Welcome to the Journey of Ordination

You are here because the call is clear: God is drawing you to a life of shepherding His people. This isn’t a leadership workshop. This is holy ground—a 14–16 session journey that will refine your doctrine, shape your character, sharpen your ministry skills, and prepare you to stand before the church, the culture, and most of all—before God—as a faithful servant-leader.

What This Course Is

The Ordination Preparation Course is a rigorous, theologically grounded, and pastorally rich formation experience. Designed for aspiring elders, pastors, and ministry leaders, the course integrates:

  • Biblical depth through doctrinal writing, Scripture study, and theological reflection

  • Pastoral preparation through labs, case studies, and mock councils

  • Mentorship and accountability through monthly check-ins, elder evaluation, and spiritual journaling

  • Cultural and legal literacy for leading with wisdom in today’s complex ministry landscape

Course Structure

  • Module 1: Called to Lead: Character, Calling, and the Sacred Weight of Eldership

  • Module 2: Bible & Theology: Writing Your Doctrinal Paper

  • Module 3: Hermeneutics & Preaching Lab

  • Module 4: Ecclesiology, Offices, and Church Polity

  • Module 5: Pastoral Care & Soul Care

  • Module 6: Leadership, Administration, and Risk

  • Module 7: Worship & Ordinances (Role-Specific Tracks)

  • Module 8: Mission, Evangelism, and Public Engagement

  • Module 9: Cultural & Ethical Issues in the Public Square

  • Module 10: Legal Intersections: When Sacred Vows Meet State Laws

  • Module 11: Ministry in the Margins: Chaplaincy Pathways

  • Module 12: Proven and Prepared: Council Interview and Mock Defense

  • Capstone:

    The Doctrinal Defense: Articulating Truth, Affirming Call, Anchoring Ministry

Course Features

  • Doctrinal Paper:

    Iterative drafts guided by theological mentors

  • Expository Sermon:

    Full manuscript, recorded delivery, and peer feedback

  • Ministry Case Files:

    Real-life pastoral dilemmas and response frameworks

  • Safeguarding & Compliance:

    Background checks, ethical affirmations, legal forms

  • Mock Ordination Councils:

    Simulated interviews to prepare you for the real thing

  • Mentor Endorsements:

    Elder, spouse, and mentor evaluations required for completion

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, you will:

  • 𝐀𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞 key theological doctrines with biblical accuracy and pastoral clarity


  • 𝐃𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞 leadership competencies in preaching, shepherding, and church governance


  • 𝐌𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐥 spiritual maturity and ethical accountability as outlined in 1 Tim. 3 and Titus 1


  • 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐝 to cultural and legal realities with gospel wisdom and courage


  • 𝐃𝐞𝐟𝐞𝐧𝐝 your doctrinal convictions in a live oral council interview

Entry Requirements

  • A clear call to vocational ministry affirmed by a local church

  • Endorsement by a supervising elder, mentor, or ordaining body

  • Commitment to complete all learning tasks, readings, and assessments

Duration & Time Commitment

  • 𝟏𝟒–𝟏𝟔 𝐬𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 | 12 Modules + Capstone

  • Session 2–3 hrs of content and labs

  • Monthly mentor check-ins

  • 𝐎𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥: Evening intensives and mock drills

Certification

Upon successful completion, candidates will receive:

  • A formal recommendation for ordination council appearance

  • A certificate of ordination readiness from the training body

  • Personalized mentor feedback and endorsement letters

Course curriculum

    1. Welcome

    2. What You Will Learn

    3. Part 1: Recognizing the Weight of Eldership

    4. Part 2: Discerning the Call to Ministry

    5. Part 3: Establishing a Framework of Accountability

    6. Learning Tasks

    7. Module Summary

    1. Welcome

    2. What You Will Learn

    3. Part 1: Building a Theological Framework

    4. Part 2: Drafting Your First Major Section

    5. Part 3: Scripture-First, Systematic-Support

    6. Learning Tasks

    7. Module Summary

    1. Welcome

    2. What You Will Learn

    3. Part 1: Foundations of Hermeneutics

    4. Part 2: Expository Preaching Essentials

    5. Part 3: Giving and Receiving Feedback

    6. Learning Tasks

    7. Module Summary

    1. Welcome

    2. What You Will Learn

    3. Part 1: The Doctrine of the Church (Ecclesiology)

    4. Part 2: Elders and Deacons

    5. Part 3: Polity and the Nondenominational Church

    6. Learning Tasks

    7. Module Summary

    1. Welcome

    2. What You Will Learn

    3. Part 1: What Is Pastoral Care?

    4. Part 2: Counseling, Care, and Discipline—What’s the Difference?

    5. Part 3: Soul Care for the Shepherd

    6. Learning Tasks

    7. Module Summary

    1. Welcome

    2. What You Will Learn

    3. Part 1: The Biblical Lens on Administration & Risk

    4. Part 2: Building a Risk-Savvy Ministry

    5. Part 3: Ethics in Administrative Leadership

    6. Learning Tasks

    7. Module Summary

About this course

  • Free
  • 87 lessons
  • 0 hours of video content

Ready to Begin?

Ministry isn’t a role you assume—it’s a call you surrender to. This course will test you, stretch you, and strengthen you—but by the grace of God, it will also prepare you.

Enroll today