The Sacred Well Congregation is led by Ordained Clergy and Ordained Deaconry. Our Clerics
are fully trained and recognized practitioners of the Nature-Centered spiritual community. They
are legally ordained ministers, having the same duties and responsibilities, and enjoy the same
rights and privileges under law as would any ordained minister of any other faith, denomination,
or religious body. Our Ordained Deacons are fully trained, have demonstrated competency in
their function as Lay Ministers, providing pastoral presence and performing all duties of the
clergy except those prescribed by law to be performed by ordained ministers. Our standards for
Ordination are high. Obtaining Ordination through Sacred Well Congregation requires a serious
commitment of personal time, energy, love, and resources. This path is not a commitment to be
taken lightly.
General Requirements for Ordination into the Deaconry
- be a Supporting, Family or Sponsoring Member of the Congregation
- be at least 21 years old
- be a high school graduate or have earned a GED
- complete a prescribed course of distance and/or resident instruction under the supervision of an Ordained Officer
- be recommended to and approved by the International Executive Council
General Requirements for Ordination into the Clergy
- be an Ordained Deaconess or Deacon
- be at least 21 years old
- have earned a bachelor’s degree or have equivalent combination of education and life experience as determined by the IEC
- complete a prescribed course of distance and/or resident instruction under the supervision of an Ordained Cleric
- be recommended to and approved by the International Executive Council
Clergy Training Program: Community Ministry Internship
For potential future Community Ministers working through the Community Ministry Certificate
program through Cherry Hill Seminary, Sacred Well Congregation works directly with Cherry
Hill Seminary to offer and develop the experience necessary for effective community ministry
through the Community Ministry Internship, which culminates in consideration for formal
ordination.
Requirements:
- A high school diploma or General Education Degree (GED)
- Be at least 21 years of age
- Be actively enrolled in or have completed the Community Ministry Certificate program through Cherry Hill Seminary
- Apply for Affiliation as a Supporting, Family, or Sponsoring Member of Sacred Well Congregation
Clergy Training Program: Chaplaincy Internship
For potential future chaplains (military or civilian) working towards professional chaplaincy,
Sacred Well Congregations works directly with Cherry Hill Seminary, Starr King School for the
Ministry, and United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities to provide mentorship and
ordination through the Chaplaincy Internship. Sacred Well Congregation also supports students
and graduates of other institutions of higher learning working toward professional chaplaincy.
Requirements:
- A bachelor’s degree of no less than 120 semester hours
- Be at least 21 years of age
- Be enrolled in or have earned a Master of Divinity (or equivalent advanced degree)
- Additional requirements are necessary for potential military chaplains (request more information if interested in this path)
- Apply for Affiliation as a Supporting, Family, or Sponsoring Member of Sacred Well Congregation