The Department on Ministry is dedicated to working with individuals wishing to pursue licensed ministry.  The Department meets several times a year to receive and review applications, interview first-time and renewing applicants, and recommend licensing to the Mid-America Region's Commission on Ministry.  They also plan at least one continuing education event a year.

Most licensed ministers vary from ordained ministers in educational and related preparation [for example, the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Mid-America requires candidates for ordination to have completed CPE (Clinical Pastoral Education) as well as a Master of Divinity degree from an accredited seminary].  Another difference is that licensed ministers are licensed to a specific ministry for a specific period of time, and the license (which recognizes one's standing as a minister) is no longer in effect when the pastor leaves the position to which s/he was licensed.  There are also specific on-going educational requirements and recommendations with each licensing and renewal, including completion of a Disciples history and polity course and other classes as needed, Boundaries training every three years, and the equivalent of twelve days of continuing education a year.  In the NE Area licensed ministers are also assigned a mentor.

The following are needed to consider all Applications for Licensed Ministry:

1.   Completed Application Form.

2.   Letter from the church Board where you are a member.  This letter should (a) express the church’s support of your desire to be licensed and (b) state your participation in the congregation over the past two to five years.

3.   Letter from the Board or Administrator of the church or institution you will serve as a licensed minister.  This letter should state specifically the position in which you will be serving (i.e., Pastor, Associate Minister, Minister of Youth, etc.) and ask the Area to grant the license.

4.   A brief Statement of your theology of ministry and the Church.  This Statement should include your understanding of ministry and what you expect your role will be in the ministry in which you will be serving.

5.   A copy of your resume with documentation of continuing education.  If you have college or post-graduate credits, include a copy of your degree/s or transcript/s.

6.   Suggestions for someone who may serve as a mentor for you (guidelines for working with a mentor will be provided).

Contact the NE Area Office at 573.442.5815 or office(at)NEArea.org for more information.