Dear Pastors,

Steve and I participated in two zoom conversations this week concerning the Exegesis exam on Judges 19.  This exam question created a larger conversation among clergy, Committee on Preparation leaders, seminarians and mid council leaders concerning the appropriateness of the passage as part of an ordination exam.

We were informed that the process for coming to the final exam questions takes three years using a system that is meant to keep the questions confidential or guarded. Small groups with the system brainstorm the concepts and ideas and  then go  through a process of review by other groups within the Presbyteries’ Cooperative Committee on Examinations for Candidates (PCCEC) . Following that process, documentation is developed  to assist the test takers and readers.

According to the moderators of the PCCEC, the Judges 19  passage was added to the process in part  to engage a church wide  conversation about violence and trauma in our world today. Over the cycle, according to the narrative provided by the PCCEC leadership and OGA staff, there were several opportunities  where the use of this  scripture  was flagged as not being appropriate or suitable for this setting. The group continued to engage conversations within their process on using Judges 19 for the Exegesis exam.

These conversations were kept within a closed loop of discussions. No one from outside the PCCEC were engaged or asked to share their insights about the direction or appropriateness  of the question.

What we have learned so for is that the system for developing, choosing and vetting questions and scripture for ordination exams failed.  It appears from the information we have received is the PCCEC overreached on their purpose, did not listen to their own concerns or process and moved forward a difficult and violent text for senior seminarians to exegete, wrestle with and write a Bible study presentation to college age people. The test takers were also not allowed to seek outside support as part of the test taking process.  The readers of the passage were given a “disclaimer” that this was a difficult passage and may have some effect on the test takers. The readers, both clergy and elders, had to read the exegesis papers multiple  times as they evaluated and graded the exams.

Many mid council leaders have been dealing with distressed and triggered  candidates and readers.  The Presbytery of the Highlands did not have anyone take exams or read exams this cycle.

The process of development of the Exegesis Exams and other Ordination exams has not been reviewed or updated in a very long time. The system is set up so that there is no oversight, except for internal committee review, because of confidentiality of the exams. This culture of confidentiality and privacy kept them from having any fresh insights or concerns into the process or questions.

When asked how the PCCEC or Staff was going to remedy the issue, no satisfactory response was given. They left it up the presbyteries to work out any issues within their own presbytery.

We will continue to engage with others in this conversation. Steve and I have had discussions about developing an overture to the next General Assembly to require a  review the Ordination Exam process and to develop a system that will reflect the needs of the church and candidates today.

If you have any questions please contact us.

Jeanne Radak

Steve Shussett