This flow chart outlines the 18 step process for preparation for ministry in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). It involves the applicant, session, committee on preparation for ministry (CPM), and presbytery. Key steps include the applicant becoming an inquirer after session recommendation, becoming a candidate after CPM approval, and being certified ready for call/ordination after examinations. The chart provides references to sections of the Book of Order and Forms to use at each step.

1. FLOW CHART
The Preparation for Ministry Process-Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18
recommendation to CPM/Presbytery. Choose
recommendations on enrollment as an Inquirer.
Inquirer applies to become Candidate through
Applicant Is Active Member of Sponsoring
Develop Covenant Agreement for Guidance, Goals,
Inquiry Phase & makes recommendation regarding
Session interviews applicant and makes
CPM interviews applicant & makes
Review of Preparation process and progress.
CPM Confers with Inquirer. reviews evidence of
Presbytery receives CPM recommendation and
examines Inquirer. Presbytery receives and enrolls
Develop Covenant Agreement for Guidance, Goals,
Review of Preparation Process and progress.
CPM conducts a final assessment of candidates
Presbytery enrollment of Inquirer
Presbyteries Cooperative Examinations
Congregation (for at least 6 months)
Session Notifies CPM of Applicant
Session liaison
CPM liaison appointed
Consultations, and Reports
Session
Candidacy
CPM approves circulation of PIF to seek a call
Examination and Ordination
Steps In The Process
CPM Meets for Session Orientation
Session confers with Inquirer
as candidate
Consultation & Reports
Negotiation for Service/Call
Presbytery certifies Candidates ready to seek a call
APPLICATION AND ENROLLMENT FOR INQUIRY INQUIRY APPLICATION ENROLLMENT FOR CANDIDACY CANIDACY REVIEW CERTIFICATION FOR READIINESS FOR MINISTRY
Applicant
Inquirer
Candidate I M M P I I M M M I I M M I I M
Session P I M I P M P I
Session
Liaison P P P P P P P P P
CPM P I I I M P I I M M I I M P
CPM Liason M P P P P P P
Presbytery P M M M P I
Theological
Institution I P P P P
General
Assembly P P P P P
0301
0303f
0306a(2)
.b 0308 0301
0309 0306a(2) 0314a,b
Book of Order 0303B 0313 0308 0309 0401
References G- 0306A(2) 0303c 0303d 6,0108a. 0305a 0304 0313 0310b(4)c,d 0303g 0305i 0310a,b,c,d 0402a,b
14 0311 0303c 0306a(1) 0306b 0303e 0303e b.c 0303a.g 0303g 0305b0305c,d 0305e,f,g 6.0108a,b,c ,e 0310 0309d 0309d 0309d 0507 11.0402
Manual
References
(Page #s) 14 22 22,28 14-15,22 15,28 28 15-16,23 17,23 17,23 17,30,32 17,25-26 17,23-24 18 34 35 18 34
Forms to use
in reporting 1 1 2A 2A,2A,2A 2B,3,4 5A 5A 5A 5A 3,4,5b 3 6 6 ** 7B
Note: Form 8 (File Folder is used throughtout the process. (G14,0311, form 7A) and withdrawals (G-14,0312, Form 7B) can occur at any time during the process.
I-Initiates; M-Mutual Involvement P-Participant (**=CPM Approval to Circulate PIF Form (see Step 16)
FlowChart.xls