The Order of Ministry in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) comprises both Commissioned Ministers and Ordained Ministers.

ORDAINED MINISTRY

Candidacy

Candidacy is the first formal step for entrance into the Order of Ministry.

The applicant must be a participating member of a congregation of the Christian Church (Disciples of Church) Capital Area and endorsed by the official body of that congregation.

Procedures:

• Secure sponsorship from the congregation.

• Submit a written request to the Commission for Ministry, including an application, statement of intention, preparation plans, and request for an interview.

• Provide letters of sponsorship and reference.

• Undergo an interview with the Commission for Ministry.

The congregation should establish a Nurture and Guidance Committee to support the candidate.

The office of ordained ministry is the broadest authorization for professional ministry, recognizing the ordained person's abilities and preparation. The Commission for Ministry evaluates applicants, admits them to candidacy, authorizes ordination, and supervises the Act of Ordination.

Criteria:

• Be a participating member of a congregation.

• Graduate from an accredited seminary with a Master of Divinity degree or equivalent.

• Present a record of study covering Bible, church history, ministry arts, theological awareness, ethical implications, and supervised field education.

• Demonstrate competency in the following sixteen areas of ministry:

1. Biblical Knowledge: Be rooted and grounded in scripture and able to interpret and apply the scriptures in ways that are appropriate to original and contemporary contexts.

2. Church Administration and Planning: Be able to practice the principles of good administration, planning and implementing short- and long-range goals to enhance Congregational life in collaboration with teams and committees.

3. Communication: Be an effective communicator and be able to facilitate effective communication within and on behalf of the church.

4. Cross Cultural and Anti-Racism Experience: Be sensitive to the different manifestations of racism and prejudice in the culture and be committed to confronting and overcoming them.

5. Ecumenism: Exhibit a commitment to working with other Christians and denominations and with other faiths in programs of common witness and service, and to articulating the vision of the ecumenical and global church as a starting place for mission.

6. Education and Leader Development: Know the foundations of Christian education and the principles of leader development. Show competency in teaching children, youth, and adults, including lay leaders and staff.

7. Ethics: Be able to help parishioners think critically about the relationship of their faith to issues of justice, ethics and morality

8. Evangelism: Be able to motivate Congregational members to share their faith through word and action.

9. Mission of the Church in the World: Be able to understand and articulate the centrality of the call to mission given by Jesus Christ and the prophets. Be able to empower congregations to engage in mission from our doorsteps to the ends of the earth.

10. Pastoral Care: Be able to engage other persons with empathy and assess situations and relationships with the compassion of Christ, with sensitivity to culture and context. Be able to convey the healing power of God to those who suffer.

11. Proclamation of the Word: Know the practice and theory of Christian preaching. Be able to proclaim the Word of God, share the Good News of Jesus Christ, and help Congregational members apply their faith to daily life.

12. Spiritual Development: Establish and maintain spiritual disciplines that lead to personal growth and help others develop a rich spiritual life.

13. Stewardship: Be able to develop and encourage healthy stewards who recognize and share generously God’s abundant gifts for all creation.

14. Theology: Be able to articulate a coherent view of God’s nature and activity in relation to the Christian tradition, to critically engage human situations from a perspective of faith, and to help persons recognize theological issues in their daily lives.

15. Understanding of Heritage: Have knowledge of and appreciation for the history and thought of Christianity and of the history, structure, practices, and ethos of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

16. Worship: Know the purpose and elements of Christian worship. Have the ability to plan and lead meaningful worship by working with the worship team, musicians, and Congregational members.

Procedures:

Responsibilities of the Candidate:

• Secure congregation sponsorship.

• Apply for ordination at least six months prior to the desired date.

• Schedule an ordination interview with the Commission for Ministry.

• Submit a Ministerial Profile, ordination paper, sermon, and academic transcripts.

The Commission for Ministry will:

• Review the candidate's application and supporting documents.

• Conduct an ordination interview.

• Authorize, deny, or defer ordination.

• Notify the candidate and sponsoring congregation of the decision.

• Assist in planning the Service of Ordination.

Standing

Standing is granted by ordination or commissioning. Standing continues as long as the minister performs ministerial duties, participates in growth programs, and maintains relationships with the church. Termination of standing can be initiated by the minister or the region. Reinstatement of standing is possible upon request and meeting the requirements.

Responsibilities of the Sponsoring Congregation:

• Recommend and sponsor the candidate.

• Appoint an Ordination Council.

• Conduct the Service of Ordination.

The Act of Ordination

The ordination service takes place in the sponsoring congregation with participation from the regional church and other representatives. A Certificate of Ordination is presented to the newly ordained minister.

Glossary of Ordination Activities and Concepts