Covenant Orientation

North Park Theological Seminary is the Seminary of the Evangelical Covenant Church. It offers a variety of ways to fulfill Covenant Orientation requirements for persons seeking credentialing (licensing, commissioning, or ordination) within the Covenant denomination.

Degree from North Park Theological Seminary

A degree from North Park Theological Seminary, (or one full academic year of studies) fulfills the entire orientation requirement for various levels of credentialing. Degree-seeking students planning to serve in the Evangelical Covenant Church must register for and complete the Covenant Connecting Class, offered by the Board of Ordered Ministry, as part of their program.

One Year North Park Seminary Covenant Orientation

One academic year of study-in-residence (24-30 semester hours) at NPTS also fulfills the Covenant Orientation requirement. Students completing 30 or more hours at NPTS may transfer credits from another seminary towards a North Park Theological Seminary degree, or credits received during the year of orientation may be transferred to another seminary.

Those seeking Ordination to Specialized Ministry who already hold a secular master's degree may complete their required 30 hours of theological study at North Park, simultaneously fulfilling their educational and orientation requirements. These students will need to take the four courses listed below and also demonstrate 13 semester hours in an area of specialization such as youth, camping, or leadership/administration.

Foundational Courses for Credentialing

In order to be credentialed by the ECC, a pastor needs a minimum of four specific graduate level courses in theological studies. Candidates for credentialing may apply to become visiting students at North Park Theological Seminary and take these four classes, which are bundled at a 40% discount.

Church History: HSTY 6210 Christian Tradition and Mission
New Testament: BIBL 5150 New Testament I or BIBL 5151 New Testament II
Old Testament: BIBL 6120 Old Testament I or BIBL 6121 Old Testament II
Systematic Theology: THEO 6330 Christian Theology

All matters regarding ordination, transfer of ordination, and licensure are the responsibility of the Evangelical Covenant Church's Board of the Ordered Ministry. For information on other ways to fulfill Orientation requirements, please visit the Covenant denomination's website.