News Feed April 2019

The latest news from the Ministerial Formation Certification Agency.

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News Feed - April 2019

Our CFM Process - One of Discernment

The Ministerial Formation Certification Agency (MFCA) is a General Synod “agent” of the Reformed Church in America (RCA). It is one of three distinct “agents,” the other two being New Brunswick Theological Seminary (NBTS) and Western Theological Seminary (WTS). All three agents are charged with the oversight of the Certificate of Fitness for Ministry (CFM). For the RCA seminaries, the CFM is incorporated into the M.Div. curriculum of each school. The MFCA, although offering courses specifically to meet the requirements of the CFM as if a seminary, is not an accredited academic institution and it does not have to report to other accrediting agencies such as the Association of Theological Schools (ATS). MFCA’s main role is to develop candidates for ministry in the RCA and to determine that they are a good “fit” for the RCA. And, as I always explain, that the RCA is a good “fit” for them.

As director of MFCA, I am often asked how it is that there are candidates enrolled in our program who don’t appear to align with RCA positions. The non-alignment can include doctrinal / theological assertions, ecclesiastical practices, and matters of lifestyle.

Specific questions asked of me may include: “How is it that you allow candidates in the program who do not appear to subscribe to our confessional standards; for example, the practice of infant baptism?” Or, “How is it that there are individuals in the program who will not recognize the authority and leadership of women in the church?” Or, “Why do you enroll those who are young earth creationists, pro-lifers, or anti-abortionists?” And perhaps most prevalent these days; “Why do you include those who are open and affirming on the matter of homosexuality?”

My natural inclination is to become complex, starting with extensive explanations that often don’t satisfy the person asking the question. In writing this column, I will do my best to keep it short and simple, not as a defense, but rather as an explanation of how the Board of Trustees has traditionally approached this matter.

My initial response to these questions is that most candidates enter the program knowing they are in a process of discovery and discernment, determining if they properly align with the RCA, and vice versa. Many are new to the RCA and unfamiliar with the denomination.

To allow that discovery process to fully occur, it is important to refrain from pre-judging an individual. It is incumbent to not deny them the opportunity to learn about the denomination. The MFCA process exposes candidates to the RCA and its history, hopefully to learn and appreciate it’s mission, it’s beliefs, and how we prefer to live as faith communities. Through the CFM process, candidates will be provided the tools to determine whether-or-not they align in ways to allow them to read the declaration as an ordained minister.

It is for these reasons that when the “agent” of the General Synod, NBTS, MFCA or WTS, receive a “Petition for the Certificate of Fitness for Ministry” there is not a screening mechanism in place that would filter out certain individuals. The screening is solely the responsibility of the classis. The agent automatically receives an individual if the classis submits a properly completed petition.

This is what happens at the front end of the Certificate of Fitness for Ministry process:

The classis is required to assess the candidate and determine if he or she is eligible to be presented as a candidate for Minister of Word and sacrament. Once satisfied, the classis petitions the agent in accordance with the Book of Church Order (BCO 1.II.11 Sec 3).
The petition verifies that the classis is satisfied with the candidate’s “character and behavior: physical, emotional, intellectual, spiritual, and educational qualifications; and the motives which led the applicant to seek the ministry as a vocation.” (BCO 1.II.11 Sec 2).
Nowhere, does the BCO authorize or suggest that the agent may screen and deny on the front end of the process. The only place, where the BCO stipulates the possibility of rejection is in the case of determining eligibility for the Approved Alternate Route (AAR), where an appeal procedure is outlined (BCO 1.II.12 Sec 4 c).

The petition automatically provides access to the CFM process. Each candidate is allowed to learn about the RCA and through a carefully designed process discern their suitability to serve in the RCA. If a person satisfies the program requirements and is deemed “fit,” the candidate is granted the certificate. Once the CFM is awarded, the classis is permitted to examine the candidate for licensure and ordination.

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Courses & Events

AAR Certification Committee
Holland, MI May 29, 2019

RCSC Certification Committee
Holland, MI June 4 – 5, 2019

General Synod
Holland, MI June 6 – 11, 2019

MFCA Board of Trustees
Virtual Meeting June 12, 2019

Seminar for Pastoral Formation Residential Week
May 20 – 24

The link for registering for Room & Board at Camp Geneva for the residential week is located on Canvas. Please register by April 30.

RCA Worship
May 30 – June 4, 2019 (Holland, MI)
Co-instructors: Timothy Brown & Gregg Mast

Registration information and material has been sent. If you did not receive it, and would like the information, please contact MFCA Registrar, Kelly Talsma for the registration link. .

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

Kyle Korver, son of Rev. Kevin and Laine Korver of Pella, Iowa is an NBA player for the Utah Jazz. He recently wrote an essay regarding white privilege and racism. It is a courageous and helpful statement for the church and the world. See it at: Link

Rev. Dan and Kristen Toot of Brunswick, Ohio announce the birth of Lily Ann, born April 9^thweighing 6 lbs 15 oz., 18 ½ inches. They are now a family of five!

Director's Travel Schedule

April 11 Vancouver, BC
April 12 Kent, WA
April 16 – 18 Des Moines, Iowa
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
April 23 – 24 Newark, NJ
May 7 - 9 Philadelphia, PA
May 13 – 15 Grand Rapids, MI
May 26 – June 12 Holland, MI