Return Official / Upgrade Application and Transcript

November 1st

June 1st

September 1st

Take Written Exam With Presbyter

February 15th

September 15th

December 1st

Oral Interview Takes Place With Presbytery

Mid-March

Mid-October

Mid-January

Other information available:
General Guidelines, Bylaw Requirements, the Process for Obtaining Credentials,
the Educational Requirements for Certificate of Ministry, License to Preach, and Ordination

LOCAL CHURCH CREDENTIAL

At the 2003 General Council, provision was made for the granting of a local church credential, by the addition of the following paragraph to the GC Bylaws:

Bylaws Article VII, Section 1, third paragraph (page 117)

“A fourth classification of ministry, a local church credential, may be provided by a local General Council affiliated church, under basic guidelines adopted by the General Presbytery and such additional guidelines adopted by the district council. The local church credential shall be non-transferable (limited to the issuing local church) and shall be limited to 2 years (renewable by the local church for an additional 2-year term). A person holding a local church credential can perform the ordinances and ceremonies (sacerdotal functions) of the church if authorized in writing by the senior pastor of the local church issuing the credential.”

This credential is known as a COMMISSIONED MINISTER. Guidelines that were approved by the General Presbyters in 2004, are available at the District Office. We also have applications and certificates for use by the local church (General Council affiliated only). If your church is interested in offering this credential, please contact us at the District Office for the appropriate forms.