Policy for Transferring a Master’s Degree in Ministry or Divinity to Fulfill the Academic Requirement for the Minister of the Word Ordination Credential

Purpose:
This policy establishes the criteria and process for transferring a Master’s degree in ministry, divinity, or a related field from an accredited institution to Christian Leaders Institute (CLI) as fulfillment of the academic requirements for the Minister of the Word ordination credential through the Christian Leaders Alliance (CLA).

Eligibility Criteria

  1. Degree Type:

    • The degree must be a Master’s degree in ministry, divinity, theology, or a closely related field.
    • Degrees in fields unrelated to ministry or theology will not be considered.

  2. Institution Accreditation:

    • Ordinarily, The degree must be earned from an institution that is accredited by a recognized accrediting body.
    • International degrees must be evaluated for equivalency by an approved credential evaluation service.

  3. Minimum GPA Requirement:

    • A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 or equivalent is required for the transferred degree.

  4. Content Relevance:

    • The degree must include coursework that aligns with the theological and practical ministry training objectives of CLI. Examples include, but are not limited to:
      • Biblical studies
      • Theology
      • Pastoral care
      • Church leadership

Transfer Evaluation Process

  1. Application Submission:

    • Candidates must Enroll at Christian Leaders Institute in the Leadership Excellent School as a CLI degree seeking student even if they are not pursuing an associates or bachelor from CLI. The fee associated is a processing fee. 
    • Required documentation may include:
      • Official transcripts from the awarding institution
      • Proof of institutional accreditation

  2. Review by an Academic Officer of the Christian Leaders Institute or Christian Leaders Alliance:

    • The an academic official  will review the submitted materials to determine whether the degree fulfills the academic requirements for the Minister of the Word credentialing process with Christian Leaders Alliance. 
    • Additional materials may be requested for clarification during the evaluation process.

  3. Approval Notification:

    • If the transfer is approved, the candidate will receive an official notification confirming that their Master’s degree satisfies the academic requirement for ordination.
    • If the transfer is denied, the candidate will be provided with reasons for the decision and guidance on alternative pathways to fulfill the requirement.

Additional Requirements

While the transferred Master’s degree fulfills the academic component of the Minister of the Word credential, candidates must also complete the following:

  1. Level Three Endorsement:

    • Secure local endorsements from individuals or leaders who affirm the candidate’s character and readiness for ministry.

  2. Skill-Specific Modules:

    • Successfully complete CLI’s required modules, which provide practical ministry training:
      • Christian Officiant Role (9 Modules)
      • Multiplying Christian Leaders (1 Module)
      • Wedding Officiant Skills (1 Module)
      • Ministry Officiant Skills (3 Modules)
      • Romance Officiant Skills (2 Modules)
      • Funeral Officiant Skills (2 Modules)

  3. Minister of the Word Program and Commissioning Course (1 Module):

    • A final program and commissioning course that prepares candidates for their specific ministry roles.

Limitations and Exemptions

  1. Time Limit for Transfer:
    • Degrees must have been earned within the last 30 years. Older degrees will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
  2. Non-Transferable Credits:
    • Continuing education units (CEUs) or certificates of completion are not eligible for transfer under this policy.

Policy Review and Updates

This policy will be reviewed annually by the CLA's Executive Leadership to ensure alignment with institutional objectives and evolving ministry training standards.

Effective Date:
This policy is effective as of December 1, 2024, and applies to all transfer requests submitted on or after this date.

Contact Information:
For questions or assistance regarding this policy, candidates may contact the Henry Reyenga, Christian Leaders Alliance at 616-745=9000 or email at hreyenga@christianleaders.net


Last modified: Sunday, December 1, 2024, 8:38 AM