Preparing for ministry is a journey.
The Guide to Ministerial Preparation and Ordination (Español) handbook is designed to acquaint you with the journey and provide information and insight that will assist you in your final steps to Ordination.
The Church of the Nazarene believes God calls men and women into special roles of leadership in ministry. Consistent with our belief, the church has developed many resources to help you determine what God is saying to you, and to prepare you for Christian service. You will find below step-by-step instructions to lead you through the process as well as the forms you will need. You are strongly encouraged to talk with your Pastor and allow him/her to help you discern God’s call on your life whether that is into vocational ministry or serving Him in other capacities.
The next step you should take is to begin the ordination process. There are many steps the church requires to ensure all candidates are called of God, and suited for ministry. Keep this document close as you go through the process.
To qualify for Ordination an applicant should:
- Complete all of the 21 modules or equivalent (generally at a Nazarene or Holiness institution of Higher Learning)
- Hold a District License for Three consecutive years
- Hold a valid District License at the point of ordination
- The equivalent of three consecutive years of ministry service. (See South Central Field Policy on credits for part time service.)
All required forms must be completed and submitted through Toolbox by Thursday, February 19.
1. NEO – 1st Time and Ordination Applicants Insights and Applying Biblical Principles to Contemporary Issues
Please complete the following for so that the Ministerial Development Board can track your growth in grace and your understanding of the church and your call. Brief, but thorough, answers will provide a basis for your interview
2. Ordination/Recognition Questionnaire
Give careful attention to the information requested as this will be reviewed by the General Superintendent prior to ordination.
3. Local Involvement and Formal Agreement between MIT and Church
For those not serving as lead pastor – you need to show you are in an assigned ministry assignment to be ordained. Include this Formal Agreement along with your local church board Recommendation for your license renewal. Especially as the MIT approaches Ordination, we encourage the pastor and board to consider the qualities highlighted in the CHURCH BOARD MEMBER EVALUATION as they make a recommendation (a summary from the church board may be turned in to the committee, but it is not required).
3. Local Involvement and Formal Agreement between MIT and Church
All applicants for ordination are also to have an evaluation by the Church Board. The church board secretary is to complete the CHURCH BOARD MEMBER EVALUATION FORM in summary of the individual church board evaluations.
4. Completion of Course of Study
Contact the district office to give documentation of any classes completed this year and confirm with your Education Evaluator that you have completed the Course of Study. All questions regarding courses completed need to be received or resolved before the annual licensing interview.
Education Evaluators are:
Jim Thornton – jthornton68@gmail.com (District Secretary)
Austin Troyer – austinjtroyer@gmail.com (East Region)
Bret Metcalfe – claremorenazpastor@gmail.com (chair)
Fabian Correa – ftcorrea1973@gmail.com (Hispanic Region)
Ronnie Baker – ronnielbaker@gmail.com (Tulsa Region)
Rod Thelander – rodthelander@gmail.com (West Region)
5. Mentor Evaluation
It is the responsibility of each MIT to contact their assigned mentor throughout the year for input and review of ministerial progress. The Mentoring Component is an important part of ministerial preparation. Be sure the mentor completes Mentoring Notes prior to due date.
6. In-person ordination interview with Ministerial Development Board
Please note that your spouse is expected to be present at your Ordination Interview.
7. Ordination Service at District Assembly
Assembly and Conventions | June 5 – 6, 2026
Ordination Saturday Afternoon | June 6, 2026 | 1:30 pm
All Lead Pastors and pastoral staff are expected to be present at all sessions.
Host Church: Tulsa Central Church of the Nazarene, Daniel Surratt – Host Pastor
7291 East 81st Street, Tulsa, OK, (918) 252-5483
General Superintendent in Jurisdiction: Dr. David Busic