History, Theology and Polity Course

The EFCA History, Theology and Polity course is considered the baseline for any/all of the credentials in the EFCA. If one desires to minister in the EFCA and be licensed and eventually receive their Certificate of Ordination or Certificate of Christian Ministry, this material is mandatory. In the past, this class was only offered at our EFCA seminary, so all those who desired to minister in the EFCA and who did not attend our seminary were required to meet this requirement through independent study. We now offer the class in an intensive, two-day format in other locations. We believe there is much to be gained in a class setting versus the independent study format.

This class will be offered in person and online.

Objectives

• Designed for those seeking a greater understanding of the EFCA or anticipating possible credentialing. Attention is paid to history, polity, doctrine, missionary outreach and current trends. Attendees are challenged to consider these distinctives in relation to their own concepts of ministry context and potential.
• Attendees will become familiar with the heritage and distinctives of the Free Church in order to appreciate its present structure, ministry and mission.
• Participants will envision how God might use them in furthering His kingdom through the Free Church.
• Participants will fulfill one of the key requirements for credentialing in the EFCA.

Topics will include many/most of the following:

• Church, churches and denominations
• History
• Polity
• Statement of Faith (doctrine/theology)
• National and district partnership
• Credentialing and placement
• ReachNational
• ReachGlobal
• Pastoral care
• Ministry Advancement
• Christian Investors Financial (CIF)
• Free Church Ministers' and Missionaries' Retirement (FCMM)
• Education (Trinity Evangelical Divinity School)

Required reading

It is recommended you read the three books listed below prior to the course. (It is required that the books are read before receiving a permanent Certificate.) These books are available at NextStep Resources, the EFCA Bookstore, and they can be ordered online or by calling 800-444-2665.

• Theology: EFCA Spiritual Heritage Committee, Evangelical Convictions, 2nd Edition
• History: Gustafson, David, Evangelical Heritage (Brand New) OR
  Hanson, Calvin, What it Means to be Free! A History of the EFCA
• Ethos: Olson, Arnold T., The Significance of Silence

Ministry License Paper

A Ministry License paper must be presented to your district as part of the EFCA credentialing process but is not a pre-requisite for the class.

Cost

• The cost for the class is $50 for those attending in person, and pre-registration is required.
• Payment can be made online—for a one-time gift, put in $50 in the “Other” box and "8008" in the "Designation" box—mailed the EFCA National Office (Attn.: Dani Richards) or brought with you the day of the course.

Learn more

If you're interested in learning more about the course, you can reach out to credentialing@efca.org.