Full Gospel Fellowship offers two types of Ministerial credentials: Ministerial Ordination and Ministerial Licensure.
Ministerial Ordination
The purpose of ordination is to recognize and assist those among us who are called of God to a leadership position in the preaching of His Word, and in the care of His flock. Our spiritual fathers, the Apostles, established local churches, ordained elders, and other ministers, being careful to keep in communication with each Church established, to exhort and correct. Ordination is conferred after a substantial showing of God’s call to the ministry, as evidenced by quality preparation and substantial experience of service.
Ministerial Licensure
Licensure is an intermediate step toward ordination (an internship) intended for the supervision of the applicants who are working toward completing the requirements of full ordination. Licensure is not a necessary step to ordination, but it is helpful in that supervision is provided which may eventually lead to the required evaluation and recommendation.
Christ’s gifts to the Church include the apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers,
(Ephesians 4:11): exhorters, administrators, leaders, and helpers (Romans 12:7,8).
Ministerial Requirements
The following requirements pertain to all applicants for ministerial recognition.
- Testimony to having experience the new birth according to John 3:5.
- Testimony to having received the baptism of the Holy Spirit according to Acts 2:4.
- Clear evidence of a divine call to the ministry, a blameless Christian life and a good report of
those who are without. - Agreement with Full Gospel Fellowship doctrinal position as contained in the Statement of
Faith. - Loyalty, a cooperative spirit, and a readiness to seek and receive the counsel of older brethren
in positions of authority. - A demonstration of Biblical competence, by presentation of ministerial resume and/or
educational transcript, certificates or diplomas of completed studies of known and respected
schools or colleges. Applicants unable to demonstrate required Biblical competence as described
may be required to pursue prescribed Biblical and Theological Studies offered by Northeast
Institute of Biblical and Theological Studies. - Willingness to submit to scripturally proper supervision and oversight of Full Gospel
Fellowship headquarters board of directors and advisory committee. - Applicants must be 18 years of age or older, engaged in active work as a pastor, evangelist,
missionary, or other recognized ministry, meeting all requirements set forth in ministerial
application.
WOMEN: The Scriptures plainly teach that divinely called and qualified woman may service the
church in ministry of the word (Joel 2:29; Acts 21:9; 1 Cor. 11:5). Applications for ministerial
credentials submitted by women shall be received, reviewed and approved in the same manner
and principle as applications received from men.
Graded Qualifications
Ministerial Ordination
Those of mature experience and qualifications, who are able to
undertake the responsibilities of the Full Gospel Ministry, and whose ministry is acceptable
generally, may apply for Ministerial Ordination. Qualifications for ordination are outlined in the
New Testament Scriptures (I Tim. 3:1-7; Titus 1:7-9).
Lay Ministries License
Individuals in the gospel work who devote a part of their time to Christian service, and whenever possible remain under the supervision of a Pastor, may be recognized as Lay Ministers.
Memberships in Secret Orders
It is well known that the various secret orders require much valuable time and interest, thus
diverting the servant of the Lord out of the way (Eph. 5:16). The nature of such organizations
demands secrecy (John 18:20, Acts 26:26) reinforced by religious oaths (Mt. 5:34) and strong
attachment by binding obligations to persons who are, for the most part, unregenerated (2 Cor.
6:14). The spirit, philosophy, and general influence of such secret orders aim to the improvement
of the natural man only (I Cor. 2:14; Col. 2:8), thus wrongly channeling by incorrect
interpretation important spiritual truths (2 Pet. 3:16).
Solicitation of Funds, Etc.
It is improper and unethical for a minister to solicit funds in the name of Full Gospel Fellowship
(FGF), by letter or otherwise, for any reason with out proper written authorization. FGF desires
to protect the fellowship of methods of operation which are not in harmony with FGF policies.
Leaders of affiliate churches and church ministries shall govern their local projects.
Financial Affairs
A minister’s financial affairs must be open to scrutiny and above reproach.
Application
Application Evaluation
Each applicant is evaluated as an individual, without regard to sex, race, color or ethnic origin.
Prior ministerial training and experience will be evaluated on an individual basis. Applicants
determined in need of ministerial preparation will be guided accordingly.
There are occasions in the application procedure when the applicant will be expected to make his
personal appearance. These include interviews, counseling sessions and any ceremony which
requires the laying on of hands. Although every attempt is made to conduct these procedures at
locations convenient to the applicant, this may not always be possible. In such case, it will be
necessary to make arrangements according to the existing condition. Either the President of Full
Gospel Fellowship will be available, or a representative in the applicant’s area for special
services such as laying on of hands, dedication services, etc. However, the application will be
expected to absorb the relative costs.
Application Fees
A modest application fee is charged to cover the cost of administering the program. Because fees
change from time to time, the fee in effect at the time of application will be included with each
application form requested.
In view of the foregoing, all ministers affiliated with Full Gospel Fellowship should refrain from
being identified with any secret order.
Credential Renewal
Ministerial credentials must be renewed annually. Renewal is conditioned upon the ministers
continued ministry. Each application for renewal must be accompanied by a report of the
ministers activities of the prior year, and his general plans for the year to come. A minister may
apply to remain in good standing during periods of inactivity or retirement, and each such
request shall be evaluated on its own merit. An annual credential renewal application fee is
charged to cover the cost of administration.
Support of Full Gospel Assemblies International
Affiliate ministerial tithes and offerings are essential to this association’s ability to continue to
serve. Each ministerial affiliate is requested to contribute a monthly tither and offering to
headquarters.