Orientation seeks to assist pastors new to the denomination in becoming more fully connected to the Covenant. The orientation programs explore the life and mission of the Evangelical Covenant Church, help pastors to establish collegial relationships, and offer education in Covenant heritage and distinctives.

Why does the Covenant require Orientation?

The Evangelical Covenant Church, as a non-creedal denomination, highly prizes our characteristic interconnectedness stemming from shared life in Christ. While emphasizing theological freedom, the Covenant has placed a high priority on developing these relationships within the context of theological education and exploration of the Covenant characteristics. In short, Covenant orientation introduces the Covenant to pastors, and pastors to the Covenant.

Note that pastors may hold a ministerial license while completing a Covenant orientation program.   

Who needs Orientation to the ECC?

All pastors seeking ordination, commissioning, transfer of ordination, Ministry License, or World Mission License, who have not had the opportunity to attend North Park Theological Seminary, are required to enroll in a Covenant orientation program.

What are my Orientation Options?

The Board of the Ordered Ministry, which has general oversight of ministerial credentialing, has approved the following options for orientation. The Covenant offers orientation options to meet pastors in all stages of their career.

Residential Orientation at North Park Theological Seminary 

The first choice to complete orientation is to complete a year of residential studies at North Park Theological Seminary in Chicago. Residential orientation offers many advantages. Continual contact with scholars and denominational leaders at the seminary, close proximity to denominational offices, availability of financial aid, and a wide range of courses of study make this the best choice for those who are between ministries or those who have not yet completed their seminary work.

SemConnect Orientation at North Park Theological Seminary

Another orientation choice is SemConnect. This is a good choice for pastors who have not completed a graduate degree. Through a combination of on-line and on-site intensive courses, pastors can complete any of North Park Theological Seminary's degrees and fulfill the orientation requirement of the Board of the Ordered Ministry.

Covenant Orientation

Covenant Orientation is designed to meet the needs of those who will not attend the yearlong residential orientation program at North Park Theological Seminary. This two to six year program includes orientation courses held at denominational and regional gatherings, required participation in various Covenant events, and an intentional advising relationship. This program is the best choice for pastors who need to be oriented while continuing their normal ministry. 

Special Orientation Programs

The Evangelical Covenant Church offers additional orientation programs for those in special circumstances.

• Pastors who prefer course work in Spanish or whose ministry is in an Hispanic context, may enroll in Covenant orientation through CHET.
• The Department of World Mission has its own Covenant missions orientation program. For more information, please contact the Department of World Mission.