How to Become a District Licensed Minister

The requirements for receiving a district minister’s license are in Manual paragraph 524.1.

 

To be granted a District Minister’s License, you must:

​

1. Hold a Local Minister’s License for One Full Year

You must already be a local minister for at least one full year.

“Have held a local minister’s license for one full year.”

​

2. Complete One-Fourth of a Validated Course of Study

You must have completed 25% of the required ministerial education.

You must also demonstrate:

• Understanding of the Manual

• Nazarene history

• Holiness doctrine

“Have completed one-fourth of a validated course of study…and can demonstrate appreciation, comprehension, and application of the Manual…history…doctrine of holiness…”

​

3. Get Recommended by Your Local Church Board

Your church board must vote to recommend you to the district assembly.

You must submit the Application for a District Minister’s License with this recommendation.

“Recommended…by the church board…to which recommendation shall be attached the Application for a District Minister’s License…”

​

4. Show Evidence of Calling, Gifts, and Grace

The district wants proof of ministry calling and spiritual maturity.

“Have given evidence of grace, gifts, and usefulness.”

​

5. Pass a District Credentials Interview & Background Check

You will be examined by the District Ministerial Credentials Board regarding:

• Spiritual fitness

• Intellectual and ministry readiness

• Personal conduct

• Background checks

“Have been carefully examined…regarding spiritual, intellectual, and other fitness…including appropriate background checks…”

​

6. Promise to Continue Your Validated Course of Study

You must commit to ongoing education.

“Have promised to pursue immediately a validated course of study…”

​

7. Address Any Disqualifications, Divorce History, or Previous Issues

If you have any past disqualification or a previous divorce, the Manual outlines specific steps for approval.

(Full details are in paragraph 524.1.7–8.)

​

How to Maintain (Renew) a District License

District licenses expire each year and must be renewed at district assembly.

Renewal requirements are in Manual paragraph 524.3 and related sections.

​

Annual Renewal Requirements

1. File the Application Each Year

You must file the Application for a District Minister’s License before district assembly.

“…shall file with the district assembly the Application for a District Minister’s License.”

​

2. Complete at Least Two Courses Each Year

You must complete at least two courses in your validated course of study every year.

“Shall have completed with a passing mark at least two courses…”

If you did NOT pass a course, you may submit a written explanation and still be renewed only if the District Credentials Board approves.

​

3. Receive Annual Recommendation from Your Local Church Board

Your home church’s board must recommend your renewal.

“Recommended…by the church board of the local church of which he or she is a member.”

​

4. Continue Pursuing Ordination 

District licensees preparing for ordination must keep making progress toward:

• Elder ordination

• or Deacon ordination

You must complete the full course of study within 10 years of your first district license (524.4).

​

5. Report Annually to the District Assembly

You must give an annual ministerial report.

“Licensed ministers…shall report to this body annually.”

​

Additional Renewal Notes

Failing to meet requirements

A district assembly may vote not to renew your district license for cause (¶524.3).

 

Summary: Becoming AND Maintaining a District License

TO BECOME

✔ Local minister for one year
✔ Completed ¼ of course of study
✔ Recommended by church board
✔ District interview + background check
✔ Evidence of calling and gifts
✔ Submit district license application
✔ Committed to ongoing studies

​

TO MAINTAIN

✔ File application every year
✔ Complete 2 courses every year
✔ Annual church board recommendation
✔ Annual district report
✔ Continue toward ordination (unless non-ordination track)