A ministry license is a license given to those in volunteer or full-time ministry other than preaching and teaching. Ordination is for those who teach and preach at least 26 times a year, along with other requirements for ordination. Examples of those who need a ministry license include: singer and instrumentalist - worship and praise - youth leader or minister - itinerant minister of the Lord who is not a pastor - leader in a ministry (such as discipleship or counseling groups, etc.).

The license (Service Certificate License) will be valid for a minimum of one year. At the end of the license period, a special assessment of the server's service and maturity will be conducted. The server will then either proceed to ordination or continue to the licensing stage (Service Certificate License). However, the license will not be renewed if the server fails to meet all the requirements outlined for ordination candidates during the licensing stage (Service Certificate License).

Depending on their level of education, experience, training, and ethical background, candidates for ordination may be required to take additional courses or classes or perform other duties during the licensing process, in addition to service requirements.
The ordination or service certificate is renewed annually and expires on December 31.

Gaining Ministerial Credentials

1. Contact The General Council of Ministers, USA.
   Applications for General Council of Ministers, USA ministerial credentials are made through the Holy Spirit University Board of Directors. Apply online by filling the proper application.
2. Meet the Qualifications for Ministry Read The General Council of ministers, USA Constitution and ByLaws (Download PDF), which contains a section about qualifications for ministry in the GCM, USA..

The benefits, qualifications, process, and responsibilities

You can read about the benefits, qualifications, process, and responsibilities of ordination in our official position paper entitled "qualifications and responsibilities of ordination".

Education Requirements For Credentials

Ministerial Studies Program

Due to recent action by GCM board of directors , the Ministerial Studies course requirements are now fully in effect. The new educational requirements for each level stated bellow in this section. Some courses may need to be substituted depending on availability. Some of you already gain their studies requirement, you must submit your transcript at the time of application. Contact us with all your prior ministerial credential that might be transferred to GCM, USA.

Upon completion of the Ministerial Studies courses, (You can complete your required study courses through the Holy Spirit University, online), you will have met the minimum academic requirements needed to apply for credentials. Successful completion of these courses should prepare you for credentialing interviews and tests.

Four Year Theological, Seminary, College or University
Any student of one of our Holy Spirit university with a biblical studies, ministerial studies, or other church-related major (Two Years Theological, Seminary, College or University, or higher education) which includes courses on systematic theology, courses on Church history, courses on Biblical studies, Courses on ministry has met the educational requirements for Certified Minister credentials; 3 years – License; and 4 years – Ordination. (A completed degree is not a requirement).

Education Options

If you have not attended one of seminary, college or university, you might require years of ministry and life experience as well as some elective courses to be determine by Holy Spirit university advisor

Credential Levels

The General Council of ministers, USA offers three different levels of credentials to those who are called of God into a life of ministry and service.

Certificate of Ministry
This level is for efficient helpers in gospel work who devote a part of their time to Christian service. They shall show promise of usefulness in the gospel work. They shall devote a part of their time to Christian ministry and, at the discretion of the GCM, USA credentials committee, remain under the supervision of a pastor or a designated supervisor. They shall be actively engaged in some aspect of ministry.

License of Ministry

This level is for those who have demonstrated that they have met the qualification for license. This includes a clear evidence of a divine call, character and preparation suitable for that calling, practical ministry experience, and an evident purpose to devote one's life in service to the proclamation of the gospel.

Credential Qualifications

The following qualifications pertain to all applicants for ministerial recognition.

Basic Qualifications:

• Testimony of having experienced the new birth (John 3:5).
• Evidence of Call. Clear evidence of a divine call to the ministry, evidenced by a personal conviction, confirmed by the work of the Spirit and the testimony of fellow ministers.
• Christian Character. A blameless Christian life and a good report of those who are without (Titus 1:7; 1 Timothy 3:7).
• Doctrinal Position. A thorough understanding of and agreement with our doctrinal position as contained in the Statement of Fundamental Truths.
• Commitment to The Fellowship. An active loyalty to our constitutional agreements, a cooperative spirit, and a readiness to seek and receive the counsel of older mature Christians and those in positions of authority.
• Basic Education Requirements. Any level of formal academic achievement (diploma or degree) shall not be a requirement for credentials; however, credential applicants shall meet the following criteria. All applicants are required to be interviewed by the GCM, USA Credentials Committee.
• Marriage Status. We disapprove of any married person holding ministerial credentials with The General Council of ministers, USA, if either marriage partner has a former spouse living, except if they qualify for an exception as stated below.
• Annulments, Marriage Dissolutions, and Divorces. The General Council of ministers, USA recognizes four exceptions to the "married with a former spouse still living" rule: 1) Annulment, 2) Pre-Conversion Divorce, 3) Divorce due to Infidelity of an unbelieving spouse, 4) Divorce due to Abandonment by an unbelieving spouse. The Executive Presbytery is responsible to look at each situation to determine whether one of these exceptions is warranted. Ministerial applicants who have a former marriage need to contact the office of the General Council of ministers, USA to initiate this process.
• Eligibility of Women. The Scriptures plainly teach that divinely called and qualified women may also serve the church in the ministry of the Word (Joel 2:29; Acts 21:9; 1 Corinthians 11:5). Women who have developed in the ministry of the Word so that their ministry is acceptable generally, and who have proved their qualifications in actual service, and who have met all the requirements of the credentials committees of the General Council of ministers, USA, are entitled to whatever grade of credentials their qualifications.
• Ministers from Other Organizations (Dual Credential). If a minister from another reputable body desires to affiliate with the General Council of ministers, USA, the Credentials Committees is under no obligation to accept the applicant's previous ministerial status, but will judge each candidate on his or her own merits in light of the General Council of ministers, USA criteria. Dual credential can be authorized but under the determination of General Council of ministers, USA  if the applicant ask for it at the time of applying for credential.

Steps and Procedures

Step 1. Be aware of the new educational requirements. For information on how to complete the required studies for ministerial credentials please contact the General Council of ministers, USA, the Credentials Administrator with any questions and/or evaluation of courses you have previously taken. When courses are completed for the level of credential you are seeking, go online, fill and submit the application on www.GCMinisters.us

When you return the completed application packet please include all photocopies, transcript(s), a picture and the application fee.

Step 2. When you receive your application, carefully follow the checklist and instructions. Return the fully completed application along with the one time $75.00 non-refundable processing fee to the Credentials Administrator. Failure to return any part of the application or transcripts - all required documents - will prevent further processing of the application.

Step 3. Once the application file is COMPLETE, it will be prepared and sent to the applicant's Credential Committee for the formal interview. Interview can be arranged in person or on the phone by the officer of credential committee.

Step 4. The recommendations of the Interviewing Committees are submitted to the Executive ADMIN. If the  General Council of ministers, USA  approval is granted, the application files are sent back to the Executive ADMIN,  a ministerial credential, a fellowship card and certificate are sent to the applicant.

For questions or information concerning Ministerial Credentials or to request the official application forms and other materials please visit our website www.GCMinisters.us

 The General Council of Ministers, USA Credentials Administrator at +1(908) 353-3131