Adam becomes a Candidate
September 12, 2006
The trip out west was primarily because I had to appear before my Presbytery and be examined to become a Candidate for Ordination to the Ministry of the Word & Sacrament. We were lucky enough to be able to turn it into a vacation that was really wonderful. Last Friday I went before my CPM and was examined as to my calling, my faith and my experience with Christian service. I’m sure it wasn’t bad as far as CPM meetings can go. I was very honest (some thought a bit too much so), shared where I’m at and listened to some thoughts about ways in which they’re encouraging me to grow. I honestly wasn’t sure how it was going to go as I was walking into the room, but they continued to be, on the whole, very supportive of me and my future ministry. [My favorite part during the interview, was when the Chair of my CPM kindly informed me that he reads my blog almost daily - and I'm sure he's reading this. I figured it would happen sooner or later, especially now with the link from the Washington Post...]
Last Saturday I went before Presbytery, read my (Evolving) Statement of Faith and answered a few questions. My favorite moment was when the Executive Presbyter got up and shared a bit about when he first met me. His first impression of me was that I was a full-of-energy camp "dude" with a guitar slung around my back and he wasn’t really sure I had a brain anywhere in there. He thought I was a "really nice guy" but didn’t think there was much going on inside. He assured me and Presbytery that he’s seen me grow a lot and is now certain that I do, in fact, have a brain (which is a good thing). After the questioning, I left, and they voted and I officially became a Candidate.
And that’s that. Now I get to sit patiently and wait until October to receive my Ordination Exam results, and see what’s next.
I lied. I now remember my favorite moment from the Presbytery meeting. In my statement of faith, there is a line that reads:
Throughout all of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection, he showed the way, the power of truth and the abundance of life. In the end, he would give his life on the cross, and through that sacrificial act, give humanity the gift of salvation, hope, redemption and liberation from bondage.
A woman stood up and said that she really enjoyed my statement and then read the last line again and said, "You say that through the cross, we all receive liberation from bondage. I’m wondering if you could give us an example from your personal life how you have received liberation from bondage."
Yah, That was a fun.
Posted in PC(USA)
Adam Walker Cleaveland: 
September 12th, 2006 at 9:11 am
Congratualtions, Adam. That must feel like a really huge accomplishment, to have a bunch of Idahoan Presbyterians question whether you have a brain and then come to the conclusion that, indeed, you do. Really, way to go. Maybe you can also convince them that you have a heart and courage — or maybe they can ask the Wizard of Oz to give you those, too!
:-)
September 12th, 2006 at 9:32 am
lol to Tony’s comment.
Congratulations, Adam!
September 12th, 2006 at 10:09 am
A fun presbytery trick…whenever anyone asks you about examples of your personal liberation from bondage, start talking about overcoming compulsive masturbation. They won’t ask again.
September 12th, 2006 at 10:28 am
Hey Adam: Just discovered your site, and I love it, as well as Sarah’s. I was also ordained into the ministry in the Presbyterian Church, but in Canada (PCC). Now I am a (whisper) Vineyard pastor. I too was accused of being seemingly brainless. Still am by some sometimes, including myself. I appreciate your transparency. Keep it up. I’ll frequent your site and provide a link to it on mine. Bless!
September 12th, 2006 at 10:35 am
Patrick - that’s hilarious. Because when she asked the question, I was wondering if that was what she was looking for - something like masturbation or porn or something.
That would have been fun to talk about in front of Presbytery. Seriously…guess it makes one think twice about what language you use in a statement of faith.
September 12th, 2006 at 12:45 pm
I hate that I have gotten so disillusioned with the system that my first thought on reading the headline of this post was “of course you got to be a candidate, you’re white, male, and heterosexual all you had to do was convince them you’re not a serial killer, or at least that you would refrain from killing them.”
Anyway, congratulations, it is a big step forward.
September 12th, 2006 at 5:55 pm
I would have been scared to go in front of all of them and talk. Seriously.
September 12th, 2006 at 6:39 pm
Congratulations from the snowy north!
September 13th, 2006 at 1:35 pm
Hey, congrats, Adam! My prayers will be with you during this year or so of candidacy…
September 13th, 2006 at 10:52 pm
congrats, c-blog!