531

A local minister is a lay member of the Church of the Nazarene whom the local church board has licensed for ministry, under the pastor’s direction, and as opportunity affords, thus providing for the demonstration, employment, and development of ministerial gifts and usefulness. He or she is entering into a process of lifelong learning.

531.1

Any member of the Church of the Nazarene who feels called of God to preach or to pursue lifetime ministry through the church may be licensed as a local minister for one year by the church board of a local church having an ordained minister as pastor, upon the pastor’s recommendation; or by the church board of a local church not having an ordained minister as pastor, if the granting of license is recommended by the pastor and approved by the district superintendent. The candidate must first be examined as to his or her personal experience of salvation, knowledge of the doctrines of the Bible, and the order of the church; he or she must also demonstrate that the call is evidenced by grace, gifts, and usefulness. He or she shall undergo an appropriate background check administered by the local church. A local minister shall make a report to the local church at its annual church meetings. (113.9, 129.12, 211.12)

531.3

The license of a local minister may be renewed by a local church board having an elder as pastor, upon the recommendation of the pastor; or renewed by a local church board not having an elder as pastor, provided that the renewal of license is recommended by the pastor and approved by the district superintendent. (129.12, 211.12)

531.5

A local minister, having served in that relation for at least one full year, and having passed the necessary studies, may be recommended by the church board to the district assembly for minister’s license; but, if not received, he or she shall sustain his or her former relation. (129.12, 529, 532.1)