Ordination Pathways
HeartStone Ministry recognizes that individuals come to ministry from many backgrounds and experiences. Ordination Pathways exist to provide clarity, preparation, and accountability for those seeking to serve through ceremony, care, and ethical presence.
Ordination is not a single event, but a process of formation and responsibility. The pathways outlined below describe how individuals may move toward ordination within HeartStone Ministry.
Discernment and Initial Conversation
All ordination pathways begin with discernment. This stage involves conversation, reflection, and mutual understanding between the individual and HeartStone Ministry.
Discernment allows space to explore:
- Motivation for seeking ordination
- Alignment with HeartStone’s guiding principles
- Intended areas of service (ceremony, care, teaching, etc.)
- Readiness to hold responsibility and ethical accountability
Not all inquiries lead to ordination, and discernment is approached with care and honesty.
Provisional (Temporary) Ordination
In some circumstances, HeartStone Ministry may grant provisional ordination. This form of ordination allows individuals to serve in a limited capacity while completing required formation or coursework.
Provisional ordination:
- Is time-limited
- Includes defined expectations and boundaries
- Requires active engagement in formation
- Is subject to review and renewal
Provisional ordination is not guaranteed to become permanent and may be concluded if expectations are not met.
Formation and Preparation
Formation is a central element of ordination within HeartStone Ministry. Preparation is tailored to the individual’s intended role and background, while maintaining consistent ethical and ministerial standards.
Formation may include:
- Ethics and professional boundaries
- Ceremony and ritual preparation
- Pastoral presence and care awareness
- Humanist and pluralistic ministry principles
- Reflective practice and continued learning
HeartStone Ministry may recognize external education or training, including celebrant or ministry coursework, as part of the formation process.
Permanent Ordination
Permanent ordination is granted following the successful completion of formation requirements and review. It affirms an individual’s readiness to serve with integrity, accountability, and care within HeartStone Ministry.
Permanent ordination:
- Recognizes demonstrated preparation and responsibility
- Carries ongoing ethical expectations
- Requires continued alignment with HeartStone’s guiding principles
- May include periodic review or reaffirmation
Ordination remains a living commitment rather than a static credential.
Ethical Accountability and Review
All ordained ministers within HeartStone Ministry are expected to uphold clear ethical standards. Ordination may be reviewed, suspended, or withdrawn if conduct falls outside these expectations.
Accountability exists to protect:
- Those served by the ministry
- The integrity of ceremonial and care practices
- The trust placed in ordained ministers
HeartStone Ministry approaches accountability with fairness, discretion, and seriousness of purpose.
Areas of Service
Ordination through HeartStone Ministry may support service in areas including, but not limited to:
- Ceremony and ritual leadership
- Pastoral and caregiving presence
- Teaching and reflective guidance
- Community or program-based ministry
Specific roles are shaped through discernment and formation rather than assumed by title alone.
Beginning the Conversation
Individuals who feel called toward ordination are invited to begin with conversation rather than application.
Ordination within HeartStone Ministry is grounded in care, responsibility, and trust. We encourage thoughtful reflection before taking the next step.
Additional information regarding formation, expectations, and administrative details is shared during the discernment process.