III. The Classis
As another important partner in the candidacy process, classes play a significant role in the preparation of men and women for ordination as Ministers of the Word in the CRC. Classes serve to resource and advise their member congregations with regards to candidacy policies and procedures. They also collaborate with students and Article 7 and 8 applicants, providing financial assistance and guidance in the preparation of their Ministry Preparation Profiles. Lastly, Classes function to provide the Synodical Ministerial Candidacy Committee (SMCC) with the endorsements and other necessary information in order for those applying for ministry to be declared eligible candidates in the CRC.
In order to facilitate classes’ role in the candidacy process, Synod 2004 urged all classes to appoint a Classis Ministerial Leadership Team (CMLT) which reflects its own particular character and geographic realities. While the membership and exact mandate of CMLTs is left to the discretion of individual classes, CMLTs should include people who have a passion for the church's ministry, who are knowledgeable about ordination issues, and who reflect the diversity of classis. No fewer than half of the members shall be Ministers of the Word in the CRCNA.
In some cases, classes may find it appropriate to appoint a Regional CMLT that serves more than one classis.
In what follows, it is assumed that classes will seek to exercise their requested responsibilities through their classically or regionally appointed CMLTs.