Redeeming Love
Ministries International

Credentials Overview

Redeeming Love Ministries International (RLMI) offers ministerial credentials to individuals called to full-time ministry, providing affiliation, accountability, and authorization to perform church ordinances and ceremonies in accordance with applicable laws. Credentials signify RLMI’s recognition of a minister’s divine calling and qualifications.

Credential Levels & Requirements

All applicants must:

Be a member in good standing of Redeeming Love Christian Embassy (www.RLCE.org).
Have received the baptism in the Holy Spirit with evidence of speaking in tongues.
Consent to a mandatory background check ($50 fee), including National Criminal File Search, Social Security Verification, Felony and Misdemeanor County Court Records Search, and State Sexual Offender Database Search. Additional fees may apply for multi-county or multi-state searches.
Submit official transcripts with applications. Applications without transcripts will not be processed.
Life Experience Exception may be considered on a case-by-case basis for proven, long-term ministry involvement.

Four Levels of Credentials

Purpose: For part-time or full-time ministers with limited experience, authorized to preach, perform marriages, baptize, and conduct other ministerial duties.
Eligibility: Active in ministry, committed to part-time or full-time service.
Educational Requirements: Two years (48 hours minimum) at a Bible college with a Biblical, ministerial, or church-related major.
Fee: $60 (plus $50 background check for new applicants).
Note: Most U.S. states recognize Licensed Ministers for performing ceremonies like weddings and funerals.

Purpose: For those who are fully committed to full-time ministry with proven experience.
Eligibility: Clear evidence of a divine call, practical experience in preaching and teaching, licensed for at least four years, and recognition by other Five-Fold Ministers.
Educational Requirements: Three years (72 hours minimum) at a Bible college with a Biblical, ministerial, or church-related major.
Fee: $70 (plus $50 background check for new applicants).
Note: Ordained Ministers are recognized by the IRS for starting 501(c)(3) church plants.

Purpose: For mature ministers serving as Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors, or Teachers.
Eligibility: At least 30 years old, actively engaged in full-time ministry for eight consecutive years, ordained for at least four years, and recognized by other Five-Fold Ministers.
Educational Requirements: Four years (96 hours minimum) at a Bible college with a Biblical, ministerial, or church-related major.
Fee: $80 (plus $50 background check for new applicants).

Application Process

Submit Application:
- Include transcripts and the application fee plus the $50 background check fee (for new applicants).
- Annual application deadline is April 15 annually (exceptions for urgent ministry needs).
Elder Meeting: An Elder will schedule a brief meeting to discuss your ministry calling.
Interview: Applicants will be notified of the time and place for a personal interview.
Decision: The Credentials Committee determines approval. Applicants will be notified of the decision.
Credential Issuance: Approved applications are forwarded to Redeeming Love Christian Embassy, which issues Credentials and ID Cards distributed by the Elder Board.

Ministers from Other Organizations

Ministers transferring from other organizations must:

Follow the new applicant process.
Provide:
- A letter from the previous organization confirming credential status and release.
- A copy of the ministerial certificate.
- Transcripts from colleges attended.
- Completion of RLMI History, Missions, and Governance course and any additional required courses after transcript evaluation.

Self-Study Guide

(For meeting the educational requirements for Licensing and Ordination)

Applicants who do not meet formal educational requirements for ordination may be licensed or ordained after a mentored self-study process designed with their mentor and approved by the RLMI Network Board of Directors. This process includes Core Requirements and Electives, with each self-study quarter allowing one book/course (maximum of 8 over two years). Applicants can request alterations or waivers based on life experience and subject understanding. After meeting all other requirements, applicants receive Candidate Status following an interview with the RLMI Network board, and full Licensing or Ordination once educational requirements are met.

Click links for more info:

Biblical Knowledge:

• Biblical Foundations—CBI course

• Old Testament Survey—CBI course or Survey of the NT, Paul N. Benware

• New Testament Survey—CBI course or Survey of the OT, Paul N. Benware

• Through the Bible in One Year, Dr. Alan B. Stringfellow (in lieu of OT and NT Survey)

Church Dynamics:

• Surprising Insights from the Unchurched, Thom Rainer

Leadership Development:

• 21 Laws of the Leader, John Maxwell

• Visioneering, Andy Stanley

Based on the applicant’s calling and educational needs:

Biblical Theology:

· Elements of a Christian Worldview, Dr. Mike Palmer

· Knowing the Doctrines of the Bible, Myer Pearlman

· What the Bible Says about the Holy Spirit, Stanley Horton

Church Planting:

· Planting Churches in the Post-Modern Era, Ed Stetzer

· Starting a New Church, Ralph Moore

Pastoral Theology:

· Firestorm—Preventing and Overcoming Church Conflicts, Ron Susek

· Pastoral Counseling: The Basics, James Dittes

· Church Administration: Creating Efficiency for Effective Ministry, Robert Welch

· Reframing Organizations, Bolman and Deal

Leadership Development:

· Spiritual Leadership, Oswald Sanders

· Transforming Leadership, Leighton Ford

Communications/ Preaching:

· The Dynamic Communicators Workshop, Ken Davis

· Preaching for Change, Rick Warren

Church Dynamics:

· Cell Church Solutions, Joel Comiskey

· Simple Church, Thom Rainer

· The Purpose Driven Church, Rick Warren

Teen Ministries:

· My First Two Years in Youth Ministry, Doug Fields

· Youth Builder, Jim Burns

· Reaching a Generation for Christ, Richard Dunn and Mark Senter

· Postmodern Youth Ministry, Tony Jones

College Ministries:

· Emerging Church, Dan Kimball

· Everything Twenties, David Edwards and Margaret Feinberg

FAQ

Learn more about licensing...

No. There is a difference between earning a degree in theology and becoming ordained versus becoming a licensed minister. A theology degree is an academic certification, generally requiring 2 to 8 years of university study. It is considered equivalent to a degree in philosophy and is typically required for teaching religion at the university level. Licensing requires demonstrating your commitment to the church and is an acknowledgment of the church's recognition of that commitment. Most of the 50 states accept licensing to perform religious ceremonies such as weddings and funerals.

Biblical Knowledge:

• Biblical Foundations—CBI course

• Old Testament Survey—CBI course or Survey of the NT, Paul N. Benware

• New Testament Survey—CBI course or Survey of the OT, Paul N. Benware

• Through the Bible in One Year, Dr. Alan B. Stringfellow (in lieu of OT and NT Survey)

Church Dynamics:

• Surprising Insights from the Unchurched, Thom Rainer

Leadership Development:

• 21 Laws of the Leader, John Maxwell

• Visioneering, Andy Stanley

Based on the applicant’s calling and educational needs:

Biblical Theology:

· Elements of a Christian Worldview, Dr. Mike Palmer

· Knowing the Doctrines of the Bible, Myer Pearlman

· What the Bible Says about the Holy Spirit, Stanley Horton

Church Planting:

· Planting Churches in the Post-Modern Era, Ed Stetzer

· Starting a New Church, Ralph Moore

Pastoral Theology:

· Firestorm—Preventing and Overcoming Church Conflicts, Ron Susek

· Pastoral Counseling: The Basics, James Dittes

· Church Administration: Creating Efficiency for Effective Ministry, Robert Welch

· Reframing Organizations, Bolman and Deal

Leadership Development:

· Spiritual Leadership, Oswald Sanders

· Transforming Leadership, Leighton Ford

Communications/ Preaching:

· The Dynamic Communicators Workshop, Ken Davis

· Preaching for Change, Rick Warren

Church Dynamics:

· Cell Church Solutions, Joel Comiskey

· Simple Church, Thom Rainer

· The Purpose Driven Church, Rick Warren

Teen Ministries:

· My First Two Years in Youth Ministry, Doug Fields

· Youth Builder, Jim Burns

· Reaching a Generation for Christ, Richard Dunn and Mark Senter

· Postmodern Youth Ministry, Tony Jones

College Ministries:

· Emerging Church, Dan Kimball

· Everything Twenties, David Edwards and Margaret Feinberg

Redeeming Love Christian Embassy

Redeeming Love Ministries International

Credentials Overview

Credential Levels & Requirements

Four Levels of Credentials

Certificate of Ministry

Licensed Minister

Ordination

Consecrated (Five-Fold Minister)

Application Process

Ministers from Other Organizations

Self-Study Guide

Click links for more info:

Core Requirements

Electives

FAQ

Learn more about licensing...

What are the requirements for becoming a Christian minister?

Do I need to earn a university degree in theology to become licensed?

Will I be authorized to perform weddings in my state?

Can I start my own church once I become a licensed minister from RLMI/Redeeming Love Christian Embassy?

Will I be able to collect an honorarium as a licensed minister?

Will I be considered an Elder of Redeeming Love Christian Embassy?

What is the difference between a Licensed Minister and an Ordained Minister?

Can I transfer my credentials from another denomination?

Are there continuing education requirements?

How long does the application process take?

Is there financial assistance for the fees?

Core Requirements

Electives

Redeeming Love Christian Embassy

Redeeming Love
Ministries International