Candidates & Credentials

Candidates and Credentials Committee

The Candidates and Credentials Committee oversees every man preparing for, entering or transferring into the gospel ministry in Illiana. It brings all matters of candidacy, internships, licensure, ordination and ministerial credentials to the presbytery (SR 7).

Who Serves

The committee has three Teaching Elders and three Ruling Elders. It ordinarily meets four weeks before each stated meeting.

Men Preparing for Ministry

The committee walks with each candidate from his first steps under care through ordination.

• Makes sure each man follows the Book of Church Order at every stage

• Examines candidates before they come before the presbytery, and plans the written and oral exams

• Counsels candidates in their education, encouraging study at a seminary approved by the PCA

• Helps each candidate secure and complete an internship, and receives reports from the supervising pastor or session

• Stays in regular contact with candidates to give counsel and learn of their progress and spiritual growth

• Gives a full report on all men under care and all licentiates at the spring meeting

Licensure and Pulpit Supply

To protect Illiana's pulpits, no man may preach regularly in one of our churches until he has been examined and licensed. In extraordinary cases a church may ask the committee in writing for an exception. For this purpose alone, the committee acts as a commission of the presbytery and may grant the request.

Ministers Transferring In

• Receives and examines the credentials of every minister seeking to join the presbytery

• Examines a pastoral candidate from another presbytery before the presbytery examines him for reception

• Examines a minister from outside the PCA before he may become a candidate for a pulpit in Illiana

Pastoral Relationships

When a pastor and congregation both agree to end their pastoral relationship, the committee may act as a commission of the presbytery to dissolve it. It may also dismiss ministers, licentiates and candidates when no congregation is involved. At least two Teaching Elders and two Ruling Elders must be present, and the Stated Clerk is informed of the action.

Churches Without a Pastor

The committee helps vacant churches through the calling process.

• Reminds churches that only men approved by the presbytery may serve as stated supply

• Reviews every call to make sure it is in order before it goes to the presbytery and the candidate

• Reminds churches that a pastor-elect must be examined and approved before he begins his work on the field