Licensing and Ordination Information
Becoming a Licensed or Ordained Minister is a sacred trust and covenant made between the individual and the Lord, with the AECC given the authority and responsibility to oversee those who have answered and accepted the Lord’s call upon their lives.
It is a responsibility to be entered into soberly and reverently – not for self, not for special status, not for a title – but to be the Lord’s servant and be a servant to His people on Earth. Therefore, the AECC has developed certain guidelines to help insure the integrity of the office of Minister and for continuity within the AECC. Each position has its own requirements and will be discussed separately.
It is a responsibility to be entered into soberly and reverently – not for self, not for special status, not for a title – but to be the Lord’s servant and be a servant to His people on Earth. Therefore, the AECC has developed certain guidelines to help insure the integrity of the office of Minister and for continuity within the AECC. Each position has its own requirements and will be discussed separately.
Licensure
Licensure is the first formal step into ministry within the AECC. It recognizes an individual’s calling and begins a season of development, accountability, and preparation.
Purpose:
- To affirm your call to ministry
- To provide spiritual covering and oversight
- To begin structured growth and training
- To prepare for potential ordination
What Licensed Ministers Can Do:
- Serve and assist in ministry
- Support ordained ministers
- Grow in leadership and responsibility
⚠️ Important: Licensed Ministers may NOT:
- Officiate weddings
- Perform funerals
Requirements & Process
To become a Licensed Minister:
- Complete the Application for Membership
- Submit the required application fee
- Provide three letters of reference
- Complete a background check (paid by applicant)
- Participate in an interview with a Regional Coordinator
- Receive final approval through AECC leadership
- A Certificate of Licensure
- A Clergy ID Card
Expectations
- Walk in integrity and spiritual maturity
- Remain teachable and accountable
- Participate in AECC community and leadership
- Attend Regional or Biennial Conferences
- Begin preparing for greater responsibility
Timeline to Ordination
Must serve as a Licensed Minister for at least 1 year before applying for ordination
This season is for growth, testing, and confirmation of calling
Must serve as a Licensed Minister for at least 1 year before applying for ordination
This season is for growth, testing, and confirmation of calling
Ordination
Ordination is the formal recognition and commissioning of a minister into full ministry authority and responsibility within the AECC.
It affirms that the individual has been proven, prepared, and entrusted to lead, serve, and carry out key functions of ministry.
It affirms that the individual has been proven, prepared, and entrusted to lead, serve, and carry out key functions of ministry.
Purpose:
- To authorize full ministerial leadership
- To commission individuals into greater Kingdom responsibility
- To recognize spiritual maturity, faithfulness, and readiness
What Ordained Ministers Can Do:
- Weddings
- Funerals
- Baptisms
- Communion
- Teaching and preaching
- Spiritual counseling
- Church leadership and administration
Requirements for Ordination
- Must be licensed for at least 1 year
- Submit a formal written request for ordination
- Complete required AEBC coursework:
- Ministerial Ethics & Etiquette (Course #1402)
- One additional Level 3 course
- Demonstrate financial support and commitment to AECC
- Attend at least:
- One Regional Conference OR
- The Biennial International Conference
- Complete a Board interview (video conference)
- Complete similar application steps as licensure
- Subject to AECC review and approval
- Ordination is not automatically granted
- Approved by the AECC Board of Directors
- Requires formal installation service
- Must be conducted by:
- An AECC Board Member
- With support from Regional leadership
Expectations
- Lead with integrity and spiritual authority
- Actively serve within the AECC network
- Maintain doctrinal alignment and accountability
- Continue growing spiritually and practically
- Attend conferences and remain engaged
Failure to remain active (including conference participation or communication) may result in loss of credentials.