FAQ

Ministerial credentials (licensing and ordination) issued by an organization are not substitutes for the calling, the equipping, or the anointing which comes from God. The issuing of credentials represents recognition that a person has been called, equipped, and anointed by God to serve Him in a certain capacity.

When a person is licensed or ordained, he is ordained into full eldership in the Body of Christ. We understand an elder to be one whom the Holy Ghost has made an overseer in the church and has given the responsibility to “feed the church of God” (Acts 20:17, 28). In other words, the term “elder” speaks of one who is a recognized minister of the Gospel; one who preaches and teaches regularly; and one who is responsible for conducting such sacerdotal duties as water baptism, communion, weddings, and funerals.

Eldership in the Body of Christ is not something which is to be conferred lightly or hastily. The Apostle Paul told Timothy to “lay hands suddenly on no man. . .” (1 Tim 5:22). He stated that a bishop (overseer) must not be a novice (1 Tim 3:6) and that even those serving as deacons (a lesser office) should “first be proved” (1 Tim 3:10).

Because of the fact that many young ministers have not had the time to develop their ministry, and yet need some type of recognition in order to perform certain aspects of ministry, Asia Harvest Alliance will issue a ministerial license to those who are in a recognized ministerial position. Ordination is available to those who have been in a full-time, fivefold type of ministry position for a minimum of FIVE consecutive years.

It should be noted that an upgrade from licensing to ordination is not automatic. It is necessary that there be growth and development in the scope and maturity of that ministry in order for an upgrade request to be granted.

In one sense, all believers are called to minister. In other words, all believers are called upon to serve God with their entire lives, to live lives that are above reproach, and to share the Gospel with others. All Christians have a holy calling in this sense and are responsible directly to God for fulfilling it.

Ministerial credentials, however, pertain to that segment or group of believers who have been entrusted with certain duties within the fivefold ministry. Their functions and responsibilities differ significantly from those of a volunteer lay worker or a person serving in a helps capacity (Sunday school teacher, prayer group leader, nursing home visitation, etc). The nature of their work also causes them to be recognized by and receive certain benefits from civil authorities.

Not only has the Bible established the spiritual qualifications and standards pertaining to the character and work of one who is to be recognized as a minister, but our own social and legal system has defined what constitutes a minister, clergyman, or pastor from a functional standpoint. It would be improper and misleading for any organization to issue credentials to individuals who do not conform to the generally accepted definition of a minister. It is generally understood that ministerial credentials are granted to an individual who meets the following criteria:

1. One who has divine call to public ministry in the fivefold sense of ministry as stated in Ephesians 4:11
2. One who has completed a course of study and preparation for the ministry.
3. One who has been set apart by a group recognizing and concurring with this call.
4. One who is held responsible by that group for compliance with doctrinal and ethical standards.
5. One who has exhibited proper fruit in character and in ministry.
6. One who devotes significant time to preaching and teaching the Word of God from a recognized ministerial position.
7. One who is required by his ministerial position to administer the ordinances of the church and to conduct weddings and funerals.
8. One who derives the majority of his income from ministerial duties, or is at least making definite strides in that direction. Credentials are not necessary for one who intends to maintain a secular career.

The above mentioned criteria do not minimize the importance of the efforts of individuals involved in other forms of “helps” ministry, but they do lay the groundwork for establishing proper qualifications for those who are to receive ministerial licensing or ordination.

There are two main areas that should be considered. The first area is the credibility of the organization itself. Is there proper leadership? Are there proper standards and accountability? Is there any concern for any ministry available to the members? Is the direction and doctrine of the organization consistent with the Word of God? These questions need to be answered.

Once satisfactory answers are obtained to these questions, the second consideration is the heart of the member or potential member. The organization should be one to which he can willingly submit himself in loyalty and commitment. In other words, one’s formal connection should reflect one’s heart commitments and his loyalties.

It would be unethical for a person to join a ministerial organization only to be benefited from that group’s credibility when his heart was not at all committed to that group. It would be especially unscrupulous to use such a normal connection to mislead others into believing that the organization condones or endorses doctrines or practices which are not at all in harmony with the organization itself.

If a minister esteems an organization enough to seek its credentials, he should also respect the organization enough to make every effort to attend its functions and show his support through prayer and giving.

Some organizations ordain “for life”, and that is their prerogative to do so. The board of Asia Harvest Alliance felt it best to make credentials renewable on a yearly basis so that those holding credentials are those who are active in ministry. There is simply no necessity for a person to have credentials who is not in active ministry. When an individual ceases to minister in a qualifying capacity and returns his credentials to Asia Harvest Alliance, he is simply placed on inactive status and the certificate is held in office. The inactive members may request his credentials as soon as he is in a qualifying position.