Ordination

Cherry Hill Seminary students who have received their Master of Divinity degree, Community Ministry Certificate, or Spiritual Direction Certificate are eligible to apply for ordination by the Seminary. Ordination signifies a commitment to serving others using the knowledge and skills gained in these programs, as well as demonstration of personal integrity, and approval by the Ordination Review Committee.

The Ordination Review Committee is composed of experienced ministers from our faculty and is independent from Seminary administration. It will meet twice yearly, as needed, to review applicants. Applicants must be interviewed by the committee. Those accepted will be ordained in a virtual ceremony by the Seminary.

Applicants will provide, as part of their application:

• Agreement with Cherry Hill Seminary Values and Clergy Ethical code.
• Essay on why the desire to be ordained, how it will enhance the applicant’s ministry, and who the applicant anticipates serving.
• Documentation of internship requirements.*
• 3 letters of recommendation (new, not from original student application; just provide email for your references on the application form and CHS will contact them).
• $300 fee (which will include a full national criminal, state criminal and sex offender registries background check ordered by the Seminary).

Internship Requirements

• Master of Divinity – Degree requirements include a semester-long supervised
• Spiritual Direction Certificate – Year 2 of the program includes a required trial practice with formal supervision.
• Community Ministry Certificate – Applicants who have received their Community Ministry Certificate must also complete an additional month of supervised internship with a local organization. Their CMC faculty-mentor will guide them through placement in and completion of that internship. The CMC applicant will be responsible for payment of regular CMC monthly tuition during the internship. more info here

To maintain ordained status, individuals must renew their application every five years. Note that ordination does not imply employment of any kind. Cherry Hill Seminary holds no liability for incidents involving a Seminary graduate following ordination, has a formal review process for complaints, and reserves the right to revoke an ordination.

Review the Cherry Hill Seminary Values and Clergy Ethical code

Apply for ordination

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