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. Five
• B. Eight
• C. Ten
• D. Seven

Answer: (B)

The question tests the minimum number of years of active ministry required before ordination as bishop. The standard is eight years. This length of service ensures the candidate has demonstrated substantial, real-world leadership and pastoral experience, including guiding a congregation, handling administrative duties, and upholding doctrinal integrity under the pressures of ministry. It shows a level of maturity and reliability necessary to oversee other ministers and churches. The other durations don’t meet the established rule: five or seven years are not enough to prove the depth of experience needed, while ten years would satisfy the requirement but is not the stated minimum.