934. What is an "ordained", "commissioned", or "licensed" minister?

You are an "ordained", "commissioned", or "licensed" minister if you have been vested with ministerial status according to the procedure followed by your particular church's denomination. You do not have to be connected with a congregation. Your ministerial authority continues until it is revoked by your church.

Some churches have formal ordination procedures. For Social Security purposes, your commissioning or licensing as a minister must be recognized by your church as an ordination if your church follows such procedures.

Last Revised: Jun. 30, 2004