Tom Sawyer Testimonial

"The most significant aspect in the transition process for me as a TE was the preparation for the floor exam.  I had been so used to precision of terms in the PCUSA that I nit-picked the Westminster Confession and came up with 6 exceptions. Due to the large number, I was examined rather thoroughly on the floor. I was told afterward that I actually did believe as the EPC members did, but that my vocabulary was some different, causing them to ask more questions than they might otherwise have asked. A saving grace was that I kept referring (appropriately) to the Scriptures for my answers.

I had read and studied all the Book of Order and Westminster parts pretty well before hand, but I had never seen an examination in the EPC. It would be very helpful for everyone who desires to join the EPC to see at least one floor examination of either a candidate or of a transferring minister before hand. I became pretty nervous as I watched several individuals before me that day and began to understand the depth and quality of questions asked. It is true that we TEs are asked about our "opinion/understanding" of the subjects and not content, yet I really felt unprepared as I stepped up to the platform.

When the EPC commission came to speak with our session, the primary point they determined was that we were weak in our understanding of Reformed thelology. They affirmed our understanding of the Scriptures and our work in the Great Commission but asked us to do more study in the area of theology. We have since ordered and have begun to use the EPC "Leadership Training Guide" as a session study. We would recommend that sessions acquire and complete this study before they meet with or are examined by the EPC - we found it to be an excellent overview and very helpful in growing in faith and understanding of our new relationship with the EPC.

Hope this is helpful to others. I/we would be glad to talk directly to anyone concerned about the process if they desire a personal conversation."