The following steps apply to ANYONE inquiring about first time credentials.
Step 1: Attend a New Credentials Orientation. These orientations are held twice a year (March & September). Prior to attending, a pre-registration form must be completed and returned. Please contact Amy Surgener (amy@ohioministry.net; 614.396.0700 x140) to request a form.
Step 2: Fulfilling Educational Requirements. All applicants must meet the appropriate educational requirements for the level of credentials being sought. Please refer to "Educational Options" for further information. (Note:Courses for credentialing may be started prior to attending a New Credentials Orientation.)
Step 3: Application Packet Mailed (after attending New Credentials Orientation and completing educational requirements). Upon receiving the General Council application, application fee, and an acceptable report from the General Council required background/credit check, you will receive the application packet with a letter of explanation for the level of credentials recommended, provided all educational requirements have been met, or if qualifying through Berean School of the Bible or the Ohio School of Ministry (OSOM), all but two courses have been completed.
Step 4: Examination There is a required General Council exam for each level prior to a credentialing interview. A synopsis for the exam will be provided.
Step 5: Deadlines Deadlines for completing the application packet are July 2, for September interviews and January 3, for March interviews of each year.
Step 6: Screening Committee Review Your application file will be examined by a Screening Committee. Upon the report of the committee, you may receive a letter of invitation to meet with the Credentials Interview Committee.
Step 7: Credentials Interview Interviews are scheduled in the months of March & September.
Following the credentials interview, the Network Presbytery will vote and make a recommendation to the General Council Credentials Committee that credentials be granted. Credentials will be effective upon General Council approval.
If you have questions related to this procedure, please contact Amy Surgener.