Ministry Licensure Process Florida

Process for Ministerial
Licensure & Certification

Florida Ministries
Church of God of Prophecy

6001 Monarch Blvd.
Leesburg, Florida 34748

352.323.1321

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Encounter & Encourage, Equip & Empower

Equipping pastors to equip leaders for life

GUIDELINES FOR LICENSURE

THE NORTH AMERICAN COUNCIL DRAFTED THIS DOCUMENT UNDER THE
DIRECTION OF THE NORTH AMERICAN, PRESBYTER

Christian ministry is a high and holy calling that should not be entered into lightly. A deep
reverence and sincerity toward God, who has called the candidate, should always be the first
priority of an individual as he/she prepares to enter the ministry. Furthermore, the candidate
must meet some fundamental requirements and qualifications before he/she is licensed or
ordained.

With this in mind, the following guidelines will serve to help the presbyters responsible for
licensing and disciplining ministers. This guidance is specifically given relative to present
International Assembly rulings which pertain to membership criteria and ministry licensure and
their current interpretations.

It should also be noted that each case will be dealt with on an individual basis.

1. Ministerial candidates would have completed an apprentice (lay ministry)
program as outlined in the current Ministry Policy Manual.

2. Ministerial candidates will be asked to submit to a criminal background check,
complete the proper ministerial application, obtain the endorsement of their local
church and be approved by their respective State/National/Regional Overseer and
Ministerial Review Board.

3. Ministerial candidates will complete all required courses for ministerial licensure
or provide evidence of biblical and ministerial training necessary for
consideration of waiver. All candidates, even those considered for a waiver, must
complete the Concise History, Polity, Doctrine, and Future and the current
Ministry Policy Manual courses, as well as any other requirements specific to the
Church of God of Prophecy.

4. Ministerial candidates seeking license from the Church of God of Prophecy that
are already licensed with another organization will be asked to provide a letter of
recommendation from their previous organization.

5. Ministerial candidates will demonstrate a commitment to an ongoing educational
process (continuing education or life-long learning processes).

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DIVORCE & REMARRIAGE

As pertaining to ministerial candidates and licensed ministers.

A minister should be an example in all things including his/her marriage and family. They
should exemplify the highest principles of biblical marriage and make all necessary efforts to
have, maintain, and model a Godly marriage. A sound, biblical marriage enables the minister to
effectively perform the pre-marital and marital counseling services that are incumbent upon the
pastoral office.

It is to be understood that the Church renounces biblically unlawful unions, such as same-sex,
incestuous, or polygamous marriages even if they are legal in the eyes of local, state, or national
governments.

When a minister's marriage breaks down, reconciliation, healing and restoration should always
be sought as a priority. When the minister is the victim of their spouse's immoral action, and is
neither the initiator of or a participant in, nor an active contributor to those actions, a legitimate
divorce that allows for remarriage may be recognized by the Presbytery.

Unbiblical marriages clearly contracted by force or under duress, by blatant deception or fraud
on one of the other party, or where two blood relatives (brother/sister/parent/child) were unaware
of their relationship, may be ended by divorce after consultation with the pastor and presbytery,
in such cases remarriage may be permissible, if advisable in the circumstances.

ORDAINED MINISTER

1. A divorced and remarried Christian will be eligible for consideration as a minister
when one of the following applies:
a. The ministerial candidate's former spouse has died (1 Corinthians 7:39).
b. The ministerial candidate's former spouse has remarried.
c. The ministerial candidate was divorced and remarried prior to a Christian
conversion (1 Corinthians 7:17, 24).
d. The ministerial candidate's spouse is guilty of sexual immorality and is unwilling to
repent and live faithfully with the candidate (Matthew 5:31-32; 19:8-9).
e. The ministerial candidate's spouse is guilty of abusive behaviour, inclusive of
either physical, emotional, or verbal directed at the ministerial candidate and/or
children living at home (1 Corinthians 7:15-16).
f. The ministerial candidate's spouse has abandoned his/her spouse and/or family ( 1
Cor 7:1-6; 1 Cor 7:12-15.)

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2. A licensed minister in the Church of God of Prophecy, who divorces his spouse and
remarries under any other circumstances than those specified above, will be required to
surrender his/her license.

3. A person desiring licensure in the Church of God of Prophecy who has been divorced
and remarried shall follow the special procedures listed below in addition to the normal
licensing process.

a. The candidate will complete the "Ministerial Application Divorce
Questionnaire"

b. The candidate shall appear before the State/National/Regional Ministerial
Review Board after being faithful to the biblical passages of 1 Timothy
3:1-3 and Titus 1:6-9 for a period of two (2) years following his/her
divorce to determine any factor that would hinder his/her influence or
reflect on his/her character.

Again, it is to be understood that each case should be dealt with on an individual basis in order
to determine the eligibility of the candidate.

ORDAINED BISHOP

1. A Bishop should be married only once, thereby exemplifying the highest
principles of biblical marriage. (It is understood that if a Bishop's first wife dies,
he would be free to remarry and still retain his Bishop's license, provided he
follows scriptural mandates for Bishops. Likewise, the same criteria that is set for
a Bishop would apply to the woman he marries.)

2. A Bishop whose wife abandoned him or whose wife's adulterous actions caused
a divorce may retain his license provided he does not remarry.

3. A male minister who feels called to celibacy for the sake of the kingdom may be
ordained as a Bishop

These criteria for a Bishop are in addition to the criteria already set forth in the
Ministry Policy Manual.

It is recommended that the Presbytery use discretion in ordaining an individual as a Bishop to
ensure that biblical standards are maintained. However, in being consistent with the entirety of
the Biblical Institution of Marriage document, the Presbytery will review and decide whether
biblical criteria have been met.

The final decision for ordaining Bishops will be made by the Presbytery.

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FLORIDA PROCESS OF LICENSURE

Ministerial Review Team

Preamble

The local church Christian ministry is given by Christ as referenced by Paul to the Ephesians,
"and he gave apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor/teacher to equip his people for works of
service, so that the body of Christ may be built up" (Eph 4:12), through the preaching of the
Word of God and the relational impact of personal discipleship.

Not all those called require a license to carry out their vocation as referred to in Ephesians 4.
Some may be certified by the local church and serve in accountability to the pastor and
community of faith. However, for those whose ministry function require a license, due care
should be taken to ensure that those persons are mentored for ministerial formation and service.
The goal is that each candidate meets the biblical and "General Ministerial Competences" of the
Church of God of Prophecy set forth in the Ministry Policy Manual.

ORDAINED MINISTRY
The licensed/ordained minister receives the endorsement of the International Church (General
Overseer) through their respective Presbyter (North American Presbyter) and State Bishop o
minister the Word throughout its network of churches, not just at the local church. The State of
Florida has the unique role of ensuring that each candidate for licensure meets these standards
and has completed all the requisite training. The office of State Bishop, along with the Ministerial
Review/Leadership Development Team, will strive to ensure that licensed persons meet the
professional and ethical standards the society at large expects of the clergy since they, in effect,
represent the Church.

From a licensure standpoint, the candidate discerns the call. At the same time, the Pastor and
local church affirm and advance those called to the ministry of the Word to be prepared for that
"office" as Ordained (international, national, or local) Ministers. Persons called to undertake acts
of service in and through the local church are set apart to be certified as Deacons or Lay Ministers
(Acts 6: 1-7). Both must go through a minimum of one-year apprenticeship, respectively. During
this period, the candidates must complete the Foundations Courses and the Ministry Policy
Manual, and other course/reading prescribed by the Office of the State Overseer and Ministerial
Review/Leadership Development Team. The endorsing/mentoring pastor is expected during this
period of discernment, mentorship, and training, to provide frank feedback to the candidate.
Where remedial steps are necessary, care should be taken to work through these with the
candidate before advancing them to the final certification and or ordination stages.

DIACONATE
Deacons are appointed and ordained to carry out those functions that would free the pastor to
minister the Word effectively. One's call is always based on their gifting, which is readily
observed, acknowledged, and empowered by the community of faith to which they belong (ref.

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Eph 4:7-8 & 1 Cor 12: 28-30). Deacons are licensed/ordained for ministry at their local church.
The endorsement of the pastor and the local church is required in collaboration with the State
Bishop.

ALTERNATE CERTIFICATION IN FLORIDA
If it is determined by the Ministerial Review Board a candidate's ministry scope is within the
local church ministry alone, the candidate can receive a Florida Lay Minister's Certificate.
However, should one discern through the one year, their calling is to the local church only (which
requires accountability to the local church, not the International or State Office), a non-renewable
certificate may be granted by the Florida State Office and Ministerial Review/Leadership
Development Team. While this certificate would not require annual renewal, it could be revoked
at the recommendation of the pastor and local church at any time. When this revocation occurs,
it would be necessary to notify the State Office of such action.

LICENSING PROCEDURE
The following steps are required for affirmation, endorsement, certification, and ordination of a
candidate for ministry in Florida.

1) The local church endorses the candidate as a lay minister in a business conference,
completes and returns to the State Office the Church Business Conference Endorsement
Form for a Lay Minister along with the Lay Minister's Application (which the applicant
completes), Authorization to Release Information, and a Consent for a Background Check
that will be given to the candidate by the pastor.

2) The State Office, upon receipt of the Church Business Conference Endorsement Form for
a Lay Minister, Lay Minister's Application, Authorization to Release Information, and
Consent for a Background Check, begins communication in the following ways:

a. The State Office will conduct the appropriate background check.
b. The State Office sends the Lay Minister's Certificate to the candidate's pastor for

their signature, requesting that they present the certificate to the candidate in a
worship service. The public presentation ensures that all in attendance are aware
that equipping has begun.
c. The State Office sends a letter to the new lay minister regarding accountability to
the local church and State Office. This communication also informs the candidate
their Lay Minister's Certificate has been forwarded to the pastor for presentation.
Included with that letter are directives to secure the Foundations Course textbooks
and quarterly report forms.

3) When a Lay Minister completes each or all book(s) of the Foundations Course, they will
send their test(s) to the State Office for grading. The candidate will be notified of their
test(s) scores. The pastor will also receive notification of completion of each test. (If a
group study for personal enrichment occurs, all tests must be completed by each student,
and the grades must be sent to the State Office to be placed in the file of the local church
should the student desire licensure in the future.)

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4) Lay Minister to a Licensed Minister

After the Foundations Course, should the pastor and church recognize and the Lay
Minister desire to become a licensed/ordained minister, they must receive a personal
endorsement from the pastor and church endorsement from the Church Business
Conference? (The State Bishop may suggest to the pastor and local church endorsement
of a Lay Minister for licensed ministry.) After prayerful consideration in affirming the
call of God upon an individual, the local conference completes the Church Business
Conference Endorsement Form for a Minister's License. The completed form is returned
to the State Office along with the personal Pastor's Endorsement Form.

5) Upon receipt of these two forms, the State Office will send an Application for Ministerial
License to the candidate and request a passport photo. This action includes a request for
$50.00 (Processing/Licensing fee). The Church Business Conference Endorsement Form
for a Minister's License, Pastor's Endorsement Form, and the processing fee will be
returned to the State Office.

6) A Pre-Interview Questionnaire will be sent to the candidate in preparation for the
interview process. Upon receiving the Pre-Interview Questionnaire and any additional
documents requested (Divorce Questionnaire, if applicable), a meeting will be facilitated
with the candidate and ministerial review board to discern the candidate's calling
prayerfully. Both the candidate and their spouse will be expected to attend the interview
process

7) After the interview is conducted, the State Bishop will communicate with the following:

a. Candidate (Regarding their interview.)
b. National Presbyter (Notification of request for licensure.)
c. Candidate's Pastor
d. Candidate's District Bishop
e. Candidate's Regional Bishop

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• In consultation with the pastor and District and Regional Bishop, the State
Overseer will establish an ordination service where the presentation of the license
will be made.

• All forms associated with the process can be obtained from the Florida Ministries
Office of the Church of God of Prophecy.

• Foundations Course textbooks include the following:
1) Spiritual Formation
2) History of Christianity
3) The Bible
4) COGOP Concise History, Polity, Doctrine & Future
5) Ministry Policy Manual

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• Should a Lay Minister desire to be certified for the local church alone, placing
their ministry under the accountability of the local church pastor, they could apply
for a non-renewable Lay Minister's Certificate. While this certificate would not
have to be renewed annually, it could be revoked at the request of the pastor and
the local church. It would be necessary for the pastor to notify the State Bishop in
writing of such action. All the requirements for certification without renewal
would be the same as a Licensed Minister except accountability, which would be
to the local church rather than the State Office.

• The Lay Minister who desires to move into ordination must also participate and
complete additional equipping sessions as offered by the State Office in the
Regional Relational Center of their choice.

• Once a minister is licensed, they will be expected to continue in equipping
sessions provided by the State Office.

ELECTIVES FOR CONSIDERATION

Every pastor must select one book per year to maintain their ministry credential in good
standing. They must also be a participant in the Regional Relational Center closest to them.

Select a book that best fits your need.

1) The Equipping Church, Sue Mallory
2) They Smell Like Sheep, Lynn Anderson
3) Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership, Ruth Haley Barton
4) The Great Commandment Principle, David Ferguson
5) Doing Church as a Team, Wayne Cordeiro
6) Sticky Faith, Larry Osborne
7) Sticky Teams, Larry Osborne
8) A Spirit-Empowered Church, Alton Garrison
9) The Call, Os Guinness
10) Lead Like Jesus, Ken Blanchard
11) The Tale of Three Kings, Gene Edwards
12) Ordering Your Private World, Gordon MacDonald
13) Leading With a Limp, Dan B. Allender

Additional options can be accepted upon approval by the Ministerial Review/Leadership
Development Team. For example, if the candidate is enrolled in an accreddited academic
insitution, additional book studies would not be necessary during academic studies.

Read and write a book review that would include the answers to the following questions:

1) What did you learn from your reading?
2) What were you reminded of from your reading?
3) What will you do differently because of your reading?

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APPENDICES TO FOLLOW

1) Consent for a Background Check (Pages 10-11)
2) Church Endorsement for Lay Minister (Page 12)
3) Lay Minister Application (Page 13)
4) Quarterly Lay Minister Report (Page 14)
5) Pastor's Endorsement – Lay Minister to Licensed Minister (Page 15)
6) Church Endorsement for a Minister's License (Page 16)
7) Church Endorsement for a Deacon License (Page 17)
8) Deacon Application (Page 18)
9) Church Endorsement for a Deaconess License (Page 19)
10) Deaconess Application (Page 20)
11) Teacher's Certification – Information & Certification (Pages 21-22)
12) Application for Teacher's Certification (Page 23)
13) Ministerial License Divorce Questionnaire (Pages 24-27)
14) Florida Reporting Procedures (Page 28)

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CONSENT FOR BACKGROUND CHECK

Please send this to:
Church of God of Prophecy, State Office

6001 Monarch Blvd.
Leesburg, FL 34748

Last Name First Name Middle Name or Initial

Maiden or other name(s) used in any and all other records of birth or records of residence.

Address Apartment or #

City County State Zip
Date of Birth Gender Race
--
Social Security Number

Driver's License Number State of Issue

I, , am an applicant for employment with the CHURCH. As a part

of the application process I have been advised that the district conducts a criminal history check that may include a credit

report and or motor vehicle report. I do hereby consent to the use of any and all information provided to the district in

the application process to be used in the criminal history/background check.

The following are my responses to questions about my criminal history (if any).

1. YES NO Have you ever been convicted or plead guilty before a court for any federal, state or municipal

criminal offense? (exclude minor traffic misdemeanors).

If yes, please provide details below.

State: County: Date of Offense: / /
Details of conviction:

2. YES NO Have you ever received deferred adjudication or similar disposition for any federal, state, or

municipal offense?

If yes, please provide details below.

State: County: Date of Offense:

Details of offense:

3. YES NO Have you ever received probation or community supervision for any federal, state, or municipal

offense? If yes, please provide details below.

State: County: Date of Offense:
Details of supervision:

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4. YES NO Have you ever been convicted of any criminal offense in a country outside the jurisdiction

of the United States? If yes, please provide details below.

Country: City: Date of Offense:
Details of conviction:

5. YES NO As of the date of this consent form, do you have any pending charges against you?
If yes, please provide details below.

State: County: Date of Arrest
Details of pending charges:

THIS SECTION IS TO BE USED TO LIST ALL COUNTIES AND STATES OF RESIDENCE SINCE HIGH
SCHOOL GRADUATION OR AGE 18.

CITY/TOWN COUNTY STATE YEARS LIVED

.

Signed this day of , 20

APPLICANT (PRINT NAME)

APPLICANT’S SIGNATURE _________________________________________________________________

I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT ALL INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THIS CONSENT FORM IS TRUE, CORRECT AND COMPLETE. IF ANY INFORMATION
PROVES TO BE INCORRECT OR INCOMPLETE. I UNDERSTAND THAT GROUNDS FOR CANCELING OF ANY AND ALL OFFERS OF EMPLOYMENT
WILL EXIST AND MAY BE USED AT THE DISCRETION OF THE CHURCH

(Please include $30.00 to cover cost incurred to perform background check.)

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Church Endorsement for a Lay Minister

CHURCH BUSINESS CONFERENCE

Please send this to:
Church of God of Prophecy, State Office

6001 Monarch Blvd.
Leesburg, FL 34748

Candidate’s Name: __________________________________________
Church Name: ______________________________________________
Pastor’s Name: ______________________________________________
Date of Business Conference: __________________________________

The pastor and the local church listed above have prayerfully considered and do hereby
recognize the call of God upon the life of_____________________________________. Having
come to this understanding, in full agreement, the local church at ________________________
does hereby recommend _______________________________________ for Lay Ministry. We
fully recognize a partnership with the State Office to equip ______________________________

for the ministry that God has called him/her to fulfill.

Signed: _________________________________________________
Pastor
_________________________________________________
Candidate for Lay Ministry

__________________________________________________
Church Clerk

Please copy this document for the church files and send the original to the State Office.)

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LAY MINISTER APPLICATION

Please send this to:
Church of God of Prophecy, State Office

6001 Monarch Blvd.
Leesburg, FL 34748
Name: ____________________________ Address: ___________________________________
City: ______________________ Zip ________________ Phone: ________________________
Male Female Date of Birth______________________ Email: ____________________
Married Single Divorced If you are divorced have you remarried? _______________
Date of conversion _________ Sanctified _________ Holy Ghost _________ Have you been
baptized in water? ________ If so, when and by whom ______________________________
How long have you been a member of the Church of God of Prophecy? ___________________
Do you sense a definite call into the vocational ministry? __________________ If so what area?
_______________________________ If no, why do you desire your Lay Minister’s certificate?
_____________________________________________________________________________
Are you willing to be equipped for ministry through study courses and the ministry enrichment
sessions provided by the pastor and State Office? _____Will you make yourself available to the
pastor and congregation to serve in areas of your gifting which would allow the pastor time for
prayer and fasting? _____ What capacity of church service do you believe you are best equipped
to serve in? ____________________________________________________________________
Do you have organizational skills? ________Do you have administrative skills? _____________
Do you understand financial matters? ________ Do you have maintenance skills? ____________
Will your companion serve alongside you in ministry? _____ Are you daily in prayer? _____ Do
you lead your family in personal family worship? _____ Are you being enriched daily by the Word
of God? _______ Are you a good steward in tithing and giving? ______

Please write in the space provided why you would like to be a Lay Minister.
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

(A copy of this application should be kept in the local church files and the
original sent to the State Office.)

Your certificate must be renewed annually. During this period, you must be working on completing the Foundations
Courses. These textbooks will be sent to you upon receipt of this application and the Local Church Endorsement.
After fulfilling the Foundations Course, if you desire to become a licensed minister, and your pastor feels you are
equipped for ministry, the local church conference would endorse you for ministry by completing the Endorsement
Form for Licensed Minister.

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QUARTERLY LAY MINISTER'S REPORT

Name__________________________________ Date ______________________________

Address___________________________________________________________________

City____________________________________ State __________ Zip _______________

Name of Church ____________________________________________________________
Quarter Ending: March June September December
Number of Sermons _____ Converted_____ Sanctified ______ Rec’vd Holy Ghost_______
Are you a good example to the church? _______ In cooperation with the pastor, do you take
an active role in the ministries and business of the church? ______ What ministries have you
been active in? ______________________________________________________________
Are you daily in prayer? ___ Are you leading your family in personal family worship? _____
Are you being enriched daily from the Word of God? ____ Are you a good steward in tithing
and giving? ______ Does your pastor meet with you regularly? _____ Are you a volunteer for
physical maintenance of the local church property? ______ What positions do you hold in the
church? ____________________________________________________________________
List any other ministry activities you are currently involved with.
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

(Retain a copy for quarterly church conferences, and send a copy to:
Church of God of Prophecy, State Office, 6001 Monarch Blvd., Leesburg, Florida, 34715)

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Pastor's Endorsement

LAY MINISTER TO LICENSED MINISTER

PLEASE SEND THIS TO:

Church of God of Prophecy, State Office
Ministerial Review/Leadership Development Team

6001 Monarch Blvd.
Leesburg, FL 34748

Scott Gillum, Overseer of Florida

Candidate’s Name: ________________________ Church Name: ________________________

Pastor’s Name: ___________________________ Date of Endorsement: __________________

Do you sense evidence in this candidate’s life that he/she has been called into vocational ministry?
_____________________________________________________________________
Is this candidate consistently faithful in tithing and giving? _____________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
Is the candidate consistently faithful in attendance and ministry opportunities? _____________
____________________________________________________________________________
Is this candidate willing to participate in learning and educational opportunities? ___________
____________________________________________________________________________
Does the candidate display a spirit that is cooperative with others and willing to submit to Biblical
leadership? ___________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Is the candidate respected as a leader in the congregation? ______________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
What is the candidate’s reputation in the community? __________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

Please feel free to write additional thoughts regarding your evaluation of the candidate:
_____________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

Signature of Pastor________________________________________ Date _________________
(A copy of this should be kept in the local church files and the original
sent to the State Office.)

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Church Business Conference

CHURCH ENDORSEMENT FOR A MINISTER'S LICENSE

Please send this to:
Church of God of Prophecy, State Office

Scott Gillum, Overseer of Florida
6001 Monarch Blvd.
Leesburg, FL 34748

Candidate’s Name: __________________________________________

Church Name: ______________________________________________

Pastor’s Name: _____________________________________________

Date of Business Conference: _________________________________

This is to certify that the local church at
_________________________

has prayerfully considered the ability, qualifications, and calling
_______________________________
Name of Candidate

___________________________________________________________________________
Address of Candidate

After our prayerful consideration, we do hereby recommend them to fill the office of

_________________________________________
Minister or Bishop

This action was taken in business conference on the _____ day of ____________________

Signed:
Pastor ____________________________________________________

Clerk ___________________________________________________
__
(Please retain a copy for the church files and send the original to the State Office.)

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Church Business Conference

CHURCH ENDORSEMENT FORM FOR A DEACON

Please send this to:
Church of God of Prophecy, State Office

6001 Monarch Blvd.
Leesburg, FL 34748
Candidate’s Name: __________________________________________

Church Name: ______________________________________________
Pastor’s Name: _____________________________________________

Date of Business Conference:

The pastor and the local church listed above have prayerfully considered and do hereby
recognize the call of God upon the life of_______________________________.
Having come to this understanding, in full agreement, the local church at
___________________ hereby recommends ___________________ for deacon.
We fully acknowledge a partnership with the State Office to equip
____________________ for the ministry, God has called him to fulfill.

Signed: ________________________________________________
Pastor

_________________________________________________
Candidate for Deacon

_________________________________________________
Church Clerk

(Please retain a copy for the church files and send the original to the State Office.)

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DEACON APPLICATION

Please send this to:
Church of God of Prophecy, State Office

6001 Monarch Blvd.
Leesburg, FL 34748

Name_______________________________________________ Email ____________________

Address_ _______________________________ City ______________________ State _______

Date of Birth ______________ Phone ____________________ Married Single Divorced

When were you converted? _________ Sanctified _________ Filled with the Holy Ghost _____

Have you been baptized in water? ____ If so, when and by whom? ________________________

How long have you been a member of the church? ________ Do you sense a definite call into a
ministry of service to the local church? _________________ If so, what area? _______________
______________________________________________________________________________

Will you make yourself available to the pastor and congregation to serve in areas of your gifting
which would allow the pastor time for prayer and fasting? _______________________________

What capacity of church service do you believe you are best equipped to serve? _____________
______________________________________________________________________________

Do you have organizational skills? __________ Do you have administrative skills____________
Do you understand financial matters? ________ Do you have maintenance skills? ___________
Will your wife serve alongside of you in ministry? ________ Are you daily in prayer? ________
Are you leading your family in personal family worship? ____________ Are you being enriched
daily from the Word of God? ________ Are you a good steward in tithing and giving? ________
Are you willing to be equipped for ministry through study courses and ministry sessions provid-
ed by the pastor and State Office? __________________________________________________

Please write why you would like to be a deacon.
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

(Retain a copy of this application for the local church files and send the

original to the State Office)

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Church Business Conference

CHURCH ENDORSEMENT FOR A DEACONESS

Please send this to:
Church of God of Prophecy, State Office

6001 Monarch Blvd.
Leesburg, FL 34748

Candidate’s Name: __________________________________________

Church Name: ______________________________________________
Pastor’s Name: _____________________________________________

Date of Business Conference: __________________________________

The pastor and the local church listed above have prayerfully considered and do hereby
recognize the call of God upon the life of_______________________________.
Having come to this understanding, in full agreement, the local church at

___________________ hereby recommends ____________________ for deaconess.
We fully acknowledge a partnership with the State Office to equip

____________________ for the ministry, God has called her to fulfill.

Signed: ________________________________________________
Pastor

_________________________________________________
Candidate for Deaconess

_________________________________________________
Church Clerk

(Retain a copy of this application for the local church files and send the
original to the State Office)

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DEACONESS APPLICATION

Please send this to:
Church of God of Prophecy, State Office

6001 Monarch Blvd.
Leesburg, FL 34748

Name_____________________________________________ Email ______________________

Address _______________________________City ______________________ State _________

Date of Birth ______________ Phone____________________ Married Single Divorced

When were you converted? _________ Sanctified _________ Filled with the Holy Ghost ______

Have you been baptized in water? ____ If so, when and by whom? ________________________

How long have you been a member of the church? ________ Do you sense a definite call into a
ministry of service to the local church? _________________ If so, what area? _______________
______________________________________________________________________________

Will you make yourself available to the pastor and congregation to serve in areas of your gifting
which would allow the pastor time for prayer and fasting? _______________________________

What capacity of church service do you believe you are best equipped to serve? _____________
______________________________________________________________________________

Do you have organizational skills? __________ Do you have administrative skills? __________
Do you understand financial matters? ________ Do you have maintenance skills? ___________
Will your spouse serve alongside of you in ministry? ______ Are you daily in prayer? ________
Are you leading your family in personal family worship? ____________ Are you being enriched
daily from the Word of God? ________ Are you a good steward in tithing and giving? ________
Are you willing to be equipped for ministry through study courses and ministry sessions provid-
ed by the pastor and State Office? __________________________________________________

Please write why you would like to be a deaconess.
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

(Retain a copy of this application for the local church files and send the
original to the State Office)

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TEACHER’S CERTIFICATION
INFORMATION & REQUIREMENTS

SUMMARY

To receive the Certified Teacher's Certificate, the teacher should exhibit a call to teach the local
church that recognizes that.

1) Read and Study
a. The Seven Laws of the Learner.

2) Complete the Foundations Courses along with the examinations
a. Introduction to the Bible
b. Spiritual Formation
c. History of Christianity
d. Church of God of Prophecy — Concise History, Polity, Doctrine, and Future
e. Ministry Policy Manual

3) Choose one of the Electives.

When the teacher has completed all the requirements, the State Office may request the Certified
Teacher's Certificate from the Center for Biblical Leadership Department by submitting the
candidate's application for certification. After the LDD Department has received the completed
Foundations Course examination results from the state / regional /national overseer, the
Certificate will be issued. It will be sent to the local church so the local ministry may recognize
the certified teacher appropriately.

TEACHING PRINCIPLES

The core of the teacher certification process is equipping our Sunday School/ Christian
Education teachers to be ministers of excellence in this calling to which God has led them.
With that in mind, we believe that God has provided an excellent resource for teachers.

The 7 Laws of the Learner, written by Bruce Wilkerson, forms the core instructional tool for
teaching principles in the certification process. It is an inspirational and practical guide to the
teaching ministry written with great insight. For certification, each teacher should study this
book thoroughly for maximum benefit. It will become a volume that teachers will return to often
for refreshing and refocusing.

The 7 Laws of the Learner and all other resources may be ordered from White Wing Publishing
House / Resource Center (1-800-221-5027 or 423-559-5425).

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ELECTIVES

The Evangelical Training Association (ETA) has resources available to
enhance a teacher's ministry and spiritual development. First, decide
which category best suits your needs; then, choose one book you would
like to study as your elective. The list of resources includes:

Leadership Skills
• Perspectives from Church History
• Understanding People Christian Ethics
• Biblical Leadership

Outreach Skills
• Beyond Reasonable Doubt
• World Missions Today
• Your Ministry of Evangelism

Ministry Skills
• The Church at Study: Sunday School Ministry
• Teaching Techniques: Revitalizing Methodology for the 21st Century
• Understanding Teaching: Effective Biblical Teaching for the 21st Century
• Understanding Music & Worship in the Local Church
• Growing Toward Spiritual Maturity

Bible & Theology
• Biblical Faith
• New Testament Survey
• Old Testament Survey Part I: Genesis―Esther
• Old Testament Survey Part II: Job―Malachi
• The Triune God
• You & Your Bible

Other Electives

• The Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster
• Additional options can be accepted upon approval by the Center for Biblical Leadership.

Administration of Certification

• The restructured teacher certification process includes a refocusing of the authority for
administration. The local church is responsible for the direct oversight of its ministries.
Therefore, in the local church, teachers should be recognized and validated, with the
approval and prayers of the congregation and certification from the State Office. When
the certificate candidate completes the requirements and submits the application to the
State Office, the application will be sent to LDD. A Certified Teacher's Certificate will be
issued to the State Office for the candidate.

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APPLICATION FOR CERTIFICATION
TEACHER

Name_____________________________________________ Email ______________________

Address _______________________________City ______________________ State _________

Date of Birth ______________ Phone____________________ Married Single Divorced

When were you converted? _________ Sanctified _________ Filled with the Holy Ghost ______

Have you been baptized in water? ____ If so, when and by whom? ________________________

How long have you been a member of the church? ________ Do you sense a definite call into a
ministry of service to the local church? _________________ If so, what area? _______________
______________________________________________________________________________

Check the appropriate boxes:

I have completed the Seven Laws of the Learner
I have completed the Foundations Courses
I have completed the elective
__________________________________________________________________

Are you daily in prayer? ________ Are you engaged with your family in personal family

worship? ____________ Are you being enriched daily from the Word of God? ________

Are you a good steward in tithing and giving? ________

Please write why you would like to be a Certified Teacher
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

(Retain a copy of this application for the local church files and send the
original to the State Office)

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MINISTERIAL LICENSE DIVORCE
QUESTIONNAIRE

TO GIVE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, PLEASE USE A SEPARATE SHEET OF PAPER

1. Applicant’s full name ________________________________________________________________________

2. Date of conversion_________________________ 3. Date of Water Baptism____________________________
4. Date of marriages (Previous/Present) ____________________________________________________________

5. Have you been divorced more than once? Yes ______ No ______ If so, how many times? ________________
6. Date(s) of divorces(s) _________________________________________________________________________

7. Number of children: ____________

Names: Birthdates:

______________________ ______________________________________
______________________ ______________________________________
______________________ ______________________________________
______________________ ______________________________________

8. Present full name of former spouse(s) if known:

______________________ ______________________________________
______________________ ______________________________________

9. Circumstances of each divorce: _________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________

10. Who filed for divorce? _______________________________________________________________________

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11. Number of and dates of counseling sessions you received before and after divorce:
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________

With whom? _______________________________________________________________________________

12. If current counseling is advisable, would you be amenable to it? Yes No

13. Did you or are you currently pursuing reconciliation? Yes No

If yes, how? _______________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

14. Please describe your process of repentance, including confession. ____________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________

15. How have you dealt with bitterness and unforgiveness? ____________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________

16. Please describe your process of healing, including forgiveness, that has restored you to where
you believe God has called you to a place of leadership. ____________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________

17. In anticipation of potential opportunities to minister to congregants facing a comparable situation in
their marriage, what do you believe the Bible teaches about divorce and what do you feel are
Biblical grounds for divorce and remarriage? _____________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________

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18. What did your experience teach you about…
a. Communication: ______________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________

b. Conflict Resolution: ____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________

c. Trust: _______________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________

d. Repentance: _________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________

e. Healthy Relationships: __________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________

f. Forgiveness: __________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________

g. Accountability: ________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________

h. God’s Grace and Love: __________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________

19. Do you have children from your previous marriage(s)? Yes No
20. If yes, describe your relationship with the children and how you have fulfilled your responsibilities to

them. _____________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________

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21. If you're remarried or seeking to be remarried, is your spouse/fiancé supportive of your ministry?
Please describe: _____________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________

22. Has your spouse/fiancé been previously divorced? □ Yes □ No If so, give circumstances including
who filed for divorce: ________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________

Signature of Applicant________________________________________ Date Signed __________________

Signature of Spouse/Fiancé ____________________________________ Date Signed __________________

Signature of State/Regional Overseer ____________________________ Date Signed __________________

Name of State/Region _________________________________________________________

• Please attach a copy of the Court's decree dissolving the marriage and any orders regarding custody of
minor children and child support.

• Applicant is to request a letter be sent to the State/Regional Overseer and Ministerial Review Board from a
ministerial colleague verifying the nature and circumstances of their divorce.

• Please send this questionnaire and any supporting documentation to State/Regional Overseer.

(Retain a copy and send the original to the State Office)

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FLORIDA MINISTER'S
REPORTING PROCEDURES

BISHOP

Report monthly to the State Office.
Tithe from all ministerial income should be included
No report is sent to the International Office (Cleveland, TN)

MINISTER

Report monthly to the State Office.
Tithe from all ministerial income should be included.
Bi-vocational pastors pay occupational tithe to their respective local church.
No report is sent to the International Office.

LAY MINISTER/FLORIDA LAY MINISTER

Report monthly to their respective pastor.
Tithe all income to the local church.
Report quarterly to the Local Church Business Conference or as directed by the pastor.
Report quarterly to the State Office.

NOTE: Reporting requirements of a Pastor apply to a Lay Minister who serves as pastor.
Lay Minister Certificates need to be renewed annually (according to the date cited on the
certificate.)

DEACON/DEACONESS

Report monthly to the pastor or as directed by the pastor.
Tithe all income to the local church.
Report quarterly to the Local Church Business Conference or as directed by the pastor.

RETIRED BISHOP/MINISTER

Report monthly to the State Office if ministerial income is being received.
Tithe on ministerial income should be included with their report.
Report annually to the State Office when there is no ministerial activity or income.
No report is sent to the International Office.

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