An applicant for ordination as bishop may be ordained when he is twenty-five years of age, provided he has had at least _____ years of active ministry.

• A. eight
• B. ten
• C. four
• D. six

Answer: (A)

The essential idea here is that ordaining a bishop requires more than just meeting an age minimum; it also requires a proven period of active ministry. Eight years of active ministry shows a candidate has had substantial time to lead, teach, and shepherd a congregation, and to gain practical experience in church governance and pastoral responsibility. That level of experience helps ensure the bishop will handle higher accountability, oversight, and the spiritual responsibility of guiding other ministers and the church. Four or six years would not demonstrate as much breadth of ministry, while ten years extends beyond the stated minimum, making eight years the most appropriate threshold for this policy.