Credentialing Overview

The Assemblies of God gives recognition to the following classifications of ministry:

Certified Minister:
Efficient helpers in gospel work who devote a part of their time to Christian service and where there is a need for this credential to accomplish ministry.

License to Preach:
Those who give clear evidence of a Divine call and whose desire is to devote their lives to preaching the gospel.

Ordained Minister:
Those who give proof of their call and whose mature ministry qualifies them for a wide range of leadership responsibilities in the full-time ministry. Applicants must be at least 23 years of age, be in full-time ministry and have held a License to Preach for two consecutive years.

Local Church Credential:
At the 2003 General Council, provision was made for the granting of a local church credential. The local church credential shall be non-transferable (limited to the issuing local church) and shall be limited to 2 years. A person holding a local church credential can perform the ordinances and ceremonies (sacerdotal functions) of the church if authorized in writing by the senior pastor of the local church issuing the credential.

Credential Application Process

1. Complete the Application

- Submit to our office along with your transcripts, have them sent to us too

*We will confirm receipt within 24-48 hrs.

You will receive an email with login/ tracking details so that you may track your application HERE

2. References

- We solicit references from those you have listed via email

3. Transcripts

- We confirm you meet the educational requirements

4. Exam

- You complete the exam with your Presbyter after the process has started and you have been notified the exam has been sent to your Presbyter

*ALL Items before #5 MUST be complete BEFORE the deadline noted above

5. Background Check (We complete a background check for your application before the Interview)

6. Interview

- We schedule the interview once your file is completed

7. SNE Ministry Network’s Presbytery gives Approval (after interview)

8. General Council of the AG gives Final Approval

Educational Requirements

THE GENERAL COUNCIL OF THE ASSEMBLIES OF GOD EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

The General Council Bylaws (Article VII, Section 2, paragraph h) indicate that formal academic achievement is not a requirement for credentials; however, credentials applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. Successfully complete equivalent coursework to that referenced in paragraph “2” below either in an endorsed Assemblies of God postsecondary school, or in a seminary, college, Bible college, district school of ministry, or school approved by the district credentials committee; or

2. Successfully complete courses, prescribed by the General Presbytery, offered in correspondence through Global University—Berean School of the Bible (see list as follows).

For applicants who completed coursework at an endorsed Assemblies of God college as a biblical studies major, ministerial studies major, or other church-related major as defined by the Commission on Christian Higher Education (which includes a course on Assemblies of God History, Missions and Governance), the following apply:

Certified Minister — 2 years of coursework (~ 48hrs.)

Licensed Minister — 3 years of coursework (~ 72hrs.)

Ordained Minister — 4 years of coursework (~ 96hrs.)

For applicants who completed coursework at an endorsed Assemblies of God college in a non-biblical studies or non-ministry related major, a transcript evaluation will be employed to determine what classes can be considered educational equivalents for coursework as noted in the list which follows.

*Please note, if you are applying for a License Credential, all of the Certified courses must also be completed. In the same way, for Ordination all License and Certified courses must be completed.

Courses Needed:

Educational Requirements & Courses Needed

Apply for Credentials

STEP 1. To start the Credentialing process, sign up HERE to provide us with your contact information.

STEP 2. If you are a NEW credential applicant download the "Credential Application PDF" below; if you are UPGRADING your credentials (from Certified to License, or License to Ordained) please download the "Upgrade of Credentials App PDF."

STEP 3. After you complete the forms, please MAIL your application to: 

SNE Ministry Network,

P.O.BOX 535

Sturbridge, MA 01566

Attn: Credentialing

*You will receive an email from us within 48 hrs to indicate we have received your application. You will then be able to track your application status below at "Credential Status." 

Downloads for New Credential Applicants - License to Preach/ Certified/ Ordained (if coming from another fellowship):

Credential Application Letter

 Credential Application

 SNEMN Constitution & Bylaws

 Downloads for Ordination/ or Upgrade of Credentials (License):

Ordination applicants also must submit a "Pre-Application for Ordination" and be officially approved by the Presbytery before starting the process.

 Upgrade of Credentials Application (upgrade app for Ordination or License to Preach)

Pre-Application for Ordination (Ordination applicants only)

Check My Status

If you have started the credentialing process you may track your application HERE as it is being processed to find out the most up-to-date information.