Requirements for transferring ministers ordained within the Reformed tradition
- A valid call or legitimate intent to call from an EPC congregation or approved ministry
- Present credentials of education required by those seeking ordination
- Verification of ordination credentials
- Sustain oral examination by the presbytery on views and beliefs in the following areas:
- Christian experience of saving grace and progress in spiritual growth
- Theology and Sacraments
- English Bible
- Book of Order
- Reformed tradition
- Nature of the office of Minister of the Word
Requirements for ministers ordained outside the Reformed tradition
- A valid call or legitimate intent to call an EPC congregation or approved ministry
- Credentials of education required by those seeking ordination
- Verification of ordination credentials
- Sustain written examinations in the following areas:
- Theology and Sacraments
- English Bible
- Book of Order
- Reformed tradition
- Nature of the office of Minister of the Word
- Sustain oral examinations by the presbytery in the following areas:
- Christian experience of saving grace and progress in spiritual growth
- Theology and Sacraments
- English Bible
- Book of Order
- Reformed tradition
- Nature of the office of Minister of the Word
Additional information for all Ministers seeking to affiliate with the EPC
In general terms, EPC ministers are expected to hold a high view of scripture and be able to “receive and adopt the system of doctrine contained in the Westminster Confession of Faith and Catechisms of this Church as containing the system of doctrine taught in Holy Scripture.” Those seeking ordination in the EPC must put in writing any exceptions they may have to the Westminster Standards. Presbytery votes to disallow them or to allow them if they are not considered affecting the Confession’s system of doctrine. If disallowed, the minister will not be received.
You may find these materials helpful:
- Westminster Confession (EPC Modern Language Edition)
- The Shorter Catechism (EPC Modern Language Edition)
- The Larger Catechism (EPC Modern Language Edition)
- EPC Information Packet
- EPC Book of Order (including the Westminster Confession & Catechisms, Acts of the Assembly, and Service Forms).
You may order them from the EPC website or by calling the Office of the General Assembly (734-742-2020). There is more information to joining the EPC on the General Assembly website.
A Personal Information Form (PIF) is required of all ministers seeking membership in a presbytery and also by most Search Committees.
Documents Needed:
- Personal Information Form (EPC specific)
- Proof of education and ordination (copy of official transcripts and/or diplomas, denominational certificates and/or Letter in Good Standing, are acceptable documents)
- Proof of Call or legitimate letter of intent to call church or agency (Terms of that Call or current year salary from church minister is serving if continuing in that church or letter of intent to call from church or agency are acceptable)
- Statement of Faith parts 1 and 2 (EPC specific)
- Written exceptions to the Westminster Confession of Faith and Catechisms
- Signed Ministerial Obligation Form
Additional Requirements from the Presbytery of the West
- Possible psychological examination or statement of psychological health from professional for the incoming minister
- Participation in the Presbytery of the West’s Discovery Workshops.
- Criminal background check of minister by the Presbytery.
- Once received, participation in Presbytery on a consistent ongoing basis.