How to Become a Local Licensed Minister

(Nazarene Manual 2023)

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According to the Manual, a local minister is a lay member who has been licensed by the church board for ministry under the pastor’s direction. The requirements and process are found in paragraphs 523–523.7.

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1. Sense a Call to Ministry

You must feel called of God to preach or pursue lifetime ministry through the Church of the Nazarene.
This is the foundational requirement.

“Any member … who feels called of God to preach or to pursue lifetime ministry … may be licensed as a local minister…”

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2. Be a Member of a Nazarene Church

You must already be a member of the Church of the Nazarene to be considered for a local minister’s license.

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3. Meet With Your Pastor

Your pastor will examine you regarding:

• Your personal experience of salvation

• Your knowledge of Bible doctrine

• Your understanding of church order

• Evidence of grace, gifts, and usefulness

• A clear call to ministry

 

This examination is required before a license can be issued.

“…the candidate must first be examined as to his or her personal experience of salvation, knowledge of the doctrines of the Bible, and the order of the church…evidence by grace, gifts, and usefulness.”

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4. Undergo a Background Check

An appropriate background check is required and administered by the local church.

“He or she shall undergo an appropriate background check administered by the local church.”

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5. Recommendation to the Church Board

The pastor recommends you to the local church board, which votes to issue a one-year local minister’s license.

• If your church does not have an ordained elder as pastor, then the district superintendent must also approve.

“May be licensed…by the church board…upon the pastor’s recommendation…or…approved by the district superintendent.”

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6. Receive Your Local Minister’s License

The church board issues the license, signed by:

• The pastor

• The church board secretary

“The church board shall issue to each local minister a license signed by the pastor and the secretary of the church board.”

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7. Begin a Validated Course of Study

A local minister must enroll in a validated course of study under district supervision.

“Local ministers shall pursue a validated course of study for ministers…”

 

Your license cannot be renewed beyond two years unless you have completed at least two courses.

“Cannot be renewed after two years…if the local minister has not completed at least two courses…”

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8. Renew Your Local Minister’s License Annually

Your local license is good for one year and must be renewed annually by:

• The church board

• With pastor’s recommendation

• And possibly district superintendent approval (if no elder pastor)

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Summary Checklist

✔ Member of the Church of the Nazarene
✔ Sense a call to ministry
✔ Meet with pastor for examination
✔ Background check
✔ Pastor recommends you to church board
✔ Board votes and issues license
✔ Start taking required ministry courses
✔ Renew license annually