Florida Nazarene Bible Institute

For the Minister In Training (MIT), completing the educational requirements for ordination as elder or deacon in the Church of the Nazarene requires a significant effort, and is a well-earned accomplishment. It is, however, only the beginning of an educational process that must continue over a lifetime of ministry. (Refer to 2023 Nazarene Manual 521 - 521.5; 522 - 522.2)

The Florida Nazarene Bible Institute (FNBI) is the administrative resource providing the information necessary and for the managing of the educational records of the MITs. It is also responsible for vetting local class instructors, conducting the “First Class” required orientation sessions, evaluating all educational transcripts presented for credit toward the educational requirements for district licensing and ordination in the Church of the Nazarene.

Hispanic students’ educational administration is handled by El Centro de Estudios Ministeriales (CEM) - Contact Dr. Edgar Diaz, or Rev. Nancy Cortes for information.

Other language-based programs

While other language-based ministry educational services are currently under development on Florida District, the following language-based programs are available online from Church of the Nazarene and other Wesleyan-based sources.

Haitian language-based studies - “Educational Theologique Nazareene Specialisee” (ETNS)
Florida District Haitian Ministerial Educational Opportunities
- Contact: Rev. Gilbert Dertes, lobergy@gmail.com, 407-470-3825
Portuguese language-based studies - “STNB” or “European Nazarene College” worldwide

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New students or Ministers in Training moving to the Florida District should contact Rev. Jeanne Morgan, District Educational Director, (jeanne@floridanaz.com) to enroll in the district educational process and/or to submit transcripts from prior educational experience.

All new students or transfers, regardless of the educational provider, are required to take “First Class” prior to licensing or renewal. See link below for latest class being offered.

NEW Non-Degree Couse of Study (ENGLISH ONLY)

Starting in January 2026, classes will be offered for the Non-Degree Course of Study (NCOS) through Trevecca Nazarene University. Each of the 21 courses in the NCOS is 8 weeks long and offered entirely online. These courses will be facilitated by ordained, experienced, and educated ministers serving on our district.

Trevecca is now accepting applications to this new program. Once students have applied, they can select the courses to enroll in. There is a $175 non-refundable enrollment fee for each course. The following classes will be available for the January 6 - March 2 session:

NCOS 1 -God's Holy Call on Women and Men to Ministry
NCOS 7 -Introduction to Church History
NCOS 13 -Christian Theology 2
NCOS 19 -Pastoral Care, Counseling, and Christian Formation

All 21 courses in the program will be offered in 2026, with some being offered twice.

NCOS ENROLLMENT PROCESS:

Step 1: Complete the "Trevecca NCOS Enrollment Application" found on the "Pathways to Ordination at Trevecca" page .HERE

Step 2: Once the application has been received, students are sent an email with instructions on enrolling in individual courses and ordering books through The Foundry.

For more information and other educational options offered at Trevecca, visit Pathways to Ordination at Trevecca

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“FIRST CLASS” - REQUIRED ORIENTATION CLASS

Upcoming Session: Saturday, January 10, 2026 - 9:00 am - 1:00 pm

(for New MITs and MITs in Level 1, 2, or 3, and for those who have NOT taken First Class)

“First Class” is the required Florida District Ministerial Development Orientation (4 hours) [via Zoom]
Jeanne Morgan, instructor
- Next Session - Saturday, January 10, 2026 - 9:00 am - 1:00 pm - registration now open.
- Click here for more information on “First Class” and to register for the upcoming class session.

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LIFELONG LEARNING

521.6. Once a minister has fulfilled the requirements of a validated course of study for ministry, he or she will continue a pattern of lifelong learning to enhance the ministry to which God has called him or her. A minimum expectation is 20 hours of lifelong learning each year or the equivalent determined by the region/language group and stated in its Regional Sourcebook for Ministerial Development. All assigned and unassigned licensed and ordained ministers shall report on their progress in a program of lifelong learning as part of their report to the district assembly. An up-to-date report on his or her lifelong learning program will be used in the church/pastoral relationship review process and in the process of calling a pastor. The regional sourcebook for the region/ language group will contain the details of the accrediting and reporting process. (233.6)

Visit the District Lifelong Learning page HERE to learn more about registering for Lifelong Learning credit.

Contact Information: click here