A video overview by Dave Linde:
What is the meaning of credentialing in the EFCA?
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 EFCA 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 EFCA offers two ministerial credentials. The ministry license (Vocational or Non-Vocational, depending on the nature of one’s ministry) is renewable on a five-year basis as long as one is serving in accordance with EFCA standards. After two years, the holder of a license is eligible to apply for certification if he or she chooses to do so.
Certification represents a more rigorous standard of commendation. 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 ministry roles.
What specific work is required?
- Paperwork (application forms, recommendation letter, etc.)
- Completion of written questionnaires (PSCQ) from you, your spouse if you are married or a close friend if you are single, and your church’s elders (if you prefer, you and your spouse can choose a personal interview instead) that explore your spiritual and character qualifications for this ministry credential.
- 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 (prerequisite: EFCA license):
- 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?
What is a qualifying ministry?
On what basis does the EFCA evaluate an individual’s fitness for credentialing?
- Call to ministry
- Personal character and integrity
- Ministerial capability
- Competence in Biblical-theological understanding
The first three of these are attested to primarily by the local church through a formal recommendation questionnaire submitted by the elders. The last item (and, to some extent, the other three) is evaluated at the district level through the written papers and the oral examinations.
Is there an educational requirement?
Will obtaining a credential help me obtain tax benefits?
Can women be credentialed in the EFCA?
What if I’m not yet in a qualifying ministry? Is there something I can do?
Can I transfer my credential to the EFCA?
What resources are available to help me?
What are my first steps?
- Download the forms and resources you need from EFCA Website and 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. Note: request the PSCQ questionnaires soon enough to allow you and the elders of your church to complete them adequately and return them to our office.
- 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.