Processing time

• The credential application process generally takes between three to six months (depending on follow-up with procedural steps)

COST

• The cost of the application process for the South Pacific District is $160, which is non-refundable. The cost of the application process for the General Council is separate. (Information on next page) www.ag.org

• EDUCATION 

  • Completion of formal Bible School in; an endorsed school, college or university of Assemblies of God. (2 years are required)

  • Completed AG History and Governs (In the United States) before applying Completion of a ministerial level of Berean College or Global University or a Biblical Institute (Transcripts of classes taken are required. Transcripts must be evaluated to confirm that they meet the required classes).

• CERTIFIED MINISTER

  • Synoptic Gospels: Life and teachings of Christ

  • Introduction to Pentecostal Doctrine

  • Acts: The Holy Spirit at Work in Believers

  • Prison Epistles

  • Introduction to Hermeneutics

  • The Local Church in Evangelism

  • Relationships and Ethics in Ministry

  • AG History, Missions, and Governance

  • Beginning Ministerial Internship

• LICENSED MINISTER

  • Old Testament Survey

  • New Testament Survey

  • Romans

  • Introduction to Theology: A Pentecostal Perspective

  • Introduction to Homiletics

  • Eschatology: A Study of Things to come

  • Effective Leadership

  • Conflict Management for Church Leaders

  • Intermediate Ministerial Internship

• ORDAINED MINISTER

  • The Corinthian Correspondence

  • The Pentateuch

  • The Poetic Books – Psalms and Proverbs

  • Prayer and Worship

  • Preaching in the Contemporary World

  • Church Administration, Finance, and Law

  • Pastoral Ministry

  • Advanced Ministerial Internship

• LEGAL RESIDENCE IN THE COUNTRY

  • You must be an American Citizen or have a Permanent Residency (Green Card)

  • You have a Religious Visa (R1 with AG) or permission to work.

• RELATIONSHIP WITH THE ASSEMBLIES OF GOD

  • You must be attending and supporting one of the churches of our District for at least six months before applying for credentials.

• BACKGROUND AND CREDIT CHECK

  • You must undergo a background and credit check.

• IF DIVORCED

  • If you (or your spouse) have divorced, you must complete another application explaining the causes of the divorce. To be eligible, you must be under a category that meets with standards of the AG.

• YOU MUST COMPLETE ALL THE FORMS INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGE:

• Official app
• Background check disclosure
• Authorization and Release Form (Notarized)
• Authorization and release for spouse (notarized)
• Presbyter Recommendation (Executive and District)
• Pastors reference
• Ministers Reference
• University reference
• Employer Reference
• Friends referral
• Bankruptcy questionnaire
• Exam synopsis (according to the level you are applying for)

INCLUDES PAYMENT

• The second control must be made to the General Council. (The amount of the check varies depending on the level for which you are applying.)
• Certified: $20.00 Licensed: $25.00 Ordained: $30.00
• A check for $160.00 payable to the South Pacific District (this includes the application processing fee of $50, a paper filing fee of $10, a background and credit check of $75; as well as the $25 exam).

• INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS

• Copy of passport, permanent residence card or work permit
• Copy of social security card
• Copy of your state ID
• Two photos (passport size)
• Don't forget to include two checks)
• If in case of divorce or recognition of credentials of a council from another country, follow the guidelines established for such cases, in addition to all other requirements and forms.
• Copy of official transcripts

• FINAL STEP

• • Once your package is complete, please sent to the Southern Pacific District: Attn: Secretary-Treasurer at  614 S 5th Ave. La Puente, CA 91746

Upon receipt of your complete package, your information will be reviewed in detail to determine eligibility. The District officials will then present it to the credentials committee for approval. If it is a particular case considered (divorce, recognition of credentials from another country or credit problems) it must be approved by the Executive Presbytery (which meets four times a year) in our Council. Once approved, it is sent to the General Council for final and official approval.

The credentials of the ministers are not active until the legal and official authorities confirmation is received from the General Council. Requests that are not completed within one year of receipt will begin the process again.