Ministry Preparation & Studies

COMMONLY USED LINKS:

(explore the page below for more information)

This page contains all the information and explanations for the local license and district license process, including educational information and resources.

Below are the available resources for students and ministers in training (MITs).

Please take the time to explore this page and read through the information.

This section provides a variety of documents and resources which explain the various aspects of the ministerial journey. It is a multifaceted process. Involvement between the local church, the district board of ministry, and regional resources is vital to the success of the minister in training.

The Church of the Nazarene recognizes all believers are called to minister to others. We also affirm Christ calls some to a specific and public ministry even as He chose and ordained His 12 apostles (Ephesians 4:11-13). When the church, illuminated by the Holy Spirit, recognizes such a divine call, the church endorses and assists the individual’s entry into a lifetime of ministry. Both women and men may be ordained and may also be elected to places of leadership within the Church of the Nazarene, including the office of pastor.

The Church of the Nazarene is committed to preparing its ministers for a lifetime of effective service. In addition to experience gained through serving in the local church and other settings, there are educational requirements that must also be met. The goal is for every Nazarene minister to develop certain abilities and capacities by completing an array of studies and practicums called the Course of Study (COS). Those seeking ordination in the Church of the Nazarene must complete a Validated Course of Study program that has been approved by the General Board and Board of General Superintendents. Both degree and non-degree validated COS programs are available. (See blow for additional information about Education for Nazarene Ministers).

(Note: All documents below are in English (and some in Spanish or French as indicated) … (PDFs unless indicated otherwise):

GENERAL INFORMATION (links are documents or of-site webpages)

WHERE TO BEGIN AT THE LOCAL CHURCH…

The Local Church is where ministry happens. The District and Global centers are resourcing entities for ministry at the local level. These three entities always cooperate together for the the accomplishment of the whole mission - to make Christ-like disciples in the nations.

The Local Minister’s License Process (“The beginning point” - **Local Church information)

INFORMATION ABOUT EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR NAZARENE MINISTERS

The educational preparation required of all Nazarene ministers is called the Validated Course of Study. A Course of Study curriculum is designed to develop the range of abilities needed for effective ministry. A curriculum that has been approved by the General Board and Board of General Superintendents is a validated Course of Study program. Those preparing for ministry must complete a minimum validated Course of Study program and must adhere to the specific guidelines of the region on which they hold membership in the Church of the Nazarene.

It is extremely important that the Student (MIT) understands that not all “ministry” degree programs offered at our Nazarene colleges meet the minimum requirements for ordination in the Church of the Nazarene. While most contain some of the classes required, additional classes may be necessary to fulfill the COS requirements. Just getting the degree may not be enough to qualify. Please check with school advisors and your District Board of Ministry leadership to determine which programs or combination of programs fulfill the minimum requirements for ordination BEFORE you start taking classes in a degree program. It is the District Board of Ministry which finally determines whether or not any class will be acceptable for completion of requirements, regardless where it is obtained.

The two parts of educational requirements on Florida District:

Part 1 - “First Class” is the required orientation class for the ministry and ordination preparation process for Florida District Church of the Nazarene. It is preferred that all new students take this class before they start other classes. Click Here for “First Class” information and registration.

Part 2 - Ministerial Preparation Classes (Validated Course of Study) - Several methods of completing the ministerial preparation classes are available to the student;

1) Online Course of Study programs**:

  • Nazarene Bible College (NBC.edu)

  • Northwest Nazarene University (NNU.edu)

  • SENDAS (http://www.seminarionazareno.net/; Hispanic students)

    These schools offer programs for completing the mandatory 25 classes required for ordination. In addition, they offer degree programs. Students are urged to contact the school directly to inquire about their respective programs.

  • Haitian language-based studies - “Educational Theologique Nazareene Specialisee” (ETNS)

  • Portuguese landguage-based studies - “STNB” or “Euorpean Nazarene College” worldwide

2) Nazarene Theological Seminary (NTS.edu) offers the Master’s of Divinity degree program online.

3) Another resource for obtaining the required classes for the Course of Study is through the District Board of Ministry:

a) Florida District Nazarene Bible Institute (FNBI). A small number core COS classes are offered conducted by qualified district instructors. The district offers the classes on a limited schedule in the Fall, Spring and Summer. Click here for the current schedule and details.

b) District language-specific ministries (LSM). Currently for Hispanic language classes are offered through El Centro de Estudios Ministeriales (CEM). Contact Dr. Edgar Diaz/ Rev. Nancy Cortes for information about CEM. Other language-specific ministries are under development. Check back for updated information.

4) New students/ candidates may present transcripts from non-Nazarene schools. The district educational director and educational evaluator will review the transcripts. The board of ministry has final determination whether to accept and give credit for classes, in all cases.

Be aware, currently enrolled students wishing to attend non-Nazarene ministry-related programs should consult with the District Educational Director to discuss the program being considered, to determine if it fulfills, even in-part, any of the requirements of the Course of Study. The Board of Ministry always has final determination on accepting classes from any program.

District-offered Course of Study Classes

  • Florida District Nazarene Bible Institute - Click here (classes offered, English)

  • El Centro de Estudios Ministeriales (CEM) - Click here (classes offered, Español)

General Contact Information

DISTRICT OFFICE
Florida District Church of the Nazarene
4720 Cleveland Heights Blvd.
Suite 105
Lakeland, FL 33813
Office: (863) 644-9331