Credentialing

PennDel Ministerial Credentialing

Call is God's invitation.

Call is different for everyone.

God calls people at all stages and times of their lives.

Call means you have gifts and talents that are needed in the church and in the world.

All of us are called to use our gifts and talents the best we can in the church.

We call this ministry.

What you are called to is different for everyone; some are called to teacher, prison chaplain, world missions but all become messengers of the Gospel.

Pastors are called to a lifetime ministry of service, Word, sacrament and leadership.

Pastors are authorized to preach and teach God's Word, to administer the sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion, and to order the life of the church for mission and ministry.

The Pennsylvania-Delaware District wants to partner with you in answering God's call.

Call Dave for more information at 717.795.5921 or email Dave (click Dave).

We're committed to the call!

Steps to a Credential

STEP 1: Review the Basic Qualifications to see if you satisfy the requirements

STEP 2: Email Dave and request application

STEP 3: Submit application to Dave for review

STEP 4: Successfully complete exam

STEP 5: Schedule interview – '09 Interview dates: Jan 13, March 15, Sept 15

STEP 6: Approved application is submitted to the General Council

STEP 7: Credential is forwarded to the applicant

Time requirements to secure a credential is about 3 months depending on the timing for application submission. Plan your timeline around the interview dates as listed above. All Ordained Minister upgrade interviews must be scheduled for the January interview in order to be included in the current year's ordination class.

Basic Qualifications

The following qualifications pertain to all applicants for ministerial recognition:

Salvation: Testimony of having experienced the new birth (John 3:5).
Baptism in the Holy Spirit: Testimony to having received the baptism in the Holy Spirit with the initial physical evidence of speaking in tongues (Acts 2:4).
Evidence of call: Clear evidence of a divine call to ministry, evidenced by a personal conviction, confirmed by the work of the Spirit and the testimony of fellow ministers.
Christian Character: A blameless Christian life and good report of those who are without (Titus 1:7, 1 Timothy 3:7).
Doctrinal position: A thorough understanding of and agreement with the doctrinal position of the Assemblies of God as contained in the Statement of Fundamental Truths.
Assemblies of God polity: A satisfactory working knowledge of the principles, practices and purposes of the Fellowship through a study of the General Council and Penn-Del District Constitution and Bylaws.
Commitment to the Fellowship: An active loyalty to the constitutional agreements, a cooperative spirit and a readiness to seek and receive the counsel of those in positions of authority.

NOTE: All credential applicants MUST show they have completed the AG History, Missions and Governance course by submitting a transcript with the credential application. To complete the course by correspondence go to www.globaluniversity.edu, click Berean School School of the Bible or call 1.800.443.1083.

Classifications & Qualifications

Certified Minister:

Efficient helpers in gospel work who devote a part of their time to Christian service and, whenever possible, remain under the supervision of a pastor, may be recognized as Certified Ministers. They shall be actively engaged in some aspect of ministry, except in cases of ill health or advanced age.

Licensed Minister:

Clear evidence of a divine call - a practical experience in preaching, together with an evident purpose to devote one's time to preach the gospel. They shall be actively engaged in some aspect of ministry, except in cases of ill health or advanced age.

Specialized Licensed Minister:

An evident purpose to devote one's time to a specialized ministry such as Christian Education, music or other full-time ministries.

Ordained Minister:

Qualifications for Ordination are outlined in the New Testament Scriptures (1 Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:7-9).

Applicants must be twenty-three (23) years of age or older.
Applicants must be a member of the Penn-Del District for no less than one (1) year prior to ordination.
Applicants must possess a Licensed Minister credential at least two (2) consecutive years and be engaged in active work as a pastor, evangelist or some other recognized fulltime ministry for at least two (2) consecutive years immediately prior to submitting an application.
If applicant is licensed in another district, approval to proceed with ordination must be received from the former district.
Applicants must meet all the requirements in making application and in completing the prescribed application form.

Ministers From Other Organizations

If a minister from another principled organization desires to affiliate with the Assemblies of God, the Credentials Committee of both the General Council and the PennDel District is under no obligation to accept the applicant's previous ministerial status. Each applicant shall be judged on his or her own merits as to the level of credentials to be granted.

Such applicants shall be required to:

Conform to the Assemblies of God criteria for recognition.
Complete an application for ministerial recognition.
Submit a letter of recommendation from a neighboring Assemblies of God minister or the sectional presbyter for the applicant's area.
Submit a recommendation from the body with which they were formally affiliated. If such is not available, letters of recommendation should be sought from three trustworthy ordained ministers who are familiar with the applicant's ministry.
Applicant shall take the credential examination.
Applicant shall meet with the Credential Interview Committee.
Applicant shall be recommended by the Penn-Del District Credential Committee for the approval of the General Council Credentials Committee.
Ministers who receive Assemblies of God recognition will relinquish their ministerial credentials with any other organization.

Making Application For Credentials

Contact the district office for an Application. Email Dave at dcroz@penndel.org or call him at 717.795.5921.
Return the completed application, transcript, other pertinent forms, recent photo and filing fee to the Penn-Del District, 4651 Westport Drive, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055.
The application will request as references the name of your pastor, ministers acquainted with your ministry background, friends and employers. All references should know the applicant well enough to answer a comprehensive questionnaire.
A synopsis of the required examination will be sent to you to assist you in preparing for the examination.
All applicants must pass a written examination. Your Presbyter will administer the written examination. You will be requested to contact your Presbyter and arrange a time and place for the test to be given. Applicants will be permitted to use their Bible, the General Council and the District Council Constitution and ByLaws during the examination.
Successful completion of the examination or educational requirements does not automatically insure acceptance due to other factors involved. Bible school graduates are not exempt from the examination.
The presbytery of the Penn-Del District have determined the Assemblies of God Position Papers, ìWhere We Standî, would be beneficial for all credentialed ministers to read. They have, therefore, included this book as part of the requirements for ministry.
An interview with a regional credentialing committee will be scheduled by the District Secretary once written exam is completed and all references have returned their response.

Filing Fees

A non-refundable fee of $100 is required with your application. This fee covers the General Council mandated background check, secretarial expenses to manage your file, and filing fee with the General Council.

Interviews

Applicants shall meet with the regional interview committee during a scheduled interview. Interviews are held in the following months: January, February, April, May, September and October.

2009 Interviews

January 13 - Preference given to ordination applicants

March 17 - All levels of credential applicants

September 15 - All levels of credential applicants

Minimum Academic Requirements

The Assemblies of God offers the following credentials:

Certified Minister:

Completion of two years of study as a Biblical Studies or Ministry major at an Assemblies of God Institute/College or completion of the Global University Courses as required by the General Council.

Licensed Minister:

Completion of three years of study as a Biblical Studies or Ministry major at an Assemblies of God Institute/College or completion of the Global University Courses as required by the General Council.

Specialized Licensed Minister:

Completion of the Global University Courses as required by the General Council for Specialized License or take equivalent courses at an Assemblies of God Institute/College and complete three Elective courses in the field of specialization, i.e., Christian Education, Youth, Children, Music.

Ordained Minister:

Completion of four years of study as a Biblical Studies of Ministry major at an Assemblies of God Institute/College or completion of the Global University Courses as required by the General Council for Ordained Minister. Two years of approved AG ministry is a prerequisite.

Note:
Courses completed at non Assemblies of God Institutions/Colleges will be evaluated against the Global University course requirements. Credit will be given based on this evaluation.

Educational Requirements

(Global University/Berean) are:

LEVEL ONE (CERTIFIED MINISTER)
Upon completion of the Level One Ministerial Certificate, a student should possess the academic requirements to apply for Certified Minister status in the U.S. General Council of the Assemblies of God. This would include a working knowledge of Bible study methods, New Testament content, and Pentecostal doctrine. He or she should possess the basic skills needed to begin serving in a ministerial role in the local church.

BIB 112	Synoptic Gospels: The Life and Teachings of Christ
BIB 115	Acts: The Holy Spirit at Work in Believers
BIB 117	Prison Epistles: Ephesians, Colossians, Philippians, and Philemon
BIB 121	Introduction to Hermeneutics: How to Interpret the Bible
MIN 123	The Local Church in Evangelism
MIN 181	Relationships and Ethics in Ministry*
MIN 191	Beginning Ministerial Internship
THE 114	Introduction to Pentecostal Doctrine
THE 142	Assemblies of God History, Missions, and Governance**

*Accompanied by a district-taught seminar. May be taught in a local church study center or taken by independent study with district approval.
** THE411 The Church: Pentecost to Reformation may be taken in place of THE142 Assemblies of God History, Missions & Governance for those students who are not pursuing Assemblies of God credentials or who are not affiliated with the Assemblies of God. Credential candidates may not take THE411 in place of THE142.

LEVEL TWO (LICENSED MINISTER)
Upon completion of Level Two Ministerial Certificate, a student should possess the academic requirements to apply for Licensed Minister status in the U.S. General Council of the Assemblies of God. This would include a mastery of specified Bible content, systematic theology, and ministry skills.

NOTE: Students who completed their Level One (Certified) studies under the previous eleven-course plan should follow the Level Two Transition Program (create link to Transition program).

BIB 212	New Testament Survey
BIB 214	Old Testament Survey
BIB 215	Romans: Justification by Faith
MIN 223	Introduction to Homiletics
MIN 251	Effective Leadership
MIN 261	Introduction to Assemblies of God Missions
MIN 281	Conflict Management for Church Leaders*
MIN 291	Intermediate Ministerial Internship
THE 211	Introduction to Theology: A Pentecostal Perspective
THE 245	Eschatology: A Study of Things to Come

*Accompanied by a district-taught seminar. May be taught in a local church study center or taken by independent study with district approval.

LEVEL TWO (LICENSED MINISTER) TRANSITION PROGRAM
Students who completed their Level One (Certified) studies under the previous eleven-course plan will be required to take the following transition program as Level Two:

BIB 115	Acts: The Holy Spirit at Work in Believers
BIB 117	Prison Epistles: Ephesians, Colossians, Philippians, and Philemon
BIB 215	Romans: Justification by Faith
MIN 181	Relationships and Ethics in Ministry*
MIN 251	Effective Leadership
MIN 261	Introduction to Assemblies of God Missions
MIN 281	Conflict Management for Church Leaders*
MIN 291	Intermediate Ministerial Internship
THE 114	Introduction to Pentecostal Doctrine
THE 245	Eschatology: A Study of Things to Come

*Accompanied by a district-taught seminar. May be taught in a local church study center or taken by independent study with district approval.

LEVEL THREE (ORDAINED MINISTER)
Upon completion of Level Three Ministerial Certificate, a student should possess the academic requirements to apply for Ordained Minister status in the U.S. General Council of the Assemblies of God. This would include mastery of several of the more difficult books of the Bible, advanced theological concepts, and administrative skills required for ministerial roles.

NOTE: All students who have completed Levels One and Two, whether under the pre-2007 requirements or transitional license, should take the following Level Three (Ordained Minister) requirements:

BIB 313	The Corinthian Correspondence
BIB 318	The Pentateuch
BIB 322	The Poetic Books
MIN 325	Preaching in the Contemporary World
MIN 327	Church Administration, Finance, and Law
MIN 381	Pastoral Ministry*
MIN 391	Advanced Ministerial Internship
THE 311	Prayer and Worship

*Accompanied by a district-taught seminar. May be taught in a local church study center or taken by independent study with district approval.

Financial Responsibilities

GENERAL COUNCIL

The work of the General Council of the Assemblies of God, in its program of developing the spirit of cooperation and fellowship in home and foreign fields, incurs considerable expense, including the financial support of the national offices.

The required minimum is:
Ordained - $20.00 monthly
Licensed - $15.00 monthly
Certified - $ 7.50 monthly
Senior Retired - Free-will basis

All credentialed ministers are strongly urged to give more than the suggested amount, either personally or through the church they pastor. Compliance with these requirements will be a pre-requisite for renewal of credentials of all active ministers. If their contributions are in arrears, they shall be given an opportunity to meet their obligations when they renew.

DISTRICT COUNCIL

The standard practice is that each credential holder contribute two-thirds (2/3) of his tithes as dues, sending it monthly to the District Treasurer. Senior retired ministers shall be exempt from any financial obligation to the District.

*World Missionaries - $25.00 monthly
*Home Missionaries - one half their dues

Failure to fulfill one's minimum financial responsibility to the District will result in a minister's credential not renewing until the matter is resolved to the satisfaction of the District Presbytery. In cases of extreme hardship, the minister so affected may appeal to the Presbytery for consideration.

Annual Credential Renewal

Credentials from the General Council are to be renewed each year on the form provided annually. They are mailed in November each year and are to be completed and returned to the District Office no later than December 31. Ministers should call the district office if they have not received their form by December 1. The Penn-Del District and General Council Constitution and Bylaws state charges as follows:

*Renewals received after January 1:
General Council fee is $12.50
District Council fee is $12.50

*Renewals received after January 15:
General Council fee is $25.00
District Council fee is $25.00
PLUS: a reinstatement application must be filed and the minister's credential is reported as lapsed in "The Minister's Letter."

When A Minister Transfers

When a minister moves from the Penn-Del District, they shall request a transfer out from the district secretary. They will be issued a transfer unless: they are in arrears with ministerial dues; there are definite charges preferred against them or if there are other just causes for delay, as stated in the General Council and District Council Bylaws. Ministers transferring into the Penn-Del District from another district shall request a transfer from their former district within 60 days of taking up residence in the Penn-Del District.

Reinstatement

Applicants for reinstatement must complete an Application for Reinstatement provided by the Secretary/Treasurer. If the applicant has been lapsed for less than two (2) years, they shall be required to furnish three (3) references. If the applicant has been lapsed for two (2) years or more, they may be required to take the written examination according to the status of credential for which they are applying. If the applicant has been out of the Fellowship for more than two (2) years, a background check must accompany the reinstatement application to the General Council.

Application fee is $75.00 plus any monies outstanding at the time they lapsed or resigned. Applicants for reinstatement for all levels of credentials may be required to meet with the District Credential Committee for a personal interview. If a background check is required, the total application fee is $85.00 plus any monies outstanding at the time they lapsed or resigned.

Marriage Status

We disapprove of any married person holding ministerial credentials with the Assemblies of God if either marriage partner has a former spouse living, unless the divorce occurred prior to his or her conversion, or for the scriptural causes of a former spouse's marital unfaithfulness (Matthew 19:9), or the abandonment of the believer by the unbeliever (1 Corinthians 7:10-15). General Council Bylaw, Article VII, Section 2. Basic Qualification, j.

Ecclesiastical Annulments and Divorce

The Executive Presbytery shall have the authority to determine whether or not an applicant's annulment of a former marriage is consistent with the scriptural position of the Fellowship relating to the granting or holding of ministerial credentials; or, in the case of a divorce or a dissolution whether the circumstances would more appropriately be classified as calling for an annulment; or, if the divorce occurred prior to conversion. In those cases involving pre conversion divorce, they shall be decided on an individual basis just as those that deal with annulment are decided. The application for an annulment must be accompanied by clear and satisfactory evidence of an illegal marriage through deception or fraud.

NOTE: Applications to qualify an annulment, pre conversion divorce, or a divorce due to spousal infidelity or abandonment of the believer by the unbeliever, are available from the district secretary. These applications must be filed and approved before submitting an Official Application for ministerial credentials.