Endorsement

Endorsement is the recognition that a Minister has engaged in formal theological studies and is appropriately equipped and formed for professional ministry in CCVT. The theological studies and ministry experience required by endorsement gives CCVT and its Affiliates additional confidence in the quality of their Ministers. It is a significant achievement on the part of Minister themselves, and a pre-requisite for ordination by CCCA.

CCVT recognises that there are a growing number of ministry contexts that are outside the traditional congregation. Ministers can be Endorsed for Specific Ministry when their training and formation has been undertaken with a particular ministry context in mind. Examples have included Urban Neighbours of Hope (UNOH) and various chaplaincy roles, although people undertaking these ministries can also seek Endorsement.

There are many good reasons why you should seek Endorsement. The main reason is to ensure that you are appropriately equipped for the ministry you feel called to. Some other reasons may be that you want recognition of the study and formation you have completed or you want to be Ordained.

A Minister-leader can apply for Endorsement once they have been Accredited for one year. You contact CCVT Leadership team and let them know you want to become Endorsed. You will then be invited to a Ministry Discernment Panel which will set the actions to be completed before you can become Endorsed.

Ministry Discernment Panels are formed to give Ministers feedback about their strengths and areas for further development in relation to endorsement. They usually meet in November each year. Not everyone who is in the Endorsement process is invited to panels each year. You may be invited to attend a Ministry Discernment Panel when you first enter the Endorsement process and then again when you and your supervisor feels you are ready for Endorsement. The Panel consists of a small team of people who discern how you are progressing in achieving a high level of competency in the characteristics and standards for Endorsed ministry as outlined in the CCVT Ministry Endorsement Policy. When you are invited to panel you will need to prepare the materials for the Panel that CCVT will provide to you. After the Panel you will receive feedback in writing covering: findings, recommendations for areas of development, actions to be completed and endorsement status (where relevant).

Ordination is recognition by the Church that a person has been called to ministry as a specific way of life. The Council of Churches of Christ in Australia (CCCA) may confer it at a large gathering such as the CCVT Celebration service, or in a local church. Either way, those who lay hands on the ordained represent the whole Church in the act of ordination.

The CCCA policy on ordination specifies that only Ministers that have been Endorsed by their state body will be ordained. The requirements in the policy include:

• Generally are in ministry within a Churches of Christ church, team or agency setting;
• Completed a recognised ministry training course of at least three years duration;
• Completed an acceptable discernment process;
• Undertaken a minimum period of two years relevant ministry experience; and
• Made a demonstrable commitment to ongoing professional development.

Ordination, then, is affirmation, blessing, & setting apart for a task of one who has been recognised by the discerning Church as having the necessary gifts & formation for that task. The worshipping community, in the power of the Holy Spirit, performs it. It does not confer any status or privilege, but rather, responsibility & accountability.

Yes. First you need to complete the accreditation application form. You will also need to provide a letter of good standing from your previous State Conference, movement or Denomination. If your Accreditation/Endorsement/Ordination is recognised by CCVT as being obtained through an equivalent process which includes theological training, practical experience and a discernment process, it is likely that you will not need to go through the Ministry Discernment Panel process. The Team Leader of the Leadership Area in CCVT may still identify further steps such as completing a unit of study focused on Church of Christ History and Identity before the transfer of Accreditation/Endorsement/Ordination is recommended to the CCVT Board.

Academic learning has long been a requirement for professional ministry in most settings. To be Endorsed an approved course of theological study, generally equivalent to a three-year degree, must have been undertaken. The study is expected to include biblical studies, theology, Church of Christ history and identity, spirituality, practical ministry and leadership skills. It is also expected to include Supervised Theological Field Education or an equivalent (such as Clinical Pastoral education).