Those credentialed in the EFCA have been approved by a local EFC church, a district council, and the national Board of Ministerial Standing in the areas of calling, character and biblical/theological capacity (rooted in our Statement of Faith). 

There are different types of credentials that a person can hold with the EFCA:

• Ministry License
• Certificate of Christian Ministry
• Certificate of Ordination
• Transfer of Ordination

Credentialing within the EFCA serves multiple purposes:

• Affirm God's call upon a person's life.
• Verify that this person meets the qualifications and standards for ministry in the Evangelical Free Church of America.
• Approve this person for ministerial service under the auspices of the EFCA.
• Provide legal status in the exercise of that person's ministry.

What are the qualifications/requirements to be credentialed with the EFCA?

• Must be a member in good standing of a local EFC church.
• Must subscribe without mental reservation to the Statement of Faith of The Evangelical Free Church of America and agree to reaffirm that commitment every five years.
• Must be engaged in a vocational or bi-vocational ministry that qualifies for a ministerial credential.
• Must demonstrate a cooperative spirit with the purposes and policies of The Evangelical Free Church of America and a lifestyle consistent with biblical standards of Christian conduct.
• Must be examined and approved by DBOMS council or committee under the authority of the Board of Ministerial Standing (BOMS), who gives final approval.
• Must complete a prescribed course of study, Free Church history, doctrine and polity as directed by the Board of Ministerial Standing.

1. Contact Jamie Farran at the EFCA Central Office expressing an interest to be credentialed and see if you qualify.  
2. Have a conversation with your church elder board explaining that you would like to be credentialed. You will need their approval to proceed.
3. Complete required documents, courses, and readings.
4. Participate in your credentialing examination council which is an opportunity to show your competency of God’s word and ability to articulate biblical truths.  
5. Receive Approval from the District Board of Ministerial Standing (DBOMS) and the national Board of Ministerial Standing (BOMS).
6. Be publicly and corporately recognized in a church service, in which the service consists of the leadership of the church and the EFCA Central Superintendent or Regional Superintendent laying on their hands and praying over the candidate as the credential is presented to the candidate.

For more information, please visit the EFCA Credentialing website.