(Revised 1964, 1970, 1983, 1988, 2005, 2006, 2010, 2011)

Any person being considered by the church for the Ministry or the office of Deacon must be set apart by the church to prove himself as to his calling and qualifications for as long a time as the church may deem necessary.

In order to better acquaint both the presbytery and the local church pertaining to the qualifications of a minister and deacon, the past records have been thoroughly searched. There may have been many ideas, opinions and much discussion; however, the records are the only official means we have of knowing where the association stands and the action it has taken.

(A) We believe the only power that can qualify a person to preach the gospel is the Spirit of God, and no educational institution can qualify a person to preach the gospel.

(Adopted at Blackwater, Tennessee – 1881; published 1970)

(B) We advise the churches to be careful in the ordination of ministers and deacons in order that they observe gospel order. (See Paul's instructions to Timothy and Titus.)

(Adopted at Piney Grove Church – 1886; published 1970)

(C) How shall ministers from other associations be received into the Eastern District Association?

Answer: Any minister of any other organization desiring to become a member of any of the association churches as a minister: (1) shall first be received as a member of a local church; (2) the church then at their discretion shall set him aside to prove himself; (3) when the church is fully satisfied, they shall proceed to ordain him according to our rules.

(Adopted at Blackwater Lick Church – 1978; published 1988)

(D) Is it proper procedure for the ordained deacons and elders of the Eastern District Association to participate in ordination of brethren from other churches or church organizations that have not joined our membership?

Answer: No, an ordained deacon or minister of the Eastern District Association of Primitive Baptists has no authority to serve on the presbytery for the ordination of someone outside the association.

(Adopted at Riverside Church – 2005; published 2005)

(E) Resolved, that the ministers and deacons of the Eastern District Association of Primitive Baptists shall not officiate or participate in the marriage between two men or two women; neither will any who engage in a lifestyle contrary to the teaching of the Scriptures as recorded in the King James translation of 1611 be accepted as a minister or deacon in the Association.

(Adopted at Flower Gap Church – 2006; published 2006)

(F) Requirements or Qualifications for Ordination Procedures for Ministers or Deacons (Titus 1:6-9). If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly. For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not self-willed, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.
(I Timothy 3:2-7). A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality, apt to teach; Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
(I Timothy 3:8-13) Likewise must the deacons be grave, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless. Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things. Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.

(Adopted at House Chapel Church – 2011; published 2011)

When the church is satisfied concerning the candidate for ordination and has voiced their approval of him, then at an appointed time the ordination is to be carried on in the following manner:

1. A Legal Presbytery is appointed which shall consist of not less than three nor more than seven ordained men, one of whom should, if possible, be an ordained deacon in the church in which the ordination is taking place. In case only three are used to compose the Presbytery, two ministers and one deacon, or two deacons and one minister, may be used.

2. The church presents the candidate for ordination to the Presbytery for examination. Each member of the Presbytery will have ample opportunity to question the candidate concerning his calling if to the ministry, also concerning his moral and spiritual qualifications and particularly to his understanding and belief of the Articles of Faith, Rules of Decorum and other principles of the church.

3. When the Presbytery has completed their examination of the candidate, they return him to the care of the church with their report.

4. If the report of the Presbytery is satisfactory and the church is satisfied, they express their approval and return the candidate to the hands of the Presbytery for the ordination.

5. The Presbytery with prayer and laying-on of hands ordain the candidate. A charge is given by one member of the Presbytery. A Certificate of Ordination may then be given with authorized signatures.