Ordination Application | PatriaMinIntl

Patria Ordination Application

Applicant Information

Ordination Process

While the local church has the authority and responsibility to ordain individuals for the ministry, Patria Ministries recognizes that there are both times when the local church chooses to defer that process to Patria and circumstances where ordination through a local church body is both impractical and unavailable. In many cases, submission to the Patria process of Ordination by a member ministry in the Patria family can provide mutual accountability, support and help. Recognition of ordination by our international fellowship can both strengthen the local ministry and demonstrate mutual relationship. When possible, it is essential that the candidate’s local church pastor be capable of officially recognizing a person who has demonstrated sound character, ministerial giftings and calling into ministry. If this is not possible, then the candidate will be required to complete a separate form providing a justifiable explanation for why it is not.

The ordination process itself can take up to 1 year form completion of the application form depending upon scheduling availability and any requirements imposed by the Ordaining Presbytery. Typically, the laying on of hands takes place at the annual Patria Family Reunion, but it is possible for other arrangements to be made for this process.

Applicants for ordination should have voluntarily shown a commitment to the financial support of Patria Ministries during the time they have been connected as un-ordained family members. Suggested giving is $25.00 per month during the application process and $50.00 per month once ordination has been granted. Maintaining this level of giving meets all financial requirements for ordination annual ordination renewal. These financial commitments help Patria Ministries to maintain the proper level of oversight and support that is needed for a legitimate credentialing process.

By completing and signing this application, the applicant confirms that they have read and agree with the following statements of Patria Ministries: Our Vision, Who We Are, Statement of Faith, Prophetic Protocols, Ordination Qualifications, Ordination Code of Conduct, Ministerial Removal Policy and Ministerial Restoration Policy – copies of which are available in your ordination application packet.

It is highly recommended that in cases where the applicant anticipates leading a church or ministry organization that they also obtain copies of Patria’s Agreement for Binding Christian Conciliation to be signed by themselves and the church or ministry organization that they will be leading.

Ordained ministers are expected to complete a minimum number of Continuing Ministerial Education hours each year. These educational requirements can be met in a number of ways, including through Patria Bible College ( full time enrollment is not required).

In order to maintain active accountability and mutual relationship within the Patria family all ordinations expire on an annual basis and are subject to renewal. So long as an ordained minister is not undergoing active discipline and has maintained all of their commitments renewal is automatic.

Upon completion and review of your ordination application an oral interview with the Presbytery will be scheduled.

Checklist

Are aware of / Have you completed the following requiremnts

Completion of this Application

Payment of $150 Application Fee

Completion of John Paul Jackson's Course - The Art of Hearing God

Completion of 2 Ministerial Recommendation Forms. One from the applicant's pastor (unless a waiver has been requested) and the other from another ordained minister or longtime friend

Background Check Required (ordered by Patria at Applicant's expense)

Christian Experience

How Long Have You Been a Christian?

Provide a short version of your personal testimony:

Briefly explain you personal and family habit in devotional Bible study and prayer:

Church Affiliation History

Please provide the name, location and approximate dates of attendance for each church family you have primarily been connectd to:

Family Life

Single or Married

Married

Single*

Date of Mariage

Have you are your spouse ever been divorced? (This is informational & not a limitation)

Yes

* If you answered single to first qustion above you may skip to the final question of this section.

Short version of your spouses personal testimony, if applicable:

How supportive of your ministry is your spouse? Check one

My spouse desires to be ordained with me

Very supportive - encourages me to persevere when I'm discouraged

Supportive - helps when I ask

Accepting - allows me to minister without hindering me

Reluctant - occasionally discourages me to leave the ministry

To what extent is your spouse involved in ministry? (check one)

Almost always leads some area of ministry

Occasionally leads some ministry

Almost always participates in some ministry

Sometimes participates in ministry

Seldom participates in ministry but keeps the home fires burning

Never participates in ministry

Briefly describe your strategy for maintaining a strong marriage:

List children and ages, if any?

Are there any family relationships that are broken? If so, explain an dshare what steps you have taken or plan to take to restore them.

Call to Ministry

Explain your call to Christian ministry:

What gifts has God given you for Christian ministry?

Why are you seeking ordination?

Education

What educational preparation have you had? (theological training is not required for ordination, but we do desire to have a general knowledge of your educational background) Please list school, degree, major and dates of attendance/graduation.

Do you have any plans for additional educational work? If so, please describe:

Ethical Issues

Explain your strategy for maintaining integrity in ministry:

How would you describe your strategy for healthy finances?

In case of difficulty in your ministry, would you be willing to consult with your assigned mentor/support person? Do you have an alternative plan for dealing with difficulty?

What are your ideas as to how a minister should conduct themselves toward the opposite sex both inside and outside of church/ministry settings?

What is your personal view of teh use of alcoholic beverages, tobacco, marijuana and narcotics?

Have you ever been involved in a homosexual lifestyle? What is your personal point of view on such lifestyles and same sex marriage?

Has an employer ever subjected you to investigation, disciplineary action, suspension, termination or asked you to leave a job or volunteer position on the grounds of misconduct of any nature, unlawful sexual behavior or violation of an employer's sexual misconduct or harassment policies? If yes, please explain.

Have you ever been accused of any of these things in a non-employment setting? If yes, please explain.

Have you ever been involved in or convicted of child abuse? have you ever entered a plea of guilty, a plea of "no contest" or has any court ever deferred further proceedings without entering a finding of guilt and placed you on probation or in a public service or educational program for any crime other than a minor traffic offense? We ask that you voluntarily include any matters that may have ta

Any additional comments?

Background Clearances - provide or authorized a State Child Abuse History Certification and/or State Criminal Background Check Certification. If you have not lived in the sate you are seeking ordination in for at least the last 10 years, provide or authorize an FBI Criminal Background Clearance Certification.

By signing below, I give Patria Ministries International, Inc. permission to obtain background check information and review records of criminal history which I may have, and to obtain and review records I may have that indicate a history of abuse, neglect, threatened harm, or other maltreatment against children and/or adults. I understand that this information will only be used for consideration of a potential ordination through Patria Ministries International, Inc.

Your Signature

Select a date

Sample reference letters that provide the information required by Patria Ministries International may be downloaded here prior to clicking on the submit button.

I understand that I will need references from 2-3 people, including: 1) a pastor who knows me well and whom I respect - this should be your local church pastor unless a waiver has been requested; 2) a friend who knows me well and whom I respect; and 3) a non-believer who knows me well and whom I respect - this last reference is highly recommended, but not required.Download Approved Reference Letters Here

Thank you for submitting your application for ordination. We'll get back to you soon.