Vows for Ordination of a Minister (aka Teaching Elder)

Questions for Ordination1

Then, addressing himself to the candidate, he shall propose to him

the following questions:

1. Do you believe the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, as originally given, to be the inerrant Word of God, the only infallible rule of faith and practice?

2. Do you sincerely receive and adopt the Confession of Faith and
the Catechisms of this Church, as containing the system of
doctrine taught in the Holy Scriptures; and do you further
promise that if at any time you find yourself out of accord with
any of the fundamentals of this system of doctrine, you
will on your own initiative, make known to your Presbytery
the change which has taken place in your views since the
assumption of this ordination vow?

3. Do you approve of the form of government and discipline of
the Presbyterian Church in America, in conformity with the
general principles of Biblical polity?

4. Do you promise subjection to your brethren in the Lord?

5. Have you been induced, as far as you know your own heart,
to seek the office of the holy ministry from love to God and a
sincere desire to promote His glory in the Gospel of His Son?

6. Do you promise to be zealous and faithful in maintaining the
truths of the Gospel and the purity and peace and unity of
the Church, whatever persecution or opposition may arise
unto you on that account?

7. Do you engage to be faithful and diligent in the exercise of all

your duties as a Christian and a minister of the Gospel, whether

personal or relational, private or public; and to endeavor by the

grace of God to adorn the profession of the Gospel in your

manner of life, and to walk with exemplary piety before the

flock of which God shall make you overseer?

8. Are you now willing to take the charge of this church,

agreeable to your declaration when accepting their call?

And do you, relying upon God for strength, promise to

discharge to it the duties of a pastor?