Ministry Associate Handbook

(April, 2011)

This booklet is a compilation of information on the office of Ministry Associate. It is intended as a resource for individuals, church councils, and classis leaders as they consider the various ways to make use of this office and the procedures that are involved.

1. General Description of the Office [link] [download]

2. Church Order Article 23 Statement of the Office [link] [download]

3. Synodical Guideline to Determine Whether a Job Description Fits the Office [link] [download]

4. Qualifications for a Ministry Associate (C.O. Supplement 23-a) [link] [download]

5. Guidelines for Examining a Person for Ordination as a Ministry Associate (C.O.Supplement 23-a) [link] [download]

6. Check List for Appointing and Ordaining a Ministry Associate [download]

7. Sample Application Form for Classes in Appointing a Ministry Associate [download]

8. Rules and Resources for Ministry Associates (Titles, Moving, Retirement, Insurance, Taxes and Salary [link] [download]

9. Initiatives the Church Can Take to Support and Honor Ministry Associates [link] [download]

10. Ministry Associates as Chaplains (C.O. Supplement 23-c) [link] [download]

11. Ministry Associates Being Called to Serve as Solo Pastor in an Organized Congregation (C.O. Supplement 23-d) [link] [download]

12. Training Programs for Ministry Associates [link] [download]

13. Invitation to Share Resources and Concerns [link] [download]

14. Ministry Associate Letter of Call Template [download]

15. Resources for Use by Local Churches

a. Ordination Service for Barb Sanders (Oct. 18, 2009) – Fellowship CRC, Grandville, MI

• Ordination Service Aids [download]

• Ordination Worship Bulletin [download]

b. Ordination Service for Wen-Yau Hsieh (Nov. 7, 2009) – Chinese Church of Iowa City, IA

• Ordination Service Aids [download]

• Ordination Worship Bulletin [download]

c. Ordination Service for David Buurma (March 27, 2011) - Valley Community Church, Napa CA

• Ordination Service Aids [download]

16.  Resources for use in Examinations

a. Church Order Guidance

• For Ministry Associate Exams -- see Church Order Supplement Article 23-a

• For Exams for Candidates for Minister of the Word -- see Church Order Supplement Art 10

• For Colloquium Doctum conversations with those approved for affiliation from another denomination -- see Church Order Supplement Art 8.E. 6

b. A Synod Document, with sample questions,  titled "Guidelines for Classical Ministry Leadership Teams in preparing ministry leaders for the Christian Reformed Church"  (Agenda for Synod 2007, pp. 305-10).  [download]

c. Sample Questions provided by those who have conducted Ministry Associate Exams:

• From Rev. Mary-Lee Bouma of Classis B.C. Northwest   [download]