Credentialing

Credentialing in the Covenant Church

NWC-credentialing Vocational ministry begins with a personal sense that God Himself is indeed calling you to be set apart for ministry within the body of Christ. This calling must be tested and authenticated by the larger church. When the church affirms this calling it offers the appropriate credential endorsing a person to serve and lead within the various roles of ministry. The Evangelical Covenant Church maintains high standards for its ministerial credentials, recognizing that those who are called and gifted to serve in vocational ministry are trusted with sacred responsibilities.

The Ordered Ministry of the Evangelical Covenant Church manages the credentialing process with the support of the regional conferences.

Licenses are granted to persons who are called to serve in Covenant churches and other approved ministries. Licensure is reserved for those who, by demonstration of character and gifts and by virtue of place of service, require credentials in order to perform pastoral ministry. Annually renewable licenses include: Ministry License, Bi-Vocational Ministry License, Global Service License.

Steps to becoming licensed include
Membership in a Covenant Church and a call to a Covenant Church or approved ministry are required.

Contact Cheryl Theilen at the Northwest Conference office to discuss the appropriate license and to request an application packet.

Complete all licensing requirements as outlined in the licensing packet.

An interview will be conducted by the Conference Committee on Ministerial Standing.

A license will be issued by the Evangelical Covenant Church after a favorable recommendation is received from the Northwest Conference Committee on Ministerial Standing.

Final approval of a license is voted on for recommendation by:

The Northwest Conference Ministerial Association

The Board of the Ordered Ministry

The Covenant Ministerium

The Covenant Annual Meeting

The license can be renewed every year. License renewals are sent out from the Northwest Conference in early spring. The license year is July 1 through June 30.

“Permanent” credentials refer to those which are bestowed by laying on of hands at the Annual Meeting of the denomination on candidates who have been carefully examined in matters of faith, theology, and call. Permanent credentials include Ordination to Word and Sacrament, Ordination to Word and Service, Commissioning and Consecrated Missionary. The Evangelical Covenant Church accepts Transfer of Ordination candidates. For information on receiving a permanent credential, please contact the Ordered Ministry (773.583.3211).

More information is available on the Covenant website