ORDINATION OF ELDERS1

An Elder is an ordained clergyperson—a minister who has served in ministry at a local church and at the Jurisdictional level for at least two years and is recommended by their Pastor to the Jurisdictional Prelate for ordination. An Elder can come from another Church of God in Christ or through reformation with a letter from their Bishop or Pastor.

The Ordination Process *

  • A Letter of Recommendation from the Pastor to the Jurisdictional Bishop.2

  • Complete an application to the Ordination Academy.

  • Complete a one-page essay.

  • Complete Sexual Misconduct Training.3

  • Undergo a Background Check.4

*This process must be completed in full before the Jurisdictional Secretary can request your credentials from the national church.

Elders should be tithe payers, fully supporting the local Pastor’s vision and being involved at both the district and jurisdictional levels.

THE ORDINATION ACADEMY

The Academy is designed to facilitate training and preparation for the final examination required to become an Ordained Elder in the Church of God In Christ.

  • The Ordination Academy is a 16-month course, which begins in June during the AIM Convention and concludes in August of the following year, just before the Holy Convocation.

  • The Ordination registration application fee is $150.00.

  • Course Outline:

  • · The Call to Eldership

    • · Understanding COGIC Doctrine 1 & 2

    • · The Affirmation of Faith

    • · Ethics & Personal Character

    • · Servant Leadership

    • · Clergy Protocol

    • · The Sacraments

    • · Old/New Testament Survey

    • · Hermeneutics/Homiletics

    • · Doctrinal Presentation

    • · COGIC Policy

    • · Government/Constitution

    • · COGIC History 1 & 2

    • · Course Review

    • · Written & Oral Exams  

  •  Required Reading Book Material

    • Church of God in Christ Manual

    • Understanding COGIC Doctrine

    • Supplemental reading material issued during the Academy.

THE EXAMINATION

  • Oral Evaluation – Conducted by the Ordination Review Board

  • Written Exam - Proctored

  • Online Sexual Misconduct Training

THE ORDINATION SERVICE

  • The Ordination Service is held during the Jurisdictional Holy Convocation, which is held in August of the second year of the Academy.

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1 CERTIFICATE LICENSES

The National Church imposes a $35 fee for the initial Minister/Elder/Pastoral appointment certificate licenses.

  • Annual renewals of the Credential Holder Card for all credential holders/select officials (male/female) are due in March. The assessment amount is according to the title held (National Credentials Schedule).

2 MINISTERS, ELDERS, AND PASTORS FROM OTHER JURISDICTIONS OR REFORMATIONS

  • Undergo a Background Check.

  • Complete Sexual Misconduct Training.

  • Recommendation from the Jurisdictional Bishop of the Jurisdiction from which they came.

  • Provide a Letter of Transfer from the Pastor from whom they are transferring.

3 SEXUAL MISCONDUCT TRAINING

  • To complete Sexual Misconduct Training, create an account at www.cogicarc.com

  • The National Church imposes a fee for this training.

4 BACKGROUND CHECKS

  • The National Church imposes a fee for Background Checks.

Click here for the Application for Ordination

Questions regarding the completion of this Application should be submitted to the Jurisdictional Secretary at info@sw3micogic.org.

*  This process must be completed in full before the Jurisdictional Secretary can request your credentials from the national church.