The Ecclesiastical Program of Ministerial Candidacy (EPMC)
Our EPMC Curriculum
Receive an orientation to the theology, history, and ministry of the Christian Reformed Church. In addition, vocational formation components prepare students with hands-on ministry experiences, mentorship, and reflection.
EPMC Courses & Credit Hours
Your individualized learning plan will include, at minimum, 9 credits.
Commonly Included Courses
- Biblical Interpretation for Ministry (1)
- Christian Theology in Reformed Confessions (3)
- Christian Reformed Church Polity (1.5)
- Christian Reformed Church History (1.5)
- Preaching (2)
- Digital Bible Tools (1)
On Campus & Online
Students may complete the EPMC program in-person at our Grand Rapids campus or fully online.
Reformed Tradition
Calvin Theological Seminary is the official seminary of the CRCNA and teaches from a thoroughly Reformed perspective.
Vocational Formation & Contextual Learning
Vocational formation components of the EPMC include a thorough psychological assessment, mentoring experiences, ministry practice, and a vocational formation reflection paper. These opportunities help you to strengthen your ministry experience and spiritual and personal formation prior to your ordination.
Finishing the EPMC
How Long Does the EPMC Take?
The EPMC takes two years to complete.
Graduation Requirements
Learn more about graduation requirements through the EPMC Handbook.
Program Outcomes
This program is designed to prepare men and women for ordained ministry in the CRCNA.
Paths to Ordination
In addition to the MDiv program of Calvin Theological Seminary, the EPMC is another path to ordination in the CRCNA.
How to Apply
Whether you are studying in your MDiv program or have completed your MDiv degree, you can apply today for the EPMC program. During the application process, Calvin Theological Seminary will contact the CRCNA on your behalf to indicate your interest.
Do you have questions before applying? Email admissions@calvinseminary.edu or slaclear@crcna.org (Susan LaClear, Candidacy Director of the CRCNA) with your inquiry.
EPMC participants are not eligible to receive institutional financial aid from Calvin Seminary. Participants may seek financial support or scholarships from their own classis’ student fund or other sources at their own initiative.
Application Requirements
EPMC students must possess or be currently pursuing an MDiv degree. All EPMC students should be seeking candidacy in the CRCNA.
You are warmly welcome here! Learn more about application materials for international students who are not native speakers of English.
You are warmly welcome here! Learn more about the international student community at Calvin Theological Seminary.
Admission Deadlines
- Fall Term: August 1
- Spring Term: December 1
- Summer Term: April 1
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
To apply for the EPMC, students must currently be enrolled in or have completed an MDiv degree from a seminary accredited by the Association for Theological Schools.
The ordination process typically happens following the completion of the MDiv program of Calvin Theological Seminary, or through the EPMC program for pastors in training who received their MDiv from another seminary.
Apply Now
Follow God’s calling to ordained ministry and apply today.
Get to Know Calvin Theological Seminary
Meet Your Faculty
Faculty at Calvin Theological Seminary carry out the seminary’s mission as inspiring thought leaders, invested teachers and mentors, and committed followers of Christ.
Student Stories
Past graduates have applied their learning to a variety of ministry-based opportunities. Here are some of their stories.
Academic Support
In addition to contextual learning, the Vocational Formation Office offers students other forms of support, including formation groups with peers, vocational mentors, and assessment tools to help students identify and cultivate their strengths.