It also carries deacon level ordination and the authority to perform public worship services under the supervision and mentorship of a third level teacher. Third Level represents attainment of full clergy status, and indicates the achievement of a high degree of proficiency in ministerial as well as magical fields, including pastoral counseling, ritual construction, and general conduct of a church congregation. Third level may confer all levels and ordinations according to the Ordains of the tradition, and may lead a church congregation. Third Level requires the ongoing pursuit of a Great Work approved by the Council of Elders. Should the Great Work which was selected be abandoned, after a year and a day passes with no new approved Great Work, the candidate returns to Second Level until the situation is rectified.
Eldership has no set qualifications, no prescribed course of study.
The ATC Rite of Eldering is a formal recognition of the honor and respect already being bestowed on the individual informally by the local or national Pagan community. Eldership or Fourth Level is bestowed without having been sought, being earned through years of wise and honorable community service. Generally speaking, Elders have passed their Saturn return. This is a symbolic level and passage no one seeks, yet everyone attains. Formal training shall be on a regular scheduled basis and for not less than a year and a day minimum, or as long as the teacher or initiate counselor deems necessary.