BOARD OF MINISTRY DISCOVERY WEEKEND
All across the United States, districts are searching for ways to better equip those with a call to vocational ministry. One way this is happening is through a weekend of assessment, evaluation, and training that is designed to lead an individual interested in credentialed ministry in the Church of the Nazarene through a journey of self-discovery.
The Board of Ministry Discovery Weekend is designed to be a time of encouragement for each candidate. The candidate will be placed in a group with several other candidates along with some mentor pastors to lead them through the weekend. The areas of self-awareness and preparedness that the weekend will focus on are:
The spiritual formation of the candidate
The emotional health of the candidate
The candidate’s understanding and acceptance of the seriousness and responsibility of the call of God to the ministry
The areas of ministerial skills that a candidate must have and continue to develop
The expectations for those called to ministry in the Church of the Nazarene
The candidates will be placed in groups with mentor pastors from across the district that will get to know the candidates and invest in them throughout the weekend. The preparation for the weekend will consist of the following:
Completion of the registration application
Receiving a recommendation from the candidate’s local church board
Participating in two assessments
Filling out a spiritual background inventory
Completion of a confidential information questionnaire
Authorization for a background check (completed through Verified First)
All ministers seeking a first-time district license in the Church of the Nazarene must complete the Discovery Weekend before they will qualify for a district license on the Chicago Central District. For those currently licensed, completion of the Discovery Weekend is required prior to ordination.
INFORMATION
When: November 7-8, 2025
Where: Lombard Church of the Nazarene
Registration Cost (includes: lodging, meals, and all materials):
$350 per couple
$215 per single (+$60 if single occupancy is selected)
If the candidate has taken the StrengthsFinder assessment, $15 will be deducted
If a spouse would like to take the StrengthsFinder assessment, $15 will be added
At least half of cost should be covered by the church
Registration Deadline: August 31, 2025