Get Started

We're excited you're considering ordination - or doing your five-year renewal!  Ordination is a declaration of trust, and Pathways is a way of making sure that you are trusted by congregation, network, and the global Alliance.

Whether you are starting ordination in the Alliance or renewing your ordination, please have these things in place:

1. Be familiar with the basics of the Alliance of Reformed Churches, including its core values and beliefs (https://arc21.org/who-we-are)

2. Be familiar with the basics of Pathways (pathways.arc21.org), the Alliance's competency-based framework for ordination. 

3. Have your resume ready. 

4. Notify your consistory that you are applying to Pathways and wish to become (or are actively discerning whether to become, or are renewing your status as) an ordained pastor.  Have them fill out the Congregational Affirmation form at their earliest convenience.

Ready to begin?  Please choose the correct application form below.