The educational requirements for commissioning and/or ordination in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) can be met via two separate tracks, an apprentice track and a seminary track. In either track, the expectation is that candidates for ordination or commissioning demonstrate competency in 16 areas of ministerial practice. (See list below).  The DSF Collective Certificate Program assists candidates in acquiring the competencies necessary for ministry.

 

If you are considering ministry in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), you should first contact your regional minister.  She/he will discuss the process for commissioning and/or ordination in your specific region. 

 

1. Biblical Knowledge

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

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2. Church Administration and Planning

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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.

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3. Communication

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

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4. Cross Cultural and Anti-Racism Experience

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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.

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6. Education and Leadership Development

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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.

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7. Ethics

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

 

8. Evangelism

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

 

9. Mission of the Church in the World

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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

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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

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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

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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.