EFCA Credentialing

1. EFCA Credentialing

2. Ministerial Credentialing in the EFCA

3. Authority • A. The ultimate authority over the credential is the EFCA Conference, with the Board of Ministerial Standing (BOMS) serving as the implementational authority on their behalf. • B. The Conference has given BOMS the responsibility of carrying out the policies, which is reflected in the structure. • C. Those credentialed in the EFCA have been approved by a local EFC church, a district council (DBOMS) and the national BOMS. An EFCA credential is a denominational credential and is granted to candidates “in trust.” This means the candidate is accountable to the Conference through the local church, and the credential does not belong to the individual.

4. Requirements for Ministerial Credentials • A. General requirements for candidates serving EFCA Church ministries to be credentialed under the EFCA. A candidate must fulfill the following: • 1. Must be a member in good standing of a local EFC church. • 2. Must subscribe without mental reservation to the Statement of Faith of the EFCA and agree to reaffirm that conviction every five years. • 3. Must be engaged in a vocational or bi-vocational ministry that qualifies for a ministerial credential.

5. 4. Must demonstrate a cooperative spirit with the purposes and policies of the EFCA and a lifestyle consistent with biblical standards of Christian conduct. • 5. Must be examined and approved by a DBOMS council or committee under the authority of the Board of Ministerial Standing (BOMS), who gives final approval. • 6. Must complete a prescribed course of study on EFCA Church history, theology and polity as directed by BOMS.

6. Ministry License (Vocational) • This credential is designed for those involved in a qualifying ministry and who desire to be aligned with and accountable to the EFCA. A ministry license may be issued to candidates who are involved in a qualifying ministry. The requirement is that the candidate has the appropriate theological understanding of the Statement of Faith and alignment with the EFCA. Being approved for a license grants the candidate all the rights, privileges and responsibilities of an EFCA credential. • A ministry license will be issued for five years and, thereafter, is renewable (five-year renewable). One is not required to pursue the Certificate of Christian Ministry or the Certificate of Ordination, but can renew the ministry license every five years, in conjunction with the five-year reaffirmation of the Statement of Faith.

7. The ministry license is also required prior to being granted a Certificate of Christian Ministry or the Certificate of Ordination, which can be pursued within the third year, or anytime thereafter. • A ministry license is valid as long as the holder remains active in a qualifying ministry. If one is no longer in an EFCA qualifying ministry, then the ministry license expires. Should this person re-enter the ministry at a later date, BOMS will request re-examination before returning the credential.

8. The primary purpose of the Ministry License is to identify theological understanding of the Statement of Faith and alignment with the EFCA. It consists of writing a 15-20 page paper, responding to approximately 55 questions, with a 90 minute defense before a council. (Cf. paper requirements)

9. Certificate of Christian Ministry (CCM) • This credential is designed for qualified individuals serving in local church ministry whose primary ministry is in support of teaching and preaching the Word. It is also fitting for some whose primary ministry is directly related to the ministry of preaching and teaching the Word. In addition to ministries in the local church that are Word supported and Word based (e.g., senior pastors, associate pastors, youth pastors, children’s pastors, administrative pastors, pastors of music/worship, etc.), there are others that are also eligible to pursue a CCM engaged in ministries outside the local church: seminary professors, chaplains, church planters, missionaries [church planters or teachers], institutional ministries, parachurch ministries, etc.

10. c. are within the third year of having been granted a Ministry License, or anytime thereafter, • d. have attained the level of theological competency, whether through formal or nonformal means, • e. have been approved by a district council (DBOMS) and BOMS, and • f. have been publicly and corporately recognized in a church service, in which the service consists of laying on of hands and praying over by the leadership of the local church and the District Superintendent or representative as the credential is presented to the candidate.

11. The Certificate of Christian Ministry focuses on theological competency. It consists of writing a 25-30 page paper, responding to approximately 90 questions, with a 2-3 hour defense before a council. (Cf. paper requirements)

12. Certificate of Ordination (COO) • This credential is designed for qualified males who serve in pastoral ministry in the local church whose primary ministry responsibility is preaching and teaching the Word (e.g., senior pastors, associate pastors, youth pastors, children’s pastors, pastors of music/worship, etc.). There are others that are also eligible to pursue a COO engaged in ministries outside the local church: seminary professors, chaplains, church planters, missionaries [church planters or teachers], institutional ministries, etc.

13. Ordination in the EFCA was defined by the 1990 Conference in the following way: “Ordination in The Evangelical Free Church of America is the act of publicly setting a person apart for Christian ministry by prayer and the laying on of hands by others in ministry and the leadership of the local church; thus recognizing God’s call upon his life; his gifts and training for ministry; his commitment to teach and preach the sacred Scriptures.”

14. c. are within the third year of having been granted a Ministry License, or anytime thereafter, • d. have attained the level of theological proficiency, whether through formal or nonformal means, • e. have been approved by a district council (DBOMS) and BOMS, and • f. have been publicly and corporately recognized in a church service, in which the service consists of laying on of hands and praying over by the leadership of the local church and the District Superintendent or representative as the credential is presented to the candidate.

15. The Certificate of Ordination focuses on theological proficiency. It consists of writing a 35-40 page paper, responding to approximately 130 questions, with a 3-4 hour defense before a council. (Cf. paper requirements)

16. For those who have been ordained by another denomination or a local church, there is a Transfer of Ordination. (Cf. paper and council requirements)

17. Rationale for Credentialing • Recognition of God’s Calling to and Gifting for Ministry God’s call in a person’s life to Himself and to vocational ministry is certainly personal and individual. But that calling to and gifting for ministry is affirmed and confirmed by the people of God, the body of Christ (cf. Acts 6:3; 15:22; 1 Tim. 4:14; 2 Tim. 1:6). Affirmation of God’s calling brings an assurance of God’s calling and leading in a person’s life, and it ensures one will not “lose heart” when difficulties and challenges are encountered in ministry (2 Cor. 4:1). Confirmation of character means that the credentialed person will lead both by preaching/teaching and through life (1 Tim. 4:16). Not only do they preach the gospel of Christ, they live the gospel of Christ. Verification of gifts for ministry ensures that gifts are used appropriately for the purpose they were given – to build up others in the local church (Eph. 4:11-16).

18. Interdependency Between the Local Church, the District and the National Office – To Ensure Commitment to and Alignment of Beliefs (Statement of Faith) and Ethos The EFCA is identified as an “association and fellowship of autonomous but interdependent congregations of like faith and congregational government.” The “like faith” is the Statement of Faith. Local churches become an EFC Church through the district and all are required to “adopt the Statement of Faith.” The one key component that keeps EFCA churches united in doctrine and mission is the Statement of Faith. The local church, the district and the national office work together to ensure churches, when they become an EFC Church, and pastors, through the credentialing process, affirm the Statement of Faith and are aligned in beliefs and ethos. This means we affirm the essentials of the faith and grant liberty with charity on non-essentials, which we refer to as the “significance of silence” (cf. Jn.17; Acts 13; 1 Cor. 16).

19. Accountability to the Local church and to the Denomination, Both Doctrinally and Morally The challenge for many in ministry is that they engage in ministry and leadership alone. For some this means they are alone, while for others it means they are exempt from accountability concluding they are above or beyond it. Just as attendees in local churches are encouraged and exhorted to become members , so those in vocational ministry ought to lead the way by being accountable to the local church and to the denomination, both doctrinally and morally (cf. Matt. 18:17; 2 Cor. 8:19; 1 Tim. 5:19). This ensures the biblical and theological competency and moral integrity of vocational ministers in the EFCA. It also brings confidence and assurance (reassurance) to church leaders and members that their pastor(s) is an “approved worker/servant” biblically and theologically who is held to a high standard (2 Tim. 2:15; cf. 1 Tim. 3:1-7; Tit. 1:5-9). Furthermore, to ensure ongoing doctrinal fidelity, all those credentialed in the EFCA must reaffirm their belief in the Statement of Faith every five years.

20. Development Educationally and Personally The credentialing process is a structured process for personal and ministerial enrichment and maturity, theological education, reflection and development. Some will use the credentialing process as a means of independent study to grow biblically and theologically. Others will use the credentialing process to join with others as they learn together. This shared learning provides encouragement and accountability through the process. Still others will use this process as a time to review what has already been studied of the Scripture and theology and to sharpen themselves in their thinking and living. All options prepare individuals to write a credentialing paper which will be read by a council and subsequently orally defended before that council. This is a time for the candidate to articulate their biblical and theological beliefs and to manifest that all theology leads to doxology. This intentional and purposeful process aids in the goal of being approved workers/servants who handle accurately the Word of God (2 Tim. 2:15; cf. Col. 1:28; 2 Pet. 3:18).

21. Confirmed Legal Status by the IRS (through EFCA) In addressing the IRS and housing allowance, there are two matters – the credential and ministry responsibilities (cf. Rom. 13:1-7; 1 Pet. 2:13-17). The IRS states that it is essential that one be licensed, commissioned or ordained. Since the EFCA has a national credential, the Conference expects that those in ministry in a local EFC Church will be credentialed following the Conference-approved national process. Ministry responsibilities include some, not all, of the following: performing qualified services, administration of the ordinances, be considered a religious leader by the church, lead worship, and oversee the ministry of the church. (It is important to note that we would recommend credentialing in the EFCA whether or not there were any additional financial benefits gained. This is first and foremost a call of God which is affirmed by His people. If we would ever be forced to compromise our call to Christ and the gospel, we would, with the early church, say “we must obey God rather than man” [Acts 4:19-20; 5:29].)

22. IRS and Credentialing • Credential “hoop” • Must be licensed, commissioned, or ordained • How does this work in the EFCA? • Ministry Responsibilities “hoop” (“sacerdotal”) • Have authority to conduct religious worship. • Have authority to perform “sacerdotal” functions. • Have authority to administer sacraments/ordinances • Have management responsibility in the control, conduct, or maintenance of the church • Be considered to be a religious leader by the church or denomination.

23. Minister/Pastor (Clergy) Credentialing • For ministers serving in churches that have denominational credentialing (EFCA: ordination or licensing for pastors, commissioning for missionaries), the IRS will primarily look to that authority for valid credentialing. • If a local church of a credentialing denomination separately grants clergy credentials there is less IRS credence for the local credential. • If a local church grants credentials, the church’s bylaws should make specific provision to establish the chain of authority and should include: • Guidelines and procedures for granting credentials. • Guidelines and procedures for revoking credentials. • Statement of privileges and duties conveyed upon credentialed persons. • Clergy credentials should not be granted for purpose of tax benefits.

24. Credentialing FAQ Introduction

25. How does one go about being credentialing? What are the first steps?

26. How does one go about being credentialing? What are the first steps? • How can I enlist the support of my senior pastor and/or leadership board for this process and the required commitment of my time and energy?

27. How does one go about being credentialing? What are the first steps? • How can I enlist the support of my senior pastor and/or leadership board for this process and the required commitment of my time and energy? • How can the leadership board encourage their pastoral staff to pursue credentialing and help them to own the importance of the process?

28. Credentialing FAQ Credentials

29. What are the types of credentials? What is the difference between a Ministry License, a Certificate of Christian Ministry and the Certificate of Ordination?

30. Credentialing FAQ Importance/Benefits

31. What are the benefits for the candidate of the credentialing process?

32. What are the benefits for the candidate of the credentialing process? • What are the benefits to the local church?

33. What are the benefits for the candidate of the credentialing process? • What are the benefits to the local church? • Why should the local church encourage/require their vocational ministry staff to be credentialed?

34. What are the benefits for the candidate of the credentialing process? • What are the benefits to the local church? • Why should the local church encourage/require their vocational ministry staff to be credentialed? • How would this help the one who enters into the credentialing process as a means of ministerial and theological growth?

35. What are the benefits for the candidate of the credentialing process? • What are the benefits to the local church? • Why should the local church encourage/require their vocational ministry staff to be credentialed? • How would this help the one who enters into the credentialing process as a means of ministerial and theological growth? • What do the process of credentialing and the subsequent five-year reaffirmation of all credentialed individuals mean for the EFCA?

36. Credentialing FAQ Qualifications

37. What theological training is required in order to be credentialed? Is formal seminary training required? Is there a place for non-formal training?

38. What theological training is required in order to be credentialed? Is formal seminary training required? Is there a place for non-formal training? • Who can be credentialed?

39. What theological training is required in order to be credentialed? Is formal seminary training required? Is there a place for non-formal training? • Who can be credentialed? • Are there any polices that would preclude one from being credentialed?

40. Credentialing FAQ Process

41. What is the process and of what does it consist?

42. What is the process and of what does it consist? • Who makes up the “council” for credentialing?

43. What is the process and of what does it consist? • Who makes up the “council” for credentialing? • What role does each part – the local, district and national – play in the credentialing process?

44. What is the process and of what does it consist? • Who makes up the “council” for credentialing? • What role does each part – the local, district and national – play in the credentialing process? • On what basis does the Board of Ministerial Standing (BOMS) evaluate an individual for credentialing?

45. What is the process and of what does it consist? • Who makes up the “council” for credentialing? • What role does each part – the local, district and national – play in the credentialing process? • On what basis does the Board of Ministerial Standing (BOMS) evaluate an individual for credentialing? • What are the strengths of our credentialing process?

46. What is the process and of what does it consist? • Who makes up the “council” for credentialing? • What role does each part – the local, district and national – play in the credentialing process? • On what basis does the Board of Ministerial Standing (BOMS) evaluate an individual for credentialing? • What are the strengths of our credentialing process? • What is the importance of this interdependency as it relates to doctrinal fidelity, theological competency and moral integrity?

47. Required Reading • Spiritual Heritage Committee, Evangelical Convictions: A Theological Exposition of the Statement of Faith of the Evangelical Free Church of America. • Arnold T. Olson, The Significance of Silence. This addresses the theological areas where we grant liberty.  This really becomes one of the key marks of the EFCA: we emphasize the essentials of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and we will grant liberty/charity on non-essentials.  We will discuss and debate these issues, but we will not divide over them.  • Calvin B. Hanson, What it Means to Be Free: A History of the Evangelical Free Church of America. This addresses the history of the EFCA.

48. Call to a ministry precedes credential Contact District Superintendent Ministry License (5-year renewable) Permanent Certificate – Ordination or Christian Ministry Requires references, written paper, interview/council Administered by National Board of Ministerial Standing Facilitated by District Board of Ministerial Standing Local Church ordains with a national credential Interdependence between local church, district, and national Ministerial Credentialing

49. Required Documents for Ministerial License (Vocational and Non-Vocational) • License (Vocational or Non-Vocational) Application • Letter from candidate indicating desire to be licensed by the EFCA • Letter of recommendation from the church where the candidate is and if different, a letter from the church in which the candidate is serving. (See Character Assessment Guidelines) • Record of attendance from the dean’s office of the Bible school, seminary, or EFCA GATEWAY Theological Institute. If there has been no formal or non-formal education, please note that. (If a previous letter is on file, a second letter is not necessary)

50. Written license thesis • Minutes from licensing council • Recommendation from the district board or credentialing council • EFCA Minister’s Profile • Completion of EFCA Required Reading or completion of TEDS History, Theology and Polity course