The Board of Ministry
The Board of Ministry on the Florida District primarily exists to prepare and evaluate the developmental progress of ministers in training (MITs) for ordination, through service experience and education. Further, it also serves to give oversight to the “continuing education” of those serving as pastors, or in other ministries, such as chaplaincy, evangelism, etc.
To fulfill its primary purpose, the Board of Ministry functions in two sub-units, Ministerial Credentials (229) and Ministerial Studies (232). Though they work in tandem, each sub-unit has its specialized function as described below.
Ministerial Credentials (click here)
To evaluate and affirm the gifts and graces for ministry of those who present themselves as candidates for district licensing and eventual ordination (elder or deacon) in the Church of the Nazarene. (2017-2021 Nazarene Manual 229 - 231.10)
Ministerial Studies (click here)
To assist those who want to meet the educational requirements for eventual ordination in the Church of the Nazarene. (2017-2021 Nazarene Manual 232 - 234.4)
Education for Nazarene Ministers
The educational preparation required of all Nazarene ministers is called the Validated Course of Study (VCOS). This is the minimum educational requirement. A VCOS curriculum is designed to develop the range of abilities under the developmental purposes of Content, Competency, Context and Character, as needed for effective ministry. Those preparing for ministry must complete the minimum VCOS program and must adhere to the specific guidelines of the region on which they hold membership in the Church of the Nazarene. (2017-2021 Nazarene Manual 529 - 530.2)
Florida District Educational Resources (for meeting minimum requirements)
Florida District Nazarene Bible Institute (English, and other languages as needed)
El Centro de Estudios Ministeriales (CEM) (Hispanic)**
Church of the Nazarene Educational Resources
Nazarene Bible College [NBC.edu] (Ministry Preparation Program, non-degree)
Northwest Nazarene University [NNU.edu] (Course of Study Online, non-degree)
Mount Vernon Nazarene University [MVNU.edu] (Certificate of Ministry Preparation, non-degree)
USA/Canada Region - Ministerial Educational Resources (specific information)
**SENDAS - Seminario Nazareno De Las Americas (full range of programs in Spanish)
Full Roster of Validated Course of Studies Programs (USA/Canada, degree programs) [Español]
The Board of Ministry is also responsible for:
Candidate Assessment
"Ministerial Candidate Workshop" - a semi-annual weekend event, jointly sponsored by the districts of the Southeast Region and Trevecca Nazarene University's "Center for Pastoral Health." This is part of the developmental evaluation process.
Mentoring (click here)
The mentoring of ministers in training toward their goal of ordination, and exampling a life-time of ministerial service to the Church.
Life-Long Learning (click here)
To provide information and resources for the “continuing education” of those serving as pastors and ministers in accountability to meet annual denominational requirements for Lifelong Learning Credits (Manual 529.6; 538.18), and to remain relevant in the ever-changing landscape of ministry.
Nazarene Bible College - Institute for Ministry Enrichment: https://www.nbcime.com/