POLICY MANUAL FOR CREDENTIAL APPLICANTS READ THIS BEFORE FILLING OUT THE APPLICATION Minnesta District Cuncil Assemblies f Gd 1315 Prtland Avenue Suth Minneaplis, Minnesta 55404 Telephne: (612) 332-2400 Fax: (612) 332-2510 Revised 2018
ii
CONTENTS Instructins t Candidates... 1 Vluntary Cperative Fellwship... 1 16 Fundamental Truths f AG... 1-3 Baptism in the Hly Spirit... 3,5 Legal Residency Requirement... 3 Church Membership Requirement... 3,5 Abstinence Standard... 4 Abstinence frm Prngraphy Requirement... 4 Making Applicatin if Divrced... 4,6 Applicatin/Filing Fees... 4 Basic Qualificatins fr Recgnitin... 5-7 Fast Track Prgram... 7 Specific Qualificatins... 8-9 Educatinal Requirements... 10-11 Nn-Ministry Majr AG Cllege Graduate... 11 Nn-AG Bible Cllege Graduate... 11 Life Experience Credit... 11 Making Applicatin... 12-14 Applicatin Deadline... 14 Supprt f District Cuncil... 15 Supprt f General Cuncil... 16 Renewals... 16 Transfers... 16 iii
INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES This manual has been prepared t give helpful infrmatin t thse wh have a call t ministry and may be seeking ministerial credentials with the Assemblies f Gd Fellwship thrugh the Minnesta District Cuncil. All candidates shuld acquaint themselves with the teachings, practices, and purpses f the fellwship as revealed thrugh the Cnstitutin & Bylaws f the General Cuncil f the Assemblies f Gd. The General Cuncil Cnstitutin & Bylaws can be fund at this website: http://ag.rg/tp/abut/cnstitutin_bylaws.cfm. A cpy f the General Cuncil Cnstitutin & Bylaws will be included in Step #2 f the applicatin prcess [see page 12]. All applicatins fr ministerial credentials are t be made thrugh the Minnesta District Cuncil. See pages 5-7 fr Basic Qualificatins, pages 8-9 fr Specific Qualificatins, and pages 12-14 regarding Making Applicatin. Ministerial credentials are fr thse wh shw a genuine call f Gd t ministry which wuld take them beynd the cnfines f their wn lcal church. Ministerial credentials are nt fr lay peple engaged in teaching, wrship leading, r ccasinal exhrtatin in the lcal assembly. It is the respnsibility f the Credentials Cmmittee t carefully screen all candidates t determine whether their ministry wuld be best served as lay ministry r if the candidate shuld be credentialed fr full-time ministry. VOLUNTARY COOPERATIVE FELLOWSHIP The Assemblies f Gd is a vluntary cperative fellwship f Spirit-baptized saints and invlves the fllwing: By vluntary it is meant that upn learning the principles, dctrines, and practices f the Assemblies f Gd and by seeing the benefits ne culd derive frm being assciated with such an rganizatin, persns f their wn free chice decide t becme members, thus subscribing t all that fr which the rganizatin stands. By cperatin it is meant that t the best f ne s ability, he r she will cmply with all decisins setting frth and defining duties and respnsibilities incumbent upn members f the rganizatin, which include active participatin, and will respect the will f the majrity expressed thrugh demcratic prcesses as lng as he r she remains a member. Hence, vluntary cperatin means that ne f his r her wn free will decides t becme a cperating member f the Assemblies f Gd, this cperatin and participatin being bligatry and nt ptinal. 16 FUNDAMENTAL TRUTHS OF THE ASSEMBLIES OF GOD All candidates seeking credentials with the Assemblies f Gd must be in agreement with the 16 tenants f faith. These are nn-negtiable. If a candidate finds they are in disagreement with any f the fllwing fundamental truths, they shuld discuss their cncerns with the District Secretary befre actually making applicatin. Applicants nt agreeing with the 16 fundamental truths will nt receive credentials. 1
1. WE BELIEVE...The Scriptures are Verbally Inspired by Gd and are the revelatin f Gd t man, the infallible, authritative rule f faith and cnduct. 2. WE BELIEVE...There is nly One True Gd revealed in three persns...father, Sn, and Hly Spirit [cmmnly knwn as the Trinity]. 3. WE BELIEVE...In the Deity f the Lrd Jesus Christ. As Gd's sn, Jesus was bth human and divine. 4. WE BELIEVE...thugh riginally gd, Man Willingly Fell t Sin ushering evil and death, bth physical and spiritual, int the wrld. 5. WE BELIEVE...Every Persn Can Have Restred Fellwship with Gd Thrugh 'Salvatin' [accepting Christ's ffer f frgiveness fr sin]. [1 f 4 cardinal dctrines f the AG] 6. WE BELIEVE...and practice tw rdinances (1) Water Baptism by Immersin after repenting f ne's sins and receiving Christ's gift f salvatin, and (2) Hly Cmmunin [the Lrd's Supper] as a symblic remembrance f Christ's suffering and death fr ur salvatin. 7. WE BELIEVE...the Baptism in the Hly Spirit is a Special Experience Fllwing Salvatin that empwers believers fr witnessing and effective service, just as it did in New Testament times. [1 f 4 cardinal dctrines f the AG] 8. WE BELIEVE... The Initial Physical Evidence f the Baptism in the Hly Spirit is Speaking in Tngues, as experienced n the Day f Pentecst and referenced thrughut Acts and the Epistles. 9. WE BELIEVE...Sanctificatin Initially Occurs at Salvatin and is nt nly a declaratin that a believer is hly, but als a prgressive lifelng prcess f separating frm evil as believers cntinually draw clser t Gd and becme mre Christ like. 10. WE BELIEVE...The Church has a Missin t seek and save all wh are lst in sin. We believe 'the Church' is the Bdy f Christ and cnsists f the peple wh, thrughut time, have accepted Gd's ffer f redemptin [regardless f religius denminatin] thrugh the sacrificial death f His sn Jesus Christ. 11. WE BELIEVE...A Divinely Called and Scripturally Ordained Leadership Ministry Serves the Church. The Bible teaches that each f us under leadership must cmmit urselves t reach thers fr Christ, t wrship Him with ther believers, t build up r edify the bdy f believers the Church, and t meet human need with ministries f lve and cmpassin. 12. WE BELIEVE...Divine Healing f the Sick is a Privilege fr Christians Tday and is prvided fr in Christ's atnement [His sacrificial death n the crss fr ur sins]. [1 f 4 cardinal dctrines f the AG] 2
13. WE BELIEVE...in The Blessed Hpe When Jesus Raptures His Church Prir t His Return t Earth At this future mment in time, all believers wh have died will rise frm their graves and will meet the Lrd in the air, and Christians wh are alive will be caught up with them, t be with the Lrd frever. [1 f 4 cardinal dctrines f the AG] 14. WE BELIEVE...in The Millennial Reign f Christ when Jesus returns with His saints at His secnd cming and begins His benevlent rule ver earth fr 1,000 years. At that time many in the natin f Israel will recgnize and accept Him as the Messiah, the Savir wh died fr them and all mankind. 15. WE BELIEVE...A Final Judgment Will Take Place fr thse wh have rejected Christ. They will be judged fr their sin and cnsigned t eternal punishment in a punishing lake f fire. 16. WE BELIEVE...and lk frward t the perfect New Heavens and a New Earth that Christ is preparing fr all peple, f all time, wh have accepted Him. We will live and dwell with Him there frever fllwing His millennial reign n Earth. 'And s shall we frever be with the Lrd!' BAPTISM IN THE HOLY SPIRIT A persn seeking t be credentialed with the Assemblies f Gd must have received the baptism in the Hly Spirit with the evidence f speaking in tngues. We believe this is nt a ne-time experience, but rather, this shuld be an nging experience and a regular part f a minister s devtinal life. The candidate must believe and prclaim that the initial physical evidence f the baptism in the Hly Spirit is speaking in tngues. LEGAL RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT It is a requirement that an applicant fr credentials wh is nt a citizen f the United States f America have prf f a legal wrking status in the United States. Freign students temprarily in the United States fr educatinal purpses are nt eligible fr credentials. It will be necessary fr the nn-citizen applicant t prvide either a cpy f their green card r a lawful nnimmigrant temprary wrk visa befre an applicatin will be prcessed. CHURCH MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENT It is a requirement that an applicant fr credentials be a member f an Assemblies f Gd church. An exceptin t this requirement wuld be fr a minister wh is credentialed with anther rganizatin wh wishes t be affiliated with the Assemblies f Gd r smene attending a Hme Missins church nt ffering membership. The candidate must cntact the District Secretary fr exceptins. 3
ABSTINENCE STANDARD The Assemblies f Gd believes that fr the sake f adhering t the highest ministerial standards, a minister will abstain frm alchl, tbacc r ther smking, gambling, prngraphy, recreatinal r illegal drug usage r any sinful behavirs specifically prhibited by Scripture. Any persn applying fr credentials wuld need t agree t this standard. ABSTINENCE FROM PORNOGRAPHY REQUIREMENT An applicant fr credentials needs t be free f any use f prngraphy fr at least 2 years prir t applying fr credentials. Thse struggling in this area shuld cntact the District Secretary. MAKING APPLICATION IF DIVORCED If an applicant fr credentials has been divrced and remarried and their frmer spuse is still living OR if their spuse has been divrced and has a frmer spuse still living, the divrce wuld need t be recgnized by the General Cuncil Executive Presbyters befre an applicatin fr credentials culd be prcessed. See page 6 fr mre infrmatin abut annulments and divrces. APPLICATION/FILING FEES (Nnrefundable*) Certificate f Ministry $165 License [initial applicatin] Ordinatin License Upgrade $100 Husband/Wife Discunt** $20 Minister s Spuse [nt Fast Track} $105 Fast Track [see pg 7] $75 Late Fee [see pg 14] $100 * Nnrefundable if applicant withdraws, but partially refundable if withdrawal is at the District s request. District will retain $50 minimum. ** Deductin fr secnd applicant if bth husband and wife are applying. 4
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS FOR RECOGNITION (Quted frm the General Cuncil and District Cuncil Bylaws) The fllwing qualificatins pertain t applicants fr ministerial recgnitin: 1) Salvatin and Baptism. Testimny t having experienced the new birth [Jhn 3:5] and t having been baptized in water [Matt. 28:19]. 2) Baptism in the Hly Spirit. Testimny t having received the baptism in the Hly Spirit with the initial physical evidence f speaking in ther tngues accrding t Acts 2:4. The Spirit-filled life will enable him t fulfill the threefld missin f the church. 3) Evidence f Call. Clear evidence f a divine call t the ministry, evidenced by a persnal cnvictin, cnfirmed by the wrk f the Spirit and the testimny f fellw ministers. 4) Christian Character. A blameless Christian life and a gd reprt f thse wh are withut [Titus 1:7; I Timthy 3:7]. 5) Dctrinal Psitin. A thrugh understanding f and agreement with ur dctrinal psitin as cntained in the Statement f Fundamental Truths. 6) Assemblies f Gd Plity. A satisfactry wrking knwledge f the principles, practices, and purpses f the Fellwship thrugh a study f the General Cuncil and Minnesta District Cuncil Cnstitutin and Bylaws. 7) Cmmitment t the Fellwship. An active lyalty t ur cnstitutinal agreements, a cperative spirit, and a readiness t seek and receive the cunsel f thse wh are spiritually mature and thse in psitins f authrity [Prverbs 11:14]. 8) Assemblies f Gd Membership. A member in gd standing with an Assemblies f Gd Church. 9) Basic Educatinal Requirements. Any level f frmal academic achievement [diplma r degree] shall nt be a requirement fr credentials; hwever, credential applicants shall meet the fllwing criteria: All applicants are required t be interviewed by the Minnesta District Credentials Cmmittee and in preparatin fr the interview, pass a standard exam apprved by the General Presbytery whereby they demnstrate knwledge f the Bible, Assemblies f Gd dctrines, and ministerial practices; and either 1) Successfully cmplete curses prescribed by the General Presbytery ffered in crrespndence thrugh the Berean Cllege f the Assemblies f Gd; r 2) Successfully cmplete equivalent training t that indicated abve, preferably in an endrsed Assemblies f Gd pst-secndary schl; r in a seminary, cllege, Bible cllege, r schl apprved by the Minnesta District Credentials Cmmittee cnsistent with criteria established by the General Cuncil Credentials Cmmittee; r 3) Be recmmended by the Minnesta District Credentials Cmmittee as qualifying fr credentials thrugh self-study and ministerial experience. Such candidates shall have a prven and fruitful ministry f substantial duratin. Requests frm 5
the Minnesta District fr such a candidate shall be presented t the General Cuncil Credentials Cmmittee and may be granted n a case-by-case basis. 10) Mandatry Screening. All applicants fr ministerial credentials shall be screened thrugh a designated screening agency established by the General Cuncil Executive Presbytery. The screening shall be dne prir t the submissin f the applicatin t the ffice f the General Secretary. 11) Marriage Status. The General Cuncil disapprves f any married persns hlding ministerial credentials with the Assemblies f Gd if either marriage partner has a frmer spuse living, unless the divrce ccurred prir t his r her cnversin r fr the scriptural causes f a frmer spuse s marital unfaithfulness [Matthew 19:9], r the abandnment f the believer by the unbeliever [I Crinthians 7:10-15], except as hereinafter prvided. 12) Annulments and Marriage Disslutin. The General Cuncil Executive Presbytery has the authrity t determine whether an applicant qualifies fr an ecclesiastical annulment. In such cases there must be clear and satisfactry evidence f deceptin, fraud, r ther cnditins which have a prfund impact preventing the creatin f a valid unin, unknwn at the time f marriage by the applicant. The Executive Presbytery has the authrity t determine whether an applicant qualifies regarding a frmer marriage when the terminatin f that marriage is cnsistent with the scriptural psitin f the Fellwship relating t the granting r hlding f ministerial credentials; r if a frmer marriage ended prir t cnversin. In thse cases invlving precnversin divrce they shall be decided n an individual basis just as thse that deal with ecclesiastical annulments. Appeals frm the decisins f the Executive Presbytery may be made t the General Cuncil Presbytery. 13) Eligibility f wmen: The scriptures plainly teach that divinely called and qualified wmen may als serve the church in the ministry f the Wrd [Jel 2:29; Acts 21.9; I Crinthians 11:5]. Wmen wh have develped in the ministry f the Wrd s that their ministry is acceptable generally and wh have prven their qualificatins in actual service and wh have met all the requirements f the credentials cmmittees f the district cuncils are entitled t whatever grade f credentials their qualificatins warrant and the right t administer the rdinances f the church when such acts are necessary. 14) Ministers frm Other Organizatins. If a minister frm anther recgnized bdy desires t affiliate with the Assemblies f Gd, the Credentials Cmmittees f bth the General Cuncil and the Minnesta District Cuncil are under n bligatin t accept the applicant s previus ministerial status but will judge each candidate n his r her wn merits as t the level f credentials t be granted. Such applicants shall be required t: a) Cnfrm t Assemblies f Gd criteria fr recgnitin. b) Cmplete an applicatin fr ministerial recgnitin. c) Submit a letter f recmmendatin frm a neighbring Assemblies f Gd minister r sectinal presbyter fr the applicant s area. d) Submit a recmmendatin frm the bdy with which the minister was frmerly affiliated. If such is nt available, letters f recmmendatin shuld be sught frm three reputable rdained ministers wh are familiar with the applicant s ministry, tw f whm shuld be frm the applicant s frmer credentialing bdy. 6
e) Take the credential examinatin. f) Cmplete such curses as may be prescribed by the General Presbytery fr ministers cming frm ther credentialing bdies. g) Meet with the District Credentials Cmmittee fr an ral interview. h) Be recmmended by the District Credentials Cmmittee fr apprval f the General Cuncil Credentials Cmmittee. i) All previusly rdained ministers s apprved shall receive public recgnitin as rdained Assemblies f Gd ministers with laying n f hands by the District Presbytery at the next annual District Cuncil. All ther applicants s apprved shall receive the apprpriate level f credential recgnitin. j) Ministers wh receive Assemblies f Gd recgnitin will relinquish their ministerial credentials with any ther rganizatin. FAST TRACK PROGRAM The General Presbyters apprved a fast-track prgram fr the fllwing candidates: 1. Lead pastrs wh want t bring their existing churches int the Assemblies f Gd 2. Staff pastrs f thse same churches wh currently hld credentials with ther rganizatins 3. Grups f existing ethnic ministers wh wish t affiliate with the General Cuncil f the Assemblies f Gd 4. Minister s spuse wh is ministry-active and has been married t a minister wh has been rdained fr a minimum f 10 years Requirements: 1. A cmpleted Official Applicatin fr Ministerial Credentials 2. A letter f recmmendatin frm tw ther pastrs (preferably Assemblies f Gd r fraternal rganizatins) 3. Study f the cndensed manual n Assemblies f Gd Histry, Missins & Gvernance 4. Backgrund check 5. Signed Authrizatin / Release frms 6. Interview with District Executives r their designee 7. Ordained level ministers are t have the laying n f hands by the District Executives, perhaps at the set-in-rder meeting f a church cming int the fellwship In all cases, the candidates must be persns wh are Pentecstal in experience, agree with the Statement f Fundamental Truths, and are willing t embrace vluntary cperatin with the Assemblies f Gd in all f its implicatins. 7
SPECIFIC QUALIFICATIONS (Quted frm the General Cuncil and District Cuncil Bylaws) 1) Residency requirements f applicants. Applicants fr all credentials must be residents f r hld credentials in the Minnesta District and appear befre its credentials cmmittee. 2) Certified Minister a) General Requirements. They shall shw prmise f usefulness in the gspel wrk. They shall devte full r part-time t Christian ministry and, at the discretin f the Minnesta District Credentials Cmmittee, remain under the supervisin f a pastr r a ministry cach r mentr. They shall shw evidence f a divine call and be actively engaged in sme aspect f ministry and prclamatin f the gspel, except in case f ill health r advanced age. b) Pastral Requirements. In the event a certified minister is serving in a psitin as the pastr, he shall be expected t advance t license within 2 years f acceptance f the pastrate. This shall nt apply t any minister wh has reached the age f 65 r lder r whse certificate has been issued n a prvisinal basis. Any exceptins shall be at the discretin f the Minnesta District Credential Cmmittee. c) Exceptin fr Prvisinal Issuance. A Certificate f Ministry may be issued n a prvisinal basis t a persn wh has nt met all the credentialing requirements but wh is deemed by the Minnesta District Credentials Cmmittee t be essential t the cntinuity f a church r a ministry utreach fr which a duly Credentialed and qualified minister is unavailable. The reasn fr such a prvisinal issuance must be ministry driven, and the justificatin fr its use is terminated when the minister ceases t be invlved in the ministry fr which it was initially granted, unless he accepts anther qualifying assignment. Other limitatins are: 1) The ministry certificate n a prvisinal basis will be issued fr 1 year and shall nt be renewed mre than 2 times. 2) A persn wh has been granted the Certificate f Ministry n a prvisinal basis must meet the qualificatins fr a ministry certificate within a 3-year perid. 3) Licensed Minister Qualificatins fr License shall include clear evidence f a divine call, character, and preparatin suitable fr that calling, practical ministry experience, and an evident purpse t devte ne s life in service t the prclamatin f the gspel. 4) Ordained Minister Qualificatins fr Ordinatin are utlined in the New Testament Scriptures [I Timthy 3:1-7; Titus 1:7-9]. 8
In additin: a) Applicants must be 23 years f age r lder. b) They must have met all the requirements in making applicatin and in cmpleting the prescribed applicatin frm. c) N persn may be rdained t the ministry until he r she has shwn evidence f a divine call and has held a ministry license and has been actively engaged in ministry and prclamatin f the gspel fr at least 2 full cnsecutive years immediately prir theret. d) Residency Requirements f Applicants. Applicants must be residents f r hld credentials in the Minnesta District and appear befre its Credentials Cmmittee. The Minnesta District Cuncil is required t refrain frm apprving any applicant fr rdinatin wh may have been licensed in anther district until such licensed minister shall have been a member f the Minnesta District fr at least 1 year. If the applicant has nt been a member f the Minnesta District fr 2 full cnsecutive years, he must meet the requirements and secure the endrsement f the Officiary f the district in which he was previusly licensed, as well as the Minnesta District. e) Exceptins t Requirements. The General Cuncil Credentials Cmmittee, upn request by the Minnesta District Credentials Cmmittee and where exceptinal circumstances exist, may waive the requirements fr an applicant hlding a ministry license fr 2 full cnsecutive years r being a member f the district in which he is seeking rdinatin fr at least ne year. f) In rder t maintain active status, rdained ministers shall be actively engaged in ministry and prclamatin f the gspel except fr cases f disability, retirement r ther valid circumstances as determined by the General Secretary. 9
EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS Fr applicants wh have attended an endrsed Assemblies f Gd cllege r university with a ministry majr, credit will be given as fllws fr thse wh have cmpleted: 2 yrs [48 hrs] Certificate f Ministry 3 yrs [72 hrs] - License 4 yrs [96 hrs] - Ordinatin Fr applicants wh have nt had frmal Bible/ministry training, the General Cuncil Presbytery has adpted the Berean Schl f the Bible Ministerial Studies Diplma curses as the minimum standard fr credentials fr applicants. [See page 11 fr infrmatin n the Berean Schl f the Bible] BEREAN SCHOOL OF THE BIBLE MINISTERIAL COURSES CERTIFICATE OF MINISTRY: 1. BIB114 Christ in the Synptic Gspels 2. THE114 Intrductin t Pentecstal Dctrine 3. BIB115 Acts: The Hly Spirit at Wrk in Believers 4. BIB117 Prisn Epistles: Ephesians, Clssians, Philippians & Philemn 5. BIB121 Intrductin t Hermeneutics: Hw t Interpret the Bible 6. MIN123 The Lcal Church in Evangelism 7. MIN171 A Spirit-Empwered Church: An Acts 2 Ministry Mdel 8. THE142 Assemblies f Gd Histry, Missins & Gvernance 9. MIN181 Relatinships & Ethics in Ministry* 10. MIN191 Beginning Ministerial Internship LICENSE: 1. THE211 Intrductin t Thelgy: A Pentecstal Perspective 2. BIB212 New Testament Survey 3. BIB214 Old Testament Survey 4. BIB215 Rmans: Justificatin by Faith 5. MIN223 Intrductin t Hmiletics 6. THE245 Eschatlgy: A Study f Things t Cme 7. MIN251 Effective Leadership 8. MIN261 Intrductin t Assemblies f Gd Missins 9. MIN281 Cnflict Management fr Church Leaders* 10. MIN291 Intermediate Ministerial Internship ORDINATION: 1. THE311 Prayer and Wrship 2. BIB313 The Crinthian Crrespndence 3. BIB318 The Pentateuch 4. BIB322 Petic Bks 5. MIN325 Preaching in the Cntemprary Wrld 6. MIN327 Church Administratin, Finance, and Law 7. MIN381 Pastral Ministry* 8. MIN391 Advanced Ministerial Internship Smene seeking a License wuld need t cmplete bth the Certificate f Ministry and License curses. Smene seeking Ordinatin, wuld need t cmplete all three levels. * MN District requires these curses be taken at the District Schl f Ministry [MnSOM], nt thrugh Berean. Call the Credentials Crdinatr at (612) 332-2400 fr mre infrmatin regarding this requirement. See page 11 fr infrmatin regarding the MnSOM. 10
ASSEMBLIES OF GOD HISTORY, MISSIONS & GOVERNANCE COURSE: This curse [r its equivalent at an Assemblies f Gd cllege] is required fr anyne applying fr credentials. The curse may be taken at Glbal University / Berean Schl f the Bible r MnSOM (Minnesta Schl f Ministry). GLOBAL UNIVERSITY / BEREAN SCHOOL OF THE BIBLE The Berean Schl f the Bible [institute level] is a branch f Glbal University, Springfield, Missuri. The curses may be rdered directly frm them at 1 (800) 443-1083 r by visiting their website at www.glbaluniversity.edu. If it is preferable t take the curses at the cllege level t receive cllege credit, then enrllment shuld be made with Glbal University rather than Berean. A 20% discunt is available fr students taking curses with Glbal University in rder t seek credentials. Please ask the Credentials Crdinatr fr mre infrmatin regarding the discunt. MINNESOTA SCHOOL OF MINISTRY [MnSOM] The Minnesta District Schl f Ministry [MnSOM] is a nn-accredited Bible Training Institute lcated at varius lcatins in the state. Curses taken thrugh the MnSOM will meet educatinal requirements fr credentials with the General Cuncil f the Assemblies f Gd; hwever, the curses may nt qualify fr credit at an accredited institutin. There are 3 curses ffered each mnth [ne fr Certified, ne fr License and ne fr Ordained]. Please see the District Schl f Ministry website fr lcatins and curse infrmatin: www.mnsm.rg. The Relatinships & Ethics in Ministry, Cnflict Management fr Church Leaders, and Pastral Ministry curses listed n the Berean list f curses will need t be substituted with the MnSOM curses: Ministerial Ethics, Cnflict Reslutin, and Pastral Ministry. These curses may nly be ffered nce a year, s check the MnSOM schedule and plan accrdingly. NON-MINISTRY MAJOR - AG COLLEGE GRADUATE An applicant wh has attended an endrsed Assemblies f Gd cllege/university but did nt have a ministry majr shuld request t have their transcript evaluated by the Credentials Crdinatr t determine what supplemental cursewrk wuld need t be taken. NON-AG BIBLE COLLEGE GRADUATE Applicants wh have attended a nn-assemblies f Gd Bible cllege shuld request that their transcript be evaluated. Applicants wh attended a nn-ag Bible cllege wuld be required t take the curse Assemblies f Gd Histry, Missins and Gvernance, and ther curses may als be required, such as Intrductin t Pentecstal Dctrine. LIFE-EXPERIENCE CREDIT Applicants wh are at least 30 years ld and have had a prven and fruitful ministry f a substantial duratin [10 years r mre] may apply fr life-experience credit and request t have ne r mre f the curses waived. The applicant shuld request frm the Credentials Crdinatr the curse descriptins fr the apprved Berean curses listed in this manual. The applicant shuld then make a written request fr life-experience credit t the District Secretary including the fllwing: 1) Shrt persnal essay regarding Applicant s call t Ministry. 2) An explanatin as t hw the applicant has met the requirements fr each curse requested t be waived. 11
MAKING APPLICATION The cycle fr cmpleting the Credential Applicatin paperwrk is April t Octber f each year. N applicatins will be sent ut r accepted after Octber 1 st f each year except fr thse applying under the Fast Track Prgram r current NCU Students. Step #1 The applicant shuld cntact the District Secretary s Office, explain their need fr a credential and request an applicatin. Applicant will be sent r e-mailed: 1. Plicy Manual fr Credential Applicants 2. Credential Calendar/Timetable and Instructins 3. Official Applicatin fr Ministerial Credentials 4. Infrmatin Authrizatin & Release Frms a. ne fr applicant and b. ne fr spuse/fiancée/fiancé, if applicable 5. Backgrund Check Disclsure 6. Supplemental Credential Applicatin 7. Spuse/Fiancée/Fiancé Infrmatin Frm [if married r engaged] 8. Disclaimer Statement 9. Waiver f Respnsibility Frm Reading materials t g with this frm 10. Prctr Agreement 11. Study Materials fr the Test: Synpsis General Cuncil Cnstitutin & Bylaws are nline @ https://ag.rg/abut/abut-the-ag/cnstitutin-and-bylaws Psitin Paper Packet are nline @ https://ag.rg/beliefs/psitin-papers Applicant shuld cmplete the Official Applicatin fr Ministerial Credentials and send it t the District Secretary s Office alng with the ntarized Infrmatin Authrizatin & Release frm(s), signed Backgrund Check Disclsure and the apprpriate nnrefundable applicatin/filing fee as sn as cmpleted s we can run the Backgrund / Credit Reprt [see page 4]. The ther frms can be mailed r emailed back at leisure r befre Octber 1 st deadline. Please Nte Regarding References: When listing references n the back page f the applicatin, the applicant shuld nt list relatives, unless that relative is the applicant s senir pastr and they are wrking directly under him/her. The Minister References listed shuld be rdained r licensed ministers. Als, we nly need ne Emplyer s Reference. Applicant shuld include transcript(s) frm any schl, cllege, r university attended where ministry curses were taken, r the applicant shuld rder the transcript(s) t be sent directly t the Minnesta District Cuncil. Upn receipt f the Official Applicatin fr Ministerial Credentials, Infrmatin Authrizatin & Release frm(s), Backgrund Check Disclsure, and applicatin/filing fee, a backgrund check will be run n the applicant. The backgrund check will include a credit check. Credit issues may affect an applicant s eligibility fr credentials. 12
Step #2 Upn receipt f favrable backgrund check reprts, part # 2 f the applicatin materials will be sent t the applicant cntaining the fllwing: 1. Reference Frms [fr the references listed n the applicatin] Send ut References: Applicant shuld send ut references right away and include a cpy f the signed and ntarized Infrmatin Authrizatin & Release frm(s). They can be sent and received via email but must be emailed t the Credential Crdinatr directly frm the Reference. Take a written exam: All applicants must pass a written examinatin t be eligible. Step #3 A basic Bible withut a cncrdance r ther helps [hard cpy nt digital] may be used thrughut the entire exam. The General Cuncil Cnstitutin & Bylaws may be used fr the secnd part f the exam alng with the Bible. Prctred Exam: The exam may be prctred by the applicant s pastr r ther eligible persn [see the Prctr Agreement fr a list]. That individual shuld cmplete the Prctr Agreement and send it t the District Secretary's Office. The exam will then be sent direct t the Prctr. After cmpletin f the test, the Prctr wuld frward the cmpleted exam t the District Secretary's Office fr crrectin and evaluatin. Exam at the District Office: The exam may als be taken at the District Office n a scheduled date; hwever, there is a $10 exam fee that will be charged. The nly exceptin wuld be n the tw free days scheduled in Octber. Ask the Credentials Crdinatr abut this. Attend Credentialing Seminar: This is a 2-day seminar fr License and Certificate f Ministry candidates and a 1-day seminar fr Ordinatin candidates. It is held in February f each year [see the Credential Calendar fr specific dates]. It is a requirement that all candidates and their spuse/fiancée/fiancé [where applicable] attend the Credentialing Seminar. The nly exceptin is fr the minister s spuse wh is applying under that status r thse applying with the Fast Track Prgram. License candidates wh attended the Credentialing Seminar as a Certificate f Ministry candidate will nt need t attend again until they seek Ordinatin. The Credentialing Seminar is taught by seasned ministers and District fficials. It cvers tpics that are helpful t the new minister. The spuse/fiancée/fiancé f the candidate needs t attend the Credentialing Seminar as well, since ministry is very much a team ministry. Be Interviewed: All credential candidates will be interviewed during the Credentialing Seminar. 1) All applicants will be required t meet with the Minnesta District Credentials Cmmittee fr an ral interview. 2) The purpse f the interview is t get acquainted, assist in areas f cncern that may have been indicated n the applicatin r n the written exam, and advise f benefits and respnsibilities as a member f the Minnesta District. 13
Step #4 3) The applicant will be assigned t a Presbyter r ther apprved interviewer wh will call their references. The interviewer will then cntact the applicant t ask a few questins ver the phne r meet the applicant in persn. 4) The applicant will be ntified f the time and place fr the interview. It is required that the spuse/fiancée/fiancé [where applicable] be a part f the interview. 5) Fllwing the interview, the Credentials Cmmittee [the District Presbytery Bard] will in turn apprve r disapprve the granting f credentials. 6) The District Secretary Office will ntify the applicant f the decisin f the District Credentials Cmmittee. Shuld the applicant nt agree with their recmmendatin, the applicant may appeal t the District Credentials Cmmittee. Attend District Cuncil: Apprved credential candidates will be recgnized at the District Cuncil which cnvenes in April f each year [see the Credential Calendar fr exact date]. Attendance is required at this event fr all credential candidates and their spuse/fiancée/fiancé. APPLICATION DEADLINE DEADLINE DATE: All applicatin materials frm Steps 1 [see page 12 fr a list] shuld be in the District Office by Octber 1. Step 2 must be cmpleted by Nvember 1. N applicatin packets will be sent ut t applicants after the Octber 1 date except fr the Fast Track prgram and current NCU students. CURRENT NCU STUDENTS: All applicatin materials frm Steps 1 and 2 must be received in the District Office by Nvember 1. IT IS THE APPLICANT S RESPONSIBILITY TO BE SURE THEIR FILE IS COMPLETE BY THE DEADLINE DATE. IT IS NOT THE CREDENTIALING COORDINATOR S RESPONSIBILITY TO REMIND THE APPLICANT OF THIS REQUIREMENT. LATE FEE: Applicants wh have started the applicatin prcess befre Nvember 1 [have sent in their initial applicatin paperwrk] but have nt sent in all f their applicatin materials may cntinue the applicatin prcess until Nvember 30; hwever, they will be required t pay a late fee f $100. CUTOFF DATE: Nvember 30 is the date all applicatin materials need t be in the District Office with the late fee. EXCEPTION FOR EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS: Applicants wh have nt cmpleted their cursewrk by Nvember 1 st will be allwed a shrt extensin int December t cmplete their educatinal requirements and have their transcripts sent t the District Secretary withut paying the late fee. 14
SUPPORT OF DISTRICT COUNCIL The wrk f the District Cuncil, in its prgram f develping the spirit f cperatin and fellwship in the District, incurs cnsiderable expense, including financial supprt f the Executive Officers and the maintaining f the executive ffices. T have the endrsement f the District, all ministers are directed t the fllwing plicy: [District Bylaws, Article X, Sectin A)] 1) Minnesta District a) It shall be required that all Credentialed ministers wh are members f the Minnesta District pay 10% f their Ministerial Incme [all cmpensatin received fr the perfrmance f ministerial duties] r $600 per year [$50 per mnth], whichever is greater*, as tithe/dues t the Minnesta District. Out f this amunt may be subtracted General Cuncil tithe/dues prvided that the minimum amunt is still paid t the district. b) Ministers f ur District wh are wrking in ther Districts shall pay a minimum f 5% f their Ministerial Incme r $600 per year [$50 per mnth], whichever is greater, as tithe/dues t the Minnesta District. Out f this amunt may be subtracted General Cuncil tithe/dues prvided that the minimum amunt is still paid t the District. In the event a spuse als hlds ministerial credentials, the minimum tithe/dues fr the spuse is then $300. c) Ministers frm ther Districts wrking amng us shall leave 5% f their Ministerial Incme derived frm the Minnesta District with the Minnesta District. d) Tithe/dues fr Freign Missinaries, Hme Missinaries, and Chaplains shall be in accrdance with the plicy established by the General Cuncil Executive presbytery [General Cuncil Bylaws Article VII, Sectin 8, c]. All freign missinaries and hme missinaries under natinal appintment will be expected t cntribute 2% f ttal deputatinal fferings t the District Office in the Minnesta District. e) Senir-retired ministers [ministers wh have ceased t engage in any regular appinted ministry] shall pay a minimum f 10% f their Ministerial Incme as dues t the Minnesta District. f) Senir semi-retired ministers [ministers wh cntinue t be active, but fr half-time r less] shall pay a minimum f 10% f their Ministerial Incme r $360 per year [$30 per mnth], whichever is greater, as tithe/dues t the Minnesta District. Out f this amunt may be subtracted General Cuncil tithe/dues prvided that the minimum is still paid t the district. g) The Minnesta District Cuncil shall pay an amunt equal t 5% f each minister s tithe/dues int the MBA accunt in his/her name prvided that they have paid the minimum tithe/dues required t the Minnesta District. * Even if the minister des nt have ministerial incme, he/she wuld still be respnsible t pay $50 a mnth t the District. That amunt shuld be taken frm the minister s tithe frm their secular emplyment. 15
General Cuncil mnthly dues are as fllws: $25 Ordained $20 License $10 Certificate f Ministry SUPPORT OF GENERAL COUNCIL The General Cuncil dues shuld be sent directly t General Cuncil and wuld begin the mnth fllwing the issuance f a credential. The General Cuncil dues may be subtracted frm the District Cuncil tithes/dues after the minimum $50 a mnth has been paid. RENEWALS [PLEASE NOTE] All ministers shall be required t fill ut a questinnaire at the end f each year in rder t renew their credential fr the next year. 1) Expiratin Date. All fellwship certificates are valid until December 31 f each year and must be renewed annually. The renewing f credentials is the respnsibility f the individual minister. In the event a minister des nt receive their renewal frm by December 1, he/she shuld ntify the District Office. 2) Grace perid until January 15. All wh shall have failed t renew their fellwship certificates n r befre Dec. 31, r wh shall have failed t indicate their purpse t d s, shall be cnsidered as delinquent and shall be required t pay a late fee f $50 up until Jan. 15. 3) Reinstatement required after January 15. Ministers wh have nt renewed by January 15 shall be recrded as lapsed as f the expiratin date f December 31. They must make applicatin fr reinstatement and pay a $100 fee in rder t be reinstated [plus an additinal $30 fee if a backgrund check needs t be dne]. 4) Inactive. Any minister wh des nt engage in an active viable ministry shall have his/her name placed upn the inactive list fr ne year. If such inactivity shall cntinue fr a secnd year, his/her name shall be taken frm the ministerial list. Shuld he/she later resume active ministry, applicatin fr reinstatement may be made n frms furnished by the District Secretary. TRANSFERS 1) When a minister takes up residence in anther district, he/she shall cntact the Minnesta District Secretary s Office immediately t request a Certificate f Transfer. This shall be issued within 60 days by the District Secretary, unless there are definite charges pending r unpaid tithes/dues. 2) Exceptins may be made fr ministers mving t serve at General Headquarters, fr thse wh are retired frm active ministry, fr thse wh are in the Armed Frces currently n active duty, fr thse wh are serving n the faculties f Assemblies f Gd Schls, fr thse wh are appinted hme missinaries retaining membership in their hme district, and fr students in schl utside their hme districts. 16