1.3 Credentialing Vocational Ministers
In order to address the concerns and standards of some organizations and legal requirements, licensing will be the initial level of credentialing a ministerial candidate. The ordination process involves a minimum of two to three years. A candidate’s license may be renewed annually until ordination requirements are fulfilled. Being licensed for repeating years and even completing the prescribed preparation process is not a guarantee of ordination.
1.3.1 Licensing
Licensing is the initial level of credentialing that acknowledges a minister’s call to the Christian ministry and a corresponding commitment to vocational involvement. Licensing affords a limited measure of recognition and accountability. While it may serve as a step toward ordination, licensing should not be viewed as the promise of ordination. Licensing often satisfies legal requirements, as well as requirements imposed by such institutions as hospitals, nursing homes, and jails when these provide opportunities for pastoral care.
Credentialing bodies may license ministers for terms of one or two years, at their discretion, depending on circumstances and the qualifications of the minister. A license is given on the condition of an annual review by the credentialing body. It may be voided by action of the credentialing body if deemed advisable. It may be renewed if the credentialing body judges the minister worthy of such continuing credentialing.
1.3.2 Ordination
Ordination, the final step of vocational credentialing, recognizes a minister’s call and vocational commitment to the Christian ministry. It provides for accountability to the appropriate credentialing body and also satisfies certain legal requirements of the state or province. Ordination usually is needed by persons who serve as leaders of local congregations, in institutional ministries, missionary endeavors, and certain other formal capacities. Ordination is to be granted only when it is strategic to the performance of vocational ministry to which one is called, and when its recipient is found suitable for ordination by virtue of divine call, appropriate character, spirit, commitment, preparation, beliefs, and performance.
1.4 Those Who May Be Credentialed by Licensing and/or Ordination
1.4.1 Categories of Vocational Ministers
The following identifies the ministerial categories of those vocational ministers who may be credentialed through licensing and/or ordination.
Pastors
Persons who pastor recognized Church of God congregations may be properly considered for ordination, provided they have made a long-term vocational commitment to Christian ministry with the Church of God and otherwise meet the qualifications for ordination.
Staff Associate
Career staff associates (e.g., those engaged in music and worship ministry, youth ministry, Christian education ministry) who have made long-term vocational commitments to congregational Christian ministry and who have achieved professional competence may be appropriately considered for ordination. In such instances, steps toward ordination should be no different from those prescribed for pastors.
Organizational Staff
Professional persons who have made a long-term vocational commitment to Christian ministry and who serve as evangelists or in administrative, educational, para-church, or institutional capacities that support the work of a local congregation may be appropriately considered for ordination. In such instances, steps toward ordination should be no different from those prescribed for pastors.
Chaplains
Persons who represent the church at large as military or institutional chaplains often find that ordination is a prerequisite for employment and placement. Those who have made long-term vocational commitments to these or similar callings may be appropriately considered for ordination. In such instances, steps toward ordination should be no different from those prescribed for pastors.
Christian Counselors
Professional counselors who have made a long-term vocational commitment to Christian ministry, and who have become properly educated for service as Christian counselors, may be appropriately considered for ordination. In such instances, steps toward ordination should be no different from those prescribed for pastors.
Missionaries
Persons may be considered for ordination if they represent the church at large as formally appointed missionaries through Church of God Ministries and have a long-term vocational commitment to Christian ministry. In such instances, steps toward ordination should be no different from those prescribed for pastors.
Note #1: It is understood that credentialing assemblies may license any of the above persons. In some cases, only a license may be given. It should not be assumed that issuance of a license assures eventual ordination. Circumstances may make licensing more appropriate than ordination. Licensing may be considered the best option when the minister deserves recognition but does not meet all the requirements for ordination.
Note #2: Although traditional undergraduate students preparing for ministry cannot be credentialed, it is important that, during their junior and senior years, they begin to connect with a local credentialing assembly and, if so desired, begin the credentialing process. This important relational and ministry connection will help when they enter ministry. It is important that, as this process begins, the ministerial student has the endorsement of the home church’s pastor. When judged appropriate, the assembly involved will introduce the student to Leadership Focus.
Note #3: All specialized church servants who are not vocational ministers may be recognized formally by a local congregation as it judges appropriate. A congregation may wish to recognize a specialized church servant in its midst by “commissioning” that person for local service.