Over the past several years, CBOQ has listened deeply to pastors, supervisors, churches, associations, and ministry teams. We heard that the previous system felt unclear, inconsistent, and not aligned with today’s diverse ministry realities — including:
The refreshed system ensures:
Clarity – Simpler pathways, defined expectations
Care – Greater support for pastors and churches
Confidence – A credential that means something
When a pastor is accredited or ordained by CBOQ, it reflects discernment, accountability, theological integration, character, and readiness for the realities of ministry today.
There are now five clear designations:
Key System-Wide Changes
If you are already serving as an accredited or ordained pastor within CBOQ:
Your status does not change.
All accredited pastors (licensed or ordained) will now take part in the three-year renewal cycle.
Renewal requirements include:
This renewal cycle strengthens accountability, support, and connection within the CBOQ family.
At the end of this journey, candidates may be recommended for accredited – licensed or accredited – ordained pathways depending on their calling and ministry context.
The Registered designation is the first formal step toward ministry recognition with CBOQ. It is a maximum three-year formation journey shaped by mentorship, learning, discernment, and community.
What the Registered Journey Includes:
At the end of this journey, candidates may be recommended for accredited – licensed or accredited – ordained pathways depending on their calling and ministry context.
The Licensed for CBOQ Ministry pathway is a credential for pastors who serve faithfully in local church contexts and may not be called to ordination.
Licensed Pastors Are:
Licensed Ministry Is Ideal For:
Three-Year Renewal Includes:
This credential affirms pastoral calling without requiring ordination.
Ordination is a covenant between the pastor, the church, the Association, and CBOQ. It affirms a pastor’s calling, character, theology, and competency.
Steps Toward Ordination:
Ordination Affirms:
Ordination is not the end of a journey—it’s the beginning of a lifelong partnership in ministry.
Your status is fully preserved.
One update:
Retired pastors now participate in the three-year renewal cycle, which keeps connection and accountability strong.
If you are preparing to retire:
Please inform CBOQ so your status can be updated and supported.
Retirement does not end your connection with CBOQ — it simply shifts your role. We honour your service.
Ordination begins with the local church. You play a vital role in identifying readiness, initiating the process, and partnering with the Association and CBOQ.
Your responsibilities include:
Accreditation provides churches with:
Churches are encouraged to include “accreditation required/preferred” in job descriptions.
Church responsibilities include:
Should be accredited if functioning pastorally:
Should NOT be accredited:
During a pastoral search:
Associations play a crucial role in:
Association Tools Provided:
Associations partner with CBOQ to ensure clarity, consistency, and care across our churches.
For any questions about accreditation, ordination, renewal, or discernment – accreditation@baptist.ca
© 2025 Canadian Baptists of Ontario and Quebec