Educational Preparation
A person called by God into Christian ministry is called to prepare. Your preparation process will include formal education, ministry experience and a variety of assessments. Your formal education will provide a vital foundation of knowledge and skills for ministry. In this chapter you will be introduced to the Nazarene Course of Study for ministerial preparation, the ability statements that drive the educational process, and the variety of pathways available to you.
The Course of Study
The Church of the Nazarene is committed to a high standard of educational preparation for its ministers. The goal is for every Nazarene minister to develop certain abilities and capacities, categorized into four areas of preparation: Content, Competency, Character and Context (see Appendix A for more details). CONTENT covers the basic knowledge and perspective you will need in the areas of Bible, theology, doctrine, and church history. COMPETENCY develops you for the wide-variety of ministry responsibilities involving communication, administration, critical thinking, pastoral care and counseling, and leading in worship. CHARACTER builds up the life of the minister in the areas of personal awareness and growth, ethics, and spiritual formation. CONTEXT shapes in the minister capacities to analyze, engage, and reach local communities for the sake of the gospel.
The focus of the educational preparation required of all Nazarene ministers is called "the Course of Study" -- an array of studies and practicums that develop the range of abilities described above.
Recognizing that those preparing to serve as ministers represent a wide variety of circumstances and settings, the Church of the Nazarene has approved several avenues or paths for completing the Course of Study. Choosing the path of your educational preparation for ministry in the Church of the Nazarene is one of your most important decisions on this journey. As you prayerfully consider your options, be sure you also consult with those who understand the requirements of ministerial preparation in the Church of the Nazarene. Rather than consider only cost and convenience, approach this decision from the perspective of gaining the best preparation for a lifetime of ministry.
Educational paths
The Course of Study is delivered through a variety of curriculums validated (approved) by the Church of the Nazarene and available through our Nazarene universities, colleges, and seminaries.
Check out the Non-degree Course of Study (NCOS) at our Regional Educational Provider: NNU
Some districts — working in partnership with the education provider—offer a validated course of study through a district training center. To review a list of validated Course of Study programs, request the list from Global Education and Clergy Development ([email protected]) or view the list online here.
Many of the Course of Study programs offered in the Church of the Nazarene go above and beyond the minimum requirements to provide a full and comprehensive education. A degree in theology or Christian ministry from a validated undergraduate program or a validated master’s degree provides an invaluable breadth of study, experience and formation for life and ministry. In addition, many of these programs allow specialization in areas of interest. Such validated degree programs are available from each Nazarene university and college in the United States and from Ambrose University in Canada.
Check out the degree programs at NNU: On Campus or Online
If you have completed a degree in another field, or have begun preparation for ministry in a non-validated degree program, you may determine that a non-degree program is your best option for completing the Course of Study. You may also determine this to be your best option if your location, family situation, language, or current employment is a barrier to completing a validated degree program at a Nazarene university or college, or at Nazarene Theological Seminary. Options available to you for completing the required Course of Study may include classes offered online, at district training centers, or during intensive residential programs.
The Course of Study
The Church of the Nazarene is committed to a high standard of educational preparation for its ministers. The goal is for every Nazarene minister to develop certain abilities and capacities, categorized into four areas of preparation: Content, Competency, Character and Context (see Appendix A for more details). CONTENT covers the basic knowledge and perspective you will need in the areas of Bible, theology, doctrine, and church history. COMPETENCY develops you for the wide-variety of ministry responsibilities involving communication, administration, critical thinking, pastoral care and counseling, and leading in worship. CHARACTER builds up the life of the minister in the areas of personal awareness and growth, ethics, and spiritual formation. CONTEXT shapes in the minister capacities to analyze, engage, and reach local communities for the sake of the gospel.
The focus of the educational preparation required of all Nazarene ministers is called "the Course of Study" -- an array of studies and practicums that develop the range of abilities described above.
Recognizing that those preparing to serve as ministers represent a wide variety of circumstances and settings, the Church of the Nazarene has approved several avenues or paths for completing the Course of Study. Choosing the path of your educational preparation for ministry in the Church of the Nazarene is one of your most important decisions on this journey. As you prayerfully consider your options, be sure you also consult with those who understand the requirements of ministerial preparation in the Church of the Nazarene. Rather than consider only cost and convenience, approach this decision from the perspective of gaining the best preparation for a lifetime of ministry.
Educational paths
The Course of Study is delivered through a variety of curriculums validated (approved) by the Church of the Nazarene and available through our Nazarene universities, colleges, and seminaries.
Check out the Non-degree Course of Study (NCOS) at our Regional Educational Provider: NNU
Some districts — working in partnership with the education provider—offer a validated course of study through a district training center. To review a list of validated Course of Study programs, request the list from Global Education and Clergy Development ([email protected]) or view the list online here.
Many of the Course of Study programs offered in the Church of the Nazarene go above and beyond the minimum requirements to provide a full and comprehensive education. A degree in theology or Christian ministry from a validated undergraduate program or a validated master’s degree provides an invaluable breadth of study, experience and formation for life and ministry. In addition, many of these programs allow specialization in areas of interest. Such validated degree programs are available from each Nazarene university and college in the United States and from Ambrose University in Canada.
Check out the degree programs at NNU: On Campus or Online
If you have completed a degree in another field, or have begun preparation for ministry in a non-validated degree program, you may determine that a non-degree program is your best option for completing the Course of Study. You may also determine this to be your best option if your location, family situation, language, or current employment is a barrier to completing a validated degree program at a Nazarene university or college, or at Nazarene Theological Seminary. Options available to you for completing the required Course of Study may include classes offered online, at district training centers, or during intensive residential programs.
Every pastor needs to have a library to resource ministry and to renew the soul. Throughout the journey of preparation, build your own library. The Wesleyan Holiness Digital Library (whdl.org) is a free resource that will be a helpful addition to your library, and most media and documents can be downloaded.
As you move toward a decision on the educational path you will take, be careful not to eliminate too quickly those options that seem to demand much from you. Instead, take time to wait on God in prayer, to fully explore the various options, and to carefully consider the counsel of those in whose lives you observe the ministry strength and depth you value. Fulfilling the requirements will challenge you. When the Apostle Paul writes, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength” he is speaking from a situation of enduring great suffering and sacrifice. Pursuing a quality education involves sacrifice and is essential to preparing you to offer your life as a living sacrifice and to minister in a way that is acceptable and pleasing to God. Challenge yourself at every step on this journey. Learn sacrifice now and it will lay the foundation of great faithfulness in your future. Remember, the Lord is with you!
Records and responsibilities
Education providers (our Nazarene universities and colleges, our seminary, and district training centers) and District Boards of Ministry are your partners on this journey. Education providers offer options and guidance as you select and pursue completion of a validated Course of Study program. Your District Board of Ministry has the responsibility of monitoring your progress in meeting the educational requirements for ordination and verifying your completion of the Course of Study. For this reason, you will need to report your educational progress to your District Board of Ministry each year. It is your responsibility to keep records received from your educational provider (or providers). This will help the partnership function well and resolve any confusion or discrepancy that may arise.
If you are considering completing the Course of Study from multiple education providers, it is important to understand the differences in the programs offered. Even though each program may be validated, course work will differ and courses may not transfer. This may mean you will be required to take more courses than you originally planned in order to complete the Course of Study. If you are completing a non-validated degree program, some of the coursework you have completed may be sufficient to count toward completion of the Course of Study. This is a determination made by your District Board of Ministry upon evaluation of your transcript and course syllabi.
In consultation with trusted and well-informed advisors, make a plan for your journey through the Course of Study and write it down. Share this plan with your pastor or mentor and with your District Board of Ministry. Some Districts require a specific pathway with prescribed coursework, depending on your educational background. Be sure your plan meets the District’s guidelines as you continue your studies. Refer to this plan often and use it to mark your progress. Celebrate the milestones and remember that in your preparation you are answering the call to ministry!
Graduation and beyond
A period of 10 years is allowed for the completion of the Course of Study. This period of time begins the date you are granted your first district license. In extenuating circumstances, a District Board of Ministry may approve a leave of absence and extend the time limit accordingly.
Once you have completed the Course of Study, your achievement will be recognized by action of the district assembly to graduate you from the Course of Study. This action by the district assembly is not to be confused with graduating with an academic degree. Nevertheless, being classified as a graduate of the Course of Study is an important milestone in the journey of your candidacy for ordination in that it certifies you have completed the basic educational preparation required.
With this recognition comes the responsibility of continuing to be an active learner. Of course, you do not have to wait until you complete the Course of Study before you look for and participate in lifelong learning opportunities. The sooner you develop the habit, the better. In fact, from this point forward you are to complete at least 20 lifelong learning hours each year and to report your learning activity annually to your district assembly. Find out more details in the final section of this handbook, including how to establish an account on the Lifelong Learning Registry.
Records and responsibilities
Education providers (our Nazarene universities and colleges, our seminary, and district training centers) and District Boards of Ministry are your partners on this journey. Education providers offer options and guidance as you select and pursue completion of a validated Course of Study program. Your District Board of Ministry has the responsibility of monitoring your progress in meeting the educational requirements for ordination and verifying your completion of the Course of Study. For this reason, you will need to report your educational progress to your District Board of Ministry each year. It is your responsibility to keep records received from your educational provider (or providers). This will help the partnership function well and resolve any confusion or discrepancy that may arise.
If you are considering completing the Course of Study from multiple education providers, it is important to understand the differences in the programs offered. Even though each program may be validated, course work will differ and courses may not transfer. This may mean you will be required to take more courses than you originally planned in order to complete the Course of Study. If you are completing a non-validated degree program, some of the coursework you have completed may be sufficient to count toward completion of the Course of Study. This is a determination made by your District Board of Ministry upon evaluation of your transcript and course syllabi.
In consultation with trusted and well-informed advisors, make a plan for your journey through the Course of Study and write it down. Share this plan with your pastor or mentor and with your District Board of Ministry. Some Districts require a specific pathway with prescribed coursework, depending on your educational background. Be sure your plan meets the District’s guidelines as you continue your studies. Refer to this plan often and use it to mark your progress. Celebrate the milestones and remember that in your preparation you are answering the call to ministry!
Graduation and beyond
A period of 10 years is allowed for the completion of the Course of Study. This period of time begins the date you are granted your first district license. In extenuating circumstances, a District Board of Ministry may approve a leave of absence and extend the time limit accordingly.
Once you have completed the Course of Study, your achievement will be recognized by action of the district assembly to graduate you from the Course of Study. This action by the district assembly is not to be confused with graduating with an academic degree. Nevertheless, being classified as a graduate of the Course of Study is an important milestone in the journey of your candidacy for ordination in that it certifies you have completed the basic educational preparation required.
With this recognition comes the responsibility of continuing to be an active learner. Of course, you do not have to wait until you complete the Course of Study before you look for and participate in lifelong learning opportunities. The sooner you develop the habit, the better. In fact, from this point forward you are to complete at least 20 lifelong learning hours each year and to report your learning activity annually to your district assembly. Find out more details in the final section of this handbook, including how to establish an account on the Lifelong Learning Registry.