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Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15
Purpose of Miniserial Credentials
The purpose of a ministerial credential is: to affirm God's call upon a person's life; to verify that this person meets the qualifications and standards for ministry in the Evangelical Free Church of America; to approve this person for ministerial service under the auspices of the EFCA; and to provide legal status in the exercise of that person's ministry.
How do I begin?
Credentialing in the EFCA originates at the local level. For that reason, you should contact the district office closest to your primary place of residence and ministry. Procedures and requirement vary slightly from region. If your primary place of residence and ministry is in the Northern Plains District, please dowload the Initial Application and Steps Toward Credentialing Brochure or notify us of your desire to receive a credentialing packet. Please include a phone number and mailing address if your are making your initial contact by e-mail. You may also call the NPD office at 701-223-3007.
After initial contact has been made, you will receive a credentialing packet which includes:
- Applications
- Steps Toward Credentialing
- Thesis Guidelines
- Procedures
Important note: In the event that a divorce and/or remarriage is part of either your background or that of your spouse, an entirely separate procedure must precede the credentialing process to determine eligibility. Before beginning any work toward an EFCA credential, please obtain the material which elaborates on this subject by e-mailing us.
Who should seek credentialing?While requirements will vary from church to church, it is strongly urged that any pastoral staff member of an EFCA church who is engaged in ministry for 30 hours or more per week consider pursuit of a ministry credential. While it is legally possible for a local congregation to bestow a ministry credential upon an individual, there is an issue of integrity involved as we seek to be a consistent witness to outside observers. One example would be the IRS, who currently views the EFCA as a trustworthy and qualified credentialing agency. Another would be the United States military branches. An EFCA credential insures not only consistency in doctrinal position but suggests a spirit of teachable accountability to others. A local church credential, while accepted by certain governmental agencies, short-circuits the high level of doctrinal excellence and accountability we expect from our pastors.
Types of Ministerial Credentials
There are four types of credentials for ministry issued by the EFCA:
1. Certificate of Ordination
2. Certificate of Christian Ministry
3. Ministry License
4. Lay Ministry Certificate
Please click on the above links for more information on each type of credential or call the NPD office at 701-223-3007. |
