Got Credentials? You Bet You Do.

Some folks have impressive credentials—titles like Dr., Rev., or Esq.—attached to their name. Those designations usually come after years of study, sacrifice, and a mountain of coffee. My pastor, for example, recently earned his doctorate and humbly says, “You don’t have to call me Dr. Spencer.” But oh, he earned it — and we’re proud of him!

But titles alone don’t define a person. Pastor Jonathan is also a husband, a daddy, a friend… and a fellow believer, just like you and me.

Now, I may not have a framed degree or a title before or after my name, but friend, let me assure you—I’ve got credentials. And if you’re a follower of Jesus Christ, you do too.

Here’s just a peek at the credentials we carry:

Donna Noble, COG – Child of God (Galatians 3:26)

NC – New Creation (2 Corinthians 5:17)

DW – Doer of the Word (James 1:22, 25)

AC – Ambassador for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20)

LW – Light of the World (Matthew 5:14)

MC – More than a Conqueror (Romans 8:37)

FD – Forgiven Daughter (Matthew 26:28)

FWM – Fearfully & Wonderfully Made (Psalm 139:14)

WDF – Worth Dying For (Romans 5:8)

FB – Fruit Bearer (John 15:5)

And the best part? No tuition required. No entrance exam. These aren’t earned — they’re received by grace through faith.

Our God-given credentials don’t come from earthly institutions; they come from belonging to Him. And with those credentials comes the privilege — and the responsibility — of representing Christ in all we do: with our words, our actions, and the way we love others.

So the next time someone asks if you’ve got credentials, you can smile and say, “Oh, I’ve got plenty.”