New educational requirements are being implemented starting in August 2005. Be sure to obtain an evaluation of your transcript(s) from the office of the District Secretary-Treasurer before beginning credential courses.

Credentialing Interviews
The Sectional Administrative Committee in each section conducts all Final Credential Interviews, at a time and place arranged by the applicant's Sectional Presbyter.

If you are already in the process or just beginning the process of applying for your credential, as soon as your file is complete it will be sent to your presbyter for your final Credential Interview. When your file is complete a letter will be sent to you requesting that you contact your Sectional Presbyter to arrange the date and time. It is wise to call the Presbyter as soon as you are notified, so you are scheduled at the first opening available. There may be times where it is necessary to wait a month or two for the Credential Interview appointment.

The formal Credentialing Interview does not eliminate or replace the Initial Presbyter Interview "get acquainted interview" with your presbyter for License or Recognition of credential applicants (a form is included with license application packets).

Certified or Licensed: No Timelines ~ files sent to Presbyter for final Credential Interview on an ongoing basis. **Allow 5+ months.

Ordination: Fully completed ordination application files including formal credentialing interview are due by the deadline of November 14th. Final Credential Interviews must be conducted and application file returned to District Credentials Administrator office by this deadline. **Allow a minimum of 5+ months for this process.

Due to the time involved in processing individual applications, the following timeline is strongly encouraged. PLEASE PLAN AHEAD!!

June 15th		Last day to request official application
July 15th		Official Application received by the Credentials Administrator
Sept 15th		Completed final Exam received by the Credentials Administrator
Oct 1st		Last day to receive references; file must be complete
Nov 15th		Credentialing Interview must be completed

Previously Married
In August 2001, The General Council passed a resolution regarding pre-conversion divorce. Please let us know if this applies to your situation. All pre-conversion inquiries must be directed to the Office of the District Superintendent, at (916) 379-9600 x136, prior to applying for an Assemblies of God credential.

General Council Mandated Background Checks
The General Council Executive Presbytery approved the recommendation of the Assemblies of God legal counsel, that as part of the application process "CPScreen" (the online version of Choice Point) will be used as the screening provider for a "National Criminal File" check on all credential applications and upgrades, effective January 1, 2004. It is the District's responsibility to administer this process for each applicant. The District Presbytery also approved the addition of a credit check to be conducted as part of the mandated background check.

Steps and Procedures

Step 1. Be aware of the new educational requirements. For information on how to complete the required studies for ministerial credentials please see the page on educational requirements. Contact the Credentials Administrator with any questions and/or evaluation of courses you have previously taken. When courses are completed for the level of credential you are seeking, call the Credentials Administrator for an Official Application. Upgrade applicants: Change of Credential Applications are sent for those advancing to License or Ordination. When you return the completed application packet please include all photocopies, transcript(s), a picture and the application fee.

Step 2. When you receive your application, carefully follow the checklist and instructions. Return the fully completed application along with the $150.00 non-refundable processing fee to the Credentials Administrator. Failure to return any part of the application, notarized authorization forms, or transcripts will prevent further processing of the application.

Step 3. Psychological Testing: Applicant's Spouse or fiancé(e) must accompany applicant for psychological assessment testing and follow-up interview. The applicant is to contact the assigned counselor for a follow up interview to review the results of the test(s). The counselor will provide the District Secretary – Treasurer office with an assessment of interview and exam(s) for the purposes of assisting the formal Credentials Interviewing Committees. The psychological testing consists of the MMPI/Prepare/Enrich and are scheduled once a month at District Resource Center ~ there are some exceptions for Nevada residents.

Step 4. Applicants must successfully pass a proctored examination for the credential level for which they are applying. You will be notified when the Credential exam has been sent to your Sectional Presbyter. The Presbyter will return your credential exam to the Credentials Administrator's office for grading.

Step 5. Once the application file is COMPLETE, it will be prepared and sent to the applicant's Sectional Presbyter for the formal interview. The applicant is notified to contact the Presbyter for an interview appointment with the Sectional Administrative Committee. The applicant’s spouse or fiancé(e) is required to attend this interview.

Step 6. The recommendations of the Interviewing Committees are submitted to the Executive Presbytery. If District approval is granted, the application files are sent to The General Council in Springfield with the recommendations of the District. A ministerial credential is not actively or legally in place until General Council approval has been received. Upon this approval, a fellowship card and certificate are sent to the Northern California & Nevada District for issuing. New ministers are publicly recognized at the next District Council ONLY AFTER they actually received their credential.

For questions or information concerning Ministerial Credentials or to request the official application forms and other materials please contact the District Credentials Administrator at (916) 379-9600 x121.

Ministerial Studies Program
Due to recent action by the General Presbytery, the course requirements for Ministerial Studies will be changing over the next three years. The new requirements for the first level (Certified Minister) went into effect August 1, 2005. This information shows both the current requirements and the new requirements for each level. The new requirements for License and Ordination will be effective January 1, 2006 and January 1, 2007, respectively. Any student who has begun any level on the current program will be allowed to complete that level before moving to the new program. Some courses may need to be substituted depending on availability.

Upon completion of the Ministerial Studies courses, you will have met the minimum academic requirements to apply for credentials. Successful completion of these courses should prepare you for credentialing interviews and tests.

Four Year Assembly of God College or University
Any student of one of our Assemblies of God colleges or universities with a biblical studies, ministerial studies, or other church-related major (as defined by the Commission on Higher Education) which includes a course on A/G History, Missions and Governance and who has studied 2 years, has met the educational requirements for Certified Minister credentials; 3 years – License to Preach; and 4 years – Ordination.

Education Options
If you have not attended one of our Assembly of God schools, there are several ways to complete the required courses for the credential you are seeking:

1. Global University, our Assemblies of God correspondence school;
2. Through an endorsed Assemblies of God postsecondary school; our District school is Bethany University, located at 800 Bethany Drive, Scotts Valley, CA 95066 (2-4 year programs leading to accredited B.A. degree and ministerial credentials) or,
3. A seminary, college, bible college, or school approved by the District Credentials Committee.
4. If you attended other schools, we are happy to evaluate your transcript.

Global University courses may be taken at the Institute Level or College Level. However, if you wish to receive academic credit, you must take the courses at the college level.

Berean School of the Bible under Global University offers the majority of these courses via the Internet. Visit http://www.globaluniversity.edu for more details or call 1-800-443-1083. For more information on The New Berean visit http://thenewberean.com.

If you are interested in more information on the credentialing process, please see the Credentialing Procedures information or call the Credentials Administrator's office at (916) 379-9600 x121.

CERTIFIED MINISTER

Requirements BEFORE August 1, 2005

BIB 103		Old Testament Survey
BIB 113		New Testament Survey
BIB 152		Life of Christ
THE 113		Introduction to Theology
THE 141		Biblical Theology of Prayer
THE 156		History of A/G Missions
MIN 105		How to Study the Bible
MIN 232		Marriage and Family
MIN 213		Soul Winning
MIN 323		Sermon Preparation
MIN 357		A/G History and Polity

Requirements AFTER August 1, 2005

BIB 112		Synoptic Gospels: The Life & Teachings of Christ
THE 114		Introduction to Pentecostal Doctrine
BIB 115		Acts: The Holy Spirit at Work in Believers
BIB 117		Prison Epistles: Eph, Col, Philip, & Philemon
BIB 121		Intro. To Hermeneutics: How to Interpret the Bible
MIN 123		The Local Church in Evangelism
MIN 181		Relationships & Ethics in Ministry * (MIN 381 Pastoral Ministry may be substituted during 2005)
THE 142		A/G History, Missions, and Governance
MIN 191		Beginning Ministerial Internship

LICENSED TO PREACH
(Current students advancing from “Old Certified Minister” program see Transitional Plan)

Requirements BEFORE January 1, 2006

BIB 232		Encountering the Book of Genesis
BIB 241		Understanding the Psalms
BIB 254		Acts of the Holy Spirit
BIB 316		Geography of the Holy Land
THE 221		Systematic Theology I
THE 222		Systematic Theology II
THE 351		History of the Church
MIN 145		Church Leadership and Administration
MIN 344		Developing the Expository Sermon
MIN 417		Ministerial Ethics
MIN 441		Leadership in Christian Education

Requirements AFTER January 1, 2006

THE 211		Intro to Theology: A Pentecostal Perspective
BIB 212		New Testament Survey
BIB 214		Old Testament Survey
BIB 215		Romans: Justification by Faith
MIN 221		Introduction to Homiletics
THE 245		Eschatology: A Study of Things to Come
MIN 251		Leadership Skills
MIN 281		Conflict Resolution *
MIN 291		Intermediate Ministerial Internship
*** ***		A/G Missions (Estimate January 1, 2007)

ORDINATION

Requirements BEFORE January 1, 2007

BIB 256		Romans
BIB 259		I and II Corinthians
BIB 378		Apologetics: Understanding and Defending Your Faith
BIB 421		Isaiah
THE 243		Eschatology
MIN 111		Biblical Counseling
MIN 333		Cults, World Religions, and the New Age Movement
MIN 337		Cross-Cultural Communications
MIN 341		Theology and Practice of Worship
MIN 371		Church and Law
MIN 411		Pastoral Theology

Requirements AFTER January 1, 2007

THE 311		Prayer and Worship
BIB 313		The Corinthian Correspondence
BIB 318		Pentateuch: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers & Deuteronomy
BIB 322		Poetic Books: Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and Solomon
MIN 325		Preaching in Cultural Context
MIN 327		Church Administration, Law, and Finance
MIN 381		Pastoral Ministry *
MIN 391		Advanced Ministerial Internship

SPECIALIZED MINISTRY LICENSE

The General Council Credentials Committee issues a Specialized License for those who wish to pursue a specific field of ministry such as minister of Christian education, minister of music, youth ministries or children's minister, etc.

Core Courses AFTER August 1, 2005

BIB 112		Synoptic Gospels: The Life and Teachings of Christ
THE 114		Introduction to Pentecostal Doctrine
BIB 115		Acts: The Holy Spirit at Work in Believers
BIB 117		Prison Epistles: Ephesians, Colossians, Philippians, and Philemon
BIB 121		Intro. to Hermeneutics: How to Interpret the Bible
THE 113		Introduction to Theology
MIN 123		The Local Church in Evangelism
THE 142		A/G History, Missions, and Governance
MIN 181		Relationships and Ethics in Ministry (MIN 381 Pastoral Ministry may be substituted during 2005.)
BIB 103		Old Testament Survey
BIB 113		New Testament Survey
BIB 256		Romans
THE 243		Eschatology
MIN 145		Church Leadership and Administration

ELECTIVES (3 COURSES)
For a Specialized Ministries License, the student must complete a minimum of three elective courses relating to their field of ministerial specialization. Selection may be made from the following:

Christian Education Emphasis

MIN 111		Biblical Counseling
MIN 242		Principles for Christian Teaching
MIN 337		Cross-Cultural Communications
MIN 441		Leadership in Christian Education

Youth Emphasis

MIN 111		Biblical Counseling
MIN 253		Foundations for Youth Ministry
MIN 337		Cross-Cultural Communications
MIN 441		Leadership in Christian Education

Children's Emphasis

GEN 147		Child Guidance
GEN 244		Home and School Discipline
MIN 257		Introduction to Children's Ministry
MIN 441		Leadership in Christian Education

Music Emphasis

GEN 265		Director of Church Instrumental Music
THE 231		The Holy Spirit
GEN 289		The Ministry of Music
MIN 341		Theology and Practice of Worship

Senior Emphasis

MIN 266		Introduction to Senior Adult Ministries
MIN 366		Ministry After 50
MIN 441		Leadership in Christian Education
MIN 466		Hospital and Nursing Home Ministry

TRANSITIONAL PLAN
For current students completing "Old Certified Minister" program.

Students on the old certified program may still complete under that program, although some courses will need to be substituted. Below is the list of courses along with the plan for completion for those students wishing to complete under the old program. Students enrolling after August 1, 2005 are required to enroll in the new program.

Old Testament Survey		Will stay as is until the new License course is available (on or before January 1). Then they will complete the new course for the same subject if they need it.
New Testament Survey		Will stay as is until the new License course is available (on or before January 1). Then they will complete the new course for the same subject if they need it.
Life of Christ		Replacing with Synoptic Gospels: The Life and Teachings of Christ
Introduction to Theology		Will stay as is until the new License course is available (on or before January 1). Then they will complete the new course for the same subject if they need it.
Biblical Theology of Prayer		This course will stay as is until January, 2007. At that time the new Prayer and Worship course required for Ordination will be available. "Old Certified" students still needing this course will have to take the new course. When they get to ordination, a course they have not had will be substituted for this course they will have already completed.
History of A/G Missions		Still available for previously enrolled students who have ALREADY taken Assemblies of God History and Polity until stock runs out. Then they will have to take Assemblies of God History, Missions, and Governance. If they have not had this course OR Assemblies of God History and Polity, they will take the new course to replace both on the old sequence.
How to Study the Bible		Being replaced by Hermeneutics as soon as stock runs out.
Soul Winning		Being replaced by The Local Church in Evangelism.
Marriage and Family		Staying as is because there is no replacement course.
Sermon Preparation		Staying as is until the new Introduction to Homiletics is available on January 1.
A/G History & Polity		Discontinued. Students must take A/G History, Missions, and Governance. Old course was severely outdated. The new course is much better. Students who have already had History of A/G Missions will find some of this to be review, but will have opportunity to take advantage of the new instructional design and the updated material.

TRANSITIONAL PLAN
For students moving to License who completed the "Old Certified Minister" program.

NOTE: The transition plan substitutes courses from the New Certified Program in place of courses that would be repetitive for students who have completed the Old Certified Program. It still requires the completion of nine courses for License without repeating courses. It also ensures that students have such valuable courses as Acts and Introduction to Pentecostal Doctrine.

Old Certified		Old Testament Survey
New License		Old Testament Survey
Transition Replacement		BIB 117 - Prison Epistles
Old Certified		New Testament Survey
New License		New Testament Survey
Transition Replacement		BIB 115 - Acts
Old Certified		Introduction to Theology
New License		Intro to Theology: A Pentecostal Perspective
Transition Replacement		THE 114 - Intro to Pentecostal Doctrine
Old Certified		Sermon Preparation
New License		Introduction to Homiletics
Transition Replacement		* MIN 181 - Relationships and Ethics in Ministry (or MIN 381 - Pastoral Ministry)

* Taken through Berean Study Centers, District approved schools or independent study.

The following qualifications pertain to all applicants for ministerial recognition.

Basic Qualifications:

• Salvation. Testimony of having experienced the new birth (John 3:5).

• Baptism in The Holy Spirit. Testimony of having received the baptism in the Holy Spirit with the initial physical evidence of speaking in other tongues according to Acts 2:4. The Spirit-filled life will enable a minister to fulfill the threefold mission of the church (Article V, paragraph 10, of the Constitution).

• Evidence of Call. Clear evidence of a divine call to the ministry, evidenced by a personal conviction, confirmed by the work of the Spirit and the testimony of fellow ministers.

• Christian Character. A blameless Christian life and a good report of those who are without (Titus 1:7; 1 Timothy 3:7).

• Doctrinal Position. A thorough understanding of and agreement with our doctrinal position as contained in the Statement of Fundamental Truths.

• Assemblies of God Polity. A satisfactory working knowledge of the principles, practices, and purposes of the Fellowship through a study of the General Council and District Council Constitution and Bylaws.

• Commitment to The Fellowship. An active loyalty to our constitutional agreements, a cooperative spirit, and a readiness to seek and receive the counsel of older mature Christians and those in positions of authority.

• Basic Education Requirements. Any level of formal academic achievement (diploma or degree) shall not be a requirement for credentials; however, credential applicants shall meet the following criteria. All applicants are required to be interviewed by the District Credentials Committee and, in preparation for the interview, pass a standard exam approved by the General Presbytery whereby they demonstrate knowledge of the Bible, Assemblies of God doctrines, and ministerial practices; and either:

  1. Successfully complete equivalent training to that indicated on the educational requirements page, preferably, in an endorsed Assemblies of God postsecondary school; or in a seminary, college, Bible college, or school approved by the District Credentials Committee consistent with the criteria established by the General Council Credentials Committee; or ....

  2. Successfully complete courses, prescribed by the General Presbytery offered in correspondence through Global University of the Assemblies of God; or pass the final examination in the prescribed courses; or ....

  3. Be recommended by a District Credentials Committee as qualifying for credentials through self-study and ministerial experience. Such candidates shall have a proven and fruitful ministry of substantial duration. Requests from a district for such a candidate shall be presented to the General Council Credentials Committee and may be granted on a case-by-case basis.

• Marriage Status. We disapprove of any married person holding ministerial credentials with the Assemblies of God, if either marriage partner has a former spouse living, except if they qualify for an ecclesiastical annulment or recognition of pre-conversion divorce as stated below.

• Annulments, Marriage Dissolutions, and Divorces. All situations involving pre-conversion divorce or annulments shall be decided on an individual case by case basis. The Executive Presbytery shall have the authority to determine whether an applicant's annulment of a former marriage is consistent with the scriptural position of the Fellowship relating to the granting or holding of ministerial credentials; or, in the case of a divorce or a dissolution whether the circumstances would more appropriate be classified as calling for an annulment; or if the divorce occurred prior to conversion. The application for an annulment must be accompanied by clear and satisfactory evidence of an illegal marriage through deception or fraud. Appeals from the decisions of the Executive Presbytery may be made to the General Presbytery. All pre-conversion inquiries must be directed to the office of the District Superintendent, by calling (916) 379-9600 x136, prior to applying for an Assemblies of God credential.

• Eligibility of Women. The Scriptures plainly teach that divinely called and qualified women may also serve the church in the ministry of the Word (Joel 2:29; Acts 21:9; 1 Corinthians 11:5). Women who have developed in the ministry of the Word so that their ministry is acceptable generally, and who have proved their qualifications in actual service, and who have met all the requirements of the credentials committees of the district council, are entitled to whatever grade of credentials their qualifications warrant and the right to administer the ordinances of the church when such acts are necessary.

• Ministers from Other Organizations. If a minister from another reputable body desires to affiliate with the Assemblies of God, the Credentials Committees of both the General Council and the District Council are under no obligation to accept the applicant's previous ministerial status, but will judge each candidate on his or her own merits in light of the Assemblies of God criteria. It is expected that ministers who receive Assemblies of God recognition will relinquish their ministerial credentials with all other organizations.

Specific Qualifications

• Residency Requirements of Applicants. To obtain ministerial credentials through the Northern California and Nevada District Council, all applicants must be residents of or hold credentials within this district.

The Assemblies of God offers three different levels of credentials to those who are called of God into a life of ministry and service.

Certificate of Ministry
This level is for efficient helpers in gospel work who devote a part of their time to Christian service. They shall show promise of usefulness in the gospel work. They shall devote a part of their time to Christian ministry and, at the discretion of the district credentials committees, remain under the supervision of a pastor or a designated supervisor. They shall preach at least 12 times a year or be actively engaged in some other aspect of ministry.

License
There are two different types of credential at the License level - Preaching and Specialized:

1. License To Preach - for those who give clear evidence of a divine call and whose desire is to devote their lives to preaching the full gospel.

2. Specialized Ministries License - for those whose evident purpose is to devote their time to a specialized ministry, such as Christian education, music or other full-time ministry.

Ordination
This level is for those who give proof of their call and whose mature ministry qualifies them for a wide range of leadership responsibilities in full-time gospel ministries. Applicants must be at least 23 years of age, have held a license to preach, and have been engaged in active work as a pastor, evangelist, or some other recognized and proven full-time preaching ministry for two full consecutive years immediately prior to ordination.

For those who are interested in becoming credentialed ministers in our district, we are pleased to offer the following information:

Credential Levels
Information regarding the three levels of credentials offered by the Assemblies of God.

Qualifications for Credentials
Both basic qualifications (established by General Council) and specific qualifications (established by the Northern California and Nevada District).

Education Requirements for Credentials
A list of courses and other educational requirements necessary to obtain Assemblies of God credentials.

Credential Procedures
Steps you will need to take in order to obtain a credential with the Northern California and Nevada District.