Credentials – IECCA

Ministerial Credentials

The IECCA issues ministerial credentials to qualified persons through an approved application process, regardless if those credentials are to be issued by transfer, recognition of previous credentials or otherwise.

The Three Most Important Determining Factors For Issuing Ministerial Credentials

Is the Applicants daily life a convincing testimony as to having been born again?
Is there clear evidence of a genuine and divine call to the ministry which is evident to others
Do they possess a passion for reaching and winning lost souls for Christ.

We issue three distinct levels of ministerial credentials to those applying for membership based on qualifications and experience. They are as follows...

Certified Minister (Novice)
Licensed Minister
Ordained Minister

If you currently hold a credential that is not listed, but is lower than “Licensed Minister”, then you will be issued “Certified Minister” credentials.

Individuals who already hold valid credentials from a recognized and reputable organization will be transferred in at the same level unless the Credentials Committee determines otherwise.

[toggle title = "Lapsed, Expired or Previously Suspended Credentials"]

If an applicant previously held credentials from an organization, but for whatever reason they are no longer in effect, the Credentials Committee will determine how credentials will be handled on a case by case basis. Most of the time, if it just a matter of expiration and not having been renewed, Credentials will be issued at the level they candidate held prior to their previous credentials "expired" so long as there are no outstanding issues preventing this. All applicants will be treated with grace and compassion in all regards. [/toggle]

[toggle title = "Christian University, College and or Seminary Graduates"]

Having graduated from a recognized and accredited Bible Institute, College, Christian University or Theological Seminary, with a degree / major in a related field of study. Most applicants who have completed the full course of study at one of the above, most likely will qualify for Ordination, however there are some exceptions to this. Final determination will be made by the Credentials Committee and any issues will be fully discussed with the applicant prior to issuing any credentials.

Those who have never held credentials before and have little to no experience will be issued “Certified Minister” credentials until they have gained sufficient knowledge, understanding and leadership abilities determined by the Executive Council and Credentials Committee. Applicants in this category must be under the mentorship of a local pastor and or church. The type of ministry they can be involved in will not be limited or restricted unless otherwise determined by their mentor / church for specific reasons, otherwise they are free to minister as they feel called, under the watchful eye of their church and or pastor.[/toggle]

[toggle title = "Military Chaplaincy Candidates"]

Military Chaplaincy Candidates must be Ordained prior to applying for Candidate Status. We will Ordain such candidates, but their ordination will only be “conditional”, based upon the completion of their program of study (typically an M.Div) and the Chaplaincy Candidates Program of the various Armed Forces Branches. If they fail to complete the program, then the Credentials Committee shall review their status and the level of Credentials may be changed depending on the situation and circumstances.[/toggle]

[toggle title = "Additional Qualifiers for Obtaining Credentials"]

Some of this has already been discuss previously, but we would like to reiterate it here. You may also qualify for membership and credentials by one or more of the following:

By transfer of credentials from another reputable and approved organization.
Having been previously (but no longer) credentialed by another approved organization
Through direct application to the credentials committee as one never having been credentialed.[/toggle]

[toggle title = "Discipline and Restoration of Credentialed Members"]

Ministers who violate ethical or moral values and trust as well as found guilty of teaching heresy shall be accountable to the General Board of Elders and the Credentials Committee, as well as fellow members of the fellowship. Anyone who is deemed to have committed a violation shall be examined by the Credentials Committee and a final decision shall be handed down by them. A member has the right to appeal to the committee if they do not agree with the initial ruling, and a special review panel shall be called forth from among the membership who would otherwise not be serving in any official capacity to work alongside the General Board of Elders. Decisions by this special review panel shall be deemed final and no further appeals shall be available.

Special Note: Those who wish to obtain credentials with the IECCA, but have suffered through a failure need not to be afraid to apply for credentials and membership. We practice and preach forgiveness, not exclusion. We sincerely believe that restoration takes place in various ways, and GRACE must abound where grace is called for. In all cases, it is the desire of this organization to be restorative, not punitive. Only those who have a hardened and unrepentant heart shall be considered for dismissal. No member of the IECCA shall never mistreat another fellow member or minister at large due to personal failure, but shall always strive to encourage, uplift and edify that fellow servant through prayer. To do otherwise is simply “Un-Christ-Like” and will not be tolerated. If you have questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us.[/toggle]

[toggle title = "Concerning Marriage & Divorce In The Credentialing Process"]

There is and has always been much debate about the issue of Divorce and Remarriage in many denominations and religious circles. It is a tough subject and one that is often not dealt with from a biblical standpoint. Many people have unnecessarily been hurt, pushed out of ministry and churches as a result of a divorce and or remarriage after being divorced. There is simply no reason for this, ever!

Please let us make it clear that we DO NOT condone or support divorce as the answer to marital strife. We firmly believe that many of these issues could have been avoided in the first place, had sound, pre-marital counseling taken place, and if more ministers would refuse to marry those who would not submit to such counseling.

However, just because a person has suffered through a divorce, does not necessarily disqualify them from ministry or holding credentials. A lot depends on the situation and the surrounding circumstances, all of which are taking into consideration when reviewing an applicant for credentials. We also take into consideration the redemptive work of the Holy Spirit when making these decisions. We firmly believe and hold fast to the understanding that God does not call anyone that He does not qualify!

Obviously we will not credential anyone who has a history of such behavior, nor will we credential anyone that has suffered such painful circumstances that has not or will not seek counseling to make sure that such issues and circumstances are prevented in the future.

If you have been denied ministry opportunity or had your credentials revoked and or dismissed due to a divorce and or remarriage, we want you to know that we understand, and are here to help you heal, and fulfill the call that God has upon your life. All that we ask in return is that you be completely up front and honest with us concerning your situation.[/toggle]

[toggle title = "Members Financial Obligations"]

All members, regardless of their status or level of credentials held are required to financially support the work of this organization, and anyone interested in obtaining membership and or credentials should be fully aware of this. The General Board of Elders determined a fair and unbiased policy pertaining to this matter, and failure to abide by that policy will result in any credentials held being suspended until such obligation is brought current. Obviously there are always extenuating circumstances that may prevail with some members, and we are always willing to work with anyone concerning such things, however, we need to be made aware of any issue that may prevent a member from meeting their obligation.

The funds you send to the IECCA goes to the direct support of the National Office and any programs / ministry that may be instituted by the same. Those ministries include but are not limited to foreign and domestic missions, as well as the day to day operational cost of running the organization. Please note that our executive staff is not paid a salary. Their income is solely derived from their own personal ministries, and the only funds they receive are reimbursement for expenses they may incur on behalf of the alliance.[/toggle]

[toggle title = "IECCA Financial Support Policy"]

The General Board of Elders has established the following polices regarding financial support. They are fair and scriptural, and represent our hearts desire to see the Gospel spread throughout the nations.

Yearly Credential Renewal Fee & Registration…

Renewal fees are $100.00, payable at the time you renew your credentials. HOWEVER, if you are faithful in your support to the fellowship on a monthly basis without any notices being sent to you in order to remind you of your obligation, then your renewal fee shall be waived. All renewals shall be made upon the official forms sent to members by the national office, with any changes to contact information, church, etc., fully noted upon the form.

Clergy Death Bereavement Funds…

As a way to honor and assist the families (or designated beneficiaries) of our members, The Clergy Death Bereavement Fund was established by the General Board of Elders and ALL Members are required to contribute to that fund when a member who is in good standing shall pass away, and a request for the funds are made by their beneficiary. Currently members are required to contribute a sum of $15.00 per deceased member when a notice or “bulletin” is issued.

Individual Tithes and Offerings…

All members of this organization shall be required to pay tithes. There will be no exceptions, and a good starting place for what percentage of income that should be paid in tithes is 10% of total income, regardless if that income is derived from ministry or secular employment. Housing pay is not exempt. As to whether you pay those tithes base on “before taxes or after” is something you will need to pray about. Our members are expected to “split” their tithe among the National Office and their local church. This is known as “split-tithe” and an example would be as follows: If your total 10% of tithes is $400.00, then $200.00 of that tithe shall be sent to the national office and the other $200.00 should be given to your local church. Anyone who does not agree to this policy may not hold membership with the IECCA. [/toggle]

Request For Credentials Application

We take the issuing of ministerial credentials very seriously and as such, we do not place our applications on-line but require an individual to contact our offices to request an application. You may do that via the Contact Page, phone or postal mail.

For more information as to whether or not you may qualify for Ministerial Credentials with us, please take a look at the F.A.Q. page or contact us directly.