Board of Ministry
Credentialing Resources
Applicants
Applications are due February 28, 2026. Click the title to access the Google Form.
Board of Ministry Application - Personal Information and Ministry Hours (Google Form)
This form starts your file with the Board of Ministry by collecting your contact details, ministry background, and verified ministry hours.
Minister's District Licence Application (Google Form)
After holding a local licence for at least one year and completing the Assessment Centre, candidates will use the Minister’s District Licence Application to apply for their first district licence and for all subsequent renewals, enabling them to continue serving in licensed ministry within the Church of the Nazarene.
Ordination/Recognition Questionnaire (Google Form)
This questionnaire helps the Board of Ministry understand your call, theology, and readiness for the next step in ministry.
-
Ordination is for those who have completed all the requirements of the Board of Ministry and are applying to be ordained in the Church of the Nazarene.
-
Recognition is for pastors transferring credentials from another denomination who are seeking recognition of their ministry within the Church of the Nazarene
Student Transcripts (Google Form)
This form is used to submit your academic records so the Board of Ministry can confirm you have met the educational requirements for credentialing. DMTC and Ente students can simply give permission for their transcripts to be shared with the BOM using this form.
-
Did you take any classes outside of the validated course of study? That is, outside of DMTC and Ente? The district will need you to get your courses evaluated by Ambrose. Transcripts can be sent to Maureen Hickman (Maureen.Hickman@ambrose.edu) for evaluation, and kindly copy Pastor Tina in the email (bomstudies@centralnazarene.ca)
Pastor Tina Pitamber has put together a helpful video explaining the application process and what you need to do to prepare for your Board of Ministry interview.
For Mentors
One of the priorities for our district is harnessing the wisdom, experience and resources in the church to raise up the next Spirit-filled pastors and lay ministers in the church. Pastors, you have an important role to play in making this happen. There are some important steps in the process of raising up pastors and lay leaders that starts in your context of the local church.
We have tools and resources to help you journey with those in your church who are responding to a call to ministry - whether it's lay ministry or pastoral ministry.
Mentoring Report Form (PDF Download)
This report gives the District Board of Ministry a clear picture of the candidate’s spiritual growth, ministry progress, and preparation. Write about what you’ve observed in your meetings with the candidate. Focus on their character, call, ministry experience, and learning. The board uses your insight when reviewing their readiness for licensing or ordination.
Pastor Steve Ottley has a video for pastors outlining everything you need to know to help raise up Spirit-filled pastors and lay leaders.
THE LOCAL MINISTER'S LICENCE
Procedures for Issuing a Local Minister’s License
Local Minister's Licence Application
Church Board Interview Checklist:
Granting a Local Minister's licence
Request for Verification of Credential History
Order a Local Minister's Licence
Church Board Interview Checklist:
Renewing a Local Minister's Licence
THE NATIONAL MINISTERIAL
ASSESSMENT CENTRE
The National Ministerial Assessment Centre, held each January, is the process by which the Church of the Nazarene discerns a candidate’s call to ministry and approves them to continue toward ordination. The District Office provides required application materials and submission instructions to local pastors.
Requirements:
-
A minimum of one year holding a renewed local minister’s licence
-
Pursuit of a district licence in the candidate’s area of calling
-
Recommendation from the pastor and church board
-
Full weekend attendance by the candidate and spouse
Categories of Ministry
Board of Ministry
Overseeing the credentialing and preparation of women and men who sense God's call to ministry in the Church of the Nazarene.
The District Board of Ministry (BOM) oversees the credentialing and preparation of women and men who sense God’s call to ministry. It serves candidates, local churches, and the wider Church of the Nazarene by guiding people from call to licensing and ordination.
The Board works under the authority of the Church of the Nazarene Manual and the policies of the Canada Central District.
What the Board of Ministry does
The Board of Ministry is responsible for the district’s full ministerial credentialing process.
This includes:
-
Recognizing and affirming a call to ministry
-
Approving candidates to enter the Course of Study
-
Monitoring spiritual, academic, and ministry formation
-
Interviewing candidates for licenses
-
Renewing and reviewing licensed ministers
-
Recommending candidates for ordination
-
Receiving ministers by transfer
Who serves on the Board of Ministry
The District Superintendent serves as chair. The Board is made up of elected, ordained ministers of the district who serve on behalf of the church.
The Journey to Ordination
The path to ordination in the Church of the Nazarene is a credentialing process that moves in clear steps. It begins with a sense of call to ministry. Candidates are encouraged to talk with their pastor early and prayerfully. A trusted pastor mentor will walk with them through discernment, formation, and decision points.
The Guide to Ministerial Preparation and Ordination is designed to help candidates and mentors understand the credentialing steps and expectations.
Here are the general steps:
-
Call to ministry — Discern and affirm God’s call with your pastor and church.
-
Local church license — The church issues a local license as the first credential.
-
District license — After at least one year and approved preparation, a district license follows.
-
Ordination — Once the Board of Ministry has reviewed preparation, ministry experience, and fitness for lifelong service, candidates may be recommended for ordination.
District Ministry Training Centre
The District Ministry Training Centre (DMTC) supports candidates and pastors by providing affordable, accessible theological education for ministry in the Church of the Nazarene. Courses are designed to equip leaders with biblical grounding, practical ministry skills, and formation for long-term service in the local church.
