Continuing Education Requirements to Maintain Standing

Regional Policy (Updated March 9, 2026)

Click here to download the policy.

The Commission on Clergy establishes the requirements for continuing education by all clergy seeking “active clergy standing,” in the Christian Church in Oklahoma (Disciples of Christ). Realizing that ministry takes place in a rapidly changing world, the purpose of continuing education is to strengthen ministerial leadership in both familiar and challenging new ways. So that it may be genuinely helpful, “continuing education” is to be interpreted broadly.

Access to continuing education in person or through digital platforms is greater now than ever before. The Commission on Clergy reviews its policies for Ministerial Standing yearly regarding Continuing Education, Healthy Boundaries, and Pro-Reconciliation-Anti-Racism training.

Any continuing education (CE) completed between November 1, 2025 (past year) and November 1, 2026 (current year) may be counted for (next year’s) 2027 Ministerial Standing request.

Continuing Education Hours are not:

  • Service Hours
  • Sermon Prep
  • Writing Curriculum
  • Teaching Sunday School
  • Presentations to Civic Groups, Non-Profits, Congregations, or Retreats

Requirements and Competencies*

Choices for continuing education should meet these requirements and match at least one of the 16 competencies*.

I.    In a calendar year, the requirement is for 16 clock hours (contact hours) of continuing education.

II.   Continuing education requirements may be fulfilled by the following:

  1. Events awarding formal Continuing Education Units (CEUs).
  2. Degree and audit courses offered through an institution of higher education.
  3. Other seminars, workshops, and events of an educational nature (see more information and examples in section V).
  4. Up to 8 of the 16 required hours may consist of self-directed studies (see examples in section V).
  5. The continuing education requirement is waived for certain situations (see section IV).

Revised 3/9/26

III.  It is the minister’s responsibility to take initiative and seek out appropriate continuing education for him/herself. It there are questions about whether a particular event qualifies, ask the following questions. “Yes” answers mean “probably so.”

  1. Is the event offered by a recognized school, institution, or organization?
  2. Will this event/topic help me fulfill my ministry?
  3. Is it compatible with the 16 competencies?

IV.  The continuing education requirement is waived but must be document for:

  1. Clergy applying for Retired-inactive standing.
  2. Current accredited graduate theological students (MDiv, DMin, CPE). These persons must provide a list of coursework for the calendar year on their standing forms for the Commission on Clergy’s review.
  3. DMin (classroom vs. research and writing hours): If you are in the research and writing process of your program, you may count up to 8 hours toward your continuing education requirement for standing. To receive 8 hours of CE credit, we require that you document your research process as an addendum to your standing request form.
  4. Persons who are in the Commissioned Ministry process and taking courses through CMLT or some other approved program are required to take four courses per year to be exempt from continuing education requirements, and must list those courses on their standing form. If not taking four courses, you may count 4 hours CE for each course completed and list the course name(s).

The Commission on Clergy will be responsible for interpreting this policy, and assuring compliance.

V.    Examples of qualifying educational opportunities:

  1. Educational offerings of the Regional Church such as boundaries training, annual leadership training, and diversity training.
  2. Continuing education events from accredited educational institutions such as a major university, seminary, or institute.
  3. Workshops or seminars of other recognized institutions or organizations such as hospitals, hospices, prison systems, or the Oklahoma Faith Network.
  4. If your area clergy meeting provides an educational speaker, you may count up to one (1) hour toward CE (provide details on your standing request form).
  5. Oklahoma clergy retreats may count up to 4 hours CE (provide details of CE or event theme on your standing request form).
  6. Courses at accredited educational institutions including graduate schools and seminaries.
  7. Study tours and/or work trips with an educational component.
  8. Self-directed study, such as professional reading (books, journals, etc.), correspondence courses, study or discussion groups, and online education may count for no more than 8 hours. Provide details of your self-directed work (what books did you read, online webinars, etc). NOTE: If your CE includes DMin writing and research, or you are claiming CMLT classes toward your CE hours, no self-directed study hours can be used toward your CE requirement.

*16 Competencies for Ministry

Defined by Theological Foundations and Policies and Criteria
For the Ordering of Ministry in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

Choices for continuing education should match at least one of these competencies.

  • Biblical Knowledge
  • Church Administration and Planning
  • Communication
  • Cross-cultural and Anti-Racism Experiences
  • Ecumenism
  • Education and Leader Development
  • Ethics
  • Evangelism
  • Mission of the Church in the World
  • Pastoral Care
  • Proclamation of the Word
  • Spiritual Development
  • Stewardship
  • Theology
  • Understanding of Heritage
  • Worship