Thank you for your interest in ministerial credentialing with the EFCA.

A ministerial credential represents the collective affirmation of the EFCA that a pastor or ministry leader is a person of spiritual and personal integrity, Biblical-theological understanding, and ministerial competence. It is a modern-day expression of the Biblical pattern of commending leaders to Christ’s church (Rom. 16:1-2; 2 Cor. 8:18-24; Phil. 2:19-22; 3 John 12).

A vigorous rationale for pursuing a ministry credential includes the following reasons:

  • It is good for the pastor/leader! It provides a well-defined but manageable pathway for further personal development in Biblical-theological understanding and ministry application. It’s an opportunity for personal nourishment, refreshment, and invigoration.

  • It is good for the church! The church will be enriched by the spillover from a pastor or ministry leader who is being nourished and stimulated in this way.

  • It is a way of modeling for others the kind of commitment and “joining” that leaders want their congregations to do.

  • It is a way of affirming partnership and accountability with the EFCA and of being encouraged by the affirmation of the EFCA.

  • It is the best way to satisfy legal requirements and being recognized by the IRS as eligible for ministerial tax treatment.

EFCA ministerial credentialing begins with licensing and can be continued with the optional step of the Certificate of Christian Ministry or the Certificate of Ordination. Present engagement in a qualifying ministry is necessary to be eligible for a credential.

The three main tasks in preparing for licensing are the reading of five books, the completion of a variety of application paperwork, and the writing of a doctrinal paper.

Further information on credentialing can be found at the EFCA website. Contact Brian Wright the Northern Plains District Superintendent to discuss questions you may have and to create a plan for pursuing your credential.

LICENSING / CERTIFICATION / ORDINATION

 

Ministry License – Five Year Non-Renewable

This credential is designed for those pastors, ministers, and staff who have been involved in an EFCA qualifying ministry for less than 10 years, and who desire to be aligned with and accountable to the EFCA. The requirement is that the candidate has the appropriate theological understanding of the Statement of Faith, character worthy of a minister of the gospel, and alignment with the EFCA. This Ministry License is non-renewable, with no exceptions, and will be issued for five years and will expire at the end of the 5th year after its issuance. A renewable Ministry License, Certificate of Christian Ministry or Certificate of Ordination (for qualified males) must be obtained within the five years in order for ministry credentials to continue uninterrupted.

 

Transfer of Ordination

An evangelical minister seeking Transfer of Ordination to the Evangelical Free Church of America shall meet the same qualifications and follow similar procedures as set forth in Section IV of "Ministerial Credentialing in the EFCA." The applicant shall seek to supply a letter of recommendation from some official or board of his previous affiliation. He must be a member of an Evangelical Free Church and must have served one year with the Evangelical Free Church of America before the Transfer of Ordination can be completed. An applicant not serving an Evangelical Free Church as pastor and wishing to transfer his ordination, must be a member in good standing of a local Evangelical Free Church for at least one year.

Ministry License – Three Year Renewable

This credential is designed for those involved in a qualifying ministry and who desire to be aligned with and accountable to the EFCA. The requirement is that the candidate has the appropriate theological understanding of the Statement of Faith and alignment with the EFCA. The license is the required credential for all pursuing further credentialing in the EFCA. It is for those directly involved in local church ministry of teaching and preaching the Word, and for those who are indirectly involved in the ministry of teaching and preaching the Word, who engage in a ministry that is supportive of the ministry of the Word.

 

Certificate of Christian Ministry

This credential is designed for qualified individuals serving in local church ministry whose primary ministry is in support of teaching and preaching the Word and currently hold a valid EFCA Vocational Ministerial License. The expectation is, the individual requesting a Certificate of Christian Ministry is theologically competent and in alignment with the EFCA. For requirements, see Ministerial Credentialing in the EFCA.


Certificate of Ordination

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 and who currently hold a valid EFCA Vocational Ministry License. The expectation is, the individual requesting a Certificate of Ordination is theologically proficient and in alignment with the EFCA.

 

Ministry License – Expedited

This credential is designed for those For those pastors, ministers, and staff serving in an associate role, who have been involved in ministry with the EFCA for at least 10 years, and who desire to be aligned with and accountable to the EFCA. This credential will only be offered during calendar year 2023.