Friday, June 5, 2009

Six questions for an ordination examination


It is difficult to find example ordination questions from which to prepare and since I am participating in an ordination examination today, I was wondering what kind of questions I should ask. Maybe these 6 could be interesting. 1. What testament (the Old or New Testament) takes priority in interpreting the Old Testament? 2. What limits, if any, apply to the atonement of Christ? 3. Is inerrancy a logical extension of the doctrine of inspiration? Explain. 4. How does Israel relate to the Church? What specific future, if any, awaits national Israel? 5. Sketch an outline of your basic hermeneutical approach to the Bible. 6. How does the Holy Spirit relate to believers in the present age? What principles/texts relate to the Spirit's enablement in the Church? These questions seem to cover a significant amount of theological content and would indicate quite a bit about the pastoral-theological position of the candidate. What do you think, care to answer these?

5 comments:

Unknown said...

dr. tucker, what are the parameters for the questioning? in the reformed tradition they are english Bible, reformed theology and tradition, sacraments, work of the pastor, and church polity.

i think the questions are good, especially since you will be able to parse them for his position. i wonder though if the others on the committee will understand them?

Kar Yong said...

All I can say is that I am very glad you are not in my ordination committee!

Jokes aside, I think these are pertinent questions.

Nate said...

Holy MOLY
Studied or not, "What texts relate to the Spirit's enablement of the Church" demands quite a bit. Remind me to memorize at least two systematic theologies before allowing you to examine me for ordination.

Michael R. Jones said...

Would the wrong answers (from you're perspective) to questions 1, 2, 4, figure prominently against one's ordination in that context? I would take those as issues we could agree to disagree on unless operating under a specified confessional agreement or tradition.

J. Brian Tucker said...

Well, I asked him 1, 2, 3, someone else asked 6. Other questions included ones relating to his family and spiritual formation, his call in the context of his previous social identity as a classically trained musician. Also, we discussed theological assumptions that he suggested needed to be reexamined. The candidate did quite well and it was a joy, now I shall preach his ordination service next Sunday. Way to go DC (do you know who that is?)