Central Philippine Nazarene College
+63 032 505-5131
registrar@cpnc.edu.ph
St. Mary's Drive, Apas Cebu City

Licensing & Ordination Pathway

Church of the Nazarene Ministerial Development Process (Sourcebook 2025)

Some individuals experience a divine calling to ministry within the Church. The Church of the Nazarene recognizes two categories of ministry: lay ministry and clergy ministry. The church affirms this calling through proper credentials and structured formation.

Ministerial development follows a progressive pathway involving education, assessment, licensing, and ordination under the supervision of the District Board of Ministry, District Assembly, and Central Philippine Nazarene College (CPNC).

Ministerial Formation Stages

564.1 Local Minister’s License

Granted to a lay member who senses a call to ministry. Initiates formal ministry formation.

  • Recommended by local pastor and church board
  • Evaluation of call, character, doctrine, and gifts
  • Issued for 1 year and renewable
  • Initiates Course of Study formation

564.2 Renewal of Local License

  • Valid for one year upon renewal
  • Must demonstrate continued calling and growth
  • Minimum of 2 validated courses required
  • District approval required if conditions are not met

564.3 District Minister’s License

A formal appointment to broader ministry responsibilities for one year.

  • Must hold local license for at least 1 year
  • Completion of 1/4 validated Course of Study
  • Recommendation from church and district boards
  • District Board of Ministry evaluation required
  • Approval by District Assembly

564.4 Renewal of District License

  • Valid for one year only
  • Completion of at least 2 courses annually
  • Recommendation from local church board
  • Formal application required

564.5 Ordination

Ordination confirms spiritual maturity, doctrinal integrity, and ministry readiness as an Elder or Deacon.

  • Completion of validated Course of Study
  • Minimum 3 years of assigned ministry service
  • Favorable recommendation from district board
  • Election by District Assembly (2/3 vote)
  • Ordination by General Superintendent

564.6 Recognition of Credentials

Ministers from other denominations must demonstrate doctrinal understanding, Wesleyan theology, holiness doctrine, and complete required coursework before recognition in the Church of the Nazarene.

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