Introduction

These are not the answers to the Alliance’s doctrinal questionnaire, or to questions from the accreditation or ordination interview. In fact, these are not even the questions. The goal of this project is not to present a series of questions and answers to be memorized by an accreditation candidate, but rather to create a framework for discussing the most important issues in Alliance dogmatics, especially for the use of candidates and mentors (and perhaps the examination team too might find something of use), as they prepare for accreditation or ordination within the Christian and Missionary Alliance. Although candidates are often eager for materials to help them prepare for accreditation, very little is available, even less from a specifically Alliance perspective; the most recent systematic treatment of Alliance thought, for example, was written before the Great Depression and speaks to current readers only from a great distance. It is my hope in writing that I can help to address this lack.

The following, then, are the questions that I would ask as an accreditation mentor or examiner, and alongside them are the answers I myself would give. The present project is not an exhaustive systematic theology, but it has been written systematically, and I am confident that the candidate who has worked through the questions with his or her mentor or cohort group—and who understands the fundamental issues addressed by them—stands well prepared for whatever may come in the theology section of their interview.  Look for updates on Mondays.

Benjamin Elliott

Jakarta, Indonesia, 2011

Comments

[Marilyn]

I am smiling at how long your answers are, Ben. SMILE But I am going to read them and maybe I will become ordained in the Alliance one day. You are right, there is not a good systematic approach to Alliance doctrine. Maybe this will make a nice little book someday.