ARTICLE XXVI

COMMISSIONED MINISTERS  

Section 1. Description

Commissioned ministers are persons called by a congregation to serve in a pastoral staff position for which ministerial license is not a prerequisite. They serve under the spiritual authority of the senior pastor with the knowledge and consent of the Regional Bishop. Those who serve as commissioned ministers shall affirm their allegiance to Christ and fidelity to the church. In character and conduct they are to model godliness and spiritual leadership. They shall give evidence of a call to Christian ministry in their area of service and demonstrate the gifts, skills and training required for their ministry assignment.

Section 2. How Commissioned

Applicants for a ministerial commission shall make application to the Commission on Ministry and Doctrine through the senior pastor with the approval of the Regional Bishop. To be certified as a commissioned minister they must present a satisfactory endorsement from the congregation they are serving and meet the standards of certification established by the Commission on Ministry and Doctrine. A certificate will be issued signed by the secretary of the Commission on Ministry and Doctrine and the senior pastor.

Section 3. Tenure

A ministerial commission shall coincide with a pastoral staff assignment with a congregation. Renewal of a commission shall be contingent upon an ongoing assignment.

Section 4. Ministerial Privileges

Commissioned ministers qualify to officiate at weddings and funerals* and may administer the ordinances at the discretion of the senior pastor. While they may have a pastoral role in the congregation, they are not designated as Active Ministers of the Brethren in Christ Church. However, they are eligible to participate in the Tax Sheltered Annuity program of the Ministers Pension Plan.

Section 5. Licensing and Ordination

Commissioned ministers called to a senior or solo pastoral assignment are required to obtain a ministerial license. Those who wish to qualify for ministerial license may do so by following the steps outlined above in Article XXV.

 

*Subject to province or state regulation.