Senior Pastor
An official worker licensed by the district and officially recognized as the one having general oversight of a C&MA church or, in some cases, a non‐C&MA church within that district. Read a testimonial from an Alliance Senior Pastor.
Qualifications
- Articulate a specific divine call to serve God in vocational Christian ministry.
- Evidence a godly and exemplary lifestyle as prescribed in 1 Timothy 3:1–7.
- Display a growing walk with God by developing the disciplines of prayer, worship, personal devotions, and the application of the Word to daily life and committing to lifelong learning.
- Demonstrate a passion for the lost in personal life and an ability to train others to reach the lost.
- Reflect a working knowledge of the Bible, biblical theology, hermeneutical principles, and Great Commission ministry.
- Understand and commit to the mission, vision, and distinctives of the C&MA and submit to constituted authority as defined by the C&MA.
- Abstain from alcohol and tobacco.*
- Abstain from any addictive practices (e.g., gambling, illegal drugs, and pornography).
- Submit a completed C&MA application for licensed ministry and a doctrinal questionnaire.
- Acquire approval for ministry through a national or district accreditation interview as administered by National Church Ministries (NCM).
- Maintain active current membership in a C&MA church. Any exception must have the approval of the district superintendent and the LO&CC.
*Abstinence by an official worker is a standard of personal conduct he/she sets as an example to others, in a culture where the abuse of alcohol and tobacco takes a heavy toll on individuals, families, and the larger community. A fuller rationale for this position is available from Church Ministries.
Academic Requirements
- Graduation from Alliance Theological Seminary in the master-level program including 30 hours of Bible/theology/ministry.
- Graduation from an Alliance college or graduate school with a vocational ministry major including 30 hours of Bible/theology/ministry.
- Graduation from an accredited non-Alliance college, seminary, or graduate school with a vocational ministry major including 30 hours of Bible/theology/ministry.
- Completion of the approved Ministerial Study Program or approved Theological education by Extension (TEE) Program.
- Completion of an Alliance distinctives and polity course as approved by CM.
The LO&CC has the authority to waive or adjust the academic requirements in cases where the candidate demonstrates an equivalent level of biblical, theological, and practical preparation.
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