THE BEGINNING OF THE JOURNEY

If you are reading this section for Applicants, you likely sense a call to become a pastor as a Teaching Elder in the Presbyterian Church (USA). Perhaps others sense that call and have led you here. If you would like additional guidance as you are asking vocational questions, The Center for Career Development and Ministry has excellent resources.

The model for the ministry of a Teaching Elder is the ministry of Jesus Christ.  We welcome you to a journey of exploration and preparation for that ministry. With your application you will enter a formal process that begins with the Session of your church. Some congregations have several people “under care” as they walk through this educational and spiritual journey and for some you might be the first. Either way, this is an “alongside” process where you will check in with your congregation’s elders (the Session) and the CPM at regular intervals.

The CPM’s job is to guide the process.  First we help you explore your gifts and clarify your sense of call.  

The CPM in covenant with you will then guide you along a path of full preparation to serve as a minister of the Word and Sacrament.  We will clarify and communicate expectations and requirements, all the while encouraging you and speaking honestly as God is our witness.

continuing the journey

The CPM has created this page to help you find helpful resources and documents quickly. 

Please remember that Inquirers and Candidates are responsible for knowing and working within the processes and time tables of their session, the CPM, and the Seattle Presbytery.

At times this can get a little confusing, so make sure to review the PC(USA) Advisory Handbook on Preparation for Ministry, the Book of Order (specifically sections G-2.06 - G-2.0610), our own presbytery guidelines, and plan accordingly with your liaisons (both on your Session and on CPM).

RESOURCES:

For Everyone: 

• Form 3  Annual Consultation

• Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) Resources:

  • Frequently Asked Questions

  • Harborview/UW CPE Program

  • PeaceHealth St. Joseph's Program (Bellingham) 

  • Other Programs
    

    AGAIN: The PCUSA Preparation for Ministry Handbook is one of the most important documents to read both before and during the ordination process. Please read this cover to cover as soon as possible. Pay special attention to course requirements. Some seminaries do not require Hebrew and Greek, but you must have them to move through ordination.

For Inquirers: 

• Discernment resources  

• Form 5A  Moving to Candidacy

• Form 5B Statements for Evaluation

• Statements of Evaluation

• Boundaries Training

• Take Psychological Exams before (or near) applying for Candidacy (talk with your liaison)

• Bible Content Exam info: 

  • The "Official" PCUSA page

For Candidates: 

• Guidelines for Preparing a Statement of Faith

• Handbook on Ordination Exams
  Ordination Exam info:

  • The “Official” PCUSA page

  • Preparing Materials for Final Assessment