Ministerial Formation Certification Agency

Who We Are

An agency of the Reformed Church in America preparing and credentialing future ministers of Word and sacrament

The Ministerial Formation Certification Agency of the Reformed Church in America serves the RCA by:

• Overseeing the education of, and awarding the Certificate of Fitness for Ministry to, candidates for the ministry who are seeking the degree of Master of Divinity or its academic equivalent from a seminary not officially related to the RCA
• Approving means by which candidates for the ministry may meet the requirements for the receipt of a Certificate of Fitness for Ministry, as provided in the RCA Book of Church Order
• Consulting with and providing counsel to congregations and classes in the care and nurture of candidates for the ministry who are seeking the Certificate of Fitness for Ministry and who are not attending an RCA seminary as matriculated students

Our Specific Purpose

Coordinating the process preparing individuals for ministry of Word and sacrament

The MFCA has separated the preparation for ministry into five interrelated areas.

• Academic Preparation: successful completion of the fields of study as required by the Book of Church Order, normally fulfilled through the attainment of an M.Div. degree at an accredited seminary
• Spiritual Formation: manifest progress in one's faith journey as a disciple of Jesus Christ
• Ministry Development: tested and affirmed gifts and calling; developed ministry competencies in such areas as preaching, teaching, congregational care, administration, and equipping the members for ministry
• Personal Wholeness: indication of reasonable health in all the significant aspects of life including physical, emotional, and social
• Denominational Identity: an understanding of and adherence to the polity, liturgy, and confessions of the RCA; an understanding of its history and loyalty to its agencies