What questions are typically asked on a pastor's ordination board?

Answer 1

I cannot speak for all denominations, but having been accepted for ordination training 18 months ago in the Anglican Church, I can perhaps give you some idea.

First and foremost there is the question of calling. Unless the panel is absolutely convinced that you have been called to ministry by God, you will not get much further no matter how nice a chap (lady) you are. In my case it took the best part of 30 years or more to respond to an embryonic calling I had in my 20s. It is not something that you enter into lightly, on a whim, or because you think it might be a good thing to do; being ordained in 2011 still fills me with fear that I won't live up to expectations, but I am assured that with the power of the Holy Spirit I will not do it in my own strength (look at Jeremiah! Look at Peter, Paul and many others!). The panel will look for evidence that you feel God is calling you, both in your own life and in the remarks said to you by others. They also have to determine, through questioning and prayer whether or not God is calling you to be a pastor, or to be something else - like a lay worker.

Once this hurdle is passed, then the panel will look for other attributes. These include

• Your own spiritual life. Pastors are there to minister to their congregations, However, they can only do this if they themselves spend time regularly (ie daily) in prayer and Christian study (eg Bible study or other similar activities). You will certainly be questioned, as I was, in depth on this important aspect of your own ministry

• Your background and family life. Do your family support you in your desire to be a pastor? When things get tough (and they will) do you have someone with whom you can share things? Do you have close friends also, or a spiritual director, or someone outside the family with whom you can offload?

• the ability to take on theological study - and so they will look at your qualifications and your frame of mind. In some denominations formal qualifications are not necessary, as you will do a theological diploma or degree as part of your training, but they nevertheless look for a quality of mind that can take on rigorous study.

• your standing socially. Your past does not really come into selection for ordination if you have repented of anything that flawed your life. For example, if you are a recovering alcoholic this should not matter. However, if you are still engaged in an immoral life, or a life that does not befit the role model you will be as a pastor, this would be a problem.

• As a pastor you will also be a spiritual leader of a group of Christians. The panel will therefore question you on leadership skills and on your own social skills (do you get on with people... give examples) within a diverse group all with their own backgrounds, and at different levels on their spiritual journey. Not an easy task!

• And finally, you may be questioned on knowledge of scripture and of the church (if it is a large organisation) structures into which you will be ordained. You are not expected to know chapter and verse of thousands of Bible quotes, but a general overview - as training will soon equip you for ministry and Bible study. Similarly the panel will want to know that you know what you are entering into in respect of the church rules, the way it is run and so on.

So there are diverse questions and questions that do not expect a 'yes' or 'no' answer but answers in depth - from your heart. At my own selection process, between the 15 of us there were many tears and much joy too. It is an emotional and very draining (intellectually, physically and spiritually) experience. But it is also a wonderful experience responding to God's call. May God bless you and I wish you every success in your calling.