Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some of the most frequent questions asked about the ECA:
1. How many credentialed ministers are in the ECA?
There are about 2,300 worldwide; including Military Chaplains, Missionaries, Evangelists, Pastors, Teachers, Para-church workers, Hospital, Prison, Police and Fire Chaplains, etc.
2. How much are your annual dues?
Annual Membership Dues are $125.00. (All Foreign applicants must submit their Annual Membership Dues in a U.S. Money Order.
3. Would I have to travel in order to be Licensed or Ordained, if accepted?
While we encourage our applicant to appear in person to a regional or national event, we realize that this may be a hardship. In such circumstances, we would seek a qualified ECA Member for assistance in your area to serve as Chairperson of the committee which would oversee your Examination Interview, and for those who are being Ordained, conduct an Ordination Service. In this case applicants are asked to be patient with the schedule of the committee.
4. What denominations and ministries recognize your credentials?
The ECA is a member with the National Association of Evangelicals (NAE), the Evangelical Council of Financial Accountability (ECFA), and the International Conference of Evangelical Chaplain Endorsers (ICECE). The ECA also has members in many major denominations.
5. What is the ECA’s Policy on the use of alcohol?
From the very beginning the Evangelical Church Alliance has required that members abstain from alcohol, tobacco, immoral practices and illegal drugs. This policy has been enforced throughout the entire history of the ECA for the following reasons:
6. What is the ECA’s policy concerning divorce?
According to Paul in 1 Tim. 4:12 the minister is called to be an example to believers in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith and in purity. The minister is also to have a good testimony among those who are outside, (the Church) lest he fall into reproach. 1 Tim. 3:7. Accordingly the Evangelical Church Alliance has adopted the following policy on “Divorce in the Ministry.”
DIVORCE FOR BIBLICAL REASONS
There are two reasons which permit divorce, according to scriptures as interpreted by the Board of Directors of the Evangelical Church Alliance.
If a spouse commits sexual immorality or departs the marriage as an unbeliever, the minister is free to divorce and remarry. However the minister should submit to godly counsel before making that decision.
When such a divorce/separation takes place it is the responsibility of the ECA Member to notify headquarters and supply a detailed report of the circumstances and cause of the divorce/separation. Each occurrence will be judged on its own merit.
DIVORCE FOR NON-BIBLICAL REASONS
When the minister is divorced for reasons other that the two reasons listed above the following policies will apply:
If the divorce/separation took place before the person, applying for membership, accepted Christ the divorce will not be considered in the application process.
If the minister is involved in a marriage that has become impossible, according to godly counsel, the minister may separate from the spouse (under 1 Cor. 7:10-11). The minister must submit to counsel (approved by ECA Headquarters) and make a genuine attempt to reconcile the marriage. To retain Credentials this minister must remain single and not date. There are many circumstances in marriage that become almost intolerable. However the minister must always bear in mind the teaching of Scripture and the vows and commitments made during the marriage ceremony. There are times when a minister must remain in a difficult situation and experience the “fellowship of His suffering.”
If a believing spouse initiates the divorce/separation, through no fault of the minister, the minister should submit to godly counsel and carefully follow the advice of the counselor. The minister must notify the ECA Headquarters of the situation as soon as possible and supply a detailed explanation of the circumstance. Unless and until the spouse who departed commits adultery or remarries the minister should remain single and not date.
If a member divorces or separates from their spouse for non-Biblical reasons the following process will be followed:
The President/CEO will request a detailed explanation of the circumstances of the divorce/separation to be submitted in typewritten form.
The President/CEO will review the submitted information and forward recommendations to the Chairman of the Board.
The Chairman of the Board will review the information along with the ECA Staff’s recommendations and determine the proper course of action. The Chairman will correspond with the Member informing him/her of his decision offering an opportunity for further input. If the Chairman decides to remove the minister from membership the member will have the opportunity (under ECA Constitution) to appear at a regular ECA Board meeting to appeal the Chairman’s decision.
A member who violates this policy and refuses to submit to correction will be subject to Discipline, as outlined in the Evangelical Church Alliance Constitution. Any applicant or candidate for membership must also meet the above criteria.
1. How many credentialed ministers are in the ECA?
There are about 2,300 worldwide; including Military Chaplains, Missionaries, Evangelists, Pastors, Teachers, Para-church workers, Hospital, Prison, Police and Fire Chaplains, etc.
2. How much are your annual dues?
Annual Membership Dues are $125.00. (All Foreign applicants must submit their Annual Membership Dues in a U.S. Money Order.
3. Would I have to travel in order to be Licensed or Ordained, if accepted?
While we encourage our applicant to appear in person to a regional or national event, we realize that this may be a hardship. In such circumstances, we would seek a qualified ECA Member for assistance in your area to serve as Chairperson of the committee which would oversee your Examination Interview, and for those who are being Ordained, conduct an Ordination Service. In this case applicants are asked to be patient with the schedule of the committee.
4. What denominations and ministries recognize your credentials?
The ECA is a member with the National Association of Evangelicals (NAE), the Evangelical Council of Financial Accountability (ECFA), and the International Conference of Evangelical Chaplain Endorsers (ICECE). The ECA also has members in many major denominations.
5. What is the ECA’s Policy on the use of alcohol?
From the very beginning the Evangelical Church Alliance has required that members abstain from alcohol, tobacco, immoral practices and illegal drugs. This policy has been enforced throughout the entire history of the ECA for the following reasons:
- A pastor is called to be an example to believers in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith and in purity. (1 Tim. 4:12) He must also have a good testimony among those who are outside (the Church) lest he fall into reproach. (1 Tim. 3:7)
- If a pastor cannot discipline his body and bring it into subjection he may become disqualified when he preaches to others. (1 Cor. 9:27)
- A pastor (bishop) must be blameless, not given to wine. (1 Tim. 3:1-3)
- A teacher will receive a stricter judgment. (James 3:1)
- A pastor who causes a little one to stumble will face the wrath of God. (Mark 9:42)
- We are told to remain sober, because the devil is seeking to devour us. (1 Pet. 5:8)
6. What is the ECA’s policy concerning divorce?
According to Paul in 1 Tim. 4:12 the minister is called to be an example to believers in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith and in purity. The minister is also to have a good testimony among those who are outside, (the Church) lest he fall into reproach. 1 Tim. 3:7. Accordingly the Evangelical Church Alliance has adopted the following policy on “Divorce in the Ministry.”
DIVORCE FOR BIBLICAL REASONS
There are two reasons which permit divorce, according to scriptures as interpreted by the Board of Directors of the Evangelical Church Alliance.
1. Sexual immorality on the part of a spouse. (Matthew 19:9)
2. An unbelieving spouse leaves the marriage. (1 Cor. 7: 10-13)
If a spouse commits sexual immorality or departs the marriage as an unbeliever, the minister is free to divorce and remarry. However the minister should submit to godly counsel before making that decision.
When such a divorce/separation takes place it is the responsibility of the ECA Member to notify headquarters and supply a detailed report of the circumstances and cause of the divorce/separation. Each occurrence will be judged on its own merit.
DIVORCE FOR NON-BIBLICAL REASONS
When the minister is divorced for reasons other that the two reasons listed above the following policies will apply:
If the divorce/separation took place before the person, applying for membership, accepted Christ the divorce will not be considered in the application process.
If the minister is involved in a marriage that has become impossible, according to godly counsel, the minister may separate from the spouse (under 1 Cor. 7:10-11). The minister must submit to counsel (approved by ECA Headquarters) and make a genuine attempt to reconcile the marriage. To retain Credentials this minister must remain single and not date. There are many circumstances in marriage that become almost intolerable. However the minister must always bear in mind the teaching of Scripture and the vows and commitments made during the marriage ceremony. There are times when a minister must remain in a difficult situation and experience the “fellowship of His suffering.”
If a believing spouse initiates the divorce/separation, through no fault of the minister, the minister should submit to godly counsel and carefully follow the advice of the counselor. The minister must notify the ECA Headquarters of the situation as soon as possible and supply a detailed explanation of the circumstance. Unless and until the spouse who departed commits adultery or remarries the minister should remain single and not date.
If a member divorces or separates from their spouse for non-Biblical reasons the following process will be followed:
The President/CEO will request a detailed explanation of the circumstances of the divorce/separation to be submitted in typewritten form.
The President/CEO will review the submitted information and forward recommendations to the Chairman of the Board.
The Chairman of the Board will review the information along with the ECA Staff’s recommendations and determine the proper course of action. The Chairman will correspond with the Member informing him/her of his decision offering an opportunity for further input. If the Chairman decides to remove the minister from membership the member will have the opportunity (under ECA Constitution) to appear at a regular ECA Board meeting to appeal the Chairman’s decision.
A member who violates this policy and refuses to submit to correction will be subject to Discipline, as outlined in the Evangelical Church Alliance Constitution. Any applicant or candidate for membership must also meet the above criteria.
