Become a Credentialed Minister

Become a Credentialed Minister

From call to credential: take your next step.
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Equip. Engage. Empower. 

One Calling, Three Levels:

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    1 . Certificate of Ministry

        For ministry laypersons, staff, and volunteers involved in part-time ministry and Christian service who want to enhance their ministry skills. 

        Certification Requirements: 


        • Complete Credentialing Education Requirements 
        • Participate in a valid ministry and devote a part of their time to Christian service  
        • Agree with and adhere to the Applicant Requirements  
        • Remain under the supervision of a pastor 
        • Must be at least 18 years of age

    2. License to Preach

        For those who desire to devote their life to preaching and operating in the full gospel ministry, show clear evidence of a Divine call, and wish to be active in full-time ministry.

        Licensure Requirements:


        • Meets all Certification level requirements
        • Complete Education Requirements for Certified and Licensed levels
        • Must hold a License to Preach for two consecutive years to be qualified to apply for Ordination

    3. Ordination

        For those who’ve dedicated their life to ministering full-time, give proof of their divine call and Christian maturity as outlined in the New Testament (I Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:7-9), and are qualified and able to undertake the responsibilities of full-time ministry.

        Ordination Requirements: 


        • Meets all Certification and Licensure level requirements
        • Complete the Education Requirements for all levels
        • Held License to preach for at least two consecutive years
        • Must be at least 23 years of age

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    Applicant Requirements

        • Articulate your own personal experience of coming to faith in Christ, water baptism by immersion, and having received the baptism in the Holy Spirit as an experience subsequent to salvation (Acts 2:4). 
        • Be prepared to tell your own story regarding your spiritual journey and how you experienced God’s call into ministry. 
        • Live an authentic Christian life characterized by honesty, integrity, and the fruit of the Holy Spirit (I Timothy 4:12). 
        • Demonstrate a thorough understanding of, and agreement with, the doctrinal positions of the Assemblies of God as contained in the Statement of Fundamental Truths. 
        • Be familiar and in agreement with the core values, mission, and vision of the General Council of the Assemblies of God and Georgia Assemblies of God as contained in the General Council Constitution and Bylaws and Georgia Assemblies of God Bylaws and/or Governance Documents. 
        • Maintain a cooperative attitude with the General Council and Georgia Assemblies of God. 
        • Be a lifelong learner and take advantage of learning opportunities, coaching, and mentoring from other leaders. 
        • Model good financial stewardship skills. 
        • Contribute your tithe regularly to the Georgia Assemblies of God, and contribute dues annually as required by the General Council. 
        • Agree to a mandatory screening through a designated screening agency established by the Executive Presbytery. 
        • If married, it is expected that your spouse will be in agreement with and support your call to ministry.

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    Applicant Requirements

        • Articulate your own personal experience of coming to faith in Christ, water baptism by immersion, and having received the baptism in the Holy Spirit as an experience subsequent to salvation (Acts 2:4). 
        • Be prepared to tell your own story regarding your spiritual journey and how you experienced God’s call into ministry. 
        • Live an authentic Christian life characterized by honesty, integrity, and the fruit of the Holy Spirit (I Timothy 4:12). 
        • Demonstrate a thorough understanding of, and agreement with, the doctrinal positions of the Assemblies of God as contained in the Statement of Fundamental Truths. 
        • Be familiar and in agreement with the core values, mission, and vision of the General Council of the Assemblies of God and Georgia Assemblies of God as contained in the General Council Constitution and Bylaws and Georgia Assemblies of God Bylaws and/or Governance Documents. 
        • Maintain a cooperative attitude with the General Council and Georgia Assemblies of God. 
        • Be a lifelong learner and take advantage of learning opportunities, coaching, and mentoring from other leaders. 
        • Model good financial stewardship skills. 
        • Contribute your tithe regularly to the Georgia Assemblies of God, and contribute dues annually as required by the General Council. 
        • Agree to a mandatory screening through a designated screening agency established by the Executive Presbytery. 
        • If married, it is expected that your spouse will be in agreement with and support your call to ministry.

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Educational Requirements

Educational Requirements

You can complete your educational requirements by any of the following:

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    1 . At an Assemblies of God college, university, or seminary.

        Students with a Bible, Theology, or Ministry major at any Assemblies of God college, university, or seminary are eligible to apply for a credential by completing the Core 24 Bible/Theology Credits, and: 
 


        • Total of 48 credits for Certificate 
        • Total of 72 credits for License 
        • Total of 96 credits for Ordination

    2. With a degree from a non-Assemblies of God affiliated college, university, or seminary if the transcripts are available and follow the equivalent Assemblies of God credit guidelines.

        In addition, the applicant must complete two additional courses:


        1. Assemblies of God History, Missions, & Governance

        2. A Spirit-Empowered Church: an Acts 2 Ministry Model.


        Both courses can be completed through Pathways or Berean/Global University.

    3. Through Distance Education
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Your Steps to Apply

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    Step 1: Fill Out the Interest Form

        Fill out the credential interest form to receive more information here.

    Step 2: Complete Your Application & Exams

        Once we receive your information, you will be contacted by our office with instructions on the official application.

        • Certified Applicants are required to take two tests: Bible Knowledge, and Doctrines.
        • Licensed Applicants are required to take an additional test, Polity, along with the two certified exams if not already completed.
        • Ordained Applicants are required to take all three of the tests previously listed if not already completed.

    Step 3: Schedule An Interview

        After you have successfully completed your exams, we will schedule you for an interview with the Credential Interview Team.

    Step 4: Applicant Credential Review

        Once you have completed your interview, the Credential Interview Team will vote to make a recommendation for your credential. We will notify you of the results of the Credential Team and the Presbytery’s decision. Upon recommendation from the presbytery, we will send your application to the General Council office for final approval.

    Step 5: Notice of Credential Approval

        You can expect to receive your official credential card and welcome packet in the mail within 4 to 8 weeks once the General Council has approved your credential.

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Renew Your Credentials

Renew Your Credentials

There are two options for ministers to renew their credentials:


  1. Complete the hard copy mailed to you.
  2. Renew online by completing this form. 


Avoid late fees by renewing online. Renewals must be completed by December 31.

Upgrade Your Credentials

For those wishing to upgrade their credentials and move toward licensure or ordination, our credential specialist is available to assist you in completing the following steps:

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    Step 1: Fill Out the Credential Upgrade Form

        Click here to fill out the Credential Upgrade Interest form and notify the District Office of your intent. 

    Step 2: Pay the Application Fee & Send Transcripts

        Once our credentialing specialist has been in contact with you, mail the following items to the Georgia District Assemblies of God:


        • All required and applicable forms
        • $125 application fee
        • Educational transcripts
        • Copy of social security card

    Step 3: Complete the Polity Exam

        Once your upgrade application is received, you will be emailed an exam invitation along with study resources. Candidates upgrading from the Credential level to the Licensed level are required to take the Polity exam. No test is required for candidates upgrading from the Licensed level to the Ordained level.

    Step 4: Schedule Your Interview

        After you have successfully completed the exam, we will schedule you for an interview with the Credential Interview Team.

    Step 5: Applicant Licensure Review

        Once you have completed your interview, the Credential Interview Team will vote to make a recommendation for your credential. We will notify you of the results of the Credential Team and Presbytery’s decision. Upon recommendation from the presbytery, we will send your application to the General Council office for final approval.

    Step 6: Notice of Licensure Approval

        You can expect to receive your official credential card and welcome packet in the mail within 4 to 8 weeks once the General Council has approved your credential.

UPGRADE CREDENTIALS

Reinstate Your Credentials

Ministers wishing to reinstate their credentials must meet the following Reinstatement Guidelines:

If a credential has lapsed for two years or more, an interview is required. 

If a credential has lapsed for over seven years, the written exam is required.

If the credential lapsed or was resigned in a District other than the Georgia Assemblies of God, a letter of good standing from the previous District should be submitted with the reinstatement application.

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    Step 1: Submit Forms & Reinstatement Fee

        Mail the following items to the Georgia District Assemblies of God:

        • All required and applicable forms (see form menu)
        • $100 reinstatement fee ($50 payable to the Georgia Assemblies of God/$50 payable to General Council)

        District Office Mailing Address: P.O. Box 28470 Macon, GA 31221

    Step 2: Await Approval & Next Steps

        Once we receive your application, we’ll contact you regarding your next appropriate steps.

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FAQ

Is There A Renewal Fee?

There is no renewal fee in addition to your tithe and General Council dues. If you need to get caught up on this year’s tithing obligation or General Council dues, you can pay online.

What If I Have Not Met My Financial Obligation To The Georgia Assemblies Of God Or The General Council?

Unless you represent a case of severe suffering, such as a major accident or medical problems, General Council generally will not renew your credential until you have paid the annual dues for your credential level ($300 ordained, $240 licensed, $120 certified). If you have not met your tithing obligation to the Georgia Assemblies of God, or show a $0 or minimal balance for your giving for the year, please attach an explanation. We will contact you to see how we can find a solution to your situation.

I Am Retired, Do I Need To Renew? Who Has To Renew?

Every credentialed Assemblies of God minister—regardless of your credential level and status (active, disabled, senior active, senior retired) must renew annually. Every year, some ministers put themselves through unnecessary stress because they procrastinate and fail to renew before the deadline. Save yourself time and renew online.