LICENSING OF MISSIONARIES

CANDIDATE/ASPIRANT

She must be subject to the direct supervision of the Pastor, Church Mother, or the Pastor’s Designate.

She must be dedicated to her Local Church, District, and Jurisdiction. She must demonstrate interest and concern about the ministry in prayer and be able to deliver a word or thought from the Lord. She should also be concerned about soul winning and have a sense of the inner call to the service of God.

It is recommended that she has a minimum of (2) years of pastoral observation before being recommended by her pastor to the Missionary Training Program.

She should display a pattern of good works, being loyal and obedient to her Pastor, Church Mother, and those in leadership. She must adhere to the doctrine and teaching of the church as it relates to proper dress code (no revealing under or outer garments; excessive jewelry; etc.). It is recommended that she not wear anything which misrepresents the lifestyle of holiness or distracts from delivering the Word of God.

It is also recommended that she accompany the local President of the various Outreach Ministries, deemed by the Pastor (hospitals visits, nursing homes visits, food drives, shelters, jail/prison ministry, community activities, etc.), to gain hands-on experience in the ministry.

After a minimum of (2) years of observation, her Pastor may recommend her to the Missionary Licensing Academy. Upon completion of the written and oral test, a Deaconess License will be issued. Missionaries with children nine (9) years old and younger are not eligible for an Evangelist Missionary License.

Licensing Process

A Letter of Recommendation from the Pastor to Missionary Licensing Academy, Evangelist Benita Duncan.
Completed an application to the Missionary Licensing Academy
Complete one-page essay.
The candidate will receive dates and times of courses.
Complete Sexual Misconduct Training.*
Undergo a Background Check.*
Upon successful completion of courses and written examination, there is a capping ceremony and a Deaconess License will be issued.

*This process must be completed in full before the Jurisdictional Secretary can request your Deaconess License from the national church.

THE MISSIONARY LICENSING ACADEMY

The Academy’s goal is to train and equip women to be effective in ministry. The Academy’s staff is committed to providing quality and biblically-based instruction. The participant will be an active participant by faithfully attending sessions and completing all assignments. To complete the class, participants must obtain an overall score of 80.

The Academy is designed to facilitate training and preparation from the final examination required to become a licensed Deaconess Missionary in the Church of God in Christ.

Pastors seeking to reactivate a Missionary can recommend a candidate to Audit some of the courses.

The Missionary Licensing Academy is a 9-month course, which begins in April and concludes in December. The official capping ceremony takes place the following year at the Jurisdictional Women’s Convention in May.
The Missionary Licensing Academy Tuition is $185.00. The complete habit attire is $210.
The National Church imposes a $35 fee for the initial Deaconess License.
Course Outline
o Understanding Your Call and Fulfilling Your Purpose

o The Ministry of the Missionary

o Introduction to Evangelism

o Intercession and Altar Ministry

o Introduction to the COGIC History

o History of the Department of Women in the COGIC

o Foundation of the Women’s Work in the COGIC

o Understanding the Doctrine and Ordinances of the COGIC

o Hermeneutics/Homiletics

o Decorum, Ethics, and Etiquette for COGIC Women

o Stewardship

o Paper/Sermon

o Exam Preparation