Part I: CREDENTIALS

Ministerial credentials offered:

      A.   Local License: Those persons who have been approved as having met the qualifications in Part III, paragraph A. This license is jointly issued through applicant's local church.

      B.   General License: Those persons, who have been approved as having met the qualifications in Part III, paragraph B.

      C.   Ordination: Those persons who have been approved as having met the qualifications in Part III, paragraph C and who have been licensed with Bethel Ministerial Association for at least one year. The Credentials Committee can approve Ordination without the one-year period for applicants with previous ministerial experience.

Licensing and Ordination are granted through Bethel Ministerial Association. In order for credentials to be transferred from another organization, they must be approved by the Bethel Ministerial Association Credentials Committee.

Part II: MEMBERSHIP

Membership in Bethel Ministerial Association is available for those ministers who wish to obtain a Local License, General License or Ordination Credentials through the Credentials Committee. The annual Membership fee is $100.00. For those over 65 the fee is $50.00 annually.

Part III: QUALIFICATIONS

All candidates applying for Local License, General License or Ordination with Bethel Ministerial Association must give evidence of:
     *Born-again experience (John 3:3).
     *Water Baptism (Acts 2:38).
     *A Spirit-filled life (Ephesians 5:18, Acts 2:4).
     *A Divine call to the ministry (Titus 1:7).

In addition, all candidates for licensing or ordination must:

A. For a Local License:
     1) Evidence spiritual and theological maturity.
     2) Be actively involved in the ministry of helps.
     3) Have practical experience in ministering to others.
     4) Be in agreement with the "Ordinances" and "Articles of Faith" of this association.
     5) Cooperate with all Sections 3, 4, and 13.

B. For General Licensing:
     1) Evidence spiritual and theological maturity.
     2) Purpose to devote time to the work of the ministry.
     3) Have adequate practical experience in preparing or preaching the Word of God.
     4) Be in agreement with the "Ordinances" and "Articles of Faith" of this association.
     5) Cooperate with all Sections 3, 4, and 13.

C. For Ordination:
     1) Evidence spiritual and theological maturity.
     2) Be engaged in full-time ministry for two consecutive years.
     3) Be in agreement with the "Ordinances" and "Articles of Faith" of this association.
     4) Cooperate with all Sections 3, 4, and 13.
     5) Agree to annually attend at least 1 regional meeting or summer camp meeting of the Bethel Ministerial Association (or have valid reason for not attending).


Part IV: PROCEDURE FOR SECURING LICENSE/ORDINATION
     1. Applicant must meet qualifications of Part III, paragraph A, B or C.
     2. Applicant must complete an application form and return it to Rev. Steve Owens, Credentials Chairman, 627 Lincoln St., Lincoln, IL 62656.
     3. Applicant must make sure a "Confidential Licenses Referral" is submitted by two Bethel Ministerial Association Members and returned within thirty days.
     4. Applicant must enclose the $35.00 nonrefundable application fee payable to Bethel Ministerial Association, along with annual dues of $100.00 as stated in Part III.
     5. Applicant will be notified usually within 30 days of the Credentials Committee decision. The Credentials Committee will verify references, previous support, and any involvement in this ministry.
     6. A signed Ethics agreement from section 13 must also be enclosed in your application.