Believers Temple Word Fellowship
Credentialing Policy & Procedures


Introduction

The following policies and procedures are established by Believers Temple Word Fellowship (BTWF) for individuals requesting a Fellowship, Non-Ordained or Ordained License.  This is a living document.  (A living document is one that is not concrete but allows flexibility to make changes as requirements and circumstances of the organization change.)

Purpose of Ministerial Credentials

The purpose of a ministerial credential is (1) to affirm God’s call upon a person’s life; (2) to verify that this person meets the qualifications and standards for ministry of the Believers Temple Word Fellowship (BTWF); (3) to approve this person for ministerial service under the cover of BTWF.

Types of Ministerial Credentials

1. Fellowship
a) Teacher
b) Minister

2. Non-Ordained
a) Teacher
b) Minister

3. Ordained
a) Teacher
b) Minister

Titles

1. A Fellowship Teacher shall be called “Brother” or “Sister”
2. A Fellowship Minister shall be called “Minister”
3. A Non-Ordained Teacher shall be called “Brother” or “Sister”
4. A Non-Ordained Minister shall be called “Elder”
5. An Ordained Teacher shall be called “Brother” or “Sister”
6. An Ordained Minister shall be called “Elder”

How To Apply

1. New candidates who have never held credentials:
a) Please fill in a Ministerial Credential Application for New Applicants form (Yellow Form)
b) Candidates will begin with a Fellowship License status 

2. New candidates with previous credentials from another church:
a) Please fill in a Ministerial Credential Application for New Applicants form (Yellow Form)
b) Please note that although a particular status may have been approved by another organization the same status may or may not be applied. 

3. Previous candidates who have held BTWF or TWF Credentials:
a) Please fill in a Ministerial Credential Application Renewal form (Green Form)

**Forms are available in the Family Life Center front office**

Please note:
Candidates that meet the specified requirements will be interviewed by the Board of Elders to determine credential status.

Term
  • All issued licenses have a one year term.
  • Each candidate must re-apply annually for renewal of license.
  • Licenses are typically renewed annually.
  • If you do not renew your license within 2 years, you will be required to re-apply as a new candidate and fill in a Ministerial Credential Application for New Applicants.  Please note that your previous status or an upgrade in status may or may not be applied.
  • Ordination service for newly ordained ministers is held at the discretion of Bishop Scott.
General License Requirements
  • The candidate must be filled with the Holy Ghost, with the evidence of speaking other tongues as the Spirit gives utterance.  (Acts 2:1-4)
  • The candidate must be baptized in Jesus’ name.  (Acts 2:38)
  • The candidate must complete new member’s class.
  • Each candidate must be a faithful giver (tithes & offerings). Giving is evaluated quarterly.
  • The candidate’s life must be one of purity and sanctification.
    (Hebrews 12:15, 2Pet. 3:14)
  • The candidate’s life must be of a good report.  (Acts 6:3)
  • The candidate must attend ministerial class faithfully.
  • The candidate is required to be faithful and actively involved in local BTWF ministry through participation and volunteer work. 
  • Each candidate must participate in teaching Christian Education classes. Non-participation will affect credential eligibility status. 
  • Each candidate must take the required study courses when offered:
            a) Ministerial Training Courses 
            b) Understanding Teaching (or equivalent education/experience)
            c) Neighbor Can You Bless Me In Spite of Me?
            d) Undercover
            e) Purpose Driven Life
            f) Developing the Leader in Within You
            g) The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership

For more information please contact Evangelist Joyce Wise, Ministerial Staff Liason at (314) 388-0801 ext. 240 or e-mail jwise@believerstemple.org.