Texas General Assembly of the Church of God Credentials Packet
Candidate, Congratulations on hearing and answering God s call to ministry. The Texas General Assembly Credentials Committee is looking forward to working with you through the Church of God credentialing process. There are three levels of credentialing that we will consider as we learn more about your calling. The information below is taken from the current manual: The Three Levels of Credentialing for Vocational Ministers 1.31 Commissioning The purpose of commissioning is to recognize and support one who articulates a sense of call to ministry. It grants a preliminary ministerial status and inclusion on the approved list. Credentialing bodies may commission a person for terms of one or two years, at their discretion, depending on circumstances and qualifications. Terms are renewable as the credentialing committee may judge appropriate. A commission is given on the condition of an annual review by the credentialing body. It may be voided by action of the credentialing body if deemed advisable. It may be renewed so long as the credentialing body judges the minister worthy of such continuing credentialing. Being commissioned does not necessarily imply that the candidate eventually will be licensed and/or ordained. 1.32 Licensing Licensing is a second level of credentialing, one that acknowledges a minister s call to the Christian ministry and a corresponding commitment to vocational involvement. Licensing affords a limited measure of recognition and accountability. While it may serve as a step toward ordination, licensing should not be viewed as the promise of ordination. Licensing often satisfies legal requirements, as well as requirements imposed by such institutions as hospitals, nursing homes, and jails when these provide opportunities for pastoral care. Credentialing bodies may license ministers for terms of one or two years, at their discretion, depending on circumstances and the qualifications of the minister. A license is given on the condition of an annual review by the credentialing body. It may be voided by action of the credentialing body if deemed advisable. It may be renewed if the credentialing body judges the minister worthy of such continuing credentialing. 1.33 Ordination Ordination, the final step of vocational credentialing, recognizes a minister s call and vocational commitment to the Christian ministry. It provides for accountability to the appropriate credentialing body and also satisfies certain legal requirements of the state or province. Ordination usually is needed by persons who serve as leaders of local congregations, in institutional ministries, missionary endeavors, and certain other formal capacities. Ordination is to be granted only when it is strategic to the performance of vocational ministry to which one is called, and when its recipient is found suitable for ordination by virtue of divine call, appropriate character, spirit, commitment, preparation, beliefs, and performance.
1.40 Those Who May Be Credentialed by Commission, License, and/or Ordination 1.41 Categories of Vocational Ministers The following identifies the ministerial categories of those vocational ministers who may be credentialed through commissioning, licensing, and/or ordination. Pastors Persons who pastor recognized Church of God congregations may be properly considered for ordination, provided they have made a long-term vocational commitment to Christian ministry with the Church of God movement and otherwise meet the qualifications for ordination listed in section 2.00 of this Credentials Manual. A bi-vocational pastor may be considered for ordination if the primary commitment is to the Christian ministry. Staff Associates Career staff associates (e.g., those engaged in music and worship ministry, youth ministry, Christian education ministry) who have made long-term vocational commitments to congregational Christian ministry, and who have achieved professional competence, may be appropriately considered for ordination. In such instances, steps toward ordination should be no different from those prescribed for senior pastors. Organizational Staff Professional persons who have made a long-term vocational commitment to Christian ministry and who serve as evangelists or in administrative, educational, para-church, or institutional capacities that support the work of a local congregation may be appropriately considered for ordination. In such instances, steps toward ordination should be no different from those prescribed for senior pastors. Chaplains Persons who represent the church at large as military or institutional chaplains often find that ordination is a prerequisite for employment and placement. Those who have made long-term vocational commitments to these and similar callings may be appropriately considered for ordination. In such instances, steps toward ordination should be no different from those prescribed for senior pastors. Christian Counselors Professional counselors who have made a long-term vocational commitment to Christian ministry, and who have become properly educated for service as Christian counselors, may be appropriately considered for ordination. In such instances, steps toward ordination should be no different from those prescribed for senior pastors. Missionaries Persons who represent the church at large as regularly appointed missionaries with long-term vocational commitment to Christian ministry may be appropriately considered for ordination. In such instances, steps toward ordination should be no different from those prescribed for senior pastors. Note: It is understood that credentialing assemblies may license or commission any of the above persons. In some cases, only a commission or license may be given. It should not be assumed that issuance of a commission or license assures eventual ordination. Circumstances may make licensing more appropriate than ordination. Licensing may be considered the best option when the minister deserves recognition other than commissioning, but does not meet all the requirements for ordination as listed in section 3.00 of this Credentials Manual.
1.50 Servants of Local Congregations Who Are Not Vocational Ministers 1.51 Status of Non-Vocational Church Servants Certain persons serve local congregations in specialized ways, although they do not qualify for the standard forms of credentialing reserved for vocational ministers. They serve under the supervision of senior pastors or other congregational leaders. Such specialized church servants, including supply preachers and staff specialists, are not listed in the Yearbook of the Church of God and do not vote in state or other duly constituted assemblies, unless granted voting rights through another status. Although not qualifying for ministerial credentialing, such persons may be identified formally by the appropriate assembly s credentialing committee for terms of one or two years, renewable as judged appropriate. This file includes the initial paperwork required to begin the credentialing process in the state of Texas. All paperwork must be submitted before a first interview will be scheduled. Interviews normally take place in August with action taken at the Annual Meeting in November. All paperwork must be submitted to the Credentials Committee no later than July 1 to be considered for the current year. Again, we look forward to working with you through the process. If you have any questions you can contact us at tgacredentials@gmail.com. All forms can be sent to Rocky Alexander at P.O. Box 21, Ira, Texas 79527 or to the state office at 3715 Preston Ave., Pasadena, Texas 77505.
Credentialing File Checklist No interview will be scheduled until the following forms and fees have been received and processed by the TGA Credentials Committee. Please use this check list to keep track of what you need to complete. Letter of intent Application (Complete and sign. Please print.) Release of Information (This gives us permission to obtain a background check) Ministerial Endorsement ( From your Senior Pastor or another Pastor that knows you well) Photograph of Applicant Application Fee of $100 (checks made payable to TGA or pay online with your credit/debit card at www.texaschurchofgod.org) Background Check (state will process after receiving release of information and app. fee) Minister s Development Survey List Minister s Development Survey (6 copies. 3 completed by ministers and 3 by lay persons) Bible Discovery Survey (administered by credentials committee at first interview) 14 Theological Points If you have any questions please contact: Pastor Rocky Alexander P.O. Box 21 Ira, Texas 79527 (325) 207-1740 E-Mail: tgacredentials@gmail.com
APPLICATION
CHURCH OF GOD APPLICATION FOR MINISTRY CREDENTIALS PERSONAL HISTORY Name: Home Address: City: State: Zip: Home Phone: Work Phone: Cell Phone: E-mail: Date of Birth: Place of Birth: Have you ever applied for ministerial credentials before? Yes No Current marital status: Married Single Divorced Widowed Have you been previously married? Yes No How many marriages? Have you been divorced since becoming a Christian? Yes No Name of spouse: Name and age of children: High School College Graduate EDUCATIONAL HISTORY Name Location Degree Dates Attended WORK HISTORY (List last ten years; begin with current job. Use back of page as needed.) Workplace Location Position Supervisor Dates
CHURCH HISTORY (Last ten years; begin with current church. Use back of page as needed.) Church Location Position Pastor Dates Give the highlights of your salvation experience: Give the highlights of your call to ministry: Describe the ministry in which you are currently engaged: Are you currently serving in a recognized, staff position where you attend? Yes No How does the ministry you are currently performing require formal recognition and ministry credentials? What ministry are you currently doing or anticipate doing that you could not do without ministry credentials? Why do you want formal recognition in the Church of God?
Are you familiar with the doctrinal teachings that have been historically held by the Reformation Movement of the Church of God? At what points do your doctrinal beliefs differ from those teachings? For example, do you believe in eternal security (once in grace always in grace)? Do you believe that Jesus is coming back to establish his Kingdom on earth? What do you believe about speaking in "unknown" tongues and being slain in the spirit? Do you believe that a person can be saved apart from the shed blood of Jesus? (Give very BRIEF answers on a separate sheet and attach to this application.) BACKGROUND DISCLOSURE This portion of the application is an integral part of the covenant relationship between the Credentials Committee and the ministry applicant. 1. Applicant's sexual orientation is: heterosexual homosexual bisexual 2. I affirm that the granting of any ministry credentials to me places me in a covenant relationship and a position of accountability to the Texas General Assembly of the Church of God for as long as I hold such credentials. 3. Have you ever been, or are you currently, the subject of any official proceedings by any church you have ever attended that resulted in disciplinary action or where such action is currently pending. 4. Has your application for ministerial credentials from another church body ever been denied? 5. Have you ever been the subject of official disciplinary proceedings by a professional association or credentialing body that resulted in disciplinary action or that may now be pending? 6. Have you ever been censured, disciplined, or had your ministry credentials suspended, revoked, or terminated by any credentialing body?
7. Have you ever voluntarily surrendered or returned your ministry credentials? 8. Has a civil law suit alleging that you attempted or actually engaged in sexual discrimination, harassment, exploitation, sexual misconduct, physical abuse, child abuse, or financial misconduct ever been filed in court against you? 9. With respect to your driving record since you became a Christian have you ever had your license suspended or revoked due to reckless driving or driving while intoxicated and/or under the influence of a controlled substance? 10. With respect to matters not addressed in items 8 and 9 above, have you ever been found guilty or pled guilty or no contest to criminal charges? 11. Has your employment ever been terminated because you attempted or actually engaged in sexual discrimination, harassment, exploitation, sexual misconduct, physical abuse, child abuse, or financial misconduct? 12. Have you ever terminated your employment or professional credentials in order to avoid facing or to avoid being terminated because of charges of actual or attempted sexual discrimination, harassment, exploitation, sexual misconduct, physical abuse, child abuse, or financial misconduct? 13. Have you ever been involved in an adulterous relationship or had sexual relations outside the bonds of marriage since you became a Christian?
14. Have you in the last two years used tobacco, alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, or frequently viewed sexually explicit or pornographic materials in magazines or the Internet? 15. In your judgment, are there any facts or circumstances involving you or your background that would warrant further review before you are entrusted with the responsibilities of ministry on behalf of the Church of God with general offices in Anderson, Indiana? To the best of my knowledge the statements contained in this application are true and complete. Signature Date
RELEASE OF INFORMATION & BACKGROUND CHECK FORMS
RELEASE OF INFORMATION I hereby authorize the Texas General Assembly of the Church of God to request, receive, maintain, and transfer upon request any and all applications, letters, references, forms, and other information in regards to my licensing, ordination, and ministerial service. I further give said board permission for all information received to become part of my professional file. I understand that this file is considered permanent and transferable to an appropriate authority on my choice to transfer to the jurisdiction of another assembly. Print Full Name: Social Security Number: Signed: Date Signed:
Access Number: HU 1255 REQUEST FOR SERVICE EMPLOYMENT REPORT (EQ Emp. Credit, Criminal, Driver s License) Sending Agent: Fax # 281.487.5353 Subscriber: TEXAS GENERAL ASSEMBLY (PGCC) Phone# 281.487.4283 PLEASE PRINT Applicants Name: SSN: Dr. Lic. # DOB: Add. Apt# City State Zip Prev. Add. Apt# City State Zip Spouse/ 2 nd Applicant: SSN: Dr. Lic # DOB: Add. Apt # City State Zip Prev. Add. Apt# City State Zip EMPLOYMENT REPORT: ONLY FAX BACK: (1) This completed form (2) Applicants Signature Page Put NTN to work for you CALL TODAY! 281.487.4100 281.487.4113 Fax
MINISTERIAL ENDORSEMENT FORM
Applicant Information: (Please print clearly or type.) MINISTERIAL ENDORSEMENT Applicant s Name: Applicant s Address: City: State: Zip: Fill out the above portion and then give this form to your pastor, former pastor, or major professor (if in college or seminary). The minister who completes the remainder of this form is not to return it to you but should mail it directly to the chairperson of the TGA Credentials Committee. Endorser s Information: (Please print clearly or type.) ******************************************** Endorser s Name: Endorser s Address: City: State: Zip: Phone: Current Position: E-mail Address: How long have you known the applicant? In what relationship? What is the applicant s greatest strength? What are does this applicant most need to strengthen? Please indicate (circle) your assessment of the applicant in the following areas: Qualities High Low Comments Honest / Integrity 1 2 3 4 5 Self-motivated 1 2 3 4 5 Friendly 1 2 3 4 5 Cooperative 1 2 3 4 5 Teachable 1 2 3 4 5 Works will with others 1 2 3 4 5 Responsible 1 2 3 4 5 Respected by others 1 2 3 4 5 High moral standards 1 2 3 4 5
According to the Credentials Manual, what kind of credentials does the candidate need for the type of ministry being performed (check one only in the line on the left below)? Ordination License only Commission What recommendation do you give for the granting of such a credential? Strongly With Reservation Not at all Additional Comments: Endorser s Printed Name: Signature: Date Signed: Do not return this form to the candidate, but return it to the following: Please Return To: Pastor Rocky Alexander P.O. Box 21 Ira, TX 79527 E-mail: tgacredentials@gmail.com
MINISTER S DEVELOPMENT SURVEY LIST
MINISTER S DEVELOPMENT SURVEY LIST Name: Address: City, State: Zip: Telephone: E-Mail: Please provide the names of the three ministers and three laypersons that will be completing your Minister s Development Surveys. Ministers: 1. 2. 3. Laypersons: 1. 2. 3. Candidate s Signature: Return to: Please Return To: Pastor Rocky Alexander P.O. Box 21 Ira, TX 79527 E-mail: tgacredentials@gmail.com
MINISTER S DEVELOPMENT SURVEY (You will need 6 copies of this form)
Poor Acceptable Good Excellent Don t Know MINISTER'S DEVELOPMENT SURVEY (Candidate: you will need to print 6 copies of this survey - 3 completed by ministers and 3 by lay persons) You are being asked to assist in developing a ministerial profile for. How long have you known this person? Nature of your association? Printed name of evaluator: Signature of evaluator: Date: _ Your ratings and comments will remain anonymous. Please explain on back any ratings that you feel need further explanation. RELATIONSHIPS Appearance - Neatness, grooming, physical features. Personal Emotional Stability - Self-Control, objectivity, sensitivity to others, mental health. Attitudes - Wholesome and positive attitudes toward church and people; sincerity and honesty. Social Skills - Ability to maintain cordial relations; cooperative, tactful, pleasant personality. Family Life - Happy and normal home life with family members. Knowledge - Wide range; informed on Bible, current events; studious. Response Under Pressure - Ability to manage conflict, accept criticism. Congregational Preaching Ability - Communication In thoughtful, scriptural, relevant, Interesting manner. Pastoral Ministry - Wisdom in counseling and meetings, caring of other's needs, visitation, nurture. Evangelism - Ability to lead people to Christ, and to win new people to the church. Conduct of Worship - Preparation and leadership of inspirational worship services, poised, articulate. Administrative Skills - Ability to plan, coordinate, expedite, lead democratically. Balanced Ministry - Understands maintenance of well-rounded program in church, displays ability to relate to community needs. Religious Education - Knowledge and involvement in Religious Education program of the church for all ages. Staff Relationships - Ability to work supportively with other church staff and/or lay leaders and volunteers. Visionary Allows and empowers the individual and congregation to accomplish their potential. Other Standing in Ministry - Reputation and acceptance in community at large - financial and moral reputation. Community Area Leadership - Acts in cooperation with other churches and state/district efforts. Missionary Concern - Commitment to meeting spiritual and physical needs locally, nationally, worldwide. Appropriate Balanced Personal Choices - Healthy boundaries with members of the opposite sex; realistic in goals and expectations of self and others. Example - Models servant leadership, Biblical values and Holiness lifestyle. Theological - Basic beliefs consistent with those held by the Church of God.
PLEASE GIVE FRANK EVALUATIONS OR COMMENTS These comments and/or concerns will remain in confidence with the TGA Credentials Committee. 1. Are you willing to recommend this person? (Check position(s) recommended if answer is yes). Pastor Associate Pastor Youth Minister Minister of Music Interim Pastor Other 2. Do you know any reasons why this person should not be recommended as a Christian minister? If so, please explain. 3. Have you been aware of an obvious failure or unique success in this person's life and/or ministry? 4. Does this person hold any theological belief inconsistent with Church of God teachings? 5. In what ways is this person supportive of our state and national work? (Be specific) 6. What do you consider his/her greatest strength to be? 7. In what type of community do you see him/her best fulfilling a ministry? (Please check) Rural Small Town Urban Metropolitan Other 8. Evaluate spouse's attitude toward and contribution to his/her ministry. 9. Feel free to write any comments you think are important. Use back or other paper if necessary. Please Return To: Pastor Rocky Alexander P.O. Box 21 Ira, TX 79527 E-mail: tgacredentials@gmail.com
FOURTEEN THEOLOGICAL POINTS
Fourteen Theological Points You will need to complete a statement for each subject according to the guidelines taken from the credentials manual. Those guidelines are included as a part of this packet on the next page. The fourteen theological subjects are: The nature and revealing activity of God The nature and saving mission of Jesus Christ The Holy Spirit s cleansing and gifting work in the believer s life Ordinances of baptism, Lord s Supper, and feet-washing Human nature, sinfulness, and destiny Salvation Holiness The nature of the church and church membership The mission and role of leadership in the church The nature and importance of Christian unity Christian stewardship of life and financial resources The nature and authority of the Bible The kingdom of God The second coming of Jesus Christ and related events
Preparation: Questions to Consider 8.29 GUIDELINES FOR WRITING THEOLOGICAL STATEMENTS 1. What do you believe regarding the topic of your paper? 2. How are these convictions a part of your life? 3. How does our Movement interpret what the Bible says about these topics? 4. How does your life experience and study confirm or conflict with those interpretations? 5.Do your life experiences confirm what you are saying the Bible means? Are you only quoting verses? 6. What are some tough questions that rise from the Word and from life? 7. Have you stretched your thinking and matured in your understanding of the Word? 8. Are you prepared to discuss your beliefs and questions? 9.Can you approach the task of writing and defending the statements with a humble, teachable spirit? 10. Can you look at the task as a process - learning process - not a test? Believe we are here to help you learn and succeed! Writing Process Guidelines 1. Pray for the Holy Spirit to be your teacher. God will teach you as you prepare and write. When you begin do not feel that you are expected to ''know it all. Part of the learning will take place as you write. Trust God in the process! 2. Brainstorm-write everything you know and think about the topic. 3.Use a concordance to locate scriptures if needed and add verses and notes you may not know or remember. 4. Gather your ideas in a logical way; group them either in a chronological list, by subject or sequence. What information is absolutely essential or foundational? 5. What do you believe? What are your convictions about the topic? 6. Next, organize your notes and write in your own words 7. Add or delete to strengthen the statement. 8. Re-write the paragraph(s) as needed. Did you say what you wanted to say? 9.Check resources now to confirm and see if you are missing a vital point. (Use resources such as commentaries, Bible dictionaries, etc.) 10. Practice verbally with someone to defend your statements. 1. Do write your own thoughts in your own words. If you quote scripture, note the version or translation used. 2. Do include knowledge and personal experience. 3. Do know Church of God distinctives. 4. Do construct concise explanations of each topic. 5. Do allow the Holy Spirit to teach you before you rely on outside resources. 6. Do read and study if you do not know where to begin. 7. Do check spelling and use correct grammar 8. Do use inclusive language. 9.Do leave space for written comments in the margin in the typed paper. Number each of the fourteen statements and note the topic of each. Number the pages. 10. Proofread! Ask someone else to proofread.