Steps to Getting Started in PDLC
The Church of the Nazarene believes God calls men and women into special roles of leadership in ministry. Consistent with our belief, the church has developed many resources to help you determine what God is saying to you, and to prepare you for Christian service. You will find below step-by-step instructions to lead you through the process as well as the forms you will need.
You will want to start by reviewing the section below titled “Clarifying Your Call.” It contains resources to help you know for sure God is calling you. It also contains a simple strengths and gifts survey to help you determine the area of ministry that might be best for you.
The section you should read below is “Steps to Ordination.” Ordination is a process. There are many steps the church requires to ensure all candidates are called of God, and suited for ministry. Keep this document close as you go through the process.
Future Clergy (Need Required Courses)
Step One: Pray! Pray to the Lord of the Harvest ask Him if He is calling you to further your education to prepare for ordination. Classes can be taken through the Pittsburgh District Learning Center and/or an alternative approved ministry prep programs.
Step Two: Register with the PDCD (Pittsburgh District Clergy Development) Contact the District Secretary Darcy Bell at: [email protected]
Step Three: Contact the PDLC director Rev. Kerry Purnell via e-mail at [email protected] to let her know that you have registered with the PDCD / Also, Complete the Student Information Sheet (link below). The Student Information Sheet is the trigger to start receiving more details about PDLC.
Step Four: Review the PDLC Quick Guide / Print for reference.
Laity (Choosing to Audit for personal growth)
Step One: Pray! Pray to the Lord of the Harvest ask Him if He is calling you to further your knowledge through the PDLC.
Step Two: Contact the PDLC director Rev. Kerry Purnell via e-mail at [email protected] to let her know that you are interested in taking courses with the PDLC / Also, Complete the Student Information Sheet (link below).
Be advised, - due to professor and class availability, priority of registration will be given to those completing course toward ordination. Though there may be interest to audit a class, it might not be approved. The director will be in contact as needed.
General Information
Individuals can take classes through PDLC for both requirements and personal enjoyment.
Those completing course requirements toward ordination should complete the SIS form and check the class schedule for upcoming classes.
Those completing classes for personal knowledge can Audit or take for a grade. The SIS sheet should also be filled out so directory information is received.
Student Information Sheet (S.I.S.)
All New Students should complete this online form.
Sourcebook for Ordination
Requirements toward ordination (Class, licensing, etc)
Ministry Studies / Clergy Development
Information for understanding one's call and clarifying one's call. This will link to the District's webpage which will include additional documentation and helpful resources.
Pittsburgh District Learning Center Objectives
> To create a community of learning where critical inquiry is encouraged during all processes of scholarly and practical pursuits so that academic freedom is practiced and fostered.
> To provide a Christ-centered, evangelical, Wesleyan-Holiness curriculum so that learners will be grounded and articulate in the beliefs of traditional, historical Christianity.
> To be able to apply what is learned to the culture and context of the student's current setting and beyond.
> To provide an excellent array of well-qualified faculty so that learners will be exposed to leading classical and contemporary theories and practical applications of learning.
> To provide biblically-based theological education so that busy adults may achieve significant learning without relocating to a residency campus.
> To provide cost-effective learning and support services so that a wider number of learners from all ethnic groups may afford a theological education