Process Guide for the Certificate of Fitness for Ministry
Reformed Church in America
A Manual for Candidates and Classis Committees

Preface

Introduction

Part One: To the Parties Involved--An Overview
To the Applicant
To the Applicant's Pastor
To the Consistory
To the Classis Candidate Care Committee

Part Two: Preparation for the Ministry of Word and Sacrament
Step 1: The Registration of Interest in the Ministry of Word and Sacrament
Step 2: The Application to Consistory to Be Taken under the Care of the Classis
Step 3: The Personal Conference and Evaluation by the Classis Candidate Care Committee
Step 4: The Report to the Classis, the Appearance Before the Classis, and the Follow-up
Step 5: The Care and Supervision Process Leading to Certification of Fitness for Ministry
Step 6: The Granting of the Certificate of Fitness for Ministry

Part Three: Alternate Means and an Alternate Route
The Dispensation Process
The Approved Alternate Route Process

Appendix: Explanatory Notes

• Access the complete Process Guide as a PDF

Forms for use in the process are available from the Ministerial Formation Certification Agency.

Form I: Registration of Interest in Ministry/Application to Be Taken under Care of Classis
Form II: Consistory Evaluation/Recommendation Regarding Classis Care
Form III: Application for Dispensation
Form IV: Petition Regarding the Twenty-Seven Month Requirement
Form V: Petition for a Certificate of Fitness for Ministry
Form Va: Petition for the Certificate of Fitness for Ministry by Means of the Approved Alternate Route
Form VI: Liturgy for Receiving a Candidate under Care of Classis

• Download the forms as RTFs
• Download the forms as Word Docs

Also Available:

Procedure for Admission to the Classis of a Licensed Candidate from Another Denomination
Policies and Procedures Manual: DOC, PDF
Program Forms
2001 Criteria for Evaluating Preparation of Candidates for Ministry