International Network of Churches · Australia
Ordination
In INC we have a vision for Australia for Christ, and one of our core values is that our people and pastors continue to develop. We state it this way: “We value personal growth and will therefore strive to provide pathways and resources for all INC members to be equipped for multiplication.”
We highly value education, through our children’s ministry, our early education service, our schools and our tertiary college, CHC. We also recognise that people who have travelled the journey in the marketplace, and in careers and ministry in local churches, bring a wealth of experience.
There are two ways to start your ordination journey: by gaining a theological or ministry diploma, or, if you have qualifications and experience in another field, through what we call the Alternative Pathway.
Confident, courageous and purposeful in everything we set out to do.
Resourceful, strategic doers who move on what matters.
Consistent, accountable and trustworthy to our people and our God.
One journey, from application to ordination
Every application is read personally by the INC office, assessed by the ordination panel, and approved by network leaders before a record goes into the INC database.
Application
Create your account and complete the application online. Upload certified transcripts and testamur, your CV, and referee details.
Save as you goChurch endorsement
A written recommendation from your senior pastor or church board confirming your character, calling and active involvement.
Two years in your congregationAssessment
The ordination panel assesses your application against the entry requirements, then shortlisted applicants are invited to interview.
Calling, character, doctrine, readinessNetwork approval
The INC office sends the completed application to the network leaders. Their approval admits you to the pathway with a provisional credential.
Recorded in the INC databaseStudy and ordination
Complete the five prescribed subjects through CHC Online within two to three years. Full ordination follows the panel's final recommendation.
Provisional to full credentialWho this pathway is for
Modelled on the way Australian universities admit people into master's level study. You need all of the following.
A bachelor's degree or higher
AQF Level 7 or above from a recognised Australian provider, or an equivalent overseas qualification. Any discipline. It does not need to be theology or ministry.
Five years of ministry or leadership
Substantial involvement in Christian ministry, paid or voluntary, or five years in business or organisational leadership at a management or senior level with responsibility for people, finances or strategy.
Church endorsement
A written recommendation from your senior pastor or church board, and at least two years of active involvement in your current congregation.
Two references
One ministry or character reference and one professional reference. We will contact them directly.
An interview
A formal interview with the ordination panel covering calling, character, doctrinal alignment and readiness for ordained ministry.
Commitment to study
Agreement to complete five prescribed subjects through CHC Online within an agreed timeframe, normally two to three years, passing each one.
No degree, but ten or more years of senior leadership in ministry or business? You may be considered case by case under the Recognition of Prior Learning provision. You will submit a portfolio evidencing your leadership, achievements and capacity for postgraduate study. Choose the RPL entry basis in your application.
Christian Heritage College · Carindale, Brisbane
Degrees with a difference
CHC is INC's own accredited higher education college. The five prescribed subjects on this pathway are studied through CHC Online, and many candidates go on to a full ministry qualification. CHC ministry courses are accredited by TEQSA and approved for HECS-HELP, so you can study alongside work, family and church.
Already have a degree in another field? A Graduate Certificate in Ministry or Graduate Diploma in Ministry builds on what you have. No degree yet? The Bachelor of Ministry or Diploma of Ministry is the traditional pathway to ordination.
- Undergraduate
- Undergraduate Certificate in Biblical Studieschc.edu.au
- Undergraduate Certificate in Ministry Leadershipchc.edu.au
- Diploma of Ministrychc.edu.au
- Bachelor of Ministrychc.edu.au
- Postgraduate
- Graduate Certificate in Ministrychc.edu.au
- Graduate Certificate in Biblical Studieschc.edu.au
- Graduate Diploma in Ministrychc.edu.au
- Master of Ministry Leadershipchc.edu.au
How the application works
You will need certified copies of your academic transcripts and testamur, a current CV covering ministry and professional experience, the contact details of two referees, and your church endorsement letter.
- Step 1
Create your account and apply
Sign in to the applicant portal, complete each section of the form and upload your documents. Save a draft and come back any time before you submit.
- Step 2
Endorsement
Upload the written endorsement from your senior pastor or church board. We will confirm it with them directly.
- Step 3
Assessment
The ordination panel assesses your application against the entry requirements, or the RPL provision where it applies.
- Step 4
Interview
Shortlisted applicants attend a formal interview with the ordination panel.
- Step 5
Outcome
The INC office forwards the completed application to the network leaders. Successful applicants receive a written offer of admission with the prescribed CHC Online subjects and an agreed completion timeframe. Your record is then lodged in the INC database.
Take the first step
Whether you are sure of the call or still weighing it, the pathway starts with an application. The INC office reads every one personally.