ORDINATION AND CREDENTIALS 

Ordination and Clergy Credentialing is man's method of acknowledging what God has already completed in the life of a man or woman. It is the recognition of someone gifted and called by God to a particular dimension of ministry of the Lordship of Jesus Christ. 

The purpose of issuing ministerial credentials such as ordination to prepared and qualified candidates is: (1) to establish a recognition of those called to specific ministries of the Christian faith, (2) to make a­vailable a qualification process by which leadership may recognize and endorse such person, and (3) to provide an accountability process measured by defined ethical and religious standards. 

To accomplish this, a called person, male or female, may make application to the Presbytery for specific recognition.  The headquarters staff is charged with investi­gating the academic, experi­ential and performance history and references of the applicant.  After initial recognition is given, a relationship is established between the minister and the church, including membership, requiring regular and informative reporting of professional and spiritual activities of the minister, to the church leadership.  This facilitates the on-going endorsement and commendation of the minister by the Presbytery of the church. 

Ordination and Credentials within the National Conservative Christian Church are segmented into three major categories; Commissioned, Licensed and Ordained. 

Commissioned Ministers

Commissioned ministers and counselors who are not expected to perform all of the spiritual or ecclesiastical services of an ordained minister or senior clergy person, but who are also credentialed as supportive or student level for training, life experience and further development into a unique ministry. Often these candidates are involved in part-time ministry or are still engaged in academic studies in preparation for specific assignment and ordination.

Licensed Ministers

Licensed ministers and other specific recognitions are credentialed with greater responsibility and increased accountability than commissioned ministers.  However, that do not have the full responsibilities of an ordained minister.  There is quarterly reporting required and a more clearly defined ministry is expected. These candidates are likely to be full-time associates or part of a staff of ministers which a specific portfolio or influence. Changing from one category of credential to another usually occurs at the annual renewal time and usually at the request of the minister, although there are occasions when the Presbytery wishes to elevate someone without request. 

Ordained Minister

The Ordained Minister shall be recog­nized as a person in full time ministry and who has completed the required courses of study and proven capable of leadership within a spirit­ual environment. With certain life experience exceptions, the ordination credential will not be awarded for at least one year of relationship with the National Conservative Christian Church. This will have allowed a relationship to be established, the initial character investigation, four quarterly reports and an annual renewal process to have painted a more understandable portrait of the candidate for this endorsement and recognition. 

The entry level into the ministry of the Gospel in the National Conservative Chris­tian Church is a layman's recognition as an Able Minister.  Addi­tional study, preparation and internship are required for a called person who wishes to move into further ministry and be recognized as Commissioned.  This recognition is not listed as a part of clergy credentials and are described elsewhere in our material. 

All credential certificates are valid for one calendar year and require a currently dated credential card to validate the certificate.  The laminated annually issued credential card may be used as a photo I.D. when a picture of the minister is laminated to the back of the card.  Any credential awarded in the last quarter of any calendar year shall be valid for the entire following year.

An annual request for renewal of credentials is required to continue the validity of a minister's credentials, by the issuing of a new credential card each calendar year. This provides an opportunity for fresh information to be gathered on behalf of the candidate with which to en­courage the minister. It also provides an opportunity to separate for any reason without prejudice. 

A quarterly report of ministry activities and problems of interest is required to be submitted to the Presbytery by all licensed and ordained credential holders, each January, April, July, and October.  To assist in the administrative costs of the accountability system, a check for $45 shall accompany each quarterly report. 

Level One; Commissioned Minister

Commissioned Evangelist

Commissioned Biblical Teacher

Commissioned Pastoral Associate

Commissioned Youth Minister

Commissioned Christian Missionary

Commissioned Minister of Pastoral Counseling

Commissioned Group Ministry Leader 

• Application with ministry description, photo, and fee of $88
• Only one ministerial course required: MN-501 (Foundations for Ministers)
• Quarterly reporting of ministry activity with a form. ($45 attached)
• Annual report for renewal, with a $50 fee

Level Two; Licensed Minister

Licensed Minister of the Gospel

Licensed Minister of Evangelism

Licensed Christian Chaplain

Licensed Christian Youth Minister

Licensed Minister of Pastoral Counseling

Licensed Christian Educator

Licensed Christian Church Administrator 

• Application with ministry description, photo, and fee of $88
• MN-501 is always a prerequisite for any advancement or upgrading.
• Documented ministerial influence above that of entry level.
• Quarterly reporting of ministry activity with a form. ($45 attached)
• Annual renewal request required, with a $60 renewal fee.

Level Three; Ordained Minister

Ordained Minister of the Gospel

Ordained Christian Pastor

Ordained Minister of Worship

Ordained Christian Youth Pastor

Ordained Minister of Pastoral Counseling

Ordained Minister of Christian Education

Ordained Christian Evangelist

Ordained Christian Chaplain

Ordained Christian Missionary 

• Application with ministry description, photo, and fee of $88
• MN-501 is always a prerequisite for any advancement or upgrading.
• Documented significant full time ministerial influence equal to pastoring.
• Quarterly reporting of ministry activity using a form. ($45 attached.)
• Annual renewal request required, with a $75 renewal fee. 

Professional accountability is a significant ingredient in the ordination and credentialing system of the National Conservative Church. Being set apart for the work of the ministry is a highly responsible endeavor, as it is a position of influence and coaching. This organization stands as a solid reputable clergy administration and church organization, with a mandatory communica­tions system a part of the relationship. If no reporting or no disciplinary procedures were in place, such ministerial relationship would have little value. If a ministry leader's credentials have no expiration, they would be worth little within the ethics model of the organization.

Therefore, there is an investigation of character and reputation at the on­set of the candidating process. This may include a national background check of database search. There are then four simple one page reports communicated quarterly to the national leadership, with activities genuinely expressed for support of the ministerial covering. These supporting reports be­come the knowledge upon which the corporate leadership commends, refers, defends and endorses to all those with an interest in the clergy member.  The monthly professional dues remittances accompany these quarterly reports by mail.

Annually, at the end of each calendar year, all personal ministerial credentials expire, requiring some action to be taken on the part of the minister and on the part of the overseeing leadership to endorse and ratify the relation­ship and character of the minister. Renewal in not automatic, but is normal and usual, as a process of faith-based endorsement. All ministerial certificates state that a currently dated pocket card must accompany the certificate to valid. Only the pocket card is replaced annually.

By structuring an automatic expiration, the ministry has eliminated most instances that in other church organizations demand a resignation or a dismissal. There must however, be some system of termination of clergy oversight when mandated discipline has failed to achieve correction and restoration of the minister, as part of an effective accountability system. 

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