Ordination Board

The Scriptural Basis for Ordination

“For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee: If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly. For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;  But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.” - Titus 1:5-9

The Mission of the Board

To further cultivate relevant, effective, disciplers, through a standardized process of training, and assessment, that establishes and presents a collegial brotherhood of ready candidates to the Bishop for ordination.

The Board
Pastor Terrance M. Curtain, Jr. - Chairman
Supt. J. Ross Johnson
Pastor John Dunn
Pastor Michael Pressley
Eld. Willie Templeton
Eld. David Reliford

Invitation to the Ordination Cohort – Class of 2026

Are there any ministers in your congregation whom you believe are ready to become an elder in the Church of God in Christ? Submit their names to be a part of the 2026 Ordination Orientation Cohort, culminating in the Ordination Service in March 2026.

  • Fill Out the Ordination Interest Form 
    Pastors may submit the names of recommended ministers by completing the Ordination Interest Form.

  • Submit the Candidate’s Application by doing the following:

    • Candidates must write a Letter of Intent and Include a Pastoral Letter of Recommendation on official church letterhead, and email it to pastorcurtain@gmail.com.

    • Contact Sis. Viney Smith vlsmith1@fuse.net to create a COGIC ARC Account.

    • Complete the COGIC Sexual Misconduct Training and the BCI Background Check.

  • Register and Enroll in the Ordination Track

    • Recommended candidates will enroll in the WMJSOM Ordination Track, which begins with monthly seminars and courses starting in March 2025 and concluding in March 2026.

    • This comprehensive program includes foundational seminars, theological studies, and ministry practicum to prepare ministers for effective service as elders.

    • Fill Out WMJSOM Interest Form 

 

William Morgan James School of Ministry

Vision

To serve as a vehicle for transferring the knowledge, expertise, and anointing of God from generation to generation within Ohio North First Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction.

Mission
 To increase biblical literacy in the Body of Christ and equip the saints to fulfill their ministry calling.

Biblical Foundation
"Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation."
– 2 Corinthians 5:18-19

Pastor Steven R Furr. Sr - Chairman

The William Morgan James School of Ministry: Equipping Leaders for the Work of the Kingdom!

Don’t miss this opportunity to grow in ministry!

  • Programs Offered:

    • Biblical Foundations: Gain a deep understanding of Scripture with courses on interpretation, hermeneutics, and exegesis, preparing you to apply biblical principles in ministry.

    • Clergy Training: Specialized preparation for Licensed Minister candidates and Ordination, in collaboration with pastors and the Ordination Board.

    • Seminars and Symposiums: Advanced learning on topics like urban apologetics, spiritual gifts, church leadership, and technology in ministry.

    • Practicums: Hands-on experiences in preaching, pastoral care, and church administration through internships and community outreach.

    • Adult Education Centers: Providing GED training and technology courses for personal and professional development within ONFJ churches.

    Modes of Delivery:

    • Live: Face-to-face instruction during Worker’s Meetings, Convocations, and conferences.

    • Virtual: Online learning through Google Classroom, live-streamed lectures, and webinars.

    • Hybrid Learning Pods/Cohorts: A blend of live and virtual learning with collaborative projects and structured curriculum.

    Featured Courses and Training:

    • Me, My Resume, and God’s Design (Asynchronous, March 2025): Discover your God-given purpose with spiritual and personality assessments.

    • The Kingdom and the Gospel (In-Person, April 2025): Explore the principles of Kingdom citizenship using Dr. Myles Monroe’s The Principle and Power of Kingdom Citizenship.

    • Bible Knowledge (Asynchronous, May 2025): Build foundational knowledge of Scripture in a self-paced format.

    • Biblical Interpretation (In-Person, June/July 2025): Learn practical methods of exegesis, guided by Dr. Marvin McMickle’s Living Water for Thirsty Souls.

    • Theology and Doctrine (In-Person/Synchronous, August/September 2025): Dive into Christian beliefs and their practical applications.

    • Apologetics (In-Person, October/November 2025): Defend your faith with biblical and cultural insights, featuring works by Eric Mason (Urban Apologetics series).

    • COGIC History and Polity (Synchronous, December 2025): Understand the history and governance of COGIC through Bishop C.H. Mason and the Roots of the Church of God in Christ by Ithiel Clemmons.

For more information or to register fill out the form WMJSOM Interest Form