Page 6 - Set Apart Ministry 2017

direction of that call. During this year discerners should exhibit growth in
understanding God’s Word and in their ability to apply God’s Word to life and
ministry. Discerners, along with their mentor and calling cohort members, should
clearly recognize that God is in fact directing the discerner’s path into a set-apart
ministry setting. If these elements are not present at the close of the discernment
year the discerner will be encouraged to 1) continue in the discernment process for
additional growth, or 2) seek another vocational path.

Those who complete their discernment year and are recommended for Licensure will
move to the next step in the process.

Licensed Minister
Licensed ministers are involved in active ministry within the local church. Their work
may still be somewhat guided, and mentoring will still be provided through the
District Ministry Commission, but it is becoming increasingly self-directed and
independent. Licensed ministers are able to carry out all the functions of ministry
with the exception of performing marriages. Any requests for participation in
marriage ceremonies must be submitted to the District Ministry Commission and
receive prior approval. Licensure is valid for one year and may be renewed nine
times after its initial granting. Licensed ministers are expected to continue in their
personal study of God’s Word, to continue developing their spiritual gifts and skills
for ministry service, and to comply with the District’s requirements for continuing
education and re-licensure.

Commissioned Minister
Commissioned ministers are fully involved in active ministry within a specific local
church. Their work is self-directed and independent with primary oversight being
provided by the leadership team of the local congregation in which they serve.

Commissioned ministers are able to carry out all the functions of ministry including
the performance of marriage ceremonies. Commissioned ministers are recognized
as having ministerial credentials only within the congregation in which they are
serving. Commissioning is valid for five years and is renewable. Commissioned
ministers are expected to continue in their personal study of God’s Word, to continue
the development of their spiritual gifts and skills for ministry service, and to comply
with the District’s requirement for continuing education and re-commissioning. A
commissioned minister is expected to be an example of a faithful servant of God to
the congregation in which they serve and for the District, and to provide wisdom and
guidance to future discerners and licensed ministers within the local congregation.

Ordained Minister
Ordained ministers are fully involved in active ministry within the local church. Their
work is self-directed and independent with primary oversight being provided by the
leadership team of the local congregation in which they serve. Ordained ministers
are able to carry out all the functions of ministry including the performance of
marriage ceremonies. Ordained ministers are also available to serve in various

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