THE Commissioned MINISTER

 

Introduction

 

 

The Commissioned Minister Credential is a type of recognition extended to certain qualified individuals for the purpose of personal encouragement and recommendation to others in the exercise of spiritual gifts related to Christian Ministry.

 

The credential is granted by the Eastern Regional Association of the Advent Christian General Conference to a person meeting the personal and spiritual qualifications contained herein.

 

Persons currently holding a Lay Minister License or its equivalent issued by a participating Conference shall automatically qualify for issuance of the Regional Commissioned Minister Credential.

 

Maintenance of the credential shall require submission of an annual written report (retirees exempted), continued formation of spiritual character, and ongoing need as may be evidenced by ministry service.  Any person holding the Commissioned Minister credential must normally maintain membership in an Advent Christian Church.  An exception may be granted a person who resides in an area where there are no Advent Christian Churches or a Conference of Advent Christian Churches providing he meets the remaining qualifications.

 

The Commissioned Minister Credential is a privileged status and may be withdrawn or revoked by the Eastern Regional Association at any time for due cause.  Withdrawal or revocation should not be confused with non-renewal, which status may be invoked if a person fails to meet the qualifications for maintenance as described above.

 

If the Commissioned Minister Credential is not renewed, the credential may be activated at any time the credentialee shall comply with the maintenance qualifications above.

 

If the Commissioned Minister credential is withdrawn or revoked for cause, the credentialee shall be entitled to a hearing before the Regional Judiciary Committee if he so chooses.  In all such cases, the finding of the Regional Judiciary Committee shall be considered final.

 

The Eastern Regional Association, Advent Christian General Conference, reserves the right to conduct a CORI check on any candidate applying for a Commissioned Minister Credential.

 

THE COMMISSIONED MINISTER

 

Credential Process

 

The process for securing a Commissioned Minister Credential involves the following steps:

 

1.      Any person seeking a Commissioned Minister credential must initiate the process by securing a letter of recommendation from the church in which he holds membership or from the church in which he serves.  In the event said person lives in an area where there isn’t an Advent Christian Church, or a Conference of Advent Christian Churches, the letter of recommendation should be written by a denominational leader who is familiar with the person in question.  The letter of recommendation should be addressed to the Regional Superintendent who may arrange a preliminary interview of the candidate, either with the Conference Ministerial Committee or a special committee appointed by the Superintendent.  The purpose of the preliminary interview will be to assess the candidate’s sense of call, preparedness, and need for the credential.  If the person seeking the Commissioned Minister credential is well known and the letter of recommendation is from a Board of Elders or deacons, or a denominational official, the preliminary interview may be waived.

 

Following the interview, the committee shall forward a written recommendation to the Regional Office and if favorable, an application will be provided to the candidate.

 

2.      Letters of Recommendation

 

In addition to the initial letter of recommendation from the candidates home church or venue of ministry, the candidate shall provide the Regional Office with the names and addresses of three people he has chosen to provide letters of recommendation.  One of these people should be a pastor who has known and observed the candidate for at least three years.  The other letters of recommendation should come from among people with whom he has worked in some capacity of Christian service or academic study.

 

3.      An Examination Council

 

The completed application should be returned to the office of the Eastern Regional Association.  A 5 member Council of the candidate’s peers shall be convened to review the application and letters of recommendation, and to personally interview the candidate in respect to his sense of call, his Biblical understanding, and his qualifications for ministry service.  At the conclusion of the personal interview, the Council shall meet in private session to formulate a recommendation to the Eastern Regional Association regarding the issuance of the Commissioned Minister Credential.  The 5 member examining Council shall consist of two ordained ministers chosen by the Conference, two persons recommended by the Church and/or by the candidate.  The Region shall appoint the Chairperson.  Persons chosen by the Church and/or candidate should represent the spiritual leadership of the Church.  A participating Conference may choose to use its own Ministerial Committee to serve as the Commissioning Council if it so desires.  In the event the candidate lives in an area where there are no Advent Christian Churches or a Conference of Advent Christian Churches, the Region shall appoint the members of the Commissioning Council.  The process otherwise will remain the same.

 

4.      Commissioning

 

Providing the candidate has met the qualifications and requirements for the Commissioned Minister Credential and has received a favorable recommendation from the examining Council, a service of commissioning will be arranged by the Eastern Regional Association in consultation with the candidate, his sponsoring church, and Conference leadership, at which time the candidate will be presented the Commissioned Minister Credential.

 

5.      Length of Credential

 

The Commissioned Minister Credential shall initially cover a period of three years after which it may be renewed indefinitely providing the credentialee has continued to meet the personal and spiritual qualifications for the credential and shall demonstrate a need for continuation.  Renewal shall consist of an oral interview before the Regional Commission on Christian Ministry, the Conference Ministerial Committee, or a similar panel designated for that purpose.  The credential may be withdrawn, suspended or revoked by the Eastern Regional Association at any time for due cause, and with the recommendation of the Conference leadership in which the credentialee resides.

THE COMMISSIONED MINISTER

 

Qualifications

 

 

Anyone aspiring to the office of Commissioned Minister must meet the following personal and spiritual qualifications:

 

1.      Relationship

 

The person must be a member in good standing in an active Advent Christian Church.  An exception may be made for a person living in an area where there are no Advent Christian Churches or a Conference of Advent Christian Churches.  Furthermore, he must consciously practice the highest ethical standard in respect to his relationship to other pastors, churches, and the Advent Christian denomination.  He must be willing to submit himself to the authority of the Conference and Region as regards the conduct of his ministry.  Heb. 13:7; 1 Pet. 2:13-15.  When a person is serving as a missionary or involved in a para-church ministry, he must maintain identity with an Advent Christian Church.

 

2.      Christian Character

 

The person must be well spoken of by his peers exhibiting a Christlikeness in his demeanor and displaying evidence of the fruit of the Holy Spirit.  Acts 6:3; Titus 1:3-9.  Additionally, the person should be comfortable in the presence of others and demonstrate good social graces.

 

3.      Giftedness

 

The person, in addition to spiritual qualities that shape character, should possess gifts normally associated with ministry depending on the person’s sense of calling.  The person should demonstrate proficiency in the use of language and be able to communicate clearly.

 

4.      Biblical Understanding

 

The person must be able to demonstrate a good understanding and working knowledge of the Bible.  He must not only know what he believes, but also be able to give an answer for the hope that is in Him.

 

5.      Training

 

The person should normally complete at least the Lay Pastor Training Program conducted by the Eastern Regional Association or a suitable equivalent of practical training.

 

 

THE COMMISSIONED MINISTER

 

Rights and Privileges

 

 

 

 

The Commissioned Minister Credential shall be held in high esteem by the possessor and great care should be exercised to glorify Christ in all matters of speech and conduct.  A person holding this credential shall normally be entitled to:

 

 

1.      fill the pulpit of a local church on a supply or interim basis and otherwise preach and teach as may be requested;

 

2.      administer the ordinance of Holy Communion when serving a local church in a pastoral capacity or on special occasions as may be granted by the Eastern Regional Superintendent or President of the Conference;

 

3.       visit in a hospital as a minister;

 

4.      conduct a funeral or wedding providing he has been approved in the case of a wedding, by the civil authorities who hold jurisdiction in said matters, and providing at least one pre-marital counseling session shall be held for those seeking to be joined in marriage;

 

5.      fulfill all responsibilities attendant to the pastoral office while serving a church in the           

     capacity of pastor;

 

6.    serve as a missionary or in a para-church setting as the Lord should direct.