Ordained Clergy

Ordained Clergy represent those who have been set apart through the laying on of hands and formal ordination within RMBC or recognized by the greater Body of Christ. This group includes Associate Pastors, Elders, and fully ordained ministers who share in the sacred duties of the pastoral office. Their responsibilities extend to the administration of the sacraments (Baptism and the Lord’s Supper), leading worship, conducting funerals and weddings, and offering pastoral counseling. They serve as the Senior Pastor’s closest assistants in guiding the spiritual life of the church, providing wisdom and accountability to those in earlier stages of ministry. Their lives are to exemplify integrity, humility, and steadfast devotion to Christ and His Church. The process that includes catechism, licensing, and ordination is generally referred to as the Ministerial Formation and Ordination Process. Different traditions use slightly different terms, but in a Baptist/Christian context, the steps often look like this:

1. Call to Ministry

The individual acknowledges and publicly accepts a divine call from God to preach or serve in ministry.

This is usually affirmed by the church body.

2. Minister-in-Training (MIT) / Candidacy

The person enters a season of ministerial preparation, discipleship, and study.

This may include structured mentorship, ministry assignments, and beginning theological study.

3. Catechism / Examination of Faith

Catechism in this context means a formal question-and-answer examination of the candidate’s doctrine, personal faith, and call.

A council of ordained ministers and church leadership conducts this examination to ensure sound doctrine and readiness.

4. Licensing

After a satisfactory catechism, the church may grant the individual a license to preach the Gospel.

Licensing affirms the call, allows the candidate to serve in preaching/teaching roles, and begins their public ministerial service.

It is usually temporary and preparatory for ordination.

5. Ordination

Following further training, service, and growth, the candidate undergoes a final Ordination Council / Ecclesiastical Council.

This includes another doctrinal catechism, review of moral character, and affirmation of calling.

If approved, the candidate is formally ordained by the laying on of hands, granting full ministerial authority to administer sacraments, pastor, and shepherd God’s people.

Common Names for the Whole Process

Ministerial Formation (formal and academic contexts)

Ministerial Preparation Process

Catechism, Licensing, and Ordination Process

Path to Ordination

In Baptist circles often simply called: “The Licensing and Ordination Process”