Updated CRE Requirements (June 2026)
The following requirements outline newly implemented or updated steps as part of the process to complete candidacy for Commissioned Ruling Elder, either by way of the Book of Order 2025-2027 or as implemented by COM or other bodies within the Presbytery of San Jose:
Psychological and Vocational Assessment/Evaluation
(Approved by COM on June 8, 2026 and effective on June 9, 2026)
To support the discernment of a candidate for Commissioned Ruling Elder, the candidate’s
ministry of care, the CRE Subcommittee of the Committee on Ministry, the Committee on
Ministry, and the Presbytery, the Presbytery of San José requires all persons enrolled as a CRE
candidate on/after June 9, 2026 and all current CREs who seek to renew their commission to
undergo and receiving a psychological and vocational assessment/evaluation.
Such an assessment/evaluation is required of all inquirers/candidates for ordination to the
ministry of Word and Sacrament. The assessment/evaluation is an important means for any
person who seeks to receive a call to assess their psychological, mental, emotional, and spiritual
well-being, and how that relates to one’s sense of vocation to ministry.
The CRE Subcommittee of the Presbytery will refer and recommend CRE candidates to a
trained, licensed assessor/counselor, utilizing the practitioners that the Committee on Preparation
for Ministry uses or recommends.
Boundary and Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Training
(Required under G-2.1002 Training, Examination and Commissioning)
To support the preparation of candidates for Commissioned Ruling Elder service and to uphold
safe and faithful ministry, the Presbytery of San José requires all persons enrolled as CRE
candidates and all current CREs who seek to renew their commission to complete the trainings
described in G-2.1002.
Certificates of completion must be submitted as part of the CRE preparation process before
examination and commissioning. The CRE Subcommittee of the Committee on Ministry, in
consultation with the candidate, liaison, and supervisor, will confirm completion and provide
guidance regarding approved training options.
Book of Order Reference:
“A ruling elder who seeks to serve under the terms of G-2.1001 shall receive such
preparation and instruction as determined by the presbytery to be appropriate to the particular
commission. Such preparation shall include a certificate of completion of boundary
training, which includes the topic of sexual misconduct, and child sexual abuse prevention
training with recertification at least every thirty-six months. The presbytery shall deter-
mine which trainings are approved to meet the criteria of these two requirements. The rul-
ing elder shall be examined by the presbytery as to personal faith, motives for seeking the
commission, and the areas of instruction determined by presbytery. A ruling elder who
has been commissioned and later ceases to serve in the specified ministry may continue
to be listed as available to serve, but is not authorized to perform the functions specified
in G-2.1001 until commissioned again to a congregation or ministry by the presbytery.”
For more information regarding CRE information, including steps and program requirements, visit the CRE page here.