CREDENTIAL PROCEDURES

Credentialing Interviews

Interviews are conducted regionally throughout the year.  The interviews are conducted in conjunction with orientation sessions taught by the district officers and executive director of ministries.

When your file indicates you have completed all other requirements a letter will be sent to you requesting that you contact your Sectional Presbyter to arrange the date and time for the credential’s exam. 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 exam appointment.

If you are already in the process or just beginning the process of applying for your credential, as soon as your file is complete you will be contacted by the credentials office to arrange for your final credential interview.

Ordination

Fully completed ordination application files including formal credentialing interview are due by the deadline of January 10, 2006. Final Credential Interviews must be conducted and application file returned to District Credentials Secretary office by this deadline.

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 Credentials or Secretary-treasurer at (919)-965-0225, 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 an optional part of the 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 Secretary 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 Secretary 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 processing fee to the Credentials Secretary. Failure to return any part of the application, notarized authorization forms, or transcripts will prevent further processing of the application.

Step 3. 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 Secretary's office for grading.

Step 4. Once the application file is COMPLETE, you will be contacted by the Credentials Secretary to arrange your interview date. The applicant’s spouse or fiancé(e) is required to attend this interview.

Step 6. The recommendations of the Interviewing Committee 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 Carolina District for issuing.

For questions or information concerning Ministerial Credentials or to request the official application forms and other materials please contact the District Credentials Secretary at (919)-965-0225.