The Covenant External Orientation Program (CEOP) was developed to provide an alternative to the traditional year long Residential Orientation Program at North Park Theological Seminary. The Residential Program continues as a preferred method of orientation; providing an engrossing environment for theological education, Covenant socialization, and developing lasting relationships with seminary professors and denominational leaders.

Although the Residential Program has many advantages, the Board of the Ordered Ministry recognizes that some persons are called to serve within the Covenant but are unable to move to Chicago to attend North Park Theological Seminary. The Covenant External Orientation Program was designed to provide a way for these people, called to Covenant ministry yet unable attend a year of studies at North Park, to fulfill the Board of the Ordered Ministry's orientation requirement for Covenant credentialing. Thus, the CEOP allows for the inclusion of many whom would otherwise be unable to receive Covenant ministry credentials. 

The CEOP and Covenant Credentials
The CEOP, as an alternate orientation program, is a requirement for Covenant licensure and credentialing. The External Orientation Program is not equivalent to the commissioning, ordination, transfer of ordination, or License for Pastoral Office (LPO) processes. Orientation is simply one step, often the largest step, in the greater licensing process. The CEOP allows those who previously were unable to receive Covenant credentials to enter the licensing process. Therefore, enrollment in the CEOP does not equal or constitute application for licensing. If you have not received a license application or if you need more information regarding licensure, contact your regional or conference office.

COST
The CEOP assesses a tuition fee of $4750. The tuition includes a $100.00 non-refundable application fee to be sent with the application. Tuition covers the cost for the all of the Orientation Studies, and includes the Midwinter Conference registration fee when an enrollee attends an External Orientation course offered during the Conference. Midwinter Conference registration is not covered when students enroll exclusively in pre/post-Midwinter courses. Tuition does not include fees associated with attending classes such as travel, lodging, and meals. Some courses may require students to purchase texts or readers, etc. Students and their churches may pay the CEOP tuition in a total sum or in equal yearly installments while enrolled. Payments are due each year before a student's first class or by January 15th, whichever date is first.

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