The Covenant Orientation Program at North Park Theological Seminary

The Covenant Orientation program is a four course series required by the Evangelical Covenant Church (ECC) as an orientation to the history, theology, ethics, and the mission and ministry of the denomination.

The program is for women and men seeking ministerial credentials (licensing, commissioning, or ordination) but who have completed their seminary training outside the denomination.

The ECC Board of Ordered Ministry determines the requirements for the Covenant Orientation program, which is administered by North Park Theological Seminary on behalf of the Evangelical Covenant Church.

Courses

The Covenant Orientation program includes four courses in the area of history, theology, ethics, and the mission and ministry of the ECC and are 10 total credit hours. These courses are taught by experienced faculty and are designed to explore topics from a distinctly Covenant perspective. The four required courses are:

• Vocational Excellence (ECCO 5010), 1 credit hour
• History of the ECC (ECCO 5020), 3 credit hours
• Theology of the ECC (ECCO 5030), 3 credit hours
• Mission & Ministry (ECCO 5040), 3 credit hours

Questions & Answers

What is Covenant Orientation?

Covenant Orientation is more than just required courses. The full program seeks to assist pastors new to the denomination in becoming more fully connected to the Covenant.

The orientation programs explore the life and mission of the Evangelical Covenant Church, help pastors to establish collegial relationships, and offer education in Covenant heritage and distinctives.

Why does the Covenant require orientation?

As a non-creedal denomination, the Evangelical Covenant Church highly prizes our characteristic interconnectedness stemming from shared life in Christ. While emphasizing theological freedom, the Covenant has placed a high priority on developing these relationships within the context of theological education and exploration of the Covenant characteristics. In short, orientation introduces the Covenant to pastors and pastors to the Covenant. Note that pastors may hold a ministerial license while completing a Covenant Orientation program.

Who needs Covenant Orientation?

All pastors seeking any kind of credential within the Evangelical Covenant Church are required to enroll in a Covenant Orientation program. Orientation programs are modified for those seeking a Bi-Vocational Ministry License and those seeking a Global Service License.

What is the cost to complete the program?

For students accepted into the Covenant Orientation program the cost for these courses are billed at 50% of the standard NPTS tuition rate, which as of Fall 2024 the standard tuition rate is $620 per credit hour. In addition to the tuition cost there is a $14 per credit hour technology fee. Additional course fees may be added for Vocational Excellence assessment tools required for the class or Midwinter registration fees for courses taking place in conjunction with the ECC’s annual Midwinter Conference.

Below is a sample breakdown of cost per class (at 2024 tuition rates):

• Vocational Excellence (1 credit) – $384 ($310 per credit hour tuition, plus $16 per credit comprehensive fee, plus $60 for vocational assessments)
• History of the ECC (3 credits) – $972 ($310 per credit hour tuition, plus $16 per credit comprehensive fee)
• Theology of the ECC (3 credits) – $972 ($310 per credit hour tuition, plus $16 per credit comprehensive fee)
• Mission and Ministry of the ECC (3 credits) – $972 ($310 per credit hour tuition, plus $16 per credit comprehensive fee)

Do North Park Theological Seminary degree students need to complete Covenant Orientation?

Yes, but a degree from NPTS may fulfill the requirement for both orientation and ordination requirement for various levels of credentialing. Degree-seeking students planning to serve in the Evangelical Covenant Church must complete the following as part of their degree programs:

• Vocational Excellence (FLDC 5300)
• Mission and Ministerial Identity (FLDC 7319)
  Study in the history and theology of the denomination, which may be fulfilled through one of two options:
• History and Theology of the ECC (HSTY 7300) and an elective theology course, or
• History of the ECC (HSTY 7511) and Theology of the ECC (THEO 7501)

What of those who have completed a partial degree at another seminary?

One academic year of study-in-residence (24-30 semester hours) at North Park Theological Seminary may also fulfill the Covenant Orientation requirement, as long as the required courses are included during a student’s program as a whole (see NPTS above).

Students completing 30 or more hours at North Park may transfer credits from another seminary toward a North Park Theological Seminary degree, or credits received during the year of orientation may be transferred to another seminary.

What of those seeking ordination to Word and Service who already hold at secular master’s degree?

Those seeking Ordination to Word and Service who already hold a secular master’s degree may complete their required 24 hours of theological study at North Park, simultaneously fulfilling their educational and orientation requirements. These students will also need to take the foundational courses for credentialing and also demonstrate 12 semester hours in an area of specialization such as youth, camping, or leadership/administration.