LICENSURE OVERVIEW
The credentialing of Church of God ministers is a formational process for individuals seeking to be licensed ministers. Individuals, in partnership with church leadership, will pursue their divine call and place of ministry through personal discovery, education, and training.
If you have any questions about this procedure for Ministerial Credentials, contact kelly by email: kelly@vacog.org.
General Requirements of Applicants for Ministry:
1. All applicants for the ministry, including ordained bishops, ordained ministers, exhorters, ministers of music, and ministers of Christian education, must have the baptism in the Holy Ghost (21st A., 1926, p. 32; 50th A., 1964, p. 56; DF 8, 9).
2. All ministers shall adhere to the Teachings and Doctrines as set forth by the International General Assembly of the Church of God (75th A., 2014).
3. All ministers are required to pay tithes to retain their license (75th A., 2014).
4. All applicants for ministry shall serve as exhorters before making application for ordained minister, except ordained ministers coming from other sister organizations, licensed ministers of music, and ministers of Christian education (43rd A., 1950, p. 14 ; 50th A., 1964, p. 56).
5. All applicants for the ministry should be actively engaged in ministry before being recommended for credentialed ministry (75th A., 2014).
6. All applicants for the ministry, including those advancing in rank, must give consent to the state/regional office to conduct criminal background checks (70th A., 2004 p. 55).
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
What is the first step to begin the credentialing process?
The first step in the credentialing process is to submit an Exhorter/CAMS Application and complete the Calling and Ministry Studies (CAMS). CAMS is offered once a year, beginning in the fall.
Do I need to be a member of the Church of God to begin the credentialing process?
Yes. Applicants for ministry must be a member of the Church of God and currently attending a local Church of God congregation. Applicants are required to establish at least six months of church membership, attendance, and tithing before obtaining an application.
Can I be credentialed if me or my spouse has had a previous marriage?
There are additional forms required for any applicant who has a previous marriage, or whose spouse has a previous marriage. The couple will be required to meet with the Marital Review Board prior to the initiation of their background check. Candidates that have a previous marriage (for themselves or their spouse) should submit their application by January 31, 2025.
Can I go through the credentialing process without the blessing of my pastor?
No, the pastor and the local church must endorse the minister in order for the application to be obtained.
I hold my credentials in another denomination. Can I transfer my credentials into the Church of God?
Credentialed ministers from other sister denominations may be allowed to transfer in; however, one or more courses on Church of God history, polity, and doctrine may be required.
Can I get exempt from CAMS or MIP?
Applicants seeking exemption from CAMS or MIP must have equivalent academic credits and sufficient ministerial experience. Academic transcripts, resume’, and other documentation will be required. Email Kelly Gore if you feel you have the prerequisites needed. All decisions regarding exemption are made by the Division of Education and/or Executive Committee at the Church of God International Offices.
Does my spouse have to participate?
Yes, your spouse must participate even if they are not seeking credentials.
EXHORTER | CAMS
The entry level for credentialing is Exhorter. Applications are available for download at the link below. The Exhorters application also serves as an application for the Calling and Ministry Studies (CAMS) program which ministerial applicants must complete before obtaining credentials. CAMS is conducted once a year by the Ministerial Development Board. Sessions begin in September and conclude in January. In order to be admitted to CAMS, applicants must have their completed application packet at the State Office by June 1, 2025. Candidates that have a previous marriage (for themselves or their spouse) must submit their application by January 31, 2025.
Once a candidate has successfully completed the CAMS program they and their spouse (if applicable) will be interviewed by the Ministerial Development Board. If this board approves the candidate to continue with the credentialing process, the candidate can purchase a study guide for the Exhorters test and begin to study for the exam. Candidates who wish to obtain a Minister of Music or Minister of Christian Education certificate must complete the same process as those who are seeking their Exhorter.
ORDAINED MINISTER | MIP
Individuals who hold an Exhorters certificate may apply to advance to the rank of Ordained Minister. Applications are available for download at the link below. The Ordained Minister application is also an application for the Ministerial Internship Program (MIP). Candidates seeking their Ordained Minister credential must complete MIP before they can take the Ordained Minister exam.
Applications for Ordained Minister must be received at the State Office by June 1, 2025 in order to be admitted to MIP which begins each August.
Once a candidate has successfully completed MIP they can purchase a study guide for the Ordained Minister test and begin to study for the exam. Candidates must hold their Exhorters certificate for a minimum of one year before they can take the Ordained Minister exam.
ORDAINED BISHOP
Male Ordained Ministers who seek to advance to the rank of Ordained Bishop must meet certain requirements related to age and length of time which they have held credentials.
An applicant for ordination as bishop may be ordained when he is twenty-five (25) years of age, provided he has had at least eight (8) years of active ministry, or he has three (3) years of active ministry accompanied by a ministry-related degree or its equivalency from an accredited institution or one certified by the Church of God Division of Education, or
When he is thirty (30) years of age, provided he has had at least five (5) years of active ministry, if he is otherwise qualified.
In those cases in which a ministerial applicant has had verifiable active ministerial experience prior to receiving credentials, exceptions to the age qualifications can be made upon recommendation by the ministerial applicant’s administrative bishop and with the approval of the Executive Council (72nd A.,2008; 76th A.,2016, pp.183-84).
Applications are available for download at the link below.
October 22, 2024
9:00 AM
State Office | Roanoke
October 24, 2024
9:00 AM
Enon Church of God | Chester
May 6, 2025
9:00 AM
State Office | Roanoke
May 8, 2025
9:00 AM
Enon Church of God | Chester
