Alumni Information & Ordination

As a CTS alumnus, you are already a part of the global CTS Alumni Community.

However, membership with your CTS Alumni Association allows you to stay better connected and makes our seminary stronger. Your Alumni Association supports many valuable programs, services and scholarships, all of which is made possible by the support of alumni like yourself.

We aim to strengthen relationships between CTS alumnae, students, and soon-to-be alumnae while maximizing potential in both personal and professional lives.

For more information, email alumni@gocovenant.com.

ORDINATION

Starting this year CTS has decided to issue ordination certificates to any Masters and Doctoral  Graduate (and undergrad students on a case by case consideration) from CTS as requested with a $200 processing fee. We have decided to do this based on several reasons. As many of you know CTS focuses on what the Bible teaches directly, the exegesis of the Word. We are not overly concerned with the systematic arrangement philosophies, labels, or denominational views. We believe in the unity of the Word. We have found that many graduates have the need for ordination and believe that CTS fits the description of a discipleship school described in the New and Old Testament as much or better than most churches do today. As we may even debate the necessity today for ordination, we also understand that it is a form of modern-day pastoral recognition. We also have recognized that you can purchase “fake ordination” easily and we feel like CTS graduates should be set apart. To this regard we have decided to ordain both Men and Women. Ordination generally involves leaders or an institution who recognize spiritual servanthood and the royal priesthood of a church leader. This can include the ordination of a pastor, deacon, or other church leader who shepherds others in various church duties.

Ministerial credentialing and/or ordination, is meant to acknowledge God’s call upon a person’s life for ministry. It also serves as signification from an umbrella organization recognizing and affirming that the person meets the qualifications and standards of most churches for ministerial credentials. Lastly, it is meant to provide legal status in the exercise of that person’s ministry responsibilities.

In the Old Testament some might say that people were ordained in the sense of being set apart by God. We can see an example of this type of ordination in the life of Joseph. Acts 7:10 states Joseph was ordained or set apart as a ruler in Egypt. However, this is up for study and discussion as the Hebrew word kathistemi that is used better is rendered “appointed” than ordained and is often found in the context up being placed in charge of a secular environment. Perhaps you might also consider God commanding Samuel to “ordain” Saul as the king of Israel, as well as later ordaining David as king. However, this act is usually thought of as anointing rather than ordination which could be problematic in your theology. See this article for more on that.

In Acts 13:1–5, Paul and Barnabas were set apart for special ministry. The term ordination was not used, but you might argue that the same modern-day idea was involved. In Acts 14:23, Paul and Barnabas appointed leaders who were set apart or possibly ordained as elders of the churches. Titus was later also commanded to appoint elders in every town on the island of Crete (Titus 1:5). Some would contend that that Titus himself was ordained (2 Corinthians 8:19). What makes this a difficult interpretation is that it is based on the idea of being set apart. According to the priesthood of all believers, the goal is that we all minister. In one since we each have a goal to find discipleship, be discipled, and fulfill our calling as an allegiant ambassador of the gospel and Jesus. There are many ways to minister. As you can see, modern ordination can be tricky, particularly when trying to establish the merit of such a thing based on scripture. We believe if you are a CTS graduate you have been prepared to adequately work through your own exegesis of the scripture and have formed a sound Biblical theology in this area and therefore have determined to leave that interpretation up to you. CTS therefore will equip those graduates with a “modern” ordination certificate as requested.

Today, some churches choose to ordain elders or deacons as the recognition and commissioning of their local church in recognizing God’s calling in a minister. We certainly support this sort of ordination but at the same time would not limit this interpretation as the only viable ordination. We fully support the local church and the laying of hands on the person to symbolize recognition of God’s servants operating in the local church. Though not required in Scripture, this tradition is certainly appropriate and publicly marks an important time in the life of a church and its servant-leaders. Often the commitment to a person involved in ordination shows a deep sense of calling and responsibility to lovingly shepherd those in their church family with love and humility.

If you are a graduate of CTS we believe you should fit the Biblical knowledge requirement that churches are looking for, however; we still believe that you need to be accountable before yourself and local elders. Therefore, we are asking that you can personally and publicly affirm the below biblical identifiers of calling in your life.

If you are a CTS graduate and are interested in receiving a certificate of ordination, please email info@gocovenant.com. Please include your name as desired on the certificate, The year you graduated and degree earned, your mailing address and the $200 payment which can be made by check or credit card at the bottom of any page on our website.

If you have questions, please contact Dr. Steve Cassell through info@gocovenant.com.

Initial Application Process: $200

1. They must have at least two years of shepherding/service ministry experience in the local church.

2. They must have a clear testimony of their salvation experience and ongoing sanctification journey with King Jesus.

3. They must have the affirmation and willingness to behave consistent with a mature Christian Shepherd (1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9).

4. They must hold to sound doctrine in accordance with and in full agreement with the CTS statement of faith.

5. They must agree to maintain consistent involvement and accountability to their local church, and an ordained life shepherd mentor who personally will affirm your ordination credentialing.

6. They must be willing to submit to an interview process, annually, by a qualified CTS representative verifying their sincerity and commitment to the above requirements.

Annual Renewal: $100

Continue to adhere to the standards above & submit to the CTS interview process as requested by CTS.

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