Different Paths in Becoming a Church Planter or Pastor in the CRC
The internet has made it possible to receive effective and inexpensive ministry training to become a church planter or pastor in the Christian Reformed Church. Currently there are two paths into ministry, the traditional and the alternative path.
The traditional path for becoming a CRC minister has been to complete a Bachelor’s degree and then complete a Master of Divinity at seminary, usually at Calvin Seminary. This is an excellent path for preparation. This is also called the Article 6 path.
Another path for becoming an ordained church planter or pastor is now recognized in the Christian Reformed Church. This alternative path is based on Article 23. In this path to ordination, a local congregation recommends the ministry candidate to their area Classis. If the Classis (with the concurrence of the Synodical Deputies) recognizes the position as fitting the Article 23 guidelines and if the ministry candidate sustains a Classical examination successfully, the ministry candidate will be ordained as a church planter or pastor in the CRC, with the designation of Ministry Associate.
Christian Leaders Institute may be able to help you pursue this calling into ministry via Article 23. Check your local classis CLMT to find out if this is an option for you. Christian Leaders Institute provides the necessary education and training that will support your mentor and you in getting the theological, practical, and professional expertise to thrive as a church planter or pastor in the CRC.
If Article 23 is going to remain an option in the CRC, those who pursue this option will need to pursue the education and training necessary to effectively minister to God’s people.
Most of our faculty members have planted churches. All have advanced degrees. With your local mentor’s help, you will not need to move from where you live, nor will you need to accumulate extensive debt in your preparation for ordained ministry.