Ordination

Ordination is the recognition that an individual has received from God specific spiritual gifts that are related to church leadership, and is authorized to use them in the appropriate ministry.  We recognize that as believers, we are all called to do the work of ministry.  Ordination is not a prerequisite for participation in meaningful ministry.  Instead, it is a public recognition and affirmation of one’s demonstrated leadership gifts.

A core principle of 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 (Jesus) gave some to be apostles, prophets, pastors, evangelists, teachers…”  Christ gave, and today still gives these leadership gifts to His church for a purpose – to equip believers to do the work of ministry so that all might do the work together to build up the Body of Christ. 

God’s gifts to the church are in the form of leaders. These leaders are not given to the church to do everything.  God is concerned about ordering the church, not about establishing orders of ministry.  These people have been given the ability to fulfill these leadership roles to enable the church to be and do what God intended it to be and do.  Together each one functions to guide the church in faith, knowledge, and truth, and to preserve it from being swept away by error or by division. 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 1Timothy 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 requirement, 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 described in Ephesians 4:11.

As ministers of the Gospel, our members are commissioned and credentialed to officiate all Christian rites and ordinances, including the marriage ceremony; to pray with the sick and afflicted; and to perform all other functions which most understand to be the duties of a Christian minister.

As you make the decision to apply to 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) a pre-ordination interview which serves to determine the candidate’s readiness for ordination; and b) formal courses that require reading, class participation and practical application.

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 course 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-three seminars. During the spring semester, students will complete two courses and two-three seminars.

In order to assess whether candidates are progressing adequately toward ordination, the Program Director will remain in regular contact with candidates and instructors. The program culminates on Good Friday with the ordination of those who have successfully completed all requirements. For 2011, the Ordination Ceremony will take place on Friday, April 22 at 7 p.m.

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 gifts): 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. Demonstrate 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 Information Center located in the CCF lobby, or the GCN, U.S.A. website at www.gcnusa.org. You will be scheduled for the pre-enrollment interview as soon as possible after the application is received and reviewed. 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 July 31, 2010 for the 2010-2011 program year.
2. Recommendations – At the time of application, you must provide two letters of Recommendation Forms 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 recommendation must be submitted using the “Ordination Program Recommendation Form” which is included in the Ordination Program packet. Please Note: Incomplete application packages (Program Application, two recommendations, 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.