BECOME A LICENSED MINISTER
What Is The Purpose For Obtaining Minister’s Credentials?
The answer may be found in the acronym A.C.T.S.
The Pentecostal Church of God desires to affirm our ministers! One of the ways that we can do that is by helping you identify and clarify your calling! What is your ministry calling—youth, music, church planting, pastoring, etc.? It is important to us to help you navigate through the exploration of your calling.
What Is The Process For Obtaining Minister’s Credentials?
To receive minister’s credentials with the Pentecostal Church of God, the following three-step process must be completed.
Step #1: Completing The Minister’s Study Series
The Minister’s Credentials are provided in three levels–Exhorter, License, and Ordination. Below are the requirements for the Minister’s study Series in each level, which must be completed before application may be made for that specific level.
Personal Study: An applicant must complete the following study courses.
Basic Bible Truth by Aaron Wilson (Theology)
What the Bible Says about the Holy Spirit by Stanley Horton (Theology)
Old Testament Survey – Pt. 1 by Samuel J. Schultz (Bible)
Old Testament Survey – Pt. 2 by Gary V. Smith (Bible)
New Testament Survey by Walter M. Dunnett (Bible)
Becoming a Contagious Christian by Bill Hybels (Mission)
General Constitution & Bylaws
Note: If one has completed equivalent studies this requirement may be waived.
Step #2: Applying For Credentials
Complete an Application with the appropriate supplemental forms and send it to the appropriate district or state office. The application differs depending on your circumstances. New applicants must complete the Application for Minister’s Credentials. Previous applicants must complete the Application for Reinstatement. Current Applicants desiring promotion must complete the Application for Promotion. The following forms may be downloaded at the bottom of this page and must be included with your application:
Background Investigation Consent Form
Bankruptcy Questionnaire (if applicable)
Felony Questionnaire (if applicable)
Marriage Questionnaire (for each divorce from the applicant and/or spouse)
Adultery/Abandonment Substantiation Documents (at least two substantiation documents for each divorce from the applicant and/or spouse with one document coming from a non-family menber; any divorce that is prior to conversion does not need substantiation)
Adultery Substantiation (for applicant)
Adultery Substantiation (for spouse of applicant)
Abandonment Substantiation (for applicant)
Abandonment Substantiation (for spouse of applicant)
Reference letter from the pastor who signed the application
Recommendation letter from an organization that previously granted credentials (if applicable)
These supplemental forms are not required if applying for promotion. All applications must be reviewed, signed, and delivered to the appropriate district or state office, and upon the completion of the application process, a date for an interview will be established with the district leadership. Upon their recommendation, your application will be forwarded to the overseeing leadership of the Pentecostal Church of God for final approval. Also, please download the ACH form enabling you to have your monthly credentials fee automatically withdrawn from your checking account.
Step #3: Including Processing Fees
Credential Fee – $90.00 for the first three months of credentials
Background Check Fee – $25.00 (this fee may be higher in certain geographical areas, such as New York)
These processing fees are required to begin the credentialing process and must be sent in the form of a check or money order with the application and supplemental forms. All checks must be made out to the Pentecostal Church of God. Other fees required throughout the process are subject to change. If for some reason the application is denied, $60.00 will be refunded to the applicant and $55.00 will be retained by the Pentecostal Church of God for a processing fee.
