Do you feel a call to ministry?

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 will want to start by reviewing the section below titled "Clarifying Your Call." It contains resources to help you know for sure God is calling you. It also contains a simple strengths and gifts survey to help you determine the area of ministry that might be best for you.

The next link you should open and read is "Steps to Ordination." Ordination is a 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.
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We pray God's richest blessings on you as you follow Him in obedience.

Sincerely,
South Texas Board of Ministry

clarifying your call

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.

Steps to ordination

Ordination is a process. The Church of the Nazarene charges the South Texas District Board of Ministry with the responsibility that all candidates for ordination are called of God and fit for Christian service.
  • Examination - Each year students will be required to meet with someone who will evaluate their progress in ministry. This will be with a local church board when holding a local ministers license and later with representatives from the District Board of Ministry when holding a district license. The purpose of examination is accountability and clarification.
  • Education - The Church of the Nazarene requires students to complete 24 courses of ministry. The courses consist of theology, ministry, evangelism, and church history.
  • Participation - Those enrolled in the Ministerial Service Track will be expected to put into practice what they are learning. They should have a specific area of ministry leadership that demonstrates the calling of God on their lives.
  • Below is a checklist that will walk you through the ordination process. Keep it close by and refer to it often.

Ordination Process

1. Obtain a local license
You need to hold a Local License for at least one year prior to applying for a District License. Talk. to your Pastor to apply.
​2. Enroll in the Ministerial Service Track
All persons seeking ordination through the South Texas District Church of the Nazarene must first enroll in the Ministerial Service Track. The Ministerial Service Track is the "Gateway" to "Portal" which the South Texas District utilizes as its means for tracking the progress of your journey toward ordination.
There are two forms required for enrolling in the School of ministry (This is to keep a record of the courses/classes you take).
There are many options for completing courses:
  • SOUTH TEXAS NAZARENE SCHOOL OF MINISTRY
  • Nazarene Bible College (online, degree and non-degree programs count toward ordination) www.nbc.edu
  • Mount Vernon Nazarene University (online, degree and non-degree programs count toward ordination)www.mvnu.edu
  • Northwest Nazarene University (online, degree and non-degree programs count toward ordination) www.nnu.edu 
  • Spanish: Seminaro Nazareno, De Las Americas (online, degree and non-degree programs count toward ordination)  http://www.seminarionazareno.net/en/
  • Other Nazarene institutions of higher education
  • Other approved institutions of higher education - Non Nazarene (before enrolling in an institution of higher education please contact Rev. Bob Seal at 936-756-3507 to verify the institution is approved)
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NOTE: Degree programs may require coursework that will not count toward ordination. Contact the School of Ministry Registrar prior to enrolling into a degree program. At the end of each semester, it is the student's responsibility to submit verification of completed coursework to the School of Ministry Registrar. Timely reporting of coursework will help ensure the Board of Ministry is properly able to track a student's progress and current level.
3. Obtain a District License
District Licenses are granted for one year - from Assembly to Assembly. You must reapply and complete the process each year.
4. Apply for Ordination
Upon being ordained, you will receive your permanent Elder or Deacon credential.