Certificate of Christian Ministry
Full text of Steps to Credentialing
This credential is designed specifically for those involved in professional church ministries other than pastoral ministry.
Requirements for Certificate of Christian Ministry:
This credential may be issued to candidates who (1) are involved in church ministry (such as associate/assistant pastor, administrative pastor, youth pastor, minister of music, pastoral counselor, women's minister, children's minister, etc.), institutional ministry, military chaplaincy, missionary ministry and evangelistic ministry; (2) have completed an appropriate degree for their area of ministry from a recognized college or seminary (unless an exception is made by the Board of Ministerial Standing in recognition of the candidate's knowledge and experience); (3) have completed the requirements of a ministerial license; (4) have been approved by an examining council; and (5) have demonstrated gifts in ministry to the satisfaction of the Board of Ministerial Standing.
Preparation for Certificate of Christian Ministry:
The candidate for this credential must have held a ministry license for one full licensing period of three years in The Evangelical Free Church of America. (This requirement may be waived in certain situations for military chaplains who are assured a chaplain's appointment.)
Tenure of Certificate of Christian Ministry:
An EFCA credential is a bestowal of a trust upon those who are called by God to public ministry. This trust remains with the person as long as he/she continues in ministry and fulfills the standards of ministry as outlined in Sections I, II and III in Steps toward Credentialing. Should the person leave the ministry, he/she must place his/her certificate in trust with The Evangelical Free Church of America. Should he/she re-enter the ministry at a later date, the Board of Ministerial Standing may request re-examination before returning the credential.