Traditional Ordination

• 1). Contact your pastor to discuss your call into the ordained ministry. Your pastor will know about your denomination's requirements for ordination and will be able to advise you on how to proceed.
  
  
• 2). Complete all educational requirements for ordination in your denomination. Most mainline denominations require clergy to earn a bachelor's degree and a master of divinity (M.Div.) degree. Kentucky has many seminaries to choose from, including Asbury Theological Seminary, Lexington Theological Seminary and Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary.
  
  
• 3). Meet denominational requirements for ordination. Candidates are frequently required to write an autobiography, take psychological tests, complete an exam and demonstrate knowledge of denominational history and polity. Many denominations also require ordination candidates to provide sample sermons and serve in ministry roles for a few years after seminary.
  
  
• 4). Plan your ordination ceremony in coordination with your pastor and any other denominational officials involved in the process. Involve important professors and mentors in the ceremony, plan to preach a sermon relating to your call and send invitations to family members and friends.
  
  
• 5). Send thank-you notes to everyone involved in your ordination and begin your work as an ordained minister. Remember to continue to consult those with more experience as you embark on the important journey of ministering with people in the church.