Cohorts incorporate the biblical model of discipleship as we learn and grow in small groups. The Cohort model is used in Pathways to provide ministers a small group for peer to peer learning and building peer relationships.

Cohort Details:

• 5-10 residents per group

• Led by a District Leader

• Pre-meeting assignment

• Pre-meeting devotional explaining biblical framework of topic

• Meetings follow an outlined discussion

• Pathways Journal

• Assign Church Supervisor

• Quarterly Church Supervisor Evaluations to be completed with Resident

• Pastor & Elder commitment to support Resident for time & financial investment required for Residency

There is biblical precedent for setting men and women apart for special work for God. Those set apart were expected, both by God and His people, to instruct, protect, motivate, and equip God’s people to know and glorify God personally and corporately by obedience to His will, including evangelizing those who were not God’s people, thus participating in building and advancing His Kingdom.

An example of ordination in the Old Testament is the appointment of Aaron’s sons as priests (Exodus 28–29, Leviticus 6–9); in Jesus’ words regarding His choosing and appointing the twelve (John 15:16); in the appointment of Paul and Barnabas for missionary work; in the appointing of elders in the churches by Paul and Barnabas (Acts 14:23); and in the appointment of elders by Titus at Paul’s direction (Titus 1:5). In Ephesians 4:11–13, apostles, prophets, evangelists, and pastors/teachers are described as “given” to God’s people to equip them for serving and living for the Lord Jesus Christ. Timothy was “ordained” to special work for God and His Church (1 Timothy 4:14, 2 Timothy 1:6), with Paul and the “body of elders” participating in “laying hands on” Timothy.

The practice of “laying on of hands,” though not limited to activity resembling ordination, has accompanied setting persons apart for God’s work at every ministry level and is an Old and New Testament practice. God shall choose this occasion to impart spiritual gifts and/or special empowerment of the Holy Spirit for the ministry to which that person is called.

In accordance with the Uniform Constitution for Accredited Churches which identifies that “elders shall be male members” and that all pastors are understood to be “elders,” the ordination process is applicable only to male candidates. The consecration process, which acknowledges a woman’s call to serve the Lord’s Church in other equally important roles, will apply to female candidates.

Ordination is the Church’s public recognition of the call from God, distinct from human vocational choice, to men for a lifetime ministry, through speech and exemplary lifestyle, of preaching and teaching the Word of God, protecting God’s people from spiritual enemies and doctrinal heresies, overseeing and promoting the spiritual development of God’s people, and equipping God’s people to fulfill the Great Commission to “make disciples of all nations” for the purpose of knowing and glorifying God by obeying His will and building His Kingdom. The occasion for setting men apart for such ministry is the Church’s affirmation of the candidate’s faithful completion of preparation for ordination through approved education, in-service training, field experience with mentoring for a minimum of two years, and examination by a qualified council of peers.

From Section E-4 of The Official Manual of The C&MA

A Church Ministry Worker License is a permanent ministry license to serve in the C&MA. It enables ministers to serve in the local church for the ministry of God’s Word with limited leadership responsibilities, who do not seek to serve as an ordained or consecrated minister, nor exercise the privileges of ordained/consecrated ministry. Persons who hold this license serve the church under the immediate oversight of an ordained or consecrated minister.

A provisional license is a preparatory license to provide opportunity for mentoring by experienced pastors, development of skills in ministry and church leadership, and demonstration of Christian character for persons who are called to serve the church as an official worker with the possibility of ordained or consecrated ministry (Uniform Policy on Licensing and Certification, Manual of the C&MA (E3-3-4).

Modules are self-paced, you are encouraged to turn in one module each quarter to stay on track.