History of the Organization

The Evangelical Association was founded in 1963 by Godlymen and women who were moved by the Holy Spirit to band together for the purpose of promoting Evangelical Christianity throughout the World. They were motivated by a strong persuasion that the Bible, consisting of the sixty-six books of the Old and New Testaments is the Divinely inspired and inerrant Word of God.

The Association was founded in Winnipeg, Manitoba by leaders under the direction of Dr. Elmer S. McVety. They shared a vision to develop and build on Biblical principles. The Association is governed by a board of directors currently consisting of eight persons. This board appoints and dismisses all officials by a majority vote at a duly called meeting with at least a quorum in attendance.

The Evangelical Christian founded in 1904, was acquired in 1965 and published in subsequent years by the Association. Registration in Ontario was completed in 1967. The Association continues to operate and hold offices in Winnipeg and Toronto. As of 1998, the Association had approximately 10,000 persons involved in churches and ministries led by its 350 ordained and licensed members.

Nature of the Organization

We are interdenominational and nonsectarian in character. We believe that at certain periods of history and in various places, God raised up leaders for the purpose of calling men and women to Himself. From these leaders sprang the various denominations which God has used in effectually spreading the Gospel. We are not anti-denominational. Many of our members minister in denominational churches. However, we also believe that God has called others to minister outside the pales of the established denominations and that God has raised up The Evangelical Association to provide such ministers with credentials from a recognized ecclesiastical body.

To become a member of our Association one does not have to resign from other churches or reputable organizations. We are not competitive, but cooperative. Realizing that in unity there is strength our members have allowed denominational differences to fade into insignificance and have joined hands under our banner in the interest of Fundamental Christianity. We are a body of Evangelical ministers who hold our membership with the Association while we labour in our respective churches. However, independent and autonomous churches may belong to our Association and enjoy the communion and association of those of kindred mind without surrendering any of their independence.

Purpose of the Organization

We endeavour to be more than a mere mechanical institution issuing yearly credentials to Christian workers. We are vitally interested in the welfare and progress of each member and labour to be of as much help, comfort and inspiration to one another as we are able.

Our purpose is to promote Evangelical Christianity throughout the world.

This we endeavour to do by:

* Licensing and ordaining to the ministry those who are qualified and providing them with credentials from a recognized ecclesiastical body.

* Providing courses of study through Canada Christian College for those who have not had the opportunity of a seminary or Bible School training.

* Providing an organization for autonomous churches that they may have communion and association with other churches of like mind and still retain complete autonomy.

* Providing an organization in which members can find companionship through correspondence, meetings of the presbyters, and general conventions and association with each other.

* Cooperating with churches who call upon us for help in finding new pastors when vacancies occur in their pulpits.

Credentials

We recognize nine categories of Credentials for Christian workers:

* Ordained Pastor
* Licensed Pastor
* Ordained Evangelist
* Licensed Evangelist
* Ordained Missionary
* Licensed Missionary
* Lay Preacher
* Deacon - Deaconess
* Letter of Recognition

Conditions

Those who apply for credentials in the first six categories must meet the following conditions. They must:

* Be of good report and of good moral character.

* Be fully accredited through study at a seminary, college or Bible school.

* Take the course of studies prescribed by Canada Christian College.

* Those who have sufficient experience in proven ministry and are able to pass a general exam for Bible knowledge.

* Those who have been previously ordained or credentialed by organizations acceptable to us, upon furnishing credentials and evidence of the same will not be required to pass further examinations for credentials of the same level Upon meeting the above mentioned requirements no candidate shall be ordained until such time as he/she shall be able to meet with an ordination council approved by the Executive committee of E.A.. Those applying for credentials in the last 3 categories must meet the following conditions:

* Lay Preacher: Good moral character, working or planning to work as a pastor but as yet has been unable to complete the prescribed courses for Licensure. The candidate must be open to future studies at Canada Christian College in day classes, night classes or through the extension program and be able to comply with the conditions of the Minister’s manual for E.A.

* Deacon/Deaconess: A recommendation from the Senior pastor where you serve in this capacity. The opportunity for continuing education as an adult student is available for the category. CCC will give preference to those holding this credential for further study.

* Letter of recognition: This category is for those who wish to teach or minister on a periodical basis or to teach in churches on non-Biblical subjects, i.e. Finances, Administration, para-church activities etc. Those holding this credential will be given preference at Canada Christian College if they wish to do further studies to upgrade their credentials. Three letters of recommendation are required one of which must be from your own pastor. The candidate must be willing to comply with the conditions set out in the E. A. Minister’s Handbook. Persons in the last three categories will be required to be interviewed by council. The approval of your pastor or spiritual overseer will be required, to affiliate with the E.A..

Fees

A one-time administration fee of $25.00 plus a $50.00 annual membership fee must accompany each application. All accepted candidates will enjoy all the rights and privileges appertaining to their credential status which includes all conferences and functions of the E.A. and will be kept informed of such activities.

Credential application are available by writing to:

Dr. R. Thomas, Director
Evangelical Association
50 Gervais Drive, Don Mills, Ontario, M3C-1Z3

or pick up an application in person.

Phone (416) 444-0310
Fax: (416) 391-3969

What Should I Expect If Approved? After the council has approved your application for credentials and is satisfied as to your gifts and calling, the council will designate a day for the special occasion of bestowing the credential approved. This will be done in a divine service and in a decent and orderly fashion, and with due regard for the significance of the occasion, setting the candidate apart for the Gospel Ministry.

The question uppermost in considering an applicant for membership is not the number of college and seminary degrees he/she may have, but: “Is the applicant’s daily life a convincing testimony as to his/her having been born again? Is there evidence of a genuine call to ministry and a Godgiven ability to preach or carry out the Gospel work in such a way as to win souls to Christ?”

On the other hand, we place no premium on ignorance and urge all Christian workers to qualify themselves for God’s work as fully as they possibly can. For this reason Canada Christian College has extended itself to all who wish to prepare themselves for the work of the Lord.