





Emmanuel College is a theological college of the United Church of Canada and therefore has been granted the authority to award a testamur on behalf of the church. The general education requirements for preparation for ordained ministry include a four-year baccalaureate degree and a Master of Divinity program.
If you are interested in ministry in the United Church of Canada you will need to do the discernment process before you can be a candidate for ministry. The links below have information about the discernment process, ordered and lay ministry and who to contact for more information.
Key Terms
Discernment: Individuals who believe they are called by God to a specific ministry in The United Church of Canada may ask to enter into an inquiry/discernment period.
Ordered Ministry: Ordained ministers are ordained to a ministry of word, sacrament, and pastoral care. They are members of the Order of Ministry of The United Church of Canada.
Lay Ministry: Licensed lay worship leaders can provide Sunday worship leadership in the presbyteries of The United Church of Canada in which they are licensed.
Key Resources and Information
Master of Divinity program at Emmanuel College
United Church of Canada Website Discernment Process for Ordered and Lay MinistryUCC Handbook: Process for Discernment and Candidacy for the Order of Ministry
UCC Handbook: Discerning a Call Ordained Ministry Lay Ministry*The links above are updated on a regular basis, however it is always best to consult the UCC website to ensure you are reviewing the most recent version.
For more information from the United Church of Canada contact:
E&S Convenor for your presbytery and/or minister of your home congregation
Ministry Vocations
Human Resources
The United Church of Canada
3250 Bloor St. West, Suite 300
Toronto, ON Canada M8X 2Y4
minvoc@united-church.ca