Pastoral Development

From Call to Ordination.

ORPAC Development helps pastors and ministry leaders navigate the journey from a call to ministry through licensing, preparation, mentoring, ordination, and lifelong learning.

Board of Ministry Licensing Pathway Ordination Prep

The Path At A Glance

1
Register Begin with the Board of Ministry and local licensing steps.
2
Prepare Complete ministry preparation, education, and interview process items.
3
Serve Serve for at least 3 years in a pastoral ministry position at your local church.
4
Learn Grow through education, lifelong learning, and ongoing development.
Development Pathway

Taking the next step.

Whether you are sensing a call, pursuing a license, preparing for interviews, or finding education options, these are the places to begin.

Need the big-picture guide first?

Pastoral Development Overview Sourcebook for Ministerial Development
Interview Dates & Preparation

Know the dates. Prepare with confidence.

ORPAC 2027 district license interview dates.

District License Interview Dates

Jan 6
Bend Area District license interview date
Jan 7
Portland Area District license interview date
Jan 8
Salem & Eugene Area District license interview date
Jan 9
Medford Area District license interview date
Scheduling

Interviews are scheduled in several locations across the district, and candidates are assigned based on their home church. Your interview date and time will be confirmed around December 15. Because this is an important step in the journey, candidates are expected to arrange their schedules to be present at their interview time.

Ordination & Year of Mentoring

Ordination service
January 19-20
Ordination/Year of Mentoring Interviews
Year of Mentoring Preaching Preaching Evaluation Ordination Application
Lifelong Learning & Ongoing Support

Development Does Not End

Effective pastors keep learning, growing, and adapting.

Lifelong Learning

Ministers are encouraged to build a personal development plan, record lifelong learning hours, and keep growing in ways that deepen knowledge, strengthen skills, shape character, and expand contextual understanding.

Self Reporting FAQ's

Lifelong Learning Categories

Content The biblical, theological, and historical knowledge necessary for ministry.
Competency The development of skills for ministry.
Character The strengthening and enriching of the minister as a person.
Context The deepening of the understanding of the ministry environment.

Credential Transfer

Moving to another district? Begin the credential transfer process with the appropriate request form and documentation.

Credential Transfer Request

Hiring Associates

Churches hiring associate staff and directors need to obtain district superintendent approval before offering a position.

Approval to Hire Form
Pathway Resources

Links For Every Step.

From local licensing to district preparation and ministry development, these are the main forms, applications, and guides you will need along the way.

Local License

Everything needed to begin and complete the local license process.

Local License Procedures Solicitud para Licencia de Ministro Local Local License Board Checklist Local Ministers License Application Register With the Board of Ministry Verification of Credential History Order A Local License Certificate

Board of Ministry & District Process

Forms and applications for district licensing, recommendations, and credential processing.

District License Application Ordination/Recognition Questionnaire Board Recommendation Pastoral Ability Report Preaching Requirements

Ministry Preparation

Guides, development tools, and education pathways for ongoing preparation and progress toward ordination.

Ministry Formation Overview Ministry Development Handbook Manual de Desarrollo Ministerial Formational Resources Non-Degree Course of Study A.H. Beiner Scholarship