Frequently Asked Questions by students applying for candidacy to upcoming synod

Each fall the seminary hosts a meeting with potential candidates to answer questions about the candidacy process during their final year of seminary, through synod, and beyond. Below are some questions that students typically ask each year. This information is offered here for all candidates, especially those unable to attend the fall informational meeting.

  1. What's the timetable as far as synod declaring candidates and candidates being eligible for call? (show | hide)

    Synod usually declares candidates on Tuesday morning (usually the second Tuesday in June). Students are asked, but not required, to be present for the Presentation of Candidates. The president of the seminary and of synod each make fitting congratulatory remarks, and delegates express their congratulations and joy both during the synodical session and at an informal reception held after the session.

    People are usually declared candidates on the Tuesday morning of synod and are immediately eligible for call.

  2. What are the dates of the CC interviews and the presentation of candidates at synod? (show | hide)

    CC interviews for candidacy will be Friday, May 16, 2008. If a prospective candidate is not in residence and judges that travel to Grand Rapids for this interview constitutes a hardship, the candidate may appeal to CC for travel exemption and request permission to do this interview by phone. Such request should be submitted to CC no later than March 30.

    The presentation of candidates to synod is usually Tuesday morning, this year June 17, 2008. Though highly desirable, it is not mandatory that the candidate be present at synod.

  3. Are EPMC students living outside of Grand Rapids required to come to Grand Rapids for the CC interview? (show | hide)

    The Candidacy Committee has decided that all students including those in the EPMC program are required to come to Grand Rapids, Michigan for these interviews. If you do not live in Grand Rapids and judge that a trip to Grand Rapids will constitute an undue hardship, you may appeal this requirement to Rev. Duane Kelderman, chairperson of the Candidacy Committee. Students granted an appeal will be interviewed over the phone via a conference phone call.

  4. How do I actually get started in the candidacy application process? (show | hide)

    In December you will receive email notice from Rev. Duane Kelderman directing you to the Candidacy website which will guide you through the candidacy application process. Students must carefully read this material and scrupulously follow the timelines. For example, allow several weeks of "cushion" for getting your CC sermon taped. Don't wait until the last Sunday before the deadline. Technology has a way of disappointing!

  5. What is legitimate dialogue between a candidate and congregation looking for a pastor? (show | hide)

    Students wonder about what is legitimate interaction between a church and potential candidate and what violates the spirit of the synodical regulations regarding the calling of a candidate. It's fine to talk to a church, to exchange information, to discuss philosophy of ministry, etc. But candidates should not make a commitment to a church before synod officially declares them candidates for ministry. If a church decides to make a commitment to a candidate, including a congregational and council decision that "on June XX, 20XX, this decision to call will become the official call to John Doe," the potential candidate should make it clear that he or she is under no obligation to accept that call and cannot make a final decision on the call until the end of June.

  6. Should I apply for candidacy if I know I will not be able to take a call in the year of eligibility for call? (show | hide)

    If you are contemplating activity in the year after synod declares you a candidate that will preclude you from taking a call (e.g., if you are going to do an advanced academic degree) you should wait until the following year to apply for candidacy. If you're not sure about future plans, it is recommended that you begin the candidacy process so that you can keep your options open. You can always discontinue the process and start the process over again the following year.

  7. I want to be declared a candidate at this coming year's synod even though I will have several requirements left. Under the seminary's Delayed Candidacy Policy, exactly how many requirements can I have left at the time synod meets but still be declared a candidate? (show | hide)

    Delayed Candidacy Policy

    1. Applications for candidacy may be made by students who anticipate having any combination of six or fewer uncompleted units in their seminary program as of the meeting of the synod at which they will be declared a candidate. Each course, comprehensive exam, and internship would be considered a "unit" for purposes of this calculation.

      For example, students could have the following combinations of remaining requirements as of the meeting of synod:

      • Four courses, one summer internship, one comprehensive exam
      • Six courses
      • Three courses, three comprehensive exams

      Note: Students anticipating a 3.5 year program must give priority to completing requirements that are crucial to demonstrating readiness for ministry. For example, students must give priority to meeting any Candidacy Committee concerns and recommendations so that the faculty is in a position to recommend the student for candidacy even though there may be many remaining requirements. Students should be especially aware that it is difficult for the faculty to recommend for candidacy someone who has not completed (1) a congregational internship, (2) a unit of CPE that has been recommended by the Candidacy Committee (which would be calculated as one "unit" for purposes of determining six or fewer units), or (3) any other candidacy committee recommendations. Also, the oral comprehensive cannot be one of the remaining requirements. Students anticipating a 3.5 year program should work closely with their FFM leader, the Director of Ministry Formation, and the Candidacy Committee chair to make sure their program proceeds in a way that will allow faculty to make an informed judgment regarding candidacy in the spring of the year in which the student desires to be declared a candidate.

    2. Upon completion of all remaining requirements, the Registrar will so inform the Executive Director of the CRC who will then announce the candidate's eligibility for call.
    3. Any candidate who has not completed the remaining requirements by March 1 must re-apply for candidacy to CC.
    4. Any candidate who has not received and accepted a call to a Christian Reformed congregation and desires to have his/her candidacy continued must make application for extension to CC by April 15.

  8. How do congregations looking for a pastor and considering candidates get information on potential candidates? (show | hide)

    The denominational web site (CRCNA.org) has information regarding candidates and potential candidates. It's part of the Ministerial Information Service, which is part of Pastor-Church Relations. In March of each year, Pastor-Church Relations, upon receiving your completed Ministerial Profile (part of the Candidacy Application process), sifts out some basic information from each candidate's profile and prepares a web page of Potential Candidates. After synod declares you a candidate, this information will be transferred to the web page of Candidates. Included in the candidacy application process is a Permission to Release Information form that you must sign and return to Karlene Werner in the office of Rev. Duane Kelderman, candidacy chairperson.

These questions no doubt raise more questions in your mind. Please address your questions to Karlene Werner or Duane Kelderman.