Preamble

It is crucial in our ministry to the contemporary world that we provide various means for our churches to set apart people for specific roles in ministry which are recognized by the broader Baptist community. The call of God upon the life of a person to pastoral or specific ministries has historically been recognized within Baptist life by the setting apart of that person in the act of ordination. This action is usually associated with full time vocational ministry and is an affirmation by a local church of that call. (Vocational is defined as being “officially called” to a particular ministry. The particular ministry could be any church, Association, or agency of the Convention of Atlantic Baptist Churches, a recognized chaplaincy ministry, or an interdenominational ministry. The call could be for full-time, part-time or interim ministry, whether paid or unpaid.) In practice, ordination is usually sought by those entering pastoral, educational or chaplaincy roles within the church.

There is also the setting apart of a person as a Recognized Convention Lay Pastor. This action is usually associated with those who are involved in bi-vocational ministries or who choose, for various reasons, not to seek ordination.

The spiritual standards for both ordained and lay ministry include: a profession of faith in Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord; a conviction of a call to Christian ministry; a recognition of this call by the church of which the person is a member; a statement of doctrinal beliefs which testifies to the life of faith; and a quality of life in keeping with this faith. Once accepted as a Candidate for Ordained Pastoral Ministry or as a Candidate for Recognized Convention Lay Pastor individuals will be held accountable to comply with ministerial professional standards adopted by the Convention.

Download the current Regulations Concerning the Ministry below.

• Regulations Concerning the Ministry [1](entire document)

• Sections 1,2 - Ordination [2]
• Section 3 - Prior Ordination [3]
• Sections 4,5 - Recognized Convention Lay Pastor [4]
• Ministerial Professional Standards [5]

• Protocol for Cases of Alleged Misconduct [6](not part of the Regulations but govern the Board’s activities)