How Forefront Understands the Roles of Clergy
As of January 2021, Forefront Church began working in a triune leadership model. In 2022, Forefront continues to thrive in this leadership model with three co-pastors. These three individuals share responsibility for overall management and decision-making at the church. The clergy definitions we will share below are intended to honor the different traditions and tracks for pastoral ministry within different Christian traditions. In some Christian traditions, clergy are expected to complete formal education such as Bible college and or seminary, while in other faith traditions formal education is not expected. For instance, in the United Methodist Church, they will appoint non-seminary trained persons to serve as licensed local pastors of churches. This often happens for clergy still discerning their call to ministry, those in seminary, and or those for whom seminary may not be an option at the time for financial or personal reasons. Nonetheless, certain denominations have made it possible for folks to live into their calling with or without formal education.
Forefront is introducing new language and a two-track process for folks seeking to be a Pastor where they will be licensed as local pastors exclusively at Forefront, and another track for those who have graduated from seminary and seek to be ordained as Reverends for local or broader work. F
Licensed Local Pastor
What is a licensed local Pastor?
A local pastor (also known as a minister) exhibits the skills necessary to perform the duties and responsibilities of a local pastor and in doing so has been commissioned by Forefront to serve the congregation in this specific context. They are not ordained by another denomination or independent congregation. Additionally, a local pastor’s oversight is only within the congregational setting of Forefront where they have been licensed. They can however perform the weddings and burials of non Forefronters. Local pastors serve under the oversight of the Forefront Leadership Team and Executive Council as the licensing body for pastoral ministry at Forefront. If a licensed local pastor is no longer employed by Forefront, the licensure is no longer active.
Why be a licensed local Pastor?
If God is calling you to become a pastor, but you do not see seminary or formal religious training as the best path for you right now, you may consider this option. The title of licensed local pastor may be right for you if perhaps you’re currently in seminary but have not yet obtained your degree or ordination, or you are currently working or have worked in a pastor-like position.
What are the potential duties and responsibilities of a local pastor?
Most local pastors,
Preach and teach on occasion
Lead in worship and liturgy
Provide pastoral care to congregants
Assist in performing the sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion at Forefront
Perform the services of marriage (where state laws allow) and burial
What criteria does one have to meet to be a licensed local pastor?
Be on part-time or full staff at Forefront
Pass a background check
Align with the values, mission, and theological distinctive of Forefront
Completed preaching Bootcamp or some form of preaching and teaching training
Must have a strong sense of ethical and professional boundaries, as well as exhibit cultural competencies
Must be actively anti-racist, pro-LGBTQIA+ inclusion, and affirm the full equality and inclusion of women in life and ministry
The Leadership Team and Executive Council must affirm this person's giftings for pastoral ministry and competencies in fulfilling the duties and responsibilities
Can a licensed local pastor claim tax exemptions or housing allowance?
Yes, if you’re an employee of Forefront as a licensed local pastor then according to the IRS Topic No. 417 Earnings for Clergy
“A licensed, commissioned, or ordained minister who performs ministerial services as an employee may be able to exclude from gross income the fair rental value of a home provided as part of compensation (a parsonage) or a housing allowance provided as compensation if it is used to rent or otherwise provide a home.”
Ordained Pastor/Reverend
What is an Ordained Reverend?
An Ordained Pastor (also known as a Reverend) is someone who is typically seminary and or bible college-trained at an accredited University. Upon their schooling, a denomination, association, or independent congregation recognizes both their training and the skills necessary to perform the duties and responsibilities of an ordained pastor and in doing so ordains and authorizes them for vocational ministry. As an interdenominational church that acts independent of any denominational structure, we hold the privilege to either recognize the ordination of the hiring clergy by their former tradition or commission them for ordained ministry. While an ordained pastor may serve under the oversight of their ordaining body (a denomination or independent church) they also serve under the oversight of the Forefront Leadership Team and Executive Council as their employer. If an ordained pastor no longer is employed by Forefront, but Forefront ordained them, that licensure will still be active unless the Leadership Team and Executive Council determine that they’re no longer in good standing for their ordination (i.e assault or abuse resulting in the withdrawal or suspension of their ordination)
Why be an Ordained Pastor/Reverend?
If God is calling you to serve in vocational ministry and seminary or an equivalent degree track is appealing to you as a long-term career with a denomination or independent congregation.
What are the potential duties and responsibilities of an Ordained Reverend?
Most ordained pastors,
Preach and teach regularly
Lead in worship and liturgy
Provide pastoral care to congregants
Assist in performing the sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion
Perform the services of marriage and burial
What criteria does one have to meet to be an Ordained Reverend at Forefront?
Continual partnership with Forefront (i.e. full- or part-time staff, guest preaching, teaching a workshop or seminar, etc.)
Pass a background check, psych exam, and can articulate their faith journey
Align with the values, mission, and theological distinctive of Forefront
Completed formal education at a seminary and/or an accredited bible college
Must have a strong sense of ethical and professional boundaries, as well as exhibit cultural competencies
Must be actively anti-racist, pro-LGBTQIA+ inclusion, and affirm the full equality and inclusion of women in life and ministry
The Leadership Team and Executive Council must affirm this person's giftings for ministry and competencies in fulfilling the duties and responsibilities of this role
Can an Ordained Reverend claim tax exemptions or housing allowance?
Yes, if you’re an employee of Forefront then according to the IRS Topic No. 417 Earnings for Clergy
“A licensed, commissioned, or ordained minister who performs ministerial services as an employee may be able to exclude from gross income the fair rental value of a home provided as part of compensation (a parsonage) or a housing allowance provided as compensation if it is used to rent or otherwise provide
It is our hope that Forefront would be a place that could raise up leaders who aim to usher in the next 500 years of Christianity and believe that this track for licensing and ordaining will empower more learners to live into their calling for Christian ministry while honoring the many different traditions of our faith.