NACM Membership Accountability and Administrative Review Policy

(A Public Statement of Transparency, Integrity, and Biblical Stewardship)

At the National Association of Christian Ministers, we believe ministerial fellowship should reflect the character of Christ and the standards of Scripture.

Our mission is to nurture, equip, ordain, and license ministers who desire to serve the Lord faithfully by upholding honesty, integrity, and accountability.

Because of this commitment, we maintain clear policies that guide membership, credentialing, annual renewals, and administrative reviews within our fellowship.

This page is provided to ensure full transparency for those exploring membership, seeking ordination, or researching the beliefs and practices of our organization.

1. Our Commitment to Biblical Integrity

NACM leadership operates according to principles grounded in Scripture, including:

Let all things be done decently and in order (1 Corinthians 14:40).
Appoint elders in every town as instructed in Scripture (Titus 1:5 and Acts 14:23).
A leader must be above reproach as a steward of God, faithful in character, temperate, and sound in doctrine (Titus 1:7 and 1 Timothy 3:1 through 7).
The Holy Spirit has made overseers to care for the Church of God (Acts 20:28).
Elders are instructed to pray over those who are sick among us (James 5:14).

The following applies to all ministers of NACM, whether or not they serve as elders:

Jesus and the apostles teach that ministers are servants called to kindness, humility, faithfulness, and sacrificial service (2 Timothy 2:24, Mark 10:43 through 45, John 13:14 through 15, 1 Corinthians 4:1 through 2, 2 Corinthians 4:5, Matthew 23:11).
Concerns should be addressed discreetly and respectfully. Scripture instructs us to go first to the individual in private (Matthew 18:15 through 17).
Proverbs 6:16–19 warns against pride, deceit, violence against the innocent, plotting evil, running toward wrongdoing, false witness, and sowing division.
Human anger does not produce the righteousness of God (James 1:20).
Anger rests in the heart of fools (Ecclesiastes 7:9).
Anger leads to strife and wrongdoing (Proverbs 29:22).
The one who controls anger is mightier than the warrior (Proverbs 16:32).
Avoiding a quarrel is honorable and a calm spirit turns away conflict (Proverbs 20:3 and 15:18).
Believers are commanded to avoid quarrels and empty arguments that destroy hearers and lead to ungodliness.
Ministers must handle Scripture accurately and avoid disputes that spread like spiritual disease
(2 Timothy 2:14 through 17 and 23 through 26).

Every minister who joins NACM commits to uphold Christian character, civility, honesty, and self control in all areas of life and ministry. This standard applies everywhere they serve because such conduct reflects the essential character of a true minister of Jesus Christ. By maintaining a disciplined and Christlike manner of life, ministers help preserve unity and spiritual health within the Body of Christ.

2. Membership and Ordination: Free Services to the Qualified Body of Christ

NACM provides the following at no cost:

Membership
Ministerial licensing
Ordination recognition
The laying on of hands for qualified members who attend a State Gathering in the United States
Annual renewal of ministerial standing
Access to the ministerial fellowship
Access to the online community
Ongoing recognition of calling and ministry

These services are offered freely as an act of Christian service. There are no joining fees, no dues, and no charges for ordination.

Optional Credential Documents

Members who desire printed or taggable credential documents may purchase them for administrative and printing costs. These optional items are not required for membership, ministerial standing, or ordination status.

3. Membership and Credentialing Terms

Membership in NACM is a voluntary fellowship, not a civil license, employment contract, or guaranteed lifelong status.

As stated clearly in our Terms of Service:

Membership is granted at the discretion of the organization.
Ministerial recognition is granted based on full agreement with our terms, our statement of faith, conviction of sin, commitment to upright living before God, voluntary submission to ministerial accountability under the Executive Elders, testimony, sincerity, integrity, alignment with Christian conduct, and review of social or online content associated with the applicant.
Membership and credentials may be discontinued at the discretion of the NACM Executive Elders.

Many of our members cite this accountability as a primary reason for joining NACM.

4. Why Administrative Reviews Occur

NACM conducts administrative reviews of membership activity as needed. These reviews help ensure that all members:

Remain consistent with NACM’s ethical and spiritual standards
Uphold the testimony expected of ministers of the gospel
Honor the commitments affirmed at enrollment
Conduct themselves in a manner that reflects Christ in public and private settings

These reviews are not disciplinary hearings. They are a normal part of maintaining a healthy and trustworthy fellowship.

NACM follows the spirit of Matthew 18 by handling all reviews privately and respectfully, and we do not publicly disclose personal matters.

5. Documentation, Honesty, and Signed Certifications

Every applicant signs a legally binding certification acknowledging that:

All information submitted is true
Answers are given without intent to deceive
The signature is legally binding
The application is submitted under penalty of perjury

For this reason NACM retains:

Application materials
Signed certifications
Written correspondence
Administrative notes

These records are preserved according to standard nonprofit practices. If a regulatory body, review board, or legal authority formally requests information, NACM will provide the complete documentation in full compliance with the law.

6. Refund Policy and Acts of Christian Grace

Since membership, ordination, and renewal are free, NACM does not maintain a refund policy for these services. The only costs associated with NACM are for optional credential documents or optional training materials.

Although NACM is not required to provide refunds, the organization may choose to issue one as a courtesy in situations where it promotes peace, reflects Christian maturity, or prevents unnecessary conflict.

This reflects the principle of 1 Corinthians 6:7,

“Why not rather suffer wrong. Why not rather be defrauded.”

However, that verse applies equally to all believers. In such cases, refunds are voluntary expressions of grace, not obligations.

7. Confidentiality and Respect for All Parties

NACM does not publicly shame any member
NACM does not disclose private circumstances
NACM does not retaliate
NACM does not escalate disputes

Truthful Certifications and Use of Declarations Under Penalty of Perjury

We seek to respond according to the spirit of Matthew 5:44, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Our desire is always restoration, unity, and peace, even when fellowship must be discontinued. At the same time, for the sake of preserving the truth and integrity of our fellowship, all applicants are required to provide truthful information and to attest to its accuracy by signature under penalty of perjury.

A declaration under penalty of perjury is a legally recognized written statement in which the signer affirms that the information provided is true and correct.

Federal law permits such declarations to serve in place of sworn affidavits, as authorized under 28 U.S.C. § 1746.

This standard enables NACM to maintain reliable records and make decisions based on accurate information.

Providing false information in such a signed declaration can constitute perjury under federal statutes such as 18 U.S.C. § 1621 and 18 U.S.C. § 1623.

Such violations require proof of willfulness, knowledge of falsity, and material relevance to the matter at hand.

NACM does not pursue legal action itself, but will document and respond appropriately to slander or materially false accusations. We retain all signed certifications, application materials, and correspondence, including affirmed declarations under penalty of perjury. If a regulatory body, review board, or legal authority formally requests documentation, NACM will provide the complete record in full compliance with the law.

The NACM Is Not a Doormat

If a previous member chooses to engage in slander, false representation, or deliberate mischaracterization of the NACM, the organization will document all occurrences and preserve records. NACM reserves the right to respond through appropriate and lawful channels, including the presentation of documentation when required.

There are six things that the LORD hates, seven that are an abomination to him:
haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,
a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil,
a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers.

Proverbs 6:16–19 (ESV)

Our purpose in requiring truthful, attested information is not punitive but protective. It ensures integrity, accountability, and good order within the body of Christ, reflecting the biblical calling of ministers to walk in honesty and transparency before God and His people.

8. Conclusion: Our Heart for Ministry

The National Association of Christian Ministers exists to strengthen, affirm, and support sincere followers of Christ in their calling. Our accountability processes are voluntary, biblical, transparent, consistent, professional, and designed to preserve the integrity of the ministerial fellowship. We pray that all ministers, whether continuing with NACM or moving forward elsewhere, will flourish in their service to the Lord and proclaim the gospel with truth and love.