Credentialing in the Covenant Church
Students who plan to be credentialed (licensed, commissioned, or ordained) in the Evangelical Covenant Church should keep current with the requirements of the Board of Ministry of the ECC, which is responsible for all decisions and policies regarding ministerial credentials, transfer of ordination, and orientation. Learn more about the credentialing requirements for Covenant ministers.
Call to Ministry Process
North Park degree-seeking students are invited to participate in the Call to Ministry process, which provides important opportunities for networking with denominational leaders as well as addressing the process and requirements for licensing, commissioning, and ordination in the ECC.
Foundational Courses for Credentialing
In order to be credentialed in the Evangelical Covenant Church, a pastor needs at minimum four graduate-level courses in theological studies. The 12-credit certificate program in foundational courses is specifically designed for candidates who are:
- Seeking Ordination to Word and Service, but who have a non-theological master’s degree in their area of specialization; a year of full-time graduate theological studies (which includes the four courses) is required
- Seeking Commissioning who have a bachelor’s degree; these candidates must take the four courses at graduate level
- Seeking a Ministry License
Foundational courses are offered online, on-campus, and as intensive hybrid courses through North Park Theological Seminary’s regional course options. By taking one class per semester, the certificate can be completed in two years, though it may also be done faster. Candidates for credentialing must apply as certificate or visiting students at North Park in order to take these courses.
License for Theological Students
North Park Theological Seminary students who will be serving a Covenant church during their internship experience may qualify for a License for Theological Students during the time they serve. Learn more.