Ordination Examination

Definition and Meaning

The ordination examination (Korean moksa gosi, 牧師考試) is a denominational qualifying examination that a person seeking to become a pastor takes before receiving ordination. The term gosi refers to an examination used to determine whether a candidate is qualified. Candidates have typically completed studies at a graduate school of theology and served in a church for a set period. After passing, they are ordained according to the procedures established by their denomination. Examination subjects vary by denomination but frequently include the Bible, systematic theology, church history, the church constitution, preaching, and an interview.

Biblical and Historical Background

The idea of examining the qualifications of ministers is grounded in the New Testament. 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1:5–9 list the qualifications of those who lead the church. 1 Timothy 5:22 exhorts, "Lay hands suddenly on no man."

After the Reformation, Protestant churches developed systems for the public examination of ministers. In Calvin's Geneva, the Company of Pastors examined the doctrine and conduct of candidates. The principles of Presbyterian church government formulated by the Westminster Assembly provided that a presbytery examine candidates before ordaining them.

In Korea, the Independent Presbytery ordained the first seven graduates of Pyongyang Theological Seminary as pastors in 1907. Among those ordained was Kil Sun-ju, and this event is generally regarded as the beginning of the ordination of Korean pastors.

Practice in the Korean Church

In the Korean church, the body that administers the ordination examination and the procedures involved vary according to each denomination's form of church polity.

• Presbyterian churches: Depending on the denomination, the examination is administered either by the General Assembly or by the presbytery. Some denominations, such as the Presbyterian Church in Korea (Hapdong), reportedly require candidates to pass the General Assembly's licentiate examination and serve as licentiates before taking the ordination examination in their presbytery. In the Presbyterian Church of Korea (Tonghap), the General Assembly is understood to administer the ordination examination, after which successful candidates are ordained by their presbytery.
• Methodist churches: In the Korean Methodist Church, a bishop reportedly ordains those who have completed the qualification review and advancement process in the Annual Conference.
• Holiness, Baptist, and other churches: Examination and ordination are often conducted at the level of the General Assembly or the district conference, although specific procedures follow each denomination's regulations.

Successful candidates usually become pastors through an ordination rite held at an ordination service or during a meeting of the presbytery or Annual Conference. Whether graduates of unaccredited seminaries should be permitted to sit for the examination has become a point of contention in various denominations. Denominations also debate how high to set the bar for the examination in light of the supply of and demand for ministers.