Responsibilities of a Licensed Minister

Assessment Events 

Some districts require those who hold or who are making their first application for a District Minister’s License to also attend an assessment event. An assessment event is a gathering designed to help each ministerial candidate increase her or his self-awareness and insight for the purpose of building healthy relationships and establishing essential spiritual formation practices. Most often, spouses are included in these events that may be held on a single day or over an entire weekend. 

Normally, there is some preparation required beforehand and the event itself includes times of conversation with resource personnel as well as sessions that instruct and inspire. These events not only equip you for life and ministry but also give your District Board of Ministry greater understanding of how to come alongside you as you continue your preparation for ordination and a lifetime of ministry.

Reporting Annually

Every person who has begun the process of preparing for ministry in the Church of the Nazarene is required to report annually. Those with a Local Minister’s License are to report to their local church (Manual 531.1). However, those who hold a District Minister’s License or who are ordained are members of the clergy and must report to their District Assembly each and every year. Your very first report as a District Licensed Minister is given to the District Assembly to which you are recommended for the first renewal of your district license. You will receive a report form from the District Secretary. The District Secretary is responsible for collecting reports from all members of the clergy on her or his district. Failure to report could jeopardize your standing as a member of the clergy (Manual 539.3).

Communicating with Your District Board of Ministry 

It is your responsibility to stay in communication with your District Board of Ministry throughout the process leading to ordination and as long as you have a ministry credential in the Church of the Nazarene (Manual 539.3). Be sure to update your District Board as soon as possible if… 

  • You change your contact information (email, phone, home address); 

  • Your marital status changes; 

  • You accept or change an assigned ministry role (for example, if you accept a position as a part-time youth pastor). Roles of ministry are discussed in Manual 505-528.2.

  • You change your local church membership;

  • You relocate to a new district. 

When transferring your local church membership, it is very important to inform your District Board of Ministry of this change as soon as possible. If you are transferring your membership to a local church on another district, you must also request your Board of Ministry to transfer jurisdiction of your ministerial credential (your district license) to your new district. In addition, you are required to provide your contact information to your new district and to let them know you have requested the transfer of your credential. 

While the credentialing process is generally the same from district to district, each district is unique in how it carries out that process. So if you move to a new district, ask about the credentialing process on the new district and inquire about important dates such as when license renewal applications are due and when and where the annual credentialing interviews are held. Of course, you will want to establish a strong relationship with your pastor who can provide guidance and support.


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