Expert: Mrs. Priscilla Lyons - 2/16/2010

Question
I came preached my first sermon on November 2, 2008 and I have attended the church I am in now for 10 years. Well I sit in the pulpit and I have preached one time since November 2, 2008. I have asked my Pastor about my license and he keeps telling me he got this. I am not sure what the procedure is for me to get my license but if you could help me out on this I would appreciate it.

Answer
Thank you for writing.  Different states may have different regulations, if any, and there's also the term of being ordained to the ministry.  As far as I know, if there are people willing to pay you to preach, then you are licensed as a minister.  A church may want to encourage someone to preach by having a service or ceremony specifically to qualify the person, ordain him, by having a panel of church elders or pastors ask Bible questions or doctrinal questions according to a denomination.
   It's good for you to continue to be faithful at your church, so you have their good recommendation, but reach out to others and let them know you're available to preach.  Perhaps a group of Christians will ask you to be their pastor in the future and you can ask them to ordain you or license you.
   May we reflect His glory in all we do, whether small or great!
   Priscilla