License to Minister
by the
Christ's Assembly Worldwide

A Conservative, Independent, and Interdenominational Communion of Saints.

SECTION I - Introduction

For all of those who have received the calling from God and have the will to respond in the most positive way, obtaining the ministerial license is the most correct avenue to begin this great undertaking of God in that it allows the new minister to begin his quest in accordance with church and/or denominational guidelines, the laws of the land, as well as the laws of God The  Licensed Minister is an Intern Minister,  an apprenticed Minister, and an official candidate for the Ordained Ministry.

The Holy Scriptures require that some trial be previously made of those who are to be ordained to the ministry of the gospel (see 1 Timothy 3), in order that this sacred office may not be degraded and that the Churches and General Association may have an opportunity to form a better judgment respecting the gifts of those by whom they are to be instructed. For this purpose candidates for ordination shall first be licensed to preach the gospel as Intern Ministers. After a period of internship sufficient to make trial of their qualifications and service, and having received reports that their services are edifying to those they serve, ordaining the interns may be in order.

The Ministers License is generally issued to lay persons who have the gift and ability to preach, teach, minister through music, etc., as defined by the organization that grants the license, and they serve under the guidance of a Mentor who is an Ordained Minister. Generally the license is called the Certificate of License for the Gospel Ministry, and has also been known as a "License to Preach" and as a "Lay Minister's License." Ordination is not necessary for a person granted a Ministers License to render acceptable service in public preaching, teaching or other ministry skills as need arises.

A Licensed  Minister, under the guidance of a Mentor, is amendable to instruction, supervision and related discipline to assure growth in grace, knowledge and leadership skills. This allows the Licensed Minister the opportunity to receive the training to lead worship services, study groups, etc., and the ability to perform many of the functions of a full Ordained Minister. A Licensed Minister often fills the gap within a traditional Church by relieving the Senior Minister of trying to be in more than one place at a time.

The Licensed Minister has the option of passing the problems that they are too inexperienced to handle to the seasoned Minster without unduly upsetting the lay person by giving poor counseling. When in doubt, the Licensed Minister will often suggest the problem be kicked upstairs to allow themselves time to learn a more correct approach to coping with the lay person's problem.

SECTION II - Licensing:

  1. Licensing is for those who are called to ministry, but are not yet proved, and/or who do not have the need for the authority that goes with ordination to carry out their ministry. The license ID card will contain an expiration date which is subject to change.
  2. The Licensed Minister shall have the following authority:
    1. To preach the Gospel whenever and wherever opportunity presents itself
    2. To conduct worship services, study groups, etc
    3. To administer baptism and communion with the approval of their Mentor/Ordained Minister when their ministry requires it
    4. To conduct funerals when required by their ministry
    5. To conduct wedding ceremonies with the specific permission of their Mentor/Ordained Minister in states where the law permits a licensed minister to perform weddings

SECTION III - Reports:

On a periodic basis, the Licensed Minister will be required to submit a report of their ministerial activities and progress to their Mentor and the General Association. Some of the items that should be included in the report are:

  1. Number of Sermons preached
  2. Evangelistic, Educational, and Missionary work performed
  3. Number of Baptisms performed with names and dates
  4. Number of Funerals performed with names and dates
  5. Number of Marriages performed with names and dates
  6. Miscellaneous 

minister@christsassembly.info

The Christ's Assembly at Costa Mesa

427 East 17th Street # 314

Costa Mesa, California 92627

United States of America

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