Changes to Pastor Education in the Church of the Nazarene
Introducing the new NCOS: Non-Degree Course of Study
The District Ministry Training Centre (DMTC) is transitioning to the Non-Degree Course of Study (NCOS) program in partnership with Ambrose University in Calgary, Alberta.
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This change aligns our district with the updated regional educational model adopted across the USA/Canada Church of the Nazarene. While the academic structure is changing, DMTC remains your primary hub for communication, facilitation, and support.
Our goal is simple: continue preparing pastors for ministry while making education accessible, consistent, and supported across our region.
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Here's why this change is happening, and what it means for students and instructors.
Overview
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Facilitators: Nazarene clergy from across Ontario
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Schedule: 8 weeks per course (online and in person) offering 4 courses per academic year.
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Language: English Proficiency Required
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Credit: Non-Credit (cannot be applied to a degree) but is an Approved Course of Study in the Church of the Nazarene for those on the path to ordination.
Advanced standing for a master's degree at Ambrose University may be granted for eligible students.
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The DMTC will continue to schedule courses on Canada Central District in partnership with Ambrose University. We are working with Ambrose to ensure the transition to ensure is seamless for our students and instructors.
A History of Nazarene Pastoral Education
Pastoral education in the Church of the Nazarene has changed over time to meet the needs of districts and ministry leaders.
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Traditionally, pastors in the Church of the Nazarene prepared for ministry by attending a Nazarene college or seminary full-time to earn a theological degree. While this remains an important pathway, it became clear that not every pastoral candidate could relocate, attend school full-time, or access a nearby seminary.
To make ministerial education more accessible, the Church of the Nazarene developed non-degree pathways that still meet credentialing requirements. These options allow pastors to pursue structured theological training while remaining in their ministry context.
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This included
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DCOS (Directed Course of Study)
A mentor-supported, self-directed program built around reading, reports, and guided learning. -
MCOS (Modular Course of Study)
Instructor-led modular education delivered in district settings. This format is now fully phased out. -
NCOS (Non-Degree Course of Study) - NEW!
The current regional model designed for those seeking credentialed ministry education without pursuing a full academic degree.​
NCOS is a current USA/Canada regional model designed for those seeking ministry education without pursuing a degree. It was developed collaboratively by Nazarene educators to provide consistent, accessible education that fulfills the educational requirements for ordained ministry in the Church of the Nazarene.
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Who Developed the NCOS?
The NCOS program was developed collaboratively by educators and ministry leaders across our USA/Canada Region. They looked a the educational requirements for ordination and designed 21 courses to fit those requirements in a way that was relevant for contextualized Christian ministry in North America.
Experts contributed to course content, which was then professionally recorded by these experts and teachers for consistent delivery. Each course includes video lectures, discussion questions and assignments that are submitted to course facilitators.
The program was reviewed and approved by the Regional and International Course of Study Advisory leadership and meets the educational requirements for ordination in the Church of the Nazarene.
What the NCOS Program Is (and Is Not)
The NCOS program:
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Meets the educational requirements for ordination in the Church of the Nazarene
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Does not grant an academic degree
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Provides consistent training across districts
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Is designed to be accessible and affordable region-wide
Students - What This Means
Registration and Academic Setup
Students will continue taking courses through DMTC while also registering as students of Ambrose University as part of entering the NCOS system. This process includes receiving an Alberta student number. DMTC will guide students step by step through this process so it feels clear and manageable.
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Ambrose registration provides the academic framework behind the program.
Your day-to-day communication, course scheduling, and support will still happen through our local DMTC.
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Learning Experience
The rhythm of learning remains familiar. Students will still gather, complete assignments, and participate in discussion with others on the Canada Central District, facilitated by local pastors. The main change is that teaching content will come from pre-recorded sessions developed by Nazarene educators across North America.
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After watching course material, your facilitator leads conversation, application, and reflection so the learning connects directly to ministry practice.
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Access to Academic Resources
As registered Ambrose students, you gain access to their academic library and student services. This includes research materials and writing support that strengthen your coursework and preparation for ministry.
Coursework and Progress
Ambrose will evaluate your current transcript and clearly communicate what courses you need to complete
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We are still working on all of these details with Ambrose University. Updates will be shared as more information becomes available. The DMTC will support you through this transition.
Instructors - What Will Change?
Role Shift: Teaching to Facilitation
Instructors transition into facilitator roles within the NCOS model. Teaching content is delivered through video sessions, while facilitators guide discussion, mentor students, and evaluate assignments.
Your leadership remains central in helping students interpret and apply what they are learning.
Academic Partnership with Ambrose
Facilitators will operate under Ambrose’s academic umbrella and gain access to their learning management system. Administrative coordination between Ambrose and the district is still being finalized, and more details will be shared as they are confirmed. The DMTC team will still be here to support you in every way as you facilitate these courses.
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Continued Local Leadership
Even with the shift in instructional delivery, facilitators remain the primary relational and academic support for students. Your presence provides continuity, encouragement, and contextual insight that recorded teaching alone cannot replace.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NCOS program?
NCOS stands for Non-Degree Course of Study. It is one educational pathway developed by the Church of the Nazarene in the USA and Canada to meet educational requirements for ordination. It does not grant an academic degree, but it is an approved course of study for those seeking credentialing in the Church of the Nazarene.​
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Why is DMTC transitioning to NCOS?
Our region has developed NCOS so that ministerial education is consistent, accessible, and affordable across districts. This transition gives DMTC access to new resources while keeping local facilitation and support in place.​
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Do students still register with DMTC?
Yes. Students continue registering for courses through DMTC as they always have. In addition, students will apply once to Ambrose University (Calgary, Alberta) to gain access to the academic system supporting NCOS. The DMTC will support students through that process.
Why do students need to register with Ambrose University?
Students register with Ambrose University because it is our new partner in education. We are grateful for our previous partnership with Nazarene Bible College. DMTC is transitioning from its previous partnership with Nazarene Bible College to align with this new structure.
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Application places students within Ambrose’s academic system. This gives students access to academic resources (like the library and writing centre), while the DMTC remains their primary point of communication and course support.
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Will DMTC help with Ambrose registration?
Yes. DMTC will provide clear instructions and support so students can complete this process with confidence.
Will students lose credit for courses already completed?
No. Previous coursework will be reviewed and added to a new NCOS transcript so students remain on track with credentialing requirements. When the structure is in place the DMTC will update students on what is required for transcript assessment.
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The NCOS has less courses that the previous system, what does that mean for students?
There are fewer courses than the previous course of study (21 instead of 25). For several students, this means that you will need to complete fewer courses. In anticipation of this change, the DMTC has not offered any courses that were removed from the required course list since we were notified of the new requirements.
What will classes look like?
Before or during class, Students will watch pre-recorded teaching sessions created by Nazarene educators. A local facilitator will guide discussion, application, and assignments so learning remains interactive and ministry-focused.
Are instructors still involved?
Yes. Instructors transition into facilitator roles. They lead discussions, mentor students, and evaluate assignments. Their involvement remains central to the learning experience. The facilitators will continue to be clergy from the Canada Central District.
Does NCOS grant a degree?
No. NCOS fulfills educational requirements for ordination but does not award academic degree credit.​
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Ambrose is exploring options where NCOS coursework completed through their system may be considered toward future graduate study. Students interested in this possibility should speak directly with Ambrose.
When will this transition begin?
The transition is planned to begin later in 2026. The DMTC will communicate timelines and next steps as operational details are finalized.
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Who should I contact with questions?
DMTC remains your primary point of contact for questions about courses, registration, or the transition process. Email us with any questions.