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| Coven of Christ Ministries does not offer instant online minister ordination, nor do we offer immediate ordination by mail or any other method. You must complete the minister ordination application as the first step in a process which will vary with each individual based on personal background, education, ministry experience, knowledge of Esoteric Christian and Neo-Pagan history and theology, etc. This process will also include dialogue either by telephone, e-mail, or, when possible, in person. A calling to ordained ministry is a high and serious calling; therefore, minister ordination should not be given with undue haste. On the other hand, ordination should be available without undue delay. An example of undue delay would be the requirement of four years of college and three years of seminary or years of formal structured instruction that some Christian denominations or Neo-Pagan traditions impose on their candidates before they can be ordained. Now, COCM does not disparage education--theological or otherwise; in fact, we highly value it. We simply leave it to the individual to decide, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, how much education he/she gets and where he/she gets it.
COCM is keenly aware that the anointing for ministry comes not from man but from the Divine. Man can only give recognition of this calling by licensure. After all, we live in a society of man made laws. When God/dess calls a person, He/She does so without the permission or requirements of man. The best and most that man can do is affirm, recognize, and record that calling. All persons ordained into Coven of Christ Ministries are independent ministers in the daily functions of their respective ministries, that is, neither the minister nor COCM is or can be an agent for or of the other and each minister is fully and individually responsible for their actions, legal, financial or contractual obligations. However, each minister remains in communion with COCM. God/dess has chosen and called you. It is up to you to fulfill your calling. Please keep in mind that persons ordained into Coven of Christ Ministries receive a valid, legitimate, Esoteric Christian ordination. Ordinations will be conferred by the Presiding Bishop / High Priestess of Coven of Christ Ministries, who holds the legal Independent Church Charter for COCM. COVEN OF CHRIST MINISTRIES IS NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR ORDINATION. TO BEGIN THE PROCESS, PLEASE COMPLETE THE ORDINATION APPLICATION AND MAIL IT AND A PHOTOCOPY OF THE CANDIDATE’S DRIVER’S LICENSE OR STATE ID TO THE PRESIDING BISHOP / HIGH PRIESTESS. NOTE: When applying directly for ordination, there is no need to also apply for general membership. It is automatic. Requirements · A working knowledge of Esoteric Christian and Neo-Pagan history and theology as evidenced by the individual’s personal background, education, and ministry experience. · A choice to follow Jesus the Christ and a clear understanding of the role and ethical practices of Esoteric Christian Clergy. · An honest desire and intent to serve the Esoteric Christian and Christo-Eclectic community as an ordained member of the clergy. · A non-confrontational approach to religious tolerance and an openness to consider a plurality of interpretation. In addition, COCM sanctioned ordination requires: · The individual provide verifiable proof of identification, age, and address. · The individual must be the age of 18 or over. · The individual must agree to align themselves with the works and ministry of COCM. . Credentials are only issued in the person’s legally recognized name. Initial Contact The process begins by completing the ordination application and mailing it and a photocopy of the candidate’s driver’s license or state ID to the Presiding Bishop / High Priestess. An original signature on the application is required. Ordination Application · Most of the application exists to gather information for COCM ordination recording, including proof of identification. But it goes beyond that. It also provides the opportunity for the individual to express why they are seeking ordination from Coven of Christ Ministries, and to describe their working knowledge of Esoteric Christian and Neo-Pagan history and theology. · Once the application is received and reviewed, the Presiding Bishop / High Priestess will contact you to set up a brief dialogue either by telephone, e-mail, or, when possible, in person. This is merely a time to get to know each other and confirm information provided on the ordination application. · There is a $35.00 USD application fee. This helps COCM to pay for printer ink, paper, record keeping and so on. Please send this in the form of personal check, cashier’s check, money order or cash. COCM is unable to accept credit cards at this time. The application fee is due at the time of application. Please make checks and money orders out to Diana L. Powell. Mail to COCM c/o Diana Powell, PO Box 84 . Rexford , MT 59930-0084 Ordination Recorded and Credentials Mailed · Assuming the screening process goes well, the ordination is recorded and notification is made to the candidate. The ordination is conferred completely free of charge. · Initial notification of ordination is sent via email. Official ministerial credentials will be forwarded to the address listed on the application. · While the ordination process may seem difficult, for a person ready to take on the role of clergy, it should be relatively easy. |
| The Ordination Process |
| Membership |
| Coven of Christ Ministries was created to fill the need for a Christo-Eclectic fellowship that fits the spirit and encourages eclectic choice. We wish to instill in our membership an attitude of strength, honor, self-determination, confidence, and triumph over adversity. Membership in Coven of Christ Ministries allows an individual to be eclectic in beliefs and ritual practice without losing touch with the spirit of Esoteric Christianity or Neo-Paganism.
We believe in the priesthood of all believers and that every believer is a witness. We welcome, with open arms, all those who wish to align themselves with the works and ministry of Coven of Christ Ministries, whether they are seeking legal ordination or merely general membership. COCM is dependent upon the spiritual gifts, talents, and abilities of all its members to fully become what the Lord and Lady intend it to be. Coven of Christ Ministries is a Christo-Eclectic fellowship available to anyone desiring to be a member. Membership is open to both ordained and non-ordained members and is awarded upon application and is irrespective of gender, race, or nationality. Members will have many opportunities to participate in the ministry of COCM and are encouraged to suggest how they may serve the coven church according to their gifts. Coven of Christ Ministries solicits no tithes from any of its members. Members desiring to post a link to COCM on their own personal web pages and e-mail correspondence are encouraged to do so and should contact the Presiding Bishop / High Priestess for more details. Our aim is to achieve in the membership, through the voluntary practice of ones own discipline, the following results: 1. The building and improvement of Esoteric Christian Spirituality and Character in the individual. 2. The practice and promotion of charity to those we meet and have contact with. 3. Demonstration of that compassion best exemplified by Jesus the Christ and the Lady Holy Spirit. The giving of oneself in devotion to the God and Goddess. The duties of COCM members involve the personal improvement of ones own Esoteric Christian spirituality and character through the voluntary but strongly encouraged adherence to ones own discipline. This discipline should involve the regular, daily practice of charitable acts, meaning the diligent practice of charity to others. This can range from the practice of courteous and considerate behavior toward those we encounter in our daily lives, to more involved charitable acts. It also should include scheduled daily prayer and meditation, the practice of compassion, and the enthusiastic practice of ones Craft. Ones own discipline should involve daily study with the aim of self-improvement and building of Esoteric Christian spirituality and character. Members are encouraged to keep a journal of their daily study. There is no application fee to become a member of the Coven of Christ Ministries.. Mail to COCM c/o Diana Powell, PO Box 84 . Rexford , MT 59930-0084 |
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Our motto is: "Improvement of Self. Charity to Others. Compassion toward All. Honor and Glory to the Lord and Lady.” |
