Membership: The Committee shall consist of at least five members.

Mandate:

a. Consultation:

The Candidacy Committee will be a consultation and advisory resource to the member Congregations of its Classis, Classis itself, and other interested parties (for instance, Leadership Development Networks) regarding matters related to ministerial candidacy in the CRC.

b. Information:

The Candidacy Committee shall provide information and advice to the member Congregations of its Classis, Classis itself, and other interested parties (for instance, Leadership Development Networks) concerning the candidacy process.

c. Encouragement:

The Candidacy Committee shall encourage the member Congregations of its Classis to be pro-active in identifying possible candidates for ministry in the CRC and offer resources to help people discern their calling.

d. Ministry Readiness Profile:

The Candidacy Committee is to provide counsel that will help councils, Classis, and those preparing for the ministry in the completion of the individual’s Ministry Readiness Profile. Such profiles will be progressive documents testifying to the candidate's development and growth in the following areas:

a. character

b. knowledge

c. skill

e. Finance:

The Candidacy Committee will recommend to Classis and administer the distribution of appropriate financial resources to assist those preparing for ministry (see Church Order Art. 21 ).

f. Endorsement:

Upon receiving a positive recommendation to enter the candidacy process from an individual’s council, the Candidacy Committee will interview the individual and work with them to prepare a Financial Plan, as well as a Study Plan or Learning Covenant. The Candidacy Committee will then forward their endorsement to the SMCC. In the case of individuals entering the candidacy or affiliation process through Article 7 or 8, the Candidacy Committee will also request licensure on behalf of the individual to the SMCC.

g. Celebration:

Assist the Church and Classis that initiated the study/candidacy process in appropriately celebrating the progress of those preparing for the ministry under its care, giving thanks to God for his provision of faithful and gifted leadership for his Church.