Non-DOC Clergy Seeking Recognition 

Ministers Ordained in Other Denominations and/or Regions Who Seek Standing within the Capital Area Region

When an ordained minister moves from one region to another, standing in the Order of Ministry is transferred, provided that the Ordained Minister criteria established by the Policies of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the Capital Area Region are met.

Criteria for Admission to Standing in the Order of Ministry of persons ordained or commissioned by other churches:

• Ministers ordained or commissioned by other denominations may be received into the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and granted standing, provided they meet the criteria listed below.

Note: The granting or withholding of standing in the Order of Ministry of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) does not change the person's ordination. It clarifies the person's relationship to the Order of Ministry of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the rights and responsibilities associated with standing in that Order of Ministry (as indicated in this section).

• The ordained or commissioned minister seeking standing should make a formal application including the submission of:

  • A completed Ministerial Profile to be filed with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Capital Area Region.

  • A written personal statement of faith, concept of ministry, and concept of the church.

  • The ordained minister’s evidence of completion of a Master of Divinity degree from an accredited Seminary or academic preparation which the Commission for Ministry deems equivalent.

  • A written paper demonstrating their understanding of Disciples' history. practice, belief, and polity.

  • A statement of recommendation and sponsorship from an official body of a Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) congregation.

• A request for an interview with the Commission for Ministry.

The Role of the Commission for Ministry in this Process

The Commission for Ministry will:

• Consult, whenever possible, with the appropriate official of the denomination from which the candidate transfers·

• Investigate the candidate's personal and ministerial references·

• Investigate the candidate's demonstrated support for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in attitude, practice, and involvement in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) through its congregations, regions, and general units.

• Meet with the candidate for a Standing interview.

• Notify the sponsoring congregation and the candidate of the Commission for Ministry's action.

• Have the right to grant Provisional Standing to a candidate as an ordained or commissioned minister. Provisional recognition shall be reviewed after one year annually by the Commission for Ministry.

Dual Standing

A person may seek dual standing as an ordained minister with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and another denomination. All ordained ministers of the United Church of Christ are Ordained Minister Partners with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and will receive standing if called to a ministry within the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) per the General Assembly Resolution (see Appendix B).

Here is the Application for Recognition of Ordination

For any questions, please contact the Regional Minister, Rev. Dr. Marcus Leathers.