Licensing & Ordination

Pathways to Ordination at Trevecca University

Since 1901, Trevecca has been preparing women and men for ministry. We continue supporting that mission by offering multiple pathways to fulfill the education requirements for ordination in the Church of the Nazarene.

  • This traditional undergraduate degree is offered on-site at our beautiful campus just minutes from downtown Nashville. Over the course of three to four years, students will engage with their studies in a series of foundational courses and select a concentration from a number of specializations, including pastoral ministry, worship ministry, youth ministry, intercultural studies, and more.

    • In-Person Format

    • Results in fully accredited degree and ordination training

    • Duration: 3-4 years

    • Concentrations in pastoral ministry, youth ministry, children’s ministry, church and community, intercultural studies, worship ministry

    • Benefit from close relationships with Trevecca faculty at our Nashville campus

    • More info and application

  • This online degree completion program, aimed at those who have some college credit or another degree, can be completed in 18 months and equips pastors with a holistic approach to ministry, integrating a deep knowledge of scripture and doctrine with practical skills in a range of meaningful ministerial contexts. Tuition is free for Nazarene pastors on the Southeast Field.

    • Online Format

    • Results in fully accredited degree and ordination training 

    • Duration: 2.5–3 years

    • A degree completion program perfect for those who have previous college credit or a degree in another field

    • Equips you to serve in a variety of ministry roles

    • Tuition for 19 core and ordination courses is free for Nazarene pastors in the Southeast Field

    • An Integrated Mentorship Program helps students discuss coursework with a mentor

    • More info and application

  • This online program takes approximately three years and allows pastors to complete all necessary instruction through a flexible video-based curriculum without receiving a degree. The content is taught by a variety of pastors and professors from around the country, giving students a range of perspectives and information to become well-rounded ministers.

    • Online Format

    • Results in ordination training

    • Duration: Approximately 3-4 years

    • Video-based curriculum with instruction offered from professors and pastors around the U.S. and Canada

    • Non-degree approach for those who are pursuing ordination but do not want a degree

    • Equips you to serve in a variety of ministry roles

    • Launching January 6, 2026

    • More info and application

Each of these programs is a validated Course of Study that fulfills all education requirements for ordination in the Church of the Nazarene. If you are pursuing ordination in a denomination outside the Church of the Nazarene, see its educational requirements to ensure these programs meet those requirements.

Journey to Ordination

  • The Church of the Nazarene recognizes all believers are called to minister to all people. We also affirm Christ calls some men and women to a specific and public ministry even as He chose and ordained His 12 apostles. When the church, illuminated by the Holy Spirit, recognizes such a divine call, the church endorses and assists the individual’s entry into a lifetime of ministry. (Church of the Nazarene Manual, Par. 500) Learn about our theology of ordination.

    Those trying to discern if God has called them to a lifetime of ministerial leadership as clergy, either as an ordained deacon or elder are encouraged to begin the journey of discovery and discernment, which has three major milestones:

  • A Local Minister’s License it granted by your local church, not the Georgia District.

    Ask your pastor if you can meet with her or him to help you discern this journey.

    First Time Local Minister’s License Steps:

    1. Procedures for Issuing a Local Minister’s License — This document will guide the candidate, local church pastor, and board through the application process.

    2. Application for Local Minister’s License — This document is to be completed by the candidate and submitted to the local church pastor.

    3. Interview Guidelines — This document provides the local church board with guidelines for interviewing a candidate for the Local Minister’s License.

    4. A Request for Verification of Credential History form must be completed for each individual seeking a local or district minister’s license for the first time. Open the form to see full instructions and to learn more about this process. 

    Renewing a Local Minister’s License Steps:

    Must be renewed every year until District License is received.

    1. Procedures for Renewing a Local Minister’s License — This document will guide the candidate, local church pastor, and board through the process of renewing the Local Minister’s License.

    2. Renewal Application for Local Minister’s License — This document is to be completed by the candidate and submitted to the local church pastor.

    3. Interview Guidelines — This document provides the local church board with guidelines for interviewing a candidate for the renewal of the Local Minister’s License.

    4. A Request for Verification of Credential History form must be completed for each individual seeking the renewal of a local or district minister’s license when A) the church board approving renewal is not of the same local church that granted the individual his or her first local or district minister’s license, or B) the church board approving the renewal failed to submit the form when it granted the individual his or her first local or district minister’s license. Open the form to see full instructions and to learn more about this process.

  • A District Minister’s License may be granted by the district assembly if the requirements and necessary recommendations outlined below are met.

    First Time District Minister’s License Steps:

    1. Must have held a Local License for at least ONE year

    2. Must complete one-quarter (six classes) of a validated course of study for ministers

    3. Form 814 -Recommendation from Local Church Board or District Advisory Board

    4. Application for a District Minister’s License

    5. Ministry Questionnaire Form

    6. National (Not State) Background Check (good for two years only before new one is needed)

    7. If There Is A Divorce, Divorce Barrier has been removed by Board of General Superintendents upon recommendation of District Credential Board.  Contact District Credential Board Secretary or District Office for more information about this process.

    8. Attend Georgia Ordination and Leadership Development (GOLD) Weekend at Camp Adrian (REQUIRED)

    9. Go to District Assembly to participate and receive license.

    Renewing a District Minister’s License

    1. Continue to work on required course of study under the District Studies Board direction.

    2. Complete Annual District Licensed Minister’s Report (you must report on your ministry annually)

    3. Form 814 -Recommendation from Local Church Board or District Advisory Board

    4. Application for A District Minister’s License

    5. Ministry Questionnaire Form

    6. National (Not State) Background Check (good for two years only before new one is needed)

    7. If There Is A Divorce, Divorce Barrier has been removed by Board of General Superintendents upon recommendation of District Credential Board.  Contact District Credential Board Secretary or District Office for more information about this process.

    8. Attend Georgia Ordination and Leadership Development (GOLD) Weekend at Camp Adrian (Friday afternoon through Saturday Afternoon)

    9. Participate in District Assembly each year.

    Send any and all academic transcripts and course completion documentation to GeorgiaNazareneDEE@gmail.com.

  • Five Qualification Requirements for Ordination:

    1. Completion of all required studies determined by the District Board of Studies.

    2. Attend the GOLD weekend every year submitting all reports/forms required.

    3. Attend annual Ministerial Candidate Workshop (MCW) one year (with spouse if applicable).

    4. Hold a District Minister’s License for a minimum of three consecutive years.

    5. A minimum of three consecutive years of full time assigned service in a Local Church, as supported by official documentation from the District Office. In the case of part-time assignment, it should be understood that there should be an extension of the consecutive years of in-service for those serving part time.

    Note:

    Requirements 4 & 5 are NOT one and the same. 

    There must be full compliance on both issues separately.

    Final Interviews and Ordination Service:

    1. Final year if you are told you are eligible, you (and spouse if applicable) will be invited to be interviewed by full Credentials Board at the end of the GOLD weekend.

    2. If the Credentials Board after interviewing you, recommends you for ordination, the Georgia District Assembly will vote upon their recommendation and your next to final step will be an interview with you (and your spouse if applicable) and the jurisdictional General Superintendent some time during District Assembly.

    3. The long and deliberative ordination journey ends with a special ordination service the last day of district assembly where you will be given a charged, prayed over by all the elders with the laying on of hands, and ordained with the General Superintendent officiating.

Gold Weekend

  • REGISTER FOR GOLD

    BOARD MEMBER REGISTRATION

    GOLD Facebook Page

    GOLD 2026 – Georgia Ordination & Leadership Development

    February 20–21, 2026

    Adrian Camp & Conference Center
    Check-in: Friday at 10:30 AM
    Location: Dining Hall
    Guest Speaker: Rev. Dale Schafer, Florida District Superintendent


    It’s that time of year again! We’re looking forward to gathering for GOLD (Georgia Ordination & Leadership Development) as we continue the journey of ministry together on the Georgia District.

    If you are pursuing ministry and currently serving on the Georgia District, please make every effort to attend this important event. GOLD is a meaningful time for license renewal, evaluations, spiritual
    encouragement, and connection, along with the opportunity to learn and
    grow together.

    Important Reminder:
    All required paperwork must be submitted by January 15 to Rev. Don Hicks at don.hicks@ganaz.org.

    (You are responsible for submitting all paperwork.)

    If you have questions, feel free to reach out to me directly at
    lonnie8grant@gmail.com    .

    We’re excited about what God is doing across our district and look forward to seeing you at GOLD as we continue to discern, grow, and walk faithfully in God’s calling together.

Candidates Workshop

  • Dates: TBD

    Location: Camp Garner Creek, Dickson TN

    The Georgia District requires that all candidates for ordination attend the MCW weekend at some point in their journey of seeking ordination.

    The vision for the assessment process and the MCW is to assist in the equipping of licensed candidates seeking ordination in the Church of the Nazarene. The MCW is the result of regional district superintendents and the Center for Pastoral Health working together to provide licensed ministers with “tools of effectiveness”.

    While the weekend is held in the Spring each year, registration begins in the fall, with assessment packets to be completed around the first of the year in advance of the weekend.

    This weekend workshop is designed to be completed with the minister’s spouse if they are married.

    Below is the most recent literature we have on this amazing opportunity for you to get an idea for what this ministry is all about:

Studies Info & Requirements

  • We are so glad you are pursuing studies in preparation for licensing and ordination in the Church of the Nazarene. To learn more about the educational foundations for ordained ministry please consult the Church of the Nazarene’s Manual (2017-2021). Access the Manual.

    Please refer to the requirements necessary to come before both the Ministerial Board of Studies and Credentials. Read More

    As a student, you have many ways to complete the 26 courses required for ordination in the course of study. Previous academic work through accredited schools can count towards these courses. Read More about the Courses Required

    Please send all previous academic work and completed course work to District Education Evaluator, GeorgiaNazareneDEE@gmail.com.

    We encourage you to use one of our Nazarene institutions for higher education as your work could count towards a degree. Most of these institutions offer both online and in-seat education. The courses you need may be offered throughout the year at these institutions.

    Only online programs are listed below, although most of these institutions offer in-seat education as well. Costs are also only for online programs and per credit hour as of 2018.

    Trevecca Nazarene University
    BA in Christian Ministry, MA in Religion

    Nazarene Bible College
    AA in Ministry, BA in Ministry
    Certificate in Ministry (Ministerial Preparation Program)
    Courses taken in the MPP can be converted to college credit afterwards.

    Northwest Nazarene University
    AA in Christian Studies, BA in Christian Ministry (online)
    MA in Pastoral Leadership (online)
    MA or MDiv in Missional Leadership or Spiritual Formation (online)
    Course of Study (COS)

    To take courses on our district see Georgia School of Ministry

    The International Board of Education (IBOE) serves the Church of the Nazarene system of higher education through 52 colleges, universities, and seminaries and is resolute in shaping Christlike disciples and servant-leaders for lifelong service and global impact.

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