Credential Information

Credential Classification Information

CREDENTIAL CLASSIFICATIONS

The Assemblies of God gives recognition to the following grades 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. They shall preach at least 12 times a year or be actively engaged in some other aspect of ministry, except in case of ill health or infirmity.

License to Preach: Those who give clear evidence of a Divine call and whose desire is to devote their lives to preaching the gospel. Licensed ministers shall preach at least 15 times a year, except in case of ill health or infirmity.

Specialized License: Those whose evident purpose is to devote their time to a specialized ministry, such as Christian education, music, or other full-time ministries.

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. In order to maintain active status, ordained ministers must preach at least 15 times each year.

CREDENTIAL RENEWAL

All credential holders must renew their credentials annually. 

The renewals are usually mailed from the General Council during November of each year. If one is not received by December 1, please contact our office. All those failing to renew by mail postmarked on or before December 31, shall be considered delinquent, and shall be required to pay a late fee of $25 until January 15, after which time the credential will be lapsed as of the date of December 31.  Lapsed credential holders must make application for reinstatement and pay a nonrefundable fee of $50. 

Click here for Credential Disclaimer Form.

CONTINUOUS CREDENTIALING

The Iowa District Council is now processing credential applications on a continuing basis, instead of just one time per year.

COMPLETION OF FILE

Everything in your file, which includes satisfactory completion of all tests and completed references, must be in place one month prior to a Presbyter Meeting in order to grant your Presbyter interview.  If your file is not complete, you will need to wait until the next Presbyter meeting, but please be aware that each application is only good for six months from the date the application is actually received in the district office, and all fees are non-refundable.  If you have to begin the process over again, you will be required to complete a new application and pay the applicable fees.  Therefore, be very sure that you are ready to complete the process when you apply.  Please make it a point to contact all references you have listed on the application form, so they are aware that a reference letter will be mailed to them and must be returned ASAP.  Also, please reaffirm the addresses of all references.

DISTRICT COUNCIL PRESENTATION

Your credential will be awarded to you as soon as it is received from General Council; however, you will be required to attend the Ordination Service at District Council for the formal presentation.

IOWA SCHOOL OF MINISTRY

All applicants, regardless of credential, must attend the Iowa School of Ministry, which is held the end of September.

CONTACTS FOR APPLICATION

     gpilcheria@aol.com Gary Pilcher; 515-232-7111;

     cvankampen@imnag.org Cary Van Kampen; 515-276-5493;

     mhays@imnag.org Mary Hays; 515-276-5493;