A video overview by Dave Linde:
The following questions will help you see at a glimpse what EFCA credentialing is all about. For the complete details, download “Steps Toward Credentialing,” the EFCA credentialing policy.
What is the meaning of credentialing in the EFCA?
Credentialing is rooted in the New Testament concept of commendation. The NT writers often commended individuals to the churches as leaders worthy of trust. For examples of this, see Rom. 16:1; 2 Cor. 8:18–24; Phil. 2:19–22; 3 John 12. By commending these individuals in this way, the writers were vouching for their integrity of life and teaching.
An EFCA ministerial credential is a cultural, denominational way of expressing this commendation. It says that this Christian leader is faithful: he or she can be trusted to teach the sound doctrine that was entrusted to the apostles by Christ, and to live out that doctrine in the community of the church (2 Tim. 2:2).
Why should I consider becoming credentialed?
- To pursue a structured pathway of personal development that can deepen your own spiritual vitality and enhance your ministry effectiveness
- To encourage your local church with this additional commendation from the wider family of Free Churches
- To express your commitment to be accountable to the body of Christ through the EFCA
- To strengthen your potential pursuit of a different ministry within the EFCA at some future time
What does credentialing involve?
The following diagram will show you the overall process at a glance.
Download diagram.
There are two stages. The first stage is licensing. It is temporary and lasts for three years. It is designed for further study and ministry experience.
The second stage is certification. It is permanent as long as an individual is serving in an EFCA-approved ministry according to EFCA standards. There are two certificates. The Certificate of Ordination is designed mainly (though not exclusively) for senior or solo pastors. It is granted to males only. The Certificate of Christian Ministry is designed for a wide variety of other ministry roles.
What specific work is required?
Summary of License Requirements:
- Paperwork (application forms, recommendation letter, etc.)
- Reading five books about EFCA history, beliefs, and practices
- Writing a biographical-doctrinal paper (15−20 pages)
- Successfully completing an interview
Summary of Certificate Requirements (at the end of the licensing period):
- Paperwork (application forms, recommendation letter, etc.)
- Expanding your licensing paper based on further study, reflection, and interaction during the licensing period
- Successfully passing a formal examination council
Who is eligible?
You must be full-time (30 hours or more per week) in ministry in an Evangelical Free Church (or other ministry approved by the EFCA). If you or your spouse has a divorce in your background, you must apply for and receive a Divorce Policy Exception from the national Board of Ministerial Standing.
On what basis does the EFCA evaluate an individual’s fitness for credentialing?
- Personal integrity and character
- Call to ministry
- Ministerial competence
- Biblical-theological understanding
The first three of these are attested to primarily by the local church through a formal letter of recommendation. The last item (and, to some extent, the other three) is evaluated at the district level through two written papers, a licensing interview, and an examination council.
Is there an educational requirement?
The basic requirement for licensing is a level of preparation and Biblical-theological understanding that demonstrates basic theological competence and alignment with the EFCA, as demonstrated in your paper and in your oral interview. Preparation could take the form of formal or non-formal education. The requirement for the Certificate of Christian Ministry is an appropriate degree for your area of ministry. The requirement for the Certificate of Ordination is a Master of Divinity or its equivalent. These degree requirements can be waived if the national Board of Ministerial Standing makes an exception in recognition of your knowledge and experience. Such knowledge and experience could come through non-formal training.
Will obtaining a credential help me obtain tax benefits?
Please understand that credentialing is not primarily a means to obtain ministerial tax status with the IRS or recognition by the State of Minnesota to perform marriages. While an EFCA credential may help to qualify you for these things, we ask you instead to view credentialing as an opportunity for public affirmation of your integrity and competence in ministry, and an opportunity for personal growth and development to that end. (Note: regarding the relationship between an EFCA ministerial credential and IRS tax treatment, you need to consult expert advice, such as the helpful manual Zondervan Minister’s Tax and Financial Guide by Dan Busby. To find out what kind of ministerial credential your local or neighboring county requires to recognize you as someone authorized to perform weddings, check the county website.)
Can women be credentialed in the EFCA?
Yes. They are eligible for licensing and for the Certificate of Christian Ministry. They are not eligible for ordination.
What if I’m not yet in full-time ministry? Is there something I can do?
If you anticipate entering full-time ministry in a Free Church soon, you can begin working on the requirements for licensing. You can also participate in a licensing discussion group (see below).
Can I transfer my credential to the EFCA?
If you are licensed (but not ordained) with another denomination or church, you must begin with the EFCA licensing process. If you are ordained with another denomination or church, and that ordination process involved a substantive paper and a formal examination council, you are likely eligible to transfer your ordination to the EFCA. Contact our office (ncd@ncdefca.org) for advice on your eligibility. That process is largely the same as regular EFCA ordination. It does not include the licensing period.
Do I proceed under the old or new EFCA Statement of Faith?
All individuals entering the credentialing process after January 1, 2009, must use the new Statement of Faith (2008) as the basis for their papers and examinations.
What resources are available to help me?
We have some self-study resources that can help you in a personal regimen of preparation and development. We also offer licensing discussion groups, which we highly recommend. These are small learning communities that meet in various locations around the district. Led by EFCA-ordained pastors, these groups discuss the theological themes of the Statement of Faith, applying them to life and ministry, thus helping to prepare individuals for licensing and certification. Practical help with writing the papers is also given. See the list of discussion groups for one near you, and watch some personal testimonies about these groups.
What are my first steps?
- Download the forms and resources you need from the Resources page of this section.
- Work at your own pace on the application forms, book reading, and writing your paper. These can be done in any order.
- Join a licensing discussion group to help you on your way. See the Discussion Groups page for a group in your area.
- Send us an email to let us know of your intent (ncd@ncdefca.org) so we can track with you and answer questions you may have.