Research Paper Guidelines

For candidates pursuing ordination, the BCO requires you to submit one exegetical paper and one theology paper. According to BCO 21-4, c.(2) and (3), the exegetical passages and theological topics are to be assigned by the Presbytery. It is our Presbytery's established practice to fulfill that requirement in consultation with the candidate. Typically, we allow the candidate to first suggest a passage and topic, with final approval resting with the Exam Committee. Contact the Exam Committee Chairman (see Officers and Committees) to request approval for your exegetical paper text and your theology paper topic. This must be done with enough time for you to submit your paper by the due date (see Important Dates).


We take these papers very seriously in the ordination process because they demonstrate your ability to adequately handle the original languages and to synthesize biblical and theological knowledge by dealing with a theological topic or issue.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Your papers must conform to the guidelines below in both form and content. If there is a repeated failure to abide by the guidelines (or if the content of the papers continue to be inadequate after one or two rounds of feedback), then there is a risk that you will have to delay your examination process to the next (or even later) Presbytery exam cycle.

  • Overview. You may use an exegetical paper that you already prepared for a seminary class. However, it should be re-worked to comply with the Exam Committee's formatting and content requirements. Regarding the content, the paper must demonstrate your ability to handle the original languages (either Greek or Hebrew) within an approved text. All papers retaining a professor's markings or comments will be rejected!

    Requirement. The BCO 21-4, c.(3) states that, "the candidate shall prepare an exegesis on an assigned portion of Scripture, requiring the use of original language or languages."

    Purpose. The purpose of the paper is to demonstrate the candidate's ability to handle the tools and skills of Hebrew and/or Greek leading to a significant understanding of a portion of biblical text.

    Length. 2,000 to 4,000 words, typed, double-spaced, 1-inch margins. Length is not a virtue; thoroughness and conciseness are.

    Structure. The following percentages are approximate.

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    • Introduction - 15% of length

      • Description of the historical/cultural/literary context of the text

      • Statement of the theme of the text

      • Basic outline of the text

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    • Exegesis - 60% of length

      • Detailed analysis of the text, including the lexical, syntactical, and structural aspects. 

      • This is where you give the "meat" of your study. Focus on the exegetical study that will most impact the theological and homiletic observations that follow, and on the details that involve noteworthy difficulties in the text.

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    • Biblical/Theological Observations - 15% of length

      • How does the text fit in with God's full redemptive revelation?

      • What are the text's distinctive emphases and/or unique biblical or theological contributions?

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    • Conclusion - 10% of length

      • What is the purpose of the text?

      • Why did the Holy Spirit want you to have it to preach?

      • What do you want to see happen in a group of Christians who hear it preached?

      • Give a brief provisional sermon outline.

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    In general, this paper should demonstrate both scholarly interaction with the literature (reflected in proper footnoting and bibliography) and the candidate's own thinking.

  • Overview. You may use a theology paper that you already prepared for a seminary class. However, it should be re-worked to comply with the Exam Committee's formatting and content requirements. Regarding the content, the paper must demonstrate your ability to handle an approved theological topic or issue. All papers retaining a professor's markings or comments will be rejected!

    Choosing a Topic. You may have a theological issue that you did not have time to study in seminary, or you may anticipate that a particular theological issue will become important in your future ministry. These considerations may prove fruitful subjects for the paper. Your topic must be both narrow enough and broad enough to be adequately handled within the length, content, and structure guidelines below. You may consult with the Exam Committee for help in choosing your topic.

    Requirement. The BCO 21-4, c.(2) states that, "[the candidate] shall prepare a thesis on some theological topic assigned by Presbytery."

    Purpose. The purpose of the paper is to demonstrate your ability to "do theology." The "Theological Views Paper" that you have to submit separately demonstrates your orthodoxy on a wide range of theological topics. But this paper, on the other hand, should demonstrate your ability to perform detailed theological analysis with one idea, draw theological conclusions regarding that idea, and present them in a fashion which is demonstrably orthodox and of value for the church.

    Length. 2,000 to 4,000 words, typed, double-spaced, 1-inch margins. Length is not a virtue; thoroughness and conciseness are.

    Content Overview

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    • What this paper is to be: The development of a thesis on some doctrinal point in the area of apologetics, hermeneutics, anthropology, Christology, soteriology, ecclesiology, or a similar locus of theology. This will involve the presentation and support of a thesis, with discussion of the issues involved, reference to relevant biblical texts, interaction with and defense against contrary views of others, and a conclusion. The Exam Committee is particularly interested in seeing how you develop theological conclusions.

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    • What this paper is not to be: This paper shall not be a paper merely addressing some practical concern, a book review, a critique of someone else's opinion without development of your own, a historical treatise, or a presentation of your opinion without biblical support.

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    • Good Examples: A paper analyzing and developing a thesis related to any of these topics regarding the Holy Spirit: His personality, procession, economic subordination, indwelling of the Spirit, or baptism of the Spirit.

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    • Bad Examples: A review of Wayne Grudem's book, The Gift of Prophecy; a description and development of a "spirit-filled" worship service; or a critique of the charismatic movement.

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    Suggested Structure

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    • Introduction - Statement of your thesis

    • Biblical analysis and development

    • Historical considerations

    • Objections considered and answered

    • Practical implications

    • Conclusion

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    In general, this paper should demonstrate both scholarly interaction with the literature (reflected in proper footnoting and bibliography) and the candidate's own thinking.