Reformed Church in America
Monday, November 13, 2023
11:41 AM
NOTE:  Clasis appears to be the Middle Judicatory.  
Sec. 6. As the candidate pursues theological education, the classis shall satisfy itself that the candidate exhibits (1) appropriate character and call to the ministry of Word and sacrament; (2) comprehension of Scripture and of the history, theology, and church order of the Reformed Church in America; (3) requisite skills in interpretation and proclamation of Scripture, including sufficient Greek and Hebrew to understand nuances of the biblical text; (4) competence for ministry; (5) commitment to the unity of the church, the ministry of all Christians, and the proclamation of the gospel. (Book of Church Order, 2023 Edition, Reformed Church in America, pp. 47-48).  
"A Master of Divinity degree from a seminary officially related to the Reformed Church in America will serve as a Certificate of Readiness for Examination. A candidate for ministry who has received such a degree that includes course work satisfying the requirements for ministry of Word and sacrament as defined in Chapter 1, Part II, Article 11, Section 7, as documented on the candidate’s transcript, is entitled to an examination for licensure and ordination" p. 48
Pg. 49, "Sec. 4.  Alternate Means to Satisfying Requirements A candidate for ministry who is a student enrolled in a Master of Divinity degree program at a theological seminary and who, because of age, lack of necessary academic preparation, or other sufficient reason, finds it too difficult to meet the full requirements for the Certificate of Readiness for Examination, shall make application to the classis. a. If the classis finds the reason sufficient, it shall petition the appropriate agent of the General Synod (the board of trustees of an RCA seminary or the Ministerial Formation Certification Agency) on behalf of the applicant for approval of an alternate means to meet any part of the requirements for the Certificate of Readiness for Examination."
Sec. 5.  The Approved Alternate Route A candidate for ministry who has not received the degree of Master of Divinity or a degree that is its equivalent from a seminary that is accredited by the Association of Theological Schools or by a theological accrediting agency of comparable standards as determined by the Ministerial Formation Certification Agency may qualify for the Certificate of Readiness for Examination provided the following conditions are met: a. A consistory shall recommend an individual as a candidate and the classis shall assess the candidate’s call, gifts, and experience in accordance with the standards requisite for the ministry of Word and sacrament. b. The classis shall determine: (1) the candidate has at least five years’ ministry experience that prepares the candidate for leadership as a Minister of Word and Sacrament; (2) the candidate gives evidence of the call, gifts, and experience for the ministry of Word and sacrament; and (3) the candidate, for compelling practical reasons, cannot complete a Master of Divinity degree at an accredited seminary. c. The classis shall petition for a Certificate of Readiness for Examination on behalf of the candidate to the Ministerial Formation Certification Agency. If that agency rejects the petition, it shall clearly state its reasons. The classis may reapply. d. Upon admission, the classis and the Ministerial Formation Certification Agency shall together develop a program that will allow the candidate to satisfy the requirements for the Certificate of Readiness for Examination.
When the candidate has completed the program, the candidate shall be examined for the Certificate of Readiness for Examination by the Ministerial Formation Certification Agency. The method of assessment shall be culturally and linguistically appropriate. f. When the candidate passes the examination, the Ministerial Formation Certification Agency may award the Certificate of Readiness for Examination.