The SKMB Faith and Life Team (FLT) has been tasked by the Saskatchewan Conference to assist member churches in matters of theology and spiritual care. It is also the role of the FLT to work alongside churches in credentialing SKMB pastors, youth and children directors, camp directors and chaplains. 

What are the BENEFITS of Credentialing with the SKMB?

• Provides for a formal, public identification with a faith community that has, and continues to have, a world-wide Gospel impact.
• Provides for a formal, public identification with a specific historical and biblically anchored Confession of Faith.
• Provides for a formal, public identification with a specific provincial mission and vision beyond the local ministry one is engaged in: To support SKMB churches and camps in making disciples.
• Provides for a formal, public identification with a specific national mission and vision beyond the local ministry one is engaged in: We exist to multiply Christ-centered churches to see Canada transformed by the good news of Jesus Christ.
• Tests, enlarges and fosters one’s theological convictions and ministry practices.
• Establishes a means for accountability of one’s belief and behavior.
• Formally connects one to a specific Christ-centered cadre.
• Provides one with credentials from a known and respected denomination.
• Provides an approval and affirmation of one’s ministry that can be employed in other settings.
• Provides one’s organization with a confidence that their worker has passed a substantive measure of theological and ministry testing.
• SKMB applies to Saskatchewan Justice for a permanent license to officiate weddings for one who is successfully credentialed provincially/nationally and a temporary license for those credentialed locally or site specific.
• Provides legal support for income tax purposes under the Clergy Housing provisions of the Canadian tax code.

As a FLT, we are asking SKMB churches and camps to adhere to the following steps as they seek new staff:

• Have the pastoral candidate submit a completed Ministry Questionnaire to the Faith and Life Team prior to candidating. The Ministry Questionnaire examines a person’s faith story, theological views, ethical views, ministry practice and lifestyle.
• Once the Faith and Life Team receives the Ministry Questionnaire, they will review it in a timely manner.
• The Faith and Life Team will then schedule a face to face interview with the person. In this interview, questions will be asked to gain clarification and further insight.
• After the interview has taken place, the Faith and Life Team will determine the person’s credentialing status and inform the church, the person and the Saskatchewan Director of Ministry.
• All candidates for credentialing must attend the Pastors Credentialing Orientation. Learn More

The importance of following these steps cannot be overstated. It helps ensure the person is a theological “fit” within the conference and may save the church theological angst in the future. 

We understand that in certain circumstances special arrangements may need to be made.  On those occasions, we request that the church or camp leadership discuss the matter as quickly as possible with the FLT.

Please understand that pastors will now have to be a credentialed in order to be registered permanently with Saskatchewan Justice (so they can perform marriages).  It has come to our attention that the Canada Revenue Agency has been asking some pastors in other provinces to provide proof of denominational credentialing in order to claim the clergy housing allowance.  In the future, we may see this taking place in Saskatchewan. 

We look forward to working alongside you as you seek new staff for your church or camp.

Encouraging, equipping and partnering with the church along mission pathways!

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