Credentialing with the BIC Church
If you are sensing a call of the Lord to ministry, you may have interest in the process of ministerial credentialing with the Brethren in Christ Church. The following describes the steps involved in credentialing along with links for additional information.
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To assess your compatibility with the Brethren in Christ (BIC) read the Articles of Faith and Doctrine.
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If you sense a fit, contact your regional bishop to initiate the credentialing process with the Commission on Ministry and Doctrine (CMD).
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Upon the recommendation of the bishop, the CMD will send you information about credentialing. To pursue credentialing submit the $30.00 fee. The CMD will send you materials needed to prepare a doctrinal questionnaire (DQ).
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Once you complete your DQ, send it to your bishop. If your questionnaire is satisfactory, he will forward it to the CMD for consideration.
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If your DQ is approved, a one-year provisional ministerial license will be issued to you. If you are not yet assigned, the license is held pending assignment.
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About a year after your provisional license is issued, the CMD will contact you to schedule an oral exam.
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Upon successful completion of the oral exam, you will receive a four-year license. Upon completion of the four core courses, a four year license can be renewed.
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At the completion of at least three years of ministry, the four core courses, and either a seminary or bible college degree or the Directed Study Program (DSP), your congregation or bishop may invite you to pursue ordination by completing an "Application for Ordination."
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Once approved by the Leadership Council and the CMD, the Bishop's Office schedules your ordination.
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The credentials for BIC ministers, whether licensed or ordained, are reviewed every four years. In considering renewal, the CMD in consultation with bishops will give attention to five aspects of your life and ministry: (1) a ministry assignment with (or affirmed by) the Brethren in Christ, (2) ongoing theological compatibility, (3) exemplary godly living, (4) faithfulness in commitment to the church (as affirmed in credentialing), and (5) fulfillment of expectations for lifelong BIC learning.
