Policy for applying 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 applying 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 applied 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

Previously-Earned Degree Evaluation Process

  1. Application Submission:

    • Candidates must enroll at Christian Leaders Institute in the Leadership Excellence School even if they are not pursuing an associates or bachelor from CLI OR they must complete the Institute Verification Course. The application/verification fee associated is a processing fee. 
    • Required documentation may include:
      • Official transcripts from the awarding institution
      • Proof of institutional accreditation

  2. Review by the Registrar's Office

    • The Registrar's Office 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.
    • CLA leadership may be consulted by the Registrar's Office about the applicability of the degree.

  3. Approval Notification:

    • If the degree is approved, the candidate will receive an official notification confirming that their Master’s degree satisfies the academic requirement for ordination.
    • If the degree's applicability 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 previously-earned 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:
    • Degrees must have been earned within the last 30 years. Older degrees will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
  2. CEUs/Certificates of Completion:
    • Continuing education units (CEUs) or certificates of completion are not applicable under this policy.

Policy Review and Updates

This policy will be reviewed annually by the CLA's Executive Leadership in conjunction with the Registrar’s Office to ensure alignment with institutional objectives, requirements, and evolving ministry training standards.

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

Contact Information:
For questions or assistance regarding this policy, candidates may contact the Registrar's Office at registrar@christianleaders.net.


இறுதியாக மாற்றியது: வெள்ளி, 11 செப்டம்பர் 2026, 10:29 AM