What makes ordination in the Alliance different?

In other denominations, ordination might mean that you have passed through rigorous and (at times) grueling examinations. It might mean that you went to the "right seminary" and graduated with the "right degree" to be awarded the crowning jewel of ordination at the end of your journey.  And still in other denominations, ordination might simply be granted as a local affirmation of a pastor's calling. 

But in the Alliance, we believe that ordination is ultimately about trust--trust between a pastor and their congregation, trust between a pastor and their Network, and trust between a pastor and their denomination. This trust has to be earned in a way, founded upon something other than relational sentimentality. In the Alliance, trust is established through demonstrated competencies and relational accountability. Ordination isn't about going to the "right institution," it's not about having all the right answers on a test, and it's not solely based on one ecclesial relationship. It's about earning and maintaining trust in covenantal relationships--between the church, the Network and the denomination. Trust is something that can be established early but needs to be maintained and nurtured as we grow together. That's why we ask our pastors to continue growing, learning, and earning our trust. Because trust needs to be cultivated--tended like a garden, so that the people of God may grow. 

Thomas Cellilli
Lead Pastor
New Life Community Church