What is Credentialing?

The ministry staff of local churches are expected to obtain and to maintain credentials administered by the FEC Elder Board. This partnership between credentialed personnel and the Fellowship supports fidelity in core doctrine, mutual accountability, and the opportunity for ministry support.

FEC maintains four types of Credentials:

  1. Service License – The service license is available to persons called to serve nationally or internationally in a supportive vocational role. It is an affirmation of service for those who do not desire or qualify for other credentials.
  2. Ministry License – The ministry license is available to persons called to the ministry of the gospel. It is the ministerial credential necessary for those not aspiring to or qualified for a lead pastor role. It is an affirmation of ministerial function as defined by the local church under the supervision of a lead pastor or ordained individual.
  3. Lead Pastor License – The lead pastor license is available to men called to the ministry of the gospel. It is the credential for those qualified for a lead pastor role but have not yet met the requirements of ordination. It is an affirmation of all ministerial functions within the local church.
  4. Ordination – Ordination is granted to men who have held a lead pastor license and effectively served a minimum of three years within the Fellowship. It is an affirmation of proven faithfulness in pastoral ministry within the local church and the broader fellowship. It is required for service on the FEC Elder Board and does not require renewal.

Expectation

FEC expects that churches will be led by credentialed pastors and ministry staff. When an applicant has become a candidate for hire by an FEC church, the church is asked to present individuals for credentialing.

Qualifications

Candidates for all credentials must be in harmony with the doctrine and mission of the Fellowship.  Candidates must be persons of prayer, the Scriptures, and growing Christlike character.  Ministry-licensed individuals must be called to specific ministerial roles by the local church or approved organization.  In addition, a lead pastor license requires a man to have a formal biblical degree from an accredited institution or the equivalent as determined by the Elder Board.

Renewal & Status

Service, ministry, and lead pastor licenses are renewed annually and maintain an active status until further notice from the Elder Board or request by the credentialed individual. In disciplinary circumstances, licenses may be revoked by the Elder Board through written notice. In instances where a credentialed person is no longer serving within an FEC church, credentials are categorized as inactive. In either instance, elder approval is required to return credentials to active status.

How Can I Become Credentialed?

Interested church leaders may initiate the process of applying for credentials at any time. The steps for obtaining credentials are as follows:

Application

  1. You can complete the form below (scroll down to get started) or contact the FEC Office directly to begin the process.
  2. We will respond with a link with more details as well as the application.
  3. You will complete and submit the application.
  4. Once we receive your application, we will confirm with the FEC church their support of your credentials.

References

  1. The application will ask for 3 references and the key contact at your church.
  2. When you submit the application, we will reach out to the three references and key church contact.
  3. Two of the three references will need to respond as well as the key church contact prior to scheduling an interview with the FEC Elders.

Background Check

  1. Once your application is completed, we will conduct a background check.
  2. The background check is required of all applicants and must be completed prior to scheduling the interview.

Interview

  1. When the steps above are completed, you will be contacted to arrange an interview with the FEC Elder Board.
  2. FEC Elder Board interviews are typically held on Tuesdays at either 9:30 or 11:00 eastern time via Zoom.

Following the interview, the FEC Elder Board will determine what license, if any, is to be granted. Individuals with FEC credentials are eligible for the FEC Retirement and Group Life Plans.

Ready to Get Started?

If you are ready to take the next step, let us know using the form below.  We’ll be in touch with your next steps.

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