Ministerial Credentialing

In this ministry formation process, the church partners with the individual to help the individual develop the abilities to fulfill his/her divine call and place of ministry.

This developmental journey occurs through personal discovery, education, training, and becoming a credentialed minister in the Church of God.

Following are the programs which are the primary means for completing this ministry formation process:

  • Calling And Ministry Studies (CAMS)

  • Ministerial Internship Program (MIP)

The Division of Education coordinates the necessary programs for ministry advancement. The Division of Education also prepares and distributes applications, study guides, and ministerial exams for each of the levels of licensure to the state, regional, and national offices. Study guides may be ordered from the store, but applications for licensure must be secured from the state or regional office. Ministers outside the United States will contact the national overseer.

The credentialing process is directed by the administrative bishop of the state, region, or nation, of the minister, so the prospective minister should contact the state/regional/national office of the Church of God in that area. The administrative bishop will approve each candidate and the state/regional/national office will schedule the examinations.

  • Ministerial Licensure Process – Step 1

Become an Exhorter

A person who feels called to become a credentialed minister in the Church of God should discuss his/her calling with his/her pastor and ask the pastor to contact the state office. Upon receipt of the request from the pastor, a New Minister/Calling and Ministry Studies (CAMS)/Exhorter Application will be mailed from the state office to the pastor.

As part of the application process, the individual desiring credentials must submit to a background check. Upon approval, the applicant (and spouse) will be eligible to begin the CAMS program. After completion of CAMS, and upon recommendation of the Ministerial Development Board, the candidate will be ready to purchase an Exhorter Study Guide and will be eligible to take the Exhorter exam.

  • Ministerial Licensure Process – Step 2

Become an Ordained Minister

An exhorter who desires to advance to the rank of ordained minister should contact the state office and request an Ordained Minister/Ministerial Internship Program (MIP) Application.

After successful completion of MIP, the individual will be ready to purchase an Ordained Minister Study Guide and will be eligible to take the Ordained Minister exam.

  • Ministerial Licensure Process – Step 3

Become an Ordained Bishop

An ordained minister may advance to the rank of ordained bishop when he is twenty-five (25) years of age, provided he has had at least eight (8) years of active ministry, or when he is thirty (30) years of age, provided he has had at least five (5) years of active ministry, if he is otherwise qualified.

A person who meets the above qualifications may contact the state office for an Ordained Bishop Application.

Feel a calling on your life?

Contact your local state office.