Original Research - Special Collection: Ignatius van Wyk Dedication

Toelating tot die bediening van die Woord met verwysing na die kerkorde van Dordrecht 1618 en 1619

Johannes Smit
HTS Teologiese Studies / Theological Studies | Vol 74, No 4 | a5093 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/hts.v74i4.5093 | © 2018 Johannes Smit | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 11 May 2018 | Published: 28 November 2018

About the author(s)

Johannes Smit, Unit for Reformational Theology and the Development of the SA Society, North-West University, South Africa

Abstract

This article evaluates the terms and conditions candidates have to meet before entering into the ministry. This evaluation is then set against the background of reformed presuppositions about the office of a minister of the Word. The focus is especially on the relevant articles 4, 8 and 9 of the Synod of Dordt, 1619. The article explains how the articles set out in the Church Order relate to a unique office (sui generis), namely that of the church minister. In the context of the Reformed Churches in South Africa, the practical application of these church order articles are also discussed. The question addressed is whether our understanding of the Church Order of Dordt, 1619, Article 8, represents a correct application of this church order article. Furthermore, this article illuminates the responsibilities of inter alia the curators of the Theological School Potchefstroom of the Reformed Churches in South Africa, as well as the responsibilities of the theological professors in the adjudication of application to become a minister of the Word in terms of the different church order articles.

Keywords

Church order article 4, 8, 9; Entering the ministry; Church order of Dordt; Curator’s supervision theological training; Professor’s theological training; Theological professors

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