Information Regarding Local Pastor Certificate Documentation

The Local Pastor Certificate is a temporary document, expiring every two years. Issued to qualified laymen, it is an entry level to the Church’s professional ministry. The Local Pastor Certificate authorizes you to provide ministerial leadership while completing the educational requirements that will qualify you to obtain a Ministerial License.

QUALIFICATIONS: To apply, you must

  1. be a legal resident of the United States or Canada.
  2. be 20 years of age.
  3. have been a member of the Church of God (Seventh Day) for two years.
  4. complete the Local Pastor Orientation program from Artios Christian College or its equivalent, or competency exams, no later than February 15.
    a. Official transcripts for education earned outside of LifeSpring School of Ministry/Artios Christian College must be sent to the License and Credentials Committee at the address above no later than December 1.
  5. have the support of your district and a local assignment.
    a. The local church board of the congregation you are assigned to must send a letter directly to the Custodian of Records and the district superintendent no later than November 1. In this letter, the board names your responsibilities and gives its endorsement on behalf of the congregation. You cannot apply until this letter is received.
    b. The district superintendent of the district you are assigned to must send a letter of endorsement directly to the Custodian of Records no later than November 30. In this letter, the district superintendent reflects his endorsement and names the local church you will be assigned to. You cannot apply until this is received.
    Note: Your district superintendent must also complete a reference form, which he will receive from the License and Credentials Committee after you have applied. 
  6. agree to the pre-application agreement.
  7. demonstrate mature leadership as described in 1 Timothy 3:2-7 and Titus 1:6-9.
  8. have the ability to preach and teach the Word of God.
  9. uphold the doctrines of the Church of God (Seventh Day) in the Statement of Faith.
  10. support the polity of the Church, including giving tithe and offerings.
  11. practice holding personal devotions and prayer daily.

DATES: The committee will review applications at its annual meeting the end of February. Applicants must comply with the following dates in order for their application to be reviewed by the committee:

  • Application must be requested from the Custodian of Records (lcc.custodian@cog7.org) no later than November 1.
  • Qualifications 1-4 must be met no later than December 1 in order to receive an application.
  • Applications must be completed and sent to the Custodian of Records no later than December 15.
  • References* and letters of recommendation** must be sent to the Custodian of Records no later than January 15. *Required references: district superintendent of the district you currently reside in and of your prospective assignment (if different); two-plus NAMC members; church board members or three-plus church members. **Required letter: local church treasurer, confirming your financial support (see qualification #9, above).
  • Applicants should be prepared for an interview during the February meeting of the License and Credentials Committee. The committee will initiate setting this up.

RENEWAL: A Local Pastor Certificate expires every two years. Renewing it, as prescribed by the North American Ministerial Council, depends on your completing 24 credits of continuing education in the Associate of Christian Leadership (Pastoral emphasis) program at Artios Christian College, or its equivalent, until the Associate of Christian Leadership is earned.