Candidacy is a period of preparation for the candidate using a series of learning contracts to promote growth and readiness for ministry. Presbyterian ordination requires the presbytery's certification of a candidate's readiness to pursue a call and signals that the candidate has demonstrated the necessary skills and gifts for ministry. What a call to a specific service has been extended, the presbytery will need to approve the call and examine the candidate prior to ordination and installation. There is a minimum time period of one year for this phase. 

Candidacy Process:

  1. Apply to become a candidate through your session. 

    Application forms for candidacy

  2. Your session will interview you and make a recommendation to the CPM.

  3. CPM will confer with you to review evidence of readiness to proceed to candidacy, then make a recommendation to the presbytery. 

  4. The presbytery will examine you on faith, service, and motivation. 

  5. While a candidate, you will continue to consult at least annually with your CPM for evaluation and nurture. 

    Annual consultation forms

  6. Many presbyteries require Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) or other types of field education experiences. Ask your CPM early about these requirements so that you can fit them into your seminary course of study. CPE can satisfy one of three requirements for supervised practice of ministry credits within the MDiv degree. 

  7. As you near the end of candidacy, you will be directed to complete your personal discernment profile (PDP). 


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Last modified: Friday, February 16, 2024, 2:34 PM