LICENSURE

Licensure to preach in the PCA is not an essential step in the process of ordination unless a man preaches on a regular basis in PCA pulpits during candidacy and internship. Great Lakes Presbytery has defined “on a regular basis” as preaching more than 12 times in the Presbytery in a year. If you preach more than that you must be licensed by Presbytery. Licensure can occur before, during or after an internship. Licensure may also be granted to ruling elders, to non-PCA ministers, or to PCA teaching elders ordained in other presbyteries, or others desiring to preach in Great Lakes Presbytery.

The candidate must have completed the following documents for licensure:

1. A completed “Licensure Application.”
2. A recent personal photograph (unless submitted as part of candidacy process).
3. A completed “Examination on Views.”
4. A completed set of examinations: English Bible, Theology and Church Government.
5. Sermon materials as described in the “Guidelines for Sermons Submitted to Great Lakes Presbytery.”
6. A written request for you to become a Student (or Stated) Supply from the Session of the church you intend to supply (if applicable). This request must be renewed annually.

Who should seek Licensure?

• You need to be licensed if you preach more than once a month in one of the pulpits of the Great Lakes Presbytery.

• Depending on the frequency of preaching, you may need to be licensed in order to become an intern of this presbytery.

• You need not be a candidate of this presbytery in order to be licensed.

The PCA's Book of Church Order explains the process in greater detail.  Go here to find BCO 19.

You may find a listing of the various forms required for Licensure HERE.

YOU MUST:

• be examined in the areas of Christian Experience, Theology, English Bible, and Church Government. This examination will be three-fold. First, you will take a written examination at a scheduled time approximately two weeks before the Committee meets. Second, the Committee is charged to give you an oral examination in the same areas. Finally, the full presbytery will examine you again in these areas at its stated meeting.
• also be expected to preach at presbytery
• contact the chairman of the Committee for exact dates, times and locations of Committee meetings and examinations

Terms:  Licensure will expire at the end of four years, at which time the licentiate may apply for renewal.