EMC Essentials

Ministerial Rudiments

EMC Essentials is the Ministerial Credentialing Program for all EMC Pastors, ministers and missionaries.

The Essentials registration takes place in early fall and registrants will be provided with a list of course materials and the schedule. Teaching sessions run from November to April and are followed by a examination interview with the Ministerial Examination Committee in June (schedule is somewhat flexible) for those who complete coursework and are prepared to be credentialed in EMC.

As a participant in the Essentials program, you will be part of a group of individuals who are all working towards the same objectives. That goal is not just to pass a course. The real goal is to refine the calling of the Lord upon your life and to provide you with the essential elements needed to be a servant leader within or from the platform of the EMC.

Module 1 - Doctrine & Beliefs

    • Introduction to basic Biblical theology and the EMC statement of faith

    1. EMC Statement of Faith

    2. Doctrine of Salvation

    3. Biblical Theology

    • Completion of Biblical Studies program at a recognized College or Seminary

    • *Although a candidate may be exempt from having to take the module for credentialling, they will be encouraged to take it for their own ministry development. This module will be video based with group discussion.

Module 2 - Anabaptist Practices

    • An overview of what it means to be Anabaptist and specifically EMC.

    1. Mennonite & Anabaptist History

    2. An Anabaptist Worldview

    3. Being Evangelical Mennonite

    • Credentials, in good standing, with a recognized anabaptist denomination and at least five years of experience.

    • *Although a candidate may be exempt from having to take the module for credentialling, they will be encouraged to take it for their own ministry development. This module will be video based with group discussion.

Module 3 - Ministry Essentials

    • Completion of a Ministry Profile

    • Connection with an EMC Ministry Mentor (min. 2 sessions)

    • One-on-One with the Conference Pastor

    1. Discerning Your Gifts & Calling

    2. Ministry Lessons Learned

    3. Intentional Spiritual Growth

    • *Module 3 would not be a group session. This is an individualized time and customized for each participant. For Missionaries their one-on-one time would be with the Director of Global Outreach..

Module 4 - Being a Minister

    • Review the Ministers Manual

    • Set the expectation of being an engaged minister with the EMC

    • Review policies related to pastoral ethics and right conduct.

    1. Called to Serve

    2. Being An Active Minister

    3. Ministry Disciplines & Practices

    • *Missionaries may take part of a specialized Module - Being a Missionary. This would be developed by EMC Global Outreach.

Module 5 - EMC Practices

    • Overview of the operational components of the EMC and current activities

    • Conduct the interview and establish the Credentialing Next Steps.

    1. EMC Mission & Vision

    2. EMC Structure & Governance

    3. Credentialling Process

    • *Module 4 and 5 would be incorporated into a weekend retreat. Interviews may be dispersed throughout the weekend.