealloneinChristJesus.”Thismeansthat:

a. GodmakesnodistinctionbetweenmenandwomenintermsofvalueorstatusinChrist,butthedifferentrolesgivenbyGodatcreationformenandwomenstillapply.

b. InChrist,menandwomenareequalinvalueandhavethesamerolesinthefamilyandthechurch.

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c. Differences in masculinity and femininity are a consequence of the Fall, which GodremovesinChrist.

d. Paulsupportsequalrolesformenandwomeninthechurch.149. Trueor false: thedoctrineofhumanscreated in the imageofGodonly refers tobelievers in

Christ.150. Trueorfalse:menandwomentogetherimageGod.

DoctrineofSalvation(CoversSoFsections“TheGospel,”“Man’sResponsetotheGospel,”and“Man’sInheritancethroughtheGospel”)

151. Whichofthefollowingisthebestsummaryoftheessentialcontentofthegospelanditsclaimuponus?

a. Creation,fall,redemption,consummation.b. God,man,Christ,response.c. Creation,re-creation.d. Alloftheabove.

152. Whichofthefollowingisanaccuratedefinitionofthedoctrineofjustification?a. TheprocesswherebyGodmakesmenandwomenrighteousinhissightthroughChrist.b. TheactwherebyGoddeclaresmenandwomenrighteousinhissightthroughChrist.c. Thelife,death,andresurrectionofJesus.d. TheworkoftheHolySpirittomakeuslikeChrist.

153. WhichofthefollowingdescribestheelementscontainedinPaul’ssummaryofthegospelin1Corinthians15?

a. Christdiedforoursins,wasburied,wasraised,andappearedtothedisciples.b. Christwasmadetobesinforus,sothatwecouldbecomerighteousinhim.c. Christboreoursinsinhisbodyonthetree.d. ChristJesusdiedforsinners.

154. Thedoctrineofimputationstatesthat:a. Godtreatsusashisimagebearers.b. GodtreatsusasifChrist’srighteousnessbelongedtous.c. GodtreatsChrist,aftertheresurrection,ashisexaltedandglorifiedSon.d. Godtreatsusas ifour imperfectgoodworks, iftheyaredoneinfaith,wereperfect in

hissight.155. Whichofthefollowingisnotpartoftheessentialcontentofthegospel?

a. Jesus’obedienceasaman.b. Christ’sdeathinourplace.c. Christ’sresurrection.d. Alloftheabovearepartoftheessentialcontentofthegospel.

156. Trueorfalse:faithistheonlygoodworknecessaryforsalvation.157. True or false: the gospel is primarily good news because of themiraculous change it brings

aboutinus.158. Trueorfalse:Romans5:8teachesthat,becauseJesusdiedforus,GodtheFathernowlovesus.159. Whichofthefollowingisatruestatement?

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a. Mancancontributenothingtohissalvationexceptthefaithtobelievethegospeloffer.b. SalvationisentirelyGod’swork,butaftersalvation,sanctificationisentirelyourwork.c. Mancancontributenothingtohissalvation;evenfaithisagiftofGod.d. Oncewearesaved,Godhelpsthosewhohelpthemselves.

160. Trueorfalse:regenerationreferstoourresponsetoGod’sofferofsalvationinthegospel.

DoctrineofSanctification(CoversSoFsection“Sanctification”)161. Theologiansdefinethedoctrineofsanctificationas:

a. OurlegalstandingbeforeGod,basedonChrist’srighteousness.b. Theinstantaneousactwhereby,atChrist’ssecondcoming,wewillbemadelikehim.c. Theprocess,coveringalloftheChristianlife,throughwhichwebecomelikeJesus.d. An experience of freedom from sin, occurring by the Spirit’s power sometime after

conversion.162. Whichofthefollowingisatruestatement?

a. SanctificationisentirelytheworkofGod;thebelieverisentirelypassive.b. Sanctificationisentirelytheworkofthebeliever;Godexpectsustostriveforholiness.c. SanctificationinvolvesboththeworkofGodandtheworkofthebeliever.d. Noneoftheabove.

163. Whichofthefollowingisproperlyconsideredthestartingpointofprogressivesanctification?a. God’selectionofthebelieverineternitypast.b. Christ’sreturn.c. Christ’sdeathandresurrection.d. Regeneration.

164. Trueorfalse:sanctificationcanbecompletedinthislife.165. Whichofthefollowingareasisaffectedbysanctification?

a. Ourminds.b. Ourwillsc. Ouremotions.d. Ourphysicalbodies.e. Alloftheabove.f. AandB.g. A,B,andC.

166. Trueorfalse:gratitudeforthegospelistheonlyappropriatemotiveforsanctificationgivenintheBible.

167. Sanctificationis:a. Anactionofthewill.b. Arenewalofthemind.c. Aspiritualemotion.d. Arenewalofthewholeperson.

168. Trueor false: justification and sanctification are two termswhich refer to the samework ofGodforthebeliever.

169. Trueorfalse:sanctificationisexclusivelyaboutputtingoffsin.

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170. Whichofthefollowingdescribesthegoalofsanctification:a. Tofinallyceasefromcommittingvoluntarysinsinthislife.b. TobecomelikeChristasawholeperson,partiallyinthislifeandfullyinglory.c. Tobefreefromsin’sguiltinthislife.d. Alloftheabove.

DoctrineofSpiritualGifts(CoversSoFsection“EmpoweredbytheSpirit”)171. Theterm“cessationism”refersto:

a. ThetruththattheHolySpiritenablesbelievertoceasefromtheireffortstopleaseGodbecausetheyarealreadypleasingtohiminChrist.

b. Thedoctrinethatstatesthatthemiraculousspiritualgiftsceasedwiththeclosingofthecanon.

c. ThebeliefthattheHolySpiritenablesbelieverstoceasefromsinafterconversion.d. A view that theHoly Spirit ceased tominister to Jesus during his punishment on the

crossasoursubstitute.172. WhichofthefollowingpassagesdoesnotdiscussthebaptismoftheSpirit?

a. 2Corinthians3:18.b. 1Corinthians12:13.c. Matthew3:11.d. Mark1:8.

173. Theterm“continuationism”refersto:a. ThebeliefthatJesus’ministryonearthcontinuesthroughthechurchbytheHolySpirit.b. Thedoctrinethatallthespiritualgiftsdescribedinpassageslike1Cor.12-14continuein

thepresentdaychurch.c. Thebelief that theHoly Spirit continues towork inbelievers evenwhen theyarenot

consciousofhisactivity.d. Noneoftheabove.

174. True or false: some of the spiritual gifts, such as healing or miracles, ceased when the lastapostledied.

175. WhattermdoesPauluseinEphesians5:18todescribetheministryoftheSpirit?a. AnointedbytheSpirit.b. BaptizedintheSpirit.c. FilledwiththeSpirit.d. SanctifiedbytheSpirit.

176. Trueorfalse:theterm“filledwiththeSpirit”isequivalenttotheterm“baptizedintheSpirit.”177. Trueorfalse:someofthespiritualgiftsdescribedinplaceslike1Cor.12-14orRomans12are

moresupernaturalthanothers.178. Trueorfalse:thelistsin1Cor.12-14andRomans12listallpossiblegiftsoftheHolySpirit.179. Trueorfalse:becauseofpersistentsin,someChristiansarenotindweltbytheHolySpirit.180. Whichofthefollowingpassagesdoesnotdiscussthespiritualgifts?

a. 1Peter4:10-11.b. 1Cor.12-14.

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c. Ephesians6:10-18.d. Romans12:6-8.

DoctrineoftheChurch(CoversSoFsections“TheChurch”and“SacramentsoftheChurch”)181. Thechurchis:

a. Agroupofbelieversjoinedtogetherataspecificlocalplace.b. AllNewTestamentChristians.c. Thecommunityofalltruebelieversforalltime.d. ThespiritsofallChristianswhohavediedandarenowwiththeLord.

182. Trueorfalse:thechurchisbothuniversalandlocal.183. Whichofthefollowingaremarksofatruechurch?

a. RightpreachingoftheWord.b. AdministeringtheLord’sSupperandbaptism.c. Spontaneousandlivelyworshipinsteadofdeadformalism.d. Alloftheabove.e. AandB.f. BandC.

184. WhichofthefollowingisaNewTestamentmetaphorforthechurch?a. Afamily.b. ThebrideofChrist.c. ThebodyofChrist.d. ThetempleofGod.e. Alloftheabove.f. B,C,andD.

185. Whatisthepurposeofthechurch?a. ToworshipGod.b. Todisciplebelievers.c. ToproclaimthegospelandshowGod’smercytotheworld.d. Tochangethecultureinwhichthechurchisfound.e. Alloftheabove.f. AandB.g. A,B,andC.

186. Theterm“sacraments”refersto:a. The preaching of the Word, the exercise of spiritual gifts, baptism, and the Lord’s

Supper.b. TheRomanCatholicdoctrineofthepriesthood.c. BaptismandtheLord’sSupper.d. TheholinessofGod.

187. Theterm“paedobaptism”refersto:a. Thebeliefthatbaptismshouldbedonebyimmersioninwater,notsprinkling.b. ThebeliefthatthebaptismoftheSpiritisforallbelievers.c. Thebeliefthatinfantsofbelievingparentsshouldbebaptized.

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d. Thebeliefthatonlyordainedministersshouldadministerbaptism.188. Trueorfalse:theterm“credobaptism”referstothesamethingas“believer’sbaptism.”189. Baptism:

a. SymbolizesourunionwithChristinhisdeath,burial,andresurrection.b. RepresentsourguiltinAdam.c. Isthemeansbywhichweexperienceregeneration.d. Alloftheabove.

190. TheLord’sSupper:a. SymbolizesChrist’sdeath.b. PortraysourparticipationinthebenefitsofJesus’deathandresurrection.c. Isasignofourunityasbelievers.d. Isasourceofspiritualnourishment.e. Alloftheabove.f. A,B,andC

DoctrineofLastThings(CoversSoFsection“TheConsummation”)191. Trueorfalse:theterm“eschatology”refersonlytothebookofRevelation.192. Scriptureteachesthat:

a. ThereturnofChristwillbeunexpected.b. ThereturnofChristwillbehidden.c. ThereturnofChristwillonlyaffectbelievers.d. ThereturnofChristwillbepersonalandvisibletoall.e. Alloftheabove.f. AandB.g. A,B,andC.h. AandD.

193. Trueorfalse:allbelieverscanagreeonthefinalresultsofChrist’scoming,eveniftheydifferonthespecifics.

194. Amillennialismisthepositionthatteaches:a. TherewillbenofuturemillennialreignofChristonearth;themillenniuminRevelation

20referstotheentireperiodbetweenChrist’sfirstandsecondcoming.b. There is nomillennial reign; the term in Revelation 20 ismistranslated and does not

refertoatimeperiod.c. Christwillreturntoruleonearthfor1,000years,afterwhichhewilljudgeallhumans.d. Christwillreturntoruleafterthemillennialperiodofpeaceandspiritualgrowthonthe

earththroughtheinfluenceofthechurch.195. Premillennialismisthepositionthatteaches:

a. There will be nomillennial reign of Christ on earth; themillennium in Revelation 20referstotheentireperiodbetweenChrist’sfirstandsecondcoming.

b. There is nomillennial reign; the term in Revelation 20 ismistranslated and does notrefertoatimeperiod.

c. Christwillreturntoruleonearthfor1,000years,afterwhichhewilljudgeallhumans.

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d. Christwillreturntoruleafterthemillennialperiodofpeaceandspiritualgrowthontheearththroughtheinfluenceofthechurch.

196. Postmillennialismisthepositionthatteaches:a. There will be nomillennial reign of Christ on earth; themillennium in Revelation 20

referstotheentireperiodbetweenChrist’sfirstandsecondcoming.b. There is nomillennial reign; the term in Revelation 20 ismistranslated and does not

refertoatimeperiod.c. Christwillreturntoruleonearthfor1,000years,afterwhichhewilljudgeallhumans.d. Christwillreturntoruleafterthemillennialperiodofpeaceandspiritualgrowthonthe

earththroughtheinfluenceofthechurch.197. Annihilationismteachesthat:

a. GodwilldestroytheearthatthesecondcomingofChrist.b. God does not punish the souls of unbelievers eternally, but after some time causes

themtoceasetoexist.c. GodwillonedaydefeatSatanandthedemonicworld.d. Alloftheabove.

198. Trueor false: 2Thessalonians1:9 teaches thatunbelieverswill suffereternaldestruction forrefusingtoobeythegospel.

199. Trueorfalse:ScriptureteachesthatJesuswillbethejudgeofallmankindonthelastday.200. Universalismis:

a. Thebeliefthatthegospelisintendedforeverytribe,tongue,andnation.b. ThebeliefthatGodwillsaveallpeopleandjudgenoone.c. ThebeliefthatJesushasuniversalauthority.d. ThebeliefthatthesecondcomingofChristwillrenewtheuniverse.

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7.ORDINATIONRESOURCESFORSTUDY

ThissectionlistsallrequiredandsupplementalresourcesforpreparingfortheSovereignGraceordinationexamsandpapers.Therequiredreadingmustbecompletedbyallcandidates.Eachsectionalsoincludessupplementalresources.Thepurposeoftheseistoprovidethecandidatewith material for further study, should his local eldership or the results of the preliminaryassessment test indicate a need to delve deeper into a particular topic. Candidates shouldespecially note the supplemental resources on Biblical Ethics as they write papers 5 and 6.Finally,andmostimportantly,candidatesshouldviewthisprocessofstudyaspreparingthem,notsimplyforanexam,butforalifetimeoffaithfulministryoftheWord.Requiredresources(note:notallresourceswillbereadintheirentirety;pagerequirementswillbegiveninthesectionstofollow):

• SystematicTheology,WayneGrudem• ESVStudyBible• InstitutesoftheChristianReligion,JohnCalvin• TheHolyTrinity,RobertLetham• WhatistheGospel,GregGilbert• “The Biblical Gospel,” D.A. Carson, in For Such a Time as This: Perspectives on

Evangelicalism,Past,PresentandFuture,eds.SteveBradyandHaroldRowdon.Alsoon-lineathttp://s3.amazonaws.com/tgc-documents/carson/1996_biblical_gospel.pdf

• TheHolySpirit,SinclairFerguson• ChristianSpirituality:FiveViewsofSanctification,ed.DonaldAlexander• AreMiraculousGiftsforToday?,ed.WayneGrudem• TheChurchintheBibleandtheWorld,ed.D.A.Carson• TheLord’sSupper:EternalWordinBrokenBread,RobertLetham• TheNewDictionaryofBiblicalTheology,eds.T.DesmondAlexander,BrianRosner,D.A.

Carson,GraemeGoldsworthy• TheMeaningofMillennium:FourViews,ed.RobertClouse• AnIntroductiontotheOldTestament,TremperLongmanIIIandRaymondDillard• AnIntroductiontotheNewTestament,D.A.CarsonandDouglasMoo• TheCrossandChristianMinistry,D.A.Carson• “The Problem of New Testament Exegesis,” I. Howard Marshall, (available online at:

www.etsjets.org/files/JETS-PDFs/17/17-2/17-2-pp067-073_JETS.pdf)• ExegeticalFallacies,D.A.Carson• SovereignGraceBookofChurchOrder• Antinomianism:ReformedTheology’sUnwelcomeGuest?,MarkJones• WhatistheMissionoftheChurch?,GregGilbertandKevinDeYoung• “N.T. Wright Under Review,” Tom Schreiner, in Credo Magazine, Vol. 4, Issue 1

(availableonlineat:http://www.credomag.com/the-magazine/archives/justification/)

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Pagecountforallrequiredreading:1795pgsResourcesbytopic:TheScriptures(totalrequiredreading:113pgs)

• SystematicTheology,WayneGrudem:chs.2-8(pp.47-136;67pgs)• Institutes of the Christian Religion, John Calvin, Book 1, chs. 1-7 (pp. 35-81, Battles

translation;46pgs)• Supplemental:

o ReformedDogmatics,Vol2:Prolegomena,HermanBavinck,chs.10,11,and13(111pgs)

o The New Dictionary of Biblical Theology, eds. Alexander, Rosner, Carson,Goldsworthy:pp.27-43(16pgs)

o The InspirationandAuthority of theBible,B.B.Warfield: esp. chs. 1 and3 (66pgs)

o TakingGodatHisWord,KevinDeYoungo GodHasSpoken,J.I.Packer

GodIsTriune(totalrequiredreading:120pgs)

• SystematicTheology,WayneGrudem:ch.14(pp.226-259;33pgs)• TheApostle’sCreedandTheNiceneCreed(containedinGrudem,SystematicTheology,

p.1169;1pg)• TheHolyTrinity,RobertLetham(chs.1-3,17;86pgs)• Supplemental:

o DelightingintheTrinity,MichaelReeveso TheDeepThingsofGod,FredSanderso Father,Son,andHolySpirit:Relationships,Roles,andRelevance,BruceWareo ReformedDogmatics,Vol.2:GodandCreation,HermanBavinck,ch.6(79pgs)

GodtheFather(totalrequiredreading:174pgs)

• SystematicTheology,WayneGrudem:chs.9-13,15-16(pp.141-223,262-354;174pgs)• Supplemental:

o ReformedDogmatics,Vol.2:GodandCreation,HermanBavinck:pp.95-255(160pgs);406-439(33pgs);591-620(29pgs)

o DoctrineofGod,JohnFrame:pp.343-616(273pgs)o TheDifficultDoctrineoftheLoveofGod,D.A.Carson

JesusChrist(totalrequiredreading:93pgs)

• SystematicTheology,WayneGrudem:chs.26-29(pp.529-631;91pgs)• The Chalcedonian Creed and the Athanasian Creed (contained in Grudem, pp. 1169-

1170;2pgs)

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• Supplemental:o Redemption Accomplished and Applied, JohnMurray: Part 1, chapters 1-5 (69

pgs)o “WhatDidtheCrossAchieve?TheLogicofPenalSubstitution,”J.I.Packer,inIn

MyPlaceCondemnedHeStood,J.I.Packer&MarkDever,pp.53-100o Institutes of the Christian Religion, John Calvin: Book 2, chs. 12-17 (Battles

translation;70pgs)o TheCrossofChrist,JohnStott(esp.chs.5-7;92pgs)o PiercedforOurTransgressions,eds.SteveJeffery,MikeOvey,andAndrewSach

(esp.chs.1-4,6-7,11;229pgs)o ThePersonofChrist,DonaldMacLeodo TheWorkofChrist,RobertLethamo TheAtonement,LeonMorris

TheHolySpirit(totalrequiredreading:57pgs)

• SystematicTheology,WayneGrudem:ch.30(pp.634-650;16pgs)• TheHolySpirit,SinclairFerguson:chs.1-2(pp.15-56;41pgs)• Supplemental:

o The New Dictionary of Biblical Theology, eds. Alexander, Rosner, Carson, &Goldsworthy:pp.551-558(7pgs)

o HeWhoGivesLife,GrahamCole,chs.2-8(167pp.)Man(totalrequiredreading:69pgs)

• SystematicTheology,WayneGrudem:chs.21-25(pp.439-523;69pgs)• Supplemental:

o What’stheDifference?,JohnPipero CreatedinGod’sImage,AnthonyHoekemao Fallen:ATheologyofSin,eds.ChristopherMorgan&RobertPeterson(esp.chs.1

&8;48pgs)o TheImputationofAdam’sSin,JohnMurrayo The New Dictionary of Biblical Theology, eds. Alexander, Rosner, Carson, &

Goldsworthy:pp.575-576;650-654(5pgs)o Recovering Biblical Manhood and Womanhood, eds. John Piper and Wayne

Grudemo EvangelicalFeminismandBiblicalTruth,WayneGrudem

TheGospel(totalrequiredreading:138pgs)

• WhatIstheGospel,GregGilbert(128pgs)• “The Biblical Gospel,” D.A. Carson, in For Such a Time as This: Perspectives on

Evangelicalism,Past,PresentandFuture,eds.SteveBradyandHaroldRowdon.Alsoon-line at http://s3.amazonaws.com/tgc-documents/carson/1996_biblical_gospel.pdf) (10pgs)

• Supplemental:

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o GettingtheGospelRight,R.C.Sproulo TheGospel,RayOrtlund

Man’sResponsetotheGospel(totalrequiredreading:39pgs)

• SystematicTheology,WayneGrudem:chs.32-35(pp.669-718;39pgs)• Supplemental:

o RedemptionAccomplishedandApplied,JohnMurray:Part2,chs.1-4(38pgs)o SavedbyGrace,AnthonyHoekema:chs.1-10(148pgs)o Saved by Grace: the Holy Spirit’s Work in Calling and Regeneration, Herman

Bavincko From Heaven He Came and Sought Her, edited by David Gibson & Jonathan

Gibson(esp.chs.11,12,17,20,22;149pages)o FinallyAlive,JohnPipero ChosenforLife,SamStormso WhatIsFaith,J.GreshamMachen

Man’sInheritancethroughtheGospel(totalrequiredreading:35pgs)

• SystematicTheology,WayneGrudem:chs.36-37,42-43(pp.722-743,828-848;35pgs)• Supplemental:

o RedemptionAccomplishedandApplied,JohnMurray:Part2,chs.5-10(64pgs)o SavedbyGrace,AnthonyHoekema:ch.11(39pgs)o Justification:UnderstandingtheClassicReformedDoctrine, J.V.Fesko(esp.chs.

5,7,9-12;91pgs)o UnionwithChrist:InScripture,History,andTheology,RobertLetham

Sanctification(totalrequiredreading:54pgs)

• SystematicTheology,WayneGrudem:chs.38,40(pp.746-759,788-807;32pgs)• “ReformedView,”SinclairFerguson,inChristianSpirituality:FiveViewsofSanctification,

ed.DonaldAlexander(22pgs)• Supplemental:

o SavedbyGrace,AnthonyHoekema,chs.12-13(64pgs)o Holiness,J.C.Ryleo ChristianSpirituality:FiveViewsofSanctification,ed.DonaldAlexander

EmpoweredbytheSpirit(totalrequiredreading:133pgs)

• SystematicTheology,WayneGrudem:chs.39,52-53(pp.763-785,1016-1084;88pgs)• “APentecostal/CharismaticView,”DouglasOss,inAreMiraculousGiftsforToday?,ed.

WayneGrudem(45pgs)• Supplemental:

o ShowingtheSpirit,D.A.Carson:pp.137-188(51pgs)o TheHolySpiritandSpiritualGifts,MaxTurner(esp.chs.12-20;175pgs)o SavedbyGrace,AnthonyHoekema:ch.3(25pgs)o TheGiftofProphecy,WayneGrudem

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o AreMiraculousGiftsforToday?,ed.WayneGrudem

TheChurch(totalrequiredreading:87pgs)• SystematicTheology,WayneGrudem:chs.44-46,48(pp.853-901,950-963;55pgs)• “TheChurchasaHeavenlyandEschatologicalReality,”P.T.O’Brien,inTheChurchinthe

BibleandtheWorld,ed.D.A.Carson,pp.88-119(32pgs).• Supplemental:

o TheChurch,EdmundClowneyo NineMarksofaHealthyChurch,MarkDever:chs.6-9(96pgs)o WhyWeLovetheChurch,DeYoungandKlucko TheChurchintheBibleandtheWorld,ed.D.ACarson(seeesp.chps1&2;107

pgs)SacramentsoftheChurch(totalrequiredreading:83pgs)

• SystematicTheology,WayneGrudem:ch.49(pp.966-985;19pgs)• TheLord’sSupper:EternalWordinBrokenBread,RobertLetham(64pgs)• Supplemental:

o The New Dictionary of Biblical Theology, eds. Alexander, Rosner, Carson, &Goldsworthy:pp.395-397(2pgs)

o Believer’sBaptism,eds.Schreiner&Wright(seeespIntroduction,chs.3&4;104pgs)

o BaptismintheNewTestament,G.R.Beasley-Murrayo UnderstandingFourViewontheLord’sSupper,ed.JohnArmstrong

TheConsummation(totalrequiredreading:96pgs)

• SystematicTheology,WayneGrudem:chs.54-57(pp.1091-1167;63pgs)• “Amillennialism,”inTheMeaningofMillennium:FourViews,ed.RobertClouse(33pgs)• Supplemental:

o TheMeaningofMillennium:FourViews,ed.RobertClouseo TheBibleandtheFuture,AnthonyHoekemao KingdomCome,SamStormso ChristandtheFuture,CorneliusVenemao TheTriumphoftheLamb:ACommentaryonRevelation,DennisJohnson

GeneralBibleKnowledge(totalrequiredreading:97pgs)

• AnIntroductiontotheOldTestament,TremperLongmanIIIandRaymondDillard:ch.1(25pgs)

• AnIntroductiontotheNewTestament,D.A.CarsonandDouglasMoo:ch.1(54pgs)• “TheTheologyoftheOldTestament”inESVStudyBible:pp.29-31(2pgs)• “IntroductiontothePentateuch”inESVStudyBible:pp.35-37(2pgs)• “IntroductiontotheHistoricalBooks”inESVStudyBible:pp.385-387(2pgs)

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• “IntroductiontothePoeticandWisdomLiterature” inESVStudyBible:pp.865-868(3pgs)

• “IntroductiontothePropheticBooks”inESVStudyBible:pp.1229-1232(3pgs)• “TheTheologyoftheNewTestament”inESVStudyBible:pp.1803-1805(2pgs)• “ReadingtheGospelsandActs”inESVStudyBible:pp.1811-1813(2pgs)• “ReadingtheEpistles”inESVStudyBible:pp.2147-2149(2pgs)• Supplemental:

o IntroductionstoindividualbooksoftheBibleinESVStudyBibleo AnIntroductiontotheNewTestament,D.A.CarsonandDouglasMoo.o WhattheOldTestamentAuthorsReallyCaredAbout,JasonDeRouchie.

PastoralMinistry(totalrequiredreading:121pgs)

• TheCrossandChristianMinistry,D.A.Carson:chs.1,4(54pgs)• “TheProblemofNewTestamentExegesis,”I.HowardMarshall,(7pgs;availableonline

at:www.etsjets.org/files/JETS-PDFs/17/17-2/17-2-pp067-073_JETS.pdf)• ExegeticalFallacies,D.A.Carson:chs.1-2(60pgs)• Supplemental:

o TheCrossandChristianMinistry,D.A.Carsono TheChristianMinistry,CharlesBridges(esp.Part3,chs.1,3,6,&10)o ChurchElders:HowtoShepherdGod’sPeopleLikeJesus,JeramieRinneo Christ-CenteredPreaching,BryanChappello Preach:TheologyMeetsPractice,MarkDeverandGregGilberto Gospel-Centered Hermeneutics by Graeme Goldsworthy (especially Part 1 and

Part3,pp.21-84,181-313)o BiblicalEldership,AlexanderStraucho PreachingandPreachers,MartynLloyd-Joneso ExpositionalPreaching,DavidHelmo SpeakingGod’sWords,PeterAdam

Polity(totalrequiredreading:120pgs)

• SovereignGraceBookofChurchOrder(120pgs)• Supplemental:

o The Church of Christ, James Bannerman (esp. Vol 2, Part IV, ch. 5: “TheIndependentSystemofChurchPolityasOpposedtoPresbyterianism.”

o HowJesusRunstheChurch,GuyPrentissWaters(chs2&5)BiblicalEthics(totalrequiredreading:25pgs)

• “BiblicalEthics:AnOverview”inESVStudyBible:pp.2535-2560(25pgs)• Supplemental:

o EthicsforaBraveNewWorld,JohnandPaulFeinbergo PrinciplesofConduct,JohnMurray

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o Divorce,JohnMurrayo “SeparatingwhatGodhas JoinedTogether:DivorceandRemarriage,”ch.11 in

God,Marriage,andFamily,byAndreasKostenberger(32pgs).o TheBibleandHomosexualPractice:TextsandHermeneutics,RobertGagnono IsGodAnti-Gay?SamAllberryo LoveIntoLight:TheGospel,TheGospel,TheHomosexual,andTheChurch,Peter

Hubbardo “AbandoningNaturalRelations:TheBiblicalVerdictonHomosexuality”,ch.10in

God,Marriage,andFamily,AndreasKostenberger(24pgs).ChurchHistory(Note:allchurchhistoryreadingissupplemental)

• Supplemental:o KnowtheCreedsandCouncils,JustinHolcombo KnowtheHeretics,JustinHolcombo TheologyoftheReformers,TimothyGeorgeo Christianity:TheFirstThreeThousandYears,DiarmaidMacCullocho ChurchHistory,VolumeOne,EverettFergusono ChurchHistory,VolumeTwo,FrankJamesandJohnWoodbridgeo HistoricalTheology,GreggAllison

WorldReligions,Cults,&Pluralism(totalrequiredreading:10pgs)

• “TheBibleandWorldReligions”inESVStudyBible:pp.2623-2630(7pgs)• “TheBibleandReligiousCults”inESVStudyBible:pp.2631-2634(3pgs)• Supplemental:

o EncounteringReligiousPluralism,HaroldNetland(esp.ch.10)o TheGaggingofGod,D.A.Carson(esp.chs.4,11,&12)

TheologicalCurrents(totalrequiredreading:99pgs)

• Antinomianism:ReformedTheology’sUnwelcomeGuest?,Mark Jones (chs4and6,34pgs)

• WhatistheMissionoftheChurch?,GregGilbertandKevinDeYoung(ch.2,35pgs)• “N.T. Wright Under Review,” Tom Schreiner, in Credo Magazine, Vol. 4, Issue 1

(availableonlineat:http://www.credomag.com/the-magazine/archives/justification/)• Supplemental:

o JustificationReconsidered,StephenWesterholmo TheFutureofJustification,JohnPipero WhoWillbeSaved?,eds.PaulHouseandGregoryThornburyo HellUnderFire,eds.ChristopherMorganandRobertPetersono NoOtherGod:AResponsetoOpenTheism,JohnFrameo TheFederalVisionandCovenantTheology,GuyPrentissWaters

BiblicalTheology(totalrequiredreading:32pgs)

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• “Biblical Theology” (pp. 3-11; 8 pgs) in The New Dictionary of Biblical Theology, eds.Alexander,Rosner,Carson,&Goldsworthy

• “SystematicTheologyandBiblicalTheology”(pp.89-104;15pgs)inTheNewDictionaryofBiblicalTheology,eds.Alexander,Rosner,Carson,&Goldsworthy

• “Biblical History” (pp.43-51; 8 pgs) in The New Dictionary of Biblical Theology, eds.Alexander,Rosner,Carson,&Goldsworthy

• Supplemental:o AccordingtoPlanbyGraemeGoldsworthyo BiblicalTheology,GeerhardusVoso TheChristoftheCovenants,O.PalmerRobertsono KingdomThroughCovenant,PeterGentryandStephenWellum,chs16-17.

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8.SUGGESTEDSTUDYPLANS

Thefollowingaresuggestedstudyplanstoassistthecandidateinpreparingfortheordinationexams.TheresultsfromthePreliminaryAssessmentTest(Section6)shouldprovideahelpfulgauge for thecandidate’sstudyneeds. Here isageneralsuggestion foraligningsomeof theresourceswithsectionswiththePreliminaryAssessmentTest.DevelopingyourstudyplanOldTestament

1. Redemptivehistory–study“IntrotoOTTheology”inESVStudyBible.2. Keyevents–studyintroductionstoeachbookinESVStudyBible.3. Bibleoutlines–sameasabove.4. Understanding literarygenre–study“Introductionto_________” fromtheESVStudy

BibleforeachmajorsectionoftheOT.5. Biblical theology – in addition to above, study articles in NDBT. Also look through

“SummaryofSalvationHistory”inESVStudyBible.

NewTestament 1. Redemptivehistory–study“IntrotoNTTheology”inESVStudyBible.2. Keyevents–studyintroductionstoeachbookinESVStudyBible.3. Bibleoutlines–sameasabove.4. Understanding literarygenre–study“Reading theGospelsandActs”and“Reading the

Epistles”intheESVStudyBible.5. Biblicaltheology–inadditiontoabove,studyarticlesinNDBT.

Forthetheologyexam,usetherequiredandrecommendedresourcesforeachsectionheading.SuggestedStudyPlansTheamountofpreparationtimewillvarybycandidate.Herearetwosuggestedstudyplansforcompletingtherequiredreadingsandpapersandforpreparingfortheordinationexams.6-MONTHPLANMonth1:

• TheScriptures• GodisTriune• GodtheFather• BiblicalTheology• “TheTheologyoftheOldTestament”inESVStudyBible:pp.29-31(2pgs)• “IntroductiontothePentateuch”inESVStudyBible:pp.35-37(2pgs)

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Month2:

• JesusChrist• TheHolySpirit• Man• “IntroductiontothePoeticandWisdomLiterature” inESVStudyBible:pp.865-868(3

pgs)Month3:

• TheGospel• Man’sResponsetotheGospel• Man’sInheritancethroughtheGospel• “IntroductiontothePropheticBooks”inESVStudyBible:pp.1229-1232(3pgs)• Write paper 1 for Regional Ordination Committee answering the question: Describe

yourviewsonsoteriologyusingthetraditionalcomponentsoftheordosalutis.Month4:

• Sanctification• EmpoweredbytheSpirit• TheChurch• AnIntroductiontotheOldTestament,TremperLongmanIII&RaymondDillard(25pgs)• AnIntroductiontotheNewTestament,D.A.CarsonandDouglasMoo:ch.1(54pgs)• “TheTheologyoftheNewTestament”inESVStudyBible:pp.1803-1805(2pgs)• “ReadingtheGospelsandActs”inESVStudyBible:pp.1811-1813(2pgs)• “ReadingtheEpistles”inESVStudyBible:pp.2147-2149(2pgs)• Write Paper 2 for the Regional Ordination Committee answering the question:What

does it mean to be continuationist in pneumatology? Explain your beliefs about theministryoftheHolySpiritinthelifeofthebelieverandthechurch.

• Write paper 3 for Regional Ordination Committee answering the question: What isexpositionalpreaching,andwhydoesitmatterinthelifeofthechurch?

• Finishsermonmanuscriptwhichwillbeincluded,alongwithaudio/videorecording,intheordinationpacketfortheRegionalOrdinationCommittee

Month5:

• TheChurchcontinued• Sacraments• TheConsummation• PastoralMinistry• “BiblicalEthics:AnOverview”inESVStudyBible:pp.2535-2560(25pgs)• “TheBibleandWorldReligions”inESVStudyBible:pp.2623-2630(7pgs)• “TheBibleandReligiousCults”inESVStudyBible:pp.2631-2634(3pgs)

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• Writepaper4fortheRegionalOrdinationCommitteeansweringthequestion:Whatisyourviewontherespectiverolesofmenandwomen?Includehowthisapplies inthechurchandinthehome.

• Writepaper5fortheRegionalOrdinationCommitteeansweringthequestion:Whatareyour views on divorce and remarriage, and how do these impinge upon the church,churchmembership,etc.?

Month6:• Polity• TheologicalCurrents• GeneralBibleKnowledge• Writepaper6fortheRegionalOrdinationCommitteeansweringthequestion:Whatis

the biblical view of gender as it relates to homosexuality? Briefly address how thisapplies pastorally to same-sex attraction, and culturally to same-sex marriage andtransgenderissues.

• Review

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12-MONTHSTUDYPLANMonth1:

• TheScriptures• GodisTriune

Month2:

• GodtheFather• BiblicalTheology

Month3:

• JesusChrist• TheHolySpirit• AnIntroductiontotheOldTestament,TremperLongmanIII&RaymondDillard(25pgs)• “TheTheologyoftheOldTestament”inESVStudyBible:pp.29-31(2pgs)• “IntroductiontothePentateuch”inESVStudyBible:pp.35-37(2pgs)• “IntroductiontothePoeticandWisdomLiterature” inESVStudyBible:pp.865-868(3

pgs)• SupplementalReading

Month4:

• Man• TheGospel• “IntroductiontothePropheticBooks”inESVStudyBible:pp.1229-1232(3pgs)

Month5:

• Man’sResponsetotheGospel• Man’sInheritancethroughtheGospel• Sanctification• Write paper 1 for Regional Ordination Committee answering the question: Describe

yourviewsonsoteriologyusingthetraditionalcomponentsoftheordosalutis.Month6:

• EmpoweredbytheSpirit• Write Paper 2 for the Regional Ordination Committee answering the question:What

does it mean to be continuationist in pneumatology? Explain your beliefs about theministryoftheHolySpiritinthelifeofthebelieverandthechurch.

• AnIntroductiontotheNewTestament,D.A.CarsonandDouglasMoo:ch.1(54pgs)• “TheTheologyoftheNewTestament”inESVStudyBible:pp.1803-1805(2pgs)• “ReadingtheGospelsandActs”inESVStudyBible:pp.1811-1813(2pgs)• “ReadingtheEpistles”inESVStudyBible:pp.2147-2149(2pgs)

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Month7:

• TheChurch• Sacraments• Write paper 3 for Regional Ordination Committee answering the question: What is

expositionalpreaching,andwhydoesitmatterinthelifeofthechurch?• Finishsermonmanuscriptwhichwillbeincluded,alongwithaudio/videorecording,in

theordinationpacketfortheRegionalOrdinationCommitteeMonth8:

• TheConsummation• GeneralBibleKnowledge

Month9:

• PastoralMinistry• “TheBibleandWorldReligions”inESVStudyBible:pp.2623-2630(7pgs)• “TheBibleandReligiousCults”inESVStudyBible:pp.2631-2634(3pgs)• Writepaper4fortheRegionalOrdinationCommitteeansweringthequestion:Whatis

yourviewontherespectiverolesofmenandwomen?Includehowthisapplies inthechurchandinthehome.

Month10:

• Polity• “BiblicalEthics:AnOverview”inESVStudyBible:pp.2535-2560(25pgs)• Writepaper5fortheRegionalOrdinationCommitteeansweringthequestion:Whatare

your views on divorce and remarriage, and how do these impinge upon the church,churchmembership,andpastoralministry?

Month11:

• TheologicalCurrents• Writepaper6fortheRegionalOrdinationCommitteeansweringthequestion:Whatis

the biblical view of gender as it relates to homosexuality? Briefly address how thisapplies pastorally to same-sex attraction, and culturally to same-sex marriage andtransgenderissues.

• SupplementalReadingMonth12:

• SupplementalReading• ChurchHistory(supplementalonly)• Review

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9.ORDINATIONPAPERS

To help evaluate a candidate’s qualifications, the following papers should be written andsubmitted to the ROC. The paper topics are drawn primarily from the shared values ofSovereignGracechurches.Eachpapershouldbebetween750-1000words,typedanddouble-spaced, and supported with Scripture. A written sermon manuscript, and audio or videorecording of the sermon, is also required. (Note: this does not necessarily mean a Sundaymorning sermon, although that is ideal. The only requirement is that the sermon that issubmittedreflecttheman’sownexegesisandstudy.)

1. Describeyourviewsonsoteriologyusingthetraditionalcomponentsoftheordosalutis.2. Whatdoes itmean tobecontinuationist inpneumatology?Explainyourbeliefsabout

theongoingministryoftheHolySpiritinthelifeofthebelieverandthechurch.3. Whatisexpositionalpreaching,andwhydoesitmatterinthelifeofthechurch?4. Whatisyourviewontherespectiverolesofmenandwomen?Includehowthisapplies

inthechurchandinthehome.5. Whatareyourviewsondivorceandremarriage,andhowdo these impingeuponthe

church,churchmembership,andpastoralministry?6. Whatisthebiblicalviewofgenderas itrelatestohomosexuality?Brieflyaddresshow

thisappliespastorally tosame-sexattraction,andculturally tosame-sexmarriageandtransgenderissues.

7. Sermonmanuscriptandaudio/videorecordingofthesermon.

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10.READINGREPORT

Eachcandidatemustturninthefollowingreport,signedanddated,totheROCaftercompletionofthetheologyexam.

I, _______________________, have completed all required reading as listed in the “OrdinationResourcesForStudy”section.

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TestPreparationGuide:WhattoExpectThisguideisdesignedtohelpcandidatespreparefortheBibleKnowledgeExam,theTheologyExam,andtheOralExam.1. BibleKnowledgeExamTheBibleKnowledgeExamevaluatesthecandidate’soverallbiblicalliteracy.Questionsareeitherfillintheblankormultiplechoice.Thereare170questionsonthetest,coveringarangeofcategories:identifyingthethemeofbooksoftheBible,identifyingthebookandchapterofkeyevents,fillingintheblankwithnamesandplaces,andquestionsthatevaluateacandidate’sknowledgeofredemptivehistoryandbiblicaltheology.Candidatesmaynotuseanyhelpsduringtheexam(nonotes,Bibles,orelectronicresourcesfortheexam).Anelderinthecandidate’slocalchurchwillproctortheexam.Uponcompletion,theelderwillsendtheexamtotheROC,whichwillgradetheexamwithintwoweeksofreceivingit.Thetestshouldbetakenonprintedpages,notelectronically.Thedurationoftheexamisnottoexceedthreehours,andmaytakeamuchshorterperiodoftime.Thereare170questionsontheexam,andapassinggradeis75%orabove(128ormoreofthe170questionsansweredcorrectly).Ifacandidatefailstheexam,heshouldbeinformedonlyofhisoverallscore,andnotbeinformedofwhichquestionswererightandwrong.Failingtheexamrequireswaitingatleastamonthandtakingthesameexamagain,withagradedcopyofeachtesthandedintotheRegionalOrdinationCommittee.Thiscontinuesuntilthecandidateisabletoscoreabove75%.Hereare15samplequestionsthatwillgiveyouafeelforthenatureofthetest:

Multiplechoice–Selectthebestanswer

1. OnwhatdayofcreationdidGodcreateman?a) Firstb)Fourthc)Sixthd)Seventh

2. WhichprophetanointedDavidasking?

a) Isaiahb)Jeremiahc)Samueld)Hosea

3. WhenthekingdomdividedafterKingSolomon’sreign,whichtwotribeswerepartofthesouthernkingdom?

a) ManassehandEphraimb) BenjaminandJudahc) GadandAsherd) BillyandBob

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4. WhichsectionofGenesisfocusesonAbraham?a) Chapters6-9b) Chapters12-24c) Chapters27-36d) Chapters37-50

Inwhatbookandchapterdothefollowingappear(bothmustbecorrecttoreceivecredit)?

5. ThearmorofGod_______________6. Thewords“MyGod,MyGod,whyhaveyouforsakenme?”intheOT

_______________7. AvisionofChristamongthelampstands_______________8. “Anexcellentwifewhocanfind?Sheisfarmorepreciousthanjewels.”

_______________

Namethepersonwhosaidordidthefollowing:9. ThereligiousleadertowhomJesussays“Youmustbebornagain”?

_______________10. Whosaid“Iwillgototheking,thoughitisagainstthelaw,andifIperish,I

perish”?_______________11. TowhomdidGodmakethepromise“inyouallthefamiliesoftheearthshallbe

blessed.”

Fillintheblank:12. WhatbookoftheBiblecomesafterEzra?_______________

13. Whichprophetsaid“Hehastoldyou,Oman,whatisgood;andwhatdoesthe

LORDrequireofyoubuttodojustice,andtolovekindness,andtowalkhumblywithyourGod?”_______________

14. WhichbookoftheBibleisbestsummarizedbythefollowing:“Theascended

LordcontinueshisactivityofgrowinghischurchandsavingthelostthroughtheempoweringSpiritofGodandtheunstoppableWordofGod”?_______________

15. InwhichcovenantdoesGodpromisetopreservehiscreationandsayhewill

neveragaincursethegroundbecauseofman?_______________

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2. TheologyExam

TheTheologyExamisawrittenexamthatfocusesonexplainingand/ordefendingtheSGStatementofFaithfromtheScriptures.AllquestionsarederivedfromcategoriesanddoctrinesintheStatementofFaith.Thecandidatewillhaveupto4hourstocomplete16questions.Thiscomestoabout15minutesperquestion;itisimportantthatyoupaceyourself.Answersshouldbeconciseandinparagraphform(notinbulletpointoroutlineform).YoumayuseonlyanunmarkedBibleduringyourtestandshouldsupportyouranswerswithappropriateBibletexts.ItisrecommendedthatcandidatespracticeforthetestbyansweringvarioustheologicalquestionswithanunmarkedBiblein15minutes.Eachquestionisworth10points(4pointsfortheologicalprecision,4pointsforuseofScripture,and2pointsforclarityandreadability).Thereare160pointspossible.120(75%)isapassinggrade.Anelderinthecandidate’slocalchurchwillproctortheexam.Uponcompletion,theelderwillsendtheexamtotheROC,whichwillgradetheexamwithintwoweeksofreceivingit.Ifacandidatefailstheexam,hewillbeinformedonlyofhisoverallscore,andnotbeinformedofwhichquestionswererightandwrong,strongorweak.Failingtheexamrequireswaitingatleastamonthandtakingthesameexamagain,withagradedcopyofeachtesthandedintotheRegionalOrdinationCommittee.Thiscontinuesuntilthecandidateisabletoscoreabove75%.Hereareafewsamplequestions.Thesearenotnecessarilyontheexam,buttheygiveyouafeelforthenatureofthetest:

1. DiscussthehumanityofChristandthedeityofChrist,howtheyrelate,andwhyeachisnecessary.

2. DiscusswhatitmeansthatmanismadeintheimageofGod.3. Defineandexplainthedoctrineofjustification.

3. OralExam

TheOralExamfocusesonpersonal,polity/partnershipthemes,andpastoralministry.FollowupquestionsontheBibleKnowledgeExam,TheologyExam,andwrittenpaperscanalsobeaskedintheOralExam.TheexamwillbetakenwithanopenBible.CandidatesshouldbepreparedtoidentifyandsupportthesevensharedvaluesofSGC,haveageneralunderstandingoftheBookofChurchOrderandSGpolity,andbepreparedtoanswerabroadrangeofquestionsrelatedtopastoralministry.

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ThegoalofthepastoralministryandcounselingquestionsistodeterminehowwellthecandidateunderstandsthenatureofpastoralministryaccordingtoScripture,andtoassesshisabilitytoapplyGod’swordinvarioussituations.Hereareafewsamplequestions.Thesearenotnecessarilyontheexam,buttheygiveyouafeelforthenatureofthetest:

1. Personal:DescribehowGodcalledyoutopastoralministry,andwhyyoudesiretobeapastor.

2. Polity/partnership:DescribethepolityofSovereignGrace.Includeeldergovernanceandplurality,extra-localleadership,andtheroleofthecongregation.

3. PastoralMinistry:Whatisthepurposeoftheweeklygatheringofthechurch,andwhatshouldthechurchdowhenitgathers?

4. PastoralMinistry:AgentlemanintheNewMembersClassishavingahardtimewiththedoctrineofelection.Heasks“Areyousayingthatsomepeoplecannotbesaved?IfthatistruehowcouldtheyalsobejudgedfornotbelievinginaGodwhodidnotpredestinethemtobelieve?”Howdoyouanswerhim?