What is required for a candidate to receive the endorsement of the Session?

The requirement for a candidate to receive the endorsement of the Session fundamentally revolves around the candidate's character and integrity. A testimonial of character provides evidence of the individual's suitability for ministry, reflecting their moral standing, ethical behavior, and commitment to the values of the church. This endorsement process is crucial, as it assures the Session and the wider church community that the candidate is trustworthy and embodies the principles that the church upholds.

In regards to the other choices, while a financial audit pertains to the church's stewardship and accountability, it is not directly tied to the candidate's endorsement. Similarly, completing a dissertation may be part of a broader educational requirement but does not specifically relate to character endorsement. Lastly, while recommendations from church elders may carry weight in a candidate's evaluation, they do not represent the formal and necessary endorsement from the Session itself, which focuses more directly on a comprehensive assessment of character.