Several readers have e-mailed in the last couple of months to congratulate me on my ordination. I want to make this clear: I’m not ordained (yet).
The United Church of Christ, unlike some other denominations, does not ordain people once they complete seminary (and I’m not technically scheduled to graduate until May). In the UCC you must first be called to serve a church before ordination can occur. This past fall I was approved for ordination pending a call but there are no openings currently at UCC churches in the Portland-Metro area and will not be for 6-12 months. There are plenty of vacant UCC pulpits across the country. We made a decision, however, to remain in Oregon. In the meantime, I’m considering non-profit work and pulpit supply.
You can learn more about ordination in the UCC by clicking here.
