• Event Information

  • When: November 7-8, 2025

  • Where: Lombard Church of the Nazarene

  • Registration Cost (includes: lodging, meals, and all materials):

    • $350 per couple

    • $215 per single (+$60 if single occupancy is selected)

    • If the candidate has taken the StrengthsFinder assessment, $15 will be deducted; if a spouse would like to take the StrengthsFinder assessment, $15 will be added

    • At least half of cost should be covered by the church

• Registration Information

  The following items are needed to register for Discovery Weekend:

  • Completion of the registration application

  • Receiving a recommendation from the candidate’s local church board

  • Participating in two assessments (sent after registration)

  • Filling out a spiritual background inventory

  • Completion of a confidential information questionnaire

  • Authorization for a background check (completed through Verified First)

• Resources

  • Discovery Weekend Scholarship Application

  • 2023 Nazarene Manual (English)

  • 2023 Nazarene Manual (Spanish)

  • Nazarene Guide to Ministerial Preparation and Ordination

Discovery Weekend is designed as a time of encouragement for those engaging in the ministerial journey toward ordination in the Church of the Nazarene. The weekend is designed to explore and develop:

• The spiritual formation of the candidate

• The emotional health of the candidate

• The candidate’s understanding and acceptance of the seriousness and responsibility of the call of God to the ministry

• The areas of ministerial skills that a candidate must have and continue to develop

• The expectations for those called to ministry in the Church of the Nazarene

All ministers seeking a first-time district license must complete Discovery Weekend before they will qualify for a district license on the Chicago Central District. For those currently licensed, completion of Discovery Weekend is required prior to ordination.