Clergy Recognition
Clergy Recognition is an official declaration by the Alliance of Baptists, that a person meets the Alliance’s standards to be an  Alliance-recognized clergyperson.
Clergy Recognition is a covenant relationship between the Alliance of Baptists and the clergypersons the Alliance recognizes. This allows ministers to meet certain professional requirements and have denominational recognition for employment. It confirms that a minister is in good standing with the Alliance and provides the minister with a professional denominational identity.
The Alliance pledges to provide support and connection in creative and evolving ways for recognized clergy as they carry out their ministries. Recognized clergy agree to on-going participation in the life of the Alliance, as well as maintaining communication and accountability to the Alliance.
Clergy Recognition addresses the following core standards through a process of written papers, interviews, and mutual discernment:
- Ministerial and theological integrity
- Good standing and accountability within the Alliance of Baptists
- Ability to work in ways that promote equity, collegiality, and diversity
- Willingness to adhere to the Alliance Covenant and Mission
- Commitment to sharing the good news of the Alliance of Baptists
- Continuing spiritual formation and growth
- Academic education, self-reflection training, and professional experience
Since 2010, the Alliance has recognized clergy to serve in numerous places such as congregations, chaplaincy, spiritual direction, and ministry settings in other denominations such as United Church of Christ and Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
The Alliance clergy recognition process is open to persons of any age, race, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, or sexual identity.
Read the Clergy Recognition Process & Procedures carefully to learn more about the requirements for recognition. Download the Clergy Recognition Application Form and submit all materials electronically to apply for recognition.
Unless an applicant is currently in the ordination process in an Alliance-affiliated congregation, the applicant must be an individual member of the Alliance of Baptists at least one year before his/her application will be considered. Give today to become a member.
Completed application materials are accepted in the Alliance of Baptists office and are reviewed on a rotating basis by the Clergy Recognition Community according to the following deadlines: March 1, June 1, September 1, and December 1. A decision regarding clergy recognition will be made no later than three months after the deadline.
The Alliance provides assistance to Alliance-affiliated congregations who are seeking to have a person who is in the ordination process in the congregation to have his/her ordination recognized by the Alliance.
To faciliate clergy recognition for the ordinand, the congregation agrees to:
- Contact Chris Copeland, Minister for Leadership Formation, to let the Alliance know of the congregation's desires and intenitons,
- Invite at least one Alliance member (not a member of the ordaining congregation) to participate in the ordination council of the ordination candidate, and
- Ask at least one Alliance member (not a member of the ordaining congregation) to partciipate in a leadership role in the ordination service of the ordinand.
Furthermore, the candidate will complete the Clergy Recognition Process prior to the ordination service. (Note that an ordination candidate in an Alliance-affiliated congregation is not required to be an individual member of the Alliance prior to being considered for recognition.) For assistance please email Chris Copeland, Minister for Leadership Formation.
As of June 1, 2011, the clergy registry no longer exists. All previous members of the clergy registry must submit an application for clergy recognition to be recognized clergypersons of the Alliance of Baptists.
All the details are included in a letter to members of the Alliance's clergy registry mailed in July 2010.
If you have questions or would like more information, contact Chris Copeland, Minister for Leadership Formation, either by email or phone: 866.745.7609 x203.
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