ORDINATION/CREDENTIALING CHART © Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary 2016 NATIONAL OR LOCAL DENOMINATION TIME FRAME & STEPS FIELD EDUCATION RECIPROCITY CONTACTS & INFO ASSOCIATION EDUCATION REQUIRE- OR NETWORK MENTS

Definitions: Time Frame & Steps = How long it will take for a seminarian to become ordained with this group from the start of seminary to ordination, as well as the steps or process involved. Field Education: What this group may require in regard to field ministry while a student is in seminary, and whether or not it is required that this be done in a church of that denomination or in that group. In addition, whether the student needs to be a formal member of that group. Education Requirements: Whether or not a certain advanced degree (bachelors or beyond) is expected or required for credentialing of clergy. Reciprocity: Whether this denomination or association accepts and/or hires applicants for ministerial positions who come from or have been credentialed by a different denomination or association.

Time Frame: 1-2 years altogether. Once a candidate makes it Field Education: Education Reciprocity: www.acts29network.org Acts 29 Network through the interview process, most people spend anywhere from Once approved, most Requirements: Not a Matt Chandler, President 6-18 months as a candidate before they are considered a full church planters Depends on the “denomination” [email protected] (association) member. spend 6-18 months “sending” that “ordains” Acts 29 Network discharging their full- denomination pastors in the 2111 Justin Rd Suite 106 1. Phase 1: A thorough online application must be time ministry as from which the traditional sense. A Flower Mound TX 75028 completed. “candidates” under candidate network that 2. If approved, the candidate pays an initial application fee Acts 29 supervision originates (see assesses potential and begins to prepare for their assessment interview by before they are Reciprocity) church planters submitting various essays, completing various finally considered full who already have assessments, and providing various references. Such members. “sending” churches things include: or denominations a. Resume □ This assumes they who have ordained b. References have already planted them. Planters who c. Testimony & Calling to Plant Questionnaire or are about to begin are non- d. Marriage & Family Questionnaire planting a church. denominational or e. Church Planter’s Wife Questionnaire independent are f. Financial Questionnaire □ It also assumes the also eligible to g. Theological & Pastoral Questionnaire planter has already enter the h. Church Planting Strategy & Timeline been approved by application process. Questionnaire their “sending” i. Confidential Questionnaire denomination. Initial, □ Men only as j. Personality Profiles (DISC, Myers Briggs, and seminary field planters Entrepreneurial Assessment) education k. Networking* requirements □ All of the l. Preaching Sample therefore depend on application and Also included is a Training & Online Boot Camp class. the sending assessment process 3. A 90-minute assessment interview will be conducted denomination. is based on the 10 with the candidate over the phone. Characteristics of a 4. Phase 2: A personal (face-to-face) assessment interview Church will be conducted with the candidate, with experienced Planter: http://ww Acts 29 planters as the assessors. They will sit down with w.acts29network.or the candidate to talk about his background, plans, and g/article/ten- strategy; helping them evaluate their strengths and qualifications-of-a- weaknesses. They may make specific recommendations church-planter/ regarding the candidate’s readiness and potential for church planting. 5. Following the assessment interview, the candidate will receive a comprehensive report detailing the Assessment Team's conclusions. This report will include descriptions of areas of strength, areas of growth, and recommendations for next steps in regards to church planting. 6. If the Assessment Team recommend the candidate as ready to plant, he will be approved as an Acts 29 Candidate. The Acts 29 Network will help the candidate to establish an action timeline and include him in the Acts 29 community as he gathers his core group and plants his church.

Time Frame: 1-4 years, depending on the candidate’s ministry Field Education: Education Reciprocity: Advent Christian experience and how long it takes them to complete their M Div. Ministry experience Requirements: Reciprocity is Rev. Dr. Gordon Isaac, Prof. of For those thus qualified, the process has historically taken about a through field M Div. certainly possible. Advent Christian Studies, GCTS (denomination) year. education is There are several 978-646-4099 required, though it AOG pastors, for www.adventchristian.org 1. Those who become ordained typically sense the call does not necessarily example, now through their involvement with their local church have to be with an serving AC Eastern Region community, and it is the candidate’s life and ministry AC church. It would congregations. Greg Twitchell, Superintendent amidst this context which serves as the first step toward be up to the However, PO Box 1913 ordination. individual church and conference 32 Four Rod Rd. 2. Prospective candidate consults with the Conference superintendent presidents have Rochester, NH 03866 President. whether their recently begun 603-332-1412 3. Candidate makes contact with the Ministerial ministry experience requiring Fax: 603-332-1648 Committee of the respective Conference to which they should be with the prospective pastors http://www.aceasternregion.or belong. AC. to sign paperwork g 4. The candidate fills out an application. demonstrating E-Mail: 5. The candidate meets with the Ministerial Committee □ CPE has not been acceptance of AC [email protected] and shares his theological convictions in writing. required historically, polity and theology, 6. The candidate’s references are interviewed but it is encouraged. and demonstrating A list of conference presidents 7. The candidate is observed in ministry by the committee a clear commitment for the Eastern Region, along 8. Should the committee vote to approve the candidate, a □ Superintendents to the with contact info, can be found date for ordination will be set. prefer someone who denomination. at: 9. An ordination service will be held and the candidate will has experience http://www.aceasternregion.or receive his credentials. working on a team. g/Directory/RegionalBoard.asp x The process of ordination, once handled on the regional level, is now carried out locally by conference.

The pastors of local churches, and the president of their conference, determine specific ordination requirements. Each conference has their own ordination committee.

Ministry candidates are encouraged to contact their respective conference president to determine ordination requirements and to start the process. Time Frame: 5 years or less depending on the progress of the Field Education: Education Reciprocity: First Episcopal District: African Methodist candidate The AME has no Requirements: Ministers from Bishop Gregory G.M. Ingram special requirements M Div., for those other 3801 Market St Episcopal 1. The candidate, through involvement with a local AME for seminary field who want to denominations who Philadelphia, PA 19104 (denomination) church, discerns their ministry gifts. education. serve as full-time wish to change 215-662-0506 2. The candidate, in communication with their local pastor, pastors, i.e., their affiliation to the Steward Board, and the church conference is given □ For those who are “itinerants,” AME must go Local GCTS Alumna: the opportunity to preach their initial sermon. Their already involved in beyond their local through a similar Rev. Dr. Sandra Whitley preaching ability as well as fitness for ministry are the process of home process of People’s AME Church evaluated. ordination with the congregation. formation and Chelsea MA, 2150 3. The candidate is recommended by their local pastor and AME, this field examination. The [email protected] the church conference to the Presiding Elder (area education will count □ Those who wish board of 617-312-0957 director) and quarterly conference. toward their only to serve at admissions, in 4. At the Presiding Elder’s quarterly conference, he reviews obligation to remain the local level are considering the and approves of worthy candidates to receive a local active in local not required to experience and license to preach and be referred to the District ministry. complete an M education of such a Conference. Div. But they minister, will make 5. The candidate, once approved by the District Conference □ But even for those must still recommendations is referred the annual conference. who are not yet complete the on a case to case 6. At the annual conference, the Board of Examiners officially involved in AME’s 5-year basis as to the recommends to the Bishop those candidates who have the ordination “Institute” extent of training been deemed suitable. These individuals are enabled to process, field education and preparation begin their training through the ministerial institute. ministry in an AME program. which would be 7. Candidates begin their studies via the A.M.E. Ministerial context would necessary. In all this Institute, which last 5 years. greatly help the the bishop has the 8. During this time students are cared for and evaluated by process of final say and makes the board of examiners. It is assumed they will continue discernment and the final decision. to remain active in local ministry during this time. would be taken into 9. If the candidate wishes to be an itinerant preacher (i.e., consideration when □ Such candidates to serve beyond their home church as a lead pastor) the time comes for retain their they must also enroll in a seminary for an M Div. at the them to begin the ordination status same time they are going through the Ministerial process officially. when the Institute. requirements for 10. Around the time the seminarian is about 2/3 finished formation have with seminary classes, they become eligible for been completed. ordination to be a Deacon. However, they will 11. Candidate is ordained to be a Deacon and gains the be required to authority to conduct weddings and funerals. relinquish their 12. Upon receiving his/her M Div. from an accredited licensure from their seminary, the Board of Examiners will recommend the previous candidate to the Bishop for their second ordination to denomination once elder. the time comes for 13. The Bishop will administer an ordination examination to them to become the candidate. part of the AME. 14. Once ordained for the second time candidates become elders, and have the authority to consecrate communion and administer baptisms. 15. As AME churches become available, the Bishop appoints itinerant elders to the pastorate. African Methodist Time Frame: 4-5 years, depending on the progress of the Field Education: Education Reciprocity: The Candidate is encouraged to Episcopal Zion candidate. Candidates are Requirements: Ordained ministers allow their local AME Zion 1. The candidate must become a member of a local AME welcome to integrate Candidates are from other minister be their number one (association) Zion church. In the context of that community, and in seminary field expected to have denominations can contact. But those with communication with their local pastor, their gifting for education a bachelor’s or be accepted into preliminary questions may ministry is discerned and tested. requirements into master’s level of AME Zion, and their contact: 2. When the candidate and their pastor believe they have a their period of education, so as credentials can be Rev. Clyde D. Talley calling to preach, the candidate is given opportunity to dedicated service to to be able to transferred. Belmont A.M.E. Zion Church preach. The elders of the church, upon hearing their their local AME Zion minister Depending on their 55 Illinois Street sermon, vote whether they have confidence in their church as lay effectively to experience and Worcester, MA 01610 calling and ability. ministers (see step their educated education, AME 508-754-4539 3. Should they be approved, the local elders will 6). audience and Zion study recommend them to the quarterly conference. There, perform requirements can the candidate will meet with the presiding elders of the □ CPE is not administrative be modified or conference. The elders will ask them questions about required, but would tasks with waived. their calling, extend of theological studies, etc. be greatly respected. competence. 4. Should this meeting go well, the candidate is Any form of ministry □ Candidates would recommended to the district office for their license. which contributes to □ Those pursuing first need to have 5. At the district conference the candidate will meet with the pastoral ordination are an established the admissions committee, who will again ask about formation of the strongly relationship with a their education and sense of calling. At this juncture the candidate is encouraged to local AME Zion candidate will deliver another sermon, and based on desirable. get a theological church. It would be their performance the committee will confirm whether degree or some from the local they are to receive their local preacher’s license. form of pastor’s 6. On obtaining the local preacher’s license, the candidate theological recommendation begins a two year process with two aspects: education. that they would be a. The candidate begins to regularly assist his able to enter this local pastor in the ministry of the local church, □ Opportunities process in the first under his tutelage and at his discretion. This are assessed place. may mean visitation, prayer meetings, bible based on the studies, or preaching or other help with the needs and □ Having been worship service. situation of the recommended, the b. The candidate embarks upon a two-year candidate. This candidate would course of theological study, directed by AME could be meet with the Zion. This is either an online or in-classroom integrated into admissions format. After the candidate’s first year of the candidate’s committee, who study, his progress is reviewed by the first two year would examine committee, and if he passes their inspection course of study, their credentials. he is permitted to progress to the second year. or their four year Only candidates 7. After progressing into the second year of study as a course of study with credentials licensed local minister, the candidate is brought before (see steps 6 and from the admissions committee of the national conference to 9). It could unfold denominations discern whether the candidate should be invited to join at an AME Zion legitimated by the the annual conference. This requires a meeting similar to school in the Council of Churches past interviews, in which the candidate’s calling and south, or in a can have them progress are checked. local seminary transferred. (Those 8. All the States represented at the annual conference will nearer to the from other vote to approve the candidate as a member. The candidate’s background would candidate will then become a member of the annual region. need to start the conference “on trial,” i.e., for a trial period in which they process from the will experience the additional responsibilities of first year of study.) membership. a. Those who join the annual conference are officially under the auspices of the bishop. This means the bishop can assign them to travel to different locations within the region (e.g. New England) to preach or engage in pastoral care. This is an important aspect of AME Zion ministry. Annual members must be ready at any time to receive and respond to such calls, be they of a one-time, temporary, or long-term nature. Those unable to commit in this fashion are designated “local” preachers, and are unable to minister outside of their home church. 9. Once part of the annual conference, the candidate embarks upon another course of study with AME Zion. This progression is four years long. a. After the first year, the candidate’s work is reviewed and their character and ministry are considered, and they are presented again to the conference for a second vote. Candidates who are approved this second time may move on to their second year of study. b. Once the candidate completes their second year of study, they are eligible for ordination. Their name will be presented to the Holy Orders Committee, who will interview the candidate and review their progress. Should they be satisfied, they will recommend the candidate to the conference that they become a candidate for ordination. 10. The conference will have opportunity to consider the candidate, expressing any concern they may have. The bishop then has the final authority. He will work with the candidates and make the final determination whether to move ahead or wait longer to ordain them. 11. The candidate will proceed to be ordained as a Deacon. Deacons can engage in every form of ministry and perform every sacrament except the consecration of Holy Communion (although they can serve communion). 12. When the fourth year of study is successfully completed, the Deacon can be recommended for ordination as an Elder, which is the highest level of ordination for AME Zion. They are now eligible to consecrate Holy Communion. 13. Note: Should the candidate be “sent” to a parish during the first two years of study under the annual conference (i.e. before they are ordained), the bishop may make provision for them to be ordained as a Deacon under “missionary rules.” In this situation, it goes without saying that the candidate is expected to continue their course of study in the meantime. All Nations Church Time Frame: Network Anglican (association)

Time Frame: 3 Years, including seminary. Field Education: Education Reciprocity: TABCOM (The American American Baptist- NB: Details of ordination requirements may vary by region. At least one Requirements: Those previously Baptist Churches of academic year of M Div. ordained in other Massachusetts) USA 1. The candidate requests a preordination license. As part Field Education denominations can Rev. Mary Day Miller, (denomination) of this process, he/she preaches or leads worship at and/or internship, or Must have be accepted, Superintendent their local church. a satisfactory completed a pending an 20 Milton Street 2. The candidate enrolls in an accredited seminary’s M.Div. equivalent. Must be course in interview and Dedham, MA 02026 program. a member of an ABC professional demonstrated 781-320-8100 3. First year in seminary: Obtains Candidate Evaluation church. ethics offered knowledge in ABC [email protected] from an approved center for career development. Signs either by a history and polity. www.tabcom.org Release Form. □ It is strongly seminary or by 4. Candidate receives a packet including “Steps in the recommended that TABCOM. Ordination Process” and Guidelines. the candidate take 5. Chair of Association Committee on Ministry initiates a Clinical Pastoral □ The candidate meeting with the Candidate and local church Pastor Education. will have a within three months of the granting of the pre- functional ordination license. knowledge of 6. Second year in seminary: Candidate Enrolls in Watchcare American Baptist for a period of 8-12 months. history and polity. 7. Candidate files an application and two evaluations. This normally can 8. Third Year in Seminary: Candidate completes M.Div., be satisfied by a including all courses required for ordination seminary level 9. Candidate Sends to TABCOM: course on both • Self-Disclosure Form for Ministerial Preparation the history and • Code of Ethics (signed & dated) polity of • Release Form for Candidate Evaluation from an American Baptists approved center for career development or by a course • Personal Statement including an autobiographical developed and sketch, spiritual journey, call to ministry, and approved by commitment to ABCUSA TABCOM. 10. Candidate Responsible to see that TABCOM is sent: • Initial Interview Summary from Association • Letter from Watchcare Coordinator at completion • Official transcript • Candidate evaluation from approved center for career development • 4 character reference letters 11. TABCOM sends acknowledgment and seal. 12. Committee on Ministerial Preparation conducts interview and decides yes, no, or delay for further preparation. 13. Candidate delivers doctrinal paper to Ordination Council, answers questions. 14. Association Committee on Ministry reviews full ordination paper with Candidate, suggests revisions, prepares Candidate for Ordination Council. 15. Ordination Council votes to recommend that the church ordain. 16. TABCOM records Ordination in National Register and sends Ordination Certificate.

Time Frame: The Ordination Process typically takes about 2.5 Field Education: Education Reciprocity: Anglican Church years. The year-long Requirements: Ordained ministers New England Diocese 1. Inquirer – (lasts a few Weeks/Months) The candidate Diaconate is a form M.Div. or, in from other http://www.ad-ne.org/ in North participates in a local Anglican community for a period of of field ministry pre- consultation with denominations America (ACNA) time long enough for a priest to be able to recommend requisite to the the bishop, must first apply to Bishop: (denomination) them. priesthood. In another become a Deacon, Rev. William Murdoch 2. The candidate fills out an “Initial Notification” form in addition to this, it is equivalent and from there may consort with his sponsoring priest, undergoes physical expected the theological apply for the Diocesan Office: and psychological evaluations, and pays for a candidate will have degree. Priesthood (see Anglican Diocese in New background check. fulfilled his above). Such England 3. From there, they meet with the bishop to discuss next seminary’s field □ Beyond the candidates will be 6 Allens Court steps. ministry M.Div., examined by the Amesbury, MA 01913 4. Aspirant – (About a year) The aspirant fills out a packet requirements. coursework in Bishop concerning 978-388-0650 of paperwork known as “Application and Forms,” along Anglican Studies areas in which the (best reached by phone) with a $100 application fee. Alongside this are furnished □ Bishop Murdoch (theology, beliefs and seminary transcripts and letters of recommendation. typically does not history, polity, practices of the 5. Three levels of discernment meetings will ensue: the allow deacons to be liturgics) may be former Parish, Vestry/Rector, and ADNE Diocesan discernment ordained as priests required. Such denomination differ committees. If call to ministry is confirmed, there is a until a particular courses may be from that of the second meeting with the bishop. position or ministry offered at the ACNA. 6. Postulant – (A few months) The postulant will be has been found ACNA’s seminary required to preach and teach before a board of by/assigned to them. (Trinity), or else □ Those who have examining chaplains. If call is confirmed, a date for taken through St. been divorced ordination will be set. Aidan’s institute cannot be ordained 7. The Diaconate – Before being ordained as a priest, the in Amesbury. as Priest except by candidate must be ordained as a Deacon and must serve special dispensation in this role for at least one year prior to priestly in consort with the ordination. Note: the vocational diaconate is also an bishop. option. The diaconate is considered ordained ministry, and the candidate can choose to serve as deacon vocationally rather than moving on to the priesthood. 8. The Priesthood – After at least a year of service in the Diaconate, the candidate can be considered for ordination to the priesthood. Antioch Intl. Time Frame: 2-3 Years, depending on the readiness, networking, Field Education: Education Reciprocity: http://antiochcc.com/missions Movement of and support-raising situation of the candidate. Through Requirements: Antioch is open to /church-plants/ participation in the Antioch does not ministers of other Churches 1. The candidate should first connect with a local Antioch discipleship and have theological denominations who Antioch Community Church (association) church. See http://antiochcc.com/missions/church- church planting education wish to become (central office) plants/ for a list of US and international church plants. training schools the requirements. part of their 505 N. 20th St. 2. At the local church, the candidate must apply to the local candidate will be Their discipleship movement. Waco, TX 76707 congregation’s discipleship school. This will entail filling integrated into the and church However, any such 254-754-0386 out an application and going to an interview. ministry of their local planting training minister must first [email protected] 3. Having been accepted, the candidate must commit to fellowship. It is here schools offer go through the the regiment of weekly classes, discipleship groups, and that their ministry grounding in the discipleship and The Harbor Church coordinated ministry activities which are part of the will be tested and Bible and Antioch church planting Offices: 100 Cumming Center discipleship school. This school lasts approximately one confirmed. This can history and schools before Suite 330-G Beverly, MA 01915 calendar year. During this time, regular attendance and be compatible with theology. being considered. (978) 801-1777 membership at the local Antioch church are expected. seminary field This is irrespective http://www.the-harbor.net/ 4. Having completed the discipleship school and been requirements. of their experience integrated into the local Antioch body, the candidate is and education. eligible for local staff positions, or alternatively, to begin networking so as to enter the church planting school. 5. If the candidate merely desires to serve in a pastoral role in their local congregation, the discipleship training school is sufficient. At this point, the candidate is eligible to apply for staff positions at their local church. Once they are hired on as pastoral staff, they are eligible to be licensed as Antioch ministers. (Note: some church positions may entail support raising. In these cases, one must usually be at the 50% mark before Antioch will hire them on and license them). 6. Should the candidate desire to serve in an apostolic role by beginning a new church, or to serve in an existing church plant outside of their home community, they would proceed to apply for Antioch’s church planting school. a. Before being eligible to apply for the school, the candidate must network either with an existing church plant with the intention of serving them upon graduation, or else put together a church planting team and have a strategy and vision to start a new church locally or abroad. 7. The church planting training school, spans just over one calendar year. It entails intensive classes, meetings, projects, and ministry experiences. It is done with a cohort and its purpose is to prepare the candidate for their up and coming church plant. It is thus very practical training while being simultaneously an experience of formation. 8. Having finished the church planting school, along with their church planting team, the candidate is free to raise (or continue to raise) support for their plant. At the 50% mark, the candidate is eligible to be hired on by Antioch. At this point, they would receive licensing as official Antioch pastors. At the 80% mark, the candidate is free to purchase plane tickets for departure. Only at 100% may they actually depart for their destination and begin their ministry. 9. Having gathered a team, finished the school, raised their support, and arrived at their destination, the licensed minister becomes a pastor of an Antioch church plant (or begins serving as an Associate pastor of an existing church plant).

Note: Generally, it is Antioch’s practice to ordain only the senior leader of a particular church, and to merely license the other church leaders on staff. And there are even cases in which the senior pastor is not ordained but merely licensed. Licensing is a required component of the process, but ordination may not necessarily be. If a senior leader (or prospective senior leader) of an Antioch church requests ordination, Antioch will ordain them. Otherwise they are content to leave it at licensing.

Time Frame: 2-4 years, depending on one’s education, field Field Education: Education Reciprocity: www.ag.org Assemblies of God experience, and preparedness for exams. If applicants come Requirements: Ordained ministers Southern New England Offices 1. The ordination process ideally begins from the context from GCTS, field For Ordained from different Executive Director of Minister (denomination) of one’s local AOG congregation, where one is part of ministry ministers, an M denominations and Development: the community and contributing to the ministry. requirements are Div. (or an organizations may Rev. Nicholas Fatato 2. The candidate must contact his/her local district to apply met through equivalent apply to become [email protected] for ordination. This will involve recommendations from Mentored Ministry theological affiliated with the rg an AOG minister and AOG congregation. The district degree) though Assemblies of God or Rev. Paul Yacovone under consideration here is the SNE (Southern New □ CPE is encouraged not required is denomination. They PO Box 535 England) Ministry Network. but not required. greatly respected would have to go Sturbridge, MA 01566 3. Ordination involves an online application process. and would fulfill through the same 508-248-3711 Candidates can find the application at: the theological credentialing http://www.sneministrynetwor http://www.sneministrynetwork.org/minister- education process. They k.org; development-1/credentials/credential-candidates requirements for would also be 4. Once the application has been filled out, sent, and licensing and required to take an received, the candidate will receive an email and ordination. AOG course on password for logging on to the AOG system. From here history and polity. they can track the progress of their application, as well □ Candidates who as download synopses of relevant licensing exams. seek licensing and 5. It is expected that the candidate will begin or has already ordination for begun theological studies. ministry without 6. On graduation from seminary, or as part of the process an M Div. may of applying for ordination, the candidate may be attend the AOG’s required to take an examination covering Biblical school of Studies, Theology, Church History, and AOG Polity. The ministry, a non- exam is graded by the candidate’s presbyter. accredited 7. With the application underway and educational institution which requirements being met, arrangements are made for an prepares interview with SNE Executive Presbyters, the Candidate’s prospective Presbyter, and several Ordained Ministers. This is the ministers for district credentials committee. The outcome of this ministry within interview determines whether the candidate is approved the AOG. for Ordination. 8. Once approved by both the SNE and the General Council In order to pass of the AOG, the candidate will receive his credentials the ordination (which are officially given in the Spring or Fall of each examination, year) and be officially ordained (candidates are ordained however, annually at the SNE Network Conference). candidates who receive an M Div. from an outside institution may need additional coursework or study on AOG history and polity. This can be provided at their school of ministry.

Time Frame: 3-5 years, depending on the readiness of the Field Education: Education Reciprocity: There www.arpchurch.org Associate candidate. The candidate’s Requirements: is reciprocity for Presbytery Clerk, Northeast 1. Candidate for Licensure: The candidate, who believes he personal M Div. ministers of other Rev. Frederick S. Carr Reformed has received a call to the ministry of the word, seeks the preparedness and denominations, [email protected] Presbyterian approval of the presbytery which has jurisdiction of his development is granting (among Church (ARP) home congregation. This may involve calling the assessed by the other things) that Minister & His Work (denomination) geographically nearest Presbytery Chairman and presbytery. Hence it their theological Credentials Committee submitting to him a data form (found at is possible for a education meet the Chairman, Northeast http://www.arpsynod.org/downloads/Data%20Form.do candidate to be requirements of the Rev. William C. Sutherland c) deemed ready for ARP faith[email protected] 2. If the presbytery approves and agrees that the candidate ordination shortly is called, a special service will be held, bringing the after graduation, or candidate officially under the presbytery’s care. alternatively for him 3. The candidate continues to serve as a member of his to spend 1-2 years congregation, under the encouragement and special after graduation in counsel of his pastor. field ministry as a 4. The presbytery will direct the candidate’s theological Licentiate. studies and inquire as to his progress. They may also request sermons from him. □ It is ideal for 5. Probationer/Licentiates: (2 year license) seminary field To receive licensure, the candidate must pass an ministry to unfold in evaluation of his public preaching by the presbytery. an ARPC context. The Passing the exam, the presbytery shall confer a two year candidate will be preaching license upon him at a special meeting. assigned an 6. Moving toward Ordination: When a candidate has experienced ARPC completed his academic training as required by the minister to serve as General Synod and the Presbytery of which he is a mentor during their candidate, the Presbytery may take steps toward his period of field ordination. education. 7. Evaluation for Ordination: The following are required to evaluate the candidate’s readiness for ordination: • A review of the candidate’s personal Christian religious experience. • An examination of his knowledge of the English Bible, as well as theology and his doctrinal positions. • A brief written statement of his Christian beliefs. • An examination of his knowledge of the history and government of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church, and his approval of the church’s form of government, discipline and worship. • A sermon in manuscript form which he shall preach before the Presbytery and which shall be subject to constructive criticism by the Presbytery. • A call either to a congregation or to another approved Ministerial labor. 8. Ordination: When the Presbytery has approved a candidate’s examination and is furnished evidence of a candidate’s call, the Presbytery shall appoint a time and place for the ordination of the candidate.

Baptist Bible The Bible Baptist Fellowship does not itself ordain, but is an official Field Education: Education Reciprocity: Yes, http://www.bbfi.org Fellowship, Inc. fellowship of pastors, and by extension, a network of preachers, Preferable for field Requirements: although non- Boston Baptist College Rev. churches, missionaries, and educational institutions worldwide, education to be done Some theological Reformed Ken Gillming, Vice President for (association) affiliated for the purpose of church planting and sharing the truth in a church within training such a evangelical pastors Academic Affairs, of the Word of God. the fellowship, but Bible college or from similar 617-364-3510 not mandatory. seminary. At traditions would fit Time Frame for Fellowship churches: 2-5 years, depending on least a theological best. They would whether the candidate has had any theological education (fewer bachelor’s need to subscribe years if they have, more if they have not). Proven ministry in the degree. to the 20 Articles of local church for is key to being accepted first for licensure, and Faith of the BBFI. then for ordination.

Time Frame: 2 – 3 years. Most men complete the applicant and Field Education: Education Yes. When an Andy Crossgrove Bible Fellowship candidate portion of the process in 6 months to a year. Field education (i.e. Requirements: ordained minister [email protected] 1. Application: Those still in school and not yet ready for “probation”) is built M Div. from another Church ministry should download and complete the Applicant into the process, 3 years of church seeks www.mybfc.org (denomination) Portion of the BFC questionnaire: coming after theological ministerial (Under “Pastor” drop down (http://www.bfc.org/downloads/MCC/appquest.pdf). theological training training or its credentials in the menu, see “To Become A Email this application to Andy Crossgrove at yet before approved BFC, he should Pastor”) [email protected]. When this portion of the ordination. equivalent. apply to the questionnaire is received and approved, you will be After the candidate Ministerial classified as an Applicant. has completed their Candidate 2. When you are near the end of your theological examinations and Committee. Under education (at least 3 years) or available for ministry, you has received a call to certain exceptional will need to fill out the Candidate Portion and email it to serve at a BFC circumstances, a Andy Crossgrove: church, they need to previously-ordained (http://www.bfc.org/downloads/MCC/appquest.pdf). complete a minister may be This questionnaire is more extensive and requires you to probationary term, licensed through an supply information and references which the Committee which is two years of expedited process. will consider as it begins the process of interviewing you. full time ministry for Having complied 3. Interview and Examination: When your Candidate a first time ordinate, with these Portion has been completed and all references are or one year for those provisions, the received, you will be scheduled for a preliminary previously ordained. minister shall be interview. under the authority 4. If this interview shows that you should proceed, you will and discipline of be asked to complete an Open Book Examination and be the BFC. After scheduled to meet with the entire Committee for a serving at least one second interview. year as a 5. When you have satisfactorily completed your interviews probationer, he and examinations, you will be classified as a Probationer may be examined Eligible to Receive a Call. That means you are permitted by the Credentials to serve in a Bible Fellowship Church. Committee, who in 6. Serving: When you receive a call to serve in a Bible turn may then Fellowship Church, you will receive a license. A license is recommend to BFC a temporary recognition that you may serve as a Conference that he minister in a Bible Fellowship Church. be accepted as an 7. When you are licensed, you are classified as a ordained minister probationer. You must now serve a minimum of two with full privileges years. This time of service allows us to observe you and in the BFC. come to a conclusion as to whether we believe God has called you to the gospel ministry. 8. When you have completed your probationary period, the Ministerial Candidate Committee will interview you again to determine whether you will be recommended for ordination or not. 9. Ordination: If the Ministerial Candidate Committee concludes that you have been called of God and have served acceptably, they will recommend you to the Credentials Committee for Ordination Examination. 10. The Credentials Committee has the final responsibility to recommend you to the Annual Conference of the Bible Fellowship Church for Ordination. 11. If the Annual Conference accepts the recommendation of the Credentials Committee, you will be ordained at a session of the Annual Conference. Time Frame: 1 year to initial licensure, 3 years of licensed ministry Field Education: Education Reciprocity: Yes; www.bic-church.org Atlantic Brethren in Christ prior to full ordination: in sum, 4 years Those with a Requirements: being Arminian, as Regional Conference 1. Contact the Bishop in the region where you would be seminary degree are M. Div well as a mix of leadership: (denomination) serving. Prospective candidates may already be not required to Wesleyanism, Pauline Pfeifer, Bishop members of a Brethren in Christ church, although this is engage in a particular Pietism, 431 Grantham Rd not necessarily a requirement for ordination or for type of field ministry. Anabaptism, and Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 beginning the discernment process. The bishop in turn The Brethren Evangelicalism, 717-473-3145 will notify the Commission on Ministry and Doctrine of assumes the pastors who come Fax: 717-473-3146 your interest and at the bishop’s request you will receive seminary will provide in from other [email protected] a letter to begin the process. sufficient denominations [email protected] 2. Self Assessment. To assess your compatibility with the opportunities for would need to be Brethren in Christ you must read the Brethren in Christ ministry. comfortable with Articles of Faith and Doctrine and core values, and these dynamics. complete the Doctrinal Response Form. □ That being said, 3. Interview with the Bishop. In preparation for this before one is □ For these the interview you will complete a Pastoral Profile which considered for full process the same includes the request for a brief spiritual autobiography, ordination, time in way, but at the and submit your completed Doctrinal Response Form ministry at a point of the and Pastoral Profile to the bishop. Brethren church is an doctrinal 4. With the bishop’s recommendation and the Commission important step questionnaire they on Ministry and Doctrine’s (CMD) approval you will be are free to submit a issued a one-year provisional license as you begin an modified form of approved ministry assignment. what they have 5. Doctrinal Questionnaire. With a one-year provisional already written for card you will receive a copy of the Doctrinal their previous Questionnaire (DQ). You will be expected to complete denomination. Also, the DQ within six months to allow time for the CMD to such pastors would review it. need to take a 6. BIC U.S. Leadership Orientation. You will be invited to a number of classes leadership orientation, for which there is required to become preparatory reading. acquainted with 7. Oral Examination. Toward the end of this first year while Brethren core your provisional card is in effect and upon completion of beliefs, polity, and the DQ and one of the core courses, your area CMD practices. representative, the bishop for your area and several others will meet with you for your oral examination. Satisfactory completion of the oral exam will open the way for you to receive your four-year license with the Brethren in Christ Church. 8. Core Courses. You will need to complete four core courses (which provide an understanding of Brethren in Christ doctrine, history and polity) prior to renewal of the four-year license. At least one of those four courses needs to be completed before the oral exam. 9. Ordination. At the completion of at least three years of ministry, the four core courses, and a seminary degree, your congregation or bishop may invite you to pursue ordination. Once approved by the Leadership Council and the CMD, the bishop’s office schedules your ordination. 10. Quadrennial Review. The credentials for Brethren in Christ ministers, whether licensed or ordained, are reviewed every four years. Calvary Chapel Time Frame: Very flexible depending on the situation. One could Field Education: Education Reciprocity: They http://calvarychapelassociation Association be ordained and licensed to full-time pastoral work in as short as Everything in Calvary Requirements: are open to .com 2-3 years or reach the point of ordination through a period of Chapel is relational The minimum enabling those who CCA North East Regional church involvement spanning 5 years or more. and flows out of the education have been ordained http://www.ccphilly.org candidate’s role and required is a high previously to serve [email protected] Note: Calvary Chapel is an association with a very loose, locally- relationship to their school diploma. in their local 215-969-1520 applied procedure for licensing and ordination. The local congregation. Calvary Chapel churches, as lay or relational networks formed within the local congregation Field education is an pastors range in pastoral staff, and Calvary Chapel Boston and the particular ministry giftings of the candidate in organic part of this education from to be ordained as http://www.calvarychapelbost question tend to carry more weight than centralized process. high school to Calvary Chapel on.com/ procedures or rules. college to pastors. However, 175 Market St. Rockland MA Steps: □ Those who feel Masters in the person would 02370 1. The candidate worships and fellowships within a Calvary called to ministry Divinity. There is need to spend PO Box 409 Chapel congregation. Calvary Chapel is extremely sense that call as no hard and fast significant time 781-871-6617 relational in their approach to life and ministry, so this they worship and rule when it with the step is essential. And it may last months or even years. fellowship amidst comes to congregation and Calvary Chapel North Shore 2. The candidate, through his involvement with the local their Calvary Chapel theological leadership to have http://www.calvarychapelns.or congregation, is discipled, gets to know the leadership, congregation. They education. their gifts and g/ and discovers/shares his ministry giftings through move forward Calvary Chapel is calling to ministry 352 Andover Street serving in the local congregation. through more concerned be observed and Danvers, MA 01923 3. Congregational leadership discerns/discovers the volunteering, with the evidence confirmed. They candidate’s potential gifting for full-time ministry serving, and of ministry calling would first serve as through observation of his ministry and life, and through interning in their and competence - an intern in a part- relationship with him. They approach the candidate to congregation, and in demonstrated in time capacity confirm this. the process continue the life of the before being invited 4. Congregational leadership may opt to offer the to be discipled by candidate in their onto full-time staff. candidate progressively greater responsibility in ministry their local pastors. local context - tasks and assignments in the local church, mentoring than in their □ individuals would and training them according to their gifts. The candidate □ Continued growth particular also need to agree would essentially intern. and development in theological to Calvary Chapel’s 5. Leadership may also opt to recommend the candidate ministry under the training. theological receive training and education from an outside oversight of their distinctives. institution, such as a Calvary Chapel Bible school/college pastors confirms □ That said, those of a seminary. This could unfold as the candidate their ministry giftings who intern, join continues to work with the local church or may and leads to staff, and move necessitate the candidate moving temporarily. opportunities to gain toward 6. The candidate, having developed through continued more responsibility ordination are ministry, having confirmed their call to ministry, and in ministry. generally perhaps having received additional educational training, encouraged to may be invited by their senior pastor to join their church □ Those who are pursue what as full-time (or part-time) pastoral staff. invited to join staff training they can 7. At the same time (especially for full-time) or else continue to according to what sometime thereafter, the senior pastor and his participate in local is available to associates communicate to the candidate that they ministry and remain them. This may believe he truly is gifted for ministry and truly is ready in relationship to include a Calvary for ordination. A date will be set. other staff and Chapel Bible 8. The senior pastor, along with the elders of the church, pastors. school or a will lay hands on the candidate and pray for him, seminary (CC ordaining him to the ministry as a Calvary Chapel pastor. □ In this sense, the does not have 9. Shortly thereafter the candidate will receive official entire ordination their own licensing with the state and his tax status will change. process with Calvary seminary at this Chapel is one long time). stream of field education, played out at the congregational level.

Time Frame: 1-2 years for those who sense the call early and Field Education: Education Reciprocity: Diocese of the Northeast: Charismatic receive theological education up front. For those coming into the Membership and Requirements: Depends what Bishop Gregory Ortiz ministry from another career, 1 or 2 years of regular attendance, active ministry in the An M Div. From denomination they [email protected] Episcopal tithing, and volunteering for church ministry will be needed to test context of a local GCTS is very come from. They 845-256-8480 (denomination) their sense of call before postulancy can begin. Charismatic highly regarded. believe in the Cell: 845-527-7844 Episcopal church is Additional apostolic 1. The candidate fulfills age, membership, field education, required. courses in succession of the and theological education requirements. denominational ancient church 2. The candidate fills out an application for Holy Orders. In □ CPE not required, history and polity through one of the addition to 6 references (2 academic, 2 occupational, 2 though greatly would be Old Catholic Church ministry), a criminal background check, and a credit respected. required. lines. If a candidate check, family dynamics are also investigated (the wife is Candidates for comes from a included in the process). priesthood must be □ Those who church that has that 3. Accepted applicants enter a period of Postulancy, which active in ministry at have a BA in succession they are may last about one year. the local level, e.g., Biblical studies or “received.” If they 4. During this period the postulant participates in a youth group leader, another kind of come from another, spiritual formation process involving bi monthly home bible study, theological MA they would be mentoring in spirituality from the bishop or a senior overseer of Sunday may be required sacramentally priest. The intention is to discern the candidate’s piety school program, to take additional ordained to the and spirituality and to help them thrive in this area. experience doing courses, priesthood in 5. Postulants also meet regularly with a confessor for hospital visitation, according to their apostolic sacramental confession. etc., to indicate that transcript, but succession. 6. During Postulancy, the candidate is treated as if he is they have already not necessarily. already a priest. He must therefore attend clergy participated to some □ Age conferences and be active in the local church. level in the day of the □ The CEC Requirements: A 7. After the candidate has experienced an entire liturgical life of a local pastor. operates an candidate for the year as a postulant, the bishop’s counsel discusses their internet-based, diaconate must be merits and progress. non-accredited about 23 years old. 8. Approved candidates are invited to take Sacred Vows, seminary which For the priesthood, which initiate their ordination into the CEC. offers all required about 24-25. coursework, including their own MAs.

Time Frame: The process can take 2.5 years or more, depending Field Education: Education Reciprocity: District Office & Christian & on the situation. The candidate’s full- Requirements: Reciprocity exists Superintendent: Missionary time ministry at a A master’s degree between the C&MA http://www.alliancenewenglan Alliance (C&MA) The first step is accreditation, followed by placement, which local church during is not required, and pastors of d.org coincides with licensing. Those licensed and ministering on-site the ordination although it is other Rev. Tom Flanders (denomination) become eligible to begin the process of ordination. process counts encouraged. The denominations, PO Box 288 toward field C&MA requires at provided the South Easton, MA 02375 1. Accreditation: Discovery and Development. Those education. I.e., it is least 30 credit applicant’s [email protected] interested in working with the Alliance first fill out a built into the hours, at the denomination is 508-238-3820 “Next Steps Form” online to get the process started. The ordination process. college level or one that the C&MA Fax: 508-238-4454 form can be found at: above, in Bible, recognizes and has https://cmalliance.wufoo.com/forms/what-is-my-next- □ CPE is not Theology, an overall step/ required. Missions, or evangelical basis 2. Next, someone from the C&MA will connect them with Ministry-related and outlook the Candidate Development Office (CDO) or an Alliance courses. They compatible with district office. During the first meeting with the need to have this C&MA convictions. candidate developer, they will be asked to share their before they can story, ministry dreams, and calling, after which the even apply for □ Such pastors Office will identify a coach who can help them create a accreditation and would first need to Personal Growth Plan to prepare them for ministry. have their name go through the 3. Application: When the candidate is ready and the C&MA stand in one of accreditation has received a solid pastoral recommendation from their their churches. process, as any church, they will fill out the Application for Alliance other candidate. Ministry online to begin the formal process of candidate □ Most ministers accreditation. This entails completing a personal and a choose to go on □ Once receiveing doctrinal questionnaire, submitting character to get their accreditation, they references, taking a biblical knowledge exam, and master’s degree would go forward completing several additional forms, depending upon or some other with licensing and one’s area of ministry interest. Part of the process is equivalent placement as any verification that the candidate has receive 40 or more training other candidate. hours of coursework in Bible, Theology, and/or Pastoral eventually, but However, rather Ministry. it’s not required. than the two-year 4. Interview: After completing the application, the ordination process, applicant will undergo a two-hour accreditation they would instead interview with Alliance staff, focused on the applicant’s take a polity course development in the Five Core Characteristics of an with the C&MA. Alliance worker. Staff will review with them the Once completed, Qualifications for Alliance ministry, while confirming and the pastor would recommending next steps in their spiritual leadership submit his petition journey. to receive 5. Placement & Licensing: Once accreditations is received ordination within placement in a local church or ministry is sought, with the C&MA. If the oversight and guidance of the C&MA. If seeking work approved, in a US church, they will likely contact, and seek a ordination would position within, a particular regional district. Once they follow. have found and been accepted within a particular church within a particular district, they begin ministry there and □ Note: Those receive their licensure. receiving ordination 6. Ordination: The ordination process, which assumes the in the C&MA would candidate is already placed and licensed, lasts two years. need to relinquish During this period, the candidate must write theological any other license or papers, complete assigned reading, attend seminars, ordination. receive Life Coaching, and attend a day-long summit four times per year for additional training and preparation. 7. The process is capped by a 3 hour oral examination. Time Frame: Depends entirely on the individual situation. Field Education: Education Reciprocity: www.christianchurchtoday.co Christian Field Education is not Requirements: m Ordination (or “commissioning”) always occurs at the individual required, but what is There are no Restoration House Ministries Churches/ congregational level. There is no central system, no headquarters, necessary for being specific (church planting) Churches of Christ and no denominational policy to that purpose. ordained locally is to educational 1300 Wellington Road (association) be a growing, requirements. Manchester, NH 03104 The only pattern is the connection with a local congregation. If a participating Generally, 603-668-8808 church does not know a candidate, they’re likely not to ordain that member of an however, a Fax: 603-644-4991 person. Some kind of relationship, some kind of connection is existing church. congregation is http://rhmnewengland.org necessary, even if that’s through a relative. Congregants who going to ordain observe and someone they Rev. Brent Storms Education aside, if there’s someone in their church that they experience the know who has The Orchard Group – church believe is called by God, and that has demonstrated their ministry of someone been to a well- planting. commitment and ability, they ordain them. who is bright, known or favored www.orchardgroup.org intelligent, and seminary or committed to Jesus Christian college. are more likely to □ Typically only consider them as a men are candidate. ordained.

Time Frame: 3 or more years, depending on when the candidate Field Education: Education Reciprocity: Those https://www.discipleshomemis Christian Church enters “under care” and begins their theological education. CPE is generally Requirements: ordained by the sions.org/dhm/clergy/christian- required. An M Div. is the UCC (United Church vocation-search-call/ (Disciples of Note: These guidelines vary slightly by region standard level of of Christ) are Christ) □ Field experience in preparation. considered General Region: (denomination) 1. The candidate must enter into an “under care” local churches during Additional ordained ministerial Warren Lynn, relationship with their regional Disciples of Christ seminary is highly courses in partners in a full- Executive Minister for Christian Minister. A seminarian who is not part of a local desirable and helpful denominational communion Vocations congregation may choose to contact the regional for placement. Field history and polity relationship. Such 317-713-2652 minister to learn more about the Disciples and begin the education need not will be required. can find jobs at process. If the candidate has grown up in a Disciples be with a Disciples Seminarians who Disciples churches. Northeast Region environment, they may already be “under care.” church, although that are “under care” Those from other The Rev. Mary-Ann Glover 2. Once the under care relationship has been established, is ideal. may be eligible denominations 440-371-2913 the candidate must enroll in seminary and pursue an M for scholarships must enter into a [email protected] Div. degree. The degree must be gained from an ATS- from the General conversation with accredited school. Region. their regional 3. If the candidate is not already under care, and not minister. Their already involved in a local Disciples church, seminary is previous ordination an ideal time to begin to do field ministry with the will be recognized Disciples and to get connected to a local congregation after an which will serve to sponsor them for ordination. abbreviated 4. As they near graduation the regional commission will preparation evaluate them, interview them, and decide whether or process, and they not to approve the ordination. This will include a series will become official of recommendations and background checks. Disciples members 5. Pending approval, a time and schedule for the ordination and ministers. would be recorded, and the candidate would be ordained. 6. Becoming ordained does not mean one has a call to a local congregation. Those who have been ordained, or are nearing that point, are entered into the Disciples’ placement system, known as “Search and Call.” The General Region disperses the ordained candidate’s resume to churches around the nation looking for a pastor. 7. Interested local congregations contact the ordained candidates to discuss potential hire. This process may take 6 months or longer, depending on the circumstances. 8. In order to qualify to remain in Search and Call, the minister must remain “in standing.” Remaining “in standing” involves remaining active in ministry, and may require annual re-application or verification.

Christian Time Frame: Field Education: Education Reciprocity: http://www.thecmechurch.org Methodist Left message 7/21/15 Requirements: Executive Secretary: There are 4 CME Dr. Jeanette L. Bouknight Episcopal Church related colleges, 313-861-1274 (association) Lane College cmeexecutivesecretary3@yaho (Jackson, TN), o.com Miles College (Birmingham, AL), Paine College (Augusta, GA) and Texas College (Tyler, TX). There is also a CME sponsored seminary: Phillips School of Theology, which is an affiliate member of the Interdenominatio nal Theological Center (Atlanta, GA). Time Frame: 2-3 years, depending on when the candidate initiates Field Education: Education Reciprocity: Director of Candidacy Christian the 24-month mentoring process. A 24-month period of Requirements: Ordained ministers Rev. David Koll guided mentoring The preferred of other [email protected] Reformed (CRC) Steps: under an assigned route for denominations can 616-241-1691 (denomination) 1. The candidate must pursue an M Div. which includes CRC pastor is ordination is an pursue placement exposure to both biblical languages. Preferably this M prerequisite to M Div. degree in CRC Rev. Knoll is happy to field Div. would be obtained at Calvin Theological Seminary. becoming eligible for from Calvin congregations, but questions from students who 2. The candidate must become involved with a local CRC ordination. Theological they are always at a are inquiring. church, and through this involvement express interest to Seminary. disadvantage the pastor about becoming a candidate. □ 600 hours of field because the CRC 3. The candidate, with the pastor’s recommendation, can ministry, preferably □ M Div. always calls approach the regional office concerning their interest in in a CRC context, are Graduates from ordained CRC candidacy. If approved by the regional candidacy also required. Ideally, other seminaries candidates first. committee, the candidate will be assigned a CRC mentor, this can be must enroll in the which may be the local pastor. integrated into Ecclesiastical □ Ordained 4. The candidate must meet monthly with his assigned seminary Program for ministers from mentor for a 24-month period. requirements and Ministerial other 5. The candidate will continue seminary studies and field unfold under the Candidacy (EPMC) denominations can ministry, remaining in monthly contact with his CRC guidance of the CRC which will require enroll in the 5 mentor throughout. This ministry should be discharged mentor. 5 classes, a total Calvin Seminary in a CRC context. of 11 hours of classes and initiate 6. At the 12 month and 24 month mark, the candidate will residential or the 24-month be interviewed by the candidacy committee in order to distance mentoring process, check on their progress. coursework in at the end of which 7. As the 24-Month mark is approached, the candidate will CRC history, they will be eligible be prepared for the annual June synod. At the synod the polity, for transfer/re- candidate’s candidacy (i.e. eligibility for ordination and hermeneutics, ordination with the placement) will be declared. and CRC and will have 8. The candidate must decide to become a member of the creeds/confessio better placement CRC no later than 6 months before June Synod. One year ns. These Calvin odds is preferable. But the CRC understands and values the classes may be process of discernment, and so encourages the taken “distance” □ Alternatively, candidate to be certain before joining. during the ordained ministers 9. The candidate will undergo an ordination examination. candidate’s M from other 10. Upon successful completion of the above, the candidate Div., - either as denominations who is ready to be ordained. electives or wish to be substituting for entrepreneurial classes in the may plant churches other seminary’s under the aegis of core. the CRC. Such pastors are not □ A student must required to fulfill all have six credit of the seminary hours each of requirements or all Biblical Hebrew of the mentoring and Greek, as requirements. well as one However, they are additional class on their own for each language financially. applying it to the Biblical text. Otherwise they must take the requisite courses at Calvin College or Seminary. □ Those who acquire an M Div. yet do not have an undergraduate degree in the liberal arts will be required to consult the CRC to determine a personal learning plan to make up for the lack of exposure.

Time Frame: 4-5 years, depending on the development and Field Education: Education Reciprocity: A http://www.cogic.org Church of God in maturity of the candidate. While he’s a licensed Requirements: pastor from Church Of God In Christ World minister, the Having received another Headquarters Christ Steps: candidate’s local his license, the denomination 930 Mason Street (denomination) 1. A sense of the call. Candidate must confess that the he is pastor will be taking COGIC does not would be required Memphis, TN 38126 deeply impressed that the Lord has called him to him through field require the to go through the 901-947-9300 ministry. This sense of call must unfold in the context of education training candidate to go Bible college Fax: 901-947-9327 his local COGIC congregation. anyway, so if the to seminary for training as well as Bishop Dr. David Allen Hall, 2. This being confirmed, the candidate is placed under the candidate times it an M Div., though the 11-unit 901-775-1909 charge and care of his local pastor. This is referred to as right, his seminary they are welcome segment the unlicensed period, during which the local pastor requirements and to pursue such administered by the trains him personally in the context of the local church. COGIC obligations education should board of ordination At least 2 years are recommended for this phase. could overlap. In any they desire it. (with a special 3. The candidate will then will qualify for a license that the case, whatever field emphasis on COGIC area bishop will give. Ministry is to occur primarily at his ministry is pursued □ Regardless of doctrine, polity, and local church, but he also has to be attuned to whatever would have to take whether the history, on which the area churches are doing. This includes attending place in a COGIC candidate he would be District meetings, and serving. This period lasts at least context. pursues an M Div. examined to ensure two years. The candidate must make an annual report of at an accredited he understands his his license and remain in good standing. □ CPE is not school, they will new environment). 4. Having received a license, the candidate is encouraged required, although it be required to He would be to go to the area Bible college to take specific COGIC would be seen as a take courses at required to join the courses. Even if the student has gone to a seminary or benefit. The practical the COGIC area upcoming chooses to attend a seminary, he will still have to take ministerial training Bible College, as ordination class these area Bible college classes at some point in his required by the well as go cohort. process of ordination. board of ordination through the 11- 5. The local pastor, should he be satisfied with the includes a hospital unit series of □ The COGIC candidate’s progress at the Bible college, will contact the visitation unit, courses before believes in the bishop and request an application for ordination on though that unit the board of apostolic laying on behalf of the candidate. would be far less ordination of hands, and 6. Should his application be accepted, the candidate is extensive than a CPE therefore does not referred to the area ordination board. The area experience. re-ordain men who ordination board then becomes responsible for have been ordained preparing the candidate for practical ministry and for the as Christian ordination exam. This period typically lasts about one ministers in another year, where the candidate will take an 11-unit denomination. curriculum of courses on doctrine, polity, protocol, NT However, the and OT, counseling, and women in ministry. candidate would 7. As part of these 11 units, the candidate will be actively need to surrender involved in the performance of weddings, pastoral his license and counseling, hospital visitation, communion, and a variety ordination from the of other ministerial tasks. The aim of the preparation is other reinforcement and modeling in preparation for a lifetime denomination. of competency in ministry. 8. When the board is satisfied with the candidate’s formation, they will recommend him as ready to take the ordination exam. 9. Should the candidate pass the ordination exam, the chairman of the board of ordination will recommend him to the bishop as ready for ordination. 10. Should the bishop concur, the candidate will be moved toward ordination, which will occur on the regional level. 11. The candidate will be placed on the general recommendation list, and the bishop will have the general secretary place his name on the licensing list. The candidate will be given his ministerial number (for life), and receive a license enabling him to receive calls. 12. However, this license can be taken from him, and his number retired, if need be. The most common cause of loss of license is clergy misconduct. In such an instance the bishop retains the right and power to put him away. Time Frame: Generally 3-5 years. The more education a candidate Field Education: Education Reciprocity: www.cggc.org has, and the longer they have already been involved in the For a candidate Requirements: Pastors ordained or Eastern Regional Conference Churches of God, the less time it takes (there is a 3-year minimum getting an M Div., M Div. – but in licensed in 900 South Arlington Ave. - Churches of God, membership prerequisite for taking the final ordination three units of field the case of mid- denominations Room 120 B Harrisburg, PA Gen. Conf. examination). experience during his career calls to which are 17109 (CGGC) degree are required. ministry, an MA theologically 717-652-0255 (denomination) Steps: in Theological compatible with the [email protected] 1. In the local church the pastor may identify someone they □ CPE is not Studies or Church CGGC would be [email protected] feel has a call on their lives. A candidate may also required, but Development recognized with a approach the CGGC from outside (including seminary welcomed. may suffice. 3-year “transitional Note: If someone is a member students looking for a new denomination in which to license,” after of a CGGC church in the minister). It may also be a matter of knowing someone □ Before ordination which they would Eastern Region, and they who is involved in a CGGC church and getting a referral. one year of full-time be sit for an oral discern a call to ministry, the 2. Candidate will submit their conversion story and sense ministry experience ordination exam, CGGC offers 50% tuition of call to ministry to the regional office. They will also be is required, which and be eligible for support while they’re going required to undergo a psychological profile. can occur while a ordination. To through school, and once they 3. The preferred mode is for the candidate to seek a student or after accept ordination start serving, pays off the rest bachelor’s degree and an M Div. graduation. with the Churches if bit by bit over the following a. Exceptions are made if they’re 35 or older, or God the candidate years. Potentially the are changing careers later in life. In this case is required to candidate could receive their the CGGC approves MA’s in Theological relinquish their old theological education for free. Studies or Church Development. affiliation and b. In the case of second career candidates ordination with without a bachelor’s, the CGGC offers a non- their previous body. accredited 4-year pastoral training institute. 4. Once the person has completed 50% of their degree, □ “Compatible” they are eligible to complete a licensing exam, after denominations may which they are eligible to pastor a CGGC church. include the various 5. Once they finish the Master’s degree, and have Brethren churches, completed one full year of full-time ministry experience, United Methodist, they are eligible to sit for a comprehensive ordination and Presbyterian exam. Passing this exam qualifies them for ordination. (because although we are Arminian we Note: If a seminarian late into their studies wants to join and are Presbyterian in pastor with the CGGC, they will be allowed to do so. In this case polity). we would send them to a small congregation, where they would minister in the field in cooperation with a mentoring senior minister. They would then take a licensing exam after which they would remain there with their mentor until the 3 year membership requirement is fulfilled and they could take the final ordination exam.

Time Frame: About 2 years, depending on the candidate. Field Education: Education Reciprocity: NE Region: Church of God of Field ministry unfolds Requirements: Reciprocity is Cervin McKinnon Steps: under the Those who possible. New York Prophecy 1. The candidate begins as part of the community of a local supervision of the become lay Candidates’ 518-489-0753 (denomination) COGP congregation. Here he discovers his gifts in local pastor, who ministers must credentials, [email protected] ministry. takes the lay minister enroll in a education, etc. 2. In consultation with the local pastor, the candidate under his wing. It is foundations would be reviewed International Office decides to serve as a lay minister in the context of his entirely compatible course which by the regional 3720 Keith Street NW local congregation. with seminary field incorporates office. Cleveland, TN 37320 3. Having heard the recommendation of the pastor and the ministry history, polity, 423-559-5100 testimony of the candidate, the local congregation must requirements, and is and theology □ In many cases the [email protected] give its overwhelming approval to the candidate. Should meant to incorporate pertinent to the candidate’s former this approval be given, the candidate will rise to the level visitation, prison COGP. This credentials, of lay minister. ministry, and a wide course, which is education, etc. can 4. As a lay minister, the candidate is given ministry variety of other done be transferred into responsibilities in the local community. This is a one-year church ministries. independently, is the COGP, thus trial period where the candidate is mentored by the comprised of four waiving the pastor. □ CPE is not classes. foundations course 5. While serving as a lay minister, he/she must also take required, but would (although the four “Foundations” courses with the COGP - certainly be □ Formal course in polity independent studies which cover various areas, and respected. theological would remain a centrally a course on church history and one on COGP education at the requirement). polity and procedure. seminary level is 6. After this year the candidate meets with the ministerial not required, nor □ If the minister is a review board to discuss their calling to ministry, is high school or current pastor of a qualifications, Biblical and theological questions, college education non-COGP inquiries about their personal life, and financial required. congregation, they stewardship. However, high would work in 7. Once approved the candidate would be asked to fill out school, college, conjunction with an an application form for ministry. This application form and graduate experienced COGP would be sent from the regional to the national to the level training in minister and the international level. ministry and COGP district a. In the meantime, the candidate’s theology is highly overseers, who responsibilities would continue to expand, and encouraged would help him and they will be expected to preach, lead Bible amongst younger his church to get to studies, and make visits with their local pastor. ministers these know the COGP 8. Once approved on these levels a license would be days, as is system. issued, with an ordination service scheduled to take continuing place at the local church. The candidate would then education for □ If the minister is become a licensed, ordained COGP minister. current ministers. currently not a. At this point recommendations for further pastoring a theological education/training (including □ A candidate for congregation, then seminary) would be communicated to the ministry could the COGP would candidate/minister. receive his need to get to seminary training know him through Note: The COGP has a significant Latino demographic in North before he is involvement in a America, as well a strong presence in Central America and parts of ordained or after. local COGP church French Speaking Africa (among other places). However, despite There is no clear where his story, local cultural adaptations, this basic procedure for ministry cut requirement. beliefs, character, discernment and ordination is standardized amongst all of them. and calling would be confirmed. Then he could enter the ordination process, transfer credentials, and work alongside a senior COGP minister to determine whether the COGP is a good fit. Time Frame: Field Education: Education Ask for Pete Kontra, District Requirements: Executive

Church of the Called, left message for Craig Smith NE District Brethren Linda Williams (denomination) 500 E. Cedar St. Elizabethtown, PA 717-367-4730 [email protected] www.brethren.org Time Frame: Can range from 3-10 years depending on the training, Field Education: Education Reciprocity: Yes, Church of the maturity, and readiness of the candidate. No specific guidelines Requirements: but if the person Gerald (Gerry) Whetstone for field education M Div. – although plans to minister District Secretary Nazarene Steps: except that it needs the candidate will for more than a N.E District Church of the (denomination) 1. Local License: Once a person senses a call to vocational to be in a distinctly also need to year, they need to Nazarene ministry, they approach their local church board and ministry-related role complete pursue getting their through their pastor request a local (lay) minister’s and involve additional credentials 617.417.1013 license. engagement in and coursework “recognized” by the 2. At this point, if not before, they are expected to engage understanding of studying the church of the Rev. Mr. Kim Richardson in active ministry in their local context. some level of church holiness tradition, Nazarene. This Beverly Church of the Nazarene 3. The candidate is registered with the district board of leadership. We Nazarene history would involve 978-927-2314 ministry as desiring to begin their studies, and need to understand it is part and polity, and coursework on have to have certain number of courses (6) completed of the seminary the theology of “a Nazarene polity and before they go to the next step. experience, as well second work of theology. 4. District License: After holding a local license for a year, as part of our 3-year grace.” the candidate can apply to the district for a district process. □ Membership minister’s license. The church board, the local pastor and would also need to church leadership have to recommend at this stage. be moved into the 5. The candidate interviews before a board of ministry. denomination and The board votes on whether to recommend that person other ordination for a district license to the district assembly. The district relinquished. assembly then meets to hear the reports, and once affirmed, the candidate receives a district license □ Those who are (renewable yearly). ordained Nazarenes 6. Once into the course of study, they have 10 years to yet desire to work complete their studies and the praxis requirements. in other church or They are now also eligible to pastor a church, and are parachurch considered a “Rev.” in Nazarene thinking. contexts (as long as 7. Ordination: Three consecutive years of full-time pastoral the other doesn’t ministry are required prior to being able to apply for or require them to request ordination. become a member 8. The candidate interviews more extensively with the of their church) can board of ministry. If successful, they recommend the maintain their candidate to the district assembly, which elects to ordain Nazarene them. The General Superintendent, who presides over membership and the district assembly, gives final approval. Candidate will ordination. This then be ordained at the district assembly. permission has to be renewed every Note: One can be ordained as an Elder, (referred to as either Rev. year. or Pastor) or as a Deacon. The distinguishing factor is whether their call includes a special call to preach and proclaim the gospel.

Time Frame: Field Education: Education Reciprocity: http://church-of-christ.org Churches of Christ Requirements: Northshore church of Christ Called and left a message P.O. Box 153 (association) 352 Andover Street Danvers, Massachusetts 01923 United States 978-777-1800 [email protected]

Time Frame: CBAmerica does not ordain individuals; rather, their Field Education: Education Reciprocity: Mission Northeast: Conservative conviction is that biblically it is a process of the local church. You need to be Requirements: Candidates Rev. Stan Rieb, ordained by a church Seminary degree ordained or from National Facilitator Baptist Steps: that knows you. Not necessarily any evangelical 3686 Stagecoach Rd Unit F “CBAmerica” 1. License to Preach must be obtained based on the needed but background may Longmont, CO 80504 recommendation of their local church. Candidate must be CBA is a military valued or apply, but they 720-283-3030 (CBA) licensed for a minimum of one year before applying for chaplain endorser for preferred. must meet an missionnortheast.org (association) ordination people with biblical, individual 2. Ordination: Complete required documentation: Church evangelical beliefs. congregation’s Recommendation Form, Ordination Information Form, and position Doctrinal Paper. Copies must be sent to members of the pre- Each region has own requirements. ordination committee. The candidate will need to name a statement of faith & Churches in the mentor in preparation of doctrinal paper. how they handle association must 3. Upon acceptance of all materials an interview will be placement. There is a agree with the arranged with the pre-ordination committee. The meeting covenant doctrinal statement consists of: reading statement of conversion, baptism, and relationship between for their region, call to ministry. Committee determines of candidate has clear churches & regions. which in turn and verifiable call to pastoral ministry. agrees with the 4. Candidate must show enthusiasm by participating in monthly national doctrinal area fellowships, attend other ordination councils, annual statement. meeting, and shared denomination meetings. He is granted (Regions and/or ordination on basis of what he is, and not on what he will churches’ become. statements may be 5. Candidate may also be asked to complete a doctrinal paper narrower, but not for ordination council. broader)..

Time Frame: Field Education: Education Reciprocity: The Charis Fellowship As the churches are autonomous, pastors are ordained by their Requirements: issue of reciprocity http://charisfellowship.us/ local church. The best way to get information on ordination is to depends on the Jack Brown, pastor & GROW (Formerly contact your local church and pastor. The general requirement for decision of the local New England rep. “Fellowship of ordination is to a four-step process. church. Elders North Shore Bible Church Grace Brethren ordained in other Essex, MA Churches”) Step 1: The local church must submit a written request to the denominations are [email protected] (denomination) fellowship alerting them of the candidate’s interest in ordination eligible to undergo examination. Step 2: Submit a pre-exam candidate application

Step 3: Complete the written exam. Exam topics include: range of Bible doctrines, Grace Brethren practices, current theological trends

Step 4: Complete the oral exam: Candidates will be tested on the outline of the Statement of Faith agreed upon by the fellowship of churches.

Time Frame: Ultimately up to the local church. On average, it takes Field Education: Education Reciprocity: www.ccccusa.org Northeast Conservative a minimum of 1 year to go through the licensure process, have the There is no specific Requirements: Anyone ordained in Regional Minister: interview, and be cleared for ordination. field education or Either a diploma an evangelical Rev. Terry Shanahan Congregational CPE required. CCCC is from a Bible denomination can [email protected] Christian The local church is responsible for ordination. However, local only concerned if the institute, formal inquire into the 603-964-8500 Conference churches must follow the ordination guidelines set by the CCCC. candidate has education, or transferring of (CCCC) received a call to Christian service. credentials. (denomination) Steps: ministry. A seminary Permission is 1. Ministerial credentials begin with Student under Membership or degree is granted on a case Conference Care. For GCTS students: interested applicants regular attendance in desirable. by case basis. can become involved in the CCCC by being provided a local CCCC church, mentor. They can also attend the Denominational Standard however, is required. Course on campus. 2. Once having received a specific call to ministry the licensure process may begin. It is recommended that the candidate be licensed for at least one year. 3. After a minimum of a year of licensure, it is the local church’s decision to approve the ordination for the candidate. Once approved, a Vicinage Council of local CCCC pastors examine the candidate. Upon successful examination, the candidate is recommended to the local church. Upon acceptance by the local church, the candidate can be ordained. Time Frame: Ultimately up to the local church. On the average it Field Education: Education Reciprocity: www.convergeworldwide.org Converge takes 3 months to go through the district leadership, have the There are no Requirements: Anyone ordained in Northeast District interview and be cleared for ordination by the church (below). centralized field A Seminary an “evangelical” www.convergenortheast.org (formerly Baptist education degree is not denomination (i.e. a Executive Minister: General Steps: requirements from required by the denomination Dr. Brent Allen Conference) the denomination, denomination. which upholds 330-506-6639 (cell) but individual Education Converge’s Admin: (denomination) 1. Membership or regular attendance in a local Converge churches may requirements are doctrinal stance, Lori Allen church is required. require a particular up to each explicated in their [email protected] 2. The church votes for a candidate to be put forth for amount of individual 12 theological 860-325-0495 ordination, and the regional Converge leadership is experience. congregation. distinctives: P.O. Box 567 informed. (http://convergeno Granby, CT 06035 3. The Converge region leadership responds by sending the rtheast.org/?page_i ordination handbook to the candidate and to the church. d=31) can inquire 4. The candidate reserves an interview time with the into or apply for Converge leadership. any pastoral 5. The candidate prepares and sends doctrinal statement. position that is 6. The Converge region distributes doctrinal statement to open in a Converge their review committee. church. 7. The committee reviews the candidate’s information,

interviews the candidate and advises the Executive □ An individual Minister of their decision whether or not to approve the meeting would be candidate to become ordained. required to 8. The Executive Minister contacts the church and the determine the candidate with the recommendation. eligibility of 9. The church acts to ordain the proposed candidate. candidates coming out of denominations who do not uphold some or all of these distinctives.

Cumberland Time Frame: Field Education: Education Reciprocity: Chuck Brown Presbyterian Requirements: Team Leader for the Pastoral Steps: Development Ministry Team Church 901-276-4572 ex. 235 (denomination) [email protected] Elizabeth in General Assembly Ofc: LM 10:45 7/22/15 www.cumberland.org

http://www.cumberland.org The Program of Alternate Studies (PAS) is a non-degree certificate World HQ: program given oversight by the Board of Trustees of Memphis Cumberland Presbyterian Theological Seminary. It is an alternate route to ordination Center, 8207 Traditional Place, designed to accommodate those who possess significant gifts for Cordova, TN 38016 ministry, yet whose circumstances hinder them from completing 901-276-4572 the regular course of study in a graduate school of theology. It is Fax: 901-276-3913 intended to enable the women and men who are called by God to assembly @cumberland.org succeed in ministry to the limits of their capability. Dr. Michael Qualls, Dir. of Alternate Studies 901-239-5674 [email protected] u

Time Frame: A five-year process involving a progression from Field Education: Education Reciprocity: http://ecusa.anglican.org Episcopal Church inquirer, nominee, postulant, candidate, to deacon, and finally CPE is a required Requirements: Ministers from www.diomass.org priest. component of M Div. Students other Diocese of Massachusetts: (ECUSA) training during the who attend non- denominations 138 Tremont St., Boston 02111 (denomination) 1. Year one: Inquirer status. After filling out a commitment Postulancy phase. episcopal seeking to become 617-482-4825 form and interviewing with the Discernment Committee seminaries are episcopal priests in the Spring, the Inquirer will, come Fall, be nominated □ Field education is required to tailor must go through The Rev. Canon as a Nominee. required in an their electives the same process of Edie Dolnikowski 2. The Nominee, in the Summer and Fall of that year, will Episcopal context. toward congregational Canon for Ordained Vocations fill out an application to the Postulancy. Those accepted This is expected to be coursework discernment [email protected] will be interviewed in December, and notified in January. done in tandem with which is relevant (Inquirer), ext. 514 3. The Postulancy officially begins June of the second year. seminary field to the episcopal recommendation to Edie is happy to field questions At this time the Postulant is to begin their Clinical education context and Holy Orders from seminarians during the Pastoral Education and Field Education. September of requirements, and is ordination exam, (Nominee), and initial stage of their inquiry into that year they are to begin Seminary or Diaconate part of the e.g. liturgics, ministry formation Episcopal ordination. training. discernment process. prayer book, (Postulancy) and 4. In September of the third year, the postulate is to apply polity, English Candidacy as any for the Candidacy. Those accepted will be notified in □ Regardless of how Reformation other nominee. December. much theological history, and so 5. Candidacy interviews commence in January of the fourth education a on. □ Such clergy who year, and Candidates are notified of their acceptance in prospective make it to the February. candidate enters the □ It is highly candidacy stage 6. In the Spring of the fifth year, the Candidate completes ordination process recommended then undergo a general ordination or diaconate exams. They then apply with, they are that students at different process: for the diaconate. They are notified in April of their required to undergo non-episcopal clergy who have acceptance, and complete seminary/diaconate training a minimum of 18 schools seek out been ordained in in May. months of ministry an episcopal churches which are 7. June of the fifth year Candidates are ordained as formation under the advisor who can connected to Deacons. In September they must apply for ordination to observation of the coach them historic apostolic the priesthood. In November they are notified of their bishop. through their succession will be acceptance. learning needs. “received” into the 8. January of the sixth year they are ordained to the Individual priesthood. Those Priesthood. learning plans can who have not must be constructed to first be “ordained” Note: Each step involves filling out an application, interviewing, meet ministry into the transitional and the obligation to attend retreats, take seminary classes, or and ordination diaconate and then participate in field ministry opportunities. exam into the priesthood. requirements. The five-year process can unfold more flexibly in some cases than others. For example, the first year is essentially participating in the □ There are also life of a congregation which affirms your gifts. Those who come to required seminary may already be past the inquirer and nominee stage and certificate may be entering the Postulancy. Depending on the candidate’s courses in anti- experience, maturity, and preparedness, more or less time for racism, Safe formation may be required in the transition between postulant Church, and and candidate. The process is tailored to the needs of the Church Discipline. individual. Time Frame: 1-3 Years depending on education, experience, and Field Education: Education Reciprocity: There Central Office: Evangelical vocational status. The shape of field Requirements: are a number of 410-425 Lincoln Road education depends Candidates must groups with which Waterloo, Ontario Christian Church Steps: on the objectives of have at least a they associate: e.g. N2J 2N9 in Canada 1. The candidate does not need to already be a member of those who are college degree or Baptists, 519-880-9110 (ECCC) the ECCC. However, the candidate must have been applying. There are a Christian Pentecostals, etc. Bishop: Dr. D. Lavigne (denomination or involved in a church community of some kind for 2-3 generally two types college degree. www.cecconline.net association) years, and must have completed, or be in the process of of applicants: Candidates are □ If the candidate completing, education and training commensurate with seminarians and strongly was previously the type of employment, ministry, and specialty to which those from other encouraged to ordained, a form is they feel called. backgrounds. continue their sent to their 2. The candidate must visit the ECCC website, read education to at association/denomi ordination requirements, and fill out an application: □ On top of least the master’s nation with various http://www.eccincanada.com/Ordination seminary, candidates level. The type of questions, to make 3. Application results are processed by the project are expected to master’s depends sure that the right coordinator, who contacts the candidate to consider participate in some on their field, e.g. information is being next steps. field or co-op work, divinity, theology, received from 4. Moving forward, a criminal background check is with organizations church history, or them. If a required. relevant to goals, so mission. satisfactory answer 5. The candidate must supply a series of confidential they will have a good is not received, e.g. references. As part of these they want to see 2-3 years idea of what they’re □ All degrees are they were of participation in a church community to which they getting into. important to the considered a have committed their lives (does not have to be an ECCC association. They problem, they will church). □ They seek to guide see a changing not be accepted; 6. The candidate must undergo psychological testing. seminary inquirers society in which otherwise their 7. The credentials committee examines the information through the it’s no longer just credentials can be and prepares to interview the candidate. ordination process. about the transferred to 8. The credentials Committee interview is comprehensive. This is more easily pastorate. The ECCC. Focus is the candidate’s psychological and spiritual done if they already ECCC has health and learning about their experiences, particularly have their degree professors in □ Credentials will what they have done in ministry. The goal is to and co-op experience various not be transferred determine whether they fit into the area that they want (or are on their way universities, from certain to be going into. This can take from 3-6 months. and gaining counselors, organizations which 9. One approved by the committee the process of increasing focus in missionary are not considered ordination proper begins. They work with the people their experience and medical doctors, credible. who have been key in this person’s life, e.g. past goals). They are and marketplace churches, pastors, and people in their lives. It is much more willing to ministers. important that the candidate remain connected to them work with candidates as he enters into ministry. who are prepared in 10. Regional meetings are held every quarter. The regional this way. office will take the initiative to supervise and arrange the candidate’s ordination. The decision to ordain is eventually handed over to the district superintendent, who works with the committee. 11. After ordination, the district superintendent will still work with the candidate, but will also remain in touch with the communities the candidate is ministering among, to ensure the transition goes smoothly.

Note: The ECCC only grants ordination to those who have found a position, placement, or ministry or are already active in that ministry. To those who have not yet gained a position, the best they can obtain is a temporary ordination to allow them to gain a position. But this would have to be renewed annually, and the candidate would need to remain in monthly communication with the region as to their progress and status in ministry.

Time Frame: On average, it takes 4 years to go through the Field Education: Degree Reciprocity: Anyone East Coast Conference Evangelical ordination process. This is counting the residency requirement. It Must complete two Requirements: ordained in an Superintendent is recommended that students start their ordination process while years of full-time Must have a evangelical Rev. Howard Burgoyne, Assoc. Covenant (ECC) in seminary. ministry and be in a master of divinity denomination can Supt. (denomination) mentoring degree from an inquire into the [email protected] There are multiple ordination ministry opportunities. Outlined relationship ATS accredited transfer of 52 Missionary Road here is the Ordination to Word and Sacrament process. approved by the seminary. Must ordination. The ECC Cromwell, CT 06416 Board of Ordered complete a year determines the 860-635-2691 Steps: Ministry. of residency at transfer of www.covchurch.org 1) For candidates who have not graduated from North Park Membership or North Park ordination based on Theological Seminary or Centro Hispano de Estudios regular attendance in Theological three criteria: 1) Teologicos (CHET), must enroll in the two year Covenant a local ECC church is Seminary. pastor’s current Orientation program. required. credentials 2) 2) As their program completion date approaches, candidate’s candidates must alert the Ordered Ministry of their understanding of potential completion date. his/her calling 3) 3) The candidate will receive a letter from the Ordered educational Ministry either guiding the candidate to finalize the last background. year of preparation or to postpone the ordination process. 4) Candidates will submit by September 1 in the last year of their program the following documents to the conference office: • Application for appropriate credential • Final comprehensive paper • Evaluation by local church leadership • Example of proclamation 5) Once obtaining thier degree, candidates must complete two years of post-degree ministry experience. 6) The following can be done during the post-degree ministry experience: • Complete an interview with the Conference Committee on Ministerial Standing • Complete an interview with the Board of the Ordered Ministry at the Midwinter Conference • Receive approval at the Conference Annual Meeting • Receive final recommendation of the Covenant Ministerium and the Covenant Annual Meeting 7) Once all steps are complete, the candidate will be ordained at the Service of Ordination, Commissioning, and Consecration at the Covenant Annual Meeting. Time Frame: Three years, beginning with being employed by an Field Education: Education Reciprocity: Contact: Evangelical Free EFCA church. No particular field Requirements: Anyone from Dr. Ves Sheely, New England education An MDiv is another District Supt. Church (EFCA) Steps: requirements are desirable but not denomination who [email protected] (denomination) 1. First, apply for a vocational ministerial license by calling needed, apart from required to seek without mental 860-674-9541 the nearest district office. (This license is renewable every what would be credentialing. reservation can 860-778-1223, five years, if the person decides they do not want to go required in a Ordination is now ascribe to the EFCA http://www.efcneda.org/ forward into formal ordination.) student’s given as much Statement of Faith * They have a Gateway Program for credentialing for degree program. knowledge-based may apply for open For more information and non-traditional and non-English speaking pastoral Ordination process as education- positions. Once forms go to: aspirants. begins only once based. If a they are hired they http://go.efca.org/ministry- * As a complementarian denomination, the highest employed. seminary student should apply for a contacts/credentialing credentialing a woman can receive is the Certificate is interested in Transfer of of begin ordained Ordination. (They Christian Ministry. with the EFCA will be asked to 2. After three years of employment in an EFCA church the they should supply papers & pastor/employee may apply for ordination. They will then contact the local minutes from past sit before an Ordination Council made up of pastors & lay District ordination & fill in leaders where they must respond in-depth to the EFCA Superintendent any theological Statement of Faith. There is no written ordination exam. for support and gaps, as needed.) guidance. Time Frame: About five years for a student who would go to Field Education: Education Reciprocity: http://www.elca.org Evangelical GCTS, and four years for a student going to an ELCA seminary. Field Ed. should be Requirements: None except for New England Synod: For a GCTS student the five years would consist of 3 academic done in be done in In most cases, the those that they are http://www.nesynod.org/ Lutheran (ELCA) years plus 1 year (the “Lutheran Year”) at a Lutheran Seminary an ELCA church. MDiv. is required. in full communion Associate to Bishop; over (denomination) plus one year of a full-time internship in an ELCA church. There are three such The only with: The Episcopal Candidacy: churches within good exceptions are for Church (ECUSA), The two seminaries closest to New England are Lutheran range of GCTS: in people of color, United Methodist Office: 20 Upland St. Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, PA and Lutheran Theological North Andover, non-English (UMC), Worcester, MA 01607 Seminary in Gettysburg, PA. Marblehead and speaking Presbyterian 508-791-1530 Lynn. candidates, those (PCUSA), United Fax: 508-797-9295 The candidacy process ideally begins before seminary and ends of a certain age, Church of Christ Send an Email: Click to Send with approval for ordination in the fall after their last yr. of or those of an (UCC), Reformed Rev. Ted Asta, seminary. Ordination doesn’t actually occur until the person indigenous Church in America Bishop; James Hazelwood receives a call to a specific church (i.e. is hired). community – for (RCA), & Moravian. which there is a Pastors applying for Steps: special, and accepting a call alternative in an ELCA church 1. The student must already have been in touch or program . may still remain on immediately get in touch with the synod where they are their located (at GCTS this would be the New England district; denomination’s see Contact). roster but may also 2. They will then be connected with a Candidacy change (i.e. Committee within the synod. They will then be entered transfer) their into candidacy and meet for formation. (If they attend ordination to ELCA. one of the 8 Lutheran seminaries this will automatically be part of the process.) 3. At a non-Lutheran seminary like GCTS the synod will also want to work with student candidates during seminary to make sure that their courses will work for the ELCA requirements. Time Frame: Field Education: Education Reciprocity: National Headquarters: Evangelical Requirements: Pastors ordained by 6838 South Gray Road, Steps: other Indianapolis, Indiana 46237 Methodist The Board of Ministerial Education will create an denominations may 317-780-8017 (denomination) appropriate and comprehensive curriculum to be hired, but will Fax: 317-780-8078 need to agree to http://emchurch.org facilitate the process of persons toward ordination, Evangelical consecration, and ministerial service in the Evangelical Methodist doctrine Methodist Church, and, provide opportunities for and change their continuing education. ordination to EM. The Course of Study is not a substitute for a college or seminary education. In fact, that is the preferred path toward ordination. There are two paths of study in the Course of Study. One is the granting of ministerial orders for becoming an Elder in full connection with the Conference followed by ordination. The second is the Deacon & Deaconess path for consecration into the service ministry of the Evangelical Methodist Church (EMC).

The Conference, following the recommendation of the Board of Ministerial Relations and the candidate(s) response to the historic questions asked of every Methodist minister, votes to admit the candidate(s) to the Conference membership as an Elder. Following the granting of Elder’s Orders, the General Church ordains the Elder into the clergy of the Evangelical Methodist Church. Time Frame: Field Education: Education Reciprocity: Those Evangelical Requirements: ordained within http://www.epc.org Steps: Reformed Dr. Tom Petter, GCTS Presbyterian 1) Be a member of an EPC congregation for at least 6 Tradition: 978-646-4243 (EPC) months Dr. Donna Petter, GCTS (denomination) 2) Receive endorsement from session 1) Valid call from 978-646-4117 3) Apply and interview with presbytery committee EPC congregation 4) Undergo presbytery examination and become an or approved approved Candidate Under Care ministry 5) Be under care of presbytery for a minimum of one year 2) Have required 6) Fulfill educational components of Bachelor’s degree and educational Seminary degree, which includes completion of Koine credentials Greek and Hebrew. 3) Have ordination 7) Pass written and oral examinations in Theology, credentials Sacraments & Reformed Tradition, English Bible, the 4) Undergo oral Book of Order, the nature of the office of Minister of examination by Word, Christian experience of saving grace of God in presbytery on Jesus Christ, and progress in spiritual growth. Christian 8) Most importantly, receive an approved call. experience of Look at the materials listed below for examination preparation: saving grace and 1) Westminster Confession (EPC Modern Language Edition) progress in 2) The Shorter Catechism (EPC Modern Language Edition) spiritual growth, 3) The Larger Catechism (EPC Modern Language Version) Theology and 4) EPC Information Packet Sacraments, 5) EPC Book of Order (Westminster Confession & English Bible, Catechisms, Acts of the Assembly, and Service Forms) Book of Order, Candidates are “expected to hold high view of scripture and be Reformed able to ‘receive and adopt the system of doctrine contained in the tradition, and Westminster Confession of Faith and Catechisms of this Church as Nature of the containing the system of doctrine taught in Holy Scripture.’” office of Minister of the Word http://www.epc.org/ministries/ministerial-vocation/qualifications- for-ordination/ Those ordained outside the Reformed Tradition: 1) Valid call from EPC congregation or approved ministry 2) Have required educational credentials 3) Have ordination credentials 4) Undergo written and oral examinations in Theology and Sacraments, English Bible, Book of Order, Reformed tradition, nature of the office of Minister of the Word, and Christian experience of saving grace and progress in spiritual growth. http://www.epc.or g/ministries/mini sterial- vocation/transfer ring-into-the-epc/

Time Frame: Two-three years. Field Education: Education Reciprocity: Northeast Atlantic District: Foursquare Since seminary is not Requirements: Foursquare ministry Rev. Peter Bonanno, District Steps: required, there is no No graduate openings may only Supervisor Gospel 1. Licensure first. The student should first be/become a field ed. degree required, be applied for and 5111 Pegasus Ct., Ste. E. (denomination) member of a Foursquare congregation. When requirement. but is filled by Foursquare Frederick, MD 21704 interested in licensure (and/or eventual ordination) the However, candidates encouraged. credentialed http://www.northeastatlantic. student must ask their pastor to recommend them. should be/become a However, every ministers. Those org 2. After the student meets with an ethics panel their member of a candidate must with other 301-284-0177 application will be forwarded on to the district for Foursquare take at some denominational approval. congregation and point must take credentials would 3. Once approved the student will be sent instructions for have at least two the online need to become taking the online Foursquare Polity Course and will years of meaningful, Foursquare Polity involved in a local review the Licensing Policy Guide with their assigned devoted ministry Course Foursquare church coach. there for asking to be (comparable to for at least 2 years It is at this point that they become a candidate for recommended for one 3-credit and then follow the licensure. licensure or college level process for 4. Candidate meets with an interview panel (3 licensed ordination. course). ordination (steps 6 ministers and their coach) after which a & 7). Their recommendation is made whether to proffer the license. previous ordination 5. Once licensed they should be given an “appointment” – or license would a ministerial designation and role in their church. This then be replaced appointment should be held for at least 2 years (not with Foursquare necessarily full-time). credentials. 6. Ordination next. In May of each year, all pastors are asked to put forward for ordination those whom they believe are ready for ordination (those having served in an appointment for at least 2 years). 7. Once recommended for ordination the application goes before the Foursquare board and if accepted, the candidate will be invited to the Fall District Conference – where they will be ordained by the laying on of hands at an ordination event scheduled there.

Time Frame: Field Education: Education Reciprocity: Pastor Bradley Quick General Assn. of Requirements: Elyria, OH 440-458-5128 Regular Baptists (GARB) (association)

Time Frame: Field Education: Education Reciprocity: Independent Bible Requirements:

Churches (association)

Time Frame: Field Education: Education Reciprocity: Rev. Michael Livingston, International Requirements: Executive Director 21116 Washington Parkway Council of Frankfort, Illinois 60423 Community [email protected] 815-464- Churches 5690 (association) Fax: 815-464-5692 www.icccusa.com International Time Frame: Field Education: Education Reciprocity: www.iffmus.com Fellowship of Requirements:

Faith Ministries (association) Time Frame: Field Education: Education Reciprocity: Timothy Bell, Regional Director Korean Requirements: Shippenville, PA 814-797-2088 Evangelical [email protected] Holiness (denomination)

Korean United Time Frame: Field Education: Education Reciprocity: Methodist Church Requirements:

(KUMC) (denomination) Korean Time Frame: Field Education: Education Reciprocity: Presbyterian Requirements:

Church Abroad (KPCA) (denomination) Time Frame: The ordination process takes about one year. The Field Education: Education Reciprocity: Rev. David Chun, Senior Pastor Korean-American Presbytery meets twice a year in September and March. Many Reciprocity exists Requirements: of Korean Presbyterian Church candidates receive undercare in September, apply to the General between the multiple of Greater Boston, Presbyterian Assembly in March, travel to the General Assembly in May, and branches of the 508-435-4579 (KAPC) are examined and ordained the following September. Presbyterian [email protected] (denomination) Step 1: Request to receive care by Presbytery. denomination. or Rev. David Choe a) Contact Stated Clerk. [email protected] b) Send in application. Field Education c) Travel to Presbytery meeting. Requirement: d) Be interviewed by the Presbytery. Candidate needs 6 months of ministerial Step 2: File application for Pastoral Candidate Exams. training under the a) Complete application. supervision of the b) Complete 4 papers as outlined. Presbytery. c) Send in application fee.

Step 3: Travel to General Assembly. a) Take written exams. b) Deliver sample sermon. c) Be interviewed. (Note: General Assembly location varies. Common locations include Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, New Jersey, and San Francisco. It may also be held internationally.) d) When these exams are completed, the individual will receive a Pastoral Candidate Certificate from the General Assembly.

Step 4: File application to be ordained to the office of pastor. (Note: A minimum of 6 months is required between Steps 1 & 4.) a) Send in required documents to Stated Clerk of Presbytery. b) Travel to Presbytery for exams and interview. c) Ordination by Presbytery.

Time Frame: Field Education: Education Reciprocity: New England District: Lutheran Church There is no definite Requirements: Rev. James Keurulainen The Process on average takes 18 months from the time the requirement for CPE 400 Wilbraham Road Missouri Synod candidate starts assembling their application. (This assumes they or field education. Springfield, MA 01109 (denomination) already have or will soon have an M Div. from Gordon-Conwell) The colloquy [email protected] To be ordained with the LCMS, one must go through the colloquy committee may, http://ned-lcms.org/ process however, 413-783-0131 recommend various Apply. The candidate assembles personal information, types of field recommendations, a background check, and other info and sends education to the this application to the office of the Vice President of the District. candidate should they feel his Committee. The completed application is then is brought before a experience is too regional colloquy committee (which meets 3-4 times per year). limited. The committee then determines what they feel the candidate is missing or areas in which growth will be needed as far as For ministry staff education, field experience, or personal development. This positions, each information is then relayed back to the VP. The VP then writes a congregation can letter of recommendation, signs off, and sends all this to the decide who to hire. national synod. They need not be an ordained LCMS Synod & Colloquy. The national Synod will meet to discuss the pastor. applicant. The Synod Colloquy committee, in conjunction with the President, will then respond to the applicant, stipulating whatever Senior and Associate recommendations or requirements for further development need Pastor positions, to be pursued. They will also set up a 2-hour interview between however, must be the applicant and [if applicable] their spouse and the Synod filled by ordained Colloquy Committee to be held in St. Louis. Following the LCMS. The LCMS interview, the committee will re-affirm their initial response as to Synod has what steps the applicant needs to take next. relationships with various other Vicarage. For most seminary graduates, the committee requires a Lutheran 6 month-2 year vicarage under the supervision of a local pastor as denominations, e.g., well as of the district. Once this vicarage has been completed to Lutheran Church of everyone’s satisfaction, the applicant will receive a certification Canada, Lutheran from the Synod and the seminary. Church of Kenya, and the American Calling & Ordination. An applicant cannot be ordained without Lutheran Church. A first receiving a call to minister to a particular congregation. degree of reciprocity Typically, the vicarage at which they serve is a congregation in or a different need of a pastor. In this case the applicant will be called to ordination track may minister there. If the candidate has completed his vicarage ad be open in these received a call, an ordination date is then set. cases.

Time Frame: 2-3 Years Field Education: Education Reciprocity: Mennonite Conference Center Mennonite □ Field education at Requirements: □ Those who come 215-723-5513 1. The candidate should have already established seminary does not □ While the from other [email protected] (denomination) themselves as part of a local MCUSA community. It is necessarily have to majority of denominations can from their participation in congregational life and service be in a Mennonite Mennonite transition into in lay ministry there that their ministry giftings and context, although ministers have licensing with the calling will initially be discerned. this is desirable. gone through MCUSA. They 2. The candidate’s ministry giftings are discerned by the seminary, this is would be required local congregation. The congregation recommends the □ CPE is not not necessarily a to go through the candidate to the conference in order that they might required, but requirement for same process, begin the ordination process. certainly beneficial. ordination. starting with the 3. The candidate fills out a Ministerial Leadership MLI, and Information form (MLI). This, along with their □ The core progressing to the congregational recommendation, is submitted the educational interview, etc. MCUSA regional conference’s Ministerial Credentialing competencies Committee, which meets quarterly. expected of □ There are some 4. Should the candidate meet with approval, they will Mennonite trainings which may receive a license toward ordination. This license ministers include be required on a associates the candidate with the MCUSA, giving them courses on case to case basis. If access to hospitals and prisons (among other places) as a Anabaptist the candidate is minister. It is renewable every two years. history and already a part of 5. During the licensing period, the candidate is expected to theology, which another faith test and try their ministry giftings in the context of a may or may not tradition, they may local congregation (which may or may not be their be available at a be able to waive original one). This is a time for their call to be confirmed, particular these. However, and for the congregation to support them in the process. seminary. In this some of this 6. Once two years of licensed ministry have elapsed, the case the training is in candidate is then eligible to be considered for candidate would Anabaptist ordination, a decision which would be brought before need to work theology, which the regional Ministerial Credentialing Committee again. with the MC USA would be important 7. Once approved for ordination, the candidate is then able to find means to for an outside to arrange their own ordination service with their local satisfy these candidate to affirm. congregation. Some MCUSA regional conference requirements. ministers will be present at the ordination service, along with a conference representative, and they are presented with an ordination certificate from the conference. (All licensing is handled at the conference level in the Mennonite structure)

Note: • For those who wish to be licensed for ministry without a view to ordination, there is a special license to this effect, and it can be obtained during step 4. Hospital or prison chaplains are a common example of this phenomenon. • Once a candidate has filled out an MLI and received their license toward ordination, they are entered into the Mennonite system and become eligible to answer pastoral calls and apply for pastoral positions in Mennonite churches. Those who are licensed but not yet ordained are eligible to work as pastors in Mennonite churches.

Time Frame: Field Education: Education Reciprocity: Rev. Gary Straughan Moravian Requirements: President of Eastern District 800-732-0591 (denomination) [email protected] or [email protected] www.moravian.org Time Frame: Field Education: Education Reciprocity: New England Region: (directory National Four years on average (includes 3 years of seminary). Seminary students Requirements: An Applicants who of churches) Association of are required to MDiv from an ATS have ministry http://www.stillfaithful.org National Congregational Steps: engage in supervised accredited credentials from Office: 1. Enrollment in ATS accredited seminary. ministry internships, seminary is other Rev. Dr. Michael Chittum, Christian 2. Involvement in local NACCC church (ideally). practicing the skills of typically denominations may Executive Director Churches 3. There are 2 kinds of ordination: ministry under the preferred, but not apply for open 8473 South Howell Ave. (NACCC) i. Local (home church ordained) direction of a field required. Local ministry positions P.O. Box 288 (association) ii. Broad (NACCC vicinage council approved) supervisor and in congregations within NACCC Oak Creek, WI 53154 4. Acceptance of a candidate for ordination rests entirely on cooperation with the have complete churches. Information on ordination & the local NACCC church, particularly for the local field requirements of say on what However, if they credentialing: Marie Steele ordination, but also for the broad ordination. the student’s education or desire to pursue 414-764-1620 5. Broad ordination involves submitting to the NACCC various seminary. other opening through Fax: 414-764-0319 papers and documents, including a paper on one’s faith requirements are the NACCC system [email protected] journey, a review of background and education, etc. It is Since a seminary needed for any they must take the also required that candidates participate in the CFTS degree is not given position NACCC Polity (Congregational Foundation for Theological Studies) – see officially required by (e.g. lay ministry course and below. the Association, training may be complete a 6. Once the candidate completes seminary and the CFTS they however, lesser acceptable to disclosure file will be ready to meet with the Vicinage Council. The educated candidates some (proof of candidate’s documents are reviewed a personal interview may still apply for congregations). ordination, with the Council is scheduled. The council is comprised of open ministry education, release representatives from area churches. positons (see degree form for 7. It is possible for a seminary student (unless particularly requirements and background check, busy) to complete seminary and the CFTS - and to graduate reciprocity). ethics statement, after 3 years in seminary and then obtain their ordination etc.) and pay an in the fall. administrative fee, after which they CFTS – The Congregational Foundation for Theological Studies is a will have access to program which educates seminarians for leadership in church profiles. Congregational churches and ministries. This is required for all If an applicant who desire to be ordained with the NACCC. It may be done while applies and is hired a seminary student and is comprised of three academic seminars via another route, on topics unique to ministry in a Congregational church. A they may or may completion of a directed polity study, with submission of a major not be asked by research paper in Congregationalism are also required as part of that congregation the CFTS. to become NACCC credentialed. Time Frame: If the student receives a ministerial license from their Field Education: Education Reciprocity: United Baptist Convention of National Baptist NBC church (which they ought to if seeking ordination), they then Since an MDiv or Requirements: “No Baptist church MA/RI/NH: may be ordained once they receive a call to a church after seminary degree is Individual should call a Rev. Dr. Arthur L. Hilson Convention, USA graduation. not necessarily churches decide minister from 2 Joffre Terrace (NBC) required, the student what educational another Portsmouth, NH 03801 (association) Steps: seeking ordination requirements will denomination 603-433-7343 Licensure: Licensure may be granted to leaders by the local would work in be needed based unless they are [email protected]; church; therefore the student must be involved in and/or a cooperation with the on the position. willing to ordain unitedbaptistconvention_ma_ri member of a local NBC church. Licentiates may carry out ministry field requirements of However, a him themselves, [email protected] except for weddings and funerals. (They may do these only when the seminary. seminary and if he/she is Website: given authority by the senior pastor.) education is willing to accept http://unitedbaptistconve9.wix desirable. The Baptist doctrine, .com/ubcofmarinhinc Ordination: A Licentiate is generally recommended for ordination greatest principle and because any one of the following reasons is valid: requirements are polity.” In other National Headquarters: 1. The licentiate receives a call to pastor a Church. proven ministry in words, those with 1700 Baptist World Center Dr. 2. The licentiate graduates from Seminary and is assigned to a local church. other Nashville, TN 37207 or employed in an area requiring ordination. denominational President’s Office: 3. The pastor of the Church where the licentiate serves has credentials may 601-362-6265 need for additional aide in areas requiring ordination. apply for open http://www.nationalbaptist.co positions, but m The Convention doesn’t have a policy on the qualifications for should be prepared ordained ministers. This determination is left up to the individual to change their churches. ordination to Baptist. Those with However, an often cited and used resource among Convention other churches is the Hiscox Guide, quoted: “Intellectual capability may denominational not be the first qualification for the ministry. But the ministry credentials may demands the best of the mind and skill of those who exercise it. hold more than one Academic preparation appropriate to the demands of the work ordination, only if and the expectations of the community is necessary…The specific both requirements may be different from church to church and from denominations are denomination to denomination. But all ministers should be willing agreeable to it. to meet and desire to exceed such standards for the effectiveness of their ministry…Ministry should be built on academic preparation and on continuing commitment to education throughout a ministry…” This suggests that requiring a minimum amount of education is not only reasonable, but required to qualify the minister for service. National Primitive http://www.npbcconvention.org Field Education: Education Reciprocity: Baptist Requirements:

Convention USA, Inc. (association) Time Frame: Field Education: A Education Reciprocity: The Orthodox Presbyterian Orthodox About 4 years, including seminary and candidating. “non-required” Requirements: Church ministerial internship Box P Presbyterian Coming under Care is typically part of the Willow Grove, PA 19090 (OPC) A man expresses his sense of call to the ministry, and a local ordination process. 215-830-0900 (denomination) church endorses the man to the region, our presbytery. The man For those who have a www.opc.org comes under the care of the presbytery, which is assigned his care clear sense of call, as he begins the preparation process/period. During this time he this may occur goes through (or at least begins) seminary. concomitantly with seminary, or in the Licensure case of a man who is A man who’s under care comes to the place where he feels ready till exploring, after a enough to approach the presbytery for a license to preach. This man has graduated. preparedness assumes progress and competence in educational A typical candidate requirements, knowledge of the scriptures and original languages, will become licensed and a commitment to the doctrinal standards of the church. Those during this who are approved for a license enter a probationary period that internship. can last up to 2 years. By the end of this time it is assumed the he would have been “called” to a particular church and ready for There is a clear path ordination. for how a man would come into the OPC Candidating & Ordination from another church The license to preach is prerequisite to “candidating” at a church. body, and it does not Candidating is a trial period meant to discern whether a candidate require him to be re- has a call to a particular local church, i.e. whether he can be ordained. There “received” there. Being a candidate at a church is part of the last would be an stage in the process. At this point the man in question has already educational process, demonstrated his competence and maturity and has nearly a vetting process that qualified for ordination. includes a lot of references, and a full Candidating typically unfolds over the course of several months to comprehensive a year. The length of time is due in part to the length of time it theological exam on takes for the local church to discern whether to “call” him to serve the floor of the them, and in part to how much time it takes the candidate to presbytery. prepare for the ordination examination.

The ordination trials are a battery of examinations in theology, polity, and history. At the end there would be an approval of his call to a local church, and he would then be ordained. Ordination occurs in the local church itself. Field Education: Education Reciprocity: Plymouth Requirements: http://plymouthbrethren.org

Brethren (denomination)

Time Frame: Process takes one or more years depending on one’s Field Education: Education Reciprocity: PCA www.pcanet.org Presbyterian completion of the examination process. 12-18 month Requirements: General Assembly 1700 North Brown Road, 1) Fulfill 12-18 month internship under the PCA presbytery. internship under the does not have an Lawrenceville, GA 30043 Church in America 2) Candidate must receive ministerial call from a PCA PCA presbytery. approved list of 678-825-1000 (PCA) church. denominations for Fax: 678-825-1001 (denomination) 3) Applicant must take the PCA licensure exam. He will be ministerial transfer. Email: [email protected] asked to share his personal Christian experience, be However a PCA given a written and/or oral examination on basic minister may be knowledge of biblical doctrine according to confession of transferred by his faith and larger and shorter catechisms, practical presbytery to knowledge of bible content, and basic knowledge of the another reformed PCA book of church order. The applicant must provide and Presbyterian written sermon on an assigned passage of Scripture. denomination that 4) Upon successful examination, the presbytery will “…maintains the appoint an ordination date for the candidate. word and sacraments in their fundamental integrity” (BCO 28- 3b).

Presbyterian Time Frame: Education Reciprocity: http://presbyterian.ca Church in Canada Requirements:

Time Frame: Field Education: Education Reciprocity: The Presbytery of Southern Requirements: Member of another New England Steps: Reformed church Rev. Dana Lindsley, Exec. Presbyterian 1. Be a member of sponsoring congregation (Be an active who has been Presbyter Church in the member for at least six months, receive congregation ordained for 5 or [email protected] USA (PCUSA) endorsement, the applicant must be an endorsed more years may be 123 Elm Street, # 200, Old (denomination) candidate for at least one year). granted an Saybrook, CT 06475 2. Be under care of presbytery. exemption for 860-388-0874 3. Presbytery approves of candidate to take ordination some or all of the exam based on candidate’s maturity of faith and completion examinations of bachelor’s degree and seminary degree from a theological required of institution accredited by the Association of Theological candidates for Schools. ordination by a 4. Receive call from congregation and/or presbytery. two-thirds vote of presbytery. Time Frame: 313-475-4807 Rev. Charles Adams (seminarian dev’t.) Field Education: Education Reciprocity: Progressive National Baptist Progressive Tried calling 3:30 p.m. Fri., July 17. Mailbox full. Try again Mon. Requirements: Convention, Inc., Rev. Dr. James C. Perkins, National Baptist President Association 601 - 50th Street, NE (PNBA) Washington, DC 20019 (association) 202-396-0558 Fax: 202-398-4998 [email protected] Seminarian Development: Rev. Charles Adams 313-475-4807 Time Frame: Field Education: Education Reciprocity: www.evangelicalfriends.org Quaker: Two years minimum, depending on the progress of the individual. There are no hard Requirements: The Evangelical Evangelical Friends Church It is much preferred for the candidate to already be an active and fast rules At least an Friends have International Evangelical member of an existing Friends church. The Friends like to see a concerning field undergraduate interchange with 5350 Broadmoor Cir., NW Friends Church track record, some history in ministry, for a couple of years before education. It degree is other groups, and Canton, OH 44709 International the process is even begun. depends on the field required before while there are no 330-493-1660 (EFCI) of ministry the beginning the formal agreements, Dr. John P. Williams, Jr. – (denomination) Steps: candidate plans to ordination they are likely to Eastern Region Rep. 1. To start the process, the person needs to write a letter to enter. process. An M transfer credentials 330-493-1660 their general superintendent, and their church needs to Div. is ideal, from other [email protected] support their decision. They will complete some preparatory although it’s not conferences, yearly work in their communication with the superintendent, such necessarily meetings, or as giving an account of their calling, gifts, etc. required in each Quaker groups with 2. The Eastern region has a two year process in which case. The Friends similar values. The candidates go before a committee known as the Ministerial do have an Friends are Accreditation Board (MAB). The board serves a variety of internship Wesleyan Arminian functions: accountability and direction, encouragement and program that in their theology. support. could work as an They co-opt some 3. Once the 2-year process is begun, the candidates will meet alternative to Christian education with the MAB three times a year for individual interviews. theological programs with The substance of these interviews will be “how’s it going?” as education. Wesleyan and well as an opportunity to report on the homework Nazarene assignments the MAB has assigned to them. A new constituencies. assignment will arise from each interview. The MAB and the Such individuals individual gauge their progress together. Nothing elaborate is would still, done at the end, there no time of trial or testing. however, need to 4. They would then be recommended to the Yearly Meeting, the have a year of annual conference. They are affirmed there by vote. They are working with the then “recorded”. We call ordination “recording,” to affirm or MAB. record what God has done. While the Friends There is one “recording,” but that doesn’t mean the candidate has are very accepting to be a senior pastor. There are Lead Pastors, Youth Pastors, group, the central Children’s Ministry Pastors, and other staff persons. office of the region would hold veto power over the appointment of a Senior Pastor, exercised most likely for theological or historical/personal reasons. Redeemer City to Time Frame: Depends on each individual’s situation. Field Education: Education Reciprocity: The most effective means of City CTC does not ordain Requirements: N/A learning more about CTC as 1. First, a church planter or church plant must be selected church CTC leaves the well as contacting them for (association) and approved to join the City to City (CTC) network. planters/pastors or distinctives of further information is to visit a. CTC recruits new church planters through one- educate them. theological their website: on-one relationships and referrals from Instead they look for education to the existing network leaders. They are then candidates from a sending http://www.redeemercitytocit assessed locally before they're recommended wide variety of denominations y.com to enter one of our training programs. denominational from which their 2. The ideal candidate for going through one CTC’s backgrounds who are church planters http://www.redeemercitytocit programs: already educated, hail. y.com/contact/ a. is from the city or culture they are planting in, ordained, and ideally

or has demonstrated cultural agility have some ministry □ That said, CTC b. has experience doing ministry in a major city experience. Such does require and and/or being part of a church plant candidates are then encourage a c. has been assessed for church planting by a assessed for church special training denomination or agency planting potential. course for its d. is a natural evangelist with an entrepreneurial members (see spirit □ CTC generally will discussion on not accept students process to the 3. Having selected a candidate, CTC then requires them to fresh out of left) go through a special course of training. There are a seminary, and would number of potential options, depending on the situation instead suggest that □ CTC has also of the church planter: they first find an recently begun a a. CTC’s most intense training is done over a five- internship or staff program in week full-time period (pre-launch) or a two- role at an urban cooperation with year cohort program (while launching a new church plant while RTS in which church). working with a participants can b. These programs were developed in New York denomination to work toward a City and are being adapted in Asia, Europe and work towards two-year MA in South America through local networks, ordination. Biblical Studies. coaches and alumni. The program is c. CTC also runs more compressed versions of designed to training, including 2-day workshops. unfold while 4. Those who are not selected to become part of the CTC students are in network can nonetheless benefit from CTC’s resources. residency in NYC CTC is currently offering any missions-minded church the and pursuing chance to work through their training and partner with urban ministry. or fund one of their global city church plants as part of the City to City Partnership program. More information □ The first year is can be found at: heavily academic http://www.redeemercitytocity.com/partnership and focuses on biblical studies, All above Information adapted from CTC’s website at: theology, and http://www.redeemercitytocity.com/about/ church history. The second year is a hands-on practical ministry program in which students engage in urban ministry.

□ The program is open to students who already have an MA or M Div. as well

□ For more details visit: www.redeemercit ytocity.com/rcm

Time Frame: 3-4 Years, depending on when the candidate begins Field Education: Education Reciprocity: https://www.rca.org Reformed Church theological studies.* Field education Requirements: It is possible for a Reformed Church of America should unfold in an The candidate classis to recognize 4500 60th St. SE in America (RCA) Steps: RCA environment, shall receive the as valid the Grand Rapids, MI 49512 (denomination) 1. A confessing member of a congregation in the Reformed unless there are degree of M Div. ordination of a 616-698-7071 Church in America who desires to become a minister compelling reasons minister from Fax: 616-698-6606 shall apply to the classis with jurisdiction over the church for the candidate to □ In the case of a another [email protected] in which membership is held to be enrolled as a serve elsewhere, e.g. candidate denomination. candidate for the ministry. This application shall be unique ministry receiving their M Cornelis Kors made through the consistory of the church in which calling or Div. from a □ Only applicants Executive Director, Ministerial membership is held. geographical seminary not who have satisfied Formation Certification Agency 2. Upon the consistory’s recommendation, the candidate considerations officially educational shall appear in person before the classis or its committee recognized by the requirements for examination. If the classis is satisfied by the □ CPE is required for RCA, the General equivalent to those examination, the applicant shall be received under its ministers intending Synod through required in the RCA care and enrolled as a candidate for the ministry. to become hospital the board of will be considered. 3. Immediately following the enrollment of a candidate for chaplains, but not trustees of the The applicant will the ministry, the classis, through its stated clerk, shall necessarily those Ministerial need to be petition the General Synod on behalf of the candidate headed toward Formation examined before for a Certificate of Fitness for Ministry. Such a petition pastoral ministry. Certification the classis in order must be received a minimum of twenty-four months Agency shall to demonstrate prior to the time it is to be given final disposition by the require the their General Synod through its agent. applicant to understanding of 4. The candidate shall begin theological study, and remain furnish, at the the theology, under the supervision of the classis while in seminary, conclusion of history, but shall remain subject to the ecclesiastical discipline of seminary studies, government, and the board of elders of the church in which membership the following: disciplinary is held. The classis shall show a continuing sympathetic • An M Div. procedures of the interest by appointing a committee for each candidate degree or its RCA as well as to guide the candidate’s study program and practical equivalent understanding of training. from a and adherence to 5. A candidate for the ministry who has received the seminary the Standards of degree of Master of Divinity from a seminary of the accredited the RCA; and loyalty Reformed Church in America, upon the successful by ATS or a to its agencies. completion of the prescribed course of theological theological studies, is found to be qualified and is adjudged to be a accrediting □ An ordained fit candidate for the ministry of Word and sacrament in agency of minister from the Reformed Church in America, shall receive from the comparable another General Synod through the board of trustees of an RCA standards denomination may seminary a Certificate of Fitness for Ministry, which is • A transcript seek to receive entitlement to an examination for licensure and of the preliminary ordination. applicant’s approval to 6. Having received such a Certificate, the classis shall academic candidate with RCA proceed to examine the candidate for licensure and record at congregations. ordination, satisfying itself that the candidate is this a. competent in and committed to the seminary; □ A licensed Constitution (the Standards, the Government • Evidence of candidate from and Disciplinary Procedures, and the Liturgy) confessing another of the Reformed Church in America; membership denomination shall b. sound in doctrine; in a not be ordained as c. sound in understanding and administration of Reformed a minister before the sacraments; and church of serving in a d. knowledgeable about the history of the the classis supervised ministry Reformed Church and committed to its making for a period of up to mission. petition. twenty-four 7. Upon classis approval of an examination for licensure months. The classis and ordination, the candidate shall sign the Declaration shall petition the for Licensed Candidates (see Appendix, No. 1) and shall General Synod to be given a license to preach the gospel. The license shall provide this be signed by the president and stated clerk of the superintendence examining classis, shall be issued for a period of five through the board years, and shall be subject to renewal by that classis. The of trustees of an license may be revoked by that classis at any time on RCA seminary or request of the candidate, or for due cause. the 8. The licensed candidate for the ministry shall remain Ministerial under the immediate direction of the examining classis. Formation The candidate shall visit such congregations and preach Certification in such places as the classis may designate. If such Agency, which will direction is not given, the candidate may accept an determine the invitation to preach in any church, but is not permitted length of the period to administer the sacraments. of supervision. 9. The candidate shall be ordained to the office of minister by the classis only after the candidate has received and accepted a call or other invitation to a form of ministry. 10. The classis shall appoint a time for the ordination service of the candidate. A certificate of ordination signed by the president and the stated clerk of the classis shall be given and the minister so ordained shall be enrolled as a member of the classis.

Note: For individuals in unique circumstances regarding age, vocation, or ministry situation, exceptions may possibly be made as regards this process and particularly dimensions of theological education. All such decisions would be made at the classis level. For more information, consult Sections 3 and 4 of Article 9 of the RCA’s Book of Church order.

*All of the above information, including the discussion of Field Education, Educational Requirements, and Reciprocity to the right, is adapted from the 2014 Book of Church Order of The Reformed Church of America, Articles 8- 11. Time Frame: 3-4 years, including membership and training. Field Education: Education Reciprocity is Salvation Army It is part of the SA Requirements: handled on an Lt. Colonels Fred & Barbara Van Steps: process. Those who Those who have individual basis. In Brunt, Divisional Commanders (denomination) 1. The candidate must become a member of a local SA go to the training advanced the SA ministers are 147 Berkeley St. community for at least one year college will engage in theological called officers and Boston, MA 02116 2. The candidate must gain the support of the local SA an intensive summer degrees may be they have ranks. 617-542-5420 pastor and laity, who confirm their sense of calling to ministry experience permitted to pass There is a rank www.salvationarmyusa.org ministry at a church, and out of basic called “envoy,” 3. The candidate must get in touch with the Divisional spend a Christmas courses and which is someone Candidate Secretary. The DCS, as he evaluates their local season at a core. components of who has not gone membership and ministry, has the decision making the training to our seminary and power to “nominate” or “seek” them for particular For seminarians, CPE school in favor of yet is given a ministries, depending on their calling. is optional, classes more pastoral role at one 4. Once the candidate and the DCS agree in their depending on the suited to their of our churches. discernment of a calling, the candidate is processed and ministry they want to level and ministry Usually these begins the application process, involving all sorts of pursue. objectives. While individuals have physical and psychological testing. the training some experience of 5. Should the candidate be approved, they are then sent school is a crucial the Salvation Army, for training. The SA has a training school of their own in component of SA and are given a Suffern, NY, outside of NYC: The Salvation Army College formation, the SA particular for Officer Training. SA pastors and ministry leaders is willing to appointment for a attend this school for 2 years. Here they learn about SA consider given amount of culture, history, and polity, while forming valuable individual time. All these type relationships with ministry peers. circumstances. of approvals go 6. Those who complete their 2 year training and education through our program successfully are ordained as SA ministers Opportunities for territorial 7. Ordained SA ministers are subsequently assigned a Continuing headquarters. It can ministry position by their SA superiors. This position may Education are pertain to a core require moving anywhere in the country. While personal available for SA commanding officer gifts and interests are taken into consideration, the ministers through (pastor) or another candidate does not get to choose where they will serve. Asbury College. type of role (e.g., The final decision is in the hands of SA leadership. Opportunities youth pastor). 8. SA leadership maintains the right to evaluate and call include bachelors pastors to move as deemed necessary or expedient, as or masters in Divorce and often as annually or as infrequently as every 8-15 years. fields such as Criminal Record: It depends on the candidate’s development, ministry ministry or non- The SA does not effectiveness, and the needs of the congregations. profit necessarily bar 9. An option for missionary placement overseas also exists. management. those who have experienced divorce or engaged in previous criminal activity, because they believe in the transforming power of grace. Of course, those with such a background must go through more extensive testing during the application on the front end.

Financial Assistance: At the SA training school, housing is provided free of charge, children are provided education, and those in financial need may receive provision from their sending church or regional office. There is a student loan re- payment program as well. Once placed, all SA pastors are provided with free, furnished housing, including appliances, automobiles, full insurance, and a small stipend. This is true of all SA placements, both domestically and abroad.

Time Frame: Field Education: Education Reciprocity: Baptist Convention of New Southern Baptist “There is no standard process or policy concerning ordination in Requirements: England the SBC. In fact, the SBC cannot ordain anyone. The matter of Jim Wideman, Exec. Director (SBC) ordination is addressed strictly on a local church level. Every 508-393-6013, ext. 224 (denomination) Southern Baptist church is autonomous and decides individually [email protected] whether or not to ordain, or whether to require ordination of its www.sbc.net pastor. When a church senses that God has led a person into pastoral ministry, it is a common practice to have a council (usually of pastors) review his testimony of salvation, his pastoral calling from the Lord, and his qualifications (including theological preparation and scriptural qualifications according to 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:7-9) for pastoral ministry. Based upon that interview the church typically decides whether or not ordination would be appropriate .Some SBC churches require seminary training from an SBC seminary, while others may not, such a requirement is entirely up to the church. Of course, every SBC church is free to approach ordination in the manner it deems best. If you are a member of an SBC church and sense the Lord may be leading you into ministry, you may want to speak to the pastor and ask for his assistance.” -http://www.sbc.net/faqs.asp Call SG at Field Education: Education Reciprocity: Bauer Evans Sovereign Grace 502-855-7700 Requirements: [email protected] 1-800-736-2202 (toll free) 508-226-5312 Ministries www.sovereigngraceministries. (association) 1) Your candidacy must be approved by your local church. org Time Frame: Field Education: Education Reciprocity: Dr. Dale Salico Transformation Requirements: 970 E. Village Oaks Dr. - Suite 101 Ministries Covina, CA 91724 (association) [email protected]; 800-299-3448 www.transmin.org Time Frame: 2-5 Years, depending on the situation Field Education: Education Reciprocity: Kathy Clark United Church of When possible, field Requirements: There is mutual Minister for Members in 1. The candidate must become an active member of a local Ed should be done in While it still recognition Discernment Christ (UCC) UCC church for at least one year. a UCC environment. normative that between the UCC 700 Prospect Ave. (denomination) 2. This requirement having been met, the congregation But it depends on the most UCC and The Christian Cleveland, OH 44115 recommends the candidate to the local association as a candidate’s learning candidates go Church Disciples of 216-736-3842 “member in discernment.” and interpersonal through a Christ. Assuming [email protected] 3. As a member in discernment, the candidate meets with and cultural needs, traditional the individual is in http://www.ucc.org/ministers_ the association’s Committee on Ministry (COM), which as well as the kind of seminary degree good standing, considering-ministry decides whether to authorize the candidate as a ministry they see program, it’s CCDA ordination member in discernment. themselves going becoming more would be Rev. Jim Antal 4. Those authorized enter a process of discernment and into. common for the recognized by the 1 Badger Road formation tailored to the individual and their ministry COMs to put UCC and that Framingham, MA 17020 giftings and goals. □ Depending on the together Ed prep individual would be 508-875-5233 a. During this time the candidate agrees to serve COM in question and programs that fit permitted to serve [email protected] in an on behalf of the UCC in covenant with the calling of the the needs of the UCC congregations http://www.macucc.org other ministers and other settings of the particular individual, individual. This is church, in the context of oversight and one may or may not particularly the □ (Note: the CCDA accountability. be required to case in non- is more progressive b. As part of this discernment, criminal complete units of traditional theologically than background checks and a psychological CPE. ministries (social the UCC, so if the evaluation are required. justice, CCDC minister in c. Mentoring is part of this process, and a □ However a person entrepreneurial) question was in member in discernment is given a gains the and in cross- good standing mentor/supervisor/coach, someone to walk characteristics and cultural except for with them and be a guide. A local minister is competencies environments. theological usually assigned to serve in this capacity. outlines in “The disagreements [say, d. Throughout this period, the COM, candidate, Marks” (See process □ The candidate on gay marriage] and Mentor are utilizing the UCC’s “The Mark to the left), the will be required they would still be of Faithful and Effective Authorized Ministers concern of the COM to demonstrate eligible to serve in the UCC” document to track and evaluate is that the candidate competence UCC with the UCC. the development and readiness of the be able to History and candidate. demonstrate them Polity, Ed □ For ministers who e. In all this, the emphasis is not merely on the through concrete requirements are not CCDC yet knowledge of the candidate, but their ministry experience. which may need desire to serve with character and ability to demonstrate effective to be fulfilled the UCC, there is a ministry in practice. They need to embody with the UCC “Privilege of Call” “The Marks” in their life and ministry. externally to the process. This 5. At some point in the process, when the COM and the seminary. process, which candidate believe they’ve reached a point of clarity (Be needs to begin with that the completion of a seminary degree, or completion □ It is important the candidate of a portfolio built around “The Marks”) they move early in the networking with a toward decision, and a person is either approved by the process to be in local UCC COM pending a call, told “no” pending improvement or communication congregation and further development, or just simply “no.” with your COM, approaching the 6. Once a committee determines that an individual is so the candidate COM (Like any ordain-able pending a call, the candidate goes before know from the other candidate), what is called an Ecclesiastical Council, and that is beginning will likely honor the generally the whole association coming together to both whether there candidate’s meet and examine the candidate. And it is at that setting are special previous ordination that the final vote is taken. courses they’ll and theological 7. A candidate must have a first call in order to be need to take. education in the ordained, whether it be to a local congregation, a process of chaplaincy role, or some sort of newly developed □ There are also discernment. ministry setting. some settings a. There has to be some covenantal relationship where local □ Assuming such a between the ministry setting and the judicatories have candidate left their association. This is also true also for non- set up training previous traditional church settings (justice ministries, programs denomination in other denominational environments). The UCC specifically for good standing, that is willing to flex for these changes and licensed they passed a initiatives, providing lines of accountability and ministers. They’re criminal support can be firmly established affordable and background check, 8. The individual works with the association and their accessible means and that he calling body to set up the ordination service, at which of theological demonstrated “The time they would be both ordained and installed. education. Marks,” they would be invited to join the UCC on the condition that they gave up their standing in their previous denomination. Time Frame: Field Education: Education Reciprocity: Boston University School of United Methodist Requirements: Theology Office of Contextual Ministry (UMC) Suite 107 (denomination) 617-353-3058 Note: Contact the BU office for general inquiries regarding the UMC’s ordination process. Candidates should contact their respective regional office for specific inquiries.

METROPOLITAN BOSTON HOPE 276 Essex Street Lawrence, MA 01842 (978) 682-8055 ext. 200 www.neumc.org/mbh [email protected] District Superintendent: Rev. Latrelle M. Easterling

Bishop Peter D. Weaver New England Conference 276 Essex Street 5th Fl. Lawrence, MA 01840 [email protected] United Reformed Time Frame: Field Education: Education Reciprocity: Federation Clerk Rev. Bradd L. Churches of North Requirements: Nymeyer 227 1st Ave. SE America Sioux Center, IA 51250 (denomination) [email protected] Phone & Fax: (712) 722-1965 www.urcna.org Time Frame: Field Education: Education Reciprocity: Like Eastern Region Overseer Vineyard Entirely dependent upon the situation and relational connections. There are no defined Requirements: ordination, is best Rev. Phil Strout requirements for pursued at the local Pathway Vineyard Church Churches USA Each Vineyard church ordains at their local level. The best way to field education. level on a situation 9 Foss Road (association) seek ordination is to establish a relationship with your local by situation basis. P. O. Box 1610 Vineyard church and express your interest to the pastor. It is Lewiston, ME 04241 intended to be a decentralized, relational process. 207-784-9500 www.pathwayvineyard.com That said, it would be helpful for candidates to already be familiar www.vineyardusa.org with the Vineyard. Seminarians unfamiliar with the Vineyard would find the Vineyard Institute a helpful program of training in Vineyard outlook and ministry praxis: http://vineyardinstitute.org/

A church finder and list of current position openings can be found at www.vineyardusa.org/site/jobs Time Frame: Field Education: Education Reciprocity: District Superintendent Wesleyan Requirements: Rev. W. Paul James Steps: 793 Corinth Rd. (denomination) Become a member in a local Wesleyan Church Queensbury, NY 12804 1. Meet with local church and pastor to discuss prospects [email protected] of being a ministerial student. Submit Ministerial 518-793-4565 Student Secure Enrollment Application at www.enynewesleyan.org https://secure.wesleyan.org/em/enroll Submit transcripts of all previous college studies to the Education and Clergy Development Division. 2. The local pastor must recommend the candidate by submitting an Application for Recommendation form. This form must be submitted to your local church board during the interviewing process. This form is necessary in order for the local church to recommend the candidate to the District Board of Ministerial Development (DBMD). The recommendation form is found at http://www.wesleyan.org/43/ministerial-preparation 3. After interviewing with the local church, submit Form #1 and Form #2 to DBMD. The forms are found at http://www.wesleyan.org/106/dbmd-forms 4. Request an interview with your DMBD chairman. 5. Begin ordination academic coursework through an approved university/seminary/adult education coursework. List of approved schools available at http://www.wesleyan.org/43/ministerial-preparation 6. Complete 6 licensing courses and be appointed to local church ministry by district. Be issued a district license. 7. Begin yearly interviews with DBMD and submit Form #3 to DBMD each year. 8. Complete 2 years of service as an appointed minister at a Wesleyan Church 9. Complete academic requirements and be certified by the Education and Clergy Development Division 10. Submit DBMD Form #5 and complete ordination interview with DBMD. 11. Be ordained in a service of ordination by the district. Willow Creek Association does not credential ministers. Churches in the WCA need to have determined or selected their own www.willowcreek.com Willow Creek denomination and/or accrediting association for the clergy. WCA exists only to “serve pioneer pastors and leaders through world-class Willow Creek Association • 67 leadership experiences and resources.” E. Algonquin Road • South Association Barrington, IL 60010 • 800-570- 9812