Credential Review

What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us. 2 Timothy 1:13-14

To be mindful of and faithful to the biblical instruction to “guard” the practice of “sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus,” the Brethren in Christ review the ministerial credentials of all pastors every four years. To renew both licensure and ordination, the Commission on Ministry and Doctrine (CMD), in consultation with regional Bishops, reviews five aspects of a pastor’s life and ministry:

Ministry assignment
Theological/doctrinal compatibility
Exemplary godly living
Faithfulness in commitment to the church
Fulfillment of expectations for lifelong learning

Unlike some traditions, which credential for life, the Brethren in Christ credential pastors for a specific ministry assignment and duration of time. This quadrennial review process renews a pastor’s credentialing. Pastors became involved in the process only if there is an issue to clarify and most reviews pass smoothly from one four year term to the next. To better facilitate careful and considerate attention to a minister's life and ministry, the CMD is shifting to a rolling pattern of review--with a quarter of credentialed ministers reviewed in any given year.

New to this process (though waived in this review cycle) is the expectation of pastors to complete at least two seminar or course offerings available through Equipping for Ministry (the BIC program for theological education) every four years. EfM’s learning opportunities cover a range of topics and skills from a Brethren in Christ theological perspective. Offerings include the four Core Courses, Impact Courses or Seminars and Directed Study Programs. For those who are currently engaged in another formal program of study, that work will fulfill the lifelong learning requirement.

If you have questions about this process and the new change please contact your Bishop or Moderator Warren Hoffman.

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