What is the Course of Study?
The educational preparation required of all Nazarene ministers who seek to be licensed and ordained is called the Course of Study. The curriculum for the Nazarene course of study is designed to develop the range of abilities needed for effective ministry. Each curriculum for the course of study must be approved and validated by the General Board and Board of General Superintendents. Those preparing for ministry must complete a validated course of study program and must adhere to the specific guidelines of the region on which they hold membership in the Church of the Nazarene. The requirements for education and ordination on the Asia-Pacific Region can be found in the Asia-Pacific Region Sourcebook on Ordination & Ministerial Development.
Who can enroll?
Anyone can enroll, but the program is particularly designed for those who will serve as clergy. Those who do not have a specific call to be ordained or serve as clergy are encouraged to take courses for personal enrichment and more effective ministry in their local churches.
What are the requirements for admission into the course of study?
There are different ways to be enrolled in the course of study, depending on the policies of a local district or field. Generally, a pastor’s recommendation is needed. In most cases, there is no formal educational requirement. We want our ministry preparation to be accessible to everyone, no matter their educational background or experience.
How is it delivered?
- Through an educational institution within the Church of the Nazarene.
- By extension classes held in churches, district centers, or other meeting locations.
- By online courses through some institutional providers.
How much does it cost?
Each local situation will be different, so students should consult the hub educational institution, district, or pastor. Costs are kept at a minimum in order to cover expenses.
What courses are required?
The Asia-Pacific Regional has develop a core curriculum of 24 courses. The names and content of these courses may be slightly different in each location, depending on the field, language, and educational provider. You may click on any course to be taken to a website with the syllabus and learning materials.
| Number | Course ID | Course Name | |||
| 1 | B101 | Introduction to the Bible | |||
| 2 | PL101 | Formation of Spiritual Discipline | |||
| 3 | B102 | Wesleyan Interpretation of Scripture | |||
| 4 | DS101 | Discipleship | |||
| 5 | B103 | NT Exegesis: The Four Gospels | |||
| 6 | CP101 | Church Planting Skills | |||
| 7 | TH101 | Foundational Theology 1 | |||
| 8 | TH102 | Doctrine of Holiness | |||
| 9 | AD201 | Nazarene Identity | |||
| 10 | B205 | OT Exegesis: Pentateuch | |||
| 11 | CH201 | Church History 1 | |||
| 12 | PL202 | Pastoral Life (the life of the pastor) | |||
| 13 | B204 | NT Exegesis: Pauline Epistles | |||
| 14 | CO201 | Communicating Christ | |||
| 15 | TH203 | Foundational Theology 2 | |||
| 16 | PL203 | Community Engagement | |||
| 17 | CR301 | Intro to the Religions of Asia and the Pacific | |||
| 18 | BT301 | Biblical Theology of Leadership | |||
| 19 | B306 | OT Exegesis: Prophets | |||
| 20 | PT301 | Intro to Pastoral Theology | |||
| 21 | AP301 | Intro to Apologetics | |||
| 22 | B307 | NT Exegesis: General Epistles | |||
| 23 | CE301 | Christian Education | |||
| 24 | CH302 | Church History 2 | |||
How long does it take to get through these courses?
The minimum time is three years full-time study. The Manual 532.4 states that once a person gets his or her first district license, he or she has ten years to complete the course of study.
What resources are available for teachers and students?
The Asia-Pacific Region is developing learning resources for the above courses. As these are produced, they may be accessed at the above links. There are links to additional resources from the USA/Canada Region and the Africa Region.
Can other courses be added to the above 24?
Each program of study must be approved by several committees and finally by the General Board and General Superintendents. Students should follow the specific curriculum used by their district or field. Students may take additional courses, but these courses may not count towards ordination.
Can non-Nazarene teaching materials be used for the courses?
It is possible to use non-Nazarene material as long as it fits the course topics and outline. The first choice should be material written by Nazarenes or other Wesleyan-Holiness authors. When this is not available, teachers should use caution and wisdom to ensure doctrinal coherence.
Who can teach in the course of study?
The preference is for ordained Nazarene clergy with ministry experience (minimum of three years) and educational qualifications (usually at least a Bachelor’s degree). Any exceptions to this should be coordinated through the district superintendent, Field Education Coordinator, or Field Strategy Coordinator.
How long does it take to complete one course?
As a general guideline, there are about 45 learning hours per course. These can be sub-divided into class meeting times, assignments, group projects, or reading assignments. Some locations may have different requirements.
What types of assignments are required?
This will depend on the particular course. Every course will have four target locations for assignments: 1) students do their own personal study, 2) students interact with other students in small groups and cohorts, 3) students interact with local churches, and 4) students engage the community. One important assignment for every course is reading the Bible and writing a small reflection journal. By the time students finish all 24 courses, they will have read and journaled the entire Bible.
Who is involved in the learning process?
It is very important that students be assigned mentors with whom they can meet on a regular basis, at least once every 3-4 months. Preferably, these mentors will be ordained ministers who can encourage students and model ministry for them.
Do the classes have to be in English?
Absolutely not! Translation of course material into local languages is strongly encouraged. If any material is translated, teachers are encouraged to share this material with others who may teach the course in the future.
Other Items for Leaders:
- Accurate records must be kept by the student, District Ministerial Studies Board, and educational institution.
- Teachers should work closely with local pastors and churches, encouraging students to be active in ministry while they learn.