Ordination is required by many denominations* for specific types of ministry, such as parish (pastoral) ministry and administration of sacraments, among others. Being ordained is also a benefit (though not necessarily required) in many other career choices, such as chaplaincy, faith-rooted organizing, or practitioner-based academia. Although Union does not ordain students, we do support the ordination process through our curriculum, field education, and affiliations with denominations and organizations.
The following section provides an overview of the ordination process for several denominations and traditions, along with links to the denominational websites.
Click here for one document with overviews of the ordination process and requirements for each of the following denominations: Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Episcopal Church, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Presbyterian Church (USA), United Church of Christ, United Methodist Church.
Click here for a table that groups denominations by ordination requirement.
*Not all religious bodies require ordination. Some use a process called endorsement. A seminary education generally improves career opportunities, regardless of denominational requirements for ordination.
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCH (ABC)
American Baptist Church
Requirements for ordination in the American Baptist Church (ABC) vary by region and church/pastor.
A summary of recommended American Baptist ordination standards:
- Licensing (if pursued, by a local American Baptist congregation in coordination with their regional department of ministry).
- Education
a) Track I: 4 years of college and an M.Div from an accredited seminary.
b) Track II: Equivalency (equivalent degrees or experience with a maximum substitution of 6 years of full-time ministry equal to 3 years of higher education)
c) Track III: Lay Pastor (regional or seminary lay pastor program from the US or another country, plus 3 years of full-time ministry experience)
d) American Baptist history and polity course
e) A course in professional ethics, and affirmation of the Covenant and Code of Ethics of ABC Ministers Council
f) Candidacy Assessment: complete at Ministry Development Council Career Center
- Meet with regional department of ministry prior to licensing (if pursued) and prior to ordination.
- Ordination Council meeting
- Ordination Service
For an overview of the ordination process in the Metro New York Region, consult:
- ABC Recommended Procedures for Ordination
- Rev. Dr. Cheryl F. Dudley, Regional Executive Minister of American Baptist Churches of Metro New York office located at 475 Riverside Drive, Suite 432 or call (212) 870-3195
- Rev. Dr. Andrea White, Associate Professor of Theology & Culture at Union Theological Seminary
Every fall, usually in September, there is an ordination orientation. Contact the office above for exact date and time.
Brief histories of more progressive-identified Baptist bodies:
The American Baptist Church, originally called the Northern Baptist Convention in 1907, organized as a result of the issue of slavery that peaked in 1845, when the Southern Baptist Convention was formed in protest of the American Baptist Foreign Mission Society banning slaveholders from service.
The Progressive National Baptist Convention was formed in 1961 by civil-rights movement engaged Baptist ministers to “give full voice, sterling leadership and active support to the American and world fight for human freedom.” Its founding principles of Fellowship, Progress, Service and Peace support issues of freedom, civil and human rights, and progressive ideas.
The Alliance of Baptists was founded in 1987 in order to provide a space for individuals in opposition to the Southern Baptist Convention’s upholding of “biblical inerrancy, exclusive male clergy, autocratic pastoral leadership, narrow denominationalism, piety without social and economic justice, and the violation of state/church separate freedoms.” It was the first Baptist body in the South to offer apology for the sins of slavery in 1990.
The Association of Welcoming & Affirming Baptists (AWAB), established in 1993 during ABCUSA’s Biennial in San Jose, CA, supports churches in “being and becoming Welcoming and Affirming of all people regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation.” It is comprised of individuals, congregations, regional groups and a national body.
For a quick list of ordination requirements for the American Baptist Church, click here.
AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL (AME)
The African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME) has provided the following synopsis of the steps to ministry:
“To become an ordained minister in the AME Church, one must first be a regular and in good standing member of an AME Church for two years. If you feel a calling, you must then make your wishes known to the pastor of that charge. The pastor will then determine if you are pursuing the itinerant or local track. You must give a trial sermon at which point, the church will have a church conference in which to vote a person to be submitted as a potential licentiate. At the quarterly conference at that church, the Presiding Elder will then issue a preaching license, valid for a year. A candidate will be taken before the District Conference to be voted to be admitted into Annual Conference. It is only after these steps will you be allowed to go to the admission’s class of the Board of Examiners (BOE). It takes five years to go through the BOE. If taking the itinerancy route, in three years after starting the BOE, you may be ordained a Deacon if you have a bachelor’s degree. To be an itinerant Elder, you must have a Master’s degree from an accredited seminary. To be a Local Deacon, you must have attended the BOE for three years. To be a Local Elder, you must complete all five years of the BOE. Deacons, both itinerant and local, can marry, bury, baptize, and assist with communion. Elders, both itinerant and local are the only ones that are able to consecrate the elements for communion and they perform the same rites as Deacons.”
“Pastors receive a yearly appointment to a charge (church), on the recommendation of the Presiding Elder and with the approval and final appointment of the Bishop. The pastor is in full charge of the Church and is an ex-official member of all boards, organizations and clubs of that Church.”
For regional information consult:
- First Episcopal District of the A.M.E. Church (covers New York, as well as Bermuda, Delaware, New England, New Jersey, Western New York, and Philadelphia)
- Bishop Julius McCallister, Presiding Prelate FED of First District office, located at 3801 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104 or call (215) 662-0506
- New York Conference (part of the First District)
- List of local NY churches can be found here
The African Methodist Episcopal Church has full communion agreements with the following denominations:
- The African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church
- The African Union Methodist Protestant Church
- The Christian Methodist Episcopal Church
- The Union Methodist Episcopal Church
- The United Methodist Church
For a one page description of the ordination requirements, click here.
CHRISTIAN CHURCH (DISCIPLES OF CHRIST)
Requirements for ordination in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ or DOC) may vary by congregation and region. First contact the Regional Minister to discuss the relevant process for ordination in one’s specific Region.
An overview of the ordination process:
Steps for Candidacy
- Membership and active participation in a local DOC congregation for at least one year.*
- A letter of recommendation/endorsement from local congregation to the Commission on Ministry of the Region.
- Meet regularly with the Regional Commission on Ministry and provide a statement of faith, theological beliefs, and explanation of call to ministry/ordination.
* Ordination requirements may vary by congregation and Region.
Educational Requirements
- Seminary Track** – completion of an M.Div or its equivalent from a theological school accredited by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) in the U.S. and Canada or its equivalent.
- Apprentice Track – completion of a program of study of at least 250 contact hours approved by the Region of care.
** Candidates are encouraged to follow the seminary track, unless they determine – in consultation with their Region – that economic, linguistic, vocational, or familial circumstances make the apprentice track more appropriate. All candidates are expected to demonstrate competency in the 16 areas of ministerial practices.
Act of Ordination
- This is under the authorization and guidance of the sponsoring congregation and the Region, with the Regional Minister, or the Regional Minister’s designee, presiding.
Candidates are evaluated on the following Areas of Competency:
- Biblical Knowledge
- Mission of the Church in the World
- Church Administration & Planning
- Communication
- Pastoral Care
- Cross Cultural & Anti-Racism Experience
- Proclamation of the Word Experience
- Spiritual Development
- Ecumenism
- Stewardship
- Education & Leader Development
- Theology
- Ethics
- Understanding of Heritage
- Evangelism
- Worship
In the Northeast region, the following courses are usually required for DOC ordination:
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- Disciples of Christ polity and history at an approved institution
- One Unit of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE)*
- Sexual Ethics Boundary Training**
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* This is a requirement for the Northeast Region. Each Region’s requirements may vary.
** The following one-day continuation education trainings are typically required for clergy (especially in the Northeast Region) on a rotating annual basis:
- Year 1: DOC History and Polity (a basic review)
- Year 2: Healing and Reconciliation (Mediation)
- Year 3: Anti-racism Pro-reconciliation Training
- Year 4: Boundary training, including sexual, financial, etc.
For more information on the ordination process, consult:
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- General Commission on Ministry Documents
- Rev. Thaddaeus Burwell Allen, Regional Minister of the Northeast Region office (covers New York, as well as Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and New Jersey) located at 1402 Washington Ave., Parkersburg, WV 26101 or call (304) 428-1681 (office) or (304) 633-2428 (cell)
- List of local Northeast regional churches can be found here.
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DOC is a full communion partner with the United Church of Christ (UCC).
For a one-page overview of the DOC ordination process and course requirements, click here.
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
Episcopal ordination requirements vary significantly by bishop and diocese. Please contact your diocese to learn the particulars of the ordination process in your area. With this noted, below is a general outline of an Episcopal ordination process.
- As a baptized Episcopal member, a person who feels called to ordination begins a conversation with their parish (usually clergy, then parish committee), who will reflect and decide whether to recommend to Diocese.
- If recommended to Diocese by parish, the candidate’s file is reviewed by the Bishop, who will interview the individual after they are interviewed and recommended by a Commission on Ministry (or equivalent body). If approved to become a postulant, Bishop decides a training program in conversation with postulant.
- In the course of formation, the postulant’s file is reviewed again by the diocesan Commission on Ministry and the Bishop, who may approve progress from postulant to candidate for Holy Orders. This will typically happen between one and two years after admission as a postulant.
- General Ordination Examinations are usually taken in last year of theological study.
The following areas are tested on the General Ordination Examination:
- The Holy Scriptures
- History of the Christian Church
- Christian Theology
- Christian Ethics and Moral Theology
- Christian Worship
- The Practice of Ministry
Episcopalians who enroll in Union’s Master of Divinity program can concentrate in the Anglican Studies program which will help students prepare for the General Ordination Exams. Course requirements of the Anglican Studies concentration include:
- 6 credits – Anglican liturgy
- 3 credits – Anglican church history
- 3 credits – Anglican studies elective
- 3 credits – Anglican theology
- 3 credits – Anglican church missiology
- First-year and capstone seminar
- One course on non-Christian religious tradition
- One course on racial, gender, ethnic, sexual, or religious injustice
Each diocese will also require candidates to complete its own training programs in anti-racism, prevention of sexual misconduct in ministry, and the disciplinary canons (‘Title IV’) of the Episcopal Church.
For additional details on Episcopal ordination, consult:
- Your Diocese’s overview of the discernment process (i.e., for New York)
- The Constitution & Canons, “Title III: Ministry” (see Canon 8: “Of the Ordination of Priests” starting on page 79)
For more information about the Episcopal ordination process and the Master of Divinity in Anglican Studies, contact Miguel Escobar at mescobar@uts.columbia.edu.
The Episcopal Church is full communion partners with the following denominations:
- Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
- The Moravian Church – Northern and Southern Provinces
- Mar Thoma Syrian Church of Malabar, India
- Our Catholic Churches of the Union of Utrecht
- Philippine Independent Church
- Church of Sweden
For a one-page overview of the Episcopal ordination process and course requirements, click here.
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA (ELCA)
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) has two “rosters” of ordained ministers: Word & Sacrament (Pastors) and Word and Service (Deacons). Candidates for the former normally complete the M.Div. degree and serve a full-year internship in a congregation (either after the second year of study or following graduation). With few exceptions, their first call after seminary will be as a parish minister. Those who will serve as Deacons typically complete a Masters’ Degree either in theology or a field relevant for their area of service (chaplaincy, community organizing, social service etc.), with additional requirements for studies in Bible, Lutheran history, and theology. Ordination requires a “call” from a congregation or to serve in another form of non-parochial ministry.
In order to further strengthen resources available to and support for Lutheran students at Union, the Rev. Michael Cooper-White, D.D., serves as Director of Lutheran Formation. In 2017, Cooper-White, an ordained pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), retired after 17 years as President of the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg (now a part of United Lutheran Seminary), prior to which he was an inner-city pastor and urban coalition director, bishop’s assistant, and Executive Assistant to the ELCA Presiding Bishop. In addition to offering courses in ELCA history and polity, Cooper-White is committed to “walk with” individual students in their vocational discernment. For those discerning a call to serve as ordained ministers or deacons, his expertise in all matters related to the ELCA “candidacy” process can prove invaluable. Fluent in Spanish, Cooper-White has lived and worked in Latin American communities.
While standards for both rosters are uniform throughout the ELCA, synods vary in how those standards are applied. Accordingly, be sure to consult with your synod of candidacy.
The following reflects typical steps and requirements of the Metro NY Synod:
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- Active membership in ELCA congregation for one year.
- Begin synodical candidacy by Congregational Registration Form with a synod. This online “entrance” form needs to be signed by both the parish pastor and congregational president.
- Receive approval at each stage of the process (entrance, endorsement, and final approval for ordination)
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When enrolled at Union:
- Consult with the synod of candidacy, and the Director of Lutheran Formation.
- Affiliate with an ELCA seminary (“affiliation seminary”), since Union is a non-ELCA seminary.
- Participate in appropriate field education (typically an ELCA congregation for M.Div. Word & Sacrament candidates; a social ministry or chaplaincy setting for Word & Service candidates).
- Both rosters normally require CPE, arranged by the Field Education office in consultation with the synod of candidacy.
Resources and Contact Persons:
- ELCA Candidacy Resources (2021 Candidacy Manual)
- Bishop Paul Egensteiner or Rev. Becca Seely of Metropolitan New York Synod office located at 475 Riverside Drive, Suite 1620, New York, NY 10115 or call (212) 665-0732
The ELCA is a Full Communion partner with the following denominations. After ordination, some pastors and deacons may serve with one of the other communions:
- The Presbyterian Church (PCUSA)
- The Reformed Church in America (RCA)
- The United Church of Christ (UCC)
- The Episcopal Church
- The Moravian Church
- The United Methodist Church (UMC)
For more information on the history of agreements, click here.
For a one-page overview of the ELCA ordination process and course requirements, click here.
UNITED METHODIST CHURCH (UMC)
While procedures for ordination in the United Methodist Church (UMC) are denomination-wide, requirements may vary slightly by conference.
An overview of the process:
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- Write letter to District Superintendent (cc pastor and DCOM [District Committee on Ordained Ministry] chair). Include your interest in ordained ministry, that you have met with your pastor to discuss Christian as Minister, and your call narrative.
- Work with assigned mentor on Candidacy Guidebook, register with General Board of Higher Education, register with Board of Ordained Ministry (BOOM).
- Declare call publicly before pastor and staff/parish relations committee (of local church), who will vote to recommend you to Charge Conference (local church), who will vote to recommend you to District Committee on Ordained Ministry (DCOM).
- Meet with DCOM, submit to them required writing, have background check, complete psychological exam, attend UMC sexual ethics and anti-racism trainings. Gain DCOM approval.
- Gain (first) BOOM approval.
- Finish seminary with required coursework and trainings.
- Voted on at Clergy Session of Annual Conference.
- Commissioned by the Bishop of Annual Conference, thus becoming a Provisional Member of Annual Conference.
- Go through residency program in your annual conference (usually 2-3 years after completing seminary, although it varies) and gain (second) BOOM approval
- Elected by the Clergy Session into full membership of the Annual Conference. Ordained as an Elder by a Bishop.*
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* Ordination as Deacon follows a similar process.
Coursework required for ordination includes:
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- United Methodist doctrine, polity, and history (6 credits)
- Evangelism and the mission of the church in the world (not necessarily “Methodist”)
- Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) – required in New York for ordination as Elder
- Old Testament
- New Testament
- Theology
- Church history
- Worship/liturgy
- Sexual Ethics/Boundary training (one day, provided by UMC)
- Anti-racism training – required in New York for Commissioning (see steps 6-8 above)
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The overview above is based on information provided by Rev. Dr. James (K) Karpen.
For more information, consult:
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- The Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church (2016)
- General Board of Higher Education and Ministry’s “Candidacy” page
- 2016 Licensed and Ordained Ministry Credentialing Requirements
- The Northeastern Jurisdiction of the United Methodist Church
- New York Annual Conference office at 20 Soundview Avenue, White Plains, NY 10606 or call (914) 997-1570
- Rev. Lea Matthews (UTS Alum) Associate Pastor at St. Paul and St. Andrew United Methodist Church
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The United Methodist Church has full communion agreements with the following denominations:
- The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)
- The United Church of Sweden
- The Moravian Church
- The African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME)
- The African Methodist Episcopal Church Zion
- The Christian Methodist Episcopal Church
- The African Union Methodist Protestant Church
- The Union American Methodist Episcopal Church
UMC continues in an Interim Eucharistic Sharing Agreement with The Episcopal Church, pending approval of a full communion agreement by both denominations (projected for The UMC General Conference 2020 and TEC General Convention 2021).
For a one-page overview of the UMC ordination process and course requirements, click here.
UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST ASSOCIATION (UUA)
Unitarian Universalists (UUs) who sense a call to ordained ministry begin by applying to participate in the ordination process. All applications are recorded by the Association. Those applicants who are accepted into the process become “aspirants,” aspiring to the ministry while fulfilling the formational and educational requirements to become a candidate.
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- Applicant – people in contact with the Ministerial Credentialing Office.
- Aspirant* – applicants who successfully complete the required paperwork, including:
- Initial Inquiry Form
- Interview Form
- Transfer/Plural Standing Forms (if applicable)
- Evidence of acceptance to a theological school or graduation from theological school with submission of all official transcripts from prior graduate level academic preparation
- Signed Application for Candidacy form
- Completed Criminal Background Check (effective January 1, 2019)
- Congregational sponsorship (Statement of Congregational Sponsorship)
- Candidate – aspirants who complete their career assessment, have completed at least one year of theological school, and have completed a field education or clinical pastoral education (CPE) experience.
- Preliminary Fellowship – candidates who successfully interview with the Ministerial Fellowship Committee (MFC) and are found to completely fulfill requirements are granted this standing. Ordination occurs after Preliminary Fellowship is granted.
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* Aspirant status is active for seven years.
Required graduate coursework** include:
- Preaching/Worship Arts
- Liberal and/or Liberation Theologies
- Pastoral Care
- Religious Education Theory; Method/Practice
- Hebrew & Christian Scriptures
- Religious Ethics
- Anti-Racism/Anti-Oppression/Multiculturalism
- Church Administration or Nonprofit Management & Leadership
- UU History; UU Polity; History of Christianity
- World Religions
** As fitting within the seven areas of MFC ministerial competencies, which include:
- Worship and Rites of Passage
- Pastoral Care and Presence
- Spiritual Development for Self and Others
- Social Justice in the Public Sphere
- Administration
- Serves the Larger Unitarian Universalist Faith
- Leads the Faith into the Future
There are also required reading lists for each competency area (see Appendix for a comprehensive list).
For more information, consult:
- UUA website
- Requirements for Ministerial Fellowship with the Unitarian Universalist Association Booklet
- Appendix to Requirements for Ministerial Fellowship Booklet
- Ministry Development Services locate
- Rev. Dr. Audette Fulbright, Associate Minister, All Souls NYC – A Unitarian Universalist Congregation
For a one-page overview of the UUA ordination process and course requirements, click here.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (USA)
Requirements for ordination in the Presbyterian Church (USA) vary by Presbytery, which is the body that ordains.
An overview of the process:
- Must be a member of a church for at least six months.
- To enter “Inquiry” phase: tell board (“session”) and pastor, who must vote to take you “under care.” Complete online forms and answer questions in front of the Committee on Preparation for Ministry, which refers you to Presbytery to be enrolled as an Inquirer.
- “Candidacy” process will be governed by Committee on Preparation for Ministry (see Advisory Handbook). Candidacy can be completed once service in a church, academic work (including graduation from seminary with “satisfactory grades” and coursework required), and ordination exams are completed.
- Ordination Exams
Usually taken as “Inquirer”:
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- Bible Content Exam
Usually taken during “Candidacy”:
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- Open Book Bible Exegesis
- Theological Competence
- Worship & Sacraments
- Church Polity
- Must have “a call” (placement) to be ordained.
The Committee on Preparation for Ministry for your Presbytery will determine specific academic and church service requirements for each individual.
For the Presbytery of New York City’s Committee on Preparation for Ministry Handbook for Inquirers and Candidates, click here.
Coursework required for ordination typically includes:
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- Presbyterian/Reformed theology, worship & sacraments, church polity (to prepare for Ordination Exam)
- Hebrew and Greek
- Exegesis of the Old and New Testaments using Hebrew and Greek (usually with additional Bible classes)
- Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) is often required*
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* Requirements vary by Presbytery. The Committee on Preparation for Ministry for one’s Presbytery will determine the specific academic and church service requirements for each individual.
For more information, consult:
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- Book of Order: The Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Part II: 2017/2019. G-2.06-2.07, pages 34-36.
- Advisory Handbook for Preparation for Ministry in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
- Presbytery of New York City located at 475 Riverside Drive, Suite 1600, New York, NY 10115 or call (212) 870-2221.
- The Presbytery of New York City’s Handbook for Inquirers and Candidates
- Rev. Greg Horn, Pastor & Head of Staff at The Presbyterian Church of Upper Montclair and Advisor to Presbyterian Students at Union Theological Seminary/Auburn Theological Seminary**
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** Presbyterian students at Union have the added support of Auburn Theological Seminary, a Presbyterian seminary at 475 Riverside Drive, #1800, New York, NY 10115.
The PCUSA has full communion covenant relationships with:
- The Korean Presbyterian Church Abroad
- The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)
- The Moravian-Reformed Covenant Partnership
- The Reformed Church in America (RCA)
- The United Church of Christ (UCC)
For a one-page overview of the Presbyterian ordination process and course requirements, click here.
REFORMED CHURCH IN AMERICA (RCA)
The Reformed Church in America outlines its ordination process for Ministers of Word and Sacrament as a progression from the individual’s sense of call through ordination, as follows:
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- Internal call/External call—a personal sense of call affirmed by the church.
- Local church consistory (governing body) applies on behalf of the applicant to the classis (regional governing body).
- Candidate appears before the classis or its committee for an interview.
- Classis petitions the General Synod (national governing body) for a Certificate of Fitness for Ministry, which will be issued upon completion of all requirements by the candidate no sooner than 24 months* after the petition is received.
- Completion of seminary training** (Master of Divinity degree).
- Licensure and Ordination.
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* In instances where the applicant has completed theological training prior to the required period, the classis may petition to substitute a period of ministry supervised by the General Synod for all or part of its 24 month requirement.
** Candidates of ministry who have received an M.Div. from non-Reformed Church seminaries will need to furnish the following: an M.Div degree or its equivalent from a seminary accredited by the Association of Theological Schools (or a theological accrediting agency of comparable standards); a transcript of the applicant’s seminary record; and evidence of confessing membership in a Reformed church of the classis making petition.
Education requirements include:
- History, theology, and church order of the Reformed Church in America
- Greek and Hebrew
For more information, consult:
- RCA website
- The Book of Church Order (2018) – see articles 11-17 (pages 44 – 61)
- Regional Synod of New York located at 42 N. Broadway Ave., Tarrytown, NY 10591 or call (914) 332-1311
RCA has Formula of Agreements with:
- The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)
- The United Church of Christ (UCC)
- The Presbyterian Church (USA)
For a one-page overview of the RCA ordination process and course requirements, click here.
UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST (UCC)
The requirements for and steps to ordination in the United Church of Christ (UCC) vary by regional Association.
An overview of the process:
- After being a member of a local UCC church for 1-2 years (length varies), get support of local church and become “Member in Discernment” (MID). Association will vote to affirm and then review theological education, preparation, and “Marks of Faithful and Effective Ministers”; recommendations made for further preparation will be based on the individual. MID is given and meets with a mentor.
- Write a paper demonstrating your “theological perspective and grasp of the historic Christian faith,” “knowledge and understanding of the history, theological roots, polity, and practice of the United Church of Christ,” and your sense of call to ordained ministry (Presented to Ecclesiastical Counsel of the Association after oral exam).
- Oral Ordination Exam (usually two hours) assesses “knowledge of the history, polity, and practices of the United Church of Christ”.
- Must have “a call” (placement) to be ordained.
Coursework typically required includes:
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- History and polity of UCC
- Bible, systematic theology, church history, worship, pastoral care and counseling, administration, church education, interfaith; church finance, in some cases.
- Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) (required by New York Metropolitan Association at least)
- Boundary Training
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For more information, please consult:
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- Manual on Ministry: A Guide to Authorizing Ministry in the United Church of Christ (2018) – see section 2 (pages 19 – 137)
- Ministry in the United Church of Christ: A Background Document, Nov 2010.
- Rev. Dr. Renee Jackson, Minister for Ministerial Formation (national), (216) 736-3842
- Rev. David R. Gaewski, Conference Minister of New York Conference located at 5575 Thompson Rd., DeWitt, New York, NY 13214 or call (315) 446-3073.
- Jane Huber, Visiting Professor and Director of Practices of Ministry & Vocational Development at Union Theological Seminary
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The UCC has an Ecumenical Partnership with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and Formula of Agreement with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Presbyterian Church (USA), and the Reformed Church in America. For more information, click here or refer to the Manual on Ministry (pages 35-49).
For a one-page overview of the UCC ordination process and course requirements, click here.