Religious Vocation

The Process of Dedication to a Religious Vocation

A vocational calling within the Order of New Christian Endeavor - the religious order of the New Christian Church - is a very personal occurrence. It is preceded by an extended demonstration of commitment within the curriculum and program opportunities of the Church, particularly through its educational arm, Endeavor Academy in conjunction with the Miracles Healing Center (see curriculum). As a contemporary devotional religious brotherhood, the Order of New Christian Endeavor nonetheless requires initiation through the fulfillment of the many traditional religious milestones of dedication and renunciation. All members of the religious order are known as "brothers" irrespective of gender.

Maturation in enlightenment is exceedingly individual and not merely related to accumulation of information. Novices are evaluated on the integration within their thinking of the transformational experience offered in all of their academic courses. The demonstration of this recognition is encouraged through individual creative projects, including student teaching assignments that demonstrate interdisciplinary integration.

Classes are interactive, experiential, and offer many opportunities for self expression and service extended through self-realization. Novices are assessed by their teachers on such factors as participation, knowledge of content, and evidence of maturation in the integration of their personal transformational reassociation. Novices participate regularly with their mentors in a formal process of self-reflection.

"Successful completion allows the novice to reflect on his experience and deepen his commitment through a rededication to his transformation. No longer a beginner in the contemplation, devotion, and vigilance required of the practitioner of A Course In Miracles, the dedicated aspirant, now becoming a "Brother Novice," should possess through personal experience an understanding of the magnitude of the miracle available through his dedication to his individual transformation. He testifies to his maturation through an annual recitation of his religious vows.

Only the truly dedicated commit to the final stage of the program that focuses on extension of God's word through:

1) service internship at one of the recognized centers of study affiliated with the NCCFE and

2) taking final vows of lifelong devotion to the service of God.

Now, having become a "Brother of the Religious Order of New Christian Endeavor," in a public ceremony, the new brother renounces his secular self-identity and dedicates his life to the devotion to God.

The New Christian Church of Full Endeavor provides an environment to meet the Call to God's Service in a wide variety of forms. Those seeking admission to The Order of New Christian Endeavor are supported in their transformation by the compassion of our Savior in this total devotion. Successful candidates benefit from a serenity of mind and a joyous bounty of unconditional love and forgiveness.

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Vows

Relinquishment

Father, I give all that is mine today to Christ, to use in any way that best will serve the purpose that I share with Him. Nothing is mine alone, for He and I have joined in purpose. Thus has learning come almost to its appointed end. A while I work with Him to serve His purpose. Then I lose myself in my Identity, and recognize that Christ is but my Self.

Forgiveness

Forgiveness looks on sinlessness alone, and judges not. Through this I come to You. Judgment will bind my eyes and make me blind. Yet love, reflected in forgiveness here, reminds me You have given me a way to find Your peace again. I am redeemed when I elect to follow in this way. You have not left me comfortless. I have within me both the memory of You, and One Who leads me to it. Father, I would hear Your Voice and find Your peace today. For I would love my own Identity, and find in It the memory of You.

Trust

This holy instant would I give to You. Be You in charge. For I would follow You, Certain that Your direction gives me peace. And if I need a word to help me, He will give it to me. If I need a thought, that will He also give. And if I need but stillness and a tranquil, open mind, these are the gifts I will receive of Him. He is in charge by my request. And He will hear and answer me, because He speaks for God my Father and His holy Son.