Obtain Your Credential
For years, I thought of ordination as a time-consuming chore—something I should do someday. That “someday” came with an unexpected invitation; three other pastors asked me to work through the ordination process alongside of them. The chore turned into a chance for mutual sharpening and encouragement. I was reminded that we are co-workers in Gospel ministry, and I am grateful for how our connection was strengthened through the ordination process.
Senior Pastor Gary Ridley
Trinity Church
Ludington, MI
Affirming God's call to love and serve local EFCA churches in the Great Lakes District
The Great Lakes District is pleased to partner with the EFCA and local churches to offer credentials to qualified pastors, church planters, vocational ministry leaders, and missionaries.
Ministry Licenses
In the EFCA, credentialing is a two step process. The first step is a ministry license. There are two ministry licenses available:
Ministry License: Five-Year Non-Renewable
For those pastors, ministers, and vocational ministry staff involved in an EFCA qualifying ministry for less than 10 years, and who desire to be aligned with and accountable to the EFCA.
Ministry License: Three-Year Renewable:
For pastors, ministers, and vocational ministry staff involved in an EFCA qualifying ministry and who desire to be aligned with and accountable to the EFCA.
Permanent Credentials
If you have already earned a ministry license, you are encouraged to pursue a permanent credential.
Certificate of Christian Ministry
For qualified individuals serving in local church ministry whose primary ministry is in support of teaching and preaching the Word. Also fitting for some, both men and women, whose primary ministry is directly related to the ministry of the Word.
Certificate of Ordination
For qualified men who serve in pastoral ministry in the local church whose primary ministry responsibility is preaching and teaching the Word.
Transfer of Ordination
For qualified men who serve in pastoral ministry in the local church whose primary ministry responsibility is preaching and teaching the Word, and who have a valid Ordination from another ordaining denomination or local church.
Start Your Credentialing Process
To learn more about credentialing in the EFCA, please click here to visit the EFCA’s credentialing website.
If you would like some guidance in determining what credential is best for you, please contact us at credentialing@gld-efca.org