Credentials

Credential Levels

There are three levels of credentials available through the Assemblies of God. The level of credential a person is qualified for depends on both ministry experience and education completed. Each level is described below:

Certificate of Ministry

Those who indicate God’s call to ministry manifest a desire to enter the ministry by engaging in Christian work and, who devote a part of his or her time to Christian service may be recognized as Certified Ministers. They shall be involved in some type of viable ministry. Whenever possible are to remain under the supervision of a pastor.

License to Preach

Those who exhibit clear evidence of a call to ministry and practical experience in preaching, together with an evident purpose to devote one’s life to ministry, are eligible for a License to Preach. They shall be involved in some type of viable ministry. This credential can lead to Ordination. A minister must hold a license for two consecutive years to be qualified to apply for ordination.

Ordination

Qualifications for Ordination are outlined in the New Testament scriptures (I Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:7-9). They shall be persons of mature Christian experience who are qualified and able to undertake the responsibilities of the full ministry.

In addition, applicants must:

Be 23+ years of age
Be a member of the Georgia Assemblies of God for no less than one year prior to ordination
Possess a License to Preach for at least two consecutive years

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 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 supportive of your call to ministry.

Educational Requirements

The Educational Requirements can be completed at an Assemblies of God college, university, or seminary. Students with a Bible, Theology, or a Ministry major at any Assemblies of God college, university, or seminary are eligible to apply for a credential by completing: Core of 24 Bible/Theology Credits
- total of 48 credits for Certificate
- total of 72 credits for License
- total of 96 credits for Ordination
The Educational Requirements can be completed with a degree from a non-Assemblies of God affiliated college, university, or seminary if the transcripts are available and follow the equivalent credit guidelines listed above. In addition, the applicant must complete two additional courses, Assemblies of God History, Missions, & Governance, through Global University and A Spirit-Empowered Church: an Acts 2 Ministry Model. Both courses can be completed through Pathways or Berean/Global
The Educational Requirements can be completed through distance education with Global University for accreditation or through our preferred provider, Pathway Online Courses.