New to Ministry in the CBOQ

If you are new to ministry in the CBOQ, we want to extend to you our warmest welcome, and express to you our deepest appreciation for your partnership in ministry with us. The Baptist Convention is comprised of over 360 churches that are distinctly Baptist, yet diverse in almost every way imaginable. Our geography makes us diverse, the size and style of our churches is diverse, we are ethnically and language diverse – just to name some of diversity. While some would find such diversity frustrating, we celebrate the opportunities that such diversity allows us in reaching far and wide into our communities, and around our world. For those new to the CBOQ, such diversity can be confusing. To learn more about the major “Baptist Distinctives” (click here). This is why we believe an orientation process to the unique facets of the CBOQ and our churches is so important.

 The Orientation Process

Every ministry leader who enters the CBOQ, whether from a sister Convention of Baptist Churches, as a graduating student, or as someone who has come from another fellowship of churches, is required to participate in an orientation process.

We believe that orientation is something that blesses the new leader as much as it enriches our fellowship. Through the orientation process a new pastor or leader is exposed to many different leaders within the CBOQ and has the opportunity to ask important questions, and to learn about the culture, values and distinctives of our shared kingdom work.

Orientation also allows a new pastor or ministry leader to enter the credentialing and ordination process within the CBOQ. Credentials are an important both for the CBOQ as a whole, and for a ministry leader. A Credentialed pastor in the CBOQ receives additional support and resources that are not available to non-credentialed people. Furthermore, credentialing provides professional credibility through association with over 500 other ministry leaders. A credentialed CBOQ pastor has met certain standards that enhance their effectiveness, assure others of accountability for professional, ethical and moral behaviour, and provide a network of support, encouragement and accountability.

For a full explanation of the credentialing and ordination process within the CBOQ, please see Accreditation Manual.

New Pastor's Orientation Retreat

Annually the CBOQ offers a retreat for all those who are new or who have not yet been accredited by the CBOQ.

The Orientation retreat is one of the most significant aspects of the orientation journey The retreat includes an understanding of our history and polity, integration of our culture and values, relationship building with CBOQ staff and ministry leaders, training for effectiveness in our churches and ministries and a solid grasp on the systems and structures that are in place to support, encourage and resource you as a ministry leader. For more details about this years event click here.