Ordination Process
Information regarding the ordination process overseen by the Southwest Regional Committee on Ministry (RCOM) is available through these links on this page. Email the Regional Committee on Ministry Chair at rcom@ccsw.org for further information or call the Southwest Regional office at 817-926-4687.
Regional Committee on Ministry (RCOM)
The Regional Committee on Ministry meets three times a year. Documentation is due 60 days prior to the meeting in order to be considered for a possible interview appointment. Upcoming meetings:
RCOM 2024 Dates:
January 22-24, 2024 (materials due by November 22, 2023)
April 22-24, 2024 (materials due by February 22, 2024)
September 16-18, 2024 (materials due by July 16, 2024)
Tentative 2025 RCOM Dates:
Jan 27-29, 2025 [documentation due Nov 27, 2024],
April 28-30, 2025 [documentation due Feb 28, 2025],
Sep 15-17, 2025 [documentation due Jul 15, 2025]
Steps in the Ordination Process
Steps in the Ordination Process: document in English/documento en Español - this document provides information about the various interviews during the ordination process and the preparation for those interviews
Process for Recognition of Ordination and Transfer of Standing
Steps in the Process for Recognition of Ordination and Transfer of Standing/Pasos en el proceso para el reconocimiento de la ordenación y la transferencia de la posición: document in English/documento en Español - this document provides information about the various interviews and preparation for those interviews/este documento proporciona información sobre las diversas entrevistas y preparación para esas entrevistas
Important information for ministers; PDF & Links are highlighted in red
Ministerial Code of Ethics of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ): English, Spanish, Korean
CCSW Clergy Sexual Misconduct Policy, adopted April 2022: English or Spanish
Theological Foundations and Policies and Criteria for the Ordering of Ministry of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ): English, Spanish, French, Korean
Forms to Enter the Ordination Process
C - Introductory Memo (to be completed by Regional Ministry Staff)
FOR POTENTIAL APPRENTICE TRACK CANDIDATES: E - Apprentice Track Guidelines and Additional Data Form
Sharing the Journey: A Guide for Congregations with Candidates for Ordination - After the initial interview, request booklets from the Southwest Region office at ccsw@ccsw.org or 817-926-4687. if you did not receive them at the interview. Addendum to update wording in the booklet, if you already have copies, is available here.
Psychological Assessment: Candidates accepted into the ordination process will be required, after the initial interview and before the intermediate interview, to take a Standard Clergy Candidacy Inventory through The Center for Integrative Counseling and Psychology in Dallas, Texas. Cost is recommended to be shared by the sponsoring congregation, candidate and Southwest Region, with payment coordinated through the Southwest Region office. After each session of RCOM, the Southwest Region will provide The Center a list of those candidates who are to complete the Standard Clergy Candidacy Inventory. It is up to the candidate to schedule an appointment and complete this process before the next interview can be scheduled. Contact the Southwest Region office for contact information for The Center.
Materials for Ordination Interview: Forms J and I