Licensing & Ordination
"and He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and
teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ"
Ephesians 4:11-12
At Heritage Church, we believe that every member of the Body of Christ is called to be a minister, but not all ministers need to be credentialed through being Licensed or Ordained. The issuance of credentials is a church’s recognition of God’s prior calling and equipping of an individual to work in one of the offices or functions listed in Ephesians 4:11. The License or Ordination is the church's affirmation of God’s choice of leadership.
At Heritage Church, we believe that every member of the Body of Christ is called to be a minister, but not all ministers need to be credentialed through being Licensed or Ordained. The issuance of credentials is a church’s recognition of God’s prior calling and equipping of an individual to work in one of the offices or functions listed in Ephesians 4:11. The License or Ordination is the church's affirmation of God’s choice of leadership.
DEFINITION OF TERMS
Ministry
Ministry means to work in one of the specific offices or functions listed in Ephesians 4:11. A minister may devote “full-time†to ministry, without having to hold a secular job, or may hold a secular job if the ministry activities do not provide an adequate income.
Licensed Minister
A man or woman who after meeting the criteria set forth below receives a License from Heritage Church. A Licensed Minister shall be a man or woman who has been called to ministry, but does not necessarily have to be seasoned in ministry at the time the License is issued. A Licensed Minister is entitled to all the rights and privileges afforded ministers under the laws of the State of Georgia and the regulations of the Internal Revenue Service. The duties of a Licensed Minister include Baptism, Communion, Funerals, Weddings, Teaching, Administration, and Conducting of regular church services. A Licensed Minister who receives his License from Heritage Church may not function as the Lead Pastor of a church.
License
The ministerial credential held by a Licensed Minister.
Ordained Minister
A man or woman who after meeting the criteria set forth below receives an Ordination from Heritage Church. An Ordained Minister shall be a man or woman who has been called to ministry, and who is also mature, experienced and qualified to carry on all of the responsibilities of ministry. An Ordained Minister is entitled to all the rights and privileges afforded ministers under the laws of the State of Georgia and the regulations of the Internal Revenue Service. The duties of an Ordained Minister include Baptism, Communion, Funerals, Weddings, Teaching, Administration, and Conducting of regular church services. An Ordained Minister who receives his Ordination from Heritage Church and who meets all of the requirements for the office as set forth in the by-laws of Heritage Church may function as the Lead Pastor of a church.
Ordination
The ministerial credential held by an Ordained Minister.
Ordained Minister Emeritus
An ordained minister who has retired after a long and distinguished career and who is deemed worthy of special recognition from Heritage Church. An Ordained Minister Emeritus is entitled to all the rights and privileges of an Ordained Minister, but is not required to renew his or her credential.
Licensing and Ordination Council
A standing council composed of the ordained Executive Staff Team members whose duties and responsibilities include establishing the policies for Licensing and Ordination of ministers by Heritage Church, overseeing the application and renewal processes, conducting interviews of applicants and the final acceptance or rejection of applicants. The council will submit to the Leadership Team who has been approved or rejected for Licensing and/or Ordination.
Ministry
Ministry means to work in one of the specific offices or functions listed in Ephesians 4:11. A minister may devote “full-time†to ministry, without having to hold a secular job, or may hold a secular job if the ministry activities do not provide an adequate income.
Licensed Minister
A man or woman who after meeting the criteria set forth below receives a License from Heritage Church. A Licensed Minister shall be a man or woman who has been called to ministry, but does not necessarily have to be seasoned in ministry at the time the License is issued. A Licensed Minister is entitled to all the rights and privileges afforded ministers under the laws of the State of Georgia and the regulations of the Internal Revenue Service. The duties of a Licensed Minister include Baptism, Communion, Funerals, Weddings, Teaching, Administration, and Conducting of regular church services. A Licensed Minister who receives his License from Heritage Church may not function as the Lead Pastor of a church.
License
The ministerial credential held by a Licensed Minister.
Ordained Minister
A man or woman who after meeting the criteria set forth below receives an Ordination from Heritage Church. An Ordained Minister shall be a man or woman who has been called to ministry, and who is also mature, experienced and qualified to carry on all of the responsibilities of ministry. An Ordained Minister is entitled to all the rights and privileges afforded ministers under the laws of the State of Georgia and the regulations of the Internal Revenue Service. The duties of an Ordained Minister include Baptism, Communion, Funerals, Weddings, Teaching, Administration, and Conducting of regular church services. An Ordained Minister who receives his Ordination from Heritage Church and who meets all of the requirements for the office as set forth in the by-laws of Heritage Church may function as the Lead Pastor of a church.
Ordination
The ministerial credential held by an Ordained Minister.
Ordained Minister Emeritus
An ordained minister who has retired after a long and distinguished career and who is deemed worthy of special recognition from Heritage Church. An Ordained Minister Emeritus is entitled to all the rights and privileges of an Ordained Minister, but is not required to renew his or her credential.
Licensing and Ordination Council
A standing council composed of the ordained Executive Staff Team members whose duties and responsibilities include establishing the policies for Licensing and Ordination of ministers by Heritage Church, overseeing the application and renewal processes, conducting interviews of applicants and the final acceptance or rejection of applicants. The council will submit to the Leadership Team who has been approved or rejected for Licensing and/or Ordination.
LEVELS OF CREDENTIALS
There are various tasks God calls individuals in the church to fulfill. There should be formal recognition by the local body of these callings. To designate all workers at every level "ordained ministers" would bring confusion. Therefore, Heritage Church has established two levels of credentials to cover the various ministries and responsibilities. Someone who has served faithfully at least three years as a Licensed Minister is eligible to seek Ordination.
There are various tasks God calls individuals in the church to fulfill. There should be formal recognition by the local body of these callings. To designate all workers at every level "ordained ministers" would bring confusion. Therefore, Heritage Church has established two levels of credentials to cover the various ministries and responsibilities. Someone who has served faithfully at least three years as a Licensed Minister is eligible to seek Ordination.
PURPOSES OF LICENSING AND ORDINATION
Licensing or Ordination serves to nurture and encourage the call of God to ministry in the heart and mind of the credentialed individual. To become a Licensed or an Ordained Minister is a notable milestone in the development of ministry to others.
Licensing or Ordination also provides confidence to the one called. He or she accepts the call with greater courage when the elders of a local church formally recognize the calling and are willing to demonstrate publicly their acceptance of that call. For every Christian minister, this is an extremely important step. Such validation helps ministers realize that they are a significant part of the Body of Christ and are not independent and isolated, even if they are serving away from an established church.
Licensing or Ordination will raise the expectancy level for effective ministry within the heart of the credentialed minister. There will be an increased awareness of God’s calling and a greater reliance on one’s faith. Licensing or Ordination may also serve as a catalyst to seek further directions from the Lord on ministry.
The License and Ordination service is anticipated to be surrounded by a special grace. Scripture provides evidence that an impartation occurs when godly people lay hands on others whom God has called. “Now Joshua son of Nun was filled with the spirit of wisdom because Moses had laid his hands on him...†(Deuteronomy 34:9). The imparting of a spiritual gift is implied by Paul, “Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you.†(1 Timothy 4:14). Prophetic words of edification, exhortation, and consolation may accompany the Licensing and/or Ordination service.
From the perspective of the church, Licensing and Ordination expands its ministry. Other fellowships which respect the Licensing or Ordaining of Heritage Church will be more open to receive ministry from an individual who was sent out after being Licensed or Ordained.
Licensing or Ordination serves to nurture and encourage the call of God to ministry in the heart and mind of the credentialed individual. To become a Licensed or an Ordained Minister is a notable milestone in the development of ministry to others.
Licensing or Ordination also provides confidence to the one called. He or she accepts the call with greater courage when the elders of a local church formally recognize the calling and are willing to demonstrate publicly their acceptance of that call. For every Christian minister, this is an extremely important step. Such validation helps ministers realize that they are a significant part of the Body of Christ and are not independent and isolated, even if they are serving away from an established church.
Licensing or Ordination will raise the expectancy level for effective ministry within the heart of the credentialed minister. There will be an increased awareness of God’s calling and a greater reliance on one’s faith. Licensing or Ordination may also serve as a catalyst to seek further directions from the Lord on ministry.
The License and Ordination service is anticipated to be surrounded by a special grace. Scripture provides evidence that an impartation occurs when godly people lay hands on others whom God has called. “Now Joshua son of Nun was filled with the spirit of wisdom because Moses had laid his hands on him...†(Deuteronomy 34:9). The imparting of a spiritual gift is implied by Paul, “Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you.†(1 Timothy 4:14). Prophetic words of edification, exhortation, and consolation may accompany the Licensing and/or Ordination service.
From the perspective of the church, Licensing and Ordination expands its ministry. Other fellowships which respect the Licensing or Ordaining of Heritage Church will be more open to receive ministry from an individual who was sent out after being Licensed or Ordained.
THE ROLE OF HERITAGE CHURCH
A Licensed Minister or an Ordained Minister bears great responsibilities, both to God and to man — responsibilities not to be taken lightly (James 3:1). Accordingly, the institution conferring the License or Ordination must do so only after prayerfully and thoughtfully considering the person to whom ministerial credentials are to be extended.
Heritage Church will License or ordain men and women in accordance with Biblical qualifications and specific requirements described elsewhere in this document. Applicants for ministerial credentials will demonstrate their effective functioning in the fivefold ministry of Ephesians 4:11, and the fruit of their ministry will testify as to their qualifications for Licensing or Ordination.
Heritage Church will not issue credentials to an individual whose home church is not Heritage Church unless the other church requests the action in writing. For purposes of issuing credentials, Heritage Church will be the home church of the pastoral staff of a Heritage Church church plant or satellite church until such a church achieves autonomy.
Heritage Church will not issue ministerial credentials as a reward for completing an education or training program. Credentials will not be issued to an individual whose ministry is not yet in operation or as a “résumé item†for an individual seeking a new position. However, we recognize there are situations where credentials are a prerequisite for certain positions on a church staff, within a parachurch organization, or some volunteer roles with law enforcement or health agencies. Such situations will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the Licensing and Ordination Council. Heritage Church also understands that many ministry roles do not require ministry credentials for the candidate to serve effectively.
A Licensed Minister or an Ordained Minister bears great responsibilities, both to God and to man — responsibilities not to be taken lightly (James 3:1). Accordingly, the institution conferring the License or Ordination must do so only after prayerfully and thoughtfully considering the person to whom ministerial credentials are to be extended.
Heritage Church will License or ordain men and women in accordance with Biblical qualifications and specific requirements described elsewhere in this document. Applicants for ministerial credentials will demonstrate their effective functioning in the fivefold ministry of Ephesians 4:11, and the fruit of their ministry will testify as to their qualifications for Licensing or Ordination.
Heritage Church will not issue credentials to an individual whose home church is not Heritage Church unless the other church requests the action in writing. For purposes of issuing credentials, Heritage Church will be the home church of the pastoral staff of a Heritage Church church plant or satellite church until such a church achieves autonomy.
Heritage Church will not issue ministerial credentials as a reward for completing an education or training program. Credentials will not be issued to an individual whose ministry is not yet in operation or as a “résumé item†for an individual seeking a new position. However, we recognize there are situations where credentials are a prerequisite for certain positions on a church staff, within a parachurch organization, or some volunteer roles with law enforcement or health agencies. Such situations will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the Licensing and Ordination Council. Heritage Church also understands that many ministry roles do not require ministry credentials for the candidate to serve effectively.
BIBLICAL QUALIFICATIONS
We require the applicant to meet the scriptural qualifications as set forth in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and in Titus 1:7-9:
“Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task. Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, selfcontrolled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect. (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God's church?) He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil's trap.†(1 Timothy 3:1-7);
“Since an overseer is entrusted with God's work, he must be blameless — not overbearing, not quick tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. Rather he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it. (Titus 1:1-9).
In the event the person requesting Licensing or Ordination has been married before, the Bible teaches and therefore Heritage Church upholds, the previous marriage must have been terminated because of:
Adultery on the part of the ex-spouse
“But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, causes her to become an adulteress, and anyone who marries the divorced woman commits adultery.†(Matthew 5:32);
“Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery, and the man who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.†(Luke 16:18); or
An unbelieving spouse departing, thus allowing the believing partner freedom to remarry
“But if the unbeliever leaves, let him do so. A believing man or woman is not bound in such circumstances; God has called us to live in peace.†(1 Corinthians 7:15); or
The previous marriage and divorce occurred before salvation
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!†(2 Corinthians 5:17); or
Death of a spouse
“Do you not know, brothers — for I am speaking to men to know the law — that the law has authority over a man only as long as he lives? For example, by law a married woman is bound to her husband as long as he is alive, but if her husband dies, she is released from the law of marriage. So then, if she marries another man while her husband is still alive, she is called an adulteress. But if her husband dies, she is released from that law and is not an adulteress, even though she marries another man.†(Romans 7:1-3).
Note:
For individuals who have divorced for reasons not covered above, the Licensing and Ordination Council may, on rare occasions, make exceptions for individuals who have taken the appropriate steps for repentance, healing, and restoration and who have a proven track record in ministry.
We require the applicant to meet the scriptural qualifications as set forth in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and in Titus 1:7-9:
“Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task. Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, selfcontrolled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect. (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God's church?) He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil's trap.†(1 Timothy 3:1-7);
“Since an overseer is entrusted with God's work, he must be blameless — not overbearing, not quick tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. Rather he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it. (Titus 1:1-9).
In the event the person requesting Licensing or Ordination has been married before, the Bible teaches and therefore Heritage Church upholds, the previous marriage must have been terminated because of:
Adultery on the part of the ex-spouse
“But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, causes her to become an adulteress, and anyone who marries the divorced woman commits adultery.†(Matthew 5:32);
“Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery, and the man who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.†(Luke 16:18); or
An unbelieving spouse departing, thus allowing the believing partner freedom to remarry
“But if the unbeliever leaves, let him do so. A believing man or woman is not bound in such circumstances; God has called us to live in peace.†(1 Corinthians 7:15); or
The previous marriage and divorce occurred before salvation
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!†(2 Corinthians 5:17); or
Death of a spouse
“Do you not know, brothers — for I am speaking to men to know the law — that the law has authority over a man only as long as he lives? For example, by law a married woman is bound to her husband as long as he is alive, but if her husband dies, she is released from the law of marriage. So then, if she marries another man while her husband is still alive, she is called an adulteress. But if her husband dies, she is released from that law and is not an adulteress, even though she marries another man.†(Romans 7:1-3).
Note:
For individuals who have divorced for reasons not covered above, the Licensing and Ordination Council may, on rare occasions, make exceptions for individuals who have taken the appropriate steps for repentance, healing, and restoration and who have a proven track record in ministry.
REQUIREMENTS FOR LICENSING
- The applicant must meet Biblical qualifications as given above.
- The applicant must be at least 21 years of age.
- There must be a clear calling and equipping of God on the applicant's life, as evidenced by his or her functioning in the offices listed in Ephesians 4:11.
- The applicant must have been a member of Heritage Church for a minimum of 24 months, faithfully supporting the ministry of Heritage Church by attendance, cooperation and tithing.
- The applicant must have at least 10 semester hours of Bible and/or Theology studies from a recognized source, or must demonstrate that his or her prior ministerial responsibilities and duties involved significant practical Biblical knowledge and experience.
- In addition to the above requirements, the applicant must express sufficient reasons for seeking a License from Heritage Church.
REQUIREMENTS FOR ORDINATION
- The applicant must meet Biblical qualifications as given above.
- The applicant must be at least 24 years of age.
- The applicant must have three years prior experience in active ministry and have been Licensed (by either Heritage Church or another organization determined by the Licensing and Ordination Council to be credible) for at least 36 months.
- The applicant must have the minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in any career field from an accredited university or college and must have at least 30 semester hours of Bible and/ or Theology studies from an accredited source, or must demonstrate that his or her prior ministerial responsibilities and duties involved significant practical Biblical knowledge and experience.
- The applicant must be involved actively in ministry at the time of application.
- The applicant must have been a member of Heritage Church for a minimum of 24 months, faithfully supporting the ministry of Heritage Church by attendance, cooperation and tithing, or have had some definable connection to Heritage Church in purpose, history, and relationship for a minimum of 24 months.
- In addition to the above requirements, the applicant must express sufficient reasons for seeking Ordination.
REQUIREMENTS FOR LICENSING OR ORDINATION
FOR HERITAGE CHURCH PASTORAL STAFF
Persons who are serving on the pastoral staff of Heritage Church at the time of submission of their application for credentials are eligible for consideration of certification with one added requirement. They must also meet the Biblical Qualifications listed above. A person who has been hired to serve at least half time on the Heritage Church pastoral staff will be considered for the purpose of credentialing to be a member of the Heritage Church pastoral staff.
FOR HERITAGE CHURCH PASTORAL STAFF
Persons who are serving on the pastoral staff of Heritage Church at the time of submission of their application for credentials are eligible for consideration of certification with one added requirement. They must also meet the Biblical Qualifications listed above. A person who has been hired to serve at least half time on the Heritage Church pastoral staff will be considered for the purpose of credentialing to be a member of the Heritage Church pastoral staff.
REQUIREMENTS FOR TRANSFER OF CREDENTIALS
Heritage Church will not transfer automatically the credentials of an individual who carries a License or Ordination from another church or ministry. If a person who holds a foreign credential wishes to be Licensed by Heritage Church, he or she must meet the requirements for Licensing as stated above, and also agree to resign the foreign credential.
Heritage Church will consider recognizing and transferring the Ordination of an individual who has been ordained by another recognized ordaining body. Certain criteria must be met:
Heritage Church will not transfer automatically the credentials of an individual who carries a License or Ordination from another church or ministry. If a person who holds a foreign credential wishes to be Licensed by Heritage Church, he or she must meet the requirements for Licensing as stated above, and also agree to resign the foreign credential.
Heritage Church will consider recognizing and transferring the Ordination of an individual who has been ordained by another recognized ordaining body. Certain criteria must be met:
- The individual must complete an application for Ordination packet.
- The applicant must meet Biblical qualifications as given above.
- The applicant’s Ordination certificate must be current, or not have been expired for more than two years.
- The applicant must be actively involved in ministry at the time of application.
- The applicant must be a member of Heritage Church, faithfully supporting the ministry of Heritage Church by attendance, cooperation and tithing, or have some ongoing, definable connection to Heritage Church in purpose, history, and relationship.
- The applicant must agree to resign all current foreign ministerial credentials.
REQUIREMENTS FOR ORDINATION EMERITUS
- The candidate normally will be nominated for Ordination Emeritus status by the Lead Pastor.
- The candidate must fulfill all the requirements for Ordination, as stated above.
- The candidate must be retired (for reason of age or health) from ministry.
- The candidate must have had no less than ten years of honorable and productive ministry at Heritage Church or elsewhere.
- The candidate must have held Ordination from Heritage Church for at least 12 months.
PROCEDURES FOR REQUESTING LICENSING OR ORDINATION
- Anyone interested in Licensing or Ordination may request a copy of current policies and instructions from the office of the Lead Pastor of Heritage Church. The request may be made in person, by mail, or by telephone.
- If the requestor then wishes to apply formally for Licensing or Ordination an application packet may be requested from the Licensing and Ordination Council. The information originally requested from the church will explain how to request the application packet. A non-refundable processing fee of $25 must accompany the request. A check or money order should be made payable to Heritage Church. The completed application and all supporting documents and recommendation forms will be returned directly to the Licensing and Ordination Council.
- The application will be reviewed by the Licensing and Ordination Council and an interview of the applicant will take place. The applicant’s spouse and dependent children age 13 or greater and living at home will be included in the interview.
- The Licensing and Ordination Council will inform the applicant of the decision regarding the request for Licensing or Ordination. If the Lead Pastor or the Licensing and Ordination Council have some recommendations or stipulations that must be satisfied before approval, the applicant will be informed of such.
- Normally, the Pastoral Staff and Licensing and Ordination Council will lay hands on individuals approved for Ordination in the presence of members of the congregation. The Pastoral Staff and Licensing and Ordination Council will lay hands on individuals 6 approved for Licensing, either in the presence of the congregation or at a scheduled meeting of the Licensing and Ordination Council.
- Certificates of Licensing or Ordination will be issued with a 24-month expiration date.
RESPONSIBILITIES TO HERITAGE CHURCH
Maintaining an Accountable Relationship to Heritage Church
All ministers credentialed through Heritage Church shall maintain an accountable, ongoing relationship with Heritage Church, either through personal contact with the Heritage Church Pastoral Staff, or by correspondence to the Licensing and Ordination Council. Communications of ministers should contain information that will enable the Licensing and Ordination Council and Pastoral Staff to pray specifically and meaningfully for the ministers and their efforts. Secondly it will inform the council of the ongoing status of your ministry for credential renewal.
Renewal of Credentials
Revocation of Credentials
Any person Licensed or Ordained by Heritage Church and found guilty of gross unscriptural conduct by an absolute majority vote of the Licensing and Ordination Council will have his or her credentials revoked. Examples of such misconduct include heresy; illegal, immoral, or fraudulent acts; conspiring to divide Heritage Church, a local church body or an affiliated ministry. Any petition for the revocation of credentials shall be submitted to the Licensing and Ordination Council in writing by a member of Heritage Church or by an elder of Heritage Church.
The credential holder has the right to appeal the revocation by appearing before the Licensing and Ordination Council and show cause why the credentials should not be revoked. An absolute majority vote of the Licensing and Ordination Council is required to cancel the revocation.
Steps of Restoration
An individual whose credentials have been revoked may reapply for Licensing or Ordination. The following minimum requirements must be fulfilled:
At this point the individual may reapply for Licensing or Ordination. The candidate must complete the entire application process in the same manner as would a first-time applicant and must meet all of the Biblical qualifications stated above.
Amendment of Procedures
A majority vote of the Licensing and Ordination Council is required to amend the definitions, procedures and requirements as set forth in this document. Any amendments must also be approved by the Leadership Team as set forth by the Heritage Church by-laws.
This policy was adopted by the Heritage Church Leadership Team at a regular meeting held on December 19, 2016.
Maintaining an Accountable Relationship to Heritage Church
All ministers credentialed through Heritage Church shall maintain an accountable, ongoing relationship with Heritage Church, either through personal contact with the Heritage Church Pastoral Staff, or by correspondence to the Licensing and Ordination Council. Communications of ministers should contain information that will enable the Licensing and Ordination Council and Pastoral Staff to pray specifically and meaningfully for the ministers and their efforts. Secondly it will inform the council of the ongoing status of your ministry for credential renewal.
Renewal of Credentials
- Certificates of Licensing and Ordination must be renewed every 24 months. The credential holder is responsible for initiating the renewal process, as follows:
- He or she will contact the office of the Lead Pastor approximately 90 days prior to the expiration date to obtain a renewal packet and to schedule a personal interview with the Licensing and Ordination Council if applicable. A processing fee of $25, payable to Heritage Church, must accompany the renewal request.
- Upon approval of the renewal request by the Licensing and Ordination Council a new Certificate of Licensing or Ordination will be issued.
- If the renewal process has not been completed by 90 days after the expiration date of the credential, it will be considered as having lapsed. Lapsed credentials may not be renewed; to regain credentials the individual must re-apply for Licensing or Ordination.
- Certificates of Licensing and Ordination held by members of the Heritage Church Pastoral Staff are valid for the remaining period of employment in that capacity, and need not be renewed. Such certificates automatically expire 30 days after employment has been terminated. Certificate holders then may seek renewal according to the procedure described immediately above. It is understood that the 90-day requirement of paragraph 1, above, will be relaxed.
Revocation of Credentials
Any person Licensed or Ordained by Heritage Church and found guilty of gross unscriptural conduct by an absolute majority vote of the Licensing and Ordination Council will have his or her credentials revoked. Examples of such misconduct include heresy; illegal, immoral, or fraudulent acts; conspiring to divide Heritage Church, a local church body or an affiliated ministry. Any petition for the revocation of credentials shall be submitted to the Licensing and Ordination Council in writing by a member of Heritage Church or by an elder of Heritage Church.
The credential holder has the right to appeal the revocation by appearing before the Licensing and Ordination Council and show cause why the credentials should not be revoked. An absolute majority vote of the Licensing and Ordination Council is required to cancel the revocation.
Steps of Restoration
An individual whose credentials have been revoked may reapply for Licensing or Ordination. The following minimum requirements must be fulfilled:
- The individual must demonstrate godly repentance (2 Corinthians 2:5-8; 7:9-10).
- If appropriate, the individual must make complete restitution — insofar as is possible — of all financial losses caused by the conduct that led to the revocation.
- The individual must earnestly seek restoration of interpersonal relationships that may have been damaged or destroyed by the conduct that led to the revocation.
- The individual must conduct himself or herself in a manner “above reproach†for a probationary period of 12 months.
At this point the individual may reapply for Licensing or Ordination. The candidate must complete the entire application process in the same manner as would a first-time applicant and must meet all of the Biblical qualifications stated above.
Amendment of Procedures
A majority vote of the Licensing and Ordination Council is required to amend the definitions, procedures and requirements as set forth in this document. Any amendments must also be approved by the Leadership Team as set forth by the Heritage Church by-laws.
This policy was adopted by the Heritage Church Leadership Team at a regular meeting held on December 19, 2016.