Ministry Licensing

Licensing Qualifications
  • The individual must profess faith in Jesus Christ and exhibit a model for Christian faith.
  • They express a Call from God into ministry.
  • Meet Biblical qualifications (1 Tim. 3:1-7, 2 Tim. 2:24-26, Titus 1:5-9 and 1 Peter 5:1-5.):
  • They must have a desire to do the work
  • They should have a good relationship in their homes and with their families.
  • They should be persons of steady, proven character, with a solid reputation both
    within the church fellowship and in the community.
  • They should be able to teach, have a sound grasp of the Scriptures and should be
    able to explain the word of God to others.
  • They should not be new to the faith. Age is not the determining factor (Timothy was
    young), but spiritual maturity is what matters.
  • They should not be quarrelsome and self-willed, rather marked by gentleness. They
    should be team players.
  • Possessions or money should not dominate their lives.
  • They should be free from addictive behavior.
  • They must demonstrate a history of faithful service in the local Church (at least 12 months).
  • They should be willing to perform Sacerdotal Duties (teaching/communion/
    baptism/weddings/funerals/counseling as requested or assigned by local leadership).

The Process

  1. The candidate must review the Licensing Qualifications and complete the Application for License.
  2. The candidate must submit a letter of recommendation from a Pastor who knows the candidates’ qualifications for ministry licensing.
  3. Upon review of the Application and Recommendation by the GLI Credentialing Committee, an interview with the candidate will be scheduled and discuss next steps.
  4. Following satisfactory completion of the interviews and reference checks, the Credentialing Committee will vote to license the candidate.

Classifications

Commissioning – An official release by GLI to volunteer or serve as part-time staff leaders.  Both men & women to a particular role and area of ministry, according to Call, spiritual gifts, and Biblical character qualities.
This Commissioning is renewed annually.

  • Meets the Biblical requirements for Deacon as outlined in Scripture. (1 Timothy 3)
  • Completion of doctrinal questionnaire.
  • Credential Committee interview.
  • Calling to a specific area of ministry.

Vocational License – A restricted license that permits a man/woman to serve as a minister in a local church or para-church ministry in a full-time capacity in a specific area of ministry. This is a renewable license with a two- year term.

  • 12 units of undergraduate or graduate Bible and Theology course work or equivalent.
  • Two years vocational ministry experience.
  • Completion of doctrinal questionnaire.
  • Credential Committee interview.
  • Calling into vocational ministry.

Pastoral License – An unrestricted license that allows a man/woman to perform all aspects of Pastoral function in a local church or para-church ministry.

 

This is a renewable license with a five-year term.

  • 24 units or more of graduate Bible and Theology course work completed.
  • Three years vocational ministry experience.
  • Completion of doctrinal questionnaire.
  • Credential Committee interview.
  • Calling into vocational ministry.

Ordination – An unrestricted credential that allows a Pastor to perform all aspects of Pastoral function in ministry.

 

This is a lifetime credential. 

  • Masters or Doctoral level seminary degree.
  • Seven years vocational ministry experience.
  • Completion of doctrinal questionnaire.
  • Credential Committee interview.
  • Calling into vocational ministry.

Assumption – Licensing and Ordination are a privilege and not a right based on God’s Calling into ministry.

If you would like to learn more about this service, please complete the form below and we will get you additional information.