Pathway to Commissioning
The path to Commissioning is relational, not bureaucratic. It’s a process of discernment, with your Regional Vice President, your ministerial colleague, and your own deepening sense of Call, culminating in an application reviewed by the Circle of Directors.
Here’s what the process involves:
Your Regional Vice President (RVP) is your guide, advocate, and co-discerner throughout this process. Before anything else, you’ll have an in-depth conversation with your RVP about your Call — what it is, where it’s come from, and where you sense it leading. This relationship continues all the way through to the Circle’s review.
Secure a Ministerial Colleague
One of FCM’s most distinctive commitments is that ministers don’t journey alone. As part of your Commissioning application, you’ll identify a ministerial colleague, ideally a current commissioned FCM member, who will serve as a mentor, peer, and mutual support throughout your ministry. This is someone who ministers to you as you minister to others.
Your RVP can help you make this connection if you don’t yet know a commissioned FCM member.
Current FCM members can access additional Commissioning resources, forms, and support through the member portal.
Gather Your Letters of Recommendation
You’ll need three letters of recommendation from people who can speak meaningfully to your Call, your character, and your ministry. At least one letter must come from a current FCM member. Your RVP will help if needed.
Complete a Background Check
All applicants complete a criminal background check conducted through a third-party vendor, covering each state in which you have lived. This is a standard requirement for all commissioning applications.
Write Your Statement of Ministerial Understanding
This is the heart of your application a written reflection that tells your story. You’ll describe:
- Your spiritual journey and how it has brought you to this moment
- Why you are seeking Commissioning with FCM specifically
- How you intend to remain connected to and contribute to the FCM community
There is no prescribed length or format. This is your voice, your Call.
Write Your Statement of Professional Experience & Education
You’ll provide a brief overview of your professional background, academic formation, and any ministry training you’ve received or plan to pursue. Formal education is not required for Commissioning. If your RVP and the Circle determine that additional training would benefit your ministry, they will work with you to develop a plan.
Note: Any planned educational path should be discussed with and approved by your RVP, and communicated to the Circle, to ensure it meets the expected standard.
Submit Your Résumé
Include an up-to-date résumé covering both religious and secular experience as relevant to your ministry.
Remit the current application processing fee, which includes the cost of the third-party background check. This fee is non-refundable.
Plan your Commissioning Service
This may be the most meaningful part of all. Together with your RVP, you’ll design a Commissioning service, a visible, communal expression of your ordination. This service can take place wherever is most meaningful to you: in your home faith community, at a regional gathering, at the FCM National Assembly, or in any space that feels sacred and right.
Many members choose to surround themselves with friends, chosen family, mentors, and colleagues for this occasion. It is a celebration of who you are and the ministry ahead.
Circle of Directors Review
Once your complete application is submitted to the FCM central office, it is reviewed by the Circle of Directors at one of four annual meetings. Your Regional Vice President presents your application and serves as your advocate before the Circle.
What the Circle’s Decision Can Mean
Full, unhesitant affirmation. Your Commissioning is effective as of the decision date. Congratulations, Minister.
The Circle has provisionally approved your Commissioning, with specific additional steps or documentation required. Your Commissioning becomes effective once those conditions are met.
The process ends for now, but the Circle affirms your potential and offers specific recommendations for growth, with the door open to re-applying in the future.
The process concludes. This decision does not diminish your Call or your worth. FCM affirms that all people are called into ministry, even when Commissioning with FCM is not the right path at this time.
