Are ministerial credentials in yourfuture?

Application Procedure

The following steps are for anyone interested in obtaining first-time credentials.

1. Educational requirements

   Biblical education is the foundational framework that helps applicants become credentialed ministers. All applicants must meet the appropriate educational requirements for the level of credentials being sought. These can be met through a variety of customizable training venues, detailed under the Educational Options tab.

2. Application

   The Credentials application will be sent via Docusign to the applicant's email address. All information, along with transcripts, a copy of your social security card, and other applicable documents, will need to be completed.

3. Application fee

   An application fee will need to be submitted at the Giving Center. In the dropdown menu, select 3-Credentials Application Fee.

   Certification

   $70

   application fee

   License

   $75

   application fee

   Ordination

   $80

   application fee

   Once the application is completed and credentials fees are paid, the process moves forward for review. A background check is the next step, followed by preparing the applicant for the interview at the sectional level and Credential exams at the Network Office in Woodworth, with five exam dates scheduled within a calendar year.

4. Additional forms

   Alongside an applicant's process, Reference forms and Minister Assessments must be submitted before an interview is scheduled with the applicant's Presbyter. These forms are sent in the initial informational email. If an applicant has had a bankruptcy, or a prior marriage (either applicant or spouse), those forms will also need to be submitted.

5. Exams and interview

   The credential level an applicant applies for determines the number of exams taken. Exams cover Bible Knowledge, Doctrine, and Polity, and are administered at the Network Office, either electronically or by paper. A study guide for the exams is provided in the initial informational email.

   Exams needed

   • Certified (new): Bible Knowledge and Doctrine.
   • License (new): Bible Knowledge, Doctrine, and Polity.
   • License (upgrade): Polity.

   An applicant may use an unmarked Bible for the Doctrine exam only. The General Council Constitution & Bylaws may be used for the Polity exam.

   The 16 Fundamental Truths must be listed out with two Scripture references each for the Doctrine exam. Partial or incomplete responses may result in a non-passing grade and a secondary Doctrine exam after specific study time has passed.

   Once all applicable paperwork and forms are received by the Network Office, an interview will be scheduled with the applicant's Area Presbyter, who will make contact and set a date convenient for all parties.

Following the credentials interview, the application packet is reviewed by the Network Presbytery at the nearest upcoming Board meeting to approve a recommendation to the General Council Credentials Committee for the appropriate credential level. Credentials become effective upon General Council approval. The Network Office will email each applicant as approvals are received, and credentials approval packets are mailed once the Credentials Office processes them along with pertinent new minister information.

Submitting transcripts for evaluation

• LASOM: notify the Credentials Office if you have completed coursework through LASOM. Your transcript will be sent via email to be attached to your application.
• Berean / Global: request an official transcript to be emailed to brenda@laaog.org.
• College / University: request an official transcript mailed to LA Assemblies of God, Attn: Credentialing, P.O. Box 346, Woodworth, LA 71485, or emailed to brenda@laaog.org.

What does a credentials timeline look like?

The credentials process looks a little different for every applicant. Once you step into it, you will be connected to your Area Presbyter, receive the study tools needed for the exams and interview, and have the Credentials Office assisting from start to finish. For most, the process can be completed within about four months after all necessary requirements and requested documentation are received.

Educational Options

Recognizing the diversity of the Body of Christ and the ministers God is raising up across Louisiana, educational requirements for credentials can be met through a variety of customizable training venues.

The Louisiana Network offers all the necessary credentialing courses through convenient, economical weekend venues at two campus locations each month through the Louisiana School of Ministry. It is a great way to learn from fellow Louisiana leaders and walk alongside others exploring God's call on their lives.

The Network Presbytery also grants credit toward credentialing for related coursework completed at a number of accredited Christian institutions.

Fast Track Process

In 2011, the General Presbytery of the Assemblies of God approved a fast-track credentialing process. A fourth category was added in August 2014 for ministers' spouses.

Do you qualify?

• A lead pastor who wants to bring their existing church into the Assemblies of God (ordained).
• A staff pastor of that same church who currently holds credentials with another organization (ordained).
• A ministry-active spouse married to a minister ordained with the Assemblies of God for at least 10 years (certified or licensed).

If any of the above describes you, the fast-track process may be a fit. Contact the Credentials Office for details.

Qualifications

Applicants must be saved (new birth, born again) and baptized in water and in the Spirit, with evidence of speaking in other tongues. For fast-track applicants, education is waived, though you are encouraged to request any transcripts or completed coursework, as General Council looks favorably on prior educational experience. As with all credentialing, please contact the office regarding any history of divorce and remarriage, or bankruptcy.

Financial Requirements

Ministers are expected to give financial support to the LA Assemblies of God and the General Council of the Assemblies of God. Louisiana ministers send 75% of their ministerial tithes and 25% of their secular tithes, monthly, to the Network Resource Center.

General Council minimum monthly support

General Council dues can be paid through your minister's AG Passport on a recurring basis, or at year-end through the online renewal portal. Compliance with these requirements is a prerequisite for renewal of credentials.

Transfer of Credentials

Transferring out of Louisiana

Ministers desiring to transfer to another Assemblies of God district should contact the Network secretary's office for information and the appropriate forms.

Transferring to Louisiana

Ministers desiring to transfer their Assemblies of God credentials to the Louisiana Network should first contact the credentialing specialist of the district where they currently hold credentials.

Credential Upgrade

A credential upgrade is for those who currently hold a credential with the General Council of the Assemblies of God. The General Council Bylaws (Article VII, Section 3.d & e) provide the qualifications.

Upgrading to Licensed minister

Qualifications include clear evidence of a divine call, character and preparation suitable for that calling, practical ministry experience, and an evident purpose to devote one's life to the proclamation of the Gospel. If you meet these, email the Credentials Office for an upgrade packet or call (318) 445-6238.

Upgrading to Ordained minister

• Applicants must be 23 years of age or older.
• Must have held a ministry license and been actively engaged in ministry for at least two full consecutive years immediately prior.
• Must be a resident of, or hold credentials in, the district of application and have been a member of that district for at least one year.
• To maintain active status, ordained ministers shall be engaged in viable ministry, except for disability, retirement, or other valid circumstances.

Call (318) 445-6238 or email the office. You will receive an upgrade packet once the education requirements for ordination are complete.

Reinstatement

Ministers seeking reinstatement should request a reinstatement packet from the Louisiana Network office and will be invited for an interview with a credentials committee. Those seeking reinstatement after seven or more years are required to take an examination.

Annual Renewals

Credentials granted through the Louisiana Network by the General Council of the Assemblies of God are renewed annually, by December 31 of each year. Renewing is the responsibility of the individual minister.

Two ways to renew

• Renew online at ministerrenewal.ag.org, following the instructions completely.
• Sign and submit the original forms received from General Council (usually around December 1). They must be postmarked by December 31.

General Council annual dues