General Guidelines for License and Ordination (Southern Baptist Churches)
Note: Each Southern Baptist church is autonomous and sets its own policies. Ordination is determined by the local church—not the association, state convention, or the Southern Baptist Convention.
License to Ministry
A license is the church’s tentative approval recognizing a man’s call to ministry while he demonstrates readiness for ordination.
Typical Process:
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Candidate publicly shares his call to ministry
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Requests a ministry license from the church
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Church votes to approve
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Certificate of License is issued
Ordination
Ordination typically occurs when a minister is called to serve in a church role.
Typical Process:
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Church calls the candidate to a ministry position
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Church (or home church) convenes an Ordination/Examining Council
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Council questions the candidate regarding conversion, call to ministry, doctrine, and qualifications
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Council votes whether to recommend ordination
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Church votes on the council’s recommendation
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Ordination service is held (including charges, sermon, prayer, laying on of hands, and presentation of certificate)
Many churches combine the council and service, though holding them separately can prevent potential embarrassment if ordination is not recommended.
