Mosaic Christian College, in partnership with Casa do Oleiro International Ministries, offers ministerial credentialing to individuals who have demonstrated a clear calling to ministry. These credentials provide formal recognition of a minister’s training, experience, and commitment to serving in various ministry roles, including pastoral leadership, teaching, evangelism, and church administration.

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There are two levels of credentialing available:

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• License Credentialing – $100

• Ordination Credentialing – $150

Requirements for Ministerial Credentialing

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A ministerial license is the first level of credentialing and serves as an acknowledgment of a minister’s preparation and readiness for service. To qualify for licensing, applicants must meet one of the following requirements:
 

• Have completed at least half of their degree program (minimum of 10 courses) at West Coast Bible College & Seminary (WCBCS).

• Be at least 19 years of age and have completed at least two years of college.

• Have a minimum of five years of verifiable ministry experience.

• Have two years of verifiable ministry experience and an associate degree.

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Ordination is the highest level of ministerial credentialing, recognizing a minister’s commitment, experience, and theological training. To qualify for ordination, applicants must meet one of the following requirements:

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• Be a graduate of WCBCS at the bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral level.

• Be at least 21 years of age.

• Have at least 10 years of full-time ministry experience with no degree.

• Have at least three years of full-time ministry experience and a bachelor’s degree from a reputable Christian institution.

Initial Ministerial Credentialing Process
 

The process for obtaining a ministerial credential is straightforward and can be completed in a few steps.

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• First, applicants must pay the credentialing application fee. Once payment is completed, applicants will be automatically redirected to the credentialing forms page, which should be bookmarked for future reference.

• Next, applicants must complete and submit the credentialing application. This includes providing details on their ministry experience, theological training, and personal background.

• In addition to the application, applicants must submit two pastoral references and two personal reference forms. These forms are located on the credentialing forms page. Applicants are responsible for forwarding the reference form link to the appropriate individuals. Once submitted, the references will be sent directly to the Credentialing Committee for review.

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After all required forms have been received, the Credentialing Committee will review the application. Applicants will be contacted within 30 days, though decisions are often made sooner. If approved, the applicant will receive a ministerial credential certificate indicating their specific credential level.

All credentials are valid for the remainder of the calendar year and must be renewed annually by January 1 to remain current. Only one certificate will be issued upon initial approval. In subsequent years, ministers will receive a credentialing card instead of a new certificate.
 

Renewal of Ministerial Credentialing

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To maintain an active ministerial credential, renewal is required each year. The renewal process is simple and consists of the following steps.

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• Applicants must first pay the renewal fee, which will automatically redirect them to the Ministerial Credentialing forms page. This page should be bookmarked for future reference. A one-time background check fee of $50 is included in the initial application process.

• Next, applicants must complete the renewal application and submit it to the Credentialing Committee. If no information has changed since the previous year, no additional forms or references are required.

• Once the renewal application has been processed, applicants will receive their ministerial license or ordination credentialing card. The back of the card must be signed in permanent ink to make it official.

• All credentials remain valid until the end of the calendar year and must be renewed by January 1 of the following year. Only one certificate will be issued at the time of initial credentialing. After renewal, a ministerial credentialing card will be provided for each subsequent year.

The renewal fee for any ministerial license is $100.

 

Difference Between Licensing and Ordination
 

Licensing and ordination serve different purposes within ministry. Licensing provides ministers with formal recognition of their calling and service but may be limited in scope. Ordination is a permanent recognition of a minister’s calling, training, and experience, granting them broader responsibilities and legal privileges.
 

Ordained ministers typically have greater recognition within church leadership and denominational structures. They are authorized to perform all ecclesiastical duties, including officiating weddings, funerals, baptisms, and administering sacraments. Some states and church organizations require ordination for legal recognition in conducting certain ceremonies.
 

Ordination may also provide additional legal benefits, such as eligibility for clergy-related tax exemptions, the right to establish or lead a congregation independently, and broader recognition for missionary or chaplaincy work. Licensing may not carry the same legal privileges, and in some cases, licensed ministers may need additional approvals to perform certain duties.
 

Ordination is generally considered a lifelong designation, although ministers must remain in good standing with Mosaic Christian College and Casa do Oleiro International Ministries to maintain their credentials. Licensed ministers may need to renew their credentials periodically, and in some cases, licensure applies only while serving under a specific church or denomination.

Ordination also involves a more rigorous vetting process. Candidates undergo a thorough theological, doctrinal, and moral examination to ensure they are fully prepared for ministry. This level of scrutiny helps maintain higher standards of accountability and spiritual leadership.
 

While ordained ministers have the flexibility to serve in a variety of ministry contexts, licensed ministers may face limitations based on the specific terms of their licensure. In many cases, licensure serves as a stepping stone toward ordination, offering ministers a chance to grow in their ministry role before taking on greater responsibilities.

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Overall, ordination carries greater credibility, authority, and long-term recognition in ministry. Many denominations and organizations consider it a requirement for continued professional development, including advanced theological studies and mentorship roles. However, both licensing and ordination affirm a minister’s calling and serve as valuable credentials for those committed to kingdom work.