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ORDINATION PROGRAM

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 ORDINATION 400 LEVEL - Classes and Descriptions

(Classes available to everyone; Completion of all classes Required for Certification)
CLASS DESCRIPTION
Advanced Pastoral Care and Counseling*: This class is a continuation of the skills needed for pastoral care and counseling. Multiple techniques will be explored including Brief Pastoral Counseling, ABCD Method of Crisis counseling, Spiritual Direction techniques and use of religious resources as examples. *Prerequisite: Intro to Pastoral Care and Counseling.
Church Business: This class offers instruction on procedures and duties of church management. How to start, organize, and promote the Spiritualist Church. Basic responsibilities and functions of the church will be discussed.
Emergency Pastoral Care*: What does a minister do in the face of the extreme emergency or when a crisis intervention is needed? Learn what to do in a variety of situations including suicidal threats, actual suicide, auto accidents, family violence, unexpected traumatic death, physical or sexual abuse. Appropriate follow-up techniques will be discussed including assisting the family during the first days of traumatic loss. *Prerequisite: Associate Minister Certification.
Pastoral Care for the Dying & Their Family: Spiritualists are often focused on the afterlife, but a Spiritualist minister may be called to the side of the terminally ill or actively dying patient. This class focuses on the dying process and helping people walk that final journey. It will also explore pastoral duties to the family before, during, and after the passing of their loved one.
Preparation for Ministry II*: This class offers extended insights into ministerial expectations and duties. *Prerequisite: Preparation for the Ministry I
Ritual in the Spiritualist Church: The student will learn how to implement ritual in the Spiritualist church as a means to reaffirm meaning, to bond community, and to encounter mystery. Demonstrations and examples of sacramental and alternative rites will be offered.
Sacred Writings I: This class offers a study of the sacred writings from various religions and religious leaders throughout the centuries.
Sacred Writings II*: This class is a continuation and in-depth study of the writings from various religions and religious leaders. *Prerequisite: Sacred Writings I
Sermon & Lecture Preparation II*: Extended development of the content and delivery of a sermon. *Prerequisite: Sermon & Lecture Preparation I
Spiritual Reflection for Ministry*: This class is experiential in nature and designed to help the student explore their inner leadings toward ministry up to this point in their education. Techniques include questions to reflect on the student’s spiritual journey, spiritual gifts, spiritual disciplines and how these experiences might help others. *Prerequisite: Associate Minister Certification.

 ORDINATION

(information for those interested in becoming Certified)
  • Indiana Association of Spiritualists (IAOS) member in good standing for four (4) years.
  • Minimum of four (4) years of on-going study at Chesterfield Spiritualist College.
  • Hold a current IAOS Associate Minister Certification.
  • At least one (1) full year of study after receiving Associate Minister Certification.
  • 50 Academic Credits (10 Spiritual Seeker, 15 Medium Missionary, 15 Associate Minister, 10 Ordination).
  • Development Classes: Four (4) classes with one (1) certified staff mediumship or trance development class teacher during a week-long seminary.These four (4) classes will be the student’s choice of either mediumship development or trance development.
  • Development Class Alternative: Regularly attend development classes with a certified staff mediumship or trance development class teacher. A minimum of 4 classes and signature of the teacher is required.
  • Public Worship Services: Demonstration of sermon and clairvoyance at the same service. Eight (8) public worship services at a minimum of three (3) different churches. A letter from each church served stat-ing date, service performed and signed by presiding minister or board member.
  • Community Service: 40 hours of community service with a maximum of 15 hours at Camp Chesterfield. Community service must be approved by the Dean prior to performing the service.
TESTING REQUIREMENTS for ORDINATION  (for those testing for Certification)

All academic and practical requirements must be completed before Intent to Test is submitted.

Questions for Spiritual Reflection must be completed and submitted to the Dean within the required time-frame and prior to declaring Intent to Test.

Intent to Test and all required documentation must be submitted to the Dean of Education one month prior to the seminary in which the student plans to test.

Application to test along with the testing fee must be completed at walk-in registration for the seminary in which the student plans to test.

Pass a comprehensive written exam covering current Ordination classes with a score of 85% or more.

Successfully complete an oral interview with the testing committee.

Following recommendation by the Dean of Education and approval by the Board of Trustees, the candidate will be approved for Ordination during the consecration ceremony.

 Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, all are welcome. Classes, Workshops and Special Events all require registration. You can view all events in our Calendar and registration forms can be found on the event page or in the Downloads section. Do not be concerned if you see the term “Seminary” next to an event, anyone on a spiritual path of learning may attend those classes as well. Many events allow you to register on-line too.
The best place to start is to visit our Calendar; there you will find a listing of special weekends, week-long classes as well as Summer Series Workshops and other Special Events. Click on an event and you will be taken to the event page with all the details and registration information. You can also visit our Downloads page for registration forms. Most can register for most classes and workshop on-line.
Mediumship Development Classes are hands on classes taught by Certified Development Teachers with many years of experience. These classes are held in a small group setting. You must contact a Development Teacher of your choosing directly. Go here to view a listing of Mediumship Development Teachers.
You will find all the information related to Church Services by clicking here.