Examination of Emmanuel Singh

For the past couple of years, the Session (council) of CERC has been working with Emmanuel Singh in Kolkata, India, with the help of Revs. Kortering, VanOverloop, and Woudenberg.  After a few years of weekly instruction via Skype, a few visits to Kolkata by delegations from our Session, and a couple of trips to Singapore by Emmanuel and his wife Sonali, the goal was reached of CERC giving Emmanuel the equivalent of a classical examination so that he can be called as our missionary to Kolkata.  (He had previously been ordained by an independent Indian organization.)  The exam took place today, with the help of Revs. Bruinsma and D. Kleyn from the PRC.

First Emmanuel preached a sermon on Acts 13:48.  (Much thanks to Daniel Tang for the pictures!)

After a short break, Emmanuel was examined in the six loci of dogmatics, and, following lunch, in knowledge of the Scriptures, knowledge of the confessions, CERC distinctives, controversy, the church order, and practica.

Revs. Bruinsma and Kleyn

The audience

When the exam was over our Session and the visiting ministers from the PRC approved the exam and declared Emmanuel eligible to receive a call from CERC to be our missionary to Kolkata.

PRC ministers discussing the exam

Announcement of our Session's decisions regarding Emmanuel's exam and eligibility for a call

Rev. Kleyn announced the agreement of the delegates from the PRC.

The day concluded with Emmanuel signing the Formula of Subscription, the presentation of a ministerial diploma to him, closing prayer, and an opportunity for all to congratulate Emmanuel & Sonali.

Emmanuel signing the Formula of Subscription

Presentation of diploma

Session members congratulating Emmanuel & Sonali

Delegates from the PRC congratulating them

This verse from Matthew 24 was brought up during the exam today:  "And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come."  We are thankful for another laborer in the harvest as God continues to gather His church from all nations until Christ returns!