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