9th March, 2008

Theological Education Sunday in the Moravian Church is a day set aside to pray for and to reflect upon the full time Ministry of our Church. In addition, it is used as a time to challenge, encourage and call men and women to examine and respond to the Ministry of Jesus Christ. This year 2008, theological education Sunday will be observed on the 30th March. How does one qualify for the Ministry of our Church? Who is eligible to become a Minister in our Church?

A candidate for the Ministry of the Moravian Church must be a communicant member of the Church and should have a definite experience of salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. The experience of Salvation more than anything else is the foundation upon which every candidate should stand. While God can use whomsoever he chooses, the candidate for Ministry must not only know about God, but must know God in a personal, intimate way.

He/She must apply by letter addressed to the PEC through the Superintendent of his/her Conference. his/her application must be accompanied by letters of recommendation from his/her Minister, Board of Elders and Island Conference, which show his/her standing in our Church, his/her character, his/her fitness for work of the Ministry and his/her educational attainments. Contents of letters of recommendation concerning applicants for ministerial training should be made available to the Island Conference. His/Her application shall be accompanied by a health certificate and psychological evaluation from a Doctor whom the PEC’s representative in the Island recognizes or designates. The PEC shall inform the Bishop of all candidates and their subsequent progress.

What other qualification must one have? A candidate shall have passed the General Certificate of Education or the CXC General Exams in at least five subjects or some certificate equivalent to University Entrance standard, or shall be a graduate from an accredited high school in the United States Virgin Islands.

Upon the successful completion of his/her theological course, the candidate shall be accepted as a Probationer for two (2) years. The period may be shortened or the rule amended at the discretion of the PEC. In addition, the individual is bonded to serve the Church for two (2) years for each year of education provided by the Church.

The guidelines apply to all those who would seek to enter the full time ministry of the Church whether for Pastoral Ministry or for specified Ministry such as Christian Education, Counselling, Music, Youth and Evangelism.