Remembering Seminary

Thank you to the Columbus Dispatch for running this photo and reminding me of seminary. I cannot speak for all my classmates but I had a blast in seminary. I met great friends, I had lots of fun playing football like my Catholic friend here, and it was at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary that I met my wonderful wife Kate.

But this weekend I am remembering a part of seminary that is difficult for most: PCUSA Ordination Exams. Like Doctors taking B0ards, and Lawyers trying to pass the bar, would be Pastors must pass for Ordination Exams that are administered by the denomination. There are 4 exams each dealing with a specific area of study or knowledge that is deemed necessary to be a successful Pastor. The four categories are Theology, Worship, Polity (aka PCUSA Church Governance) and Exegesis (in depth study of the Bible and use/knowledge of Greek or Hebrew). With the exception of Exegesis, which is a take home exam, the tests are 3 hours long and each are divided up into 3 parts. Tests are administered over two days with Theology and Worship being given on Friday and Polity given on Saturday. When you complete your Polity exam you are given the Exegesis Ordination Exam as well as a very firm due date and time. Woe to anyone who doesn't adhere to the due date and time.

All in all Ords can be a frightening and stressful experience. For some they are a breeze but for others (I am not ashamed to say that I had to take more than one twice) they can truly be time of doubt and worry. I would like to invite you to join with me in praying for those individuals who will be taking Ordination Exams this weekend and will be working on their Exegesis exams next week.