CREDENTIALING INFORMATION

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BASIC QUALIFICATIONS	SPECIFIC QUALIFICATIONS	EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS	INITIAL CREDETIAL PROCEDURE
CREDENTIAL UPGRADE PROCEDURE	PROCEDURE FOR MINISTERS FROM OTHER ORGANIZATIONS	MINISTER’S SPOUSE CREDENTIAL PROCEDURE	REINSTATEMENT

CREDENTIAL FEE STRUCTURE

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CREDENTIALING INFORMATION

INTRODUCTION

A message from the Secretary-Treasurer...
Thank you for your sensitivity to the Holy Spirit and for being open to the call of God. I trust that the information being provided on this web site will be helpful as you seek God’s will for your life and ministry.
Several steps are involved in the credentialing process. Your Pastor, your Executive Officers and the District Presbytery are all part of the team that is working with you in the fulfillment of God’s will. This high calling is not something to be entered into lightly, but through much prayer and preparation. Our desire is for our Assemblies of God ministers to be the best equipped ministers anywhere!

The Call
We are fully committed to the biblical truth that a minister must be called of God. How is this call evidenced? I look for three things: (1) The candidate should have experienced a definite inward witness of the Spirit, an awareness in some form that “this is God!” (2) The gift of God should be evidenced by fruit of the call, an evidence of the anointing, even if it is in an embryonic stage; and (3) The witness of mature ministers and saints that confirms the call.

Preparation
It is the responsibility of the candidate to prepare for the work of God. Study and experience are essential! Minimum educational requirements must be met either through approved studies or confirmed life preparation. Along with the course work, the candidate should be active in service in a local church and working under the guidance of his or her pastor.
Jesus said, “the fields are white to harvest.” There is no greater joy than being a part of the work of God. Saying “yes” may seem frightening, but God is faithful. “Where He guides, He provides.” Best of all, may heaven be a little fuller because of your obedience and faith

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
(Excerpted from General Council Bylaws, Article VII, Section 2)
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The Assemblies of God gives recognition to the levels of ministry as noted on this web site. Applicants for all credentials must be residents of or hold credentials in the district where they make application and appear before its credentials committee (General Council Bylaws, Article VII, Section 3, Paragraph a).

A. Salvation. Testimony to having experienced the new birth (John 3:5).
B. Baptism in the Holy Spirit. Testimony to having received the baptism in the Holy Spirit with the initial physical evidence of speaking in other tongues according to Acts 2:4.
C. Evidence of call. Clear evidence of a divine call to the ministry, evidenced by a personal conviction, confirmed by the work of the Spirit and the testimony of fellow ministers.
D. Christian character. A blameless Christian life and a good report of those who are without (Titus 1:7; 1 Timothy 3:7).
E. Doctrinal position. A thorough understanding of and agreement with our doctrinal position as contained in the Statement of Fundamental Truths.
F. Assemblies of God. A satisfactory working knowledge of the principles, practices, and purposes of the Fellowship through a study of the General Council and District Council Constitution and Bylaws.
G. Commitment to the Fellowship. An active loyalty to our constitutional agreements, a cooperative spirit, and a readiness to seek and receive the counsel of older mature Christians and those in positions of authority.
H. Basic education requirements. Any level of formal academic achievement (diploma or degree) shall not be a requirement for credentials; however, credential applicants shall meet the following criteria:

(1) All applicants are required to be interviewed by the District Credentials Committee, and in preparation for the interview, pass a standard exam approved by the General Presbytery whereby they demonstrate knowledge of the Bible, Assemblies of God doctrines, and ministerial practices; and either
(2) Successfully complete equivalent training to that indicated in paragraph (3) below, preferably, in an endorsed Assemblies of God post-secondary school; or in a seminary, college, Bible college, or school approved by the District Credentials Committee consistent with criteria established by the General Council Credentials Committee; or
(3) Successfully complete courses, prescribed by the General Presbytery, offered in correspondence through Global University of the Assemblies of God, or pass the final examinations in the prescribed courses; or
(4) Be recommended by the District Credentials Committee as qualifying for credentials through self-study and ministerial experience. Such candidates shall have proven and fruitful ministry of substantial duration.

I. Marriage status. We disapprove of any married persons holding ministerial credentials with the Assemblies of God or district councils granting credentials to such, if either marriage partner has a former spouse living, unless the divorce occurred prior to his or her conversion except as hereinafter provided.
J. Annulments, marriage dissolutions, and divorces. The Executive Presbytery shall have the authority to determine whether an applicant’s annulment of a former marriage is consistent with the scriptural position of the Fellowship relating to the granting or holding of ministerial credentials; or, in the case of a divorce or a dissolution whether the circumstances would more appropriately be classified as calling for an annulment; or if the divorce occurred prior to conversion. In those cases involving preconversion divorce, they shall be decided on an individual basis just as those that deal with annulments are decided. The application for an annulment must be accompanied by clear and satisfactory evidence of an illegal marriage through deception or fraud. Appeals from the decisions of the Executive Presbytery may be made to the General Presbytery.
K. Eligibility of women. Women are entitled to whatever grade of credentials their qualifications warrant and the right to administer the ordinances of the church when such acts are necessary.
L. Ministers from other organizations. If a minister from another reputable body desires to affiliate with the Assemblies of God, the credentials committee of both the General Council and the District Council are under no obligation to accept the applicant’s previous ministerial status, but will judge each candidate on his or her merits as to level of credentials to be granted. Such applicants will be required to conform to Assemblies of God criteria for recognition and be required to relinquish their ministerial credentials with any other organization.

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SPECIFIC QUALIFICATIONS
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I. CERTIFIED MINISTER

1. General requirements. They shall show promise of usefulness in the gospel work. They shall devote a part of their time to Christian ministry and, at the discretion of the District Credentials Committee, remain under the supervision of a pastor or a designated supervisor. They shall preach at least 12 times a year or be actively engaged in some other aspect of ministry except in case of ill health or advanced age.
2. Pastoral requirements. In the event a certified minister is serving in a position as the pastor, he or she shall be expected to advance to license to preach within 2 years of acceptance of the pastorate. This shall not apply to any minister who has reached the age of 65 or older, or whose certificate has been issued on a provisional basis. Any exceptions shall be at the discretion of the District Credentials Committee.
3. Exception for provisional issuance. A Certificate of Ministry may be issued on a provisional basis to a person who has not met all the credentialing requirements but who is deemed by the District Credentials Committee to be essential to the continuity of a church or a ministry. The reason for such a provisional issuance must be ministry driven, and the justification for its use is terminated when the minister ceases to be involved in the ministry for which it was initially granted unless the minister accepts another qualifying assignment. Other limitations are:

(a) The ministry certificate on a provisional basis will be issued for 1 year and shall not be renewed more than than two times.
(b) A person who has been granted the Certificate of Ministry on a provisional basis must meet the qualifications for a ministry certificate within a 3 year period.

4. Educational requirements. Applicants must have completed at least two years of Assemblies of God college course work as a biblical studies or ministerial studies major, or complete the required Global University (formerly Berean College) correspondence courses covering the subjects listed for the certified minister credential as listed elsewhere in this manual, or equivalent training.

II. LICENSED MINISTER

1. Qualifications for license shall be in two categories:

(a) Preaching ministry. Clear evidence of a divine call, practical experience in preaching, together with an evident purpose to devote one’s time to preaching the gospel. Licensed ministers shall preach at least 15 times a year, except in case of ill health or infirmity.
(b) Specialized ministry. An evident purpose to devote one’s time to a specialized ministry such as Christian education, music, church-related ministry by a minister’s spouse, or other full-time ministries. The same qualifications as outlined in the BASIC QUALIFICATIONS section above apply.

2. Educational requirements. Applicants must have completed at least three years of Assemblies of God college course work as biblical studies or ministerial studies major, or complete the required Global University (formerly Berean College) correspondence courses covering the subjects listed for the license minister credential as listed elsewhere in this manual, or equivalent training.

III. ORDAINED MINISTER
Qualifications for ordination are outlined in the New Testament (1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:7-9). In addition:

1. Applicants must be 23 years of age or older.
2. They must have met all requirements in making application and in completing the prescribed application form.
3. No person may be ordained to the ministry until he or she has held a license to preach and has been engaged in active work as a pastor, evangelist, or some other recognized and proven full-time preaching ministry for at least 2 full consecutive years immediately prior thereto.
4. Applicant must be a resident of the Northern New England District and have been a member of this district for at least one year and must appear before the District Credentials Committee. Furthermore, the applicant must have met the requirements and secured the endorsement of the officiary of the district with which he or she was previously licensed.
5. In order to maintain active status, ordained ministers must preach at least 15 times each year.
6. Applicant must have evidence of a divine call to ministry, and should have demonstrated such through a mature ministry, having qualified themselves thereby for a wide range of leadership responsibilities in the full-time gospel ministry.
7. Applicants must have completed at least four years of Assemblies of God college course work as biblical studies or ministerial studies major, or complete the required Global University (formerly Berean College) correspondence courses covering the subjects listed for the ordained minister credential as listed elsewhere in this manual, or equivalent training.
8. All requests for consideration must be submitted in writing only during the month of September.

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EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
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EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

                       New Course Requirements For Ministerial Credentials

                Certified

               Licensed

               Ordained

BIB112 Synoptic Gospels

THE211 Intro to Theology

THE311 Prayer & Worship

THE 114 Intro to Pentecostal Doctrine

BIB 212 New Testament Survey

BIB313 The Corinthian Correspondence

BIB115 Acts: The Holy Spirit in Believers

BIB214 Old Testament Survey

BIB318 The Pentateuch

BIB117 Prison Epistles

BIB215 Romans: Justification by Faith

BIB322 The Poetic Books

BIB121 Intro to Hermeneutics

MIN223 Intro to Homiletics

MIN325 Preaching in the Contemporary World

MIN123 The Local Church in Evangelism

THE245 Eschatology

MIN327 Church Administration, Finance, and Law

THE142 A/G History, Missions, and Governance

MIN251 Effective Leadership

MIN381 Pastoral Ministry

MIN181 Relationships and Ethics in Ministry

MIN261 Intro to A/G Missions

MIN391 Advanced Ministerial Internship

MIN191 Beginning Ministerial Internship

MIN281 Conflict Management for Church Leaders

MIN291 Intermediate Ministerial Internship

Some courses are subject to change. The District follows the course requirements as provided by Berean School of the Bible or the educational equivalency thereof. Courses can be ordered through the Global University website at http://www.globaluniversity.edu/student_info/level3/bsb/bsb.cfm

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INITIAL CREDENTIAL PROCEDURE
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1. An individual makes written request to the District Secretary/Treasurer’s office to be considered for credentials.

2. The District Secretary/Treasurer’s office sends the application and accompanying forms to individual.

3. Individual returns the completed application and forms with $75.00 (non-refundable application fee) to the District Secretary/Treasurer’s office.

TRANSCRIPTS: Applicants are required to have official transcripts forwarded from the schools where they have received their Bible training to the District Secretary/Treasure’s office. Applicants who have not completed a course on “A/G History and Polity” or its equivalent must do so prior to the interview.

REFERENCES: References from several individuals will be requested. Provide complete addresses. It is preferred that the ministers used for references be credentialed Assemblies of God ministers. Do not use a sectional presbyter or district official since they serve on the District Credentials Committee.

4. Applicant is requested to read The Contemporary Pastor by Charles Crabtree, and submit a written synopsis of the book to the District Secretary/Treasurer’s office.

5. The District Secretary/Treasurer’s office notifies the applicant to proceed in contacting the sectional presbyter to make arrangements to take the written examination. The examination is taken in the presence of the sectional presbyter unless he designates the assistant sectional presbyter to serve as proctor. Applicants may bring the General Council and District Council Constitution and Bylaws and their Bible. Only the Bible may be used during the doctrine/theology portion of the exam. The General Council and District Council Constitution and Bylaws may be used during the remainder of the exam. Applicants may not refer back to Section I after beginning Section II of exam. The exam must be completed prior to the interview with the District Credentials Committee (comprised of District Executive Officers and Sectional Presbyters).

6. The District Secretary/Treasurer’s office will schedule the applicant and spouse for a interview with the District Credentials Committee.

7. Candidates will receive credentials at the final discretion of the General Council Credentials Committee based upon the recommendation of the District Credentials Committee. The recommendation is based upon the completion of basic educational requirements, satisfactory application requirements, and satisfactory personal interviews.

8. Applicants who do not complete the credentialing process within one (1) year forfeit their application fees and must re-complete the entire application process and re-pay all application fees.

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CREDENTIAL UPGRADE PROCEDURE
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Individuals desiring to upgrade to the next level of credentials who have met the appropriate requirements are to make written request to the District Secretary/Treasurer’s office for consideration.

1. Upgrade to License:

A. Applicant returns completed application and reference forms to the District Secretary/Treasurer’s office along with $50.00 fee (non-refundable).
REFERENCES: References from several individuals will be requested. Provide complete addresses. It is preferred that the ministers used for references be ordained Assemblies of God ministers. Do not use a sectional presbyter or district official since they serve on the District Credentials Committee.

B. After the application has been processed the applicant will be notified by the District Secretary/Treasurer’s office to contact his/her sectional presbyter to make arrangements for taking the exam. It is the responsibility of the applicant to contact the sectional presbyter to make the arrangements for taking the exam. The examination is taken in the presence of the sectional presbyter unless he designates the assistant sectional presbyter to serve as proctor. Applicants may bring the General Council and District Council Constitution and Bylaws and their Bible. Only the Bible may be used during the doctrine/theology portion of the exam. The General Council and District Council Constitution and Bylaws may be used during the remainder of the exam. Applicants may not refer back to Section I after beginning Section II of exam.

C. Interview: An interview with the District Credentials Committee may or may not be required at the discretion of the District Executive Officers. This is usually determined by the applicant having had received credentials previously in this District. The exam must be completed prior to any interview with the District Credentials Committee (comprised of District Executive Officers and Sectional Presbyters).

D. Candidates will receive credentials at the final discretion of the General Council Credentials Committee based upon the recommendation of the District Credentials Committee. The recommendation is based upon the completion of basic educational requirements, satisfactory application requirements, and satisfactory personal interviews.
E. The application process must be completed within one (1) year of the District Secretary/Treasurer’s office having received the application. Candidates who do not complete the process within one (1) year forfeit their application fee and must re-complete the entire application process and re-pay the application fee.

2. Upgrade to Ordination:

A. Applicants are to make their request for consideration in writing, to the District Secretary/Treasurer, during the month of September.

B. After the District Credentials Committee reviews and approves the candidate’s request for consideration, an Official Application will be mailed to the candidate.

C. Applicant returns completed application and reference forms to the District Secretary/Treasurer’s office along with $100.00 fee (non-refundable).
REFERENCES: References from several individuals will be requested. Provide complete addresses. It is preferred that the ministers used for references be ordained Assemblies of God ministers. Do not use a sectional presbyter or district official since they serve on the District Credentials Committee.

D. After the application has been processed, the applicant will be notified by the District Secretary/Treasurer’s office to contact his/her sectional presbyter to make arrangements for taking the exam. It is the responsibility of the applicant to contact the sectional presbyter to make the arrangements for taking the exam. The examination is taken in the presence of the sectional presbyter unless he designates the assistant sectional presbyter to serve as proctor. Applicants may bring the General Council and District Council Constitution and Bylaws and their Bible. Only the Bible may be used during the doctrine/theology portion of the exam. The General Council and District Council Constitution and Bylaws may be used during the remainder of the exam. Applicants may not refer back to Section I after beginning Section II of exam. The exam must be completed prior to the interview with the District Credentials Committee (comprised of District Executive Officers and Sectional Presbyters).

E. All ordination candidates and their spouses are interviewed by the District Credentials Committee in January.

F. Candidates will receive credentials at the final discretion of the General Council Credentials Committee based upon the recommendation of the District Credentials Committee. The recommendation is based upon the completion of basic educational requirements, satisfactory application requirements, and satisfactory personal interviews.

G. Candidates who are recognized by the General Council Credentials Committee are officially ordained during District Council with the laying on of hands by the District Presbytery.

H. The ordination application process must be completed prior to the January meeting of the District Presbytery.

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PROCEDURE FOR MINISTERS FROM OTHER ORGANIZATIONS
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Minister's from other organizations are required to:

1. Conform to Assemblies of God criteria for recognition.

2. Complete such educational courses as may be prescribed by the General Presbytery for ministers transferring from other credentialing bodies. This can be accomplished through correspondence with Global University (formerly Berean University).

3. Individual makes a written request to the District Secretary/Treasurer’s office for consideration.

4. Individual returns the completed Application with $75.00 (non-refundable) to the District Secretary/Treasurer’s office. The following additional written recommendations are necessary:

   (a) A letter of recommendation from a neighboring Assemblies of God minister or the sectional presbyter for the applicants area.
   (b) A letter of recommendation from the body with which the minister is presently or formerly affiliated.
   (c) REFERENCES: References from several individuals will be requested. Provide complete addresses. It is preferred that the ministers used for references be ordained Assemblies of God ministers. Do not use a sectional presbyter or district official since they serve on the District Credentials Committee.

5. After the application has been processed and the fee has been received by the District Secretary/Treasurer’s office, the applicant will be advised to contact his/her Sectional Presbyter to make arrangements for taking the examination. It is the responsibility of the applicant to contact the sectional presbyter to make the arrangements for taking the exam. The examination is taken in the presence of the sectional presbyter unless he designates the assistant sectional presbyter to serve as proctor. Applicants may bring the General Council and District Council Constitution and Bylaws and their Bible. Only the Bible may be used during the doctrine/theology portion of the exam. The General Council and District Council Constitution and Bylaws may be used during the remainder of the exam. Applicants may not refer back to Section I after beginning Section II of exam. The exam must be completed prior to the interview with the District Credentials Committee (comprised of District Executive Officers and Sectional Presbyters).

6. The District Secretary/Treasurer’s office will schedule the applicant and spouse for a formal interview with the District Credentials Committee.

8. It should also be noted that ministers who receive Assemblies of God recognition shall relinquish their ministerial credentials with any other organization.

9. Applicants who do not complete the credentialing process within one (1) year forfeit their application fees and must re-complete the entire application process and re-pay all application fees.

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MINISTER’S SPOUSE CREDENTIAL PROCEDURE
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A minister’s spouse seeking a credential (certified, specialized, or license to preach) is required to fulfill all the requirements that any other applicant for a credential would be required to do.
The General Council Bylaws and General Presbytery credential policy require that all applicants seeking a credential fulfill all the requirements for such. This includes the requirements given in General Council Bylaws Article VII, and the credential process approved by the General Presbytery: application, education, examination, oral interview, etc.

1. Minister’s spouse makes a written request to be considered for credential.

2. The District Secretary/Treasurer’s office sends Preliminary Application to individual.

3. Individual returns completed Preliminary Application and $50.00 fee (non-refundable) to the District Secretary/Treasurer’s office.

4. The District Secretary/Treasurer’s office forwards Official Application to applicant upon approval of District Executive Officers.

5. Applicant returns completed application and reference forms to the District Secretary/Treasurer’s office.
REFERENCES: References from several individuals will be requested. Provide complete addresses. It is preferred that the ministers used for references be ordained Assemblies of God ministers (not a spouse). Do not use a sectional presbyter or district official since they serve on the District Credentials Committee.

6. After the application has been received and processed by the District Secretary/Treasurer’s office, the applicant will be advised to contact his/her Sectional Presbyter to make arrangements for taking the examination. It is the responsibility of the applicant to contact the sectional presbyter to make the arrangements for taking the exam. The examination is taken in the presence the sectional presbyter unless he designates the assistant sectional presbyter to serve as proctor. Applicants may bring the General Council and District Council Constitution and Bylaws and their Bible. Only the Bible may be used during the doctrine/theology portion of the exam. The General Council and District Council Constitution and Bylaws may be used during the remainder of the exam. Applicants may not refer back to Section I after beginning Section II of exam. The exam must be completed prior to the interview with the District Credentials Committee (comprised of District Executive Officers and Sectional Presbyters).

7. The District Secretary/Treasurer’s office will schedule the applicant and spouse for a formal interview with the District Credentials Committee.

8. Candidates will receive credentials at the final discretion of the General Council Credentials Committee based upon the recommendation of the District Credentials Committee. The recommendation is based upon the completion of basic educational requirements, satisfactory application requirements, and satisfactory personal interviews.

9. Applicants who do not complete the credentialing process within one (1) year forfeit their application fees and must re-complete the entire application process and re-pay all application fees.

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REINSTATEMENT PROCEDURES
OF OTHER THAN DISMISSED A/G MINISTERS
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Individuals who previously held credentials with the Assemblies of God shall not be eligible for reinstatement until at least 6 months have lapsed after his or her name has been removed from the ministerial list. This application must be made in the district where the minister resides. The district of residence is to seek a letter of clearance from the district that processed the termination (See General Council A/G Bylaws, Article VII, Section 10, Subsection e.).

1. Individual makes a written request through the District Secretary/Treasure’s office for reinstatement consideration.

2. The District Secretary/Treasurer’s office will seek a letter of clearance from the district where the applicant’s previous credentials were terminated (if necessary). Upon proper clearance, the District Secretary/Treasurer’s office will forward the Reinstatement Application to the applicant.

3. Applicant returns application along with three ordained Assemblies of God ministers as references and $50.00 application fee (non-refundable).

4. An examination is required if the applicant for reinstatement has been without credentials for 2 or more years. No re-examination is necessary for individuals who have been without credentials for less than two years.

5. The District Secretary/Treasurer’s office will schedule the applicant and spouse for a final interview with the District Credentials Committee.

6. Applicants will receive credentials at the final discretion of the General Council Credentials Committee based upon the recommendation of the District Credentials Committee. The recommendation is based upon satisfactorily completing the application, exam (if required) and a personal interview.

7. Applicants who do not complete the credentialing process within one (1) year forfeit their application fees and must re-complete the entire application process and re-pay all application fees.

CREDENTIAL FEE STRUCTURE
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Certified Minister $ 75.00 formal application
Upgrade to License to Preach $ 50.00
License to Preach $ 75.00 formal application

Specialized License:
Christian Education $ 75.00 formal application
Music $ 75.00 formal application
Youth $ 75.00 formal application

Minister’s Spouse $ 50.00
Ordained Minister $100.00
Reinstatement $ 50.00

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