Ordination

Ordination is the recognition, first by God, and then by the ordaining body, that an individual has specific spiritual gifts having to do with church leadership, and is authorized to use them in the appropriate ministry. We also recognize that as believers, we are all called to do the work of ministry and thus ordination is not a prerequisite for participation in meaningful ministry.

One of our foundational principles at Global Change Network, U.S.A. is that our members are called to help others in the Body of Christ acquire the skills, knowledge and tools to do “the work of ministry." In Ephesians 4:11, God has outlined his plan for preparing the saints – “he gave some to be apostles, prophets, pastors, evangelists, teachers…” God has established a governmental structure – leadership – in the Body to carry out his desire that the saints be equipped to do the work of ministry for the building up of the Church. Through those operating in these leadership roles or offices, every member of the Body is to be “perfected." True leadership requires godly character, dedication, sacrifice, integrity, wisdom, patience, perseverance and much more. Not  everyone desires leadership. And not everyone is called to serve in this way.  All who seek to lead God’s people should study I Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9.

As leaders, those whom God ordains as apostles, prophets, pastors, evangelists and teachers take on, as a part of the mantle, the responsibility to train, mentor, and model godly Christian character, and assist in bringing the Body to maturity.

In line with this direction, GCN, U.S.A. is made up of ministers who are called as leaders. Therefore, our membership consists   only of ministers ordained to one of the five-fold offices as described in Ephesians 4:11.

As ministers of the Gospel, our members are commissioned and credentialed to officiate at all rites and ordinances, including the marriage ceremony; to pray with the sick and afflicted; and to perform all other functions which by common law and Christian custom constitute the responsibilities of a minister of the Gospel.

 As you make the decision concerning our Ordination Program, please give prayerful consideration to these questions:

1.  Why do I want to be ordained?
2. What proof is there, based on my current ministry activities, of my call to ministry as an apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor or teacher?
3. Do I see myself as a person who has a specific call, from God, to lead and teach and equip others?
4. Am I ready to sustain a lifestyle of active ministry?
5. Am I in agreement with the philosophy and vision of GCN, U.S.A. ?

Description

Currently, the Ordination Program covers approximately seven months (two semesters), beginning in September and ending in April. The two major components of the program are: a) formal courses that require reading, class participation and practical application: and b) a pre-ordination interview which serves to determine the candidate’s readiness for ordination.

All courses are completed through Christian Vocational Training School (CVTS), CCF’s school for adult Christian education. The coursework is designed for adults of varying educational levels. However, students should be prepared for a rigorous course of study. Each class requires the purchase of a textbook(s). Information regarding textbooks is available at the CVTS registration office. During the fall semester, students must complete two courses and two seminars. During the spring semester, students will complete two courses and three seminars.

Additionally, at the end of the fall semester, candidates must undergo a pre-ordination interview to determine their progress and readiness for ordination. The program culminates on Good Friday with the ordination of those who have successfully completed all requirements.

Those completing the Ordination Program will be ordained as ministers of the Gospel with an emphasis in one of the following leadership gifts (five-fold ministry offices): apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor or teacher.

Please note: All courses required for the completion of this program are administered by and completed at CVTS, which is an entity separate from GCN, U.S.A. Ordination candidates must register for classes at CVTS during the published registration period. Please see the CVTS catalog for details.

Eligibility for Program

To be eligible for the program you must:

1. Be at least 18 years of age.
2. Profess Christian faith.
3. Be a member of a local church.
4. Show proof of a call to the chosen five-fold ministry office.
5. Complete the application.
6. Provide two recommendation letters regarding your life, ministry work and character. 
7. Successfully complete the pre-enrollment interview.
8. Agree with the mission and purpose of GCN, U.S.A.

Admission

The following process should be followed when applying to the Ordination Program:

1.  Program Application - Complete the Program Application and submit it along with the $100 program fee to Ordination Program, Global Change Network, U.S.A., 10682 E. Iliff Avenue, Aurora, Colorado 80014. The Program Application is included in the Ordination Program packet which can be obtained from either the GCN, U.S.A. administrative office, the Resource Desk located in the CCF lobby, or the GCN, U.S.A. website at www.gcn@gcnusa.org. You will be scheduled for the pre-enrollment interview as soon as possible after the application is received. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit applications as early as possible in the process to allow sufficient time to be scheduled for the pre-enrollment interview. Applications will not be accepted after August 14, 2009 for the 2009-2010 program year.
2. Letters of Recommendation – At the time of application, you must provide two letters of recommendation from persons who are familiar with your life, ministry work, and character. One of the recommendations must come from your current senior pastor, overseer or a church leader who can attest to your current local church participation. Each letter of recommendation must be submitted using the “Ordination Program Letter of Recommendation Form” which is included in the Ordination Program packet. Please Note: Incomplete application packages (Program Application, two Recommendation Letters, and the $100 Program Fee) will not be processed and will be returned to the applicant.
3. Pre-Enrollment Interview - Once the application and program fee have been received, you will be contacted to set up a pre-enrollment interview. The pre-enrollment interview will help us determine your suitability for the program. You should be prepared to discuss your purpose for entering the program and demonstrate a definite call to one of the five-fold ministry offices (apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, teacher), based on your ministry activities prior to applying to the program.
4. Notification of Acceptance to the Program - You will be notified by letter of the outcome within one-week of the pre-enrollment interview. Acceptance to the program does not guarantee ordination. Once you have been accepted into the Ordination Program, you must register for classes at CVTS during the designated registration period. Please consult the CVTS catalog or contact the CVTS administrative office for registration dates and procedures. 
5. Candidate Orientation -Those accepted to the Ordination Program must attend a candidate orientation which will be held one week before classes begin at CVTS. At this meeting, you will review the program philosophy, expectations, ordination requirements and the GCN, U.S.A. organization.