It is important to note that a certificate of ordination is not a mandate to pastor and the title of Ordained Minister is not synonymous with pastoring a flock.
This credential is normally issued to those people with a definable full-time or primary vocation ministry. Exceptions are made for those demonstrating the need for such credentials. Most often a legal requirement for those ministering in a public arena.
The candidate must be known to GCMA for a minimum of one (1) year, usually carrying a ministerial license consistently for a (2) year period. During this time-frame providing periodic reports to GCMA leadership.
Men and women qualifying for ordination shall have a ministry described in Ephesians
Ephesians 4:11-12 NET. “It was he who gave some as apostles, some as prophets, some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, that is, to build up the body of Christ,”. Others serving in a vocational description of counselor, missionary, psalmist or otherwise are responsible for the spiritual leadership of at least 25 people. The minimum 2 year time period may be waived if the applicant is currently ordained by another recognized ministry for over one year and meets all other requirements.
Ordination may be awarded after a thorough search of a person’s references and the endorsement of other ministers who know the results of their ministry and two pastoral recommendations. The GCMA elder board will review the credential application of each candidate. Should the elder board acknowledge the call and gifting of God on the individual, the recommendation will be forwarded to the GCMA President for final acceptance.
The candidate for ordination will meet all the qualifications and requirements of the Able Christian Worker and Licensed Minister.
A public laying-on-hands service should be arranged for GCMA Ministers receiving ordination. This service may be held at the candidate’s own church in conjunction with their pastor, leadership and GCMA official. Alternate arraignments for ordination can be made at GCMA Headquarters, a GCMA Function, or arrangements can be made with the GCMA home office. The Pastoral staff will anoint the candidate as recognition to the believers of what God has already done. The anointing ceremony is also transference of blessing for the activation and increase of the ministry gifts and a way of strengthening and sending the individual forward into the ministry.
The newly Ordained Minister of the gospel is able to immediately function in all matters pertaining to his or her ministry and legally officiate at all functions.
Ordained Minister: $75.00 per year