Oral Language Exams

The question has been asked, since there are written examinations in Greek and Hebrew, why does the committee require oral exams as well? An excellent question.

The committee has found that in many cases, candidates have become over-dependent on electronic helps for their work in the original languages. In other cases, once the candidate has left the classroom, language skills have been allowed to languish. This ought not to be. Who can bring the text of the Bible to the congregation, if not the minister? And how can he do so accurately, if he is not familiar with the original languages of scripture?

Therefore the purpose of the oral examinations is to see if the candidate is familiar with his Greek and Hebrew. The candidate is expected to read a short passage out loud, and then translate. Attention may be drawn to the homiletical possibilites of the passage, as well as to possible textual variants.

  See also Guide and Expectations for Licensure