FAQ

Will any license give me the legal right to marry a couple?

By daniellen - 5/5/2006 Not necessarily. Each state is different as to what is required and if

Why would I get two identical license applications from the conference office when I ask for one during January through April?

By daniellen - 5/5/2006 If an individual is seeking a license immediately and applies in March,

Why were the words "Ordained to Word and Sacrament" and "Ordained to Specialized Ministry" chosen? What was the theological work of the Task Force which revised the Rules for the Ordered Ministry in 2002?

By daniellen - 5/5/2006 The Task Force asked John Weborg, North Park Theological Seminary theologian, to

Why is a "statement of faith" paper required with each license application?

By daniellen - 5/5/2006 The paper allows the applicant to demonstrate theological competency and

Why has commissioning remained as a permanent credential?

By daniellen - 5/5/2006 Since 1969 when commissioning was first approved by the Ministerium and the

Who qualifies for which license?

By daniellen - 5/5/2006 If a person is working toward a permanent credential (ordination or

Who qualifies for a housing allowance?

By daniellen - 5/5/2006 Our interpretation of the qualifications of a minister for federal tax purposes

Who participates in the Covenant Pension Plan?

By daniellen - 5/5/2006 ALL full-time ordained, commissioned, and licensed ministers serving a Covenant church or institution must enroll

What is the difference between an interim license and a "first-time" license?

By daniellen - 5/5/2006 An interim license is any license granted between denominational Annual Meetings. All

What does "in an accountable relationship with" mean, as stated within the description of ordained to specialized ministry, commissioning and licensure?

By daniellen - 5/5/2006 Accountability is not clearly outlined in the rules because it depends on the

What are the steps to go from inactive/leave of absence to active status?

By daniellen - 5/5/2006 If you have been inactive longer than one year it will require an

What are the guidelines for claiming a housing allowance?

By daniellen - 5/5/2006 The estimated amount for the housing allowance must be recorded in the

What about immigrant and indigenous pastors who do not qualify for credentialing with the required standards?

By daniellen - 5/5/2006 The Board of the Ordered Ministry always has the right to make decisions by the

Is the Covenant Health Insurance plan required?

By daniellen - 5/5/2006 No, but the benefit of participating in the plan is that it can move

Is education the only thing that matters?

By daniellen - 5/5/2006 No. What matters is to what end a person is called or in other words, to what

If I apply for an interim license, how do I know when I am "officially" licensed?

By daniellen - 5/5/2006 You are considered licensed when the Department of the Ordered Ministry

If I am a seminary student, where will I get my license application renewal?

By daniellen - 5/5/2006 A student attending North Park Theological Seminary should contact the

How do I enroll in the Covenant Pension Plan?

By daniellen - 5/5/2006 Pension information and forms are sent to an individual (not the

Do I participate in the Covenant Pension Plan if I am working less than 30 hours a week?

By daniellen - 5/5/2006 While not required, we would highly recommend participation if under 30

Do I need to have a license to serve in a Covenant Church?

By daniellen - 3/15/2006 No, some persons serve without a license. However, we encourage the accountability and care of the Board of the Ordered Ministry and the Ministerium that a license brings. For the License for Pastoral Office and Local Ministry License, each church must be willing to contribute to the pension plan in order for their pastor/staff person to receive a license. Pension billing is based on 12.5% of the pastor/staff person's base salary, FICA, housing allowance/parsonage and any other item which counts as compensation.

Can a person's housing allowance be retroactive to January if the license is received in April, for example (or any other month)?

By daniellen - 5/5/2006 No, a person cannot claim any housing expenses paid out in January

Can a person apply for a license if he/she is working for a parachurch organization?

By daniellen - 5/5/2006 A license is always given for service to the church (the body) and not to

Can a non-licensed pastor or staff minister participate in the Covenant Pension Plan?

By daniellen - 5/5/2006 Yes, as a "voluntary participant" if the church is willing to pay 12.5%

Can a housing allowance be used as an incentive to a salary package?

By daniellen - 5/5/2006 No. You either qualify or you do not. In the recent ruling, the housing cannot

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