Ordination

The path to credentialed, accountable ministry.

For those called to carry the weight of ministry under the Church's blessing: formation, examination, and a recognized credential.

Find my church

Take it through a church near you, together, in person.

Program trailer

Ordination

Who it's for

Ordination carries you past a certificate: a serious, prayerful path of formation, doctrinal examination, and accountability that ends in a recognized credential. It is the most solemn thing CLC offers, and it is taken under the care of a local church.

Experienced leaders and ministers seeking credentialed ministry.

Format: Through a church
Length: Eight to twelve months
Tuition: From $1,600
Prerequisites: Year Two
Courses: 4 video courses

What you'll learn

The courses inside Ordination

4 courses, taken in order, each one building on the last.

Doctrine and ConfessionA close account of what you believe and why you can stand on it.12 units
Ministerial EthicsThe character, boundaries, and integrity the office requires.12 units
The Theology of OrdinationWhat ordination is, what it is not, and the weight it carries.12 units
Ordination Readiness and ExaminationPreparing for the papers and the oral examination before the board.12 units

What's included

What this program carries

Courses

Video lessons and readings, marked complete as you go.

Assignments

Hands-on work reviewed and approved by a leader who knows you.

Gatherings

In-person meetings tracked when you take it through a church.

Community

Group discussion rooms with the others learning alongside you.

Certificate

Earned on completion and kept on your account.

Who teaches it

Taught by pastors who've done the work.

You learn from leaders who have built the local church, not career academics. Every course is shaped by real ministry.

Meet the faculty

Pastor Stephen Martin
Founder and President
Pastor Nathan Brown
CLC Program Director, Lead Instructor & Cohort Leader
Pastor Luis & Martha Pereda

What you earn

Ordination credential

A recognized credential (Licensed, Standard, or Equivalency) renewed each year.

A recognized ministry credential
Formation and examination under the Church's care
Ongoing accountability and annual renewal

Church Leadership College

Certificate of Completion

Ordination credential

Recipient

Before you start

Prerequisites

Year Two: Pastoral Leadership Residency

Certificate in Pastoral Leadership

Experienced ministers may qualify through demonstrated equivalency instead.

View program

Prerequisites may vary if you take this through your church.

Take it through your church

Where it's running

No churches are hosting this program yet: take it online, or bring it to your church.

Common questions

Good to know

Can I be ordained online?: No. Ordination is taken through a hosting church, under real oversight. Find a church to begin.
What if I already have ministry experience?: Experienced ministers may qualify through the equivalency path. Your hosting church confirms the requirements.

Your calling deserves preparation

Begin when you're ready.

Find my church

Ordination

Taken through a hosting church

Find my church