Our understandings of how ministries are organized are set down in "Policies and Criteria for the Order of Ministry." The Order of Ministry includes two offices: Ordained minister and commissioned minister. Qualifications and conditions for both offices are set by each of the 33 regions of the church, in cooperation with the congregations in that region.

Ordained Ministers are authorized for ministry throughout the church. Candidates for ordination normally must possess a bachelor's degree and complete a program of theological education and professional study at a theological institution accredited by the Association of Theological Schools in the U.S. and Canada, usually leading to the Master of Divinity Degree. The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is related to seven theological institutions, but Disciples ministerial students attend many other institutions as well.

There are two categories of Commissioned Ministers. The first is "Commissioned Minister not seeking Ordination" and the second is "Commissioned Minister Seeking Ordination." Processes for both categories vary region by region.

If you feel called to ordained or licensed ministry you should:

1. Continue in prayerful consideration of God's call to you and the commitments and skills you have to offer to Christ's Church.
2. Discuss the possibilities with your congregation's pastor or another minister and get his or her advice and guidance.
3. Contact the Regional Minister of your region. He or she will want to meet with you, will put you in touch with the regional Commission on Ministry, and will explain the expectations and requirements of your region.

Please feel free to contact the Higher Education and Leadership Ministries if we can be of any help to you. Our phone number is (314) 991-3000, and we can be reached by e-mail at helm@helmdisciples.org.