We know that words on a page are no substitute for a face-to-face conversation, but
they do provide you with the chance to articulate your answers to our questions well,
and they give us a chance to read those answers prayerfully.

Here are a few tips as you approach this extensive document.
1. Be very honest. You may find yourself wanting to understate or overstate something
to either impress the reader, or downplay an issue. That doesn't help anyone and
eventually the truth will emerge.

2. When it comes to theology, express your current understanding of things. Not what
you believe the correct answer is. For example, if you are asked "What is your view of
Eschatology?" And you think, "I don't even know what that word means" Just say that.
If you are a little fuzzy on the finer points of the order of Salvation, be honest about that.
The goal here is for the current elders to assess where you may be weak and work with
you over the next 24 months to address those areas of weakness, whether they are
spiritual, theological, pastoral or emotional weaknesses. We can only do that if we know
the areas where you are lacking right now.

3. If you get stuck on a question, answer it briefly. At the end of the day, a short honest
answer is better than a long, rambling answer that essentially says that you don't really
know the answer.

4. Remember that the people reading your answers are your pastors and your friends.
We love you and care for you. We are not out to trick you, or trip you up. We want to
shepherd you and lead you from one stage of leadership to another. Keep that in the
back of your mind as you answer these questions.

Who will be filling out your recommendation forms:
Before you get started on your application, please take a minute to send Justin Leitch
the names and email addresses of three people that you would like to fill out a
recommendation for you. We will email them a form to fill out. Please do not
ask pastors or staff at Center to fill out your recommendation form, we already know
that we can get their input as needed.