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Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:15) The Evangelical Free Church was born out of a heritage of commitment to the authority and inerrancy of Scripture. The absolute truth of God's Word is the objective standard by which we are to lead our lives and represent the Lord Jesus Christ to a needy world. The trademark of our high and uncompromised view of Scripture is arguably the most definitive trait of the Evangelical Free Church of America. It only follows that those who lead our churches and ministries be held accountable to an objective standard. 
Who should seek licensure or ordination?While requirements will vary from church to church, it is strongly urged that any pastoral staff member of an EFCA church who is engaged in ministry for 30 hours or more per week consider pursuit of a ministry credential. While it is legally possible for a local congregation to bestow a ministry credential upon an individual, there is an issue of integrity involved as we seek to be a consistent witness to outside observers. One example would be the IRS, who currently views the EFCA as a trustworthy and qualified credentialing agency. Another would be the United States military branches. An EFCA credential insures not only consistency in doctrinal position but suggests a spirit of teachable accountability to others. A local church credential, while accepted by certain government agencies, short-circuits the high level of doctrinal excellence and accountability we expect from our pastors.
What are the requirements for credentialing?A candidate for licensure or ordination in the EFCA must:
How do I begin?Credentialling in the EFCA originates at the local level. For that reason, you should contact the district office closest to your primary place of residence and ministry. Procedures and requirements vary slightly from region to region. If your primary place of residence and ministry is in the Central District, please notify us at office@efcacentral.org of your desire to receive a credentialing packet. Please include a mailing address in your email. You will receive a packet including:
Important note: In the event that a divorce and/or remarriage is part of either your background or that of your spouse, an entirely separate procedure must precede the credentialing process to determine eligibility. Before beginning any work toward an EFCA credential, please obtain the material which elaborates on this subject. Again, request this from office@efcacentral.org. 
(excerpts) Click on the "Steps to Credentialing" link at the top of this page to read excerpts from the Steps Toward Credentialing rules and regulations document. A full copy can be obtained by contacting our office. 
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Central District OfficeP.O. Box 607 Boone, IA 50036 (515) 432-9175 (515) 432-9180 office@efcacentral.org |