Candidates and Credentials Committee

Presbytery of Michigan and Ontario

The Orthodox Presbyterian Church

Jesus said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." (Matthew 9:37-38). Generation after generation, the church has responded to Jesus' instruction and petitioned the Lord of harvest for the next generation of men with a passion for and commitment to the Gospel.

As men, commended by their sessions, come forward to the Presbytery, we not only continue to pray but we also begin to walk with them on a journey that takes them through educational preparation for the ministry of the Word and through a trial of their gifts in the life of the church. "The Holy Scriptures require that some trial be previously made of those who are to be ordained to the ministry of the gospel, in order that this sacred office may not be degraded by being committed to weak or unworthy men and that the churches may have an opportunity to form a better judgment respecting the gifts of those by whom they are to be instructed and governed." (Form of Government XXI.1).

God's call to men must not only be recognized by the candidate himself but also by the church. "And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" (Romans 10:15)

This website is intended as an aid to the candidates and a resource for the Presbytery. The committee hopes that all the members and sessions of the Regional Church of Michigan and Ontario will find it helpful.