First-Time Ministerial
Credential Application

Begin your ministerial credentialing journey. Explore the pathway that fits your calling, preparation, and experience.

Begin Your Application Review Credential Levels

Your credentialing journey

Experienced / Prior Preparation Review

Complete the application in one sitting. For your privacy, unfinished applications are not saved. Your session lasts up to two hours.

Review the application pathways · Read the credentialing policies

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Application Pathway

Choose the route that fits your background. Both routes lead to personal review by UMF.

Fields marked * are required.

UMF may consider documented experience in pastoral ministry, missions, chaplaincy, teaching, and other areas. Previous formal credentials are not required to request an experience review. UMF may recommend additional preparation before a credential can be issued.

If you currently hold or previously held a formal credential, continue through Reciprocity & Comity.

Have you ever held a formal ministerial credential?

Personal Information

Tell us who you are and how we can contact you about your application.

Fields marked * are required.

Legal first name

Middle name

Legal last name

Preferred name

Ministerial title, if applicable

Date of birth

Email address

Telephone, with country code

Country of residence

Mailing address

Address line 2

City or locality

State, province, or region

Postal code, if applicable

Preferred contact method

Church & Ministry

Describe where you serve and what church or ministry oversight you have, if any.

Fields marked * are required.

Do you currently serve under the leadership or oversight of a church or ministry organization?

Are you currently active in ministry?

Are you affiliated with an established church?

Current church or ministry

Church or ministry location

Current ministry role

Pastor or ministry supervisor

Church or ministry contact information

Additional context

Testimony & Calling

Take a moment to reflect on your testimony, calling, and reasons for seeking credentials.

Fields marked * are required.

Share your personal Christian testimony

Describe your understanding of God’s calling upon your life

What areas of Christian ministry are you currently involved in?

What areas of ministry do you believe you are called to pursue?

Why are you seeking ministerial credentials through UMF?

What are your current ministerial goals?

Education & Preparation

Include formal education, courses, mentorship, supervised ministry, and independent study as applicable.

Fields marked * are required.

Formal theological education is not required to apply. UMF reviews prior preparation and may recommend additional learning.

Biblical, theological, or ministerial preparation Bible college, seminary, or other educational institution UMF or RGES-approved courses Church-based ministry training Mentorship or supervised ministry Independent biblical study or other preparation No previous formal ministerial education Other

Institution or training provider

Course or program name

Dates attended

Qualification or certificate earned

Describe your preparation or list additional programs

Request recognition of prior preparation?

Are you willing to complete additional education or training if required?

Ministry Experience

Help UMF understand the scope of your prior ministry and the responsibilities you have carried.

Fields marked * are required.

Approximate years in active ministry

Primary areas of ministry General preaching and ministerial service Mission leadership Missionary service Chaplaincy Pastoral ministry Christian education Outreach and evangelism I am still exploring my calling Other

Describe your ministry history and responsibilities Include appointments, ministries served, responsibilities, locations, and relevant accomplishments.

Pastoral leadership history

Missionary service and locations

Evangelism and preaching

Teaching and discipleship

Chaplaincy and spiritual care

Other leadership and ministry accomplishments

Mentorship and practical training

Review your prior experience for possible advanced placement?

Credential & Direction

Your selection is a request for consideration. UMF may recommend a different credential.

Fields marked * are required.

Level 2 (Certified Minister) is the normal starting point. Reverend Ordination is a future advancement and requires a valid UMF Level 7 Pastoral License.

Credential for UMF to consider

Which ministry direction are you interested in pursuing? General preaching and ministerial service Mission leadership Missionary service Chaplaincy Pastoral ministry Christian education Outreach and evangelism I am still exploring my calling Other

Ministerial References

You may provide up to three people familiar with your ministry or character. Let them know before sharing their contact details.

Fields marked * are required.

Is there anything UMF should know about your references? You may explain independent ministry, international service, or other circumstances.

Reference 1 (optional)

Full name

Ministerial title or position

Church or organization

Relationship to you

Email address

Telephone

Years known

Reference 2 (optional)

Full name

Ministerial title or position

Church or organization

Relationship to you

Email address

Telephone

Years known

Reference 3 (optional)

Full name

Ministerial title or position

Church or organization

Relationship to you

Email address

Telephone

Years known

Supporting Documents

You may upload up to three relevant PDF, JPEG, or PNG files, up to 2 MB each. Include a brief description for every file.

Fields marked * are required.

Examples include training certificates, transcripts, ministry appointment letters, or other records relevant to your preparation. Do not include government ID, financial records, or unrelated personal information.

If formal records are unavailable, describe other evidence you could provide

Document 1 (optional)

Choose a supporting document

Document description

Document 2 (optional)

Choose a supporting document

Document description

Document 3 (optional)

Choose a supporting document

Document description

Review & Acknowledgments

Check your answers and acknowledge the credentialing process before you submit.

Fields marked * are required.

Application acknowledgments I certify that the information provided is accurate to the best of my knowledge. I understand that submitting this application does not guarantee credential approval. I understand that additional education, documentation, interviews, references, or verification may be required. I understand that UMF may recommend a different credential level. I acknowledge the applicable UMF credentialing policies and ministerial standards.

UMF uses the information you provide to review your application and contact you. Cloudflare Turnstile helps protect against automated submissions.

Recognizing Your Calling. Honoring Your Experience.

United Ministerial Fellowship welcomes individuals seeking their first formal ministerial credential. Whether you are beginning to serve or have ministered for years without formal credentials, UMF considers your biblical education, mentorship, practical preparation, and verified experience.

Our aim is to help you identify a pathway that supports your ministry and provides a clear next step.

Choose Your Application Pathway

Select the option that best describes your background and ministry experience.

I Am Beginning My Ministerial Journey

I am exploring or developing my calling. I have little or limited ministry experience and want to pursue my first formal ministerial credential.

Normal Starting Point: Level 2 (CM)

Continue — New Applicant

I Have Ministry Experience but No Formal Credentials

I have served in Christian ministry and have never held formal credentials. I would like UMF to review my experience and qualifications.

Credential Consideration: Based on Experience

Continue — Experienced Minister

I Already Hold or Previously Held Ministerial Credentials

I have held a ministerial license, commissioning, ordination, or similar credential from another church or ministerial organization.

Use the Reciprocity & Comity Process

Go to Reciprocity & Comity

UMF Ministerial
Credential Levels

Eight credentials recognize different areas of ministry. Choose a direction that fits your calling and qualifications.

View Full Requirements

1CMLChristian Ministry LicenseOptional introduction
2CMCertified MinisterFoundational credential
3MLLMission Leader LicenseMission leadership
4MCMissionary CommissioningMissionary service
5CEChaplaincy EndorsementChaplaincy
6MINLMinister LicenseMinisterial service
7PLPastoral LicenseRequired before ordination
8ORDReverend OrdinationFuture advancement

The Application Process

Complete the Application
Share your contact information, preparation, ministry background, and calling.
Education Review
UMF reviews your preparation and may recommend approved courses, mentorship, or training.
Credential Review
UMF evaluates your application, verifies supporting information, and considers placement.
Notification & Next Steps
UMF will contact you about the outcome or any additional steps needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a formal theological degree to apply?

You may apply for review without a formal degree. UMF evaluates the preparation required for the credential under consideration and may recommend additional education or training.

Can I apply if I have no ministry experience?

Yes. The new or developing minister pathway lets you apply for preliminary review. Level 2 — Certified Minister is the normal foundational credential.

How can I satisfy the educational requirements?

UMF may consider applicable approved courses, including UMF-approved offerings through Rhema Global Education System, and other recognized preparation. Coursework does not automatically result in credential approval.

Can my ministry experience be considered for a higher credential?

Yes. Experienced applicants without prior formal credentials may request review of documented experience and preparation. Placement depends on qualifications, applicable requirements, and Credentialing Board approval.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Begin your First-Time Ministerial Credential Application.

Begin Your Application

Explore UMF

First-Time Ministerial
Credential Application

Experienced / Prior Preparation Review

Application Pathway

Personal Information

Church & Ministry

Testimony & Calling

Education & Preparation

Ministry Experience

Credential & Direction

Ministerial References

Supporting Documents

Review & Acknowledgments

Recognizing Your Calling. Honoring Your Experience.

Choose Your Application Pathway

I Am Beginning My Ministerial Journey

I Have Ministry Experience but No Formal Credentials

I Already Hold or Previously Held Ministerial Credentials

UMF Ministerial
Credential Levels

The Application Process

Complete the Application

Education Review

Credential Review

Notification & Next Steps

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Not yet available

First-Time MinisterialCredential Application

Experienced / Prior Preparation Review

Application Pathway

Personal Information

Church & Ministry

Testimony & Calling

Education & Preparation

Ministry Experience

Credential & Direction

Ministerial References

Supporting Documents

Review & Acknowledgments

Recognizing Your Calling. Honoring Your Experience.

Choose Your Application Pathway

I Am Beginning My Ministerial Journey

I Have Ministry Experience but No Formal Credentials

I Already Hold or Previously Held Ministerial Credentials

UMF MinisterialCredential Levels

The Application Process

Complete the Application

Education Review

Credential Review

Notification & Next Steps

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to Take the Next Step?

First-Time Ministerial
Credential Application

UMF Ministerial
Credential Levels