CREDENTIALING
with the Assemblies of God
ARE MINISTERIAL CREDENTIALS IN YOUR FUTURE?
Thank you for your interest in exploring credentialing opportunities with the Assemblies of God. Please know that we are excited to see God at work in the lives of those who have given their all to Him. Please review the General Guidelines regarding credential with the Assemblies of God.
CREDENTIAL LEVELS
Certificate of Ministry: An applicant for Certificate of Ministry will show promise of usefulness in the Gospel work. You will devote yourself in full or part time service to Christian ministry. You will show evidence of a divine call and be actively engaged in some aspect of viable ministry and proclamation of the Gospel.
License: Qualifications for this level of credential shall include clear evidence of a divine call, character and preparation suitable for that calling, practical ministry experience, and an evident purpose to devote one’s life in service to the proclamation of the Gospel.
Ordination: Qualifications for ordination are outlined in the New Testament (I Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:7-9).
QUALIFICATIONS
Basic Qualifications: All applicants must meet the basic qualifications as outlined here.
Education: Applicants must also meet the educational requirements for the level of credential being sought.
Marriage History: While history with divorce and remarriage is not an automatic disqualifier from credentialing, it can be in certain cases. Please communicate with the Credentialing Secretary, Janice Davis.
Lifestyle Choices: All applicants must state a willingness to abstain from using tobacco, alcohol, illegal or recreational drugs in any form, and involvement with pornography or gambling. If you have a history of a bankruptcy, please download and complete the Bankruptcy Questionnaire and return, along with the official application to the Mississippi District Council, P.O. Box 720309, Byram, MS 39272.
REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must be 23 years of age or older.
No person may be ordained to the ministry until he or she has shown evidence of a divine call and has held a ministry license and been actively engaged in ministry and proclamation of the Gospel for at least two full consecutive years.
FIRST TIME CREDENTIAL APPLICANTS
We are excited that you are taking the next step on your ministry journey by applying for credentials! Our credential secretary is available to help you navigate each step! Below is a basic outline of the credential process so you know what to expect as well as guidelines for individuals from another reputable body who desire to affiliate with the Assemblies of God.
Submit the Credential Applicant Information document to the Office of the Secretary Treasurer.
Complete and submit the required and applicable forms above along with the credential fee of $100. These forms must be submitted 30 days prior to committee meeting you wish to attend. Committee meetings are in February and August. For exam helps, see downloads section.
Committee Meeting - Once you have completed your exam and interviews, the Credential Committee will vote to make a recommendation for your credential. Applicants approved by the District Credential Committee are submitted, with recommendation, to the General Council Credential Committee for approval and issuance of the certificates. *All credential certificates are issue by the General Secretary's office.
The general time frame to receive your official credential card and welcome packet in the mail is 4 to 8 weeks once General Council has approved your credential.
Mail your application and supporting documents to MS District Assemblies of God, P.O. Box 720309, Byram, MS 39272
UPGRADING YOUR CREDENTIAL
Have you ever wondered, why should I be ordained? Upgrading your credential is a great way to sharpen your skill set through ongoing education while moving toward the biblical precedent for ordination. Below is a basic outline of the credential process so you know what to expect.
Mail application and supporting documents along with the related application fee ($100) and updated educational transcript to the Mississippi District Council. These forms must be submitted 30 days prior to committee meeting you wish to attend. Committee meetings are in February and August.
Committee Meeting - Once you have completed your exam and interviews, applicants approved by the District Credential Committee are submitted, with recommendation, to the General Council Credential Committee for approval and issuance of the certificates. All credential certificates are issued by the General Secretary's office.
The general time frame to receive your official credential card and welcome packet in the mail is 4 to 8 weeks once General Council has approved your credential. This does not apply to Ordination candidates, who will receive their certificates at District Council in May.
See downloads for Upgrade Documentation.
CREDENTIAL RENEWAL
Ministerial Credentials must be renewed annually. For your convenience, there are two options for ministers to renew their credential. Complete the hard copy mailed to you from General Council. These forms are usually mailed on or around Nov 1st OR Complete and submit form online (this service is available around November 1st).
Avoid late fees by renewing online.
Renewals must be either completed online or postmarked by DECEMBER 31st.
CREDENTIAL FAQS
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 (85% of the tithe from ministry income and 50% of the tithe from all other income), you can pay online by clicking here. You can pay your General Council dues online by clicking here.
What if I have not met my financial obligation to the Mississippi 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 Mississippi Assemblies of God, or show a $0 or minimal balance for your giving for the year, please attach an explanation to your renewal. 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 (certified, licensed, ordained) and regardless of your status (active, disabled, senior active, senior retired) must renew annually. Every year some ministers needlessly put themselves through emotional and financial anguish because they procrastinate and fail to renew before the deadline. Save yourself some needless pain and suffering by doing it on time! Remember the deadline to submit your credential renewal is DECEMBER 31. So be sure to submit it before the busy holiday season. If you have any questions about the renewal process, please do not hesitate to contact our office.
What happens if I fail to renew by the deadline?
Failure to renew will result in late fees and possible lapse and reinstatement, along with associated reinstatement fees (see below).
REINSTATEMENT
Applicants who desire to reinstate a ministerial credential must submit the following documents along with the reinstatement fee ($150): Reinstatement Application,
Background Disclosure, Authorization Release, Authorization Release for Spouse (if applicable) and Bankruptcy Questionnaire (if applicable)
Reinstatement Guidelines:
If a credential has lapsed for two (2) years or more, an interview is required.
If a credential has lapsed for over seven (7) years, the written exam and interview is required.
If the credential lapsed or was resigned in a District other than the Mississippi Assemblies of God, a letter of good standing from the previous District should be submitted with the reinstatement application.
If a minister reinstates within the first three months of the calendar year after lapsing, General Council dues from the previous year must be fulfilled.
FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Every credentialed minister is obligated to fulfill financial responsibilities to both the Mississippi Assemblies of God and General Council.
Mississippi Assemblies of God
Every minister (certified, licensed, and ordained) is required to pay 85% of the tithe from income earned from ministry and 50% of the tithe from all other income. Failure to fulfill one’s financial responsibility to the Mississippi Assemblies of God will result in a minister’s credential not renewing until the matter is resolved to the satisfaction of the Mississippi Assemblies of God Credentials Committee. You can make payments online by clicking here. For help in calculating tithes, click here.
General Council
The work of the General Council of the Assemblies of God, in its program of developing the spirit of cooperation and fellowship in home and foreign fields, incurs considerable expense, including the financial support of the national offices. Credentialed ministers are required to pay the minimum annual dues listed below:
Ordained - $25.00 monthly ($300 a year)
Licensed - $20.00 monthly ($240 a year)
Certified - $10.00 monthly ($120 a year)
Senior Retired - free-will basis
You can pay your General Council Dues online. Compliance with these requirements will be a prerequisite for renewal of credentials of all ministers.