General Ordination Examination (GOE)

The General Convention of 1970 created the General Board of Examining Chaplains (GBEC), with responsibility to prepare at least annually a General Ordination Examination covering 1) The Holy Scriptures; 2) church history, including the ecumenical movement; 3) Christian theology; 4) Christian ethics and moral theology; 5) studies in contemporary society, including racial and minority groups; 6) liturgics and church music; Christian worship and music according to the contents and use of the Prayer Book and The Hymnal; and 7) theory and practice of ministry. Candidates are examined in these seven areas before ordination to the diaconate. The GBEC conducts, administers, and evaluates these examinations. The first General Ordination Examinations (GOEs) were administered Jan. 31-Feb. 5, 1972. The exams are read by readers chosen by the administrator of the GOE from names suggested to GBEC members. The purpose of the GOE is advisory. It offers assistance to diocesan authorities in determining a candidate's readiness for ordination. It also provides guidance to the candidate and his or her mentors in planning future continuing education. See General Board of Examining Chaplains (GBEC).