Established 1999 · International Covenant FellowshipChurches · Nonprofits · Leaders
Churches In One AccordInternational Fellowship & Ordination BodyConnect with CIOA

Ordination & consecration

Recognition worthy of the calling.

CIOA approaches ministerial credentials as a sacred trust and public responsibility—not as a purchase, shortcut, or honorary title.

Discuss your calling

Our conviction

Ordination confirms service already being formed.

CIOA recognizes ministry through prayerful discernment, verified readiness, appropriate education or formation, supervised service, governing approval, and defined accountability.

The process is tailored to the office and context. Prior ministry experience is honored, but no applicant is promised an outcome or title before review is complete.

Recognized offices

Distinct responsibilities. Shared standards.

I

Consecration

Bishop

Spiritual oversight, governance, care of leaders, and stewardship of ecclesial trust.

II

Ordination

Elder

Pastoral leadership, teaching, sacramental or ministerial service, and mature counsel.

III

Ordination

Deacon

Servant leadership, practical ministry, trusted administration, and community care.

Readiness standards

Whole-person discernment.

Formation is evaluated across belief, life, service, relationships, and responsible practice.

Calling

A credible and discernible call to serve Christ and His Church.

Doctrine

Sound biblical conviction and the capacity to teach or uphold the faith.

Character

Integrity in relationships, conduct, stewardship, and personal life.

Competence

Demonstrated ability appropriate to the office and assignment.

Fruit

A pattern of faithful service and life-giving impact among people.

Safety

Respect for boundaries, policy, accountability, and the care of people.

The recognition process

A careful journey from inquiry to continuing accountability.

Read the governance brief →
  1. 01

    Inquiry & discernment

    Clarify calling, need, context, and the office being considered.

  2. 02

    Evaluation

    Review doctrine, character, relationships, competence, fruit, safety, and readiness.

  3. 03

    Formation

    Complete education, mentoring, supervised service, or remediation as needed.

  4. 04

    Approval

    Receive required credentialing and governing-body authorization.

  5. 05

    Recognition

    Define scope and accountability, then ordain or consecrate through authorized process.

  6. 06

    Ongoing review

    Maintain conduct, fruit, development, documentation, and credential standing.

A serious next step

Begin with conversation, prayer, and truth.

An inquiry does not guarantee credentialing. It begins a confidential process of mutual discovery.

Begin an ordination inquiry