Pursuing Holy Orders (Ordination)

When an individual expresses a sense of Divine calling to ministry they shall submit a formal declaration of interest to the Leadership Council who will assign a mentor to assist in exploration of their call. When the mentor is satisfied that the candidate is prepared for ministry, the mentor will send the candidate’s formal application to the Leadership Council with the mentor’s recommendation. Upon submission, the Leadership Council will enter a period of discernment and may, by a majority vote, affirm ordination. If ordination is not affirmed, further steps for the candidate will be recommended. Wherever possible, this ordination shall be observed in the symbolic laying on of hands, in accordance with the long-standing traditions of the church. 

All persons seeking Holy Orders are required to be members in good standing of the Alliance.

Process for New Clergy/Dual Affiliation

  1. Be a member in good standing.
  2. Complete the ordination inquiry form and receive permission to complete the application from the ordination chair.
  3. Submit all required paperwork:
    • Submit a resume with past and present work experience, including all educational experiences and degrees obtained. 
    • Sign the Ministerial Promise.
    • Compose an essay on how you’ve experienced God in your life and in the world.
    • Compose an essay on your theology as it applies to social justice and radical inclusion. 
    • Compose an essay on your theology as it applies to ministry. 
    • Provide a federal criminal background check from an approved agency.
  4. Ordinands will be assigned a mentor to walk through the preparation process in ministry.
  5. After a period of discernment, the ordinand’s completed application along with recommendation from the mentor will be presented to the Leadership Council for affirmation.