Process
1. Enrollment in ROP begins in a conversation between the church, the candidate, and the Area Minister. If ROP seems to meet the needs, then—
2. The church endorses the candidate for admission into the program. The church will consider evidence for a call to ministry, the journey of faith, Christian character, leadership experience, and understand why ordination is being sought.
3. The application is reviewed by the ROP Dean. Following approval, the candidate is then free to pursue the prescribed courses in no given order. Normal progress is expected to be the completion of two courses each year, which will result in completion of the program in four years. Candidates may apply to the Dean for a one-time extension in response to personal circumstances.
Course Requirements (Download Brochure)
4. Mandatory courses (The Region will maintain and offer on a regular schedule the following 3)
Boundaries:A Sacred Trust (Boundary Issues for Clergy and Spiritual Teachers)
Practice of Congregational Ministry. ($50)
A very practical course which covers such topics as:
- planning and leading worship
- baptism
- Lord's Supper
- Weddings
- Funerals
- Counseling
- Visitations
This course requires the student to use a mentor - an experienced ABC pastor.
The candidate will become eligible for licensure upon the completion of these three courses.
5. Core Academic Courses: 5 required
- New Testament Survey
- Old Testament Survey
- Introduction to Christian Theology
- Preaching
- Principles of Pastoral Leadership
These 5 courses listed above are to be equivalent to a 2-hour college course and may be taken at accredited community colleges, Bible colleges or seminaries (traditional or "on-line"). See listed offerings.
6. Electives - 2 Courses
These 2 courses must be equivalent to a 2-hour course and relate to the student's specific needs in a pastoral ministry. Some possible topics include:
- Worship
- Evangelism
- Discipleship Training
- Biblical Studies
- Church Growth
These courses must be prior approved by the Dean for the Regional Ordination Program.
7. When all the coursework has been completed, the church then takes action to endorse the candidate for regional ordination.
8. The candidate then enters the usual process for ordination.