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 ECC, help pastors establish collegial relationships, and provide education on Covenant heritage and distinctives.

As a noncreedal denomination, the ECC 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’s characteristics. In short, orientation introduces the ECC to pastors and pastors to the ECC.

Note that pastors may hold a ministerial license while completing a Covenant Orientation program.

All pastors seeking any credential within the ECC must enroll in the Covenant Orientation program. Those seeking a Bi-Vocational Ministry License or a Global Service License will partake in a modified program.

Covenant Orientation courses are billed at 50% of the standard NPTS tuition rate. In addition to tuition, 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.

More information is available on the Tuition and Financial Aid page.

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

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

One academic year of study-in-residence (24–30 credit hours) at NPTS may also fulfill the Covenant Orientation requirement, as long as the required courses are included during a student’s program as a whole. Students completing 30 or more hours at NPTS may transfer credits from another seminary toward a NPTS degree, or credits received during the year of orientation may be transferred to another seminary.

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 NPTS, simultaneously fulfilling their educational and orientation requirements. These students will also need to complete the foundational courses certificate for credentialing and also demonstrate 12 credit hours in an area of specialization, such as youth, camping, or leadership/administration.