FAQs

We have found that many divergent views exist even among our own graduates on some of the basic aspects of ministerial credentials. The following questions and answers are presented so that members and potential members of WMAA can understand this organization’s philosophy and approach to licensing and ordination.

What are credentials?

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

Who qualifies to receive ministerial credentials?

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 a divine call to public ministry in the fivefold of ministry as stated in Ephesians 4:11.
2. One who has completed specific training in preparation for ministry.
3. One who has been set apart by a group recognizing and concurring with this call.
4. One held responsible by that group for compliance and doctrinal and ethical standards.
5. One that has exhibited proper fruit in character and in ministry.
6. One that devotes significant time to preaching and teaching the Word of God from a recognized ministerial position.
7. One required by his/her ministerial position to administer the ordinances of the church and to conduct weddings and funerals.
8. One who spends the majority of their time and or derives the majority of their income from ministerial duties, or is at least making definite strides in that direction either in the church or the marketplace.

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.

What does it mean to be ordained?

When a person is ordained, he/she is considered an Elder. We understand an elder to be one whom the Holy Spirit has made an overseer in the church and has given the responsibility to “feed the church of God” (Acts 20:17, 28). Eldership in the Body of Christ is not something which is to be conferred lightly or hastily. The Apostle 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, WMAA 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 two consecutive years (Eph. 4:11: apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers). 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. The Board of Presbyters reserves the right to license and/or ordain an individual at any time.

From which organization should I receive my ministerial credentials?

In a day when ministerial credentials can be obtained online or through “mail-order” vendors, this is a very pertinent question. 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 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 an individual can willingly submit in loyal commitment. They should be able to sense a spiritual “connection” with and respect for the group and its leaders. In other words, one’s experience has shown that it is advisable for a person to be a committed member of this one organization rather than only partially committed to more than one. It would be unethical for a person to join a ministerial organization only to benefit from that group’s credibility when their heart was not at all committed to that group. It would be especially unscrupulous to use such a formal connection to mislead others into believing that the organization condones or endorses doctrines or practices not in harmony with the organization itself. If a minister esteems an organization enough to seek its credentials, he/she should also respect the organization enough to make every effort to attend its functions and show support through prayer, attendance, and financial giving.

When can I apply for membership or credentials?

WMAA accepts first time original applications anytime throughout the year for membership and ministerial credentials. Once an individual has become a member of WMAA and/or has received their credentials, renewal must take place by December 31st of the current year to avoid a late fee. The late fee will be assessed on all renewal memberships and/or credential applications received after December 31st. Membership extends from January 1st through December 31st, regardless of join date. Membership fees are not prorated.

Why is it necessary to renew credentials annually? Why is a person who ceases to minister required to return his credentials?

The IRS has regulations that must be met when an organization chooses to grant licensing and ordination credentials to ministers of the gospel. One necessary regulation is the annual renewal of those credentials. The Board of Directors of WMAA has made the credentials renewable on an annual basis in compliance with the IRS to ensure those holding credentials are active in ministry. It is unnecessary to hold credentials without being in active ministry. When an individual ceases to minister in a qualifying capacity and returns his/her credentials to WMAA, they are simply placed on inactive status and the certificate is held in the national office. The inactive member may request that his/her credentials be reactivated upon returning to a qualified position.