Where have you been? you might say. Well I have been and will continue to be a bit busy for the next few weeks. Well, busier than usual. A few weeks ago I went before the District Committee on Ordination for my recertification interview for my candidacy for elder in the United Methodist Church. That all went fine but I was asked to have all of my paperwork for the Board of Ordained Ministry for the Conference in to them in six weeks. This was a shock. I will not be eligible to go before the BOM until this time next Spring. The BOM is expecting my paperwork in January, so I thought I had all summer to work on it when my course load is lighter, etc. Well, the District Board told us they wanted to look at it by April 19.
What they are asking for is this: Answers to 11 theology and doctrine questions, a 4-6 week bible study curriculum, a sermon for Advent, and answers to 8-9 (need to check) questions on leading a called and disciplined life. No small feat! My work will determine whether they give me the go ahead to appear before the Conference Board. Soooo, in the midst of taking 4 classes (one of which is Biblical Hebrew, HELLO!) and working two part time jobs, being mom to 2 kids and wife to Marten, I have my hands more than full. Seriously I don't have a life right now.
I am posting the theology and doctrine questions today. I will post the called and disciplined ones in the next week sometime. Why don't you all give me all the answers and we will call it good? ;)Prayers would be appreciated, for the Holy Spirit to guide my work and provide the words, for the energy to get this done, and for peace and assurance, that what I produce will be good enough.
a) Describe your personal experience of God and the understanding of God you derive from biblical, theological, and historical sources.
b) What is your understanding of evil as it exists in the world?
c) What is your understanding of humanity, and the human need for divine grace?
d) How do you interpret the statement Jesus Christ is Lord?
e) What is your conception of the activity of the Holy Spirit in personal faith, in the community of believers, and in responsible living in the world?
f) What is your understanding of the kingdom of God; the Resurrection; eternal life?
g) How do you intend to affirm, teach, and apply Part II of the Discipline (Doctrinal Standards and Our Theological Task) in your work in the ministry to which you have been called?
h) The United Methodist Church holds that the living core of the Christian faith was revealed in Scripture, illumined by tradition, vivified in personal experience, and confirmed by reason. What is your understanding of this theological position of the Church?
i) Describe the nature and mission of the Church. What are its primary tasks today?
j) Discuss your understanding of the primary characteristics of United Methodist polity.
k) How do you perceive yourself, your gifts, your motives, your role, and your commitment as a probationary member and commissioned minister in the United Methodist Church?
l) Describe your understanding of diakonia, the servant ministry of the church, and the servant ministry of the probationary member and commissioned minister.
m) What is the meaning of ordination in the context of the general ministry of the church?
o) You have agreed as a candidate for the sake of the mission of Jesus Christ in the world and the most effective witness of the gospel, and in consideration of their influence as ministers, to make a complete dedication of yourself to the highest ideals of the Christian life, and to this end agree to exercise responsible self-control by personal habits conducive to bodily health, mental and emotional maturity, integrity in all personal relationships, fidelity in marriage and celibacy in singleness, social responsibility and growth in grace and the knowledge and love of God. What is your understanding of this agreement?
p) Explain the significance of the sacraments in the ministry to which you have been called.
