Anyone who feels called to ministry and aligns with Open Bible’s beliefs and mission can apply. Applicants must meet certain educational and doctrinal requirements based on the level of credentials they seek.

Open Bible offers four levels of credentials:

• Ministerial License – Entry level credential for those beginning in ministry.

• Certified Ministerial License – For pastors and ministry leaders ready for expanded responsibilities.

• Ordination – Highest level of credentialing, awarded to those with proven leadership and ministerial effectiveness.

• Specialized License – For ministry roles requiring specific approval.

Fill out the Getting Acquainted form. After submission, a member of our team will contact you to discuss the next steps.

Educational requirements vary by level:

• Ministerial License – Applicants should have completed at least one college level course in Spiritual Growth and Christian Living. Programs like INSTE Discipleship 1 and 2 or equivalent training meet the requirements. If you have taken a Christian education program and are unsure if it qualifies, reach out to credentials@openbibleeast.org for guidance. If you have not met the education requirement yet, we can help you find the right training program.

• Certified Ministerial License – Requires additional education beyond the Ministerial License, including New Testament and Old Testament Survey, Hermeneutics, and Homiletics. These courses can be taken through our Open Bible program, Acquire.

• Ordination – At least three years of active ministry experience as an Open Bible Minister in addition to previous requirements.

No. While Bible college training is beneficial, Open Bible East provides alternative pathways like INSTE, an online discipleship and leadership program that meets educational requirements. We also acknowledge many ministry school certificates and online Bible school programs, evaluating them on a case-by-case basis to determine their alignment with credentialing requirements.

The timeline depends on how quickly an applicant completes each step, including coursework, assessments, and required documents. Most applicants finish the process in two to four months, but delays can occur if transcripts are needed. If you need to request transcripts from a school, we recommend doing so as soon as possible to avoid delays.

Overview of the Process:

1. Getting Acquainted – Submit the initial interest form.

2. Application & Assessments – Complete the full application, background check, and doctrinal assessment.

3. Orientation – Learn about Open Bible, our statements of faith, and our official statements.

4. Interview – Meet with the credentialing committee.

5. Final Approval – Receive confirmation from Open Bible leadership.

6. Credentialing Ceremony – Celebrate your credentialing milestone.

The process is designed to ensure that each applicant is prepared for ministry while making the journey as smooth and accessible as possible.

Yes. There is an $85 credentialing fee and an $18 fee for the Spiritual Gifts Assessment. Renewal fees apply annually.

Once you submit your form, our team will review it as quickly as possible. We make it a top priority to get back to you as soon as possible. Here’s what happens next:

• A District Director or regional staff member may reach out to connect with you and learn more about your calling.

• Your form will then be reviewed by the Regional Executive Director for initial approval (typically within 1 to 5 days).

• If approved, you will receive an email invitation to the Pathway to Credentials, where each step will be clearly laid out to guide you through the process.

We understand that life circumstances vary, and we approach each situation with grace and understanding. If you have been divorced or remarried, a Regional Executive Director will have a personal conversation with you to learn more about your story and discuss the credentialing process. Our goal is to walk alongside you as you pursue your calling in ministry.