EXAMINATION QUESTIONS FOR ORDINATION A. PERSONAL HISTORY Briefly share with us your personal background -- your family upbringing, your educational training, and your work experience. B. SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCE 1. Tell us about any religious background or upbringing that you may have had. 2. Tell us about the circumstances that led up to your Conversion? 3. If you were to die tonight, are you confident that you would go to heaven? Upon what are you resting your assurance of eternal salvation? 4. What evidences became apparent in your life showing that you were a child of God and that Jesus had come to reign in your life? 5. What subsequent spiritual experience/s have you had, if any? 6. Have you experienced the filling of the Holy Spirit? What evidences of the fullness of the Spirit do you see in your life? 7. What is the role and place of prayer in your personal life? 8. What time and priority do you give to reading and study of Scripture? 9. What books have you read recently which have developed you spiritually, mentally, and professionally? 10. Tell us about your method of tithing? C. CALL TO THE MINISTRY 3. What do you consider constitutes a call to ministry? Relate your experience in determining God s Call to the Gospel ministry. 4. Do you feel called to any particular type of Gospel work? (Pastoral, teaching, evangelism, music, missions, youth, etc.) 5. What is your primary reason for wanting to enter the ministry? 6. In what ways do you believe God has gifted you and equipped you for the ministry of the Gospel? 7. What does ordination mean to you? D. THE HOLY SCRIPTURES 1. What do we mean when we say, Scriptures are authoritative? Could you give several reasons why the Scriptures are authoritative? 2. Give reasons why it is critical to believe in the authority of Scriptures. 3. What is meant by the term canon? Give several criteria against which the books of the Bible were measured that authenticated them as Scripture. 4. What comprises the canon of Scripture? Explain why the Apocrypha is not included in the canon, as we know it. 5. Define revelation, inspiration and illumination and explain how they relate to each other. 6. What was the method of inspiration? What kind of men did God inspire? 7. What is meant by the inerrancy of the Scriptures and are there limitations in the application of the term? 8. What do you think of this statement: The Bible contains the Word of God? Would you agree or disagree and why? 9. How would you respond to the charge that the doctrine of the inspiration of Scripture is irrelevant since all we possess are very faulty copies and translations of the original documents of biblical authors? 10. If inerrancy only applies to the original autographs, how accurate are our modern translations of the Bible? Can we trust them? Why or why not? 11. Explain the difference between a paraphrase and a translation. 12. Distinguish the similarities and/or differences between special revelation and general revelation? 13. Are the Scriptures a revelation of God, or does God reveal Himself through the Scriptures? Give reasons for your answer.
14. What do we mean when we say the Scriptures constitute the divine and only rule of Christian faith and practice? E. THE KNOWLEDGE OF SCRIPTURE 1. How many books are contained in the Old Testament? The New Testament? 2. What are the five major divisions of the Old Testament? What are the major divisions of the New Testament? 3. Can you name the pastoral epistles? 4. Give a basic outline of a book in the Old Testament/New Testaments. 5. Name five major characters written about in the book of Genesis. 6. Give a brief overview of the Pentateuch. 7. Describe some major events in the life of Samuel. 8. Name two judges and briefly outline the major events of their lives. 9. Name five important kings who ruled over Israel or Judah. 10. What were the circumstances during the time of Ezra and Nehemiah? 11. Describe three significant events described by Isaiah. 12. Describe a persecution experienced by Jeremiah. 13. Describe a vision given to Ezekial. 14. Describe the circumstances and/or emphasis of two minor prophets. 15. Name the synoptic gospels. Describe the differences between the four gospels and the value of those differences. 16. Give a brief overview of one of the Gospels. 17. Give a brief overview of the book of Acts. 18. Give a one sentence description of the basic theme of 1 Corinthians, Romans, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, 11 Thessalonians, Philemon, Hebrews, 1 Peter, Jude, Revelation. 19. List five of the seven churches described in the Revelation and the theme of the message given to each of them. 20. Give book and chapter for the following: a. The Fall b. The flood c. Abrahamic covenant d. Ten Commandments e. The tumbling walls of Jericho f. David and Goliath g. Dedication of Solomon s temple h. If I perish, I perish i. Though He slay me, yet will I trust... j. Psalm of Repentance k. The Beatitudes l. The Great Commission m. Love Chapter n. The Resurrection Chapter o. The Armour of God p. The Fruit of the Spirit q. The Gifts of the Spirit r. The Great White Throne Judgement s. Instruction on Tithing t. The Suffering Servant u. The Woman at the Well v. The transfiguration w. Jerusalem Council x. The parable of the three lost things y. The good Samaritan 21. Chapter themes:
Genesis 1 Joel 2 Matthew 24 Genesis 12 Exodus 12 John 3 Numbers 13 Isaiah 38,39 Revelation 2 & 3 Psalm 119 Psalm 139 Revelation 20 Deuteronomy 5 Ecclesiastes 12 Revelation 22 I Samuel 17 Psalm 1 Acts 20 Nehemiah 8 Isaiah 6 John 17 Acts 2 Acts 5 I Timothy 3 Romans 1 Romans 3 James 3 Colossians 1 John 11 Titus 1 Phil. 2 Hebrews 1 Hebrews 11 22. Where would you go for teaching on the following themes: Repentance Suffering Fear Prayer Healing Forgiveness Holy Spirit Evangelism Doubt Marriage Hell Divorce Loneliness Courage Comfort Hope Joy Thankfulness 23. Provide a significant person or event related to the following locations: Mount Moriah Hebron Jericho Cana Jordan Ai Kadesh Bethany Dead Sea Cherith Brook Bethlehem Mount of Olives Capernaum Nazareth Mount Gerizim Patmos Damasus Antioch Ephesus Rome 24. Recite the verses listed below: John 3:16 Galations 2:20 Romans 3:23 Acts 1:8 Ephesians 2:8,9 II Timothy 2:15 II Timothy 3:16 Hebrews 11:1 James 1:2,3 I John 1:9 Revelations 3:20 Galations 6:22 F. THE TRINITY 1. Assume that your hearer knows utterly nothing about God, but is eager to learn. Using Scripture, explain the Trinity to this person. 2. What other metaphors may be used to illustrate the meaning of Trinity? 3. What is meant by the terms substance and persons as they relate to the doctrine of the Trinity? 4. Does Trinity of Persons in the Godhead argue against unity? Explain. 5. What historical positions were taken on the Trinity at the Councils of Nicea, 325 and Constantinople, 381? 6. How do the three persons relate to Creation? Revelation? Salvation? The Church? 7. What contemporary theological positions are raising serious questions for the traditional doctrine of the Trinity? 8. What contemporary, cultic groups evidence deviation from the traditional doctrine of the Trinity? 9. Why is the doctrine of the Trinity essential to sound Christian faith? G. PERSON OF GOD 1. What is the basis for the Christian concept of God as being a Person? 2. Give some New Testament definitions of God. (John 4:24; Hebrews 12:29; 1 John 1:5, 1 John 4:8) 3. What are some of the evidences and arguments for the existence of God? 4. What is a definition of attribute? Name some of the attributes of God, and give a Scriptural incident that reveals these attributes.
5. What do you believe underlies all else in the character of God / the most fundamental attribute of God? 6. Explain the following terms: Atheism, Deism, Theism, Pantheism. 7. What is meant by anthropomorphism? 8. How can God maintain a personal relationship with His creatures? 9. What is your belief concerning God and Evolution? H. PERSON OF CHRIST 1. Many believe that Jesus Christ was an ideal man who lived an extra-ordinarily exemplary life. From the Scriptures, demonstrate that though He was a man, He was in truth, the very Son of God. 2. State some of the names referring to Christ and explain their meanings. (Example: Messiah, Lord, Jesus, etc.) 3. What is meant by the pre-existence of Christ? Is He eternal? 4. How is the person of Christ dealt with in the Old Testament? 5. What is the significance of the Virgin Birth and why is it important? 6. Explain how the historic Christ was conscious of His divinity? 7. How do you account for the fact that Christ had both a divine nature and a human nature and yet was only one person? 8. Why are both natures essential to the Person of Christ? 9. Detail an event in the life of Christ that shows both his divinity and His humanity. 10. What evidence is there to prove that Christ was truly divine? 11. What evidence is there to prove that Christ was truly human? 12. Why did Christ become a man? Explain the purpose and significance of the Incarnation. 13. How do you know that Christ is alive today? 14. Where is Jesus today and what is He doing? I. THE PERSON OF THE HOLY SPIRIT 1. Give Scriptural verification that the Holy Spirit is coequal with God and our Lord Jesus. 2. How does His identification with the Father and Son suggest His personality? 3. What qualities of personality does He possess? 4. What ministries, possible only for a person, are attributed to Him? 5. What is indicated relative to His personality by His activity in the early church? 6. How does the Old Testament bear testimony to His personality? 7. How is He affected by the same things and in the same manner as other persons? 8. Why is the teaching of His personhood so important to sound doctrine? Is belief in His personality essential to orthodoxy? If so, why? 9. Why is the belief that the Holy Spirit is a divine person important? 10. What is the work of the Holy Spirit as it relates to the physical world? To mankind (John 16)? To the believer? To the Scriptures? 11. Distinguish the gifts of the Spirit from the fruit of the Spirit 12. How are the gifts of the Spirit given to the Church? J. THE DOCTRINE OF MAN AND SIN 1. What does the Bible mean when it speaks of man and woman being created in the image of God? 2. What was the essence of Adam and Eve s sin? 3. What where the results of Adam and Eve s sin? 4. What does the Bible say about the spiritual condition of man apart from Jesus Christ? 5. Define the word sin. 6. What is meant by original sin? 7. What is meant by total depravity? K. THE ATONEMENT 1. Your hearer is a sincere seeker after God. Using the Scriptures, lead him into an adequate knowledge of the plan of salvation, covering the following main points: * why he needs a Saviour
* what Christ did for him on the Cross 1. Define the term atonement. 2. Where did the plan of the atonement originate? 3. What made the atonement necessary as far as God is concerned? What made the atonement necessary as far as man is concerned? 4. What does the atonement teach us about God s love? God s mercy? God s justice? God s holiness? 5. Would you say that Christ died as more than an example of sacrifice and love? Explain. 6. How could God justly put man s sin upon such an innocent victim? Do not all sinners have to suffer for their own sins? 7. What qualified Christ for being such an offering? Could another human, other than Christ have made an acceptable offering? Why not? 8. How do the biblical ideas of redemption and propitiation relate to the doctrine of atonement? 9. What assurance do we have that the offering was acceptable to God? 10. For whose sake primarily would you say Christ s sacrifice was made? Explain. 11. What are some of the effects of the death of Christ as it relates to God, man and Satan? 12. Is there any limitation on who may benefit from the atonement of Christ? 13. Can the atonement be effective in human lives, in any way, where the Gospel is unknown? L. JUSTIFICATION 1. Give a definition of justification. 2. On what grounds can God justify an acknowledged sinner? 3. Identify, and discuss, the primary Scripture passages which teach the concept of justification. 4. What is the nature of the change brought about by justification? 5. Describe the relationship between justification and regeneration. M. THE WORK OF REGENERATION 1. What is the meaning of the term regeneration? 2. Identify, and discuss, some Scripture passages which teach about regeneration. 3. Where does regeneration take place? When does regeneration take place? Why is regeneration necessary? 4. Who is the chief agent of regeneration? 5. What attitudes must be present in the individual before regeneration can take place? 6. What are some of the negative changes wrought in many by regeneration? What positive changes take place? 7. What is the continuing purpose of regeneration in one s personal life? 8. What is the meaning and significance of adoption? 9. Explain the difference, if any, between regeneration and conversion? N. SANCTIFICATION 1. Give a brief definition of sanctification. 2. Why does man need sanctification? 3. When does sanctification start? When does sanctification end? 4. What is meant by positional sanctification? Experiential or progressive sanctification? 5. What part does the cross of Christ play in the work of sanctification? 6. What is the Holy Spirit s part in sanctification? 7. What is meant by the phrase the indwelling Christ? What does the indwelling Christ have to do with sanctification? 8. What is the believer s part in sanctification? 9. What has sanctification meant in your own life? 10. In what way is the believer dead to sin and alive to God? 11. What are the evidences of a sanctified life? 12. What is your understanding of the deeper life? 13. How do you intend to develop a church of sanctified believers?
O. THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT 1. Is sanctification a crisis or a process? 2. How is there a crisis connected with experiential sanctification? What is meant by the crisis experience? 3. In what way is there a progression connected with experiential sanctification? 4. Using the Scriptures, explain briefly what the Bible teaches regarding the Baptism of the Holy Spirit? The Filling of the Holy Spirit? 5. When in relation to the New Birth is one Baptized with the Holy Spirit? 6. What is the relationship between the Baptism of the Spirit and the Fullness of the Spirit? 7. What are the evidences of the filling of the Spirit? P. HEALING 1. Have you had a personal experience of physical healing? If so, relate one or two of these briefly. 2. How is physical healing related to the atonement? Give one or two Scripture verses to support your view. 3. What do you believe concerning physical healing for this day? 4. What procedure should be followed in the ministry of the church to the sick who request prayer for healing? 5. What do you believe concerning the relationship of spiritual gifts to the ministry of healing? 6. In the fellowship of the church, who is under obligation to make the first move in the ministry of anointing and prayers for the sick? 7. In the anointing and prayer ministry for the sick by the Elders, what is meant by the prayer of faith? 8. Does the Bible teach that everyone will be healed? Why or why not? 9. What counsel or comfort would you offer to those who are not healed? 10. How is the problem of sin related to the problem of sickness? 11. What place do you think the doctrine of divine healing should in the life and ministry of the church? In your preaching and ministry? Q. THE RETURN OF CHRIST/RESURRECTION 1. How will the Second Coming of Christ differ from the first coming? 2. On what basis do you believe that the Lord Jesus Christ will personally and physically return to the earth? 3. Distinguish between the doctrines of premillennialism, postmillennialsim and amillennialism? What do we mean by the millennium? Where is it found in the Bible? 4. Why do you hold a premillenial view of Christ s coming? 5. What will be the purpose of Christ s return? 6. When do you believe the rapture of the church will occur? 7. Where will the believing Church be at Christ s return? 8. What effect should the truth of Christ s return have upon the way we presently live our lives as believers? 9. Explain the judgment seat of Christ. The Great White Throne judgement. 10. Define, and give Scriptural evidence, of the imminence of Christ s return. 11. What biblical passages have been major factors in developing your convictions concerning the Second Coming of Christ and related events? 12. What events will occur during the millennium and after the millennium? 13. What does the term resurrection mean? Is it possible for a resurrection to occur without a physical body? Explain. 14. Who will be resurrected according to the Bible? 15. The Bible speaks of a first resurrection and a second resurrection, can you explain the difference between the two? 16. What is the basis for your belief in the resurrection of Jesus Christ? 17. Trace Paul s development of this theme in I Corinthians 15. 18. What will it be like when the believer is resurrected? What will it be like when the unbeliever is resurrected?
R. THE FATE OF THE WICKED 1. What does the Bible teach concerning the lostness of man and the inevitable results of remaining lost? 2. What is the future destiny of those who die without ever hearing the Gospel? 3. What is your conception of eternal punishment? State your personal view of Bible teaching concerning hell. 4. Is there any possibility at all of the regeneration and salvation of the wicked subsequent to death? 5. Why do you think Hell is not preached on as much as it used to be? 6. From the Scriptures, set forth the eternal condition of one who is without Christ, beginning at the point of death for each and carrying through resurrection, judgment and beyond. 7. What do you understand the Bible to teach concerning heaven? S. THE DOCTRINE OF THE CHURCH 1. What is the meaning of the word Church? 2. Explain the terms universal and local as it relates to the Church. 3. What is the relationship between Israel and the church? 4. Explain briefly with Scripture references the birth of the Church - Where? When? Who? Etc.? 5. As you understand it, what is the purpose, and function, of the local church assembly? 6. Give at least three metaphors the Scriptures use to describe the Church and its relationship with Christ. 7. How important is the church to God s eternal plan and purpose? 8. What is an ordinance? Explain the two ordinances of the Church (Baptism and Lord s Supper). Why are each important? 9. What is your view of worship? What is your view of edification? 10. What is the place of the Great Commission in the life of the church? What is the place of social concern in the life of the church? 11. What is your understanding of denominations? Are they biblical? 12. What is the biblical procedure for church discipline? 13. With Scripture, explain what is the function of the pastor in relation to body life? 14. What are the qualifications, and functions, of elders? T. CHRISTIAN & MISSIONARY ALLIANCE 1. Having chosen to serve in the Alliance, give several reasons why you appreciate and feel comfortable with the C&MA 2. Explain the four-fold Gospel as you understand it. 3. Have you read, and are you in full sympathy, with the Statement of Faith as printed in the Manual of The Christian and Missionary Alliance in Canada? 4. What is the attitude of The Christian and Missionary Alliance on Controversial Theological Questions not pertinent to the fundamentals of the faith? 5. In what way is General Assembly and District Conference related to the local church? 6. What is the function of a District Superintendent? 7. What do you consider to be the purpose and mission of The Christian and Missionary Alliance? 8. What do you consider to be the comprehensive objective of Alliance missions? In what way is this task of the Alliance also your personal responsibility? 9. In what sense does the Christian calling involve a missionary obligation for every believer and every church? 10. How are you personally involved right now with this missionary obligation? 11. In what ways are you seeking to deepen your church s commitment to missions? 12. How do you feel about the importance and value of a local missionary convention? The Faith Promise Card? 13. In addition to church planting, what are some other specialized ministries performed by Alliance missionaries? U. CONSTITUTED AUTHORITY
1. Explain the legislative and administrative structure of The C&MA in Canada. 2. In what way does the Word of God recognize and set up constituted authority in the church? 3. Explain any possible difference in being led by the Spirit and being subject to recognized authority in the church? 4. What would you do if your personal convictions lead you to strongly disagree with the decisions and directions of those who are over you in the Lord? 5. In New Testament terminology, what is one s attitude to be to those over him in the Lord? 6. Do you regard the legislation of the General Assembly and the District Conference as binding upon you, even though your own opinions and desires are otherwise? 7. What would your attitude, and anticipated action be, if your Superintendent suggested that you make a change in appointment? 8. If the majority of your Church Elders desired your resignation, and you felt otherwise, what would you do? Would you feel justified in making the situation an issue among the people of the church? 9. What is the proper procedure for submitting a pastoral resignation? 10. What procedure should be followed in seeking opportunity to candidate in another church? 11. After you leave a place of service, would you still seek to continue contacts of information and channels of advice and counsel with the members of that congregation? 12. If you should become personally involved in doctrines contrary to those of the denomination with which you are now identified, or in conduct which would compromise your position as a minister of the Gospel, what should be your procedure toward those who are over you in the Lord? 13. State whether you think loyalty to the movement of which you are a part need conflict with general harmony with the entire body of Christ. 14. Is your desire to be identified with the work of The Christian and Missionary Alliance a settled, Godgiven conviction? V. SOCIAL/MORAL ISSUES 1. How would you encourage the women in your congregation to fully use their spiritual gifts and serve the church to their fullest potential? 2. How would you deal with women in counseling situations? 3. What steps would you take if you were sexually attracted to a male or female member of your congregation? 4. How do you address the attitude of the men in your church toward women? 5. What is your personal position on the subject of divorce? Support your position Scripturally. 6. Can you state the substance of the Manual regulations relating to divorce? 7. Would you perform the marriage ceremony for a couple where one or the other had been divorced and the former partner is still living? 8. Would you allow a divorced, or someone married to a divorced person, to serve on the Board of Elders? 9. What is your position on the issue of abortion? Give Scriptural support. 10. State your personal position on homosexuality, giving Scriptural support. 11. Would you make a distinction between practicing homosexuality and a homosexual orientation? Explain. 12. State your personal position on euthanasia, giving Scriptural backing for your position. 13. If you became aware of racist tendencies in your church, what steps would you look at taking as an appropriate response? 14. What are your views on pluralism? 15. Have you or are you presently viewing any type of pornography? How would you assist someone overcoming this addiction? 16. Do you have personal and family disciplines, which apply to T.V and / or the internet? What are they? 17. What is your personal position on social drinking of alcohol? 18. What is your view in regard to gambling? Give Scriptural support. 19. Explain your understanding of the teaching of Scripture on how believers are to handle the gray issues of life, so that our lives will continue to glorify God. (e.g. attending the theatre) 20. Is there any unresolved moral issue in your private life or relationships that once exposed would hurt the Lord s name or embarrass your family, your church, the denomination or yourself?
W. PASTORAL MINISTRY 1. The Bible has a lot to say about a pastor s relationship to his congregation (1 Tim. 3:1-6; 4:12; 6:11; 2 Cor. 6:4-6; 1 Thess. 2:1-12; 1 Pet. 5:1-4). What do you think are some important qualities that should characterize your relationship, attitude and conduct towards your congregation as their pastor? 2. How would you describe your leadership style and your ability to get along with people? 3. State the characteristics of the servant-leader as they were given to Timothy by the apostle Paul. 4. How do you see the relationship between you as the pastor and the church s Board of Elders? 5. How would your respond to a church member whose ideas and convictions as to the direction of the church might differ from yours? 6. Do you think a pastor should ever allow his personal interests to become an issue among the people? Explain. 7. In your judgement is it ever practical for a pastor to drive his people into conformity to his own personal convictions? 8. How do you deal with criticism from a church member? A board member? Another pastor? 9. In dealing with refractory members of your church, what should be your attitude toward them? 10. What steps would you follow in handling a situation where church discipline of a member of your congregation is clearly in order? 11. What method of evangelism or evangelistic tool do you use? 12. How many people have you personally led to the Lord in the past year? 13. Give biblical steps one can follow to accept Christ as Saviour. X. MINISTRY EXPERIENCE QUESTIONS 1. How would you rate your years in ministry? (Excellent/average/poor) 2. Looking back, what single ministry experience stands out for you as a highlight? 3. Looking ahead, what kind of ministry experiences would you still like to have? 4. What are your goals or aspirations in ministry? 5. What do you see as your spiritual gift/gifts? How did you arrive at the conviction that this was your area of spiritual giftedness within the Body? 6. What is the greatest work of God that you have seen in your ministry thus far? 7. What is your philosophy of ministry? 8. What are areas of weakness in your ministry? What specific actions have you taken (or do you plan to take), to strengthen these weaknesses? 9. What do you see as the strengths of your ministry? 10. Would you consider yourself a task-orientated person or a people person? Do you consider that a strength or a weakness? 11. Do you enjoy people? Has that ever proven to be a liability in your ministry? 12. Is the Word of God central to your ministry? Show us how that is clearly and practically evident in your ministry. 13. Do you see yourself as a perfectionist? How does that impact your ministry? 14. What has been your most encouraging time in ministry? 15. Describe one of your most discouraging times in ministry. How do you deal with discouragement? 16. Are you involved in an accountability relationship? What value have you found in this relationship? 17. Which would you call yourself : 1) a peacemaker? 2) a confronter? 18. Do you have a struggle with anger in your life? What are you doing to control it? Have you dealt with (forgiveness and reconciliation) the hurts of your past? 19. What magazines do you subscribe to that you have found helpful in your ministry? 20. What is your great passion in ministry? In life? Y MARRIAGE AND FAMILY LIFE 1. How would you describe the atmosphere of your home and your relationship with your spouse? 2. How would you describe your relationship with your children and where your children are at spiritually?
3. What priority do your wife and children have in your life? 4. What do you do to help nurture your relationship with your wife and your relationship with your children? 5. What is your wife s role in ministry? What expectations does your church have of a Pastor s wife? 6. How does your wife feel towards ministry? 7. Do you seek your wife s input, ideas, suggestions and opinions when making decisions? How do you respond if she offers correction or criticism? 8. How do you (and your wife) feel about entertaining others in your home? What kind of priority does hospitality have in your life and ministry? 9. Do you have personal and family disciplines which apply to T.V.? The Internet? What are they?