Ministerial Credentials
The Northeast Fellowship does not grant or examine ministerial credentials, but we can come alongside your church in the ordination process through the call and facilitation of a Vicinage Council. We can also participate with you in the ordination service, installations, and other services customarily performed by Congregational Christian Churches.
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Contact our Executive Director to discuss:
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Rev. Dan Dzikowicz
Executive Director
978-387-8882
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Helpful NACCC Links:
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The Art and Practice of the Congregational Way
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Licensure
Permission to perform all ministerial functions on behalf of a particular congregation. Typically issued to a lay minister or to a non-staff clergyperson who is a member of the congregation.
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STEPS
1) A recommendation from the church council (deacons, board, cabinet, etc.) to the congregation that the candidate be licensed.
2) A vote of the congregation is taken to license the candidate (annual or special meeting)
3) Reviewed and renewed annually by steps #1 and #2.
Local Ordination
​Recognized only for ministerial service in the ordaining church
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STEPS
1) A recommendation from the church council (deacons, board, cabinet, etc.) to the congregation that the candidate be ordained.
2) A vote of the congregation is taken to ordain the candidate.
3) An ordination service is held.
Permanant Ordination
Recognized among Congregational churches whether or not that individual is serving the ordaining church.
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​STEPS
1) The ordaining church expresses its desire to have a candidate ordained by calling for a Vicinage Council (a formal gathering of local churches/clergy). A vote of the church council (deacons, board, cabinet etc.) is sufficient to call for a Vicinage Council.
2) The Vicinage Council is held. If the candidate is recommended to ordination…
3) A vote of the congregation is taken to ordain the candidate.
4) An ordination service is held.
