credentialing

Credentialing with the Assemblies of God is open to individuals who meet specific spiritual, personal, and educational qualifications. According to the Assemblies of God national bylaws, to be eligible for ministerial credentials, applicants must:

1. Demonstrate a Personal Salvation Experience — A clear testimony of being born again and living a Spirit-filled life.

2. Evidence of a Divine Call to Ministry — A genuine sense of calling to ministry, recognized by others.

3. Christian Character and Godly Conduct — A life that reflects spiritual maturity, integrity, and moral purity.

4. Doctrinal Agreement — Full agreement with the Assemblies of God’s Statement of Fundamental Truths.

5. Active Involvement in Ministry — Engagement in viable ministry opportunities.

6. Fellowship and Cooperation — Willingness to work in harmony with the fellowship and leadership of the Assemblies of God.

7. Educational Requirements — Completion of prescribed ministerial training, including biblical, theological, and practical ministry courses. This may be fulfilled through the District School of Ministry, an approved Bible college, or equivalent.

8. Ministerial Testing and Interview — Successful completion of a credentialing exam and an interview with the Network Credentials Committee.

9. Age Requirement — Applicants must be at least 18 years old.

10. Marriage and Family — A stable family life that reflects biblical standards.

The credentialing process is structured to help affirm your calling, support your development, and connect you to a broader community of ministers.

The credentialing process varies depending on the applicant’s readiness and completion of the required steps. Assuming you have met all of the educational requirements, on average, the process takes 3 to 6 months and includes:

• Submission of a formal application and references

• Transcripts confirming completion of educational requirements

• Ministerial testing

• Background checks

• An interview with the Network Credentials Committee

• Approval by the Network and General Council leadership

We recommend beginning the process early to allow time for education, preparation, and paperwork.

The Assemblies of God offers three levels of ministerial credentials:

1. Certified Minister – For those beginning their ministry journey, actively engaged in ministry, and demonstrating spiritual maturity.

2. Licensed Minister – For individuals with additional experience and responsibility in ministry leadership.

3. Ordained Minister – The highest level of credentialing, reserved for those who have demonstrated a proven ministry, meet specific qualifications, and have held the Licensed credential for at least two consecutive years.

Each level reflects a minister's calling, preparation, and ongoing commitment to leadership and service.

Credentialing with the Assemblies of God connects you to a larger family of ministers and provides:

• Spiritual Covering & Accountability — Connection to a trusted network of leaders who walk with you in ministry.

• Access to Resources & Opportunities — Invitations to ministerial events, training, and leadership development.

• Recognition of Calling & Qualification — Affirmation of your call and preparation for ministry.

• Eligibility to Perform Ordinances — Authorization to officiate weddings, funerals, and other ministerial functions.

• Tax and Legal Benefits — Ministerial credentials may provide access to clergy-specific tax considerations.

• Networking & Community — Meaningful relationships with ministers across Arizona and the Assemblies of God Fellowship.

If you feel called to ministry but haven’t completed the educational requirements, there are several pathways available to help you prepare:

• Arizona School of Ministry (ASOM) – Our district’s affordable, accessible ministerial training program.

• Assemblies of God Colleges & Universities – Accredited programs that meet the credentialing requirements.

• Transfer of Previous Studies – Courses completed at other approved schools may be accepted.

• Independent Study – In certain cases, equivalent learning and ministry experience may be considered.

Our team will walk with you to develop an educational plan that meets the requirements and equips you for long-term ministry.

The Assemblies of God credentialing process is designed to ensure the long-term health, fruitfulness, and integrity of those called to ministry. There are certain life circumstances or spiritual matters that may require additional conversations, processes, or accountability before credentials can be issued. These are not meant to disqualify or discourage you but to help you walk in freedom, wholeness, and lasting ministry effectiveness.

Some of these areas include:

1. Baptism in the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues
   Credential applicants are required to have received the baptism in the Holy Spirit, accompanied by the initial physical evidence of speaking in tongues, in alignment with the Assemblies of God’s Fundamental Truths (Acts 2:4; Acts 10:44-46; Acts 19:6). If this experience has not yet taken place in your life, our team will gladly help you learn more and pray with you to receive this empowering gift.

2. Divorce History (Personal or Spouse’s)
   A prior divorce—whether your own or your spouse’s—does not automatically prevent you from receiving credentials. However, it will require an additional review process to ensure that the circumstances of the divorce align with biblical standards. Our team will guide you through this process with grace, care, and a commitment to walk alongside you.

3. Background Check Concerns
   A criminal history does not automatically disqualify a person from ministry. However, any prior offenses will be reviewed carefully, considering the nature and timing of the offense. Our goal is to ensure the highest integrity of our ministers while recognizing God’s redemptive power to transform lives.

4. Recent Struggles with Pornography
   If you have struggled with pornography within the last two years, this may delay the credentialing process. Our goal is to ensure applicants have the necessary freedom, healing, and accountability in place before stepping into ministerial leadership. We are committed to walking alongside you and providing support and resources to help you find lasting victory.