Top 10 Reasons You Need Ministers' License & Credentials

1.     To ensure that you are not leaning to your own understanding

Peer reviews ae very important in every area and walk of life. Educators demand that students read peer reviewed journals, People with “real” doctorate degrees must have their dissertations reviewed by professional peers and colleagues. Obtaining a minister’s license means that your doctrinal teachings and views are biblical, orthodox, and safe. 

9 Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. 10 And let these also first be proved…1 Tim. 3:9-10 (KJV)

10 They should be tested first, and then, if they pass the test, they are to serve. 1 Tim. 3:10 (GNT)

2.     To show that you are a team player

The scriptures are replete with examples of God’s people remaining in fellowship and enjoying the sweetness of communion together. Acts 2:42, Ps. 133:1-3 

No man is an island, no man stands alone, and nobody likes the look of a weird and isolated hermit.  

3.     To be supported and sometimes defended and protected

Being a “card-carrying” member of a family or ministry system where there are others of like faith that has your back is a great benefit. Since no man is an island, licensing makes you part of the mainland. 

 And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. Acts 4:32 (KJV)

4.     To verify that you are “accountable” to “someone” other than yourself

Speaking on issues pertaining to husband and wife, the apostle Paul said this, “Place yourselves under each other’s authority out of respect for Christ”. Eph. 5:21 (GWT)  

It makes sense that we should at least in some sense “submit” ourselves to a conference of other godly colleagues.   If you get out of line or off track, who can help you? Who will you allow to straighten YOU out and set you back on the right track? Long story short, credentials and licensing are much about accountability which means safety for both you and the people that you lead. Proverbs 13:1 – “A wise son heeds his father's instructions, but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke.”

5.     To support the work of the ministry, unselfishly

It’s easy to only place our finances into a ministry that “we” ourselves are overseeing and benefitting from.  In these cases, we are essentially “supporting” ourselves, our mission, our goals, and often our empires. When we pay license and other organizational fees, we are effectively pouring into other international ministries and relief efforts, giving support to people other than our selfish selves, which is the will of God.  

6.     To indicate that you have been examined by a team of colleagues and
        peers

Licensing means that you choose to submit the actions of your life and ministry to the scrutiny and even voluntary critique of other leaders and apostolic persons of like faith. This helps you to maintain balance, gain spiritual strength, also to verify and document growth and Kingdome living. Being examined by a spiritual jury of “godly peers” should be viewed as a benefit, an honor, and a privilege. 

9 Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. 10 And let these also first be proved… 1 Tim. 3:9-10 (KJV)

10 They should be tested first, and then if they pass the test, they are to serve. 1 Tim.3:10 (GNT)

7.     To verify your belief and adherence to the doctrine

Renewing your license confirms that you are still holding on to the faith that was once delivered to the saints. It is your confession and promise that you are maintaining correct orthodoxy and doctrinal integrity. Since many false prophets are gone onto the world, licensing makes us glad to know that you are not one of them. 

8.     To follow biblical norms and obey the scriptures

Before GPS was invented, it was a known fact that many males were hesitant about asking other men for direction. Likewise, for some men the subject of being under subjection is a tough one, but it’s a must. Licensing is a constant reminder and humbler. It could indicate that, at least in some respect, you are not self-guided by arrogance or pursuing the wrong destiny. When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question. Acts 15:2 (KJV)

9.     To gain easy access to most prisons and hospitals 

Some institutions ask for credentials, some don’t, but why take chances?  With valid, updated credentials you will be ready when that critical point of ministry appears. Even Paul laid out his license on multiple occasions. Notice how he acknowledges both the credential received from “men” AND from God.

 4 though I also might have confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I more so: 5 circumcised the eighth day of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee; 6 concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. 7 But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Phil. 3:4-7 (NKJV)

10.   Welcomed fellowship, preaching and teaching help(s) and feel-good
connectivity

To enjoy, share and “agree” with a community of spirit filled saints and leaders of “like faith”. 

But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God. 1 Corinthians 11:16 (KJV) Notice the terms “we” & “churches”.  Are you part of a WE?

 Your organization has many valuable ministry resources and ministering opportunities that are directly available to you. Plus, aside from being a personal identification card your license allows you to receive exclusive benefits from your licensing organization’s headquarters, discounts from their stores, news and notifications as well as potentially tens of thousands of holy ghost filled saints praying for you as you help pray for others around the globe.  Are you a licensed minister?

Let’s be clear from the start. Any man can stand on any public street corner and “preach” any ole thing under the sun, and many do. No license is required to do that.  And in most cases with that freedom there is no accountability, no training, and no Christian community sanctioning. 

Obtaining license and credentials is important to anointed and responsible people who:

1.     Desire to be members of an organization 

2.     Desire to minister in hospitals and nursing homes

3.     Desire to officiate weddings and funerals 

4.     Desire to walk together in agreement with ministers of            

        like faith, or

5.     Desire to follow the New Testament apostolic example 

In Bible times, and very notably in the New Testament the laying on of hands was the equivalent of giving the seal of approval, that is, ordaining a person into a specific spiritual duty or task.  This was equivalent to giving them “license” to minister, with the approval of their elders and the rest of the religious community. 

Granted, there were no fees, dues, or written exams to pass, but those being ordained definitely had to be “proven”. 1 Tim. 3:10

The disciples lived close quarters and could verify faithfulness just by a “look”.  They then “licensed” those that had the “look” of faithfulness by the laying on of hands. This allowed all onlookers to see that the person being used was fully qualified. 

License and ordination identify you as bona fide clergy. It says that you have been examined, tested, and found to be a qualified minster in the eyes of God and His anointed leaders and servants. Pastors and saints in legitimate denominations and organizations should and do frown on renegades and smile upon those following the order of the Lord. 

The fees associated with your license and credentials help your organization fulfill its mission. The above are just a few of the reasons that we should all make sure our license and credentials are always up to date.  Here are ten more: