# NACM HelpDesk > NACM HelpDesk ## Pages ### Mobile Rethinking the Mission of the Church ​ Rethinking the Church's mission beyond buildings and rituals. Learn how to bring faith into homes, hobbies, and workplaces to inspire deep connections. Introduction: A Church Beyond Walls We live in a time of rapid change. Culturally, socially, and technologically. The way people shop, communicate, consume media, and live their daily lives has shifted dramatically in recent decades. Yet, many churches have struggled to adapt. While God's truth remains eternal and unchanging, how we share and live that truth must evolve to meet the needs of this generation. For decades, the Church has been tethered to chapels, buildings, and structured routines. These physical spaces hold great significance, yet many believers feel they no longer meet their spiritual hunger for genuine connection and community. People long for authentic fellowship and purpose, not merely attendance at a weekly event. The challenge now is to expand our vision of "church" beyond the four walls of a building. It’s time to bring the Church into homes, hobbies, and workplaces. These are the spaces where people naturally live, work, and gather. The Growing Disconnection from Traditional Church The traditional church model, while meaningful in many ways, often falls short in providing believers with true intimacy and connection. A Sunday service, no matter how well planned, can feel like a passive, transactional experience. We hear a sermon, sing a few songs, shake hands, and go home. But where is the deeper engagement? Believers are asking essential questions: • Where can I share my struggles and joys with others who care? • How can I use my spiritual gifts to serve and strengthen others? • How do we truly live as a united Body of Christ, not just attend services? The lack of genuine, life-giving fellowship in many churches has led to complacency. In some cases, disillusionment. People don’t want to just "do church" anymore. They want to be the Church. They are searching for authentic spaces to connect, worship, and grow together in ways that feel meaningful and personal. God Is Calling Us to Something New In Exodus 17:6 God instructed Moses to STRIKE a rock for water. At another time when Israel needed water again (Numbers 20:8) God told Moses to "speak" to a rock for water. This is not a new problem. For the last 30 or 40 years, we have seen a slow but noticeable shift. Yet, many churches have resisted change, much like Moses striking the rock instead of speaking to it as God instructed (Numbers 20:8‑11). God had something new in mind, but Moses defaulted to what was familiar. We must recognize that God is doing a new thing in how the Church functions. Though not entirely new, after all the early Church thrived without buildings, it feels revolutionary to us because we have grown so accustomed to certain traditions. The "new" way God is leading us does not compromise the Gospel but expands how we share it. Avoiding the Pitfall of Recreating the Old in Smaller Settings As we embrace this new way of doing church, there is a crucial caution. Do not replicate the old, traditional church format in smaller settings like homes, life groups, or workplaces. Simply shrinking the Sunday service into a living room does not provide the fresh, relational approach that people need. Where Traditional Small Groups Miss the Mark Traditional small groups are often tightly controlled extensions of Sunday worship. • Structured meetings with formal teaching, prayer, and discussion. • Curriculum‑based studies driven by predetermined topics. • Emphasis on replicating "church‑like" experiences in a smaller room. While these small groups can be beneficial, they tend to feel programmed rather than personal. They often lack the freedom needed to adapt to individual or group needs. The goal becomes filling seats in homes rather than fostering deep, organic relationships. It is about creating spaces that look and feel different. There is no requirement to follow a standard format or include every element of traditional church. Instead, gatherings can: • Focus solely on relationships, worship, prayer, or exploration of shared interests. • Be Spirit‑led and free to shift week to week, based on the group’s needs. • Encourage believers to engage with each other and the Lord in a way that feels natural, flexible, and refreshing. Why This Approach Matters in Today’s World Reasons for the shift include: • Busy lifestyles that compete for time on weekends. • A sense of disconnection from traditional church models. • Post‑pandemic changes that reshaped how people gather and prioritize their time. For many, walking through the doors of a church feels like a burden, not a blessing. By meeting people where they already are: in their homes, their workplaces, and their hobbies, the model removes many of the barriers to traditional church attendance. Instead of asking people to "come to church," it allows the Church to come to them. It feels: • Relational, not transactional. • Flexible, not rigid. • Personal, not programmatic. For Christians who feel disconnected, burned out, or disillusioned, these gatherings offer a lifeline of authentic community. For non‑believers or those hesitant to attend church, they provide a natural, non‑threatening way to encounter Christ through meaningful relationships. This approach reflects the heart of the early Church. Believers shared life, worshiped in freedom, and encouraged one another wherever they gathered. In a modern world filled with busyness, loneliness, and spiritual hunger, it is a relevant, effective way to live out the Gospel in everyday life. Bringing the Church to Everyday Spaces When we let go of traditional expectations, we can see how God is calling us to bring the Church into the spaces where people already gather. Homes, hobbies, and workplaces are ripe for authentic ministry. 1. Homes as Hubs of Faith The early Church thrived in homes. Acts 2:46 describes believers breaking bread together, worshiping, and sharing life. Homes provide intimacy, warmth, and flexibility that larger gatherings cannot always offer. Hosting a small group in your home can create opportunities for deep conversations, prayer, and fellowship. It is not about perfection. It is about creating a space where people can come as they are and experience Christ together. 2. Hobbies as Platforms for Ministry Shared interests are natural bridges for building relationships. Whether it is motorcycles, sports, hiking, or gardening, these passions can become powerful opportunities to minister to others. • Motorcycle Ministries: Christian bikers gathering for rides, prayer, and encouragement. • Sports Groups: Playing recreational sports while weaving in prayer, Scripture, and fellowship. • Nature Walks and Gardening: Creating worship and reflection time in God’s creation. 3. Workplaces as Mission Fields Workplaces often feel separate from our spiritual lives, but they are critical mission fields. Simple, intentional actions like praying with coworkers, hosting a lunch break Bible study, or encouraging those in need can open doors for ministry. As believers live out their faith with integrity and humility, they become a light in their workplaces (Matthew 5:16). Conclusion: A Church Without Walls The time has come for the Church to break free from the limitations of buildings and traditions. By bringing the Church into homes, hobbies, and workplaces, we meet people where they are, fostering genuine connection and fulfilling the Great Commission more effectively. This is not about abandoning corporate worship but rediscovering what it means to be the Body of Christ. The Church is not a building. It is the people of God, living their faith wherever He has placed them. May we embrace this calling with boldness, creativity, and joy. God is doing a new thing, and we are invited to join Him. “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them” (Matthew 18:20). And the master said to the servant, ' Go out to the highways and hedges and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled.' (Luke 14:23) NACM members: Click here to participate in the discussion about this topic in the fellowship. ### Mobile New Member Welcome Trouble Viewing Email, Read it Online Here Greetings in the Mighty Name of Jesus! We are writing to follow up with you since your request for membership with us has been accepted. Below you will find a few resources which will help you find your way around. As part of our commitment to fostering a strong, connected community of Christian ministers, we want to ensure that you are aware of how we communicate within our organization. Our online platform is designed to be a central hub for all communication (networking, sharing resources, and supporting one another in discussions, prayer, and ministry). We understand that technology can sometimes be daunting. The Internet became a widely preferred source for information and communication since the year 2000, and now we are almost 25 years past that time. People who do not know how to use email, support documentation, etc. by now, are probably not a good fit for membership with us. After all, we live in a world where people can visit Dr. appointments, attend church services, major in college, pay their taxes, and purchase almost anything entirely online. This is without mention of the dominance of social media platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, etc. which many of our members navigate daily. As a side note, it is often humorous when a member complains about navigating our site, only to find that they are masters of playing games, and setting up groups on Facebook. Did anyone from Facebook ever call them to learn how? No. They read tutorials just like almost everywhere else. Nevertheless, our online communication methods through our intranet, email, and various state and special interest forums are essential to the way we operate as a community. This approach allows us to provide timely updates, facilitate discussions, and maintain an organized and accessible environment for all members. We want to encourage you to embrace our platform as it offers several advantages: 1. Instant Access to Information: You can stay updated with the latest news, announcements, and events without waiting for mail or phone calls. Our intranet is designed to be a one‑stop resource for all our members.   2. Opportunity for Engagement: Being active in our forums and groups provides you with the opportunity to connect with other ministers, share your insights, and gain valuable perspectives from across the nation.   3. Enhanced Networking: By participating in our online community, you’ll have the chance to form connections with other ministers beyond your immediate area, fostering a broader sense of fellowship. We understand that some members may find navigation to be challenging, but we want to assure you that we are here to help. If you need assistance in navigating our platform, please don't hesitate to use our FAQ. We are more than happy to provide guidance and support to help you feel more comfortable using our network. While we appreciate the value of traditional methods of communication, the nature of our organization requires that we maintain a consistent and efficient means of connecting with our members. As such, we kindly ask that you utilize our online communication methods, as this will be the only way we can provide updates and engage with you effectively. Thank you for your understanding and for being a valued member of our community. We believe that with your participation, we can continue to grow and strengthen our network of Christian ministers across the nation. If you have not already done so, the first thing you should do is go through our New Member Orientation. You likely did when you joined, but here is the link to be sure: Click here to See Our New Member Orientation. Log Into Your Profile: Click Here to Log In Note: You Must Already Be Logged in (above) for these links (below) to work: Make Sure Your Profile is Complete: Click Here to Update Profile Visit Our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ). You will find the most frequently asked questions there. We have spent countless hours developing answers to the most asked questions. Why bother searching or asking for assistance, when the answers are already there. Click Here for Our FAQ A Few Example Answers:   Click: What are the Responsibilities of Members?   Click: Is My Profile Private from Google and Other Search Engines?   Click: What are Groups? Do they connect me with members in my State?   Click: How to Edit Your Topics and Replies?   Click: What is Annual Minister Renewal?   And many many more. ### Mobile Developing a Biblical Worldview     A Message from Michael Mooney, Exec. Elder Understanding Worldview: The Lens Through Which We See Life A worldview is the foundational framework of beliefs and assumptions through which a person interprets reality. It shapes how we understand God, humanity, morality, purpose, and the world around us. Every person operates from a worldview, whether consciously recognized or not, and this framework directs decisions, values, and behaviors. For the Christian, the biblical worldview is rooted firmly in the truth of Scripture as the inspired and authoritative Word of God. It teaches that God is the Creator and Sustainer of all things, that humanity was made in His image but fell into sin, and that redemption and restoration come only through Jesus Christ. This worldview offers a coherent and consistent way to make sense of life’s complexities and challenges, reflecting the divine revelation emphasized in Easton’s Bible Dictionary and Vine’s Expository Dictionary. Understanding our worldview is crucial because it impacts every area of life. This includes how we approach the Bible, how we interpret truth, and how we engage with culture and mission. A biblical worldview equips believers to discern truth from error, live with purpose, and witness effectively in a pluralistic world. Let us commit to sharpening our understanding and applying God’s truth with boldness and love. In the fast-paced world we live in, the Church’s mission must move beyond the four walls of the sanctuary to saturate every sphere of life, including our workplaces, communities, and social networks. To engage these mission fields with clarity and conviction, believers need the disciplined practice of biblical exegesis. This approach is the careful and prayerful interpretation of Scripture. It does more than satisfy academic curiosity. It is rooted in the evangelical commitment to Scripture’s inspiration and inerrancy, and it reveals the author-intended meaning of God’s Word. This understanding grounds believers in truth and empowers them to live and witness with authority and love. As Kevin Gary Smith explains in his guide to exegetical study, the primary goal is to hear God’s voice as originally intended and to communicate that message faithfully today. This foundation equips the Church not only for personal growth but also for transformational ministry. Before we can understand what a passage means for us today, we must first start with what it meant to the original audience. When we grasp Scripture’s message deeply, it reshapes our worldview and compels us to engage outwardly. The Great Commission in Matthew 28:18–20 calls the Church to make disciples of all nations, not merely within church buildings but in everyday settings. Each believer becomes a carrier of the gospel and engages in what might be called mobile evangelism. Exegesis clarifies the gospel’s meaning and helps believers address real-life questions and challenges with biblical wisdom. It also strengthens the Church’s unity by focusing on the core truths of the gospel. This unity transcends denominational boundaries and forms a unified Body of Christ sent into the world. By equipping leaders as expositors and equippers rather than gatekeepers, the Church multiplies its influence exponentially. In practical terms, every interaction, even a simple coffee break conversation becomes a missional opportunity. The biblical worldview revealed through sound exegesis shapes our priorities, attitudes, and speech, turning ordinary moments into powerful witness. As we continue to grow in our exegetical skills, we also grow in our ability to live missionally, reflecting Christ’s love in word and deed in every context of life. May this August be a fresh call to all believers to immerse themselves in the Word, to understand it we and to go boldly into the world God loves. Defining Exegesis and Its Essential Steps Exegesis is the careful, systematic, and prayerful process of interpreting a biblical text to uncover the original intended meaning of the author. It seeks to draw out the truth embedded in Scripture by considering the historical, literary, and theological context rather than imposing one’s own ideas or biases. Exegesis is foundational for sound biblical interpretation, ensuring that teachings and applications align with God’s revealed Word. It requires humility, discipline, and reliance on the Holy Spirit. Key Steps in the Exegetical Process Prayer and Preparation: Begin with prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to guide understanding and guard against error. Textual Observation: Read the passage carefully, noting key words, repeated phrases, and literary style (e.g., narrative, poetry, prophecy). Historical and Cultural Context: Research the background of the text—its original audience, cultural customs, historical setting, and author’s purpose. Language Study: Examine important words and phrases in the original Hebrew or Greek to grasp nuances not evident in translation. Cross-Referencing: Compare the passage with other Scripture to understand how it fits into the broader biblical message. Interpretation: Synthesize findings to determine the author’s intended meaning and theological implications. Application: Reflect on how the passage speaks to contemporary life, encouraging faithful obedience and mission. Definition of Eisegesis Eisegesis is the process of interpreting a biblical text by reading one’s own ideas, biases, or presuppositions into the Scripture rather than drawing out the original intended meaning. It contrasts with exegesis, which seeks to uncover the text’s authentic message. How Eisegesis Occurs The reader approaches the text with a preconceived notion or desired conclusion. Interpretation is shaped more by personal opinions or cultural influences than by the biblical context. Key verses may be isolated or twisted to support an external agenda. Common Signs of Eisegesis Ignoring the historical and literary context of the passage. Overlooking the original language nuances or biblical genre. Selecting verses out of context to prove a point. Imposing modern ideas onto ancient texts without proper hermeneutical method. Consequences of Eisegesis Distorts the true message of Scripture. Leads to theological error and confusion. Can damage personal faith and church teaching. Undermines the authority and unity of the Church. Guarding Against Eisegesis Commit to rigorous, prayerful exegesis grounded in the biblical languages and context. Use trustworthy commentaries and dictionaries like Vine’s Expository Dictionary or Easton’s Bible Dictionary. Engage in community study and accountability. Seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit to illuminate truth. Three Scriptural Examples Where Exegesis Deepens Understanding 1. Genesis 1:26 “Let Us Make Man in Our Image” A simple reading might raise questions about the plural pronouns “Let us make” and “Our image.” Exegesis reveals this as a profound hint of the Trinity—God existing as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. By examining the Hebrew grammar and comparing with other Old Testament passages, exegetes see that the plural language indicates a divine conversation within the Godhead, affirming the unity and diversity of the Trinity. This insight deepens our understanding of human dignity as made in the triune God’s image. 2. Isaiah 7:14 “Behold, the Virgin Shall Conceive” On the surface, some might read this as simply a prophecy about a young woman conceiving a child. Exegesis, including the study of the original Hebrew word “almah” and its context in Isaiah, clarifies that the term specifically refers to a young woman of marriageable age who is a virgin. This passage points prophetically to the virgin birth of Christ, as confirmed in Matthew 1:23, reinforcing the miraculous nature of the Incarnation and God’s intervention in history. 3. John 1:1 “In the Beginning Was the Word” A casual reading may see “the Word” as a mere metaphor or abstract concept. However, exegetical analysis of the Greek term “Logos” and its use in both Jewish and Hellenistic thought reveals a rich theological meaning. John identifies “the Word” as preexistent, divine, and active in creation, fully God and incarnate in Jesus Christ. This clarifies the deity of Christ and the intimate involvement of the Son in God’s redemptive plan. Conclusion and Exercise: Engaging Scripture with Intention The practice of sound exegesis transforms our reading of Scripture from a passive activity into a dynamic encounter with God’s truth. As we have seen, careful study reveals layers of meaning that simple reading often misses. This deepened understanding not only enriches our theology but also empowers our witness and mission in everyday life. To grow in this vital discipline, believers must commit to approaching the Bible with humility, prayer, and scholarly tools, always seeking the original author’s intent guided by the Holy Spirit. Exercise: Choose a brief passage of Scripture this week, preferably one you have read before, and practice exegetical study on it. Begin by reading the passage slowly and prayerfully. Before we can understand what a passage means for us today, we must first start with what it meant to the original audience. Ask these questions: What is the historical and literary context? Who is the original audience? What key words or phrases stand out, and what do they mean in the original language? What theological truths emerge? How does this passage shape my worldview and mission? Write down your observations and reflect on how this deeper study impacts your understanding and daily walk. Consider sharing your insights with a small group or mentor to encourage mutual growth. May this exercise deepen your love for God’s Word and fuel your passion for His mission in the world.   Learn Practical Leadership Skills for Ministry in the 21st-Century Login, Update, Renew (All in One Page)   ### Mobile Useful Ministry Resources for You Trouble Viewing this Email? Click Here NACM MINISTERIAL TRAININGS for Enhancing Your Ministry Effectiveness: Unique Practical Ministry Skills Development Courses. At the NACM we believe that we should seek, in honor of the One we serve, to be as "tooled up" in ministry understandings and skills as we possibly can be!  We bear the Name of Jesus, are indwelt by His Holy Spirit, and are engaged in THE greatest "occupation" on earth!  And souls are at stake. So we should seek to be "thoroughly equipped" so as to be ever increasingly "meet for the Master's use". First on the list is the NACM Manual to Ministry.  This resources is available for free for NACM members. Vision  The vision of this project is to provide a quick reference work covering a vast range of topics for New Ministers as well as refreshers for Seasoned Ministers and Theologians. Continual Updates This site is generally updated daily, but during busy times of ministry 3 times a week at the typical least.  This means that we contribute, at the very least, 3 new articles to the manual weekly. Audience The content herein is written primarily for the ministers of the National Association of Christian Ministers.  Its focus is for Ministers Organizing and Leading in Ministry. Purpose The purpose of this Manual to Ministry is as follows: To provide a summary of information about a multitude of topics ranging from: How To in Ministry, Theology, the Bible, and Organizational Leadership.  The word “summary” is emphasized here.  The majority of articles are written as summaries of topics.  Keeping this in mind is the best way to set the expectations, limitations, tone, and understanding of the content herein. Click Here for the Official NACM Manual to Ministry Below are Links to the Present NACM Course Offerings: We Invite You to Explore and Avail Yourself of These Unique Trainings: The Need for 21st Century Focused Ministry Training The world is quickly changing.  The need for church leadership training is greater now than ever before. Pastors are experiencing burnout at alarming rates.  For many, balancing home lives, church politics, a second job and their personal faith becomes overwhelming.  Not to mention the expectations of hospital visitations, weekly sermon planning, and campaigns for church growth. It is not difficult to see how pastors can struggle with anxiety, depression, and frustration more than the average people who are looking to them for comfort and counsel. Christian leaders are quickly realizing the need to develop additional skills for effective ministry in the 21st century.  If you are interested in revamping your skills, and knowledge base, the Lord has led you to the right place. Online Church Leadership Training We believe effective ministry training is fostered by: Stimulating ideas, inspiring fellowship, and encountering God during personal reflection.  This is our purpose at the National Association of Christian Ministers -it's our passion! We offer church leadership training that truly qualifies ministers as students of the Word, approved unto God for the work of the ministry (2 Tim. 2:15). Our courses are developed by prayer, attention to Godly wisdom, and leaders with concrete experience in the field. Further, our confidence is in God alone to use the Holy Spirit to develop the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA’s) needed to be good stewards of the power of God. Towards this end, we offer theological and practical ministry growth opportunities, like our Mentoring Program and Leadership Hall.  We take an innovative approach for developing practical ministry skills that relate to the challenges faced in ministry today: utilizing peer-to-peer interactive groups, inductive “self-discovery” style exercises, and personal guidance from seasoned, proven, mature ministers.  We believe the needs today call for “ministry practitioners” who are equipped with very practical ministry skills that connect with the everyday, real issues people are facing. Leadership Hall: The Core Leadership Training of the National Association of Christian Ministers Have You? Ever known a person who knew the Bible “inside‑out”, but as soon as they began to share their “insights” people stopped listening?   Ever known someone who had great ideas, but people simply would not follow them?   Ever known a person who had a genuine calling of God on their life, but for some reason they just never had an opportunity to use their calling in a local church? Good News The Good news is that people can change, and if they do, the whole world will change for them! They will begin to experience new relationships and opportunities that they have never before known.  The trick is in the concept that they will stop trying to change others and begin focusing on themselves.  We suspect that many would gladly take this step if they only knew how.  We are pleased to offer this knowledge to those who are accepted into our Leadership Development Program. Curriculum Course curriculum is written by Michael Mooney, NACM President.  He holds a Masters in Business Administration, Masters in Organizational Psychology, and a Bachelors of Religion.  His Alma Mater is Liberty University.  He has been in ministry 25+ years serving as an evangelist, pastor, ministry administrator, course developer, wedding officiant, webmaster, and founder of NACM. Impact This is the oldest course offered by NACM.  It was launched in 2010 and still continues today as the preliminary retirement of all our Elders. For More Details, Members Only Link: https://nacministers.org/courses/leadership-hall/ Please note: You must already be logged into the fellowship for the above link to work. Otherwise it will only direct you to the Home Page Official Chaplain Training and Licensing of the NACM The NACM Christian Chaplaincy Course is a thorough, practically equipping, inspiring and confirming preparation to be an effective volunteer or community chaplain (nursing home; jail; hospital volunteer; disaster; street; etc.).  It is also excellent training for any Christian or Christian minister, chaplain or not, who is led to minister to hurting people, whatever the cause or crisis.  As well, the NACM requires completion of the NACM Christian Chaplaincy course in order to obtain NACM chaplain licensing (which is renewable annually).  Course developed and instructed by Rodger Niemeier, Exec. Elder.  He serves as the Vice President of the NACM.  He holds a Master’s in Divinity, and 40+ years of church planting, social work, and ministry. For More Details, Members Only Link: https://nacministers.org/courses/chaplain-training/ Please note: You must already be logged into the fellowship for the above link to work. Otherwise it will only direct you to the Home Page SoulCare 101: Ministering To Unsaintly Saints Effectively responding to the difficult behaviors of those you minister to in order to help them truly transform in Christ.   Christians aren't perfect!  It doesn't take long into church involvement to discover that to be all too true!  Too often though, Christians, even ministers, excuse it as "just how people are" and just tolerate each other.  But that's certainly not our heavenly Father's will for us!  He is intent on moving us towards becoming more and more like His Son, our Savior, Jesus!  As Christian ministers in some form of leadership (pastors, teachers, elders, etc.), we are "called" to facilitate real transformation in God's Children.  Often, we don't know how. This unique training will equip you with biblical & Christ-like insights and practical techniques to turn those difficult behaviors into opportunities for real transformational ministry!  People - even "Saints" in Christ - with difficult behaviors didn't get that way overnight...and they need help - Christ's help through you!  They need someone who can look beyond their faults, and see...and minister effectively to...their underlying, root needs that drive those difficult behaviors and help them face, address and overcome them.   For More Details, Members Only Link: https://nacministers.org/courses/soulcare-101/ Please note: You must already be logged into the fellowship for the above link to work. Otherwise it will only direct you to the Home Page SoulCare 102: Helping People Address & Resolve Underlying Root Issues As the sequel to Soulcare 101: Ministering To Unsaintly Saints, this SoulCare 102 course starts where the former left off, and equips the minister to effectively guide a person through the 7-Step biblical process of recovery from an identified root issue (that drives their difficult behaviors, as learned in SoulCare 101). SoulCare courses developed and instructed by Rodger Niemeier, Exec. Elder.  He serves as the Vice President of the NACM.  He holds a Master's in Divinity, and 40+ years of church planting, social work, and ministry.   For More Details, Members Only Link: https://nacministers.org/courses/soulcare-102/ Please note: You must already be logged into the fellowship for the above link to work. Otherwise it will only direct you to the Home Page Equipping Workplace-Ready Disciples What if you, as a Christian pastor or ministry leader, could impact the thinking of your working congregants to truly see themselves as "called" to their "job" as a means of advancing the Kingdom of God? Imagine the results! This unique course will equip Christian Ministers to effectively teach and disciple believers to understand their work, their job, as a "calling" to represent Jesus Christ and His Kingdom in the world. It's taught by a Christian who gained wisdom and insights from working in the business world as well as being a pastor.  Class taught by Dr Larry Peabody, DMin (Bakke Graduate University Professor) teaches from a unique perspective on "work" (one's job or career). For More Details, Members Only Link: https://nacministers.org/courses/workplace-ready-disciples/ Please note: You must already be logged into the fellowship for the above link to work. Otherwise it will only direct you to the Home Page Essential Elements For Effective Ministry Leadership 101, 102 & 103 Do you desire to be a wise and effective Christian Minister and Leader? Do you feel the need for insightful, practical how‑to instruction to develop yourself into the leader God has called you to be? NACM member, pastor and Christian Life Coach, Rev. Ruth Easterling, has designed this unique online learning experience to help you realize and appropriate the essential elements to be an impacting leader in Christ, whatever ministry you are called to. This course utilizes John Maxwell’s book, Developing the Leader Within You, the DISC profile assessment tool, videos, readings, discussions and personalized coaching sessions to help you develop and strengthen your ministry vision and fulfill your calling.   For More Details, Members Only Link: https://nacministers.org/courses/101-102-103/ Please note: You must already be logged into the fellowship for the above link to work. Otherwise it will only directly you to the Home Page Login to Your Profile Reset Your Password Visit the F.A.Q.   ### Understanding Worldview Trouble Viewing Email, Read it Online Here A Message from Michael Mooney, Exec. Elder Understanding Worldview: The Lens Through Which We See Life A worldview is the foundational framework of beliefs and assumptions through which a person interprets reality. It shapes how we understand God, humanity, morality, purpose, and the world around us. Every person operates from a worldview, whether consciously recognized or not, and this framework directs decisions, values, and behaviors. Are you ready to elevate your impact in ministry? NACM’s Church Leadership Training combines hands on strategy to ministry with deep biblical insight, and real world mentorship to empower you to lead with confidence... Learn Practical Leadership Skills for Ministry in the 21st‑Century Is it Time to Renew Your Credentials? Login, Update, Renew (All in One Page)   ### All In One Page Welcome to the One Page Support Hub of the NACM! Select an option below to get started. Account Login Reset Your Password Be sure to check your spam for the password reset email. The title will be: [National Association of Christian Ministers] Password Reset It will come from the address: admin@nacministers.net ---> You Must Already Be Logged Into https://nacministers.org for this link to work. <---  Annual Renewal of Ministry Credentials  SpiritShop Credentials, Apparel, Accessories Contact the HelpDesk ---> You Must Already Be Logged Into https://nacministers.org for this link to work. <---  Ministry Courses     NACM Manual to Ministry     ### 06-2025 United in Calling: Ministry Growth, Gatherings & God’s Grace   Click to View Online A Message from the Executive Elders A June Challenge for Every NACM Minister What if One Chapter from the Bible Could Unite Us? What if one prayer just one could reshape your heart, your ministry, and the Church? This June, I m inviting every NACM minister to join a simple but powerful challenge: Spend a few minutes each day praying through John 17 the prayer Jesus prayed for you. It s not a program. It s not a gimmick. It s a return to the heart of Christ. Want to know why this one chapter matters so much right now? Click here to read and join the full challenge. Why Peeves Make Poor Pets Ever Met Someone Who Keeps a Pet Peeve? What if your pet peeve was an actual pet one that grew bigger every time you vented? In this clever modern parable, a man adopts a strange creature named Peeve. At first it s harmless... then it starts taking over. What begins as a lighthearted tale turns into a powerful reflection on grace, bitterness, and spiritual clutter. Find out what happens when Peeve outgrows the house? Click Here: Why Pet Peeves Make Poor Pets Florida Ministers Let s Gather in One Accord! Big things are ahead will you be part of what God is doing? Dear NACM Florida Ministers, Are you feeling stirred to reconnect, refresh your calling, and bless your fellow laborers in Christ? There s a movement happening on the NACM site! There s a challenge for June you won t want to miss! And yes our 2025 Florida Gathering is on! Mark your calendar: Saturday, Sept. 20 Titusville, FL 10 AM 2 PM A day of encouragement, connection, and Spirit-led prayer. Let s grow together, not just in ministry but in one accord. Click to read all the details More Upcoming Gatherings * June 7th Pennsylvania Gathering * Sep. 20th South Carolina Gathering New ID Card Printing System The NACM has upgraded its Minister License Printing System to use premium 30mil PVC cards, delivering a smooth, high-quality finish comparable to a professional driver's license. Click Here to See Click Here to View NACM Manual to Ministry: Latest Publications What Does Monotheistic Mean? Belief in One True God Discover the meaning of monotheistic beliefs, Biblical foundations, and how Christianity affirms one God through scripture, doctrine, and history. What is Monotheism? Vision of Womanhood | Mary in the Bible: Revered but Not Worshiped Discover the biblical role of Mary, mother of Jesus. Examine how Scripture honors her faith without endorsing her worship. Anchored in sound doctrine. Mary in the Bible Free Bible Software (Seriously Free) Discover e-Sword, the free Bible study software with tools for pastors and ministries. Download now for enhanced biblical research. Free Bible Software Equipped for Every Good Work We are reminded in 2 Timothy 3:17 that the man of God is complete, equipped for every good work. Yet equipping is not automatic, it is intentional. In this season, we urge each minister to lean into the spiritual disciplines that sharpen our discernment and refresh our souls. Consider dedicating time for personal study in the Psalms or revisiting foundational works like Boyce s Abstract of Systematic Theology or Torrey s What the Bible Teaches. Pair that with practical resources from the training the NACM offers, or tools from Smith s guide to exegetical study. The more we grow in knowledge and humility, the better we serve His people in power and truth. Leadership Hall Leadership Skills Development (free course on NACM website) Developed by NACM President/Executive Elder, Michael Mooney. Longest running course by the NACM. See Leadership Hall NACM Chaplaincy Training Required training for NACM chaplain licensing. Instructor: NACM Vice President/Executive Elder, Rodger Niemeier. Thorough & practical chaplaincy training for community level/volunteer chaplaincy. See Chaplaincy Training SOULCARE 101 Helping Christians Change! Designed/taught by NACM Vice President/Executive Elder Rodger Niemeier. Learn proven, effective biblical principles/methods to help people experience lasting change. See SoulCare 101 SOULCARE 102: (Sequel to 101) Help People Address and Overcome Root Issues Designed/taught by NACM Vice President/Executive Elder Rodger Niemeier. Builds on course 101: learn specific techniques for affecting real change. See SoulCare 102 Equipping Workplace Ready Disciples Designed/taught by Dr. Larry Peabody; Christian businessman, pastor, professor, author. Train your congregants to effectively advance the Kingdom of God through their jobs! See Workplace Evan Essential Elements for Effective Ministry Leadership: 101, 102 & 103 Designed/taught by John Maxwell Certified Coach: Rev. Ruth Easterling (pastor, coach). See Leadership: 101, 102 & 103 Speaking Up! Addressing Domestic Violence in the Christian Community By Dr Nancy Murphy: DMin, LMHC, DV survivor; DV counselor (35 yrs). This course prepares Christians ministers to rightly help victims of abuse in church & community. NACM member discount (75% off $199 = $49.75): Discount Code: VGYEFW See Domestic Violence in Community For questions about these classes, contact Elder Rodger Niemeier Link to Profile Is it Time to Renew Your Credentials? Click to Login Click to Reset Password NOTE: 1. Reset your password. 2. Then CHECK YOUR SPAM for the reset link from: admin@nacministers.net Email Title: [National Association of Christian Ministers] Password Reset Need Something Else? Contact the HelpDesk ### July Updates: Are you ready to elevate your impact in ministry? Trouble Viewing Email, Read it Online Here July 2025 Ministry Updates, Gatherings, and Fellowship Greetings Ministers in the beautiful, matchless, and only name worthy of all power, honor, worship and glory, our Lord Jesus! (Rev. 5:12) Below are the scheduled local gatherings for the Laying on Hands Blessing. August Gatherings  Aug. 2 Fairmont WV Laying on Hands  Aug. 9th East TN Gathering Aug. 16 Johnstown NYS Gathering September Gatherings  Sep. 6 Puyallup WA Laying on Hands Sep. 20th Greenville SC Gathering October Gatherings  Oct. 4th Yukon, OK Laying on Hands Good Works Month: Shine Christ’s Light Through Daily Acts of Kindness A word from Minister David Bowman As we enter July, let us, united by our love for Christ, dedicate this new month to reflecting the faith that saves through tangible acts of kindness, just as Martin Luther reminds us, genuine faith naturally produces good works. Scripture assures us that we are God’s handiwork, created for good deeds (Ephesians 2:10), called to let our light shine through them (Matthew 5:16), and characterized as a people zealous for such works (Titus 2:14, Titus 3:8). Therefore, let us proclaim July as “Good Works Month,” committing each day to serve someone, friend or stranger, without expectation, so that through our gratitude fueled generosity and the Spirit’s power, we might open doors to gospel conversations and bring glory to our Father in heaven. Featured Topic Imagine standing before a mirror, fretting over your future, and suddenly gaining 18 inches in height. Absurd, right? Yet that is exactly the kind of imagery Jesus used in one of His most puzzling and provocative questions: “Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?” (Matthew 6:27, KJV). For centuries, this verse has stirred debate. Is Jesus talking about height? Lifespan? Or both? Why do some Bibles use the word “stature” while others use “hour”? What does a cubit (an ancient measuring stick) have to do with our modern-day anxieties? Can Worry Make You Taller, or Live Longer? Are you ready to elevate your impact in ministry? NACM’s Church Leadership Training combines hands on strategy to ministry with deep biblical insight, and real world mentorship to empower you to lead with confidence. Whether you’re a seasoned pastor or an emerging leader, our dynamic courses will equip you to inspire your congregation, cultivate vibrant community, and drive lasting growth. Don’t wait, join us today and become the visionary leader your church has been waiting for! Learn Practical Leadership Skills for Ministry in the 21st-Century Is it Time to Renew Your Credentials? Login, Update, Renew (All in One Page) ### NACM Newsletter August 2025   ​ Trouble Viewing Email, Read it Online Here   A Message from Michael Mooney, Exec. Elder Understanding Worldview: The Lens Through Which We See Life A worldview is the foundational framework of beliefs and assumptions through which a person interprets reality. It shapes how we understand God, humanity, morality, purpose, and the world around us. Every person operates from a worldview, whether consciously recognized or not, and this framework directs decisions, values, and behaviors. For the Christian, the biblical worldview is rooted firmly in the truth of Scripture as the inspired and authoritative Word of God. It teaches that God is the Creator and Sustainer of all things, that humanity was made in His image but fell into sin, and that redemption and restoration come only through Jesus Christ. This worldview offers a coherent and consistent way to make sense of life’s complexities and challenges, reflecting the divine revelation emphasized in Easton’s Bible Dictionary and Vine’s Expository Dictionary. Understanding our worldview is crucial because it impacts every area of life. This includes how we approach the Bible, how we interpret truth, and how we engage with culture and mission. A biblical worldview equips believers to discern truth from error, live with purpose, and witness effectively in a pluralistic world. Let us commit to sharpening our understanding and applying God’s truth with boldness and love. In the fast-paced world we live in, the Church’s mission must move beyond the four walls of the sanctuary to saturate every sphere of life, including our workplaces, communities, and social networks. To engage these mission fields with clarity and conviction, believers need the disciplined practice of biblical exegesis. This approach is the careful and prayerful interpretation of Scripture. It does more than satisfy academic curiosity. It is rooted in the evangelical commitment to Scripture’s inspiration and inerrancy, and it reveals the author-intended meaning of God’s Word. This understanding grounds believers in truth and empowers them to live and witness with authority and love. As Kevin Gary Smith explains in his guide to exegetical study, the primary goal is to hear God’s voice as originally intended and to communicate that message faithfully today. This foundation equips the Church not only for personal growth but also for transformational ministry. Before we can understand what a passage means for us today, we must first start with what it meant to the original audience. When we grasp Scripture’s message deeply, it reshapes our worldview and compels us to engage outwardly. The Great Commission in Matthew 28:18–20 calls the Church to make disciples of all nations, not merely within church buildings but in everyday settings. Each believer becomes a carrier of the gospel and engages in what might be called mobile evangelism. Exegesis clarifies the gospel’s meaning and helps believers address real-life questions and challenges with biblical wisdom. It also strengthens the Church’s unity by focusing on the core truths of the gospel. This unity transcends denominational boundaries and forms a unified Body of Christ sent into the world. By equipping leaders as expositors and equippers rather than gatekeepers, the Church multiplies its influence exponentially. In practical terms, every interaction, even a simple coffee break conversation becomes a missional opportunity. The biblical worldview revealed through sound exegesis shapes our priorities, attitudes, and speech, turning ordinary moments into powerful witness. As we continue to grow in our exegetical skills, we also grow in our ability to live missionally, reflecting Christ’s love in word and deed in every context of life. May this August be a fresh call to all believers to immerse themselves in the Word, to understand it we and to go boldly into the world God loves. Defining Exegesis and Its Essential Steps Exegesis is the careful, systematic, and prayerful process of interpreting a biblical text to uncover the original intended meaning of the author. It seeks to draw out the truth embedded in Scripture by considering the historical, literary, and theological context rather than imposing one’s own ideas or biases. Exegesis is foundational for sound biblical interpretation, ensuring that teachings and applications align with God’s revealed Word. It requires humility, discipline, and reliance on the Holy Spirit. Key Steps in the Exegetical Process Prayer and Preparation: Begin with prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to guide understanding and guard against error. Textual Observation: Read the passage carefully, noting key words, repeated phrases, and literary style (e.g., narrative, poetry, prophecy). Historical and Cultural Context: Research the background of the text—its original audience, cultural customs, historical setting, and author’s purpose. Language Study: Examine important words and phrases in the original Hebrew or Greek to grasp nuances not evident in translation. Cross-Referencing: Compare the passage with other Scripture to understand how it fits into the broader biblical message. Interpretation: Synthesize findings to determine the author’s intended meaning and theological implications. Application: Reflect on how the passage speaks to contemporary life, encouraging faithful obedience and mission. Definition of Eisegesis Eisegesis is the process of interpreting a biblical text by reading one’s own ideas, biases, or presuppositions into the Scripture rather than drawing out the original intended meaning. It contrasts with exegesis, which seeks to uncover the text’s authentic message. How Eisegesis Occurs The reader approaches the text with a preconceived notion or desired conclusion. Interpretation is shaped more by personal opinions or cultural influences than by the biblical context. Key verses may be isolated or twisted to support an external agenda. Common Signs of Eisegesis Ignoring the historical and literary context of the passage. Overlooking the original language nuances or biblical genre. Selecting verses out of context to prove a point. Imposing modern ideas onto ancient texts without proper hermeneutical method. Consequences of Eisegesis Distorts the true message of Scripture. Leads to theological error and confusion. Can damage personal faith and church teaching. Undermines the authority and unity of the Church. Guarding Against Eisegesis Commit to rigorous, prayerful exegesis grounded in the biblical languages and context. Use trustworthy commentaries and dictionaries like Vine’s Expository Dictionary or Easton’s Bible Dictionary. Engage in community study and accountability. Seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit to illuminate truth. Three Scriptural Examples Where Exegesis Deepens Understanding 1. Genesis 1:26 “Let Us Make Man in Our Image” A simple reading might raise questions about the plural pronouns “Let us make” and “Our image.” Exegesis reveals this as a profound hint of the Trinity—God existing as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. By examining the Hebrew grammar and comparing with other Old Testament passages, exegetes see that the plural language indicates a divine conversation within the Godhead, affirming the unity and diversity of the Trinity. This insight deepens our understanding of human dignity as made in the triune God’s image. 2. Isaiah 7:14 “Behold, the Virgin Shall Conceive” On the surface, some might read this as simply a prophecy about a young woman conceiving a child. Exegesis, including the study of the original Hebrew word “almah” and its context in Isaiah, clarifies that the term specifically refers to a young woman of marriageable age who is a virgin. This passage points prophetically to the virgin birth of Christ, as confirmed in Matthew 1:23, reinforcing the miraculous nature of the Incarnation and God’s intervention in history. 3. John 1:1 “In the Beginning Was the Word” A casual reading may see “the Word” as a mere metaphor or abstract concept. However, exegetical analysis of the Greek term “Logos” and its use in both Jewish and Hellenistic thought reveals a rich theological meaning. John identifies “the Word” as preexistent, divine, and active in creation, fully God and incarnate in Jesus Christ. This clarifies the deity of Christ and the intimate involvement of the Son in God’s redemptive plan. Conclusion and Exercise: Engaging Scripture with Intention The practice of sound exegesis transforms our reading of Scripture from a passive activity into a dynamic encounter with God’s truth. As we have seen, careful study reveals layers of meaning that simple reading often misses. This deepened understanding not only enriches our theology but also empowers our witness and mission in everyday life. To grow in this vital discipline, believers must commit to approaching the Bible with humility, prayer, and scholarly tools, always seeking the original author’s intent guided by the Holy Spirit. Exercise: Choose a brief passage of Scripture this week, preferably one you have read before, and practice exegetical study on it. Begin by reading the passage slowly and prayerfully. Before we can understand what a passage means for us today, we must first start with what it meant to the original audience. Ask these questions: What is the historical and literary context? Who is the original audience? What key words or phrases stand out, and what do they mean in the original language? What theological truths emerge? How does this passage shape my worldview and mission? Write down your observations and reflect on how this deeper study impacts your understanding and daily walk. Consider sharing your insights with a small group or mentor to encourage mutual growth. May this exercise deepen your love for God’s Word and fuel your passion for His mission in the world. August 2025 Ministry Updates, Gatherings Greetings Ministers in the beautiful, matchless, and only name worthy of all power, honor, worship and glory, our Lord Jesus! (Rev. 5:12) Below are the scheduled local gatherings for the Laying on Hands Blessing. August Gatherings Aug. 16 Johnstown NYS Gathering September Gatherings Sep. 6 Puyallup WA Laying on Hands Sep. 20th Greenville SC Gathering ​ Are you ready to elevate your impact in ministry? NACM’s Church Leadership Training combines hands on strategy to ministry with deep biblical insight, and real world mentorship to empower you to lead with confidence. Whether you’re a seasoned pastor or an emerging leader, our dynamic courses will equip you to inspire your congregation, cultivate vibrant community, and drive lasting growth. Don’t wait, join us today and become the visionary leader your church has been waiting for! Learn Practical Leadership Skills for Ministry in the 21st-Century Is it Time to Renew Your Credentials? Login, Update, Renew (All in One Page) ### NACM Newsletter 04-2025 Trouble Viewing Message, Click Here National Association of Christian Ministers This Newsletter Offers Events Scheduled for the Laying on of Hands, Updates, and New Developments Within Our Fellowship. April Showers for Kingdom Growth As we step into the fullness of spring, our hearts overflow with gratitude for the showers of blessing God continues to pour upon us. Like fresh rains stirring dormant fields, the Lord’s hand is awakening new life within our churches, our families, and our calling. We’ve seen His faithfulness in answered prayers, quiet provisions, and in moments of unexpected joy. These blessings are not just to be admired, they are fuel for mission! Now is the time to rise with boldness, to plant generously, and to shepherd with renewed vision. God’s abundance isn’t just behind us, it’s going before us, preparing the way for greater works in His name. Shepherding in the Midst of Change Today ministry feels like a navigating through unforgiving terrain. The rise of new social currents, unexpected cultural debates, and the weariness that many quietly carry. Yet, even in seasons of uncertainty, our calling remains steady. We are shepherds entrusted with souls, not trends. Hebrews 13:20–21 reminds us that it is the “God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep” who equips us with everything good. Let us lead with that assurance. Whether facing congregational transitions, family struggles, or our own questions, God is not surprised. He is shaping us into vessels of steady grace in an unsteady world. A Call to Evangelistic Urgency The fields are not only white for harvest, they are fleeting. In a world increasingly distracted by noise and novelty, our neighbors are hungering for truth that lasts. Evangelism is not reserved for crusades or pulpits; it begins in kitchen conversations, hospital visits, and sideline chats at the soccer field. Jesus’ own approach was deeply relational. He saw Zacchaeus in a tree, sat at wells, and walked roads with ordinary people. As ministers, we must embody that same urgency, not in panic, but in deep compassion. Let’s train our people to carry the gospel like seed in their pockets, always ready to sow, never afraid of the soil. Evangelistic Opportunities Everywhere We’ve never lived in a time with so many avenues to proclaim the gospel. A single text message can encourage a seeker. A short video on Facebook or YouTube can plant a seed where pulpits may never reach. Zoom prayer groups can unite isolated hearts across cities. Podcasts and blogs offer rich soil for discipleship beyond the Sunday morning hour. These tools aren’t the mission, they’re just the sandals on our feet. But used wisely, they can carry the message of Christ into homes, workplaces, and phones across the world. Ministers let’s equip our congregations not just to be present online, but to be purposefully present by speaking life, truth, and hope in the digital harvest fields God has entrusted to us. Examine Your Online Presence As we embrace these digital tools for ministry, we must also examine the message our online presence is sending. Every social media profile, every bio, every photo or post is a window into our hearts. Ask yourself: If an unbeliever visited your Facebook page or Instagram profile today, would they know you follow Jesus? Does your content point to hope or to hostility? Does it glorify Christ or echo the values of the world? Ministers, we cannot afford to blend in when we have been set apart. Remove what grieves the Spirit. Take down what delights in sin or stirs division. Ask the Holy Spirit to purify your digital witness so that anyone who stumbles across your name online might stumble into grace. Upcoming Local State Gatherings Laying On Hands * April 26th, Indiana Gathering * May 3rd Georgia Gathering * May 17th North Carolina Gathering * June 7th Pennsylvania Gathering * Sep. 20th South Carolina Gathering See All Upcoming Events Minister Larry E.'s Testimony From The Fellowship I grew up in the church. I was raised in one of the more legalistic denominations and taught that my salvation might be impermanent. I studied the Bible from my youth. In my early twenties I was trained as a lay minister and assigned to a church. There I preached a legalistic message and grew angry with those who suggested any alternative view of the gospel than that to which I subscribed. I was convinced I had my theology all figured out...I most assuredly did not. Continue reading... Continue Reading Testimony Florida: From Gordon Winans, Florida State Local Elder Greetings my dear brothers and sisters in Jesus’ beautiful and holy name. I pray this finds you all blessed and encouraged in the good work of the Lord because His mercies last forever for those who love Him in Jesus Christ our Lord & Savior, Amen. This week I want to encourage you to post your single greatest struggle and/or need in the ministry God has given you here in Florida. There is so much godly wisdom, experience and God given talent here amongst our 1,688 NACM Florida ministers that is available to us that we really don’t tap into. I know it takes a bit of humility, and we certainly don’t expect you to share intimate details. But scripture tells us to seek and ask for wisdom, and He will give it to us. Let’s start to connect, share and help each other with the gifts that God has bestowed upon us. When we bless others in Jesus, we are indeed blessed. So, I call out to all who God is speaking to concerning the coming together of the Florida NACM ministers. Please join with me in getting involved more by posting and responding on the Florida group page, the NACM website, and reaching out to our fellow ministers to encourage them to do the same. If just a hand full of us do this, we will triple or quadruple the involvement, bringing us all much closer together as God’s servants. God does great things with just a few individuals if we only believe and take action on His Word. My heart and spirit will not let this go and I am not deterred. I know it’s the Lord’s will for us to come together at this time in a way that has not been seen before. Thank you all for your consideration in this matter and may God bless you and yours greatly in Jesus’ holy name. Click Here to Join the Conversation in Florida Equipped for Every Good Work We are reminded in 2 Timothy 3:17 that the man of God is “complete, equipped for every good work.” Yet equipping is not automatic, it is intentional. In this season, we urge each minister to lean into the spiritual disciplines that sharpen our discernment and refresh our souls. Consider dedicating time for personal study in the Psalms or revisiting foundational works like Boyce’s Abstract of Systematic Theology or Torrey’s What the Bible Teaches. Pair that with practical resources from the training the NACM offers, or tools from Smith’s guide to exegetical study. The more we grow in knowledge and humility, the better we serve His people in power and truth. NACM COURSES: Enhance Your Ministry Skills! Leadership Hall Leadership Skills Development (free course on NACM website) Designed by NACM President/Executive Elder, Michael Mooney. Longest running course by the NACM. See Leadership Hall NACM Chaplaincy Training Required training for NACM chaplain licensing. Instructor: NACM Vice President/Executive Elder, Rodger Niemeier. Thorough & practical chaplaincy training for community level/volunteer chaplaincy. See Chaplaincy Training SOULCARE 101 Helping Christians Change! Designed/taught by NACM Vice President/Executive Elder Rodger Niemeier. Learn proven, effective biblical principles/methods to help people experience lasting change. See SoulCare 101 SOULCARE 102: (Sequel to 101) Help People Address and Overcome Root Issues Designed/taught by NACM Vice President/Executive Elder Rodger Niemeier. Builds on course 101: learn specific techniques for affecting real change. See SoulCare 102 Equipping Workplace Ready Disciples Designed/taught by Dr. Larry Peabody; Christian businessman, pastor, professor, author. Train your congregants to effectively advance the Kingdom of God through their jobs! See Workplace Evan Essential Elements for Effective Ministry Leadership: 101, 102 & 103 Designed/taught by John Maxwell Certified Coach: Rev. Ruth Easterling (pastor, coach). See Leadership: 101, 102 & 103 Speaking Up! Addressing Domestic Violence in the Christian Community By Dr Nancy Murphy: DMin, LMHC, DV survivor; DV counselor (35 yrs). This course prepares Christians ministers to rightly help victims of abuse in church & community. NACM member discount (75% off $199 = $49.75): Discount Code: VGYEFW See Domestic Violence in Community For questions about these classes, contact Elder Rodger Niemeier Link to Elder Niemeier's Profile Is it Time to Renew Your Credentials? Login, Update, Renew (All in One Page) Link to the NACM Manual to Ministry ### New Member Welcome     Trouble Viewing Email, Read it Online Here   Greetings in the Mighty Name of Jesus! We are writing to follow up with you since your request for membership with us has been accepted. Below you will find a few resources which will help you find your way around.   As part of our commitment to fostering a strong, connected community of Christian ministers, we want to ensure that you are aware of how we communicate within our organization. Our online platform is designed to be a central hub for all communication (networking, sharing resources, and supporting one another in discussions, prayer, and ministry).   We understand that technology can sometimes be daunting. The Internet became a widely preferred source for information and communication since the year 2000, and now we are almost 25 years past that time. People who do not know how to use email, support documentation, etc. by now, are probably not a good fit for membership with us.   After all, we live in a world where people can visit Dr. appointments, attend church services, major in college, pay their taxes, and purchase almost anything entirely online. This is without mention of the dominance of social media platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, etc. which many of our members navigate daily.   As a side note, it is often humorous when a member complains about navigating our site, only to find that they are masters of playing games, and setting up groups on Facebook. Did anyone from Facebook ever call them to learn how? No. They read tutorials just like almost everywhere else.   Nevertheless, our online communication methods through our intranet, email, and various state and special interest forums are essential to the way we operate as a community. This approach allows us to provide timely updates, facilitate discussions, and maintain an organized and accessible environment for all members.   We want to encourage you to embrace our platform as it offers several advantages:     1. Instant Access to Information: You can stay updated with the latest news, announcements, and events without waiting for mail or phone calls. Our intranet is designed to be a one‑stop resource for all our members.   2. Opportunity for Engagement: Being active in our forums and groups provides you with the opportunity to connect with other ministers, share your insights, and gain valuable perspectives from across the nation.   3. Enhanced Networking: By participating in our online community, you’ll have the chance to form connections with other ministers beyond your immediate area, fostering a broader sense of fellowship.   We understand that some members may find navigation to be challenging, but we want to assure you that we are here to help. If you need assistance in navigating our platform, please don't hesitate to use our FAQ. We are more than happy to provide guidance and support to help you feel more comfortable using our network.   While we appreciate the value of traditional methods of communication, the nature of our organization requires that we maintain a consistent and efficient means of connecting with our members. As such, we kindly ask that you utilize our online communication methods, as this will be the only way we can provide updates and engage with you effectively.   Thank you for your understanding and for being a valued member of our community. We believe that with your participation, we can continue to grow and strengthen our network of Christian ministers across the nation.   If you have not already done so, the first thing you should do is go through our New Member Orientation. You likely did when you joined, but here is the link to be sure: Click here to See Our New Member Orientation.   Log Into Your Profile: Click Here to Log In Note: You Must Already Be Logged in (above) for these links (below) to work:   Make Sure Your Profile is Complete: Click Here to Update Profile   Visit Our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ). You will find the most frequently asked questions there. We have spent countless hours developing answers to the most asked questions. Why bother searching or asking for assistance, when the answers are already there. Click Here for Our FAQ   A Few Example Answers:   Click: What are the Responsibilities of Members?   Click: Is My Profile Private from Google and Other Search Engines?   Click: What are Groups? Do they connect me with members in my State?   Click: How to Edit Your Topics and Replies?   Click: What is Annual Minister Renewal?   And many many more... ### Quick Questions & Answers Frequently Asked Questions Spirit Shop Orders, Credentials, etc. Where are Credentials Ordered All credentials are issued through the NACM Spirit Shop located here: https://nacministers.net/support  Shipping Shipping All shipments from the Spirit Shop are sent with tracking from USPS!  Shipping and handling will not be refunded unless the mistake was made on our part.  If the member inputs the wrong address, or does not pick up their mail, or their mail is stolen, etc. the member must pay for new shipping costs.  Regular shipping is 2-3 weeks in the USA. Expidited Processing gaurantees that it is processed and shipped within 10 days. We make every effort to ship documents in a “foolproof” manner to keep them safe in the mail.  In other words, depending on the size of your order, we will ship orders in one of two ways:  1) In strong bend resistant thick cardboard mailer; or 2) In a durable cardboard box. Should the USPS damage your shipment, such is out of our control and is a loss to us as it is to you.  However, in most cases we will replace your documents as long as they are reported to us within 1 week of delivery, verified by the tracking number.   The Full Policy is located here: https://faq.nacministers.org/docs/refunds-returns-and-policy/  Payment Methods Payment Methods (Summary)  We only accept payment in the form of Debit or Credit Cards.  We no longer accept checks, or money orders. The year is 2024, it is time to use secure and updated payment methods. We never accept cash.  Under no circumstances should a member send us a check, money order, or cash! The Full Policy is located here: https://faq.nacministers.org/docs/refunds-returns-and-policy/  Returns To complete your return, we require a receipt or proof of purchase.  In cases where the receipt is not available, a bank or credit card statement proving that payment was successfully made, collected by us, and is not the subject of any disputes with the credit or banking institution. There are certain situations where only partial refunds at granted at our discretion: Any item not in its original condition, is damaged or missing parts for reasons not due to our error. Any item that is returned more than 30 days after delivery Where to Send Returns Please send all returns and mail correspondence to: National Association of Christian Ministers 503 South Main Street, Mauldin SC 29662 Please send all returns and mail correspondence to the Spirit Shop (click here to notify) Once your return is received and inspected, we will email you to notify you that we have received your returned item. We will also notify you of the approval or rejection of your refund. If you are approved, then your refund will be processed, and a credit will automatically be applied to your credit card or original method of payment, within a certain amount of days. We can and will not issue refunds to any other cards or accounts than those which were used to make the purchase. Shipping Returns To return your item, you should mail it (with tracking details), to the address listed above. You will be responsible for paying for your own shipping costs for returning your item. Shipping costs are non-refundable. If you receive a refund, the cost of return shipping will be deducted from your refund. Depending on where you live, the time it may take for your exchanged product to reach you may vary. Without tracking, we have no guarantee that we will receive your returned item.  Late or missing refunds If you haven’t received a refund yet, first check your bank account again.  Sometimes it takes a few days to process. Then contact your credit card company, it may take some time before your refund is officially posted. Next, contact your bank. There is often some processing time before a refund is posted. If you’ve done all of this, and you still have not received your refund yet, please contact the Spirit Shop (click here to notify)  The Full Policy is located here: https://faq.nacministers.org/docs/refunds-returns-and-policy/  Refunds Our refund and returns policy lasts 30 days after successful USPS Tracking delivery. If upon said 30 days have passed since your confirmed (USPS Tracking delivery), we reserve the right to offer you a full refund or exchange, or not at all. To be eligible for a return, your item must be unused and in the same conditions in which you received them.  Non-returnable items: Gift cards Downloadable Items Personalized items with minister’s name on it.  Credentials will not be refunded once they have been shipped unless: The credentials are returned to us with shipment tracking; or If there is an error in printing, spelling of names, dates, etc. or on our part.  In such cases, we will offer a replacement at no charge to you.  We print custom documents with the info that you input at the time of order.  We do not directly type it in.  The details of the names and emails are checked to assure you are qualified to make the order. The details are not checked for spelling errors in your name and or address.  It is your responsibility to know how to spell, capitalize the first letter of your First and Last name, and input a correct address at the time of order. It is not our responsibility to know how to correctly spell your name, etc.  In such cases, you must know your info and submit it correctly.  If you impute it incorrectly, and we ship it that way, no refund will be offered. In cases where a letter of good standing has the wrong address, the member will also have to purchase it again because the document must be reprinted.   ttps://faq.nacministers.org/docs/refunds-returns-and-policy/   Exchanges and Gift Cards Exchanges We only replace items if they are defective, damaged, or we have made an agreement with you otherwise. If you need to exchange it for the same item, please contact the Spirit Shop (click here to notify) Gifts If the item was marked as a gift when purchased and shipped directly to you, you’ll receive a gift credit for the value of your return. Once the returned item is received, a gift certificate will be emailed to you. If the item wasn’t marked as a gift when purchased, or the gift giver had the order shipped to themselves to give to you later, we will send a refund to the gift giver, and they will find out about your return.  ttps://faq.nacministers.org/docs/refunds-returns-and-policy/   Early Cancellations Early Cancellations (Summary)  If for any reason you wish to cancel an order “before” it is shipped, we will honor your request by: Notifying the Spirit Shop (click here to notify) Upon your receiving a reply from us indicating that your message was received (check your spam). ttps://faq.nacministers.org/docs/refunds-returns-and-policy/   ### Encyclopedia [betterdocs_encyclopedia] ### Media ### Nope! ### New Orientation Greetings in the Mighty Name of Jesus! Welcome to the National Association of Christian Ministers From here we begin our new member orientation.  This way, you will be up to speed when your request for membership is approved. All Members Must Undergo this Orientation in Order to: 1) Become a Member 2) Apply for Ordination.  It will take approximately 30 minutes to complete.  Do not rush through it. The info herein will answer many questions, and it will show you where to find answers to future questions.  We cannot emphasize enough the importance of reading and understanding this presentation.  As a member, it will set you up for success, and also keep you from making a mistake that could cause you to lose membership with us. It is the responsibility of all members to (at the very least) understand the content of this presentation.  For sake of your time and ours, please do not embarrass yourself by asking us to answer questions already covered here, or in our FAQ.  We will simply point you back to this orientation to find the answer. (You would be surprised by the questions we receive which are so clearly answered in our FAQ. Here is one of the most common questions: How do I apply for ordination? If they simply finished this orientation, they would have been directed to the application for ordination at the end... This is not intended to sound rude. This is spoken in context of the adults who simply do not take the responsibility to read and benefit from the many questions we have already taken the time to answer. This Member Orientation Will Cover An overview of the background, establishment, history and progress of the National Association of Christian Ministers Our vision, purpose, and mission An overview of the policies which keep and maintain our organization  The process of applying for ordination “I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man.” (Acts 24:16). In good conscience with God and myself, I have read and understand this information.  With good conscience I click “next” to move forward: –> Next –> ### New Orientation 11 Continuity of Policies – Right to Change or Discontinue The policies and procedures in this manual are not intended to be contractual commitments by The National Association of Christian Ministers and employees, volunteers, or members shall not construe them as such. They are intended to be guides to management and merely descriptive of suggested procedures to be followed. We reserve the right to revoke, change, or supplement these guidelines at any time without notice. Such changes shall be effective immediately upon approval by management unless otherwise stated. This policy is not intended as a guarantee of continuity of benefits or rights. No permanent relationship to our organization for any term is intended or can be implied by statements in this manual.  The National Association of Christian Ministers is a private, religious organization.  Our Exec. Elders reserve all rights to discontinue services, training, ordination, licensing, membership, affiliation, etc. at their prayerful discretion. The NACM is a Christian religious organization founded in the U.S.A., operating 1st under the authority of our God, & 2nd under the laws, regulations, & constitutional rights granted by our nation.  By the instruction of God’s Word (in Romans 13:1-7), we submit ourselves to the God ordained authority of U.S.government, to the extent that it does not infringe upon God’s command to be holy even as He is holy (Matthew 5:48; 1 Peter 1:16). On the other end of the continuum, where there is law, there is also the necessity to interpret such. Therefore, it is inevitable that some will abuse interpretations to avoid personal responsibilities, place blame, seek financial profitability., etc. While we do not like having to sound “legal,” it is for these reasons that we see a necessity to state the following: This site provides a variety of information pertaining to Christian ordination, minister licensing, certification, and ministry in general. Such should not be viewed as legal advice, nor do we guarantee the accuracy of content. While our sincere conviction is to provide the public with truthful, straightforward facts pertaining to ministry, there is never a time when anyone knows everything (other than God).  Therefore the potential for error is ever present during human communication.  When changes to our services occur, our goal is to communicate these changes.  However, it is not possible to be sure that every member of our organization or even the public will receive our attempts to make such notices. Therefore, we reserve the right to make changes to any or all of our services without notice.  Additionally, we make no warranties expressed or implied.  This includes but not limited to regulated acceptance of ministerial status, training, privileged access, tax exemption, etc. There are US government agencies which hold our organization as a valid source of training and credentialing for ministers. Irrespective of this success, we hereby publicly express as a religious institution of the Christian faith, that our purpose is to unite the Body of Christ, provide spiritually based educational resources to propagate the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Should undesired outcomes arise as a result of our communications, users agree to hold this organization harmless. Scripture upholds the understanding that every person has a responsibility to God to affirm truth. National Association of Christian Ministers is a U.S. Registered Service Mark & LC. All rights are reserved. Copyright © 2023. “I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man.” (Acts 24:16). In good conscience with God and myself, I have read and understand this information.  --> Click Here to Apply for Ordination <-- <-- Back -- ### New Orientation 10 Sexual Harassment The National Association of Christian Ministers will not tolerate any form of sexual harassment. Sexual harassment, as defined in this policy, includes, but is not limited to, sexual advances, verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature, visual forms of a sexual or offensive nature (e.g., signs and posters) or requests for sexual favors. Any intentional sexual harassment is considered to be a major violation of our organization’s policy and will be dealt with accordingly by corrective counseling and/or suspension or dismissal of membership, depending upon the severity of the violation. To report violations, please follow the procedures outlined at the following: Allegations In Ministry and Our Reconciliation Policy “I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man.” (Acts 24:16). In good conscience with God and myself, I have read and understand this information.  With good conscience I click "next" to move forward: --> Next --> <-- Back -- ### New Orientation 9 Use of Titles 6) The NACM is an interdenominational organization. For this reason we will have a diversity of Christian religious backgrounds bearing a variety of ministerial titles (Dr., Pastor, Prophet, Apostle, etc.). These titles are permitted within our network, however, it must be understood that these titles are not appointed by the National Association of Christian Ministers.  We would like to make it clear that the NACM officially recognizes only the titles: Ordained Minister, and any title that may be granted to its leadership (such as Elder, Minister unto ___ Admin., Director, etc.). If someone has chosen to call themselves by a title other than these, it is by their free decision to do so, and not by any official assignment by the NACM.  Additionally, no member may call themselves “Elder, Special Minister, or Administrator” within our network, unless they have been appointed to this position by our organization. This is so that our membership will be able to clearly identify our leadership. Solicitation and Promotion (of self, similar ministries, products) 7) No one may use the network as a means by which to solicit the giving of money or materials of any type for themselves; or any other cause –MEANING members may not use this network to ask other members to give them money and/or donations of any kind, materials, etc. The ministry of the NACM is to license, equip and network ministers. We have chosen not to receive donations, and expect that our membership can feel safe from the potentiality of scams. If a person is in need of financial assistance, they should seek the help of their “local churches”, and or other local charities. We are a fellowship of ministers.  It follows that we ALL have ministries, charities, and causes to support, and or know individuals needing financial support. However, if all of us were to use this fellowship to solicit support for those causes, we would no longer be a fellowship! If you joined our organization with any intention of outside promotions, you should request that your account be deleted now! 8) Outside Membership Promotions The fellowship shall not be a place by which to solicit membership into anything not pertaining directly to our organization, or a partner organization which has been approved by our Exec. Elders. Self-Promotion This is an area of some confusion because there is a right and wrong way to do just about anything. For this reason we will attempt to provide a few examples and definitions of terms in an attempt to demonstrate the differences between appropriate and inappropriate promotions. We define ‘networking’ as:  A goal that begins with one person, who then uses their personal rapport with another to gain a mutually shared goal. This pattern is then repeated until the goal is achieved. One important factor that identifies this as ‘networking’ is the use of interpersonal influence gained through personal relationships.  Networking is not accomplished by sending mass emails of spam hoping that someone will discover a value for whatever it is being offered. 9) No member should send emails or make postings for the promotion of anything that is of similar offerings to that the NACM (ordination ministries, Christian Discussion boards, Biblical training programs of similarity to our Mentor Program, etc.).  This is a conflict of interest and has caused members to become confused about NACM programs in times past.  Spirit of this guideline: The key word here is “promotion”. It is quite fine to say that you attended a school or was ordained at a local church. We are prohibiting solicitation. The above rule 8 is the rule is rarely broken, but more often than the others.  It is an unfortunate truth that we have had to even dismiss Elders from membership for ignoring this rule.  Please be advised that we have no tolerance for members who disregard the warnings of this policy. Photo and Image Posting Guidelines. 10. Posting of images (photos or graphic images) within the NACM network should be done with thoughtful consideration as to the appropriateness and or edifying nature of the images. The posting of ministry-related images within the NACM is encouraged. Images of a personal nature are permitted with deference to and with the understanding that the NACM is an online Christian ministry fellowship. Images that could reasonably be perceived as divisive or inappropriate are prohibited, including but not limited to ‘selfie’ type images that may be perceived as suggestive or alluring, as well as politically focused images, and or those for which the member does not have the proper permissions of copyright. If an image is deemed inappropriate by an NACM Administrator, that image may be removed immediately, or you may be contacted with instructions to remove the image yourself. If an image that you posted is no longer visible, you can assume that image has been deemed inappropriate and removed. “I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man.” (Acts 24:16). In good conscience with God and myself, I have read and understand this information.  With good conscience I click "next" to move forward: --> Next --> <-- Back -- ### New Orientation 8 Criticism and “Witch Hunting" 5) The National Association of Christian Ministers seeks to build the Kingdom of God. Our goal is to use Christian unity to build, as opposed to tear down. For this reason, we will not tolerate any messages within our network that are written in a manner that criticizes other Christian ministers or their ministries. We are aware that there are false ministers in the world who dress in sheep’s clothing. However, it is not within the scope of our purpose as a ministry to expose these people. If any of our membership feels that they must do so, let them do it elsewhere. By so doing, they will not compromise their membership with us. However, members who ignore this rule and criticize ministers within our network will be disciplined and possibly dismissed from membership. This would also include posting politically motivated opinions: opinionated statements about differing political persuasions or political figures (whether promoting or criticizing – such as the president or other leaders) tend to only cause argumentation and division.  Members are certainly welcome to have their biases and opinions, but those should be held personally rather than posted on the NACM website.  This is political promoting, and such posts will be deleted and posting members reminded of this policy, and that the biblical directive is:  “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men: for kings and all who are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.  For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior…”  (1 Tim 2:1-3). Our focus is on encouraging one another in Christ in our joint mission of preaching the Gospel, furthering the Kingdom of God, and discipling believers. “I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man.” (Acts 24:16). In good conscience with God and myself, I have read and understand this information.  With good conscience I click "next" to move forward: --> Next --> <-- Back -- ### New Orientation 7 GENERAL FELLOWSHIP GUIDELINES Individual Responsibilities It is every member’s responsibility to know these standards and to uphold them in the fellowship and love of Christ. Ignorance of these guidelines is no excuse for failure to comply.  For the most part, they are considered “common sense Christianity” and are not difficult to understand.  We interpret this policy and all other structure of this organization from the perspective of this passage: “He has also qualified us to be ministers of a new promise, a spiritual promise, not a written one. Clearly, what was written brings death, but the Spirit brings life.” (2Co 3:6 GW). The above passage speaks of a contrast between the Law of Moses and the liberty of the Holy Spirit.  We use this passage as a “principle” in upholding and enforcing policy.  The order defined herein is set as a compass for maintaining a clear focus of the vision which God gave to establish our fellowship.  It is not a law, but rather a standard. 1) The National Association of Christian Ministers, LC (NACM) does not claim responsibility for its ministers/members. They are “independent” ministers of Jesus Christ who are recognized by the NACM as such. We offer the recognition of ordination for the spreading of the gospel. It is beyond the scope of our vision to assist members with meeting the requirements of any US State (or otherwise) to register or qualify as a wedding officiant. In fact, the founding fathers of our country decided that marriage was the burden of the State, as opposed to the minister.  However, we realize that sometimes ministers are asked to perform weddings, funerals, etc. As far as we are concerned, all NACM ministers in good standing are authorized “spiritually” to solemnize the taking of vows for Holy matrimony.  The laws regarding those who officiate such services differ from State to State. As a minister it will be your responsibility to understand these laws and act accordingly.  2) No member of the NACM is required to participate in this network. However, in order to remain a member they must keep their contact information up to date, and respond to the administration in the event that they are contacted. a)    Members should update their information with 15 days of a change. Contact information may be updated on your profile.  Expressly, your name, address, contact information, etc.  b)   If a member deletes their account on this network, we will assume that they have withdrawn their affiliation with us. In such an event their membership, ordination, etc. will become void.  If the administration attempts to contact a member over a period of 30 days, but is unsuccessful, the member’s status may be changed from good standing to suspension or even dismissal until contact is made. 3) None of the views expressed on this network (by anyone, including leadership) necessarily reflect the religious policies of the NACM. In other words, if an Exec. Elder posted that they believe in snake handling, this still has nothing to do with the religious position of the NACM. (this is intended to be a light hearted example). Our Confession of Faith is publicly available here: https://nacministers.com/statement-of-faith/ These are the only doctrines that the NACM “officially” confirms, and agreement with them is a prerequisite to membership. 4) Disagreements are permitted; however, they must be done tastefully. Everyone must treat one another with respect and Christian love. Spiritual Gifts All members should consider the possible differences of views when interacting with others. A good example is in the area of spiritual gifts. All believers accept prophecy, otherwise they would have to reject many portions of the Bible. HOWEVER, the subject of personal prophecy is a matter of large controversy among Christians. The majority of believers in the United States do not embrace personal prophecy as a modern spiritual gift. For this reason, members who believe in the gift of personal prophecy should share their gift privately with like-minded members who embrace their gift.          Use the “golden rule” of blogging, which is to always assume that people mean well. Studies show that people generally misunderstand 53% of all email, and this misunderstanding causes them to assume negative interpretations. The best way to avoid this perception is to just assume that everyone means well. “I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man.” (Acts 24:16). In good conscience with God and myself, I have read and understand this information.  With good conscience I click "next" to move forward: --> Next --> <-- Back -- ### New Orientation 6 INTRODUCTION: We are delighted to offer this fellowship to the body of Christ. It is here that we seek to accomplish the unity of which Christ spoke in John 17: “I have sent them into the world the same way you sent me into the world. I’m dedicating myself to this holy work I’m doing for them so that they, too, will use the truth to be holy. “I’m not praying only for them. I’m also praying for those who will believe in me through their message. I pray that all of these people continue to have unity in the way that you, Father, are in me and I am in you. I pray that they may be united with us so that the world will believe that you have sent me.” (Joh 17:18-21 GW). Condition of the Church A consideration that the church is divided by denominations is by no means a new observation. Since the ascension of Christ, the World Christian Encyclopedia (2001), reports that there are approximately 33,820 denominations of Christianity in the world. More than 2000 years of church history have not resulted in greater unity, but rather separation. These splints are motivated by disagreements over the interpretation of God’s word (theology). Bringing the whole church into a place of full agreement over theology is an unrealistic pursuit which is not likely to occur before the return of Christ. However, we believe a very attainable goal is to pursue unity at the foot of the cross and the affirmation of the empty tomb.  Do not be alarmed, this statement has nothing to do with the crazed politics surrounding the acceptance of sexually deviant behavior.  The Spirit and Culture of Our Fellowship The spirit of this network is to offer all of our members a place for prayer, encouragement, exchanging ideas, research, networking, ministerial training, and fellowship with one another. However, we are an inter/non-denominational organization which means that our membership consists of many Christian backgrounds: Baptist, Pentecostal, Methodist, Lutheran, Non-denominational, etc. These denominations exist because at some time in church history each group separated from a religious body and formed a set of doctrines that they believed were more aligned with scripture. Therefore, the very nature of a denominations is the concept that it is separated from the doctrines of other Christian bodies. We do not claim that this is necessarily wrong; however, the separatist attitude is not permitted here. What makes the NACM unique is that we are uniting under the name of Jesus, in spite of our doctrinal differences. Back to the Basics All believers (that we consider Christian) should be able to affirm: Jesus is the son of God, sacrifice for sins, advocate to the Father, Lord of resurrection, and full member of the trinity. This is on this foundation upon which all Evangelical Christianity stands.  We may hold different beliefs regarding the administration of baptism, communion, practice of worship, etc., but these are not the things that are likely to forbid people from salvation or a place in Heaven. Therefore, we unite around the shared goal of advancing the gospel of salvation that is only available in the name and work of Jesus alone. As an organization, we believe this is our highest responsibility in service to God, and the fundamental purpose of our callings to Christian ministry.  The Scriptures are clear that “God is not willing that any should perish” (2 Peter 3:9), and that we are commissioned to “go unto all the world” (Mark 16:15) with this hope. It is with this vision that we seek the unity of Christ so that the world will know that the Father sent Him, and call on his name for salvation (Joh 17:18-23). “I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man.” (Acts 24:16). In good conscience with God and myself, I have read and understand this information.  With good conscience I click "next" to move forward: --> Next --> <-- Back -- ### New Orientation 5 Policy  The purpose of this policy is to offer a written set of reasonable expectations by which to ensure the best interests of our members in the context of our fellowship. It is not intended to be a code of laws that are blindly upheld in the absence of common sense. Occasionally there are situations where this policy should be overridden for the better interests of our fellowship, or even for sake of a principal found in scripture. However, such cases are unique to individual circumstances, and are decided at the discretion of our administrators.  Ultimately, our goal is to honor God, protect our members, and maintain an environment of fairness for all. VALUES: The following values represent the essence and personality of the National Association of Christian Ministers.  They are the standards by which our culture and unity are kept. We value the Word of God as the highest authority by which to govern our lives. We value the advancement of the Gospel of Christ for the perpetuation of Christianity (Mat. 28:18-20). We value the pursuit of unity (at the foot of the cross, or better the empty grave) among brothers and sisters of the Evangelical Christian faith (Joh 17:21; Eph. 4:13). We value God’s calling of both men and women to ordained Christian ministry (Mat. 28:18-20; Acts 2:17; Gal. 3:28) We value the independence of ministers to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit to govern their individual ministries (Act. 8:29; 10:19; 11:12; 13:2-4; 16:6-7; 20:22, 21:4). We value leadership that duplicates the servant example set by our Lord (Mat. 20:27; John 13:14). We value fellowship among ministers for the sake of strength, encouragement, edification, prayer, and support (Rom.14:19; 1 Thes. 5:11; Eph. 2:21-22; Php. 4:8). For these reasons, and for the collective interest of our organization, every member who fellowships on this network must acknowledge the following guidelines on the following pages:   “I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man.” (Acts 24:16). In good conscience with God and myself, I have read and understand this information.  With good conscience I click "next" to move forward: --> Next --> <-- Back -- ### New Orientation 4 Since our earliest beginnings God has brought 1st class ministers to our fellowship who continue to work diligently in carrying the torch of our vision to this very day. We are certain that it is the reason God continues to show us His favor! “Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! …For there the LORD has commanded the blessing” (Psa 133:1-3). “Father I have given them the glory that you gave me. I did this so that they are united in the same way we are. I am in them, and you are in me. So they are completely united. In this way the world knows that you have sent me and that you have loved them in the same way you have loved me” (Joh 17:22-23). This is a very exciting time for new members!  We say that because they join with us during a time of “new beginnings” (much like our early founders who continue with us today).  We encourage them to join our leaders in becoming agents of change in a time of preparation for a new decade!  We welcome you to our family and look forward to growing together in all the Lord has in store for the future. “I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man.” (Acts 24:16). In good conscience with God and myself, I have read and understand this information.  With good conscience I click "next" to move forward: --> Next --> <-- Back -- ### New Orientation 3 Brief History Since March of 2009, the NACM has grown to more than 21,000 members.  As you can imagine, the blessings of this number has caused unforeseen technical obstacles to providing a stable web server to support the activities and communications of our fellowship.  This is a reminder of when Jesus told the disciples to cast their nets on the other side of the boat. They caught so many fish that the boat could not contain them. (John 21:6). On top of these challenges, the service provider of our network began to experience troubles for which they never offered solutions.  These were further accompanied by restrictions which hindered us from offering the best web services to our membership.  The conclusion became that we needed to transfer to a better platform which offered us: 1) more flexibility; and 2) the assurance that all of the functionality of the Internet’s future would be available. New members have come to our fellowship at a very exciting time.  Back in 2009, we were laying a foundation for the vision of our ministerial fellowship.  Today we are laying a foundation of progress which will be able to embrace all the advancements of the Internet’s future.  The beauty of the late J. Falwell’s words ring just as true today as ever before: "If it is Christian, it should be better!" It is essential to understand the nature of how our organization operates. It is powered by the efforts of volunteers. Several times a year we have gatherings in various states around the country.  However; we communicate primarily online. We do not charge monthly, or annual dues.  Nor do we solicit donations. We are powered by the great members of our organization who offer their time to assist in many departmental areas.  The money gained by our Spirit Shop funds the other areas which can not be funded by volunteers. For this reason, we do not take phone calls.  We do not have the funds or staff to offer such a level of assistance.  Even Facebook does not offer such options. We mention Facebook because the majority of our members also have accounts there.  Often we find that some of our most difficult members took the time to learn Facebook like a pro (without phone calls or even an FAQ) but never took the time to learn our platform here (which offers many similar options they already use on Facebook). Members are not required to participate in our online fellowship.  However, they are required to interact with our administration online.  Further, we wish we had a way to express the loss of fellowship, training, opportunities, etc. by not participating in our fellowship online.  Members share daily on how they are encouraged and inspired by the posts of fellow ministers. No one is ever going to call you to help you learn to navigate our site(s).  We offer answers to most questions in our FAQ located at https://faq.nacministers.org/docs/ (AKA the HelpDesk).  We would need some 40 full time employees to accomplish that -while having to pass those costs upon members like you. However, we are very responsive to email, and we have a wealth of “how-to” information available on our FAQ site.  To be absolutely sure that you receive our emails, you should add help@nacministers.org to your Email contacts.  We respond to every email.  If you have not heard from us, you should check your spam box, and also search your inbox for the address: help@nacministers.org Thank you for understanding this when interacting with our support team.   “I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man.” (Acts 24:16). In good conscience with God and myself, I have read and understand this information.  With good conscience I click "next" to move forward: --> Next --> <-- Back -- ### New Orientation 2 The National Association of Christian Ministers was founded by Michael Mooney, MBA, M.Psy who continues to serve as president. In 2010 God sent Rodger Niemeier, MDiv to step into the role of our Vice President. Today, they both continue to serve the NACM in their places. Further, the NACM has appointed State Elders for their geographical regions to offer annual Laying on Hands Ceremonies throughout the world. On March 26th, 2009 it was formally acknowledged as a legal entity in the State of South Carolina by Secretary of State Mark Hammond.  The NACM continues this status. Further, it was formally recognized by the Federal Government of the United States as a legally filed Service Mark, and continues to maintain this status.  Since that time God has continued to show great favor for the vision and members of our organization. Additionally the NACM started a sister project called: National Association of Christian Ministers Church. “I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man.” (Acts 24:16). In good conscience with God and myself, I have read and understand this information.  With good conscience I click "next" to move forward: --> Next --> <-- Back -- ### New Orientation 1 The NACM is an important part of the ministerial body of Christ; providing ordination, ministerial licensing, accountability, mentorship, training, networking, resources, encouragement and opportunities to gain ministerial experience. Our community is the foundation of all these things.  For this reason, we hold our members as the greatest asset of our organization, and uphold a firm policy to protect their participation. Most of our members find this as a "breath of fresh air." This new member orientation provides an overview of a few things that you need to know at the very least. “I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man.” (Acts 24:16). In good conscience with God and myself, I have read and understand this information.  With good conscience I click "next" to move forward: --> Next -->   ### New Annual Credential Renewal 1 *Annual NACM Minister Renewal Spirit Shop 2 Where Is the Credentials Department? Refunds, Returns, and Policy Roles in Ministry 5 Titles in Ministry What is the Role of a Pastor in a Church? What is the Role of a Teacher in Church? What is the Role of an Evangelist? What is the Role of a Christian Chaplain? Settings 2 Notifications Settings Ordination 4 NACM Requirements for the Recognition of Ordination Priesthood of All Believers: Explained in Scripture Ordination of Women Ordination Validity New Members 3 Member Orientation Tips for New Christian Ministers How to Use Tags in Your Topics and Replies: A Quick Guide for Members Email 1 Change Your Email & Password Charters 2 *What is a Church Charter or Ministry Charter? *What is the Difference Between a Church and a Ministry? Activity 1 Checking On Your Interactions Within the Fellowship Wedding Officiants 2 Are Ministers Authorized to Officiate Weddings? State Requirements for Wedding Officiants Profile 3 Checking On Your Interactions Within the Fellowship Member Orientation Update Your Profile Info Policy 18 Embracing Our Online Communication Platform Membership Responsibilities Licensed vs. Ordained Minister, The Difference Member Orientation *Our Values *Our Philosophy of Ministry Our Confession of Faith NACM Legal Existence What is a Minister’s Association? What are Local Elders Explore More Navigation 1 Member Orientation NACM Ministry Training 5 NACM COURSES Leadership Hall: Development for Ministry SoulCare 101: Ministering to Unsaintly Saints SoulCare 102: Helping People Address & Resolve Underlying Root Issues The NACM Official Christian Chaplaincy Course NACM Manual to Ministry 1 Can the NACM Manual to Ministry be Downloaded? Groups 4 How to Use Tags in Your Topics and Replies: A Quick Guide for Members Correct Use of Groups, Topics, and Tags How to Edit Your Topics and Replies How Do I Receive the Laying On of Hands Blessing? Fellowship 4 How Do I Receive the Laying On of Hands Blessing? Fellowship Messages Friends DIY 4 Why an NACM Admin May Request Your IP Address Locate Your IP Address Delete the Browser Cache How to Take Screenshots Using Windows 10 and 11 Credentials 4 *What is the Difference Between a Church and a Ministry? Where Is the Credentials Department? What are Minister Credentials? How Do I Receive the Laying On of Hands Blessing? Announcements and Updates 1 Announcements and Updates ### Useful Ministry Resources for You Trouble Viewing this Email?  Click Here NACM MINISTERIAL TRAININGS for Enhancing Your Ministry Effectiveness: Unique Practical Ministry Skills Development Courses. At the NACM we believe that we should seek, in honor of the One we serve, to be as "tooled up" in ministry understandings and skills as we possibly can be!  We bear the Name of Jesus, are indwelt by His Holy Spirit, and are engaged in THE greatest "occupation" on earth!  And souls are at stake.  So we should seek to be "thoroughly equipped" so as to be ever increasingly "meet for the Master's use".   First on the list is the NACM Manual to Ministry.  This resources is available for free for NACM members.   Vision  The vision of this project is to provide a quick reference work covering a vast range of topics for New Ministers as well as refreshers for Seasoned Ministers and Theologians. Continual Updates This site is generally updated daily, but during busy times of ministry 3 times a week at the typical least.  This means that we contribute, at the very least, 3 new articles to the manual weekly. Audience The content herein is written primarily for the ministers of the National Association of Christian Ministers.  Its focus is for Ministers Organizing and Leading in Ministry. Purpose The purpose of this Manual to Ministry is as follows: To provide a summary of information about a multitude of topics ranging from: How To in Ministry, Theology, the Bible, and Organizational Leadership.  The word “summary” is emphasized here.  The majority of articles are written as summaries of topics.  Keeping this in mind is the best way to set the expectations, limitations, tone, and understanding of the content herein. Click Here for the Official NACM Manual to Ministry   Below are Links to the Present NACM Course Offerings: We Invite You to Explore and Avail Yourself of These Unique Trainings: The Need for 21st Century Focused Ministry Training The world is quickly changing.  The need for church leadership training is greater now than ever before. Pastors are experiencing burnout at alarming rates.  For many, balancing home lives, church politics, a second job and their personal faith becomes overwhelming.  Not to mention the expectations of hospital visitations, weekly sermon planning, and campaigns for church growth. It is not difficult to see how pastors can struggle with anxiety, depression, and frustration more than the average people who are looking to them for comfort and counsel. Christian leaders are quickly realizing the need to develop additional skills for effective ministry in the 21st century.  If you are interested in revamping your skills, and knowledge base, the Lord has led you to the right place. Online Church Leadership Training We believe effective ministry training is fostered by: Stimulating ideas, inspiring fellowship, and encountering God during personal reflection.   This is our purpose at the National Association of Christian Ministers -it's our passion! We offer church leadership training that truly qualifies ministers as students of the Word, approved unto God for the work of the ministry (2 Tim. 2:15). Our courses are developed by prayer, attention to Godly wisdom, and leaders with concrete experience in the field. Further, our confidence is in God alone to use the Holy Spirit to develop the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA’s) needed to be good stewards of the power of God. Towards this end, we offer theological and practical ministry growth opportunities, like our Mentoring Program and Leadership Hall.  We take an innovative approach for developing practical ministry skills that relate to the challenges faced in ministry today: utilizing peer-to-peer interactive groups, inductive “self-discovery” style exercises, and personal guidance from seasoned, proven, mature ministers.  We believe the needs today call for “ministry practitioners” who are equipped with very practical ministry skills that connect with the everyday, real issues people are facing. Leadership Hall: The Core Leadership Training of the National Association of Christian Ministers   Have You? Ever known a person who knew the Bible “inside-out”, but as soon as they began to share their “insights” people stopped listening? Ever known someone who had great ideas, but people simply would not follow them? Ever known a person who had a genuine calling of God on their life, but for some reason they just never had an opportunity to use their calling in a local church?   Good News The Good news is that people can change, and if they do, the whole world will change for them!  They will begin to experience new relationships and opportunities that they have never before known.  The trick is in the concept that they will stop trying to change others and begin focusing on themselves.  We suspect that many would gladly take this step if they only knew how.  We are pleased to offer this knowledge to those who are accepted into our Leadership Development Program.   Curriculum Course curriculum is written by Michael Mooney, NACM President.  He holds a Masters in Business Administration, Masters in Organizational Psychology, and a Bachelors of Religion.  His Alma Mater is Liberty University.  He has been in ministry 25+ years serving as an evangelist, pastor, ministry administrator, course developer, wedding officiant, webmaster, and founder of NACM.   Impact This is the oldest course offered by NACM.  It was launched in 2010 and still continues today as the preliminary retirement of all our Elders.   For More Details, Members Only Link: https://nacministers.org/courses/leadership-hall/ Please note: You must already be logged into the fellowship for the above link to work. Otherwise it will only direct you to the Home Page   Official Chaplain Training and Licensing of the NACM The NACM Christian Chaplaincy Course is a thorough, practically equipping, inspiring and confirming preparation to be an effective volunteer or community chaplain (nursing home; jail; hospital volunteer; disaster; street; etc.).  It is also excellent training for any Christian or Christian minister, chaplain or not, who is led to minister to hurting people, whatever the cause or crisis.  As well, the NACM requires completion of the NACM Christian Chaplaincy course in order to obtain NACM chaplain licensing (which is renewable annually).  Course developed and instructed by Rodger Niemeier, Exec. Elder.  He serves as the Vice President of the NACM.  He holds a Master's in Divinity, and 40+ years of church planting, social work, and ministry. For More Details, Members Only Link: https://nacministers.org/courses/chaplain-training/ Please note: You must already be logged into the fellowship for the above link to work. Otherwise it will only direct you to the Home Page   SoulCare 101: Ministering To Unsaintly Saints Effectively responding to the difficult behaviors of those you minister to in order to help them truly transform in Christ. Christians aren't perfect!  It doesn't take long into church involvement to discover that to be all too true!  Too often though, Christians, even ministers, excuse it as "just how people are" and just tolerate each other.  But that's certainly not our heavenly Father's will for us!  He is intent on moving us towards becoming more and more like His Son, our Savior, Jesus!  As Christian ministers in some form of leadership (pastors, teachers, elders, etc.), we are "called" to facilitate real transformation in God's Children.  Often, we don't know how. This unique training will equip you with biblical & Christ-like insights and practical techniques to turn those difficult behaviors into opportunities for real transformational ministry!  People - even "Saints" in Christ - with difficult behaviors didn't get that way overnight...and they need help - Christ's help through you!  They need someone who can look beyond their faults, and see...and minister effectively to...their underlying, root needs that drive those difficult behaviors and help them face, address and overcome them. For More Details, Members Only Link: https://nacministers.org/courses/soulcare-101/ Please note: You must already be logged into the fellowship for the above link to work. Otherwise it will only direct you to the Home Page SoulCare 102: Helping People Address & Resolve Underlying Root Issues As the sequel to Soulcare 101: Ministering To Unsaintly Saints, this SoulCare 102 course starts where the former left off, and equips the minister to effectively guide a person through the 7-Step biblical process of recovery from an identified root issue (that drives their difficult behaviors, as learned in SoulCare 101). Learn how to effectively coach a person (a Christian, but applicable to helping non-Christians, too) to identify, address & resolve those underlying first-cause, root issues and gain and keep the victory in Christ!  This is a 7 STEP biblical process that Jesus, The Healer of the Brokenhearted, modeled, and you can become proficient in ministering this same way as well! SoulCare courses developed and instructed by Rodger Niemeier, Exec. Elder.  He serves as the Vice President of the NACM.  He holds a Master's in Divinity, and 40+ years of church planting, social work, and ministry. For More Details, Members Only Link: https://nacministers.org/courses/soulcare-102/ Please note: You must already be logged into the fellowship for the above link to work. Otherwise it will only direct you to the Home Page Equipping Workplace-Ready Disciples What if you, as a Christian pastor or ministry leader, could impact the thinking of your working congregants to truly see themselves as "called" to their "job" as a means of advancing the Kingdom of God? Imagine the results! This unique course will equip Christian Ministers to effectively teach and disciple believers to understand their work, their job, as a "calling" to represent Jesus Christ and His Kingdom in the world. It's taught by a Christian who gained wisdom and insights from working in the business world as well as being a pastor.  Class taught by Dr Larry Peabody, DMin (Bakke Graduate University Professor) teaches from a unique perspective on "work" (one's job or career). For More Details, Members Only Link: https://nacministers.org/courses/workplace-ready-disciples/ Please note: You must already be logged into the fellowship for the above link to work. Otherwise it will only direct you to the Home Page Essential Elements For Effective Ministry Leadership 101, 102 & 103 Do you desire to be a wise and effective Christian Minister and Leader? Do you feel the need for insightful, practical how-to instruction to develop yourself into the leader God has called you to be? NACM member, pastor and Christian Life Coach, Rev. Ruth Easterling, has designed this unique online learning experience to help you realize and appropriate the essential elements to be an impacting leader in Christ, whatever ministry you are called to. This course utilizes John Maxwell’s book, Developing the Leader Within You, the DISC profile assessment tool, videos, readings, discussions and personalized coaching sessions to help you develop and strengthen your ministry vision and fulfill your calling. For More Details, Members Only Link: https://nacministers.org/courses/101-102-103/ Please note: You must already be logged into the fellowship for the above link to work. Otherwise it will only direct you to the Home Page   Click here: Login to Your Profile Click here: Reset Your Password Click here: Visit the F.A.Q. ### Policies and Terms NACM Terms of Service & Privacy Policy  Spirit Shop Policy, Returns, etc. NACM Reconciliation Policy NACM Allegations Policy   ### Reconciliation Policy Purpose In light of these things, the single biggest shield of protection that any of us can hold is our integrity. The integrity of our leaders is pivotal to sustaining against attacks of the enemy. For this reason, we found it necessary to define to both our leaders, and our members a "standard" or protocol by which we maintain this integrity. Tone This policy is not written in the letter of the law, but by the Spirit of it.  "For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life." (1 Cor. 3:6).  Therefore, the following outline is a "structure" for handling such matters, and will be implemented with flexibility to unique circumstances should they arise.. Both ministers and leaders among us should embrace it with joy, for it is intended to protect the innocent.   The following is that system:   The integrity of our leaders are maintained  before the fellowship by this protocol for handling accusations: 1) Upon complaint we will insist that the one making complaint first seek resolution with the leader.  If resolution cannot be reached, their complaint will be formally received by the Exec. Elders. (Matthew 18:15). Special Circumstances: there are a few circumstances when this approach will not be recommended (i.e. sexual advances or misconduct, or threats).  In such cases we will make special arrangements to call for investigation. However, we will not accept complaints filed in anonymity. We are all adults here.  If a person is not willing to personally confront the complaint and seek restoration for themselves, we will not be able to resolve the matter either. 2) After the action of step 1 has been taken, the person filing complaint, accompanied by the Exec. Elders will privately inform the leader of any accusation placed against them. At which time they will be given opportunity for explanation. Should the Exec. Elders be accused of impropriety, we will privately discuss the accusations amongst ourselves, as it could not possibly be a factual accusation. (Matthew 18:16). 3) An information/evidence search will be initiated to establish every objective fact which validates or invalidates the accusation. (Matthew 18:16). 4) The council of the Holy Spirit and the Word will be sought with consideration of the character and reputation of both the source of the accusation and the accused. 5) The facts will be presented before both parties along with a prescribed course of action toward resolution.   A) Should the accusation be validated, the leader will be given the opportunity to: 1. Seek forgiveness of the offended, (and if necessary) 2. Follow a course of action for resolution. OR, given the circumstances 1) Repent before the fellowship (and if necessary) 2. Follow a course of action for resolution. NOTE: no public mention of these activities will be made before this stage. Should the accusation be validated and the leader refuse to accept responsibility: A) -They will be given the opportunity to tactfully resign without positioning themselves to be made an example of organizational discipline. However, if they do not graciously step down, an announcement to the fellowship, such announcement being at the sole discretion of the President or Exec. Elders, will follow, and they will be dismissed from leadership (and membership considering the circumstances) -Matthew 18:17.   This process a) is Biblical, and b) seeks to preserve privacy, and  c) seeks to keep gossip to a minimum.   B) Should the accusation be invalidated, the issue will be dismissed. The leader will have the option to request an administrative announcement to be made in their behalf -which may or may not be necessary given the circumstances.   Note: This policy is not only for matters pertaining to our organization.  It is additionally for the general public, as well as for accusations which do not pertain to the function and work of leadership/membership in our organization. ### You have successfully logged out. ### Contact the HelpDesk   ### FAQ Use the Below Form to Contact the HelpDeak.   ### Privacy Policy Purpose: The purpose of this policy is to offer a written set of reasonable expectations by which to ensure the best interests of our members in the context of our fellowship. It is not intended to be a code of laws that are blindly upheld in the absence of common sense. Occasionally there are situations where this policy should be overridden for the better interests of our fellowship, or even for the sake of a principal found in scripture. However, such cases are unique to individual circumstances, and are decided at the discretion of our administrators.  Ultimately, our goal is to honor God, protect the membership, and maintain an environment of fairness for all who are members. Statement of Faith I. We hold all 66 books of the Bible as the only inspired word of God; acceptable and sacred Holy Scripture. We do not acknowledge the Apocrypha, Pseudepigrapha, Gnostic Gospels, Book of Mormon, or anything of the like to be divinely inspired. 2 Tim. 3:16; Gal 1:8 II. The God of Christianity (Yahweh-Jesus-Holy Spirit) is the creator of all; thereby, omnipotent, omnipresent, imminent, immutable, omniscient, holy, impeccable, incorporate; infinite. Acts 14:15, 17:28 Jer. 32:17; Eph. 3:20; Psa.139:1-4; 1 Sam.2:6-9; Psa. 24:1, 90:2; John 4:24; Isa 6:3, 40:28; 1 Kings 8:27; Heb 6:18; James 1:17; Rev. 4:8 III. God is one; revealing Himself through the roles of three persons: The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit. Each person of this structure is equally God. 1 Cor. 6:44; 1 Cor. 8:6; Rom. 1:7; Isa. 9:6; Jn. 1:1; Acts 5:3; Heb 9:14; Jn. 4:24 IV. Jesus of Nazareth was literally conceived and born as flesh and blood through the womb a virgin named Mary. Isaiah 7:14; Luke 1:26-33; John 1 V. All of humanity has fallen short of God’s glory and is in need of salvation; hence the reason Jesus came to the earth. Rom. 3:23; Rom. 6:23; Rom. 5:8; Jn. 14:6 VI. We proclaim that Jesus lived a sinless life; thereby, qualified to forgive our sins with His blood. 1 Pet. 2:22; 1 Jn. 3:5 VII. Salvation is in none other than through the name, person, work, life, literal death, resurrection, and grace of Jesus Christ alone. Jn. 14:6; Jn. 3:16; Jn. 10:17-18; Rom. 1:4; Rom.5:8 VIII. All who die refusing God’s salvation spend eternity separated from the Father. Psa. 9:17; Psa.73:12-19; Dan. 12:3; Matt. 25:46; Luke 16:23.26; Jn. 12:48; 2 Thes. 1:8-9 IX. Those who belong to Christ will inherit eternal life. Dan. 12:2-3; Matt. 25:46; John 3:16, 17:3; 2 Cor. 4:17; 2 Tim. 2:10 X. We earnestly await Christ’s return to gather (we) His people, both the living and the dead. Matt. 24:30-36; John 14:1-3; 1 Cor. 15:21-23; 1 Thes 4:16-17 XI. We regard worship as the very foundation upon which every rite of the Christian faith stands. Exo. 20:3; Matt. 22:38; John 4:23; Rev. 4 XII. We baptize with water as a testimony of faith and obedience to Jesus Christ. Mat. 28:19; Acts 2:38-41 XIII. We observe communion (the bread and the cup) to remember our Lord. Luke 22:19; 1 Cor. 11:24 XIV. Christ holds the supreme authority, above all people, governments, nations and laws. Phil. 2:9; Col. 1:18, 2:10; Eph. 1:22; Heb 1:4 XV. Christ as the Head of the church. He alone should govern it. Eph.1:22, 5:23; Col. 1:18, 2:10 XVI. We believe all ministers of Christ should lead by His example of a servant -never as dictators. Jn. 13:3-16; Ph.2:3-8 Values: The following values represent the essence and personality of the National Association of Christian Ministers.  They are the standards by which our culture and unity are kept. We value the Word of God as the highest authority by which to govern our lives. We value the advancement of the Gospel of Christ for the perpetuation of Christianity (Mat. 28:18-20). We value the pursuit of unity (at the foot of the cross) among brothers and sisters in the Christian faith (Joh 17:21; Eph. 4:13). We value God’s calling of both men and women to ordained Christian ministry (Mat. 28:18-20; Acts 2:17; Gal. 3:28) We value the independence of ministers to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit to govern their individual ministries (Act. 8:29; 10:19; 11:12; 13:2-4; 16:6-7; 20:22, 21:4). We value leadership that duplicates the servant example set by our Lord (Mat. 20:27; John 13:14). We value fellowship among ministers for the sake of strength, encouragement, edification, prayer, and support (Rom.14:19; 1 Thes. 5:11; Eph. 2:21-22; Php. 4:8). INTRODUCTION: We are delighted to offer this fellowship to the body of Christ. It is here that we seek to accomplish the unity of which Christ spoke in John 17: “I have sent them into the world the same way you sent me into the world. I'm dedicating myself to this holy work I'm doing for them so that they, too, will use the truth to be holy. "I'm not praying only for them. I'm also praying for those who will believe in me through their message. I pray that all of these people continue to have unity in the way that you, Father, are in me and I am in you. I pray that they may be united with us so that the world will believe that you have sent me.” (Joh 17:18-21 GW). Condition of the Church A consideration that the church is divided by denominations is by no means a new observation. Since the ascension of Christ, the World Christian Encyclopedia (2001), reports that there are approximately 33,820 denominations of Christianity in the world. More than 2000 years of church history have not resulted in greater unity, but rather separation. These splints are motivated by disagreements over the interpretation of God's word (theology). Bringing the whole church into a place of full agreement over theology is an unrealistic pursuit which is not likely to occur before the return of Christ. However, we believe that a very attainable goal is to pursue unity at the foot of the cross and the affirmation of the empty tomb. The Spirit and Culture of Our Fellowship The spirit of this network is to offer all of our members a place for prayer, encouragement, exchanging ideas, research, networking, ministerial training, and fellowship with one another. However, we are an inter/non-denominational organization which means that our membership consists of many Christian backgrounds: Baptist, Pentecostal, Methodist, Lutheran, Non-denominational, etc. These denominations exist because at some time in church history each group separated from a religious body and formed a set of doctrines that they believed were more aligned with scripture. Therefore, the very nature of a denominations is the concept that it is separated from the doctrines of other Christian bodies. We do not claim that this is necessarily wrong; however, the separatist attitude is not permitted here. What makes the NACM unique is that we are uniting under the name of Jesus, in spite of our doctrinal differences. Back to the Basics All believers (that we consider Christian) should be able to affirm that Jesus is the son of God, sacrifice for sins, advocate to the Father, Lord of resurrection, and full member of the trinity.  It is on this foundation that all of Christianity stands.  We may hold different beliefs regarding the administration of baptism, communion, practice of worship, etc., but these are not the things that are likely to forbid people from salvation or a place in Heaven. Therefore, we unite around the shared goal of advancing the gospel of salvation that is only available in the name and work of Jesus alone. As an organization, we believe this is our highest responsibility in service to God, and the fundamental purpose of our callings to Christian ministry.  The Scriptures are clear that “God is not willing that any should perish” (2 Peter 3:9), and that we are commissioned to “go unto all the world” (Mark 16:15) with this hope. It is with this vision that we seek the unity of Christ so that the world will know that the Father sent Him, and call on his name for salvation (Joh 17:18-23). GENERAL  FELLOWSHIP  GUIDELINES For these reasons, and for the collective interest of our organization, every member who fellowships on this network must acknowledge the following guidelines: A. Individual Responsibilities The National Association of Christian Ministers, LC (NACM) does not claim responsibility for its ministers/members. They are “independent” ministers of Jesus Christ who are recognized by the NACM as such. We offer the recognition of ordination for the spreading of the gospel. However, sometimes ministers are asked to perform weddings, funerals, etc. The laws regarding those who officiate such services differ from State to State. As a minister it your responsibility to understand these laws and act accordingly. The NACM recognizes ordination for the spreading of the gospel. In accordance with this, the US government may grant certain benefits, tax exemptions, etc. to ministers. However, such matters are beyond the scope of the NACM ministry purpose. We make no claims about what the IRS or other governing bodies, will or will not recognize for these permissions. It is the independent minister's responsibility to know the laws and to act in accordance with them. Each minister is held accountable as Christians by the NACM if they are to maintain their “recognized” status as an ordained minister. If an investigation ever finds serious violations of traditional Christian ethics (especially such as the nature of marriage, sexuality, etc.) morals, and values; sanctions may be applied to the severest extent of the revocation of the minister's credentials with or without their notice. Should any NACM member choose deny the Christian faith, their ordination will be revoked. NACM members shall never present themselves as "representatives" of the National Association of Christian Ministers.  Further, our Elders are viewed as independent volunteers,  liaisons by which our mission, organizational vision, and fellowship are communicated. 1)  Expectations It is every member’s responsibility to know these standards and to uphold them in the fellowship and love of Christ. Ignorance of these guidelines is no excuse for failure to comply.  For the most part, they are considered "common sense Christianity" and are not difficult to understand.  We interpret this policy and all other structure of this organization from the perspective of this passage: "He has also qualified us to be ministers of a new promise, a spiritual promise, not a written one. Clearly, what was written brings death, but the Spirit brings life." (2Co 3:6 GW). The above passage speaks of a contrast between the Law of Moses and the liberty of the Holy Spirit.  We use this passage as a "principle" in upholding and enforcing policy.  The order defined herein is set as a compass for maintaining a clear focus of the vision which God gave to establish our fellowship.  It is not a law, but rather a standard. 2) Participation No member of the NACM is required to participate in this network. However, in order to remain a member they must keep their contact information up to date, and respond to the administration in the event that they are contacted. a)    Members should update their information with 15 days of a change. Contact information may be updated on your profile.  Expressly, your name, address, contact information, etc. b)   If a member deletes their account on this network, we will assume that they have withdrawn their affiliation with us. In such an event their membership, ordination, etc. will become void.  If the administration attempts to contact a member over a period of 30 days, but is unsuccessful, the member’s status may be changed from good standing to suspension, or void, or revoked until contact is made -and or at the discretion of our Administration's decision  You must keep the NACM updated with your most current contact information in order to remain “in good standing” with our organization. Your name will be removed from our minster verification system if we find that your email address, phone number, or physical address is invalid. This is so that we may protect the integrity of our organization. 3) Organizational Views None of the views expressed on this network (by anyone, including leadership) necessarily reflect the religious policies of the NACM. In other words, if an Exec. Elder posted that they believe in snake handling, this still has nothing to do with the religious position of the NACM. (this is intended to be a humorous example). Our statement of Faith present the only doctrines that the NACM "officially" confirms, and agreement with them is a prerequisite to membership. 4) Different Perspectives Disagreements are permitted; however, they must be done tastefully. Everyone must treat one another with respect and Christian love. B. Spiritual Gifts All members should consider the possible differences of views when interacting with others. A good example is in the area of spiritual gifts. All believers accept prophecy, otherwise they would have to reject many portions of the Bible. HOWEVER, the subject of personal prophecy is a matter of large controversy among Christians. The majority of believers in the United States do not embrace personal prophecy as a modern spiritual gift. For this reason, members who believe in the gift of personal prophecy should share their gift privately with like-minded members who embrace their gift. Use the “golden rule” of blogging, which is to always assume that people mean well. Studies show that people generally misunderstand 53% of all email, and this misunderstanding causes them to assume negative interpretations. The best way to avoid this perception is to just assume that everyone means well. C. Criticism and “Witch Hunting” 5) Politics and Opinions The National Association of Christian Ministers seeks to build the Kingdom of God. Our goal is to use Christian unity to build, as opposed to tear down. For this reason, we will not tolerate any messages within our network that are written in a manner that criticizes other Christian ministers or their ministries. We are aware that there are false ministers in the world who dress in sheep's clothing. However, it is not within the scope of our purpose as a ministry to expose these people. If any of our membership feels that they must do so, let them do it elsewhere. By so doing, they will not compromise their membership with us. However, members who ignore this rule and criticize ministers within our network will be disciplined and possibly dismissed from membership. This would also include posting politically motivated opinions: opinionated statements about differing political persuasions or political figures (whether promoting or criticizing - such as the president or other leaders) tend to only cause argumentation and division.  Members are certainly welcome to have their biases and opinions, but those should be held personally rather than posted on the NACM website.  This is political promoting, and such posts will be deleted and posting members reminded of this policy, and that the biblical directive is:  "I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men: for kings and all who are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.  For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior..."  (1 Tim 2:1-3). Our focus is on encouraging one another in Christ in our joint mission of preaching the Gospel, furthering the Kingdom of God, and discipling believers. D. Use of Titles 6) Organizational Appointed Titles  The NACM is an interdenominational organization. For this reason we will have a diversity of Christian religious backgrounds bearing a verity of ministerial titles (Dr., Pastor, Prophet, Apostle, etc.). These titles are permitted within our network, however, it must be understood that these titles are not appointed by the National Association of Christian Ministers.  We would like to make it clear that the NACM officially recognizes only the titles: Ordained Minister, and any title that may be granted to its leadership (such as Elder, Minister unto ___ Admin., Director, etc.). If someone has chosen to call themselves by a title other than these, it is by their free decision to do so, and not by any official assignment by the NACM.  Additionally, no member may call themselves “Elder, Special Minister, or Administrator” within our network, unless they have been appointed to this position by our organization. This is so that our membership will be able to clearly identify our leadership. E. Solicitation and Promotion (of Self, Ministries, and Products) 7) Solicitation of Donations Members are strictly prohibited from using the NACM network to request money, donations, materials, or financial support of any kind—whether for themselves, another individual, or any cause. This includes, but is not limited to, direct messages, discussion board posts, friend requests with the intent to solicit, or any form of indirect solicitation. NACM exists to license, equip, and network ministers—not to facilitate fundraising. Our members should feel secure from potential scams or undue pressure to give. Those in financial need should seek assistance through their local church or charitable organizations. While we recognize that many of our members are involved in ministries, charities, and causes that require financial support, NACM is not the appropriate platform for soliciting donations. Allowing such activity would compromise our mission as a fellowship, turning it into a fundraising network. 8) Unsolicited Friend Requests and Contact Information Requests Members must not send friend requests to individuals they do not personally know with the intent of obtaining personal contact information to solicit donations, memberships, or involvement in external organizations. Accepting a friend request does not imply consent to receive fundraising requests or solicitations. Requesting personal contact details (phone numbers, emails, etc.) outside of NACM for solicitation purposes is strictly prohibited. If you receive unwanted requests for donations or membership solicitations, please report them to NACM leadership immediately. Use this URL: https://www.cognitoforms.com/NationalAssociationOfChristianMinisters/notifyusofmisconduct 9) Acceptable Self-Promotion We do permit members to share about personal projects, such as books, CDs, crafts, or other creative endeavors, as long as this does not become excessive or disruptive. Acceptable ways to share: Posting one announcement in this Group ONLY https://nacministers.org/groups/member-publications/ Listing it on your personal page. Persistent or aggressive promotion will be considered spamming and will be addressed according to this policy. 10) Outside Membership Promotions The NACM network must not be used to recruit members into external organizations unless they are directly affiliated with or approved by NACM leadership. 11) Networking vs. Solicitation Networking is about building relationships with others based on shared ministry interests, but within NACM, proper networking should begin with your appointed elders in the state where you reside. If you are not first connecting with your elders but instead reaching out randomly to other members, that is already a red flag. Solicitation begins the moment you attempt to gain attention for your ministry in a way that seeks engagement outside of NACM. For clarity, here is an example of real networking: If you live in South Carolina, your first point of contact for networking should be the elders in SC. If you live near another member and decide to meet for coffee or lunch to discuss ministry, this is permissible and even encouraged. However, if that meeting results in asking for personal involvement, such as requesting donations, recruiting for an external ministry, or seeking engagement outside of NACM, it becomes solicitation. Clarification on Sincere Fellowship This policy is not intended to interfere with sincere members who desire fellowship and have no hidden agendas or objectives for solicitation. If you are one of the sincere, this policy does not jeopardize your membership whatsoever. Our elders are specifically looking for solicitors of outside alliances not affiliated with NACM. For example, if you want to meet with other members for spiritual encouragement, prayer, or Bible study without seeking personal gain or outside engagement, this is welcomed and encouraged. Genuine fellowship that strengthens relationships and aligns with NACM’s mission is encouraged. However, if you use such gatherings as an opportunity to recruit members into external organizations or solicit donations, it crosses the line into solicitation. The spirit of this policy is understood in Romans 13:3: (3) People who do what is right don't have to be afraid of the government. But people who do what is wrong should be afraid of it. Would you like to live without being afraid of the government? Do what is right, and it will praise you. Violating these guidelines will lead to the termination of your involvement with NACM, including the revocation of credentials and membership. Our goal is to uphold a safe, professional, and ministry-focused community. 12) Self-Promotion This is an area of some confusion because there is a right and wrong way to do just about anything. For this reason we will attempt to provide a few examples and definitions of terms in an attempt to demonstrate the differences between appropriate and inappropriate promotions. We define 'networking' as:  A goal that begins with one person, who then uses their personal rapport with another to gain a mutually shared goal. This pattern is then repeated until the goal is achieved. One important factor that identifies this as 'networking' is the use of interpersonal influence gained through personal relationships.  Networking is not accomplished by sending mass emails of spam hoping that someone will discover a value for whatever it is being offered. No member should send emails or make postings for the promotion of anything that is of similar offerings to that the NACM (ordination ministries, Christian Discussion boards, Biblical training programs of similarity to our Mentor Program, etc.). This is a conflict of interest and has caused members to become confused about NACM programs in times past.  Spirit of this guideline: The key word here is "promotion". It is quite fine to say that you attended a school or was ordained at a local church. We are prohibiting solicitation. The above rule 8 is the rule is rarely broken, but more often than the others.  It is an unfortunate truth that we have had to even dismiss Elders from membership for ignoring this rule.  Please be advised that we have no tolerance for members who disregard the warnings of this policy. F. Photo and Image Posting Guidelines. 13. Photos, Graphics, and Illustrations Posting of images (photos or graphic images) within the NACM network should be done with thoughtful consideration as to the appropriateness and or edifying nature of the images. The posting of ministry-related images within the NACM is encouraged. Images of a personal nature are permitted with deference to and with the understanding that the NACM is an online Christian ministry fellowship. Images that could reasonably be perceived as divisive or inappropriate are prohibited, including but not limited to 'selfie' type images that may be perceived as suggestive or alluring, as well as politically focused images, and or those for which the member does not have the proper permissions of copyright. If an image is deemed inappropriate by an NACM Administrator, that image may be removed immediately, or you may or may not be contacted with instructions to remove the image yourself. If an image that you posted is no longer visible, you can assume that image has been deemed inappropriate and removed -with the exception to website technical difficulties. All images uploaded via the “My Photos” tool on your “My Page” can be viewed by the entire fellowship via the photo viewer and will be displayed on a rotational basis throughout the NACM website.  All images submitted to our network may be used by the NACM to promote the vision of our fellowship, and the promotion of the Christian faith.  Should anyone find a picture of themselves which they want removed, they may simply contact the HelpDesk and make their request for removal -with a link to the page where it is displayed.  The HelpDesk email is help@nacministers.org Some forum and discussion areas within the NACM network may be deemed as text only areas and prohibit the posting of photos or images. G. Sexual Harassment 14. The National Association of Christian Ministers will not tolerate any form of sexual harassment. Sexual harassment, as defined in this policy, includes, but is not limited to, sexual advances, verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature, visual forms of a sexual or offensive nature (e.g., signs and posters) or requests for sexual favors. Any intentional sexual harassment is considered to be a major violation of our organization’s policy and will be dealt with accordingly by corrective counseling and/or suspension or dismissal of membership, depending upon the severity of the violation. To report violations, please follow the procedures outlined at the following: Allegations In Ministry and Our Reconciliation Policy H. Continuity of Policies - Right to Change or Discontinue -With or Without Notice Please read these terms and conditions carefully before using Our Service. This policy is not intended as a guarantee of continuity of benefits or rights. No permanent relationship to our organization for any term is intended or can be implied by statements in this manual.  The National Association of Christian Ministers is a private, religious organization.  Our Exec. Elders reserve all rights to discontinue services, training, ordination, licensing, membership, affiliation, etc. at their prayerful discretion. The NACM is a Christian religious organization founded in the U.S.A., operating 1st under the authority of our God, & 2nd under the laws, regulations, & constitutional rights granted by our nation.  By the instruction of God's Word (in Romans 13:1-7), we submit ourselves to the God ordained authority of U.S. government, to the extent that it does not infringe upon God's command to be holy even as He is holy (Matthew 5:48; 1 Peter 1:16). On the other end of the continuum, where there is law, there is also the necessity to interpret such. Therefore, it is inevitable that some will abuse interpretations to avoid personal responsibilities, place blame, seek financial profitability., etc. While we do not like having to sound "legal," it is for these reasons that we see a necessity to state the following. This site provides a variety of information pertaining to Christian ordination, minister licensing, certification, and ministry in general. Such should not be viewed as legal advice, nor do we guarantee the accuracy of content. While our sincere conviction is to provide the public with truthful, straightforward facts pertaining to ministry, there is never a time when anyone knows everything (other than God).  Therefore the potential for error is ever present during human communication.  When changes to our services occur,  our goal is to communicate these changes.  However, it is not possible to be sure that every member of our organization or even the public will receive our attempts to make such notices. Our Websites, services, training is provided “as is,” with all faults, and Company Name express no representations or warranties, of any kind related to this Website or the materials contained on this Website. Also, nothing contained on this Website shall be interpreted as advising you. Therefore, we reserve the right to make changes to any or all of our services without notice.  Additionally, we make no warranties expressed or implied.  This includes but not limited to regulated acceptance of ministerial status, training, privileged access, tax exemption, etc. There are US government agencies which hold our organization as a valid source of training and credentialing for ministers. Irrespective of this success, we hereby publicly express as a religious institution of the Christian faith, that our purpose is to unite the Body of Christ, provide spiritually based educational resources to propagate the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Should undesired outcomes arise as a result of our communications, users agree to hold this organization harmless. Scripture upholds the understanding that every person has a responsibility to God to affirm truth. National Association of Christian Ministers is a U.S. Registered Service Mark & LC. All rights are reserved. Copyright © 2025 Interpretation and Definitions Interpretation The words of which the initial letter is capitalized have meanings defined under the following conditions. The following definitions shall have the same meaning regardless of whether they appear in singular or in plural. Definitions For the purposes of these Terms and Conditions: Affiliate means an entity Country refers to: South Carolina, United States Company (referred to as either "the Company", “the Organization”, "We", "Us" or "Our" in this Agreement) refers to National Association of Christian Ministers LC, 503 South Main Street, Mauldin SC 29662. Device means any device that can access the Service such as a computer, a cellphone or a digital tablet. Service refers to the Websites, Workshops, and Credentials. Terms and Conditions (also referred as "Terms") mean these Terms and Conditions that form the entire agreement between You and the Organization regarding the use of the Service. Third-party Social Media Service means any services or content (including data, information, products or services) provided by a third-party that may be displayed, included or made available by the Service. Website refers to National Association of Christian Ministers, accessible from nacministers.com, nacministers.org, nacministers.net, faq.nacministers.org, courses.nacministers.org, forms.nacministers.org, media.nacministers.org, updates.nacministers.org, support.nacministers.org, ministry-tools.nacministers.org. These Websites Standard Terms and Conditions written on this webpage shall manage your use of our websites. These Terms will be applied fully and affect to your use of this Website. By using this Website, you agreed to accept all terms and conditions written in here. You must not use this Website if you disagree with any of these Website Standard Terms and Conditions. You means the individual accessing or using the Service, or the Organization, or other legal entity on behalf of which such individual is accessing or using the Service, as applicable. Restrictions You are specifically restricted from all of the following: publishing any Website material in any other media; selling, sublicensing and/or otherwise commercializing any Website material; publicly performing and/or showing any Website material; using this Website in any way that is or may be damaging to this Website; using this Website in any way that impacts user access to this Website; using this Website contrary to applicable laws and regulations, or in any way may cause harm to the Website, or to any person or business entity; engaging in any data mining, data harvesting, data extracting or any other similar activity in relation to this Website; using this Website to engage in any advertising or marketing. Certain areas of this Website are restricted from being access by you and Company Name may further restrict access by you to any areas of this Website, at any time, in absolute discretion. Any user ID and password you may have for this Website are confidential and you must maintain confidentiality as well. Your Content In these Website Standard Terms and Conditions, “Your Content” shall mean any audio, video text, images or other material you choose to display on this Website. By displaying Your Content, you grant NACM a non-exclusive, worldwide irrevocable, sub licensable license to use, reproduce, adapt, publish, translate and distribute it in any and all media.It is your responsibility to remove content you no longer want to share. Your Content must be your own and must not be invading any third-party's rights. NACM reserves the right to remove any of Your Content from this Website at any time without notice. Profile Data When you register for the site, you may be asked to provide certain personal data for display on your profile. The "Name" field is required as well as public, and user profiles are visible to any site visitor. Other profile information may be required or optional, as configured by the site administrator. User information provided during account registration can be modified or removed on the Profile > Edit panel. In most cases, users also have control over who is able to view a particular piece of profile content, limiting visibility on a field-by-field basis to friends, logged-in users, or administrators only. Site administrators can read and edit all profile data for all users. Messages The content of private messages is visible only to the sender and the recipients of the message. With the exception of site administrators, who can read all private messages, private message content is never visible to other users or site visitors. Site administrators may delete the content of any message. Cookies We use a cookie to show success and failure messages to logged-in users, in response to certain actions, like joining a group. These cookies contain no personal data, and are deleted immediately after the next page load. We use cookies on group, member, and activity directories to keep track of a user's browsing preferences. These preferences include the last-selected values of the sort and filter dropdowns, as well as pagination information. These cookies contain no personal data, and are deleted after 24 hours. When a logged-in user creates a new group, we use a number of cookies to keep track of the group creation process. These cookies contain no personal data, and are deleted either upon the successful creation of the group or after 24 hours. Plugin: Smush Note: Smush does not interact with end users on your website. The only input option Smush has is to a newsletter subscription for site admins only. If you would like to notify your users of this in your privacy policy, you can use the information below. Smush sends images to the WPMU DEV servers to optimize them for web use. This includes the transfer of EXIF data. The EXIF data will either be stripped or returned as it is. It is not stored on the WPMU DEV servers. Smush uses the Stackpath Content Delivery Network (CDN). Stackpath may store web log information of site visitors, including IPs, UA, referrer, Location and ISP info of site visitors for 7 days. Files and images served by the CDN may be stored and served from countries other than your own. Stackpath's privacy policy can be found here. Acknowledgment These are the Terms and Conditions governing the use of this Service and the agreement that operates between You and the Organization. These Terms and Conditions set out the rights and obligations of all users regarding the use of the Service. Your access to and use of the Service is conditioned on Your acceptance of and compliance with these Terms and Conditions. These Terms and Conditions apply to all visitors, users and others who access or use the Service. By accessing or using the Service You agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions. If You disagree with any part of these Terms and Conditions, then You may not access the Service. You represent that you are over the age of 18. The Organization does not permit those under 18 to use the Service. Your access to and use of the Service is also conditioned on Your acceptance of and compliance with the Privacy Policy of the Organization. Our Privacy Policy describes Our policies and procedures on the collection, use and disclosure of Your personal information when You use the Application or the Website and tells You about Your privacy rights and how the law protects You. Please read Our Privacy Policy carefully before using Our Service. Termination We reserve the right to revoke, change, or supplement these guidelines at any time without notice. Such changes shall be effective immediately upon approval by management unless otherwise stated. We may terminate or suspend Your access immediately, without prior notice or liability, for any reason whatsoever, including without limitation if You breach these Terms and Conditions, or our Exec. Elders believe it is necessary to protect the integrity of our membership. Upon termination, Your right to use our Services, training, credentials, etc. will cease immediately, and our organization will not acknowledge you as a member or having any relations with us. Limitation of Liability In no event shall the NACM, nor any of its officers, directors and employees, shall be held liable for anything arising out of or in any way connected with your use of this Website whether such liability is under contract.  NACM, including its officers, directors and employees shall not be held liable for any indirect, consequential or special liability arising out of or in any way related to your use of our services or Websites. Notwithstanding any damages that You might incur, the entire liability of the Organization and any of its suppliers under any provision of this Terms and Your exclusive remedy for all of the foregoing shall be limited to the amount actually paid by You through the Service or 100 USD if You haven't purchased anything through the Service. To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, in no event shall the Organization or its suppliers be liable for any special, incidental, indirect, or consequential damages whatsoever (including, but not limited to, damages for loss of profits, loss of data or other information, for business interruption, for personal injury, loss of privacy arising out of or in any way related to the use of or inability to use the Service, third-party software and/or third-party hardware used with the Service, or otherwise in connection with any provision of this Terms), even if the Organization or any supplier has been advised of the possibility of such damages and even if the remedy fails of its essential purpose. Some states do not allow the exclusion of implied warranties or limitation of liability for incidental or consequential damages, which means that some of the above limitations may not apply. In these states, each party's liability will be limited to the greatest extent permitted by law. Indemnification You hereby indemnify to the fullest extent National Association of Christian Ministers from and against any and/or all liabilities, costs, demands, causes of action, damages and expenses arising in any way related to your breach of any of the provisions of these Terms. Severability If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid under any applicable law, such provisions shall be deleted without affecting the remaining provisions herein. Variation of Terms Company Name is permitted to revise these Terms at any time as it sees fit, and by using this Website you are expected to review these Terms on a regular basis. Assignment The Company Name is allowed to assign, transfer, and subcontract its rights and/or obligations under these Terms without any notification. However, you are not allowed to assign, transfer, or subcontract any of your rights and/or obligations under these Terms. Intellectual Property Rights Other than the content you own, under these Terms, Company Name and/or its licensors own all the intellectual property rights and materials contained in this Website. You are granted limited license only for purposes of viewing the material contained on our Websites at our discretion. Entire Agreement These Terms constitute the entire agreement between Company Name and you in relation to your use of this Website, and supersede all prior agreements and understandings. "AS IS" and "AS AVAILABLE" Disclaimer The Service is provided to You "AS IS" and "AS AVAILABLE" and with all faults and defects without warranty of any kind. To the maximum extent permitted under applicable law, the Organization, on its own behalf and on behalf of its Affiliates and its and their respective licensors and service providers, expressly disclaims all warranties, whether express, implied, statutory or otherwise, with respect to the Service, including all implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, title and non-infringement, and warranties that may arise out of course of dealing, course of performance, usage or trade practice. Without limitation to the foregoing, the Organization provides no warranty or undertaking, and makes no representation of any kind that the Service will meet Your requirements, achieve any intended results, be compatible or work with any other software, applications, systems or services, operate without interruption, meet any performance or reliability standards or be error free or that any errors or defects can or will be corrected. Without limiting the foregoing, neither the Organization nor any of the Organization's provider makes any representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied: (i) as to the operation or availability of the Service, or the information, content, and materials or products included thereon; (ii) that the Service will be uninterrupted or error-free; (iii) as to the accuracy, reliability, or currency of any information or content provided through the Service; or (iv) that the Service, its servers, the content, or e-mails sent from or on behalf of the Organization are free of viruses, scripts, trojan horses, worms, malware, timebombs or other harmful components. Some jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion of certain types of warranties or limitations on applicable statutory rights of a consumer, so some or all of the above exclusions and limitations may not apply to You. But in such a case the exclusions and limitations set forth in this section shall be applied to the greatest extent enforceable under applicable law. Governing Law The laws of the Country, excluding its conflicts of law rules, shall govern this Terms and Your use of the Service. Your use of our services may also be subject to other local, state, national, or international laws. Upon using our services you agree to the following: The NACM is organized in the State of South Carolina. Any legal remedies must be settled in the justification of our location in South Carolina. Disputes Resolution If You have any concern or dispute about the Service, You agree to first try to resolve the dispute informally by contacting the Organization’s Exec. Elders. United States Legal Compliance You represent and warrant that (i) You are not located in a country that is subject to the United States government embargo, or that has been designated by the United States government as a "terrorist supporting" country, and (ii) You are not listed on any United States government list of prohibited or restricted parties. Severability If any provision of these Terms is held to be unenforceable or invalid, such provision will be changed and interpreted to accomplish the objectives of such provision to the greatest extent possible under applicable law and the remaining provisions will continue in full force and effect. Waiver Except as provided herein, the failure to exercise a right or to require performance of an obligation under these Terms shall not affect a party's ability to exercise such right or require such performance at any time thereafter nor shall the waiver of a breach constitute a waiver of any subsequent breach. Translation Interpretation These Terms and Conditions may have been translated if We have made them available to You on our Service. You agree that the original English text shall prevail in the case of a dispute. All communication must be in English. Changes to These Terms and Conditions We reserve the right, at Our sole discretion, to modify or replace these Terms at any time. If a revision is material We will make reasonable efforts to provide at least 30 days' notice prior to any new terms taking effect. What constitutes a material change will be determined at Our sole discretion. By continuing to access or use Our Service after those revisions become effective, You agree to be bound by the revised terms. If You do not agree to the new terms, in whole or in part, please stop using the website and the Service. Contact Us If you have any questions about these Terms and Conditions, You can contact us: By email: help@nacministers.org By visiting this page on our website: https://faq.nacministers.org/ Thank you all for your participation and cooperation. Image already added ## Docs ### How to Use Tags in Your Topics and Replies: A Quick Guide for Members What Are Tags? Tags are like labels or keywords that you attach to your topics and replies. They help organize content and make it easier for others to find. Think of them as a way to categorize your message so that anyone interested in that topic can quickly locate it. Why Should You Use Tags? Using tags helps everyone in our community: Find Information Quickly: Tags make it easier for people to search and find specific topics. Stay Organized: They keep our content neatly categorized, which means less time searching and more time engaging. Connect with Others: Tags can help you connect with colleagues who share similar interests or are working on related projects. How to Add Tags to Your Topics and Replies Adding tags is simple. Here’s how you do it: Write Your topic or Reply: Start by writing your message as usual. Choose Relevant Tags: Think about the main topics or keywords related to your message. For example, if you’re topicing about a new marketing strategy, you might use tags like “Marketing,” “Strategy,” and “Sales.” Add the Tags: There’s usually a field labeled “Tags” or “Keywords” below or beside the text box where you write your topic. Type your chosen tags into this field. Separate each tag with a comma. Submit Your Topic: After adding your tags, go ahead and submit your topic or reply. Tips for Using Tags Be Specific: Use specific tags that clearly describe the main points of your topic. Instead of just “Project,” try “Project Management” or “Project Timeline.”   Limit the Number of Tags: Aim for 3-5 tags per topic. This keeps things focused and relevant. Use the same keywords from your topic.  Don’t add words not used, or redundant to tags. Example Imagine you’re sharing an update about a new project tool your team is using. Your topic might include tags like “Project Management,” “Tools,” and “Team Collaboration.” This way, anyone searching for information on project tools or team collaboration can easily find your topic. Conclusion Using tags is a great way to help yourself and others find relevant information quickly. It keeps our community organized and makes it easier to connect with colleagues. So next time you topic or reply, don’t forget to add a few tags! Happy tagging... ### Correct Use of Groups, Topics, and Tags ### How to Edit Your Topics and Replies There are 101 reasons why a member would want to edit a Topic or Reply that they posted.  A few examples are typos, forgot to add additional details, or maybe even to change the sound of their tone.  This is the supper easy way to edit, and here we will show you how. ### Embracing Our Online Communication Platform We hope this message finds you well. As part of our commitment to fostering a strong, connected community of Christian ministers, we want to ensure that you are aware of how we communicate within our organization. Our online platform is designed to be a central hub for all communication (networking, sharing resources, and supporting one another in discussions, prayer, and ministry. We understand that technology can sometimes be daunting.  The Internet became a widely preferred source for information and communication since the year 2000, and now we are almost 25 years past that time.  People who do not know how to use email, support documentation, etc. by now, are probably not a good fit for membership with us. After all, we live in a world where people can visit Dr. appointments, attend church services, major in college, pay their taxes, and purchase almost anything entirely online. This is without mention of the dominance of social media platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, etc. which many of our members navigate daily. As a side note, it is often humorous when a member complains about navigating our site, only to find that they are masters of playing games, and setting up groups on Facebook.  Did anyone from Facebook ever call them to learn how? No.  They read tutorials just like almost everywhere else. Nevertheless, our online communication methods—through our intranet, email, and various state and special interest forums—are essential to the way we operate as a community. This approach allows us to provide timely updates, facilitate discussions, and maintain an organized and accessible environment for all members. We want to encourage you to embrace our platform as it offers several advantages: Instant Access to Information: You can stay updated with the latest news, announcements, and events without waiting for mail or phone calls. Our intranet is designed to be a one-stop resource for all our members. Opportunity for Engagement: Being active in our forums and groups provides you with the opportunity to connect with other ministers, share your insights, and gain valuable perspectives from across the nation. Enhanced Networking: By participating in our online community, you’ll have the chance to form connections with other ministers beyond your immediate area, fostering a broader sense of fellowship. We understand that some members may find navigation to be challenging, but we want to assure you that we are here to help. If you need assistance in navigating our platform, please don't hesitate to use our FAQ. We are more than happy to provide guidance and support to help you feel more comfortable using our network. While we appreciate the value of traditional methods of communication, the nature of our organization requires that we maintain a consistent and efficient means of connecting with our members. As such, we kindly ask that you utilize our online communication methods, as this will be the only way we can provide updates and engage with you effectively. Thank you for your understanding and for being a valued member of our community. We believe that with your participation, we can continue to grow and strengthen our network of Christian ministers across the nation. ### Membership Responsibilities Cost of Membership: Free Membership A Member of the NACM is a person who has an approved profile on the fellowship at: https://nacministers.org/ Should you not remember your password, you may go here to reset it here: https://nacministers.org/wp-login.php?action=lostpassword When resetting a password, it is necessary to check your spam and search your email from the address: admin@nacministers.net Access Members have access to join groups, start topics, read other member’s topics and reply. Members may fellowship, take classes and have access to all of the resources of the NACM's Manual to ministry. Members do not have to be active in their callings to fellowship with us. Responsibilities of a Member: Know and keep our fellowship policy located here: https://nacministers.org/privacy-policy/ Keep their personal profile up to date with all required fields. See here to update: https://nacministers.org/members-my-profile/ Failure to do these things can result in dismissal from membership. Ordained and Licensed Members Cost of Ordination and Licensing: Free. While not required, if you need an updated credential there is an administrative fee for processing and shipping. The NACM does not solicit donations from its membership. This is how NACM offers everything else to its members for free. Access To perform as a minister of the Christian faith. To request credentials Responsibilities of Ordained and Licensed Members All of the same responsibilities of Members. A minister must be a member if they are to be recognized with ordination and licensing. Know and keep our fellowship policy located here: https://nacministers.org/privacy-policy/ Must have an approved profile on the fellowship at: https://nacministers.org/ Should you not remember your password, you may go here to reset it here: https://nacministers.org/wp-login.php?action=lostpassword When resetting a password, it is necessary to check your spam and search your email from the address: admin@nacministers.net Keep their personal profile up to date with all required fields. See here to update: https://nacministers.org/members-my-profile/ Must Submit an renewal for licensing annually at the following link: https://nacministers.org/faq/policy/annual-minister-renewal/ Members must be active in their callings to ministry. Even if by mistake a member receives credentials without meeting all of the above, the minister is not in good standing and the credentials are not valid until all of the above requirements are met.  Not Required  Ordained and Licensed Members are highly encouraged, but do not have to participate in the fellowship. If they would like to keep licensing but not participate in the fellowship, they must follow the instructions here to deactivate their profile: https://nacministers.org/faq/deactivated-account/ When an account it deactivated, it is still maintained for ordination and licensing records. Members will not be able to interact with your account or send you messages. It may be reactivated at any time. Deactivating your account will not harm your good standing with the NACM.; however, the profile details must be complete (not missing any fields). We do not transfer ordinations. ### Checking On Your Interactions Within the Fellowship The Fellowship involves several ways to interact. These occur within these 2 synchronized areas: 1) Profiles, and --> 2) Groups (which contain --> Forums, Topics, and Tags.)   Profiles (Members) | v Groups (Home to Forums) | v |---> Forums (Home of Topics) | v |---> Topics (Discussions) | |---> Tags (Helps Members Find Topics)   Here is a simple way to see it.  John is a Member, therefore, he has a Profile. John wants to Fellowship, so he looks for Groups which offer ways for John to stay up to date with the US State where he lives, and Special Interest Groups for discussions of ministry.   John finds a Group and joins.  The Group has a Forum so that Topics can be discussed.  When John posts a Topic, or interacts with an already existing Topic, he needs a way to follow up with his interaction.  John can do this in the "Notifications" and "Forums" tabs from his Profile.   Notifications provide a streamlined system for alerting users about key events and interactions within the Fellowship. This feature ensures users stay informed and engaged with updates that matter most to them. Purpose Enhance User Engagement: Keep users informed of relevant updates to encourage participation. Centralized Alerts: A single hub for all notifications, reducing the need for extensive navigation. Improve Retention: Timely updates ensure users feel connected, increasing return visits and community involvement. Common Use Cases Friend Requests: Notify users when they receive or accept friend requests. Private Messaging: Alert users to new private messages for quick responses. Group Activities: Inform users about group invitations, new members, or updates in groups they belong to. Mentions: Notify users when they are mentioned in posts or discussions. Notifications are a key feature for building an engaging and user-friendly community website, ensuring users are always informed and connected to the community. Notifications can be located on the Left Menu. ### Why an NACM Admin May Request Your IP Address Why an NACM Admin May Request Your IP Address—and Why It’s Not a Cause for Alarm In today’s digital ministry landscape, understanding the tools used to protect and steward online communities is key. One such tool is the IP address, a standard identifier that helps secure and maintain the integrity of web-based platforms like the NACM member site. Let’s clarify why a site administrator might request your IP address and why such a request is both ethical and protective, especially in a Christian ministry context: 1. It’s About Security, Not Surveillance An IP address does not reveal personal content like your exact location, personal files, or private conversations. It functions more like a return address on an envelope—used to ensure the safety and authenticity of digital communication. Admins may use IPs to: Prevent fraudulent activity (e.g., fake registrations) Mitigate spam or cyber-attacks Resolve login or access issues Identify duplicate or bot accounts 2. Scripture Affirms Accountability Romans 13:1–4 reminds us that legitimate authority exists to maintain order and serve the good. Likewise, site administrators function as digital stewards, using reasonable measures like IP checks to ensure fair participation, protect vulnerable members, and preserve ministry integrity. 3. Transparency Is a Ministry Ethic The NACM does not use IP addresses to track members’ browsing habits or violate privacy. Any such use would contradict biblical principles of transparency and trust (2 Corinthians 8:21). When admins request an IP address, it is typically for brief, issue-specific verification, not ongoing surveillance. 4. Your Digital Footprint Is Already Public When you visit any website (including church livestreams or YouTube sermons), your IP address is logged by default. Responsible use of this data by the NACM aligns with common internet standards and ministry ethics. 5. It’s About Serving You Better Sometimes, identifying an IP address is the most efficient way to restore access, verify identity, or correct a technical issue. It’s a pastoral act—done with the heart of Ephesians 4:12: “to equip the saints for the work of ministry.” 📘 Frequently Asked Questions: IP Address Requests at NACM Q1: What is an IP address, exactly? An IP (Internet Protocol) address is a unique set of numbers assigned to your internet connection. It helps websites like NACM.org know where to send information so your browser can load a page. Q2: Can my IP address reveal my personal information? No. An IP address does not disclose your name, email, passwords, or what you do online. It only indicates the region or service provider you’re using—similar to a general zip code. Q3: Why would NACM need my IP address? Primarily for security and support. IPs help: Track technical errors (like login failures) Prevent duplicate or bot accounts Resolve identity verification for ministers Protect the site from digital threats (like spam or cyberattacks) Q4: Is NACM tracking me or watching what I do? Absolutely not. NACM does not engage in surveillance or monitoring member activity. The use of IP addresses is limited to essential technical and security functions only. Q5: Is this consistent with Christian ethics? Yes. Like a shepherd who keeps watch over the flock (Acts 20:28), site admins use basic tools like IPs to protect the fellowship. It’s stewardship—not suspicion.   Click Here Locate Your IP Address for Admin ### Licensed vs. Ordained Minister, The Difference   While some may find this topic confusing, we believe there is a simple answer.  A licensed minister is: a member of the clergy; who is for a specified period of time considered to be in “good standing” with a professional ministerial association, religious society, or denomination of churches, etc. The term implies that one of these institutions have granted them a license to practice ministry for a specified period time, upon which there is a renewal process after expiration. The purpose of expiration is not to suggest that the licensed minister no longer has a calling.  "God's gifts and his call are irrevocable." (Rom 11:29).  Rather, it is for the purpose of accountability. The terms minister license and ministry license (sometimes misspelled as minister licence) are common descriptions of the status where a minister has been given religious recognition (by faith) to conduct spiritual leadership within the presence of fellow believers. While not totally correct, another term often used to describe this status is a “license to preach”.   The source of confusion about these terms exists in the concept of the area of ministry in which a minister has been commissioned.  For example, many churches  may license a deacon for hospital visitations, but they are not necessarily granted opportunities to preach within their assembly because they are considered to be a “lay minister.”  In such instances, a person typically has been given the title of a deacon (which American culture has come to embrace as permission for religious visitations).  Customarily, a church will give a deacon some form of paperwork (or letter of ordination) as a means by which to identify him or herself as having been recognized by a religious group as being capable of performing religious rites.   Nevertheless, the difference between a deacon and a licensed minister is that the latter may in fact hold all the permissions, responsibilities, and authority of an ordained minister. Who Needs a Minister License? Determining whether a minister needs a license is not very difficult.  Here we provide two questions to help ministers make this determination. Does the minister plan to visit jails, hospitals, or nursing homes, etc.? Yes/No And/or do they plan to officiate weddings? Yes/No If the answer is “yes” to any of the above, it is a good idea that they maintain a minister license in good standing with their organization.  Why?  Inevitably, someone will ask for credentials. Regarding public service, it is almost certain that any minister entering a county jail will be asked for identification, and proof of certification in ministry.  The same is likely of a minister desiring access to an intensive care unit in a hospital, or even a nursing home. Who May Perform Weddings? The laws change from State to State.  Some States only require credentials, while others require additional registration.  For example, Ohio requires minister registration.  Ministers in Ohio must register with the State office in order to legally perform weddings.  They are required to fill out an Ohio minister license application (1), accompanied by original copies of their certificate of ordination and fellowship card (minister license) –signed by a representative of the religious society using their title.  They strictly forbid duplicates of any sort.  All credential submissions must be verifiable, original copies.  Upon approval, the applicant is placed in their minister search database where they may be verified by the general public.  Below is an example of our minister license that demonstrates how we meet the expectations of the State for licensure. Continued Ohio Minister License   Upon approval by the State of Ohio, the applicant is placed in their minister search database where they may be verified by the general public. You may follow this link to see the Ohio minister database: https://recordssearch.ohiosos.gov/ To conduct a sample search, leave all fields of the form blank except the last one titled “denomination.”  In that box enter: National Association of Christian Ministers and press “run report.”  There you will see the listings of all the ministers who are members with us who have been registered in Ohio as ministers. In light of these things, not all states require registration.  In fact, to the best of our knowledge, most States do not require registration. However, many do have requirements that they expect to be upheld by the minister's honor system.  For example, South Carolina requires that a wedding officiant be a minister of the gospel; authorized to administer oaths by an organization with which they are in good standing. Texas views a licensed minster and an ordained minister as one and the same when under review to perform a marriage ceremony (2). Nevertheless, it should be noted that none of this is legal advice, and it is the responsibility of the minister to determine the law in their area of practice. Conclusion: The Difference Between Licensed and Ordained Ministers The only real difference between the two is an expiration date. The National Association of Christian Ministers recognizes the lifelong calling with ordination.  We also offer a minister license for the minister who may be serving in situations where they must prove that they are in “good standing”.  In either case, we view a licensed and an ordained minister as one and the same. Related Topic: Annual NACM Minister Renewal   Sources NOTE: This page is cited by Chron Publications as a source of information about the Difference Between a Licensed Minister & an Ordained: https://work.chron.com/difference-between-licensed-minister-ordained-minister-10210.html Ohio General Information of Minister License's: https://www.ohiosos.gov/records/minister-licenses/general-information/ Ohio Minister Database: https://recordssearch.ohiosos.gov/ Application for Minister's License to Solemnize Marriages in Ohio: https://recordsportal.ohiosos.gov/ Texas Statute of limitations for Ministers: http://www.culpepperlaw.com/MINISTER.htm#Marriage Image already added Image already added Image already added Image already added ### Locate Your IP Address Herein you will find: 1) How are IP Addresses Useful 2) How to Locate Your IP Address The most common reason administrators of the NACM need your IP Address is because your account has been locked by or servers for safety reasons. Here are a few additional reasons for wanting to know your IP Address. Network Troubleshooting and Management Overview: The necessity of knowing one's IP address for effective network troubleshooting and management.  This knowledge helps in diagnosing issues and configuring devices within a network, ensuring proper connectivity and functionality. Remote Access and VPNs Overview: The importance of IP addresses in establishing remote connections and secure communications via VPNs.  Understanding one's IP address is key to connecting with other networks or devices securely. Security and Monitoring Overview: The significance of IP addresses in network security and monitoring.  Being aware of your IP address is vital for detecting unauthorized access or security breaches, thereby helping to safeguard against potential cybersecurity threats. Website Access and Geo-Location Services Overview: IP addresses are utilized by websites and online services to offer personalized content and location-based services.  IP addresses influence content accessibility and the management of services based on geographic location, affecting user experience online. Configuring Network Devices Overview: Emphasizes the importance of knowing IP addresses ensures devices within a network communicate effectively, enabling internet access and functionality. Internet Service Providers and Customer Support Overview: The role of IP addresses in interactions with Internet Service Providers (ISPs) regarding connectivity issues.  Internet Service Providers may request customers' IP addresses to diagnose and solve internet service problems efficiently. Finding Your IPv4 Address. 1) Visit the following link: https://whatismyipaddress.com/ and copy your IPv6 and IPv4 addresses as shown below: 2) Then return to your Email or Support Ticket and paste the address in the message so that we can identify your IP address. ### *Our Philosophy of Ministry The foundation of our philosophy of ministry is built on Scripture alone! Eph 4:11-16 (11)  He also gave apostles, prophets, missionaries, as well as pastors and teachers as gifts to his church. (12)  Their purpose is to prepare God's people, to serve, and to build up the body of Christ. (13)  This is to continue until all of us are united in our faith and in our knowledge about God's Son, until we become mature, until we measure up to Christ, who is the standard. (14)  Then we will no longer be little children, tossed and carried about by all kinds of teachings that change like the wind. We will no longer be influenced by people who use cunning and clever strategies to lead us astray. (15)  Instead, as we lovingly speak the truth, we will grow up completely in our relationship to Christ, who is the head. (16)  He makes the whole body fit together and unites it through the support of every joint. As each and every part does its job, he makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. ### *What is a Church Charter or Ministry Charter? A church or ministry charter is simply a recognition of one spiritual body by another spiritual body.  The easiest way to understand it is with this comparison: A charter is to a ministry like ordination is to a minister.  In other words a charter is the ordination of a ministry.  It is the recognition that another or overseeing body of believers validate that there is a spiritual need that the recognized ministry in providing for humanity in the name of Jesus.  The charter says to the public that the church or ministry(s): 1) Existence is validated by another group of believers, and 2) The leadership of said church or ministry voluntarily submits to the accountability of the NACM Exec. Elders, should we be notified of complaints about the said church or ministry.  By this the ministry can demonstrate that they are under a spiritual covering of accountability by an association of Elders. Tax or Filing Benefits There are no tax benefits, financial privileges, or exemptions for holding a chartered status.   Role of the Ministerial Fellowship The NACM is not a denomination.  All ministries/churches chartered by NACM are independent to operate by the leading of the Holy Spirit unto the leadership of said ministries.  However, these ministries voluntarily subject themselves to the ethical standards of the NACM in order to maintain their chartered status. ### Leadership Hall: Development for Ministry This page has been moved to the following link: https://nacministers.org/courses/leadership-hall/ ### Refunds, Returns, and Policy Herein you will find the policies pertaining to purchases from the NACM Spirit Shop. A just balance and scales are the LORD's; all the weights in the bag are his work. (Pro 16:11) NOTICE:  This is one of the most important notices of which you should be aware.  Payment Methods We only accept payment in the form of Debit or Credit Cards.  We no longer accept checks, or money orders. The year is 2024, it is time to use secure and updated payment methods. We never accept cash.  Under no circumstances should a member send us a check, money order, or cash! Early Cancellations If for any reason you wish to cancel an order "before" it is shipped, we will honor your request by: Notifying the Spirit Shop (click here to notify) Upon your receiving a reply from us indicating that your message was received (check your spam). Occasionally, one of the below scenarios occur: A member wants a refund, but instead of informing us and giving 72 hours to reply, you contact your financial institution and "claim" that your purchase was fraudulent, or not approved by you.  This will result in costing us fines which were not warranted.  Rest assured, this approach will result in the termination of your membership with us. A member wants a refund, but wait until after your package is delivered, then you contact your financial institution and "claim" that your purchase was fraudulent, or not approved by you.  This will result in costing us fines which were not warranted.  Rest assured, this approach will result in the termination of your membership with us. A member's spouse follows up with your monthly financial records and takes it upon themselves to report it fraudulent without mention it to the spouse who made the purchase. In any of such cases, it costs us the supplies, labor, shipping, and an additional bank fee of about $20 per case.  If you report a dispute without following all the necessary channels to let us know about it, we reserve the right to suspend or dismiss your membership and ministerial status, with or without your being informed.  Your credentials will be canceled, null and void, and should we be contacted to verify your ministerial status, we will communicate that you hold a "suspended" or "dismissed" status with us.  The reason for this policy is that to report a purchase against us as fraudulent is actually fraud on the part of the member.    Why?  We collect data about every item a member views in the Spirit Shop, accompanied by the date, time, and browser. Additionally, we record the IP address of where the order was placed geographically, leading us back to the same State in which the member resides. Credential orders often require a member to spell their name for the documents, list an address to be printed as a place of their residence, and in many cases has a personal picture uploaded for print on the credential.  The likelihood of someone stealing your credit card, Then placing an order with us with all of your info and a picture matching your profile on nacministers.org is improbable in the very least and arguably impossible. The last thing we want is to support a member who claims fraud to avoid the responsibilities of their financial commitments. If they do it to us, they may treat other people in their ministry is even more concerning. A false balance is an abomination to the LORD, but a just weight is his delight. (Pro 11:1) Refunds Our refund and returns policy lasts 30 days after successful USPS Tracking delivery. If upon said 30 days have passed since your confirmed (USPS Tracking delivery), we reserve the right to offer you a full refund or exchange, or not at all. To be eligible for a return, your item must be unused and in the same conditions in which you received them.  Non-returnable items: Gift cards Downloadable Items Personalized items with minister's name on it.  Credentials will not be refunded once they have been shipped unless: 1) the credentials are returned to us with shipment tracking; or 2)  if there is an error in printing, spelling of names, dates, etc. or on our part.  In such cases, we will offer a replacement at no charge to you.  We print custom documents with the info that you input at the time of order.  We do not directly type it in.  The details of the names and emails are checked to assure you are qualified to make the order. The details are not checked for spelling errors in your name and or address.  It is your responsibility to know how to spell, capitalize the first letter of your First and Last name, and input a correct address at the time of order. It is not our responsibility to know how to correctly spell your name, etc.  In such cases, you must know your info and submit it correctly.  If you impute it incorrectly, and we ship it that way, no refund will be offered. In cases where a letter of good standing has the wrong address, the member will also have to purchase it again because the document must be reprinted.  Shipping All shipments from the Spirit Shop are sent with tracking from USPS!  Shipping and handling will not be refunded unless the mistake was made on our part.  If the member inputs the wrong address, or does not pick up their mail, or their mail is stolen, etc. the member must pay for new shipping costs. We make every effort to ship documents in a "foolproof" manner to keep them safe in the mail.  In other words, depending on the size of your order, we will ship orders in one of two ways:  1) In strong bend resistant thick cardboard mailer; or 2) In a durable cardboard box. Should the USPS damage your shipment, such is out of our control and is a loss to us as it is to you.  However, in most cases we will replace your documents as long as they are reported to us within 1 week of delivery, verified by the tracking number.  Returns To complete your return, we require a receipt or proof of purchase.  In cases where the receipt is not available, a bank or credit card statement proving that payment was successfully made, collected by us, and is not the subject of any disputes with the credit or banking institution. There are certain situations where only partial refunds at granted at our discretion: Any item not in its original condition, is damaged or missing parts for reasons not due to our error. Any item that is returned more than 30 days after delivery Where to Send Returns Please send all returns and mail correspondence to: National Association of Christian Ministers 503 South Main Street, Mauldin SC 29662 Please send all returns and mail correspondence to the Spirit Shop (click here to notify) Once your return is received and inspected, we will email you to notify you that we have received your returned item. We will also notify you of the approval or rejection of your refund. If you are approved, then your refund will be processed, and a credit will automatically be applied to your credit card or original method of payment, within a certain amount of days. We can and will not issue refunds to any other cards or accounts than those which were used to make the purchase. Late or missing refunds If you haven’t received a refund yet, first check your bank account again.  Sometimes it takes a few days to process. Then contact your credit card company, it may take some time before your refund is officially posted. Next, contact your bank. There is often some processing time before a refund is posted. If you’ve done all of this, and you still have not received your refund yet, please contact the Spirit Shop (click here to notify) Exchanges We only replace items if they are defective, damaged, or we have made an agreement with you otherwise. If you need to exchange it for the same item, please contact the Spirit Shop (click here to notify) Gifts If the item was marked as a gift when purchased and shipped directly to you, you’ll receive a gift credit for the value of your return. Once the returned item is received, a gift certificate will be emailed to you. If the item wasn’t marked as a gift when purchased, or the gift giver had the order shipped to themselves to give to you later, we will send a refund to the gift giver, and they will find out about your return. Shipping Returns To return your item, you should mail it (with tracking details), to the address listed above. You will be responsible for paying for your own shipping costs for returning your item. Shipping costs are non-refundable. If you receive a refund, the cost of return shipping will be deducted from your refund. Depending on where you live, the time it may take for your exchanged product to reach you may vary. Without tracking, we have no guarantee that we will receive your returned item. Still Need Help? For questions related to this policy, refunds, or returns, click here to send a message about this policy to the Spirit Shop. ### Tips for New Christian Ministers National Association of Christian Ministers How to Series   Here are some tips to help you navigate your role and ministry effectively: 1. Develop a strong spiritual foundation: Prioritize your personal relationship with God through prayer, studying the Bible, and cultivating spiritual disciplines. Your own spiritual growth and well-being are crucial to effectively ministering to others. 2. Seek mentorship and accountability: The NACM is here to help you find a mentor or spiritual advisor who can offer guidance, wisdom, and support as you embark on your ministry journey. Establish relationships with fellow ministers who can provide accountability and encouragement. 3. Continually study and learn: Commit to lifelong learning and personal development.  The NACM offers ministry courses and study tools. Stay engaged with theological studies, attend conferences, read books, and engage in discussions with other ministers to deepen your understanding of scripture, theology, and ministry practices. 4. Develop preaching and teaching skills: Effective communication is vital for conveying the message of the gospel. Hone your preaching and teaching skills by studying homiletics, practicing sermon preparation and delivery, and seeking constructive feedback from trusted individuals. 5. Cultivate empathy and compassion: Ministry often involves walking alongside individuals during their joys and struggles. Develop a heart of empathy and compassion, actively listening to people's stories, and offering support and encouragement in times of need. 6. Build meaningful relationships: Take the time to connect with individuals in your congregation and community. Invest in building relationships through pastoral care, visitations, small groups, and community involvement. Genuine relationships will enhance your effectiveness in ministry. 7. Embrace flexibility and adaptability: Ministry can be unpredictable, and you may encounter unexpected challenges. Be open to flexibility and adaptability in your plans, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide you and respond to the needs of your congregation and community. 8. Prioritize self-care: Ministry can be demanding, both physically and emotionally. Remember to prioritize self-care to avoid burnout. Take time for rest, engage in activities that bring you joy, and establish healthy boundaries to maintain a balanced life. 9. Collaborate with others: Ministry is not a solitary endeavor. The NACM offers ways for ministers to collaborate with other church leaders, staff, and volunteers to leverage their gifts and talents. Delegate tasks and involve others in decision-making processes to foster a sense of shared ownership and empower others in ministry. 10. Stay connected with fellow ministers: The NACM is here for you as a network of support and camaraderie with other ministers. Attend ministerial conferences, and engage in regular peer-to-peer interactions. This support system can provide encouragement, inspiration, and opportunities for learning and growth. Remember that ministry is a calling that requires humility, servant-heartedness, and a deep commitment to serving God and others. Stay grounded in your faith, lean on the Holy Spirit for guidance, and be open to the transforming work that God can do through you in the lives of those you serve. ### *Our Values The following values represent the essence and personality of the National Association of Christian Ministers.  They are the standards by which our culture and unity are kept. We value the Word of God as the highest authority by which to govern our lives. We value the advancement of the Gospel of Christ for the perpetuation of Christianity (Mat. 28:18-20). We value the pursuit of unity (at the foot of the cross) among brothers and sisters in the Christian faith (Joh 17:21; Eph. 4:13). We value God’s calling of both men and women to ordained Christian ministry (Mat. 28:18-20; Acts 2:17; Gal. 3:28) We value the independence of ministers to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit to govern their individual ministries (Act. 8:29; 10:19; 11:12; 13:2-4; 16:6-7; 20:22, 21:4). We value leadership that duplicates the servant example set by our Lord (Mat. 20:27; John 13:14). We value fellowship among ministers for the sake of strength, encouragement, edification, prayer, and support (Rom.14:19; 1 Thes. 5:11; Eph. 2:21-22; Php. 4:8). ### NACM Legal Existence The National Association of Christian Ministers was founded by Michael Mooney who continues to serve as president. Not long thereafter, Rodger Niemeier became our Vice President who continues to serve in his role. Many members surrounded our vision from the start and continue to contribute to our ministry today. On March 26th, 2009, it was formally acknowledged as a legal entity in the State of South Carolina by Secretary of State Mark Hammond. The NACM continues this status. Further, it was formally recognized by the Federal Government of the United States as a legally filed Service Mark and continues in this status. Since that time God has continued to show great favor for the vision and members of our organization. National Association of Christian Ministers Established 03-26-2009 National Association of Christian Ministers "Church" 09-26-2018 National Association of Christian Ministers Service Mark 06-15-2010 Since March of 2009, the NACM has grown to more than 28,000 members.  As you can imagine, the blessings of this number has caused unforeseen technical obstacles to providing a stable web server to support the activities and communications of our fellowship.  This is a reminder of when Jesus told the disciples to cast their nets on the other side of the boat.  They caught so many fish that the boat could not contain them. (John 21:6). ### What are Local Elders What is the NACM purpose for having Elders? Paul once said to Titus: "You should set in order the things that are lacking and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed you" (Tit 1:5 MKJV). We are continuing this pattern by recognizing elders in every US State -and around the globe. The NACM role of an Elder is a spiritual calling much like that of a minister; however, unlike a minister, we believe that the calling of an elder is not necessarily lifelong.  We believe that at times and seasons God calls people to serve in roles necessary to build His Kingdom.  The National Association of Christian Ministers holds State and Local Elders as those who have been called to a time and season to impart the spiritual blessing of ordination by the "laying on of hands," and to serve as an encouragement to the Body of Christ within the fellowship of the NACM (especially to members in the States where they are appointed). Local Elders: Are appointed closer to major Cities within States.  They organize occasional gatherings more locally within the State to which they are appointed.  Also, they serve as a point of contact locally for prayer, encouragement, guidance, and voluntary accountability. State Coord. Elders: Are appointed "chairpersons" of States.  They organize annual State Gatherings within the State to which they are appointed.  Also, they serve as a point of contact locally for prayer, encouragement, guidance, and voluntary accountability. What is an Elder's relationship to the NACM? The position of Elder is the NACM's recognition of a calling to serve within our ministerial fellowship.  Therefore, Elders recognized by the NACM are independent ministers, volunteering to serve people in a spiritual capacity in their local States.  They are Christian representatives of Jesus serving on His behalf and higher authority. They are a wealth of knowledge and we encourage all members to connect with them for prayer, encouragement, guidance, and voluntary accountability. Just for clarity, Elders do not "lord over" any member within out fellowship.     It is essential to understand the nature of how our organization operates. It is powered by the efforts of volunteers. Several times a year we have gatherings in various States around the country.  However; we communicate primarily online.  We do not charge monthly or annual dues.  Nor do we solicit donations.  We are powered by the great members of our organization who offer their time to assist in many departmental areas.  The money gained by our Spirit Shop funds the other areas which can not be funded by volunteers.  For this reason, we do not take phone calls.  We do not have the funds or staff to offer such a level of assistance.  We would need some 20 full time employees to accomplish that -while having to pass those costs upon members like you.  However, we are very responsive to email, and we have a wealth of "how-to" information available on our FAQ site located at: https://faq.nacministers.org/docs/   Thank you for understanding this when interacting with our Support Team. ### What is the Role of a Teacher in Church? National Association of Christian Ministers Summary Series The role of a teacher in the church is to provide instruction and guidance to individuals or groups of people on various aspects of the Christian faith. The goal of a church teacher is to help others develop a deeper understanding of the Bible and Christian principles, and to help them grow in their relationship with God. Some specific roles and responsibilities of a teacher in the church may include: 1. Bible Study: A teacher may lead Bible study groups, helping individuals to understand the meaning and significance of scripture. 2. Discipleship: A teacher may be involved in discipling new believers, providing guidance and support as they grow in their faith. 3. Sunday School: A teacher may lead Sunday School classes for children or youth, helping them to learn about the Bible and develop a foundation of faith. 4. Preaching: In some cases, a teacher may also be responsible for delivering sermons or preaching during worship services. 5. Curriculum Development: A teacher may be involved in developing curriculum or teaching materials for use in church programs and classes. Overall, the role of a teacher in the church is to help others grow in their faith, develop a deeper understanding of the Bible and Christian principles, and live out the teachings of Jesus Christ in their daily lives. Church teachers may work with individuals or groups of all ages, helping to foster a sense of community and shared faith among those they serve. ### What is the Role of a Pastor in a Church? National Association of Christian Ministers Summary Series The role of a pastor in a Christian church can vary depending on the denomination and tradition. Generally, a pastor is responsible for providing spiritual guidance, teaching and preaching the Bible, and leading the congregation in worship and prayer. Some specific responsibilities of a pastor may include: 1. Preaching and Teaching: The pastor is responsible for delivering sermons and Bible teachings during worship services and other church events. 2. Providing Pastoral Care: The pastor may offer counseling, visit the sick and elderly, and provide support to those in need. 3. Leading Worship: The pastor may lead worship services, including prayer, music, and other religious ceremonies. 4. Administration: The pastor may oversee the day-to-day operations of the church, including managing staff, finances, and facilities. 5. Evangelism and Outreach: The pastor may lead efforts to evangelize and reach out to the community through events, missions, and other outreach programs. Overall, the pastor serves as a spiritual leader and guide to the congregation, helping to foster a sense of community and encourage spiritual growth among the members. ### What is the Role of a Christian Chaplain? National Association of Christian Ministers Summary Series A Christian chaplain is a minister who provides spiritual support and guidance to people in a variety of settings outside of the traditional church context. The role of a Christian chaplain can vary depending on the specific context and organization they serve. Some common roles of Christian chaplains include: 1. Pastoral Care: Christian chaplains provide spiritual support and guidance to individuals, families, and communities in times of crisis or need. They may offer counseling, prayer, or other forms of emotional and spiritual support. 2. Worship Services: In settings like hospitals, military bases, or correctional facilities, Christian chaplains may lead worship services, Bible studies, and prayer groups. 3. Education and Training: Christian chaplains may provide education and training on spiritual and religious topics for individuals and groups. 4. Advocacy: In some settings, Christian chaplains may advocate for the spiritual and religious needs of individuals or groups, ensuring that their religious rights and beliefs are respected and accommodated. 5. Community Building: Christian chaplains work to build and foster a sense of community among those they serve, bringing people together through shared faith and values. Overall, the role of a Christian chaplain is to provide spiritual care and support to those they serve, helping to promote healing, wholeness, and a sense of purpose and meaning in life. ### What is the Role of an Evangelist? National Association of Christian Ministers Summary Series The role of an evangelist is to spread the Christian gospel and message of salvation to others, often with the goal of leading them to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Evangelists are typically associated with the Protestant tradition of Christianity and are considered to have a gift or calling for evangelism. Some specific roles and responsibilities of an evangelist may include: 1. Preaching: Evangelists are often known for their powerful preaching and public speaking abilities. They may preach in a variety of settings, such as churches, outdoor events, or revival meetings. 2. Sharing the Gospel: The primary role of an evangelist is to share the good news of Jesus Christ with others. This may involve one-on-one conversations, small group discussions, or large-scale events. 3. Discipleship: Evangelists may also play a role in discipling new believers, helping them grow in their faith and develop a deeper understanding of the Bible and Christian principles. 4. Outreach and Missions: Many evangelists are involved in outreach and missions work, both locally and globally. This may involve supporting missionaries, providing aid and assistance to those in need, or spreading the gospel in areas where it is not widely known or accepted. Overall, the role of an evangelist is to share the gospel message of salvation and invite others into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. They may do this through preaching, teaching, mentoring, and outreach activities, working to bring others closer to God and to share the hope and love of Jesus Christ with the world. ### Terms, Conditions, Privacy & Policy Purpose: The purpose of this policy is to offer a written set of reasonable expectations by which to ensure the best interests of our members in the context of our fellowship. It is not intended to be a code of laws that are blindly upheld in the absence of common sense. Occasionally there are situations where this policy should be overridden for the better interests of our fellowship, or even for the sake of a principal found in scripture. However, such cases are unique to individual circumstances, and are decided at the discretion of our administrators.  Ultimately, our goal is to honor God, protect the membership, and maintain an environment of fairness for all who are members. Statement of Faith I. We hold all 66 books of the Bible as the only inspired word of God; acceptable and sacred Holy Scripture. We do not acknowledge the Apocrypha, Pseudepigrapha, Gnostic Gospels, Book of Mormon, or anything of the like to be divinely inspired. 2 Tim. 3:16; Gal 1:8 II. The God of Christianity (Yahweh-Jesus-Holy Spirit) is the creator of all; thereby, omnipotent, omnipresent, imminent, immutable, omniscient, holy, impeccable, incorporate; infinite. Acts 14:15, 17:28 Jer. 32:17; Eph. 3:20; Psa.139:1-4; 1 Sam.2:6-9; Psa. 24:1, 90:2; John 4:24; Isa 6:3, 40:28; 1 Kings 8:27; Heb 6:18; James 1:17; Rev. 4:8 III. God is one; revealing Himself through the roles of three persons: The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit. Each person of this structure is equally God. 1 Cor. 6:44; 1 Cor. 8:6; Rom. 1:7; Isa. 9:6; Jn. 1:1; Acts 5:3; Heb 9:14; Jn. 4:24 IV. Jesus of Nazareth was literally conceived and born as flesh and blood through the womb a virgin named Mary. Isaiah 7:14; Luke 1:26-33; John 1 V. All of humanity has fallen short of God’s glory and is in need of salvation; hence the reason Jesus came to the earth. Rom. 3:23; Rom. 6:23; Rom. 5:8; Jn. 14:6 VI. We proclaim that Jesus lived a sinless life; thereby, qualified to forgive our sins with His blood. 1 Pet. 2:22; 1 Jn. 3:5 VII. Salvation is in none other than through the name, person, work, life, literal death, resurrection, and grace of Jesus Christ alone. Jn. 14:6; Jn. 3:16; Jn. 10:17-18; Rom. 1:4; Rom.5:8 VIII. All who die refusing God’s salvation spend eternity separated from the Father. Psa. 9:17; Psa.73:12-19; Dan. 12:3; Matt. 25:46; Luke 16:23.26; Jn. 12:48; 2 Thes. 1:8-9 IX. Those who belong to Christ will inherit eternal life. Dan. 12:2-3; Matt. 25:46; John 3:16, 17:3; 2 Cor. 4:17; 2 Tim. 2:10 X. We earnestly await Christ’s return to gather (we) His people, both the living and the dead. Matt. 24:30-36; John 14:1-3; 1 Cor. 15:21-23; 1 Thes 4:16-17 XI. We regard worship as the very foundation upon which every rite of the Christian faith stands. Exo. 20:3; Matt. 22:38; John 4:23; Rev. 4 XII. We baptize with water as a testimony of faith and obedience to Jesus Christ. Mat. 28:19; Acts 2:38-41 XIII. We observe communion (the bread and the cup) to remember our Lord. Luke 22:19; 1 Cor. 11:24 XIV. Christ holds the supreme authority, above all people, governments, nations and laws. Phil. 2:9; Col. 1:18, 2:10; Eph. 1:22; Heb 1:4 XV. Christ as the Head of the church. He alone should govern it. Eph.1:22, 5:23; Col. 1:18, 2:10 XVI. We believe all ministers of Christ should lead by His example of a servant -never as dictators. Jn. 13:3-16; Ph.2:3-8 Values: The following values represent the essence and personality of the National Association of Christian Ministers.  They are the standards by which our culture and unity are kept. We value the Word of God as the highest authority by which to govern our lives. We value the advancement of the Gospel of Christ for the perpetuation of Christianity (Mat. 28:18-20). We value the pursuit of unity (at the foot of the cross) among brothers and sisters in the Christian faith (Joh 17:21; Eph. 4:13). We value God’s calling of both men and women to ordained Christian ministry (Mat. 28:18-20; Acts 2:17; Gal. 3:28) We value the independence of ministers to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit to govern their individual ministries (Act. 8:29; 10:19; 11:12; 13:2-4; 16:6-7; 20:22, 21:4). We value leadership that duplicates the servant example set by our Lord (Mat. 20:27; John 13:14). We value fellowship among ministers for the sake of strength, encouragement, edification, prayer, and support (Rom.14:19; 1 Thes. 5:11; Eph. 2:21-22; Php. 4:8). INTRODUCTION: We are delighted to offer this fellowship to the body of Christ. It is here that we seek to accomplish the unity of which Christ spoke in John 17: “I have sent them into the world the same way you sent me into the world. I'm dedicating myself to this holy work I'm doing for them so that they, too, will use the truth to be holy. "I'm not praying only for them. I'm also praying for those who will believe in me through their message. I pray that all of these people continue to have unity in the way that you, Father, are in me and I am in you. I pray that they may be united with us so that the world will believe that you have sent me.” (Joh 17:18-21 GW). Condition of the Church A consideration that the church is divided by denominations is by no means a new observation. Since the ascension of Christ, the World Christian Encyclopedia (2001), reports that there are approximately 33,820 denominations of Christianity in the world. More than 2000 years of church history have not resulted in greater unity, but rather separation. These splints are motivated by disagreements over the interpretation of God's word (theology). Bringing the whole church into a place of full agreement over theology is an unrealistic pursuit which is not likely to occur before the return of Christ. However, we believe that a very attainable goal is to pursue unity at the foot of the cross and the affirmation of the empty tomb. The Spirit and Culture of Our Fellowship The spirit of this network is to offer all of our members a place for prayer, encouragement, exchanging ideas, research, networking, ministerial training, and fellowship with one another. However, we are an inter/non-denominational organization which means that our membership consists of many Christian backgrounds: Baptist, Pentecostal, Methodist, Lutheran, Non-denominational, etc. These denominations exist because at some time in church history each group separated from a religious body and formed a set of doctrines that they believed were more aligned with scripture. Therefore, the very nature of a denominations is the concept that it is separated from the doctrines of other Christian bodies. We do not claim that this is necessarily wrong; however, the separatist attitude is not permitted here. What makes the NACM unique is that we are uniting under the name of Jesus, in spite of our doctrinal differences. Back to the Basics All believers (that we consider Christian) should be able to affirm that Jesus is the son of God, sacrifice for sins, advocate to the Father, Lord of resurrection, and full member of the trinity.  It is on this foundation that all of Christianity stands.  We may hold different beliefs regarding the administration of baptism, communion, practice of worship, etc., but these are not the things that are likely to forbid people from salvation or a place in Heaven. Therefore, we unite around the shared goal of advancing the gospel of salvation that is only available in the name and work of Jesus alone. As an organization, we believe this is our highest responsibility in service to God, and the fundamental purpose of our callings to Christian ministry.  The Scriptures are clear that “God is not willing that any should perish” (2 Peter 3:9), and that we are commissioned to “go unto all the world” (Mark 16:15) with this hope. It is with this vision that we seek the unity of Christ so that the world will know that the Father sent Him, and call on his name for salvation (Joh 17:18-23). Organizational Communication As part of our commitment to fostering a strong, connected community of Christian ministers, we want to ensure that you are aware of how we communicate within our organization. Our online platform is designed to be a central hub for all communication (networking, sharing resources, and supporting one another in discussions, prayer, and ministry. We understand that technology can sometimes be daunting.  The Internet became a widely preferred source for information and communication since the year 2000, and now we are almost 25 years past that time.  People who do not know how to use email, support documentation, etc. by now, are probably not a good fit for membership with us. After all, we live in a world where people can visit Dr. appointments, attend church services, major in college, pay their taxes, and purchase almost anything entirely online. This is without mention of the dominance of social media platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, etc. which many of our members navigate daily. As a side note, it is often humorous when a member complains about navigating our site, only to find that they are masters of playing games, and setting up groups on Facebook.  Did anyone from Facebook ever call them to learn how? No.  They read tutorials just like almost everyone else. Nevertheless, our online communication methods—through our intranet, email, and various state and special interest forums—are essential to the way we operate as a community. This approach allows us to provide timely updates, facilitate discussions, and maintain an organized and accessible environment for all members. We want to encourage you to embrace our platform as it offers several advantages: Instant Access to Information: You can stay updated with the latest news, announcements, and events without waiting for mail or phone calls. Our intranet is designed to be a one-stop resource for all our members. Opportunity for Engagement: Being active in our forums and groups provides you with the opportunity to connect with other ministers, share your insights, and gain valuable perspectives from across the nation. Enhanced Networking: By participating in our online community, you’ll have the chance to form connections with other ministers beyond your immediate area, fostering a broader sense of fellowship. We understand that some members may find navigation to be challenging, but we want to assure you that we are here to help. If you need assistance in navigating our platform, please don't hesitate to use our FAQ. We are more than happy to provide guidance and support to help you feel more comfortable using our network. While we appreciate the value of traditional methods of communication, the nature of our organization requires that we maintain a consistent and efficient means of connecting with our members. As such, we kindly ask that you utilize our online communication methods, as this will be the only way we can provide updates and engage with you effectively. Thank you for your understanding and for being a valued member of our community. We believe that with your participation, we can continue to grow and strengthen our network of Christian ministers across the nation. GENERAL  FELLOWSHIP  GUIDELINES For these reasons, and for the collective interest of our organization, every member who fellowships on this network must acknowledge the following guidelines: A. Individual Responsibilities The National Association of Christian Ministers, LC (NACM) does not claim responsibility for its ministers/members. They are “independent” ministers of Jesus Christ who are recognized by the NACM as such. We offer the recognition of ordination for the spreading of the gospel. However, sometimes ministers are asked to perform weddings, funerals, etc. The laws regarding those who officiate such services differ from State to State. As a minister it your responsibility to understand these laws and act accordingly. The NACM recognizes ordination for the spreading of the gospel. In accordance with this, the US government may grant certain benefits, tax exemptions, etc. to ministers. However, such matters are beyond the scope of the NACM ministry purpose. We make no claims about what the IRS or other governing bodies, will or will not recognize for these permissions. It is the independent minister's responsibility to know the laws and to act in accordance with them. Each minister is held accountable as Christians by the NACM if they are to maintain their “recognized” status as an ordained minister. If an investigation ever finds serious violations of traditional Christian ethics (especially such as the nature of marriage, sexuality, etc.) morals, and values; sanctions may be applied to the severest extent of the revocation of the minister's credentials with or without their notice. Should any NACM member choose deny the Christian faith, their ordination will be revoked. NACM members shall never present themselves as "representatives" of the National Association of Christian Ministers.  Further, our Elders are viewed as independent volunteers,  liaisons by which our mission, organizational vision, and fellowship are communicated. 1)  Expectations It is every member’s responsibility to know these standards and to uphold them in the fellowship and love of Christ. Ignorance of these guidelines is no excuse for failure to comply.  For the most part, they are considered "common sense Christianity" and are not difficult to understand.  We interpret this policy and all other structure of this organization from the perspective of this passage: "He has also qualified us to be ministers of a new promise, a spiritual promise, not a written one. Clearly, what was written brings death, but the Spirit brings life." (2Co 3:6 GW). The above passage speaks of a contrast between the Law of Moses and the liberty of the Holy Spirit.  We use this passage as a "principle" in upholding and enforcing policy.  The order defined herein is set as a compass for maintaining a clear focus of the vision which God gave to establish our fellowship.  It is not a law, but rather a standard. 2) Participation No member of the NACM is required to participate in this network. However, in order to remain a member they must keep their contact information up to date, and respond to the administration in the event that they are contacted. a)    Members should update their information with 15 days of a change. Contact information may be updated on your profile.  Expressly, your name, address, contact information, etc. b)   If a member deletes their account on this network, we will assume that they have withdrawn their affiliation with us. In such an event their membership, ordination, etc. will become void.  If the administration attempts to contact a member over a period of 30 days, but is unsuccessful, the member’s status may be changed from good standing to suspension, or void, or revoked until contact is made -and or at the discretion of our Administration's decision  You must keep the NACM updated with your most current contact information in order to remain “in good standing” with our organization. Your name will be removed from our minster verification system if we find that your email address, phone number, or physical address is invalid. This is so that we may protect the integrity of our organization. 3) Organizational Views None of the views expressed on this network (by anyone, including leadership) necessarily reflect the religious policies of the NACM. In other words, if an Exec. Elder posted that they believe in snake handling, this still has nothing to do with the religious position of the NACM. (this is intended to be a humorous example). Our statement of Faith present the only doctrines that the NACM "officially" confirms, and agreement with them is a prerequisite to membership. 4) Different Perspectives Disagreements are permitted; however, they must be done tastefully. Everyone must treat one another with respect and Christian love. B. Spiritual Gifts All members should consider the possible differences of views when interacting with others. A good example is in the area of spiritual gifts. All believers accept prophecy, otherwise they would have to reject many portions of the Bible. HOWEVER, the subject of personal prophecy is a matter of large controversy among Christians. The majority of believers in the United States do not embrace personal prophecy as a modern spiritual gift. For this reason, members who believe in the gift of personal prophecy should share their gift privately with like-minded members who embrace their gift. Use the “golden rule” of blogging, which is to always assume that people mean well. Studies show that people generally misunderstand 53% of all email, and this misunderstanding causes them to assume negative interpretations. The best way to avoid this perception is to just assume that everyone means well. C. Criticism and “Witch Hunting” 5) Politics and Opinions The National Association of Christian Ministers seeks to build the Kingdom of God. Our goal is to use Christian unity to build, as opposed to tear down. For this reason, we will not tolerate any messages within our network that are written in a manner that criticizes other Christian ministers or their ministries. We are aware that there are false ministers in the world who dress in sheep's clothing. However, it is not within the scope of our purpose as a ministry to expose these people. If any of our membership feels that they must do so, let them do it elsewhere. By so doing, they will not compromise their membership with us. However, members who ignore this rule and criticize ministers within our network will be disciplined and possibly dismissed from membership. This would also include posting politically motivated opinions: opinionated statements about differing political persuasions or political figures (whether promoting or criticizing - such as the president or other leaders) tend to only cause argumentation and division.  Members are certainly welcome to have their biases and opinions, but those should be held personally rather than posted on the NACM website.  This is political promoting, and such posts will be deleted and posting members reminded of this policy, and that the biblical directive is:  "I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men: for kings and all who are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.  For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior..."  (1 Tim 2:1-3). Our focus is on encouraging one another in Christ in our joint mission of preaching the Gospel, furthering the Kingdom of God, and discipling believers. D. Use of Titles 6) Organizational Appointed Titles  The NACM is an interdenominational organization. For this reason we will have a diversity of Christian religious backgrounds bearing a verity of ministerial titles (Dr., Pastor, Prophet, Apostle, etc.). These titles are permitted within our network, however, it must be understood that these titles are not appointed by the National Association of Christian Ministers.  We would like to make it clear that the NACM officially recognizes only the titles: Ordained Minister, and any title that may be granted to its leadership (such as Elder, Minister unto ___ Admin., Director, etc.). If someone has chosen to call themselves by a title other than these, it is by their free decision to do so, and not by any official assignment by the NACM.  Additionally, no member may call themselves “Elder, Special Minister, or Administrator” within our network, unless they have been appointed to this position by our organization. This is so that our membership will be able to clearly identify our leadership. E. Solicitation and Promotion (of Self, Ministries, and Products) 7) Solicitation of Donations Members are strictly prohibited from using the NACM network to request money, donations, materials, or financial support of any kind—whether for themselves, another individual, or any cause. This includes, but is not limited to, direct messages, discussion board posts, friend requests with the intent to solicit, or any form of indirect solicitation. NACM exists to license, equip, and network ministers—not to facilitate fundraising. Our members should feel secure from potential scams or undue pressure to give. Those in financial need should seek assistance through their local church or charitable organizations. While we recognize that many of our members are involved in ministries, charities, and causes that require financial support, NACM is not the appropriate platform for soliciting donations. Allowing such activity would compromise our mission as a fellowship, turning it into a fundraising network. 8) Unsolicited Friend Requests and Contact Information Requests Members must not send friend requests to individuals they do not personally know with the intent of obtaining personal contact information to solicit donations, memberships, or involvement in external organizations. Accepting a friend request does not imply consent to receive fundraising requests or solicitations. Requesting personal contact details (phone numbers, emails, etc.) outside of NACM for solicitation purposes is strictly prohibited. If you receive unwanted requests for donations or membership solicitations, please report them to NACM leadership immediately. Use this URL: https://www.cognitoforms.com/NationalAssociationOfChristianMinisters/notifyusofmisconduct 9) Acceptable Self-Promotion We do permit members to share about personal projects, such as books, CDs, crafts, or other creative endeavors, as long as this does not become excessive or disruptive. Acceptable ways to share: Posting one announcement in this Group ONLY https://nacministers.org/groups/member-publications/ Listing it on your personal page. Persistent or aggressive promotion will be considered spamming and will be addressed according to this policy. 10) Outside Membership Promotions The NACM network must not be used to recruit members into external organizations unless they are directly affiliated with or approved by NACM leadership. 11) Networking vs. Solicitation Networking is about building relationships with others based on shared ministry interests, but within NACM, proper networking should begin with your appointed elders in the state where you reside. If you are not first connecting with your elders but instead reaching out randomly to other members, that is already a red flag. Solicitation begins the moment you attempt to gain attention for your ministry in a way that seeks engagement outside of NACM. For clarity, here is an example of real networking: If you live in South Carolina, your first point of contact for networking should be the elders in SC. If you live near another member and decide to meet for coffee or lunch to discuss ministry, this is permissible and even encouraged. However, if that meeting results in asking for personal involvement, such as requesting donations, recruiting for an external ministry, or seeking engagement outside of NACM, it becomes solicitation. Clarification on Sincere Fellowship This policy is not intended to interfere with sincere members who desire fellowship and have no hidden agendas or objectives for solicitation. If you are one of the sincere, this policy does not jeopardize your membership whatsoever. Our elders are specifically looking for solicitors of outside alliances not affiliated with NACM. For example, if you want to meet with other members for spiritual encouragement, prayer, or Bible study without seeking personal gain or outside engagement, this is welcomed and encouraged. Genuine fellowship that strengthens relationships and aligns with NACM’s mission is encouraged. However, if you use such gatherings as an opportunity to recruit members into external organizations or solicit donations, it crosses the line into solicitation. The spirit of this policy is understood in Romans 13:3: (3) People who do what is right don't have to be afraid of the government. But people who do what is wrong should be afraid of it. Would you like to live without being afraid of the government? Do what is right, and it will praise you. Violating these guidelines will lead to the termination of your involvement with NACM, including the revocation of credentials and membership. Our goal is to uphold a safe, professional, and ministry-focused community. 12) Self-Promotion This is an area of some confusion because there is a right and wrong way to do just about anything. For this reason we will attempt to provide a few examples and definitions of terms in an attempt to demonstrate the differences between appropriate and inappropriate promotions. We define 'networking' as:  A goal that begins with one person, who then uses their personal rapport with another to gain a mutually shared goal. This pattern is then repeated until the goal is achieved. One important factor that identifies this as 'networking' is the use of interpersonal influence gained through personal relationships.  Networking is not accomplished by sending mass emails of spam hoping that someone will discover a value for whatever it is being offered. No member should send emails or make postings for the promotion of anything that is of similar offerings to that the NACM (ordination ministries, Christian Discussion boards, Biblical training programs of similarity to our Mentor Program, etc.). This is a conflict of interest and has caused members to become confused about NACM programs in times past.  Spirit of this guideline: The key word here is "promotion". It is quite fine to say that you attended a school or was ordained at a local church. We are prohibiting solicitation. The above rule 8 is the rule is rarely broken, but more often than the others.  It is an unfortunate truth that we have had to even dismiss Elders from membership for ignoring this rule.  Please be advised that we have no tolerance for members who disregard the warnings of this policy. F. Photo and Image Posting Guidelines. 13. Photos, Graphics, and Illustrations Posting of images (photos or graphic images) within the NACM network should be done with thoughtful consideration as to the appropriateness and or edifying nature of the images. The posting of ministry-related images within the NACM is encouraged. Images of a personal nature are permitted with deference to and with the understanding that the NACM is an online Christian ministry fellowship. Images that could reasonably be perceived as divisive or inappropriate are prohibited, including but not limited to 'selfie' type images that may be perceived as suggestive or alluring, as well as politically focused images, and or those for which the member does not have the proper permissions of copyright. If an image is deemed inappropriate by an NACM Administrator, that image may be removed immediately, or you may or may not be contacted with instructions to remove the image yourself. If an image that you posted is no longer visible, you can assume that image has been deemed inappropriate and removed -with the exception to website technical difficulties. All images uploaded via the “My Photos” tool on your “My Page” can be viewed by the entire fellowship via the photo viewer and will be displayed on a rotational basis throughout the NACM website.  All images submitted to our network may be used by the NACM to promote the vision of our fellowship, and the promotion of the Christian faith.  Should anyone find a picture of themselves which they want removed, they may simply contact the HelpDesk and make their request for removal -with a link to the page where it is displayed.  The HelpDesk email is help@nacministers.org Some forum and discussion areas within the NACM network may be deemed as text only areas and prohibit the posting of photos or images. G. Sexual Harassment 14. The National Association of Christian Ministers will not tolerate any form of sexual harassment. Sexual harassment, as defined in this policy, includes, but is not limited to, sexual advances, verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature, visual forms of a sexual or offensive nature (e.g., signs and posters) or requests for sexual favors. Any intentional sexual harassment is considered to be a major violation of our organization’s policy and will be dealt with accordingly by corrective counseling and/or suspension or dismissal of membership, depending upon the severity of the violation. To report violations, please follow the procedures outlined at the following: Allegations In Ministry and Our Reconciliation Policy H. Continuity of Policies - Right to Change or Discontinue -With or Without Notice Please read these terms and conditions carefully before using Our Service. This policy is not intended as a guarantee of continuity of benefits or rights. No permanent relationship to our organization for any term is intended or can be implied by statements in this manual.  The National Association of Christian Ministers is a private, religious organization.  Our Exec. Elders reserve all rights to discontinue services, training, ordination, licensing, membership, affiliation, etc. at their prayerful discretion. The NACM is a Christian religious organization founded in the U.S.A., operating 1st under the authority of our God, & 2nd under the laws, regulations, & constitutional rights granted by our nation.  By the instruction of God's Word (in Romans 13:1-7), we submit ourselves to the God ordained authority of U.S. government, to the extent that it does not infringe upon God's command to be holy even as He is holy (Matthew 5:48; 1 Peter 1:16). On the other end of the continuum, where there is law, there is also the necessity to interpret such. Therefore, it is inevitable that some will abuse interpretations to avoid personal responsibilities, place blame, seek financial profitability., etc. While we do not like having to sound "legal," it is for these reasons that we see a necessity to state the following. This site provides a variety of information pertaining to Christian ordination, minister licensing, certification, and ministry in general. Such should not be viewed as legal advice, nor do we guarantee the accuracy of content. While our sincere conviction is to provide the public with truthful, straightforward facts pertaining to ministry, there is never a time when anyone knows everything (other than God).  Therefore the potential for error is ever present during human communication.  When changes to our services occur,  our goal is to communicate these changes.  However, it is not possible to be sure that every member of our organization or even the public will receive our attempts to make such notices. Our Websites, services, training is provided “as is,” with all faults, and Company Name express no representations or warranties, of any kind related to this Website or the materials contained on this Website. Also, nothing contained on this Website shall be interpreted as advising you. Therefore, we reserve the right to make changes to any or all of our services without notice.  Additionally, we make no warranties expressed or implied.  This includes but not limited to regulated acceptance of ministerial status, training, privileged access, tax exemption, etc. There are US government agencies which hold our organization as a valid source of training and credentialing for ministers. Irrespective of this success, we hereby publicly express as a religious institution of the Christian faith, that our purpose is to unite the Body of Christ, provide spiritually based educational resources to propagate the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Should undesired outcomes arise as a result of our communications, users agree to hold this organization harmless. Scripture upholds the understanding that every person has a responsibility to God to affirm truth. National Association of Christian Ministers is a U.S. Registered Service Mark & LC. All rights are reserved. Copyright © 2025 Interpretation and Definitions Interpretation The words of which the initial letter is capitalized have meanings defined under the following conditions. The following definitions shall have the same meaning regardless of whether they appear in singular or in plural. Definitions For the purposes of these Terms and Conditions: Affiliate means an entity Country refers to: South Carolina, United States Company (referred to as either "the Company", “the Organization”, "We", "Us" or "Our" in this Agreement) refers to National Association of Christian Ministers LC, 503 South Main Street, Mauldin SC 29662. Device means any device that can access the Service such as a computer, a cellphone or a digital tablet. Service refers to the Websites, Workshops, and Credentials. Terms and Conditions (also referred as "Terms") mean these Terms and Conditions that form the entire agreement between You and the Organization regarding the use of the Service. Third-party Social Media Service means any services or content (including data, information, products or services) provided by a third-party that may be displayed, included or made available by the Service. Website refers to National Association of Christian Ministers, accessible from nacministers.com, nacministers.org, nacministers.net, faq.nacministers.org, courses.nacministers.org, forms.nacministers.org, media.nacministers.org, updates.nacministers.org, support.nacministers.org, ministry-tools.nacministers.org. These Websites Standard Terms and Conditions written on this webpage shall manage your use of our websites. These Terms will be applied fully and affect to your use of this Website. By using this Website, you agreed to accept all terms and conditions written in here. You must not use this Website if you disagree with any of these Website Standard Terms and Conditions. You means the individual accessing or using the Service, or the Organization, or other legal entity on behalf of which such individual is accessing or using the Service, as applicable. Restrictions You are specifically restricted from all of the following: publishing any Website material in any other media; selling, sublicensing and/or otherwise commercializing any Website material; publicly performing and/or showing any Website material; using this Website in any way that is or may be damaging to this Website; using this Website in any way that impacts user access to this Website; using this Website contrary to applicable laws and regulations, or in any way may cause harm to the Website, or to any person or business entity; engaging in any data mining, data harvesting, data extracting or any other similar activity in relation to this Website; using this Website to engage in any advertising or marketing. Certain areas of this Website are restricted from being access by you and Company Name may further restrict access by you to any areas of this Website, at any time, in absolute discretion. Any user ID and password you may have for this Website are confidential and you must maintain confidentiality as well. Our Online Fellowship is an Intranet: https://nacministers.ORG Definition: An intranet is a private network accessible only to an organization's members, used to securely share organizational information and resources among members. It facilitates internal communication, collaboration, and resources. By centralizing information, it enhances communication by consistency. The primary purpose of an intranet is to support the internal operations of an organization. In Simple Terms: an Intranet is a private group of people who access a portal which is private, not indexed by Google, Bing, and other search engines. This means several things: Privacy: Search Engines cannot access our Fellowship; therefore, nothing within our Fellowship will be on the publicly accessible the Internet (World Wide Web). Solicitation: For the above reason, there is no value in trying to get links from within our Fellowship.  Some of the most obnoxious people seem to think that if they spam our site with links, it will somehow help their Website, Instagram, YouTube Channel, rankings with Google etc.  For those people are merely wasting their time, and we will swiftly dismiss them from membership. Your Information: Your profile is not indexed by search engines, neither are your topics, replies, nor chats. Further, your profile does not show all the information to the general members.  Certain things like your address, phone number, etc. are only visible to yourself and the Administrators.   Other parts of your profile can be hidden or shown to members based upon what you choose to share under your profile settings. Additionally: The NACM does not sell or share your information to anyone without the request of a Judge in a Court under the jurisdiction of the United States of America.  Only Fellowship admins can assist with your content.  We do use a third party for our forms, which is Cognito Forms.  However, that is also private to us alone. Our vision and desire, is to offer a Christian "safe space" in a world of Cancel Culture and ungodliness during these unprecedented times.  Members will not be censored for speaking the fundamental truth of our faith as Christians.  Members who stir up discord among the fellowship will be moderated.  Your Content In these Website Standard Terms and Conditions, “Your Content” shall mean any audio, video text, images or other material you choose to display on this Website. By displaying Your Content, you grant NACM a non-exclusive, worldwide irrevocable, sub licensable license to use, reproduce, adapt, publish, translate and distribute it in any and all media.It is your responsibility to remove content you no longer want to share. Your Content must be your own and must not be invading any third-party's rights. NACM reserves the right to remove any of Your Content from this Website at any time without notice. Profile Data When you register for the site, you may be asked to provide certain personal data for display on your profile. The "Name" field is required as well as public, and user profiles are visible to any site visitor. Other profile information may be required or optional, as configured by the site administrator. User information provided during account registration can be modified or removed on the Profile > Edit panel. In most cases, users also have control over who is able to view a particular piece of profile content, limiting visibility on a field-by-field basis to friends, logged-in users, or administrators only. Site administrators can read and edit all profile data for all users. Messages The content of private messages is visible only to the sender and the recipients of the message. With the exception of site administrators, who can read all private messages, private message content is never visible to other users or site visitors. Site administrators may delete the content of any message. Cookies We use a cookie to show success and failure messages to logged-in users, in response to certain actions, like joining a group. These cookies contain no personal data, and are deleted immediately after the next page load. We use cookies on group, member, and activity directories to keep track of a user's browsing preferences. These preferences include the last-selected values of the sort and filter dropdowns, as well as pagination information. These cookies contain no personal data, and are deleted after 24 hours. When a logged-in user creates a new group, we use a number of cookies to keep track of the group creation process. These cookies contain no personal data, and are deleted either upon the successful creation of the group or after 24 hours. Plugin: Smush Note: Smush does not interact with end users on your website. The only input option Smush has is to a newsletter subscription for site admins only. If you would like to notify your users of this in your privacy policy, you can use the information below. Smush sends images to the WPMU DEV servers to optimize them for web use. This includes the transfer of EXIF data. The EXIF data will either be stripped or returned as it is. It is not stored on the WPMU DEV servers. Smush uses the Stackpath Content Delivery Network (CDN). Stackpath may store web log information of site visitors, including IPs, UA, referrer, Location and ISP info of site visitors for 7 days. Files and images served by the CDN may be stored and served from countries other than your own. Stackpath's privacy policy can be found here. Acknowledgment These are the Terms and Conditions governing the use of this Service and the agreement that operates between You and the Organization. These Terms and Conditions set out the rights and obligations of all users regarding the use of the Service. Your access to and use of the Service is conditioned on Your acceptance of and compliance with these Terms and Conditions. These Terms and Conditions apply to all visitors, users and others who access or use the Service. By accessing or using the Service You agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions. If You disagree with any part of these Terms and Conditions, then You may not access the Service. You represent that you are over the age of 18. The Organization does not permit those under 18 to use the Service. Your access to and use of the Service is also conditioned on Your acceptance of and compliance with the Privacy Policy of the Organization. Our Privacy Policy describes Our policies and procedures on the collection, use and disclosure of Your personal information when You use the Application or the Website and tells You about Your privacy rights and how the law protects You. Please read Our Privacy Policy carefully before using Our Service. Termination We reserve the right to revoke, change, or supplement these guidelines at any time without notice. Such changes shall be effective immediately upon approval by management unless otherwise stated. We may terminate or suspend Your access immediately, without prior notice or liability, for any reason whatsoever, including without limitation if You breach these Terms and Conditions, or our Exec. Elders believe it is necessary to protect the integrity of our membership. Upon termination, Your right to use our Services, training, credentials, etc. will cease immediately, and our organization will not acknowledge you as a member or having any relations with us. Limitation of Liability In no event shall the NACM, nor any of its officers, directors and employees, shall be held liable for anything arising out of or in any way connected with your use of this Website whether such liability is under contract.  NACM, including its officers, directors and employees shall not be held liable for any indirect, consequential or special liability arising out of or in any way related to your use of our services or Websites. Notwithstanding any damages that You might incur, the entire liability of the Organization and any of its suppliers under any provision of this Terms and Your exclusive remedy for all of the foregoing shall be limited to the amount actually paid by You through the Service or 100 USD if You haven't purchased anything through the Service. To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, in no event shall the Organization or its suppliers be liable for any special, incidental, indirect, or consequential damages whatsoever (including, but not limited to, damages for loss of profits, loss of data or other information, for business interruption, for personal injury, loss of privacy arising out of or in any way related to the use of or inability to use the Service, third-party software and/or third-party hardware used with the Service, or otherwise in connection with any provision of this Terms), even if the Organization or any supplier has been advised of the possibility of such damages and even if the remedy fails of its essential purpose. Some states do not allow the exclusion of implied warranties or limitation of liability for incidental or consequential damages, which means that some of the above limitations may not apply. In these states, each party's liability will be limited to the greatest extent permitted by law. Indemnification You hereby indemnify to the fullest extent National Association of Christian Ministers from and against any and/or all liabilities, costs, demands, causes of action, damages and expenses arising in any way related to your breach of any of the provisions of these Terms. Severability If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid under any applicable law, such provisions shall be deleted without affecting the remaining provisions herein. Variation of Terms Company Name is permitted to revise these Terms at any time as it sees fit, and by using this Website you are expected to review these Terms on a regular basis. Assignment The Company Name is allowed to assign, transfer, and subcontract its rights and/or obligations under these Terms without any notification. However, you are not allowed to assign, transfer, or subcontract any of your rights and/or obligations under these Terms. Intellectual Property Rights Other than the content you own, under these Terms, Company Name and/or its licensors own all the intellectual property rights and materials contained in this Website. You are granted limited license only for purposes of viewing the material contained on our Websites at our discretion. Entire Agreement These Terms constitute the entire agreement between Company Name and you in relation to your use of this Website, and supersede all prior agreements and understandings. "AS IS" and "AS AVAILABLE" Disclaimer The Service is provided to You "AS IS" and "AS AVAILABLE" and with all faults and defects without warranty of any kind. To the maximum extent permitted under applicable law, the Organization, on its own behalf and on behalf of its Affiliates and its and their respective licensors and service providers, expressly disclaims all warranties, whether express, implied, statutory or otherwise, with respect to the Service, including all implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, title and non-infringement, and warranties that may arise out of course of dealing, course of performance, usage or trade practice. Without limitation to the foregoing, the Organization provides no warranty or undertaking, and makes no representation of any kind that the Service will meet Your requirements, achieve any intended results, be compatible or work with any other software, applications, systems or services, operate without interruption, meet any performance or reliability standards or be error free or that any errors or defects can or will be corrected. Without limiting the foregoing, neither the Organization nor any of the Organization's provider makes any representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied: (i) as to the operation or availability of the Service, or the information, content, and materials or products included thereon; (ii) that the Service will be uninterrupted or error-free; (iii) as to the accuracy, reliability, or currency of any information or content provided through the Service; or (iv) that the Service, its servers, the content, or e-mails sent from or on behalf of the Organization are free of viruses, scripts, trojan horses, worms, malware, timebombs or other harmful components. Some jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion of certain types of warranties or limitations on applicable statutory rights of a consumer, so some or all of the above exclusions and limitations may not apply to You. But in such a case the exclusions and limitations set forth in this section shall be applied to the greatest extent enforceable under applicable law. Governing Law The laws of the Country, excluding its conflicts of law rules, shall govern this Terms and Your use of the Service. Your use of our services may also be subject to other local, state, national, or international laws. Upon using our services you agree to the following: The NACM is organized in the State of South Carolina. Any legal remedies must be settled in the justification of our location in South Carolina. Disputes Resolution If You have any concern or dispute about the Service, You agree to first try to resolve the dispute informally by contacting the Organization’s Exec. Elders. United States Legal Compliance You represent and warrant that (i) You are not located in a country that is subject to the United States government embargo, or that has been designated by the United States government as a "terrorist supporting" country, and (ii) You are not listed on any United States government list of prohibited or restricted parties. Severability If any provision of these Terms is held to be unenforceable or invalid, such provision will be changed and interpreted to accomplish the objectives of such provision to the greatest extent possible under applicable law and the remaining provisions will continue in full force and effect. Waiver Except as provided herein, the failure to exercise a right or to require performance of an obligation under these Terms shall not affect a party's ability to exercise such right or require such performance at any time thereafter nor shall the waiver of a breach constitute a waiver of any subsequent breach. Translation Interpretation These Terms and Conditions may have been translated if We have made them available to You on our Service. You agree that the original English text shall prevail in the case of a dispute. All communication must be in English. Changes to These Terms and Conditions We reserve the right, at Our sole discretion, to modify or replace these Terms at any time. If a revision is material We will make reasonable efforts to provide at least 30 days' notice prior to any new terms taking effect. What constitutes a material change will be determined at Our sole discretion. By continuing to access or use Our Service after those revisions become effective, You agree to be bound by the revised terms. If You do not agree to the new terms, in whole or in part, please stop using the website and the Service. Contact Us If you have any questions about these Terms and Conditions, You can contact us: By email: help@nacministers.org By visiting this page on our website: https://faq.nacministers.org/ Thank you all for your participation and cooperation. Image already added ### Delete the Browser Cache This tutorial will guide you in clearing (resetting) browser cache on the following: PC Edge (Microsoft) Internet Explorer Chrome (Google) Firefox (Mozilla) Opera Mobile  Android IOS (Apple) When you browse through the internet and visit different sites, your browser saves several contents and data in temporary storage. This temporary storage is called "cache". To get rid of the fluff you should clear the cache from time to time. In the following step by step guides we will show you how to achieve that in the different browsers on your pc. How to clear the cache in Microsoft Edge When Websites are not loaded with the latest data, it could be because you have to delete cached files, in order to let the browser download new data. To empty the cache you can follow one of the instructions below: 1. Clear browser data in Microsoft Edge with the keyboard shortcut. Press the keys [Ctrl], [Shift] and [Del]. A new Window opens. Select the option "temporary services and files". Confirm your selection by clicking on the "delete" button. How to clear the cache in Internet Explorer 11 Like in most other Browsers you can access the browser cache delete-options for IE 11 in different ways. 1. Clear the cache with a keyboard shortcut Press the [Ctrl], [Shift] and [Del] Key together. A Popup-Window opens. "Delete browser history". Remove all checks except the selection "Temporary Internet files and website files". Click on the Button "Delete" to empty the browser cache. In comparison to other browsers there is no option to select the time period. You'll delete all cache data. Reload the page. How to clear the cache in Google Chrome 1. Delete the browser cache with a shortcut. The fastest way to get rid of the cache data in Google Chrome is the option "Clear Browser cache". You can access this function with the following shortcut: Press the keys [Ctrl], [Shift] and [Del]. Be sure you press all the keys at once. A new window opens: "Clear Browser cache". Here you can select in the upper dropdown-menu, for which time period you want to delete the cache data. You can select between "last hour", "last day", "last week", "last four weeks" or "all". If you want to delete all cache date, select "all". Check the box in front of "Images and Files in Cache". Submit your selection by clicking the "Delete Browser data" Button. Reload your site. How to clear the cache in Mozilla Firefox If some websites cause issues when loading or don't show updated contents, it's possible that it's because of the cache. Get to know, how to delete the cache in the browser Mozilla Firefox. 1. Fast delete with the keyboard shortcut For deleting the browser cache with a shortcut in Firefox please follow these steps: Press following keys at once: [Ctrl], [Shift] and [Del]. A Popup opens with the title "Clear recent history". In the dropdown menu, you can define the time range you want to delete the cache. You have the following options: last hour, last two hours, last four hours, today or all. To delete all data, select "All" from the dropdown-menu... Afterwards, click on the arrow next to "Details" and toggle the different possibilities to chose which data should be deleted. If you want to delete only the cache, then only mark the checkbox next to "Cache". With a click on the button "clear now" you delete the cache. Reload the site afterwards. How to clear the cache in Opera To delete the cache from the Opera browser, you can follow one of the following instructions. 1. Delete the cache: The fast way with a shortcut. Similar to other browsers you can delete the cache with a keyboard-shortcut. The following instruction shows how to do it step by step. Press the keys [Ctrl], [Shift] and [del] on your Keyboard. A new window opens, where you can setup the options to delete the cache. Select the period "since installation", to empty the whole browser cache. Check the Option "Images and Files in Cache". Confirm your settings, by clicking the button "delete browser data". Refresh the page. Clearing your mobile browser's cache may help resolve a variety of issues, including trouble when browsing your library website, signing in, or downloading titles. Android Open your browser. Android browser: Go to Menu > More > Settings or Menu > Settings > Privacy & Security. Chrome: Go to Menu > Settings > Privacy. Android browser: Tap Clear cache, Clear history, and Clear all cookie data as appropriate. Chrome: Tap Clear browsing data at the bottom of the screen, leave the defaults selected (browsing history, cache, and cookies), then tap Clear. iOS From the home screen, go to Settings > Safari. Toward the bottom of Safari's settings screen, tap the button for Clear History and Website Data, then tap Clear History and Data to confirm. ### How to Take Screenshots Using Windows 10 and 11 The screenshot function in windows is a wonderful tool.  It is especially useful for helping to describe a problem while troubleshooting with technical support.  For this reason, here we will show you how to take screenshots. The simplest way to take a screenshot is to press the Print Screen key on your keyboard, which is usually abbreviated as PrtSc. This will save what's displayed on your PC screen inside the clipboard. If you're using a laptop, you may need to press Fn + PrtSc to get the same result. To crop, annotate, and save your screen capture, you'll have to paste it into an app like Paint or an image editor of your choice. For very simple editing, you can use Paint which is available in all Windows versions. Open Paint from the Start menu, and then press Ctrl + V on your keyboard to paste your screenshot. From there, you can crop and edit your screenshot to your liking, or save it directly by pressing Ctrl + S on your keyboard. You can also grab a full screen capture without any modifications by pressing Win + PrtSc.  This will instantly save the contents of your screen as a PNG inside a folder called Screenshots in your Pictures folder. This is useful when you need to take several screenshots in quick succession. Using the Snipping Tool Alternatively, there is a more robust way to take screenshots in Windows -- use either Snipping Tool (Windows 10) or Snip & Sketch (Windows 11). Both are meant to give you instant ways to annotate and crop your screen captures.   Referenced Works https://www.techspot.com/guides/2439-take-screenshots-like-a-pro/ ### *What is the Difference Between a Church and a Ministry? Often people sense a call of God to ministry.   In response to the call they find themselves not knowing whether to start a church or a ministry.   The best way to approach this question is to consider the differences between the two:   A Church is a well structured organization defined in scripture regarding its protocol and governance. In other words, a church must have pastor(s), elder(s), deacon(s), etc.   However, a ministry is much more flexible. It is only governed by the principles of Christianity without the protocols of a church.  It may or may not have pastor(s), elder(s), deacon(s), etc.   It should be noted that one is not better than the other.  However, one may be a better fit to the minister who has decided to answer their call.   Application by Example: Let’s say that a divorced woman believes that she is called to be a pastor.  In some Christian circles she will have two strikes against her: 1) she is a woman, and 2) she is divorced.  If she feels that she must interact with people who hold these prejudices, it may be her to advantage to start a “ministry”.  Then if someone attempts to invalidate her role as a pastor, she can remind them that the Bible does not define the office of a pastor over a ministry –as opposed to a church. ### Can the NACM Manual to Ministry be Downloaded? The NACM Manual to Ministry is located here: https://ministry-tools.nacministers.org/ The Manual is not available for download or print.  This is for several reasons: It would cause way too much stress on our servers.  In other words, our site would become so slow that we would not be able to fellowship for waiting on pages to load. It is continually updated (often between 3–6 times a week). It is continuously built on a strict congruity between terms, tags, and categories, thereby simplifying the ability to quickly research and dig into topics. Our intentions are to regularly update, and continuously make it available to everyone at this link: https://ministry-tools.nacministers.org/ ### NACM COURSES The Need for 21st Century Focused Ministry Training The world is quickly changing.  The need for church leadership training is greater now than ever before. Pastors are experiencing burnout at alarming rates.  For many, balancing home lives, church politics, a second job and their personal faith becomes overwhelming.  Not to mention the expectations of hospital visitations, weekly sermon planning, and campaigns for church growth. It is not difficult to see how pastors can struggle with anxiety, depression, and frustration more than the average people who are looking to them for comfort and counsel. Christian leaders are quickly realizing the need to develop additional skills for effective ministry in the 21st century.  If you are interested in revamping your skills, and knowledge base, the Lord has led you to the right place. Online Church Leadership Training We believe effective ministry training is fostered by: Stimulating ideas, inspiring fellowship, and encountering God during personal reflection.   This is our purpose at the National Association of Christian Ministers -it's our passion! We offer church leadership training that truly qualifies ministers as students of the Word, approved unto God for the work of the ministry (2 Tim. 2:15). Our courses are developed by prayer, attention to Godly wisdom, and leaders with concrete experience in the field. Further, our confidence is in God alone to use the Holy Spirit to develop the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA’s) needed to be good stewards of the power of God. Towards this end, we offer theological and practical ministry growth opportunities, like our Mentoring Program and Leadership Hall.  We take an innovative approach for developing practical ministry skills that relate to the challenges faced in ministry today: utilizing peer-to-peer interactive groups, inductive “self-discovery” style exercises, and personal guidance from seasoned, proven, mature ministers.  We believe the needs today call for “ministry practitioners” who are equipped with very practical ministry skills that connect with the everyday, real issues people are facing. Leadership Development for Ministry Leadership Hall: The Core Leadership Training of the National Association of Christian Ministers Have You? Ever known a person who knew the Bible “inside-out”, but as soon as they began to share their “insights” people stopped listening? Ever known someone who had great ideas, but people simply would not follow them? Ever known a person who had a genuine calling of God on their life, but for some reason they just never had an opportunity to use their calling in a local church? Good News The Good news is that people can change, and if they do, the whole world will change for them!  They will begin to experience new relationships and opportunities that they have never before known.  The trick is in the concept that they will stop trying to change others and begin focusing on themselves.  We suspect that many would gladly take this step if they only knew how.  We are pleased to offer this knowledge to those who are accepted into our Leadership Development Program. Curriculum Course curriculum is written by Michael Mooney, NACM President.  He holds a Masters in Business Administration, Masters in Organizational Psychology, and a Bachelors of Religion.  His Alma Mater is Liberty University.  He has been in ministry 25+ years serving as an evangelist, pastor, ministry administrator, course developer, wedding officiant, webmaster, and founder of NACM. Impact This is the oldest course offered by NACM.  It was launched in 2010 and still continues today as the preliminary retirement of all our Elders. For More Details, Members Only Link: https://nacministers.org/courses/leadership-hall/ Official Chaplain Training and Licensing of the NACM The NACM Christian Chaplaincy Course is a thorough, practically equipping, inspiring and confirming preparation to be an effective volunteer or community chaplain (nursing home; jail; hospital volunteer; disaster; street; etc.).  It is also excellent training for any Christian or Christian minister, chaplain or not, who is led to minister to hurting people, whatever the cause or crisis.  As well, the NACM requires completion of the NACM Christian Chaplaincy course in order to obtain NACM chaplain licensing (which is renewable annually).  Course developed and instructed by Rodger Niemeier, Exec. Elder.  He serves as the Vice President of the NACM.  He holds a Master's in Divinity, and 40+ years of church planting, social work, and ministry. For More Details, Members Only Link: https://nacministers.org/courses/chaplain-training/   Ministering To Unsaintly Saints SoulCare 101: Ministering To Unsaintly Saints Effectively responding to the difficult behaviors of those you minister to in order to help them truly transform in Christ. Christians aren't perfect!  They're in process!  It doesn't take long into church involvement to discover that to be all too true!  Too often though, Christians, even ministers, excuse it as "just how people are" and just tolerate each other.  But that's certainly not our heavenly Father's will for us!  He is intent on moving us towards becoming more and more like His Son, our Savior, Jesus!  As Christian ministers in some form of leadership (pastors, teachers, elders, etc.), we are "called" to facilitate real transformation in God's Children.  Often, we don't know how. This unique training will equip you with biblical & Christ-like insights and practical techniques to turn those difficult behaviors into opportunities for real transformational ministry!  People - even "Saints" in Christ - with difficult behaviors didn't get that way overnight...and they need help - Christ's help through you!  They need someone who can look beyond their faults, and see...and minister effectively to...their underlying, root needs that drive those difficult behaviors and help them face, address and overcome them. For More Details, Members Only Link: https://nacministers.org/courses/soulcare-101/ SoulCare 101 Certificate SoulCare 102: Helping People Address & Resolve Underlying Root Issues As the sequel to Soulcare 101: Ministering To Unsaintly Saints, this SoulCare 102 course starts where the former left off, and equips the minister to effectively guide a person through the 7-Step biblical process of recovery from an identified root issue (that drives their difficult behaviors, as learned in SoulCare 101). Learn how to effectively coach a person (a Christian, but applicable to helping non-Christians, too) to identify, address & resolve those underlying first-cause, root issues and gain and keep the victory in Christ!  This is a 7 STEP biblical process that Jesus, The Healer of the Brokenhearted, modeled, and you can become proficient in ministering this same way as well! SoulCare 102 Certificate SoulCare courses developed and instructed by Rodger Niemeier, Exec. Elder.  He serves as the Vice President of the NACM.  He holds a Master's in Divinity, and 40+ years of church planting, social work, and ministry. For More Details, Members Only Link: https://nacministers.org/courses/soulcare-102/ Equipping Workplace-Ready Disciples Equipping Workplace-Ready Disciples What if you, as a Christian pastor or ministry leader, could impact the thinking of your working congregants to truly see themselves as "called" to their "job" as a means of advancing the Kingdom of God? Imagine the results! This unique course will equip Christian Ministers to effectively teach and disciple believers to understand their work, their job, as a "calling" to represent Jesus Christ and His Kingdom in the world. It's taught by a Christian who gained wisdom and insights from working in the business world as well as being a pastor.  Class taught by Dr Larry Peabody, DMin (Bakke Graduate University Professor) teaches from a unique perspective on "work" (one's job or career). For More Details, Members Only Link: https://nacministers.org/courses/workplace-ready-disciples/ Effective Ministry Leadership Essential Elements For Effective Ministry Leadership 101, 102 & 103 Do you desire to be a wise and effective Christian Minister and Leader? Do you feel the need for insightful, practical how-to instruction to develop yourself into the leader God has called you to be? NACM member, pastor and Christian Life Coach, Rev. Ruth Easterling, has designed this unique online learning experience to help you realize and appropriate the essential elements to be an impacting leader in Christ, whatever ministry you are called to. This course utilizes John Maxwell’s book, Developing the Leader Within You, the DISC profile assessment tool, videos, readings, discussions and personalized coaching sessions to help you develop and strengthen your ministry vision and fulfill your calling. For More Details, Members Only Link: https://nacministers.org/courses/101-102-103/   Speaking Up!  Recognizing & Addressing Domestic Violence in the Christian Community With the increase of domestic violence ("DV") and abuse in our society, it has also infiltrated churches.  It's inevitable that Christian ministers, pastors, evangelists and counselors will minister in DV situations even among church families.   More than 1 in 3 women, 1 in 4 men and 1 in 4 children, experience abuse in their lifetime: it accounts for more than 20% of all violent crime.  Abuse comes in a variety of forms: from neglect, to verbal/emotional abuse, to physical violence and sexual abuse.  This course aims to prepare Christian ministers to better understand the real life dynamics of abuse - for both victims and perpetrators - and how to minister effectively in DV situations. This course is offered to NACM members by NACM affiliate, Dr Nancy Murphy (Dmin/LMHC): survivor of abuse, Christian DV/abuse counselor, founder of Northwest Family Life Counseling Center in Seattle, Washington; represented the US Department of State as a speaker on violence against women at an Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe meeting in Warsaw, Poland; testified for congressional hearings on domestic violence and human trafficking in Washington, D.C.; represented “A Woman’s Voice” at the U.N. Status of Women Conference in New York City, New York; spoken in Vietnam, Cambodia and Turkey; frequently been a guest on radio and television programs. Nancy is the author of God’s Reconciling Love: A Pastor’s Handbook On Domestic Violence (FaithTrust Institute, 2003). The course is usually $199, but Nancy is giving NACM members a 75% discount ($49.75).  Her passion is to train Christians and Christian ministers to effectively minister to those affected by abuse and DV. Link to the course:  https://www.nancymurphyonline.com/courses  [When you register, type in this discount code: RQNWCB - all caps]   ### Announcements and Updates Announcements can be found here: https://nacministers.org/groups/announcements-updates/ ### About Divorce, Remarriage, and Ministry? Divorce has been a topic of great confusion among believers of the Christian faith.  It is our goal here to briefly address the position we the National Association of Christian Ministers hold regarding ordination and divorce.  We do not seek herein to address the topic exhaustively, but rather to offer a straightforward approach with simplicity. Perhaps it is fitting to first address divorce as a whole -including all Christians whether they are ministers or not. A) Reading the OT, one would quickly conclude that God permitted divorce AND remarriage. Deu 24:1-4 (1) When a man has taken a wife and married her, and it happens that she finds no favor in his eyes, because he has found some uncleanness in her, then let him write her a bill of divorce and put it in her hand, and send her out of his house. (2) And when she has departed from his house, she goes and becomes another man's; (3) and the latter husband hates her and writes her a bill of divorce and puts it in her hand and sends her out of his house; or if the latter husband dies, he who took her to be his wife (4) her former husband, who sent her away, may not take her again to be his wife after she is defiled. For that is hateful before Jehovah. And you shall not cause the land to sin, which Jehovah your God gives you for an inheritance. The above demonstrates that a letter must be issued to free to woman to marry another -even if she is unclean. B) The NT is where most of the confusion about divorce begins.  This confusion is due to a shameful lack of attention to Christ’s words. Jesus preaches his most famous sermon in Matthew chapter 5 (the sermon on the mount). During that message he made this very important distinction: Mat 5:17-18 (17) Do not think that I have come to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I have not come to destroy but to fulfill. (18) For truly I say to you, Till the heaven and the earth pass away, not one jot or one tittle shall in any way pass from the Law until all is fulfilled. Because of this statement people seem to get lost in whether or not Christians are under the law. Yet to do so misses the entire point of his statement. In simple terms Jesus is saying, listen, I am about to say some things that sound contrary to the law. However, do not think that I have come to change the law. If you think that I am changing the law, you have misinterpreted my words. The bottom line here is that Jesus told us not to think that the things that he was about to say were changes to the law. Then 13 verses later he says: Mat 5:31-32 (31) It was also said, Whoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a bill of divorce. (32) But I say to you that whoever shall put away his wife, except for the cause of fornication, causes her to commit adultery. And whoever shall marry her who is put away commits adultery. From verse 31 we can be sure that Jesus is referencing Deu 24:1-4.  However, the things that he says here sound very contrary to what the law states. He seems to say that divorce is forbidden except for adultery, and that it is forbidden to marry a divorced person.  Yet the law clearly states that divorce is permissible and that it is indeed acceptable for the divorced to remarry -hence the reason for the letter of divorcement. The letter of divorce was an official statement that declared that the separated was free to be joined with another. In light of these things, we know that the law was passed to Moses from God.  Therefore, the law is flawless, holy, and no less credible than the very words of Christ.  Jesus affirms this concept saying that not one jot or tittle will pass from the law.  Additionally, if we interpret his words as overriding the law, Jesus has already told us this interpretation is wrong.  Remember, he clearly said do not think that I have come to change the law. If we analyze the whole sermon on the mount we find some outlandish statements about plucking out eyes, cutting off hands, permitting people to rob us, unjust anger interpreted as murder, instructions not to resist evil (or defend ourselves), and the instruction to be perfect.  If we are to take these statements literally, we must accept them all literally (not just the passage about divorce).  Therefore, every person who has ever lusted must pluck out their eye if they are to be obedient to Christ.  He did not qualify to instruction as plucking it out only if one cannot stop the sin.  He said if it causes a sin, pluck it out.  There are approximately 3,000,000,000 million Christians in the world, yet most of us have never met a fellow believer who has taken this literally and acted on the instruction. Jesus also said that we should not resist evil.  Therefore, what business do we have defending ourselves?  If an evil person breaks into our home and rapes our spouse and kills our children, in obedience to Christ we should just stand by and watch it all -facetious tone intended here.  Doesn’t this sound absurd?  Most would agree it does, yet so many have taken his words about divorce, spoken in the same passage and context, and interpret it literally.  This defies all proper exegesis and hermetical approaches to interpretation.  Even Christ tells his disciples before he ascended into Heaven to buy a sword (Luke 22:36).  He surely did not tell them to purchase swords for the sake of cutting bread at communion services -facetious tone intended. The truth is that Jesus rarely ever spoke in literal terms. In passages such as these he was using a philosophical approach to teaching known as the hyperbolic method. This approach is to make statements in their most extreme form in order to convey a less extreme message. We do this all the time. Consider the statement, I am so hungry I could eat a horse, or, Mom will be so angry she will have a cow.  No one really thinks that we will eat a horse, or violate the laws of biogenesis and birth a cow. In like manner, no one should lift up serpents, drink poison, speak to mountains, cut off their hands, pluck out their eyes, etc. To take such instructions literally is to think like children with polarized perceptions of everything being simply black or white. Therefore, we conclude that Christ was not revising the law, and while it might not be the preferred decision, divorce is permissible. Now we are prepared to address the question of divorced ministers. Can divorced person serve as a pastors, ministers, etc.? There are really only two passages of scripture in the New Testament that may remotely raise question to the area of ministry. 1Ti 3:2 (2)  Then it behooves the overseer to be without reproach, husband of one wife, temperate, sensible, well-ordered, hospitable, apt at teaching, Referencing potential overseers: Tit 1:6 (6)  if anyone is blameless, husband of one wife, having believing children, not accused of loose behavior, or disobedient. In both of these passages the Greek word for one wife is  (μιᾶς γυναικὸς ἄνδρα) which may be interpreted as one and the Greek rendering is literally to be a one woman man.  In other words, overseers in the church should not be polygamists, or playboys, or ladies men. If we try to apply the reasoning that ministers must have been only married once, then  we must conclude a few absurdities:  Absurdity 1) It states that overseers must be the husband of one wife.  Therefore, all ministers must be male. Absurdity 2) It states that overseers must be the husband of one wife.  Therefore, they must indeed be married. Absurdity 3) Following Christ's teachings in Matthew 5, if they become adulterers for marrying after divorce, then they are doomed to live in the sin of adultery as long as they stay married.  Therefore, divorced people who have remarried are adulterers and cannot be saved: 1Co 6:9-10 (9)  Do you not know that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor abusers, nor homosexuals, (10)  nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. Yet we have an even bigger problem. If they get divorced from their second spouses to end their adulterate states, according to Deuteronomy 24, they are not allowed to return to their first spouses.  Now we really have some inconsistencies.  In one line of thought divorced people are adulterers because they are still married to their first spouses, yet they are not permitted to return to their first spouses to reconcile their first marriages. In spite of these things, we even see Christ recognize divorce and remarriage as legitimate when talking with the woman at the well: Joh 4:16-18 (16)  Jesus said to her, Go, call your husband and come here. (17)  The woman answered and said, I have no husband. Jesus said to her, You have well said, I have no husband (18)  for you have had five husbands, and he whom you now have is not your husband. In that you spoke truly. From these things we must conclude that the subject of divorce is confusing.  However, some of the churches interpretation of the matter both denies the power of God to forgive sin, and lacks sound reasoning. Therefore, it is the NACM's position that God permits divorce, and forgives sin, and that divorced ministers who have been called by His grace may continue to serve Him with their callings. ### NACM Requirements for the Recognition of Ordination ### What is a Minister's Association? The National Association of Christian Ministers is a Ministerial Association of Clergy Definition: A ministerial association is a fellowship of ministers who unite around the purpose to develop themselves as ministers, both spiritually and professionally.  They seek to advance the causes of Christianity through networking and the exchange of ministry related resources and information. Other common references to this term are: minister's association; ministerial association; pastoral association; association of clergy; association of churches; ministerial fellowship. As an Organization 1) We are specifically a Christian organization who without apology declares Jesus Christ as the only way to the Father.  For this reason, we only partner with other sincere Christian ministries who uphold this same standard. According to the World Christian Encyclopedia (2001), there are approximately 33,820 denominations of Christianity in the world today.   Yet Jesus makes it very clear in John 17:23 that the testimony of His Lordship is visible to the World through our unity.  For this reason, as a ministerial fellowship we choose not to be divided over doctrines that do not pertain to salvation.  Our membership is made up of many different ministers from a variety of denominational protestant, evangelical, and non-denominational backgrounds.  (In other words Baptists, Methodists, Pentecostal, Lutheran, Presbyterian, etc.) 2) We are both an online, and also an in-person ministry. As a ministerial association we are a fellowship of ministers. We meet regularly in person, through phone calls, emails, and our online network for the purposes of prayer, encouragement, information exchange, and Bible study.  It is also our goal to appoint elders in every major city in the U.S. for the purpose of holding ordination services and offering local support.  Additionally, we commit ourselves to the regular study of God'sword, the current conditions of Christianity, and to the establishment of ministry to meet the needs of future generations. 3) We are believers who sincerely want to advance the cause of Christ.  Therefore, all ordination applications are prayed over by our administration.  We also take careful steps to verify our ministers (for example through interviews, sex offender checks, deep internet searches, and by requiring specific confessions of faith). ### Are Ministers Authorized to Officiate Weddings? Before answering this question, a consideration of our policy is in order.  Under Our Terms of Service/Policy Guidelines: A. Individual Responsibilities The National Association of Christian Ministers, LC (NACM) does not claim responsibility for its ministers/members. They are “independent” ministers of Jesus Christ who are recognized by the NACM as such. We offer the recognition of ordination for the spreading of the gospel. It is beyond the scope of our vision to assist members with meeting the requirements of any US State (or otherwise) to register or qualify as a wedding officiant. In fact, the founding fathers of our country decided that marriage was the burden of the State, as opposed to the minister.  However, we realize that sometimes ministers are asked to perform weddings, funerals, etc. As far as we are concerned, all NACM ministers in good standing are authorized “spiritually” to solemnize the taking of vows for Holy matrimony.  The laws regarding those who officiate such services differ from State to State. As a minister it will be your responsibility to understand these laws and act accordingly.     Response by, Michael Mooney, Exec. Elder The answer to this question depends totally upon the U.S. State and county where the marriage takes place.  In many States, ordained ministers may conduct (legally binding) marriage ceremonies without the requirement to register with the county. However, marriage laws vary from State to State. It is the minister's responsibility to know the expectations of the laws in their state. American history of marriage: The early American forefathers that settled the Plymouth Colony in the 1600s (now Plymouth, Massachusetts) were faced with the issue of the first marriage that was to take place on what is now US soil.  Not knowing whether marriage was to be administered by our government or an ordained minister, they searched the scriptures fan an answer. Their conclusion was surprising: The first marriage in this place which, according to the laudable custom of the Low Countries, in which they had lived, was thought most requisite to be performed by the magistrate, as being a civil thing, upon which many questions about inheritances do depend, with other things most proper to their cognizance and most consonant to the Scriptures (Ruth iv) and nowhere found in the Gospel to be laid on the ministers as a part of their office. (William Bradford, Of Plymouth Plantation 1620-1647, ed.) (Samuel Eliot Morison (New York : Knopf, 1991), p. 86.) The early settlers in America concluded that weddings were nowhere found in the Gospel to be laid on ministers as a part of their office.  What are the implications? There is no Biblical example of a minister performing a wedding ceremony.  This does not mean that it is wrong for ministers to solemnize marriages, but simply that the Bible does not seem to support it as a religious practice. Therefore, it is American culture that has made the officiating of weddings a religious duty of the clergy. Marriage was governed in Biblical times as well as today by the established government of the land. In Biblical times the Law of Moses was in fact the governmental laws of the land of Israel.  God gave Moses the law, for the Jews to obey, in the land of Israel (Deuteronomy 4:5, 14, 5:31, 6:1). Throughout Leviticus, Moses speaks to the children of Israel with clear instructions for living in the land, under the Law. By way of example, consider this portion of the Law of Moses regarding divorce: When a man takes a wife and marries her, if then she finds no favor in his eyes because he has found some indecency in her, and he writes her a certificate of divorce and puts it in her hand and sends her out of his house, and she departs out of his house,  (Deu 24:1) From verse 1 it is clear that the law had a process for divorce which means that it held the authority of recognizing marriages as valid and legal. Conclusion The source of confusion regarding weddings, ministers, and law is probably due to the vast differences between American government and the way Israel was governed under Moses' law.  Nevertheless, it has become an American custom for ordained ministers to officiate weddings -and this is indeed honorable.  However, it is not a matter of burden that the responsibility be laid upon the office of Christian clergy.  For these reasons, we grant the privilege to officiate weddings to all ministers which are recognized by our organization. Yet, it should be noted that it is their responsibility to know the laws in the state/county in which they plan to officiate weddings.   Question: Someone approached me today asking if I would consider conducting a religious marriage ceremony for her and the man she is dating, but without filing the paperwork for a civil/legal marriage with the State. Response by, Rodger Niemeier, Exec. Elder As to your question, the NACM does not state that NACM ministers can only perform weddings that go through the State process for recognizing that wedding/marriage as legit. I understand this couple's concern, as many are talking about this these days. I think the more important question is, for you as a Christian minister and this couple, what could be the consequences of NOT registering according to State laws, in that their marriage may not be recognized and therefore affect some things such as filing taxes jointly, and possibly other things. At this time, there really aren't any ill consequences to complying with State regulations concerning wedding ceremonies, as far as registering with the State where the wedding is performed and the minister registering (to prove they are a bonafide licensed minister with the NACM). This does not set one up for some kind of State control of their wedding or marriage. You might share with that couple that the reason this exists, originally, was to protect couples from being misled by someone claiming to be a legit minister (so the requirement to prove ordination/licensing by a legit organization usually a Christian denomination, organization that ordains/trains ministers, or church). While, yes, a marriage is God's doing in bringing a husband and wife together and sanctioning their union, in this world with its corruptions the wedding officiating minister, representing the Church, confirms what God is doing (in the wedding ceremony) as a witness to Christians as well as the world. As a Christian ordained minister, it will be up to you to weigh carefully, prayerfully, what liabilities this might mean for you if you choose to conduct a wedding in a way that doesn't comply with your State's laws. Again, at present, there isn't any ill consequence for Christian ministers to register with the State, in whatever a State might require, for conducting a wedding. There may, though, be later repercussions for the minister who performs weddings without registering with the State, ignoring the State's laws for making sure a wedding officiant is properly ordained/licensed to perform a wedding. For me, at this point in time, I have no reason to resist State law, as it actually seems to me to be a good thing in protecting the wedded couple from being misled by those not ordained or licensed Christian ministers. I believe CHRISTIAN ministers should be, as it has been for a few centuries in America, THE only ones who should conduct a wedding because marriage is God's(Christianity's God) institution, not man's. I personally struggle, too, with those, even Christians, want their Dad or Uncle or family member, who is not an ordained minister, to conduct their wedding; this too, I believe, undermines God's intention for the minister's role in helping a couple start into their marriage with good Christian counsel and support something a relative is likely unprepared to give (instead, let a relative participate in the service along with the Christian minister, as thought best). As this State law weakens and almost anyone can perform a wedding, this only contributes to the breakdown of biblical, Christian services that rightly belong to Christianity and the church/clergy. That's much the way things have gone as to living together even as more and more Christians are doing this, too, justifying their marriage, though not married as well.  We believe we are married in God's eye and therefore do not need the witness of the Church and a Christian minister. This has contributed greatly to the breakdown of marriage and only helps our enemy, as he has already done, destroy God's commands regarding marriage to make it a casual thing anyone can preside over (a wedding ceremony), including a Buddhist priest, a New Age self-proclaimed minister, or a person's willing relative. Sad. Well, that's my personal take on it. As far as the NACM, we do not (though maybe we need to) have a definitive statement as far as complying with the laws of one’s State as to conducting a wedding. I think we just assumed our member ministers would do so. I would just urge you to pray much on this, not only for the couple's sake, but especially for your own as to what this means for you as a Christian minister in relation to the possibilities of consequences in relation to your State's laws. We are, as Christians, as ministers, to comply with authorities, as Paul urged, UNLESS the laws command us to do something that is against our Lord's commands and directives. I parallel it to ordination, for example. Yes, it is God who calls a Christian into a particular ministerial role like a pastor, or evangelist, or missionary, etc. (note: the Scriptures never list wedding officiant as a particular role, I would imagine simply for the fact that it was reasonably expected that the pastor of a local fellowship would preside over a wedding ceremony, much like the Jews especially would be used to, as their designated priests performed wedding ceremonies in their Jewish religion) but it is His Church Body, the Body of Christ, Who confirms God's ordination upon a believer called into ministry, as a way to give witness to that call/ordination of God before all. That’s our view as the NACM, too: we don't ordain, God our Father does but as fellow Christian ministers, we confirm that calling by ordaining the called-out minister as well giving testimony in the midst of the believers of God's call upon that minister's life. If that makes sense. Similarly, God leads a man and woman to come together and become one marriage. But the Church confirms this through a ceremony by a Christian minister, ordained/licensed clergy, and other present witnesses. This is a good thing! It gives the couple assurance of support by fellow believers, to pray for them, encourage them in their marriage, and be there for them. It also gives assurance of God's leading in that marriage, as their pastor, shepherd of their souls, commits to support and counsel them in that most important of all human relationships the family. As long as the State doesn't corrupt this helpful confirmation by a licensed clergy person by infusing some kind of immoral directive, I believe this actually helps the couple to take their marriage seriously. I could imagine one temptation later, if the couple finds themselves at odds with each other with relationship problems, they may feel they can walk away from their marriage more easily since its not really registered as a marriage. And frankly, this does happen! I have witnessed this myself. Nevertheless, again, as the NACM, we would leave this decision up to you. I don't think it is a light decision to make. Perhaps having some good premarital sessions with the couple (which I think every Christian minister should require, rather than just only being involved to conduct the wedding) this can be discussed in depth with you directing and bringing up the possible challenges/consequences of marrying without State registration (Could the State, in some circumstance down the road, deny any benefit to the couple because there is no State record of their wedding/marriage? And could the IRS, if they filed their taxes jointly which is taken to mean as a married couple and do not find them registered as married, cause a legal problem with their marriage and usual benefits?) I would want to know any true, real underlying reasons for not wanting to register their wedding with the State, as the law requires. Maybe there are some motivations that need to be addressed? ### What are Minister Credentials? Minister credentials refer to ministerial documents that demonstrate the status of clergy. Ordination credentials come in many forms from ordination certificates (diplomas of ordination or certificate of ministry), letters of good standing (ordination letter), minister licenses, etc. Ministers use such credentials to register with local governments for weddings, hospital and jail visits, etc. We make these documents available to qualifying members which have been recognized by the NACM as an approved minister. ### Ordination Validity Note:  This article was written in 2009, long before Covid-19 changed the World in 2020.  Since that time, people have even appeared in court via video feeds over the Internet.  It is highly doubtful that such rullenings were invalidated by occurring online. From time to time we encounter people who wonder about the validity of ordination with the NACM.  There are two perspectives from which this question is asked: 1) From the perspective of a minister in our organization 2) From the perspective of a non-member of our organization Whether or not a person is a member, generally the question stems from the understanding that we are a virtual boundaryless organization.  In the early years of the Internet people were not trusting of anything associated with it. For this reason news reporters capitalized by reporting on the fear and dangers of meeting stalkers, criminals, and murders online.  After things settled down a bit, in 2000-2002 there was the great dot-com bust where many online companies went bankrupt causing investors to lose terribly in the stock market.  Unfortunately, this also contributed some distrust for things related to the Internet. Today things have changed.  State funded public school systems are offering their classes online from K-12th grade. Additionally, you can pay your taxes online, apply for a mortgage, receive Federal Student loans, and even purchase auto insurance.  Universities have shifted from traditional training methods and are now offering classes and degrees to students who study online. This has resulted in the organizing of fully accredited virtual universities such as Walden and Capella University. Massive companies have been formed such as Amazon.com and eBay.com, and billions of dollars are exchanged each year in the Internet economy.  Needless to say, public opinion of the Internet is dramatically shifting and quickly becoming an inseparable part of the civilized world.  We see this as a huge opportunity to unite the Body of Christ, and to send the Gospel unto every nation and tribe on the planet. Hands on Ordination "the laying on of hands" First it should be clarified that ordination with the NACM is not necessarily online ordination. We have Elders all over the U.S. and even in some foreign countries. Their purpose is specifically for offering the laying on of hands blessing to people who have recognized ordination status with the NACM.  In such cases, ordination is a hands on experience. 1) From the perspective of a minister in our organization A thought from Elder Michael Mooney: Credentials (in most cases) have more to do with the person presenting them, than with the organization from which they come.  In every case that I entered a hospital or jail, I have never had to present my credentials.  In fact, no one in all my years of ministry has ever asked me to see them.  Some have asked if I was an ordained minister, to which I simply replied yes.  It is much like college.  I tell people that I have degrees in Religion, Business Administration, and Psychology.  Almost never does anyone ask me where I went to school. An even better example may be in that of a driver's license.  For those who have a license to drive an automobile, how many times has anyone asked you to see your credentials?  The answer is probably none, other than during times of interacting with police. (This question is asked in the context of driving, not when writing checks, or purchasing something like tobacco.)  Now for those who have ridden in a car with someone else. How many times have you insisted on seeing their credentials before having them give you transportation?  The answer is probably none.  Why? Simply because they appeared and behaved as someone who had the knowledge, skills, and authority to drive an automobile! Credibility comes from the minster.  If people think that you are a con-artist, they will not care if the pope himself ordained you. In like manner, if you approach a jail (or anywhere else) and they ask for credentials simply present them and say nothing unless asked a question. Think about the last time you heard a guest speaker at a church.  Did you think, I wonder if they are an ordained minister?  Most likely you did not. Why? Because it really did not matter whether or not they were a licensed minister.  All that mattered was: 1) that you trusted them; 2) the message they presented was relevant; and 3) that they were acting in the role of a minister. With these three elements present, your mind never considered the need to check their credentials -that is of course if you agreed with their message.  When we disagree with a person's message, a typical human response is to question their credibility… Ironically, as long as we agree, they are valid in our eyes. In light of these things, if you find yourself regularly being asked for validity, you may want to consider what it could be about your presentation, body language, message, etc. that is generating suspicion. This is not to say that some officials will not need to check your credentials, but when this occurs, it should be because they are simply following protocol. Ordination is something that is granted by a religious organization.  Pentecostal churches will not generally honor the ordination of Baptist churches, which will not likely honor the ordination of Methodist churches, and so on…yet they are valid.  These ordinations do not lose validity simply because another religious group does not recognize them.  To be very frank, I know of Baptist churches who will not honor the ordinations of ministers from other Baptist churches. Nevertheless, if a minister believes that people are ministers because of the recognition of men, then they might need to present their hearts before the Lord. It is He who calls, and He who appoints because He is the head of the church. The Bottom Line Ordination is a Biblical practice, but our society expects it as a means by which to qualify who should and should not enter places like prisons and shelters, etc.  Therefore, ordination is more for our secular society, than anything else.  Our credentials have been honored in many cases where people have applied to county offices to perform weddings, enter jails, hospitals. etc.  This really is the only reason we license ministers in the first place -so that they may go to these places with the Gospel.  If you are looking for ordination that is valid across denominations, you will not find it because such does not exist,  Hence the reason we have denominations in the first place.  One group of people think that another is theologically wrong, therefore, they branch out to practice their theological purity. Theological Validity of Online Ordination In this present day and age, there is not one person who has actually fellowshipped with Jesus or the original disciples in physical form. We are at least 2,000 years removed from their recorded existence -which includes the birth of the church.  This means that no one on the planet received their ordination by the imparting of a spiritual blessing at the hands of these original church fathers.  Some will argue this point with the concept of apostolic succession.  That is the concept that Jesus appointed Peter who laid hands on others, who laid hands on others, to the present day.  The only people who could even attempt to claim this concept would be the Catholic church -because they are the oldest denomination of Christianity.  However, even they are not recorded in scripture, so the whole idea lacks sound support. THEREFORE, this means that everyone ordained today has been appointed by nothing more than faith in words that are written on pages in a book -the Bible.  Every person's ordination today is traced back to its beginning where someone read the Bible, believed it, and started appointing ministers. Does this mean that those ordinations are invalid simply because they came from a book?  The answer is no.  But yet, come ask a very similar question, Is ordination that comes from an organized group of believers using a website as 1 form of communication valid?  Can you see the irony in this? 2) From the perspective of a non-member of our organization A non-member will fall into one of three categories: 1) the State; 2) the Christian believer; or 3) the non-believer. The State The US Constitution requires the State to not validate religions: The First Amendment (made applicable to the States by the Fourteenth) Everson v. Board of Education, 330 U.S. 1, 67 S.Ct. 504. There was said: Neither a state nor the Federal Government can set up a church. Neither can pass laws which aid one religion, aid all religions, or prefer one religion over another. Neither can force or influence a person to go to or to remain away from church against his will or force him to profess a belief or disbelief in any religion. Believers Will either support unity among denominations, or they will choose to discriminate. Obviously, those who support unity will welcome your credentials ad those who do no will reject them.  Then of course, there is the person who was raised as a Christian but is not taking their faith seriously. These people do not typically know the differences between Christian quarrels over doctrine. Therefore, they are not likely to question credentials. Non-Believers  People who do not believe in our faith can take any position regarding your ministerial status.  After all, even though we are not Islamic, it is unreasonable to think that their religious leaders are not also ministers of their faith. Ordination: Bottom Line Ordination is the recognition of a ministerial calling by a religious community.  Its most tangible value is not found in the churches, but rather in the secular world.  Churches argue among themselves and discriminate against one another. Therefore, they will continually question one another in matters of validity.  However, the U.S. government is not supposed to validate religions.  To do so is a violation of our constitution -but this is not to say that some people with hidden agendas will not at times stand in your way.  For this reason, ordination is beneficial to accessing public areas like jails, shelters, hospitals, and nursing homes. When it is all said and done, credibility stands with the minister.  If they draw negative attention to themselves, or give people reason to question their calling, they have become their own stumbling block. However, if they act in the role of a minister while showing others the love and respect that scripture commands, most will never question them. Bottom line:  It is God who ordains.  Is He with you or not? What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? (Rom 8:31 MKJV) ### Ordination of Women By Michael Mooney, NACM Exec Elder One of the biggest topics of debate among Baptist churches today is over the roles of women in ministry.  The divisional question is this: "Can women be Biblically ordained?"   Naturally, these divisions result in 1) churches that ordain women, and 2) others that do not.  The National Association of Christian Ministers supports the position that women are called to ministry, and therefore recognizes the ordination of women.   The Biblical rationale for this position is offered herein.   It should be noted that our members do not have to agree with this position in order to maintain their membership.  However, they must respect it among the fellowship in order to maintain unity.   The most withstanding argument against women's ordination comes from 1 Corinthians.  Therefore, we will use it as our text in defense of women's equal call to ministry.  To remain focused and brief, we present the evidence in the form of logical bulleted ideas.   Additionally, the following will mention the gifts of tongues and prophecy.  We are not making a case for or against the cessation of these gifts.  Rather, we are only mentioning them in the context of women serving as ministers.   The book of 1 Corinthians is really a letter.  Scholars believe that Cor 1 and 2 are a work of 3 letters, therefore we may be missing a letter. This is NOT to suggest the Bible is incomplete.  We hold all 66 books of the Old and New Testaments as the authoritative word of God. Further, it is believed that if that letter were available, it would be called 1 Corinthians and 2nd would be called 3rd. This confirms that there was communication between Paul and the church at Corinth that would help to fill in the blanks if we had it.  Nevertheless, let's examine what we have.   The Book of 1 Corinthians is in fact the continuation of a conversation evidenced by chapter seven and verse one:   "Now concerning what you wrote to me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman."(1 Co 7:1 MKJV)   In communication today we still continue a conversation from a previous one by a letter, email, text message, etc.   The above verse makes at least two things obvious:   1) Paul is shifting his letter to address their previously written questions, and   2) they must have had questions regarding the roles of women in the church at Corinth.   Then he gets to chapter 12 and speaks of spiritual gifts Then he gets to chapter 13 and contrasts the gifts with love Then he gets to chapter 14 and contrasts tongues with prophecy By this it is clear that the context is about: answering their questions regarding the roles of women, spiritual gifts (contrasted by the supremacy of love), tongues contrasted by prophecy, and (the necessity of order in church services).   Verses 34-36 are the source of much confusion regarding the ordination of women.  Paul says something that only careful exegesis can reveal: "Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law" (1Co 14:34 KJV). Here we know Paul is 'not' referencing God's word because all 613 precepts of the "Torah" make no command of women being silent in church. Therefore, we must conclude that Paul is referencing cultural law. This is fortified by the fact that Paul always taught Christians to obey the government and laws of the land (Romans 13). He continues saying: And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church. (1Co 14:35 KJV) The above two verses are not an instruction from Paul!  Rather, it is Paul repeating what they had originally written to him in a previous letter so that they would know the context of his following statements.   Then he proceeds to address the statement with a rhetorical question:   What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only? (1Co 14:36 KJV)   Paul is rhetorically asking "WHAT?" Did the word of God only come unto men?  That is absurd, God gave His word to both men and women -for example Deborah (a major judge), Miriam and Hannah who both prophesied the word of the Lord. Also note the prophecy of Joel Joel 2:28-29 (28)  “And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions. (29)  Even on the male and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit. Further, he previously gave instructions regarding how women were supposed to share the Word within the church in chapter 1st Corinthians 11:5. And even in that passage he points out that it is a cultural matter calling them to judge for themselves (1 Cor.11:2; 13).   Therefore, we conclude that women are free to exercise spiritual gifts in the church. Paul issues the following command: For you can all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all be encouraged, (1Co 14:31 ESV). If anyone thinks that he is a prophet, or spiritual, he should acknowledge that the things I am writing to you are a command of the Lord. If anyone does not recognize this, he is not recognized.  (1Co 14:27, 38 ESV).  Forbid not to speak with tongues (1Cor. 14:39KJV). Conclusion We conclude that men and women have different roles in the spiritual authority of their homes. However, in the church, where we are one in Christ, "there is no male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus" (Gal 3:28 MKJV).  Further, Christ is the Head of the Church, not man or a pastor! ### Titles in Ministry Ministry Titles: Can I Be Ordained as a Pastor, Deacon, Evangelist, etc.? The permissions and use of ministry titles by an ordained minister is an area of some confusion for both members of the clergy and the general public. For this reason, we will briefly discuss a few definitions of terms to offer a standard by which titles may be identified and used in ministry. Definitions and Common Ministry Titles The title ordained minister is used to describe a person who has been recognized as having been called to ministry by God. Titles such as pastor, evangelist, bishop, etc., are used to describe the roles in which an ordained minister serves. The most common formal titles for a minister are: Reverend (Rev.), Minister (Min.), and Clergy. Any ordained minister may use these titles because they describe the role of a spiritual leader, while remaining neutral to a specific function. Someone wishing to address a minister (without knowing their area of service) may also use these titles to safely show respect without sounding uninformed. The most common informal titles for a minister are: Pastor and Preacher (no abbreviations). However, these are mainly used in the Southern regions of the US as blanket terms to cover any area of ministry. An ordained minister is generally accepted in Evangelical Christianity as a person qualified to serve in any of the offices of ministry. Additionally, we find that a minister is likely to change their roles through their years of service to God. For example, it is common for a missionary to return to his or her home and later pastor a church, or serve as an evangelist. Therefore, it is a local church or ministry that decides the role in which they will receive an ordained minister. The use of a title is fitting whenever a minister is actively serving in a role known for its title, or they have served for an extended period of time. For this reason, the NACM does not recognize ministers in their areas of service. Rather, we recognize people as ordained ministers. This way they have the freedom to follow their convictions about the different areas where God is calling them. What Are the Differences? The Short Answer is None. The title pastor appears in only two places in the Bible: seven times in Jeremiah and once in Ephesians 4:11. In Jeremiah, the Hebrew word used is רֹעֶה (*ro'eh*), which is derived from the root רָעָה (*ra'ah*), meaning "to shepherd" or "to tend a flock." In Ephesians, the Greek word is ποιμήν (*poimēn*), which is also translated literally and figuratively as "shepherd." Because Jesus referred to his people as sheep, we may conclude that the church is a sheepfold of God (there are many verses in the New Testament to support this analogy). Jesus refers to himself as a shepherd, and Peter calls him the chief shepherd (*archipoimēn*, 1 Peter 5:4). Even so, it was Peter whom Jesus told to feed his sheep. Jesus also said: “And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd” (John 10:16). The above words speak of a future event. Therefore, until this time comes, there will be under-shepherds. These shepherds (pastors) watch over God's flocks until he comes and unites them as one. From this, we conclude (in New Testament terms) that a pastor is one who watches over a church. Such a person is also a minister. In our society, one who serves in ministry is recognized with ordination and thereby exists as an ordained minister. Being labeled an ordained minister speaks of the individual's calling to ministry. Being labeled a pastor speaks of the role in which he or she serves. Regarding the Titles of Deacons There is no real difference; however, churches have all sorts of interpretations about the roles of deacons. Often, local churches install deacons on a temporary, or seasonal basis. In such instances, they are given a minister's license so that they may visit hospitals, jails, shelters, etc. This approach is intended to offer them temporary status as ordained ministers that at some time expires from service. The NACM does not recognize ministers on a temporary basis. Rather, we believe that spiritual callings to ministry are lifelong commitments. Therefore, we do not place expiration on our recognition of ordination. Evangelists and Ordained Ministers, What's the Difference? The title evangelist appears twice in the Bible as the Greek word εὐαγγελιστής (*euangelistēs*), which means "a bringer of good news" or "preacher of the gospel." It is typical for a local ministry to send an evangelist out into their community to invite people to church functions, hold church services in jails, and preach the gospel on street corners. For this reason, it is common practice for the sending ministry to give the evangelist a license to preach. This is very much the same as a minister's license or ordination certificate. However, a license must have an expiration date. Sometimes an evangelist may serve on probation for a season before their church recognizes them as a full-fledged ordained minister. The NACM does not recognize ministers on a temporary basis. Rather, we believe that spiritual callings to ministry are lifelong commitments. Therefore, we do not place an expiration on our recognition of ordination. ### Priesthood of All Believers: Explained in Scripture This Article:  1) Defines the Priesthood of All Believers; 2) Reviews its Origin in Church History; and 3) Supports the Doctrine with Scripture. Protestantism Protestantism is a Christian system of beliefs that resulted in the independent separation of believers from the authority of the Catholic Church.  This event in church history was not intended to condemn Catholics, but rather to declare independence to practice Christianity apart from the government of Catholicism. American history holds deep roots in this doctrine by the motives of many of our founding fathers who migrated here to enjoy the freedom of religion.  Such freedom later became the driving force of our declaration of independence as a nation, and the first amendment of our constitution.   This is evidenced by the words of the Mayflower compact, which opens stating:  Having undertaken, for the Glory of God and advancement of the Christian Faith and Honor of our King and Country, a Voyage to plant the First Colony in the Northern Parts of Virginia in the year of the reign of our Sovereign Lord King James, of England, France and Ireland" [1]. As a side note, this is the same King James that gave us the King James Bible of 1611. The Encyclopedia of American Studies states:  The Pilgrims were English settlers, members of a Separatist sect, who emigrated to New England in 1620 in search of the opportunity to practice their religion without persecution. England had been in religious turmoil for years. Henry VIII challenged the Pope's authority and broke with Rome in the 1530s, assuming the role of head of the church [2]. In a letter to Thomas Jefferson, John Adams said: "The general principles, on which the Fathers achieved independence, were . . . the general principles of Christianity. [3] The Influence of Martin Luther on the Priesthood of All Believers Yet, much of this history, even the very existence of the U.S. can be linked to the philosophy of Martin Luther who is often credited for turning the churches attention back to the biblical teaching of the priesthood of all believers. He openly expressed his thoughts that the pope and bishops anoint, consecrate, and dress in manners different from common people, but argued that such is no indicator of spirituality or even genuine Christianity.   His premise was that all baptized believers hold the rites of priests by the authority of 1 Peter 2:9 [4].  It is with the zeal of this message that Luther sparked the reformation and the birth of Protestantism. In another publication Luther argues that it is hypocritical to think that the laity should be separated from the clergy when we are forced to accept that all are equal in Christ.  Further, he points out that the clergy has no authority over the laity except that which the laity gives them by their free appointment [5]. Luther Held Three Central Affirmations that Fueled the Reformation: 1) That the role of priests are nothing more than "functionaries" because all believers are priests.  The functionaries are those who merely serve publicly as priests. 2) That all believers have the right to interpret scripture, and need not be dependent upon the pope. 3) That all believers have the authority to call other believers unto the council of the Word of God. The Heresy of Nicolaitanism Jesus said to the church at Ephesus: "Yet this you have: you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate." (Rev 2:6 ESV). Jesus said this to the church at Pergamum: So also you have some who hold the teaching of the Nicolaitans. (Rev 2:15 ESV). This must be important for Christ to mention it twice in the same chapter and to say that he hates it!   Dr. Tim Lahaye writes in his book Revelation illustrated and made plain: The word Nicolaitans comes from two Greek words: niko, meaning to conquer, or overthrow, and laos , meaning the people or the laity. They tried to establish an ecclesiastical order.  This latter heresy is known as Nicolaitanism.  This is an unscriptural idea that causes the church to become enslaved by one man or small group of men whose spiritual life can determine the spiritual success of the church. (p. 26.) He went on to say: Nicolaitanism is the doctrine of a strong ecclesiastical hierarchy ruling over the laity; this has never been conductive to a strong spiritual condition in the church.  Laymen were given no voice in the church affairs, but were required to obey blindly the decrees of the clergy.  The clergy then gradually seemed to gravitate to an impractical ivory tower type of existence that separated them more and more from the people.  Whenever a minister loses contact with the people, he ceases to be an effective tool in the hand of God. (p. 41.) Dr. Jack Van Impe writes in his book Revelation Revealed: Not only were the people of the first church of Pergamos worldly, sinful and idolatrous, but they also shared in the wicked practice of the Nicolaitanism as did the church at Ephesus.  This, again, is ecclesiastical Hitlerism.  It is when the minister says, I am the head, and you have no choice in the matter, allowing laymen no voice in the affairs of the church. (p. 35-36.) Image already added Jesus called them to him and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave (Mat 20:25-27 ESV). Image already added The Following Scripture Supports the Priesthood of All Believers: 1Pe 2:5 ESV (5).  you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 1Pe 2:9 ESV (9).  But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Strong defines this Greek word for "priesthood" as "the priestly fraternity, that is, a sacerdotal order." Thayers Definition: 1) the office of a priest; 2) the order or body of priests. Rev 1:6 ESV (6).  and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. Again Thayers Definition: 1) a priest, one who offers sacrifices and in general is busied with sacred rites 1a) referring to priests of Gentiles or the Jews 2) metaphorically of Christians, because, purified by the blood of Christ and brought into close intercourse with God, they devote their life to him alone and to Christ Scofield reminds us that the greatest of rights afforded to priests is to have access to God: It was the high priest alone that entered the holy place on behalf of the people.  This access was left as a mystery to the people.  The earthly body of flesh and blood held by Christ is symbolic of the veil that separated the holy of holies from the people.  But when he was crucified, his flesh was torn and the veil over the holy place was torn apart.  This was a direct signal from God that through Christ, all believers have priestly access to Him (Heb 9:7, 10:19-22) [6]. Heb 10:19-24 ESV Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, Consideration of the Function of the NT Priest The Believer's Priestly Responsibilities Ministers Offer the Sacrifice of Themselves Rom 12:1 ESV I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Php 2:17 ESV Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. 1Jn 3:16 ESV By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. We are to keep the praises of His name on our lips. Heb 13:14-16 ESV For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come.  Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. Ministers Share the Gospel, Train Others, and Perform the Rite of Baptism Mat 28:18-20 ESV Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father  and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded  you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." Image already added Ministers Control Their Speech Jas 1:26 ESV If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless. Ministers Visit and Support the Weak and Fellow Believers Jas 1:27 ESV Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world. Heb 13:16 ESV Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. Gal 6:9-10 ESV Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. As we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. Ministers Keep Themselves From Sin Jas 1:27 ESV Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world. Ministers Pray and Intercede for Others 1Ti 2:1-4 ESV First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.  This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. Col 4:12 ESV Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you, always struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God. Conclusion The National Association of Christian Ministers holds the doctrine of the priesthood of believers.  We believe this position is: taught in scripture, perpetuated by church history, and affirmed by the origination of the American people.  Therefore, on the authority of Scripture, and the obligation of the Great Commission (Mat 28:18-20), as a body of believers we ordain ministers in obedience to God. Further Considerations  "The priesthood of all believers... means that in the community of saints, God has constructed his body such that we are all priests to one another. Priesthood of all believers has more to do with the believer's service than with an individual's position or status. We are all believer-priests. We all stand equally before God. Such standing does not negate specific giftedness or calling. It rather enhances our giftedness as each one of us individually and collectively does his part to build the body (Eph. 4:11-16). We are all priests. We are all responsible." (Daniel Akin in Perspectives on Church Government, p. 37) Statement from the Southern Baptist Convention [8]: We affirm the priesthood of all believers. Laypersons have the same right as ordained ministers to communicate with God, interpret Scripture, and minister in Christ's name. That is why the Convention requires strong lay involvement on its boards.  This doctrine is first and foremost a matter of responsibility and servanthood, not privilege and license.  It is of course, a perversion of this doctrine to say that all views are equally valid, that you can believe anything and still be a Baptist or that the pastor has no unique leadership role. References [1] 1620, William Bradford: History of Plymouth Plantation, c. 1650. [2] Pilgrims. (2010). In Encyclopedia of American Studies. [3] June 28, 1813, The Adams-Jefferson Letters,ed. Lester J. Cappon (Chapel Hill, NC: University of North Carolina Press, 1959), vol 2, pp. 339-40. [4] Luther, 1520. To the Christian Nobility of the German Nation. [5] Luther, 1520. On the Babylonian Captivity of the Church. [6] 1917. The Scofield reference Bible. [7] Daniel Akin, p. 37. Perspectives on Church Government. [8] Southern Baptist Convention http://www.sbc.net/aboutus/pspriesthood.asp ### The NACM Official Christian Chaplaincy Course This page has been moved to the following link: https://nacministers.org/courses/chaplain-training/ ### SoulCare 102: Helping People Address & Resolve Underlying Root Issues This page has been moved to the following link: https://nacministers.org/courses/soulcare-102/ ### SoulCare 101: Ministering to Unsaintly Saints This page has been moved to the following link: https://nacministers.org/courses/soulcare-101/ ### How Do I Receive the Laying On of Hands Blessing? The NACM continues to establish Elders in every US State.  State Coord. and Local Elders work together to establish at least one (often 2) annual meeting(s) in their State(s) every year. These gatherings are expressly focused on: 1) the laying on hands of new ministers; 2) the "in person" fellowship of ministers locally; and 3) a time of shared corporate worship.  The most appropriate time to receive the laying on of hands blessing is during State annual gatherings. Stay connected to your State local Group to: Connect with your State and Local Elder(s); and for Announcements about upcoming gatherings. Related Topics: Locating Groups ### Change Your Email & Password Need to Know: This tutorial is for changing your email and or password when you are logged into your account. If you are unable to log in, please use this link to reset your password: https://nacministers.org/wp-login.php?action=lostpassword Then check your email (and spam) for the reset link sent to you there.     ### Update Your Profile Info By far, the easiest way to update your profile is to simply use this link:  https://nacministers.org/profile-lookup/ Please note: You must already be logged into the fellowship for the above link to work.  If you are not already logged in, you must log in to use this link.   Below is a tutorial on the other way to update your profile.  However, for the simplicity, we recommend using the above link. ### Where Is the Credentials Department? All credentials are issued through the NACM Spirit Shop located here: https://nacministers.net/support From the Fellowship (nacministers.org) the Spirit Shop is located here (when members are logged in).   ### Reconciliation Policy Purpose   In light of these things, the single biggest shield of protection that any of us can hold is our integrity. The integrity of our leaders is pivotal to sustaining against attacks of the enemy. For this reason, we found it necessary to define to both our leaders, and our members a "standard" or protocol by which we maintain this integrity.   Tone   This policy is not written in the letter of the law, but by the Spirit of it.  "For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life." (1 Cor. 3:6).  Therefore, the following outline is a "structure" for handling such matters, and will be implemented with flexibility to unique circumstances should they arise.. Both ministers and leaders among us should embrace it with joy, for it is intended to protect the innocent.   The following is that system:   The integrity of our leaders are maintained  before the fellowship by this protocol for handling accusations:   1) Upon complaint, we will insist that the one making complaint first seek resolution with the leader.  If resolution cannot be reached, their complaint will be formally received by the Exec. Elders. (Matthew 18:15).   Special Circumstances: there are a few circumstances when this approach will not be recommended (i.e. sexual advances or misconduct, or threats).  In such cases, we will make special arrangements to call for investigation. However, we will not accept complaints filed in anonymity. We are all adults here.  If a person is not willing to personally confront the complaint and seek restoration for themselves, we will not be able to resolve the matter either. 2) After the action of step 1 has been taken, the person filing complaint, accompanied by the Exec. Elders will privately inform the leader of any accusation placed against them. At which time they will be given opportunity for explanation. Should the Exec. Elders be accused of impropriety, we will privately discuss the accusations among all the Elders.  From there, the Elders will hold them accountable together (Matthew 18:16).   3) An information/evidence search will be initiated to establish every objective fact which validates or invalidates the accusation. (Matthew 18:16).   4) The council of the Holy Spirit and the Word will be sought, with consideration of the character and reputation of both the source of the accusation and the accused.   5) The facts will be presented before both parties along with a prescribed course of action toward resolution.   A) Should the accusation be validated, the leader will be given the opportunity to: 1. Seek forgiveness of the offended, (and if necessary) 2. Follow a course of action for resolution. OR, given the circumstances 1) Repent before the fellowship (and, if necessary) 2. Follow a course of action for resolution. NOTE: no public mention of these activities will be made before this stage. Should the accusation be validated, and the leader refuse to accept responsibility: A) -They will be given the opportunity to tactfully resign without positioning themselves to be made an example of organizational discipline. However, if they do not graciously step down, an announcement to the fellowship, such announcement being at the sole discretion of the President or Exec. Elders, will follow, and they will be dismissed from leadership (and membership considering the circumstances). (Matthew 18:17).   This process a) is Biblical, and b) seeks to preserve privacy, and  c) seeks to keep gossip to a minimum.   B) Should the accusation be invalidated, the issue will be dismissed. The leader will have the option to request an administrative announcement to be made in their behalf -which may or may not be necessary given the circumstances.   Note: This policy is not only for matters pertaining to our organization.  It is additionally for the general public, as well as for accusations which do not pertain to the function and work of leadership/membership in our organization.   ### Our Confession of Faith ### *Annual NACM Minister Renewal Annual renewal is the process of confirming a minister's connectedness with their ministerial fellowship.  Among the many reasons for its necessity, here are a few core points. It demonstrates that the individual: Is not deceased. Is not incarcerated. Is not a registered sex offender. Is actively pursuing ministry. Makes themselves accountable to their fellowship. By keeping their contact details up to date. Participating in fellowship (by example attending local gatherings, offering prayer, replying to discussions, knowing their local elders, etc.) Seeking daily by God's grace to live in a manner pleasing to our God. Responding to our administration should someone report them for unethical conduct.  And in such a case, agreeing to have our administration guide them through resolution. Thereby, making the minister regularly, and duly licensed as an independent minister in "good standing" with the National Association of Christian Ministers. If you are a members and need to review, use this link (note you must first be logged in for it to work, so click the link and long in first, then click this link again to go to the application): Click to Renew   ### Sexual Allegations in Ministry Ethical Protocol for Responding to Allegations Against Associated Ministers Purpose This protocol is a template for responding to all allegations against our members.  However, it is written herein within the context of handling reports of inappropriate sexual advances. In cases other than these, modifications should be made to fit the alleged circumstances. Note: While this policy speaks of offenses related to sexual misconduct, it still serves as our general policy regarding offenses of any nature.  Introduction  The NACM is a national organization that has grown even beyond national borders to an international level.  For this reason, it follows that there will be people both within and without the organization who have different perspectives on how to govern situations such as allegations. It also follows that there will be cultural dynamics and differences which result in interpretations of events that are quite different perceptions between two parties.  For this reason, we provide a standard protocol for dealing with allegations of sexual advances. Statement of Beliefs Regarding the Subject We believe that sexuality is a gift that God has ordained for humanity; to enjoy within the context of His Holy order of matrimony between a man and a woman. Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh? So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate. (Mat 19:5-6 ESV). Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous. (Heb 13:4 ESV). Sexual contact between two or more parties outside of this order is deemed sinful and inappropriate. But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not become partners with them; for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (Eph 5:3-8 ESV). Sexual talk intended to invite sexual activity between two parties outside of marriage is also inappropriate. Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. (Eph 5:4 ESV). For these reasons, the NACM sees the necessity to uphold these values and expectations among its membership. Do not be deceived: Bad company ruins good morals. (1Co 15:33 ESV). I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people not at all meaning the sexually immoral of this world, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world. But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of sexual immorality or greed, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or swindler not even to eat with such a one. For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Is it not those inside the church whom you are to judge? God judges those outside. Purge the evil person from among you. (1Co 5:9-13 ESV). Nevertheless, all of the above must be well balanced with the love, forgiveness, and grace of God. The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery, and placing her in the midst they said to him, Teacher, this woman has been caught in the act of adultery. Now in the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say? This they said to test him, that they might have some charge to bring against him. Jesus bent down and wrote with his finger on the ground. And as they continued to ask him, he stood up and said to them, Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her. And once more he bent down and wrote on the ground. But when they heard it, they went away one by one, beginning with the older ones, and Jesus was left alone with the woman standing before him. Jesus stood up and said to her, Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you? She said, No one, Lord. And Jesus said, Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.]] (Joh 8:3-11 ESV). Then Peter came up and said to him, Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?  (Mat 18:21 ESV). Balanced Concern for Both Parties In any case where offenses occur, two or more parties are involved:   1) A victim and an offender   a. a case where the offender was intentional   b. a case where the offender was unintentional     1. a case where the offender is unaware that they offended     2. a case where the offender is aware and repentant   3. a  case where the offender was unintentional and the offended was hypersensitive; therefore the offender does not feel at fault   4) A victim and a victim with both parties claiming mistreatment against each other   5) A supposed victim who is bringing false accusations against a supposed offender   As demonstrated by the many angles of offenses mentioned above, there are many different reasons why offenses occur.  Some of them are unintentional, others are intentional, and others are untruthfully malicious.  Unintentional offenses often happen because of cultural differences.  For example the norm of kissing people on the cheek as a greeting.  Intentional offenses occur because of evil intentions.  For example, making sexual remarks toward a member of the opposite sex as an invitation to fornication.  Untruthfully malicious offenses are those which are not as they appear.  In such cases the offended is really not a victim but a liar.  For example, in Genesis 39, Joseph (a minister of God) was invited to adultery with another man's wife.  When he refused and ran from the situation, the woman accused him of rape and he was put in prison. The NACM  is concerned with truth.  Our belief is that wrongfully punishing someone is just as wrong as failing to punish someone who needs it.  Therefore, the organization approaches allegations with great care and sensitivity to both parties. Introduction to Procedure a. Nothing in this protocol should replace the necessity to take responsibility in various circumstances, or to overrule local law, or to ignore good common sense. These are only guidelines for the sake of assisting leaders to make responsible decisions when handling sensitive circumstances of allegations. For example: lets's say that an individual has been accused of rape and the proposed victim has contacted leadership.  In this type of situation the law has been broken and someone may be physically, as well as emotionally hurt.  Therefore, common sense should be to ignore anything written herein until first the proper authorities have been notified and medical treatment has been provided. b. The NACM has a unique spiritual relationship with its members. They are independent ministers called by God, and recognized as such by our organization. We believe that it is God who ordains them and who inevitably hold them accountable for their actions. Their relationship with our organization is entirely voluntary, and they are independent in their actions and ministries.  Ministers who have chosen to fellowship with our association have voluntarily subjected themselves to be held spiritually accountable by us. For spiritual reasons, many do this for the sake of showing a reverence to God in their submission to an authority other than themselves.  For physical reasons many do this for sake of showing themselves publicly and willingly accountable to an authority other than themselves. The rationale is this, ministers serve as physical points of reference to God in the earth.  In like manner, the NACM is a ministry unto ministers.  We do not claim to be God nor do we claim ministers to be God, however we do claim that we are the body of Christ and we believe this order is honoring to His body. Therefore it follows that individuals who uphold these values desire to be honorable. For this reason, such individuals are considered in good standing as members. Yet, our organization and its leaders are firmly convinced that we hold no authority over anyone who does not freely give it to us. For we are all servants of the King, and co laborers for Christ.  It follows that a person who is likely guilty of unethical actions has chosen to rebel against God, possibly the laws of our land, and this would mean that they are not interested in submitting to our authority either. With this understanding in mind, we will now use Matthew chapter 18 as our protocol for dealing with allegations against our members. Mat 18:15-17 ESV (15).  If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. (16).  But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. (17).  If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. Executing Procedure Step 1: In the circumstances where a person feels that a minister has made inappropriate sexual advances, in accordance with Luke 17 their first course of action should be to confront individual personally. Step 2: In the event that the offended has been confronted and refuses to corporate, then the offended party should get one or two wise friends to return to the offender to announce again their offense. Step 3: Should the offender still refuse to cooperate, the offended should make contact with the NACM administration to file complaint and to provide contact to the witnesses.  From here, formal information will be gathered regarding the events (including interviews with witnesses) and the accused minister will be called to answer for the accusations. Contingencies  -If the minister does not respond, they will be placed on suspension until we hear from them again. If they respond with a defense, we will call a meeting between the two parties. -If after the formal meeting, resolve still cannot be found, but the minister wishes still to cooperate with our organization, they will be subjectively assigned to an accountability partner. During a specified time, the accountability partner will partner with him or her to determine steps of progress in accordance with the uniqueness of the situation. -If they at any time become uncooperative, they are subject to immediate suspension, and or revocation of their membership at the discretion of the leadership overseeing the situation with approval by NACM administration. Our goal is to protect victims, demonstrate grace, and uphold truth, because we believe such is honoring to God. Should a complaint arise needing to be filed, it may be submitted to: help@nacministers ### Approved Use of NACM Logo Greetings to you all in the name above all names -JESUS!Over the years, it has become a regular question within our fellowship regarding how members may use our organization's logo.  This announcement is intended to clarify this so that members may enjoy sharing their association without the violation of any laws or policy. To clarity any misunderstandings, the NACM Logo is for the Purpose of the NACM. It may not be altered, modified, taken from, or added unto. It my not be uploaded to AI. It my not become a part of any Church or Ministry Logo. The National Association of Christian Ministers is a US Registered Service Mark, and we reserve ALL Rights. 1. The National Association of Christian Ministers is a US registered Service Mark which is protected on behalf of itself. 2. Members (in good standing) have the permission to publicly display their affiliation when it meets ALL the following criteria: How It Should be Used: It is used to bring glory to God. It is used to PROMOTE the name of the organization. It is used to show personal affiliation as a member of this organization. How It Should Not Be Used: It is not used in a manner which might suggest that you officially represent the organization or its membership. It is not used in conjunction with any negative language about our organization. Example: If you author a blog which focuses on exposing T.V. evangelists, or our organization, our organization should not be mentioned anywhere within its content, while there may indeed be wolves in sheep's clothing, the scope of our organization is not too witch-hunt and tear down.  We do not want to feed the pride of the enemy of our souls by bringing attention to his work in connection with our work. It is not visually altered in any manner! It is not used on any letterhead or documents which might be mistaken as ministerial credentials, artwork, stickers, or certificates! It is not used as a part of anything sold for profit Additional Details and Uses Our logo may be used on ministry related business cards which are intended to communicate contact information for you, and or your independent ministry/church. Example: Along the bottom of the card with words such as: Member of the National Association of Christian Ministers or display of the Logo with the words Member.  These are only examples.  We have no intentions of regulating the design of your business cards.  Our Logo may be used on your Website, Social Media Profiles, etc.  However, we ask that our logo/name is hyperlinked to the following address: http://NACMinisters.com Here is an example of our name: National Association of Christian Ministers Here is an example of our logo: If you click on either example, it will point your Internet browser to https://NACMinisters.com 3. Below is a link to download a copy of our Logo, designed by Exec. Elder President Michael Mooney,  which has been approved (by him) for public display: Click Here to Download  To clarity any misunderstandings, the NACM Logo is for the Purpose of the NACM. It may not be altered, modified, taken from, or added unto. It my not be uploaded to AI. It my not become a part of any Church or Ministry Logo. The National Association of Christian Ministers is a US Registered Service Mark, and we reserve ALL Rights.  If you have any questions about use (which are not covered herein), feel free to post them here or email help@nacministers.org May God richly bless this organization. National Association of Christian Ministers ### State Requirements for Wedding Officiants This is an overview of the requirements for ministers performing wedding ceremonies in each State.  We strive to provide accurate information.  However, State and County laws are subject to change; thereby, possibly making this list out of date.  The content herein should not be considered legal counsel or advice.  It is the responsibility of the officiant to know the laws which regulate the State (and sometimes County) where they provide services. Alabama: Any licensed minister of the gospel in regular communion with the Christian church or society of which he is a member may perform marriages. Also, marriages may be performed by the pastor of any religious society according to the rules of the religious society. Ministers must provide a certificate of the marriage to the judge of probate within one month after the marriage. For questions see the clerk for the judge of probate. Alaska: The minister, priest or rabbi of any church or congregation in the state may perform marriages. Ministers must provide marriage certificates to the newlyweds and report the marriage to the Marriage Commissioner. For questions see the municipal clerk. Arizona: Any licensed or ordained clergyman may perform marriages. Ministers must record the marriage on the marriage license and return it to the clerk of the Superior Court within 20 days after the marriage. For questions see the clerk of the Superior Court Arkansas: Any regularly ordained minister or priest of any religious sect or denomination may perform marriages. Ministers must have their ordination credentials filed by the county clerk who will then issue a certificate to the minister. The marriage license must be completed by the minister and returned to the county clerk within 60 days from the date the license was issued. For questions see the county clerk. California: Any priest, minister, or rabbi of any religious denomination, of the age of 18 years or over may perform marriages. Ministers must complete the marriage license and return it to the county clerk within 4 days after the marriage. For questions see the county clerk. Colorado: Marriages may be performed by any minister. Ministers must send a marriage certificate to the county clerk. For questions see the county clerk. Connecticut: All ordained or licensed clergymen belonging to this state or any other state may perform marriages as long as they continue in the work of the ministry. Marriage license must be completed by the minister and returned to the city or town clerk. For questions see the city or town clerk. Delaware: Any ordained minister of the gospel and every minister in charge of a recognized church may perform marriages. Ministers do not need to be licensed to perform marriages, but they must report their name and address to the local registrar in the district in which they live. Ministers must keep the marriage license or a copy for at least one year. Also, the minister must, within 4 days, complete and return forms required by the State Board of Health to the clerk of the peace. For questions see the clerk of the peace. District of Columbia: Ordained ministers of the gospel may perform marriages. Marriage licenses are addressed to the minister who will perform the ceremony. The minister must complete a marriage certificate for the couple and return another certificate to the clerk of the District of Columbia Court of General Sessions within 10 days after the marriage. For questions see the clerk of the Court of General Sessions. Florida: All regularly ordained ministers of the gospel in communion with some church may perform marriages. Ministers must complete a certificate of marriage on the marriage license and return it to the office from which it was issued. For questions see the county clerk. Georgia: Any minister who is authorized by his or her church may perform marriages. Ministers must complete a certificate of marriage and return it to the ordinary within 30 days after the marriage. For questions see the ordinary clerk at the county courthouse. Hawaii: Any minister may perform marriages if they are authorized by their church to do so. Ministers must obtain a license from the department of health before performing marriages. Ministers must keep a record of all marriages they perform. Ministers must report all marriages they perform to the department of health. For questions see the department of health. Idaho: Marriages may be performed by priests or ministers of the gospel of any denomination. Ministers must give a marriage certificate to the bride and to the groom. Also, the minister must complete the license and marriage certificate and return it to the recorder who issued it within 30 days after the marriage. For questions see the county recorder. Illinois: Marriages may be performed by ministers of the gospel in regular standing in the church or society to which they belong. The marriage license and certificate must be completed by the minister and returned to the county clerk within 30 days after the marriage. For questions see the county clerk. Indiana: Ministers of the gospel and priests of every church throughout the state may perform marriages. Ministers must return the marriage license and a certificate of marriage to the clerk of the circuit court within 3 months after the marriage. For questions see the clerk of the circuit court. Iowa: Ministers of the gospel who are ordained by their church may perform marriages. Minister must give a certificate of marriage to the newlyweds. Also, the minister must report the marriage to the clerk of the district court within 15 days after the marriage. For questions see the clerk of the district court. Kansas: Any ordained clergyman of any religious denomination or society may perform marriages.  Ministers are required to file credentials or ordination with the judge of a probate court before performing marriages. Minister must return the marriage license and a certificate of marriage to the probate judge who issued the marriage license within 10 days after the marriage. For questions see the clerk of the probate court. Kentucky: Marriages may be performed by any minister of the gospel or priests of any denomination with any religious society. At the present time there are no licensing requirements applicable to ministers or priests who wish to perform marriages in Kentucky. Minister solemnizing the marriage or the clerk of the religious society before whom it was solemnized shall within ONE MONTH return the license to the county clerk of the county in which it was issued, with a certificate of the marriage over his signature, giving the date and place of the marriage ceremony and the names of at least two of the persons present. It is illegal to solicit marriages. For questions see the county clerk. Louisiana: Ministers of the gospel or priests of any denomination in regular communion with any religious society may perform marriages. Ministers must register with the clerk of the district court of the parish or with the health department if in New Orleans. After performing a marriage, the minister must complete a marriage certificate and return it to the clerk of the district court. For questions see the clerk of the district court. Maine: A marriage, solemnized before any known inhabitant of the State professing to be a justice, judge, justice of the peace or notary public, or an ordained or licensed minister of the gospel, is not void, nor is its validity affected by any want of jurisdiction or authority in the justice, judge, justice of the peace, notary or minister or by any omission or informality in entering the intention of marriage, if the marriage is in other respects lawful and consummated with a full belief, on the part of either of the persons married, that they are lawfully married. o (Title 19A 657) Whether a resident or nonresident of this State and whether or not a citizen of the United States: An ordained minister of the gospel; A cleric engaged in the service of the religious body to which the cleric belongs; or A person licensed to preach by an association of ministers, religious seminary or ecclesiastical body. o (Title 19A 655) Every person authorized to unite persons in marriage shall make and keep a record of every marriage solemnized by that person in conformity with the forms and instructions prescribed by the State Registrar of Vital Statistics… o (Title 19A 654) A person who solemnizes a marriage when not authorized to do so under section 655 commits a civil violation for which a forfeiture not to exceed $100 for each offense may be adjudged. Forfeitures collected must be distributed to the municipality in which the offense occurred. o (Title 19A 659) Official Information:  Ministers State Legislature (search statutes) If questions should arise concerning any aspect of the marriage process or marriage laws in the State of Maine, the Department of Human Services, Bureau of Vital Records is the state agency which handles information for this particular area. You may contact this office at: 207.287.3181 Maryland: In Maryland, any adult can sign as clergy, as long as the couple who are getting married agree that he is a clergy. The celebrant doesn't have to be a resident, register in advance, or fulfil any other requirements. For questions see the clerk of the circuit court. Massachusetts: Ordained ministers of the gospel may perform marriages. Before performing marriages, ministers are required to apply for a certificate from the state. For applications write to: The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Office of the Secretary, Supervisor, Commissions Division, State House, Boston, Massachusetts 02133.You must file a copy of your ordination certificate and a statement from the church saying that you are in good standing. Please let us know well in advance if you need a statement from us. Ministers must keep records of all marriages they perform. Also, ministers must return a certificate of the marriage to the town clerk or registrar who issued the marriage license and to the town clerk of the town where the marriage was performed. For questions see the town clerk or registrar or write to the Secretary of State. Michigan: A minister of the gospel who is ordained or authorized by his or her church to perform marriages and who is a pastor of a church in this state or continues to preach the gospel in this state may perform marriages. Ministers must complete a marriage certificate and give one to the couple. Another marriage certificate must be returned to the county clerk who issued the license within 10 days after the marriage. For questions see the county clerk. Minnesota: Any licensed or ordained minister of the gospel in regular communion with a religious society may perform marriages. Ministers must file a copy of their credentials of ordination with the clerk of the district court of any county. Ministers must give a marriage certificate to the bride and groom and also file a certificate with the clerk of the district court in the county which issued the marriage license. For questions see the clerk of the district court. Mississippi: Any ordained minister of the gospel who is in good standing with his or her church may perform marriages. Ministers must send a certificate of marriage to the clerk who issued the marriage license within three months after the marriage. For questions see the clerk of the circuit court. Missouri: Marriages may be performed by any clergyman who is a citizen of the United States and who is in good standing with any church or synagogue in this state. Ministers must keep a record of all marriages they perform. They must give the couple a marriage certificate and must complete the marriage license and return it to the recorder of deeds within 90 days after the marriage license was issued. For questions see the recorder of deeds. Montana: Ministers of the gospel of any denomination may perform marriages. Ministers must complete and return a marriage certificate to the clerk of the district court within 30 days after the marriage. Also, the minister must provide marriage certificates to the bride and groom upon request. For questions see the clerk of the district court. Nebraska: Any ordained clergyman whatsoever, without regard to the sect to which they belong may perform marriages. Ministers must report marriages they perform to the county judge who issued the marriage license within 15 days after the marriage. Also, the minister must provide marriage certificates to the bride and groom upon request. For questions see the county clerk. Nevada: Any ordained minister in good standing with his denomination, whose denomination is incorporated or organized or established in the State of Nevada may perform marriages. Ministers are required to apply for a certificate of permissions to perform marriages. Among other requirements, the applicantministry must be primarily one of service to his congregation or denomination and his performance of marriages must be incidental to such service. See Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS)Certificates of Permission to perform marriages. New Hampshire: Marriages may be performed by any ordained minister of the gospel who resides in the state and is in good standing with his church. Ministers not residing in the state may obtain permission to perform a marriage upon application to the Secretary of State. Ministers must send a copy of the marriage certificate to the town clerk. For questions see the city/town clerk. New Jersey: In New Jersey, various government officials] and every minister of every religion, are hereby authorized to solemnize marriage between such persons as may lawfully enter into the matrimonial relation; and every religious society, institution or organization in this State may join together in marriage such persons according to the rules and customs of the society, institution or organization. It is a misdemeanor for someone not so authorized to solemnize a marriage and it is a misdemeanor for someone who is authorized to perform a marriage without the presentation of a license. o (Title 37:1-13,15) As in most states, the prospective newlyweds give the marriage license directly to the minister: Before a marriage can be lawfully performed in this state, the persons intending to be married shall obtain a marriage license from the licensing officer and deliver it to the person who is to officiate, but if the marriage is to be performed by or before any religious society, institution or organization, the license shall be delivered to such religious society, institution or organization, or any officer thereof. o (Title 37:1-2) A clergyman is also permitted to do work of a psychological nature consistent with the accepted standards of their respective professions and work of a marriage and family therapy nature, when acting within the scope of the person's profession or occupation and doing work consistent with the person's training. (Title 45:14B-8, 8B-8) New Mexico: Any ordained clergyman whatsoever, without regard to the sect to which he or she may belong may perform marriages. Ministers must provide the county clerk with a marriage certificate within 90 days after the marriage. For questions see the county clerk. New York: Important Note: The City of New York has significantly different laws and procedures from the rest of the state. See New York City below. Ministers must complete a marriage certificate and return it to the town or city clerk who issued the marriage license within 5 days after the marriage. For questions see the town or city clerk. To be valid, a marriage ceremony must be performed by any of the individuals specified in Section 11 of the New York State Domestic Relations Law. These include: Various government officials; a member of the clergy or minister who has been officially ordained and granted authority to perform marriage ceremonies from a governing church body in accordance with the rules and regulations of the church body; a member of the clergy or minister who is not authorized by a governing Church body but who has been chosen by a spiritual group to preside over their spiritual affairs; other officiants as specified by Section 11 of the Domestic Relations Law. the person performing the ceremony must be registered with the City of New York in order to perform a ceremony within the New York City limits. officiant does not have to be a resident of New York State. Ship captains are not authorized to perform marriage ceremonies in New York State. New York City In a nutshell: If the address on your Driver's License is within NYC limits, you will need three things to be able to perform marriages within NYC, instead of only one. They are: A Ordination Certificate A Founding Document, and A Letter signed by one member of your Congregation. Before performing marriages in New York City, the minister must register his or her name and address in the office of the city clerk of the city of New York and show some documentation. The Official NYC handbook on the Domestic Relations Law, p. 89., 11:2 (subdivision 1) permits a clergyman or minister of any religion to solemnize marriages. Clergyman or minister includes a duly authorized pastor, rector, priest, or rabbi. It also includes any other person having authority from, or in accordance with, the rules and regulations of the governing ecclesiastical body of the denomination or order, if any, to which the church belongs. Persons who otherwise have authority from the church or synagogue to preside over and direct the spiritual affairs of the church or synagogue are likewise included. While the state may act to prevent marriages being solemnized by mere philanderers purporting to officiate under the guise of a pseudo-religious faith, it may not interdict marriage ceremonies having a reverent character performed by a person having ecclesiastical sanction. To have authority to solemnize marriages, there is no requirement that the church, synagogue, or other religious congregation over which the clergyman presides be affiliated with any denomination or order. Nor is there any requirement that clergy have received formal sanctioning authority from a governing board of a denomination or order or from the church, synagogue, or congregation itself. The liberality in construction is stretched to the breaking point where the officiating clergyman appears to be a mere philanderer professing a pseudo-religious faith. In Ravenal v. Ravenal, 72 Misc.2d 100, 338 N.Y.S.2d 324 (Sup.Ct.N.Y.County 1972), at issue was the validity of a marriage purportedly solemnized by a person who obtained his minister credentials by mail, who did not preside over an actual church or religious organization, whose beliefs did not provide for any form of worship or religious service, and whose accrediting organization professed a willingness to ordain anyone for a modest free will offering. The court concluded that, under these circumstances, the person who performed the ceremony could not be properly viewed, even with the benefit of a liberal construction, as a clergyman or minister of a religion. The Ravenal case represents an extreme situation where the person who purported to solemnize the marriage lacked, at least to the courts mind, any of the objective manifestations of attributes generally associated with ministers or clergy. The court appears to have been convinced that the solemnizing officer was a charlatan, claiming ecclesiastical authority by virtue of a mail order ordination granted by a corporate entity that would ordain all comers. Where the parties to the marriage and the person who solemnized the marriage belong to, or ascribe to, a genuine religious faith, then the authority of the officiating person must be recognized. The question of genuineness of religious faith is tested by objective criteria such as the regularity of worship and the existence of tenets or principles. The subjective values of the particular religion or faith are irrelevant, no matter how unconventional or no matter how unschooled in theology the clergyman appears to be. In cases where the denomination publishes a directory of its clergy, the registrant may show that he or she is listed in that directory. If the registrant's name does not yet appear in the denominational directory, the registrant claiming membership in that denomination may instead present written confirmation for that membership from the body that puts out the directory. Such confirmation can also consist of a certificate or letter showing that the registrant graduated from the seminary or theological school pertaining to the denomination In cases where the denomination does not have such a directory, the registrant must show several pieces of documentary proof of authority. First, the registrant must present an ordination certificate accompanied, if necessary, by an English translation thereof. Ordination certificates issued by the Universal Life Church or its affiliates are not acceptable as evidence of clerical authority based on Ranieri v. Ranieri, New York Law Journal, March 27, 1989. Ravenal v. Ravenal, 72 Misc.2d 100, 338 N.Y.S.2d 324 (Sup.Ct.N.Y.County 1972). In lieu of an ordination certificate, the registrant must present a license to minister or a letter of appointment from his or her religious body, i.e. from its hierarch or its board of trustees. Second, the registrant must present a letter from his or her local congregation verifying that he or she is the pastor or associate pastor of that congregation, and that the congregation therefore consents to the registering of that individual. Lastly, if the church is incorporated, the registrant must present a copy of the articles of incorporation. If the church is not incorporated, the registrant must submit a statement as to the location of the house of worship, the reason for its founding, the number of trustees, the approximate size of its congregation, and how often it meets. In cases where the registrant belongs to a denomination that does not have a directory and does not grant certificates of ordination or licenses to minister, the registrant must present a letter stating that he or she is the recognized spiritual leader of a congregation, and that the congregation therefore consents to the registering of that individual. The registrant must also submit a statement as to the location of the house of worship, the reason for its founding, the number of trustees, the approximate size of its congregation, and how often it meets. To be valid, a marriage ceremony must be performed by any of the individuals specified in Section 11 of the New York State Domestic Relations Law. These include: the mayor of a city or village; the city clerk or one of the deputy city clerks of a city of more than one million inhabitants; a marriage officer appointed by the town or village board or the city common council; a justice or judge of the following courts: the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, the U.S. District Courts for the Northern, Southern, Eastern or Western Districts of New York, the NYS Court of Appeals, the Appellate Division of the NYS Supreme Court, the NYS Supreme Court, the Court of Claims, the Family Court, a Surrogates Court, the Civil and Criminal Courts of New York City (including Housing Judges of the Civil Court) and other courts of record; a village, town or county justice. North Carolina: Marriage Officiants: Any ordained minister of any faith who is authorized to perform marriages by his church may do so. Ministers must complete the marriage license and return it to the register of deeds who issued it. For questions see the register of deeds. North Dakota: Marriage Officiants: Ordained ministers of the gospel and priests of every church may perform marriages. Ministers must file a certificate of marriage with the county judge who issued the license within 5 days after the marriage. Certificates must also be given to the persons married. For questions see the county clerk. Ohio: Marriage Officiants: To have legally recognized clergy status in Ohio, one must have ordination papers from a church recognized in Ohio. o Contact the Ohio Secretary of State at 30 E. Broad St., 14th Floor; Columbus, OH 43266-0418. Request the application for a minister's license. When you receive it, send the completed form, a photocopy of your ordination certificate, and a $10 check or money order to the above address. This will take 2-3 weeks. o By Ohio Law, licensed clergy must report suspected child or elder abuse to authorities, as well as follow State laws when marrying couples. A summary of the laws is provided at licensure. This license makes chaplaincy status at hospitals, etc. easier to obtain. Any ordained or licensed minister of any religious society or congregation within this state may perform marriages. Before performing a marriage, ministers must present their ordination credentials to the probate judge of any county. The judge will provide the minister with a license to perform marriages. The minister must then present his license to the probate judge in any county in which he performs a marriage. Ministers must send a certificate of marriage to the probate judge of the county which issued the marriage license within 30 days after the marriage. For questions see the clerk of the probate court. Oklahoma: Marriage Officiants: Oklahoma statutes provide for clergy who are not licensed therapists to give certain kinds of counseling. Clergymen may also visit prisoners. The law also provides a right to confidential communications with a clergyman acting in his professional capacity. In this state, the confidentiality belongs the communicant, not in the clergyman. Weddings o Constitution of Oklahoma: Article I 2. Religious Liberty Polygamous or plural marriages. Perfect toleration of religious sentiment shall be secured, and no inhabitant of the State shall ever be molested in person or property on account of his or her mode of religious worship; and no religious test shall be required for the exercise of civil or political rights. Polygamous or plural marriages are forever prohibited. Title 43 7 Solemnization of marriages. All marriages must be contracted by a formal ceremony performed or solemnized in the presence of at least two adult, competent persons as witnesses, by a judge or retired judge of any court of record in this state, or an ordained or authorized preacher or minister of the Gospel, priest or other ecclesiastical dignitary of any denomination who has been duly ordained or authorized by the church to which he belongs to preach the Gospel, or a rabbi and who is at least eighteen (18) years of age. The preacher, minister, priest, rabbi or ecclesiastical dignitary who is a resident of this state shall have filed, in the office of the court clerk of the county in which he resides, a copy of his credentials or authority from his church or synagogue authorizing him to solemnize marriages. The preacher, minister, priest, rabbi or ecclesiastical dignitary who is not a resident of this state, but has complied with the laws of the state of which he is a resident, shall have filed once, in the office of the court clerk of the county in which he intends to perform or solemnize a marriage, a copy of his credentials or authority from his church or synagogue authorizing him to solemnize marriages. Such filing by resident or nonresident preachers, ministers, priests, rabbis or ecclesiastical dignitaries shall be effective in and for all counties of this state; provided, that no fee shall be charged for such recording; but no person herein authorized to perform or solemnize the marriage ceremony shall do so unless the license issued therefor be first delivered into his possession nor unless he has good reason to believe the persons presenting themselves before him for marriage are the identical persons named in the license, and for whose marriage the name was issued, and that there is no legal objection or impediment to such marriage. Marriages between persons belonging to the society called Friends, or Quakers, the spiritual assembly of the BahaIs, or The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, which have no ordained minister, may be solemnized by the persons and in the manner prescribed by and practiced in any such society, church or assembly. Title 43 8 Endorsement and return of license. The person performing or solemnizing the marriage ceremony shall immediately upon the completion thereof endorse upon the license authorizing the marriage his name; official or clerical designation; the court of which he is judge or the congregation or body of which he is pastor, preacher, minister, priest, rabbi or dignitary, provided, that the authority to perform or solemnize marriages shall be coextensive with the congregation or body of which he is pastor, preacher, minister, priest, rabbi or dignitary; the town or city and county where the same is located; and signed by him with his official or clerical designation. The witnesses to the ceremony shall endorse the license authorizing the marriage with their names and post office addresses. The license with such certificate thereon shall be transmitted without delay to the judge or the court clerk who issued the same. Provided that all marriages solemnized among the society called Friends, or Quakers, the spiritual assembly of the BahaIs, or the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, in the form heretofore practiced and in use in their meetings shall be good and valid. One person chosen by such society, church or assembly shall be responsible for completing the certification of marriage pursuant to this title in the same manner as a minister or other person authorized to perform marriages. Such person shall be chosen by the society, church or assembly for this purpose. Oregon: Marriage Officiants: Ministers of any church organized, carrying on its work, and having congregations in this state may perform marriages in this state if authorized by their church to do so. Before performing marriages, ministers must file their credentials with the county clerk of the county in which they reside or in which the marriage is to be performed. Ministers must give the bride and groom a marriage certificate upon request. Also, the minister must send a marriage certificate to the county clerk who issued the marriage license within one month after the marriage. For questions see the county clerk. Pennsylvania: Marriage Officiants: Ministers of any regularly established church or congregation may perform marriages. Also, persons may marry themselves if they obtain a certificate from the clerk of the orphans court. Ministers must provide a certificate of marriage to the bride and groom. Also, they must send a marriage certificate to the clerk of the orphans court who issued the marriage license within 10 days after the marriage. For questions see the clerk of the orphans court. Rhode Island: Marriage Officiants: Everyone who has been, or is, the minister of any society professing to meet for religious purposes, or incorporated for the promotion of such purposes, and holding stated and regular services, and who has been ordained according to the customs and usages of such society may perform marriages. Ministers must obtain a license from the city or town clerk before performing marriages. Ministers must endorse and return the marriage license to the town or city clerk in which the marriage was performed. For questions see the town or city clerk. South Carolina: Marriage Officiants: Ministers of the gospel who are authorized to administer oaths in this state may perform marriages. Ministers must complete the marriage license and give one copy to the parties and the other two must be returned to the county judge of probate who issued it within 15 days after the marriage. For questions see the county judge of probate or his clerk. o Also, anyone that is a notary public in the state of South Carolina is authorized to perform marriage ceremonies. South Dakota: Marriage Officiants: Marriages may be performed by a minister of the gospel, or priest of any denomination. Ministers must provide the bride and groom with marriage certificates upon request. Ministers must also keep a record book of all marriages they perform. Finally, the minister must send a marriage certificate to the clerk who issued the marriage license within 30 days after the marriage. For questions see the clerk of courts. Tennessee: Marriage Officiants: (a) The laws are currently being revised. Texas: Marriage Officiants: Ordained Christian ministers and priests; Jewish rabbis and persons who are officers of religious organizations and who are duly authorized by the organization to conduct marriage ceremonies may perform marriages. Ministers must complete the marriage license and return it to the county clerk who issued it within 30 days after the marriage. For questions see the county clerk. Utah: Marriage Officiants: Ministers of the gospel or priests of any denomination who are in regular communion with any religious society may perform marriages. Ministers must provide a certificate of marriage to the county clerk who issued the marriage license within 30 days after the marriage. For questions see the county clerk. Vermont: Marriage Officiants: Ordained ministers residing in this state may perform marriages. Non-resident ordained ministers may perform marriages with the permission of the probate court of the district within which the marriage is to take place. Ministers must complete the marriage license and certificate of marriage and return it to the clerks office from which it was issued within ten days from the date of the marriage. For questions see the city/town clerk. Virginia: Marriage Officiants: The procedure in Virginia is less well defined. According to the official in Arlington County, you bring (in person) your certificate of ordination, a photo ID, and $16 the Clerks office of any Circuit Court. Then the clerk will ask you some questions about things like whether or not you have a congregation in Virginia, how many members, and whether your group is recognized as a religious group by the IRS. Then either the clerk will register you or buck the problem up to a judge. Nonresidents are eligible.  VA-resident non-clergy can sign up for a one-time permit to celebrate a wedding. Apply in person at the Clerk's office of any Circuit Court. Washington: Marriage Officiants: Regularly licensed or ordained ministers or any priest of any church or religious denomination anywhere within the state may perform marriages. Ministers must send two certificates of marriage to the county auditor within 30 days after the marriage. For questions see the county auditor. West Virginia: Marriage Officiants: The West Virginia Legislature adopted S. B. 59, establishing new provisions for the registration of religious representatives to be authorized to perform marriages in any county in West Virginia. The provisions replace previous requirements for registration with the county clerk, however approval of the bond or exemption from the bonding requirement was left with the county commission. Requirements for Registration: Proof of Age The registrant must be 18 years of age or older, and may show proof using a birth certificate, driver license, passport or military ID. Proof of Authority The registrant must be: duly authorized to perform marriages by his or her church, synagogue, spiritual assembly or religious organization; and in regular communion with that group of which he or she is a member. Bond The bonding requirement is waived if the registrant gives proof before the county commission of his or her ordination or similar formal authorization by the religious organization.  A bond of $1,500 with surety approved by the county commission, is required if the formal ordination or similar authorization is not provided. A letter from the members of a single congregation unaffiliated with a recognized religious body is not considered proof sufficient to be exempt from the bonding requirement.  Registry The Secretary of State will establish a registry of all persons authorized to perform marriages. o The law requires county clerks in the 55 counties to forward to the Secretary of State by October 1, 2001, the name of every person authorized since 1960 to perform marriages for inclusion in the registry. The Secretary of State must then forward the completed registry and periodic updates back to the county clerks. Wisconsin: Marriage Officiants: 765.16″ Marriage contract, how made; officiating person. Take each other as husband and wife, made before an authorized officiating person and in the presence of at least 2 competent adult witnesses other than the officiating person. The following are authorized to be officiating persons: (a) Any ordained member of the clergy of any religious denomination or society who continues to be an ordained member of the clergy. (b) Any licentiate of a denominational body or an appointee of any bishop serving as the regular member of the clergy of any church of the denomination to which the member of the clergy belongs, if not restrained from so doing by the discipline of the church or denomination. (c) The 2 parties themselves, by mutual declarations that they take each other as husband and wife, in accordance with the customs, rules and regulations of any religious society, denomination or sect to which either of the parties may belong. (d) Any judge of a court of record or a reserve judge appointed under s. 753.075. (e) Any circuit court commissioner appointed under SCR 75.02 (1) or supplemental court commissioner appointed under s. 757.675 (1). (f) Any municipal judge. (2m), An officiating person under sub. (1m) (a), (b), (d), (e), or (f) must be at least 18 years old. Wyoming: Marriage Officiants: Every licensed or ordained minister of the gospel may perform marriages. Ministers must give a marriage certificate to the bride and groom upon request and must return a certificate to the county clerk. For questions see the county clerk. ### Settings Settings Settings General Settings Email Settings Profile Visibility Settings Delete Account General Settings This is the page where you can change your email address or change your password. 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You can filter the order of this list: Newest First (default) or Oldest First. ### Fellowship ### EINs and Tax Exemptions The National Association of Christian Ministers is not a denomination.  Rather, it is a professional Christian ministerial association.  While we have members associated with denominations, our objective is to move beyond the spiritual limitations of division in pursuit of advancing the gospel by uniting the body of Christ (John 17:20-23).  That is our mission. For this reason, our members enjoy the freedom to independently govern their ministries according to the vision and callings directed by the Holy Spirit.  It is our purpose as a religious organization to recognize the calling of God to ministry upon the lives of Christian believers.  This is for the sole purpose of advancing the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Can NACM Members File for Tax Exemptions? The NACM recognizes ordination for the spreading of the gospel.  In accordance with this, the US government may grant certain benefits regarding the ability to officiate marriages, tax exemptions, etc.  These things are beyond our purpose; however, we do recognize that people can benefit from them.   For this reason, we do not restrict our affiliated ministers from applying for these benefits.  Although, it should be noted that we make no claims regarding what the IRS or other governing bodies will or will not recognize for these permissions.  It is the independent minister’s responsibility to know the laws and act in accordance with them. We have no objective in the assistance of ministers to pass through the financial stipulations of governments in the hopes of not having to render unto Caesar (Mark 12:17).  These matters move beyond the scope of anything outlined in scripture as a means by which to fund ministry or churches. We have no objections to ministers seeking an exempt status from paying taxes.  However, those must do so under the privileges afforded to independent ministers. The NACM does not solicit donations.  This decision was made at the very beginning of the organization's establishment on March 26, 2009.  We refuse to be brought into moral judgment for the sake of tax deductions. This rational is to protect our organization from any accusation as a tax shelter, While upholding our vision and policies, devoid of the politics often accompanied by a dependence upon funding by donations. For this reason, the NACM continues to have no necessity to seek tax-exempt status with the IRS.   Therefore, ministers seeking tax exemptions must do so independently.  While the NACM has an IRS issued EIN, it also pays taxes to the IRS. The request for our EIN typically comes from a misunderstanding in the 501c3 application as it pertains to that of denominational affiliation.  However, we are not an association of churches, but rather an association of independent ministers.  The truth is that ordination is not a requirement in order to file for exempt status. For this reason, the organization's EIN is of no benefit to its members for pursuit of tax-exempt status.  Furthermore, adding it to a 501c3 application could result in the IRS rejecting the request for exemption. Further Considerations Ministers, ministries, and church directors must consider if it is necessary to file for exemption in the first place. The IRS states that churches meeting the criteria of tax exemption are automatically exempt and are not required to file. Additionally, they must consider the work which God has given them to do, and how much control they are willing to give the government in exchange for tax exemptions.  For many, this is becoming a serious concern -all the more as we see the recent changes in legislation making provisions, protections, and celebrations of sexually deviant behavior, etc. 1) The church is the Body of Christ.  Article 13 in our Statement of Faith states, We believe that Christ is the Head of the church, which should be governed by Him (Eph.5:23). Christ governs the Church by means of His Body the children of God who are led by the Spirit (Romans 8:9;16).  Whenever the church subjects itself to the governance of the IRS, it has bound its hands and feet to secular regulations in order to maintain its tax-exempt status. Why is this status important?  For two reasons: 1) to escape the requirements of taxation, and 2) To guaranteed financial donors the personal benefits of deductions from their responsibilities to pay taxes. Apart from the obvious quote to render unto Caesar, Jesus said in Mat. 6:3-4: (3).  But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, (4).  so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. (ESV). There is nothing secret about churches issuing contribution statements at the end of the year. As an organization, we have no position against filing for tax exemptions.  However, we have an obligation to God above every other authority.  As US citizens, we enjoy freedoms which most of the World could not dream of having.  At the top of our constitutional rights is our freedom of religion. "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof." If for no other freedom, this one alone makes America a great country.  However, the constitution also makes it clear that we are not ruled by a Christian government.  Today, the greatest political opposition the church is battling is its position regarding the acceptance of sexually deviant behavior.  Should deviants be permitted “holy” matrimony?  Even worse, should they be installed as pastors in the Body of Christ? The word of God makes the answer to these questions very clear, which is no!  However, the same government which decides upon tax-exempt statuses now celebrates sodomy for a month out of the year. Despite the moral implications which follow, there are legal implications for the church in respect of this decision.  Will a tax-exempt status be challenged by churches who: Refuse to approve sexually deviant behavior as holy and acceptable before God. These are just a few of the implications which follow.  At the very least, it seems realistic to project that the tax-exempt status will soon be brought into question over such matters.  As demonstrated, the whole matter is complicated to no end.  But the truth of the complication stands in one factor alone: can I claim a deduction on my taxes?  What would Jesus say?   ### Member Orientation The administrators of our network have and continue to invest a great deal of attention to answering many of the questions we hear repeatedly from new members.  It is to your advantage that you complete the member orientation below. 1. Click Here to Begin Member Orientation