CAMS/New Minister General Information
Completion of Calling and Ministry Studies (CAMS) is required prior to obtaining Exhorter credentials in the Church of God. To apply for CAMS, the applicant must complete a CAMS/Exhorter application, and submit to a background check. Our office must receive $50.00 for a background and $100 nonrefundable deposit for the application to be processed. (The $100 nonrefundable deposit will go towards the total cost of CAMS.) This can be paid by check or online at vacog.org/resources.
CAMS consists of two sections: seminars and individual study. The purposes of the seminars are (a) to identify how an individual knows he/she has a divine call, (b) to explain what the meaning and practices of ministry are, and (c) to help the applicant determine what his/her divine call is and understand what ministry is. The seminars are attended by both applicant and spouse.
The CAMS applicant completes three Certificate in Ministerial Studies (CIMS) courses through individual study. In addition, the applicant writes three papers on the following: His/her calling into the ministry, his/her view of ministry, and his/her ministry identity. The spouse writes two papers, one on his/her calling into ministry and the other on his/her view of ministry.
After successfully completing the written work of the CAMS program, both the applicant and spouse must attend the final interview. Once they have been approved, the applicant is ready to obtain an Exhorter Study Guide from international offices and study for the exam. Exams are given four times a year, twice in March and twice in October.
REQUIREMENTS AT A GLANCE:
Complete an Exhorters/CAMS Application.
Must be at least 17 years of age.
Submit the application by the deadline (June 1) along with two letters of recommendation, $50.00 background check fee, and $100 nonrefundable deposit.
Complete Calling and Ministry Studies (CAMS).
Once all fees are paid in full and all CAMS requirements have been met, the applicant will be eligible to take the Exhorter, Minister of Music, or Minister of Christian Education exam.
The CAMS Graduation will take place during Camp Meeting in June.
CAMS schedule
All CAMS Sessions are mandatory.
2024-2025 SCHEDULE
November 15
6:00 PM - 9:30 PM
January 17
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
November 16
8:30 AM - 12:00 PM
January 18
8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
February 21
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
february 22
8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
march 21
Interviews
march 22
Interviews
Applying for CAMS
You may obtain a CAMS/New Minister Application by clicking below:
Completed applications are due in the state office by June 1, 2025.
Candidates that have a previous marriage (for themselves or their spouse) should submit their application by January 31, 2025.
COST FOR CAMS
$505 Single Person Seeking Credentials
$535 Married Couple, One Person Seeking Credentials
$775 Married Couple, Both Seeking Credentials
Cost is always subject to change.
AFTER CAMS
After successfully completing CAMS, the applicant is ready to obtain an Exhorter Study Guide from International Offices and study for the exam. Exams are given four times a year, twice in March and twice in October.
