Home : The Voice : August 2002 

Assembly Approves Ordination of Educators

by Bill Lancaster

The 214th General Assembly on June 21 decided to ask the 173 presbyteries of the Presbyterian Church (USA) to ratify constitutional changes that would allow the ordination of Certified Christian Educators (CCEs) as ministers of the Word and Sacrament.

The proposed changes provide for a window, or “grandparent period,” during which educators certified by December 31, 2003, and having five years' or more experience, could be ordained if their presbyteries waive education and examination requirements normally required for ministers. Such a waiver would require a three-fourths vote of presbytery, which could impose other requirements. The window would close on December 31, 2007.

The changes also would make CCEs ordained under such waivers eligible to serve as associate pastors in the congre gations they serve as educators.

The proposed amendments would require “demonstrated competency” in certain educational skills, and would permit a candidate for ordination to present a lesson plan rather than preach a sermon as part of his or her presbytery examination.

The Assembly’s action also affirms additional educational requirements for ministers who want to be designated as educators; these requirements are to be enumerated in a manual rather than in the constitution itself.

Ministers will have three options: an M.Div. degree plus a MA degree in Christian education; an M.Div. degree plus certification as a Christian educator; and an M. Div. degree with a concentration in educational ministry.

EVENTS PLANNED FOR EDUCATORS

November 4-6, 2002, Scarritt-Bennett Center, Nashville, MSARC AND MSAPCE, Keynote speaker, Dr. Lib Caldwell, on “Outside the Box: A Creative Encounter of Worship and Education.” Brochure available from Chip Pope, New Providence Presbyterian Church, 703 West Broadway, Maryville, TN 37801. Conference is for educators, resource center directors / committees, worship and education committee members and pastors.

January 8-11, 2003, Radisson Hotel, Orlando, Florida, ConEd 2003, “Garments of Faith,” Keynote speaker, Bruce Reyes-Chow; Worship and Bible Study Leader, Dianne Wright; Music Leader, Chip Andrus. Contact conference registrar Michelle Phillips at 816/630-3459. Youth ministry lay leaders, volunteers and professionals can be equipped to renew, confirm and grow in their call through spiritual renewal, education, recreation, worship and fellowship.