Are Ministerial Credentials in Your Future?
Thank you for your interest in exploring credentialing opportunities with the Assemblies of God. We believe that to see God accomplish all He intends to do in Iowa we must create pathways to credentialed ministry in the Iowa Ministry Network!
Credential Levels
Certificate of Ministry: This level of credential offers the opportunity for ministers to learn and demonstrate their usefulness in the Gospel work. They shall devote themselves to full or part time service to Christian ministry and, at the discretion of the district credentials committees, may remain under the supervision of a pastor or a ministry coach or mentor. They shall show evidence of a divine call and be actively engaged in some aspect of ministry and proclamation of the Gospel, except in case of ill health or advanced age.
License: Qualifications for this level of credential shall include clear evidence of a divine call, character and preparation suitable for that calling, practical ministry experience, and an evident purpose to devote one’s life in service to the proclamation of the Gospel.
Ordination: Qualifications for ordination are outlined in the New Testament (I Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:7-9). In addition:
Applicants must be 23 years of age or older.
They must have met all the requirements in making application and in completing the prescribed application form.
No person may be ordained to the ministry until he or she has shown evidence of a divine call and has held a ministry license and has been actively engaged in ministry and proclamation of the Gospel for at least two full consecutive years immediately prior thereto.
Why Should You Pursue Ordination?
Qualifications
Applicants for ministerial credentials with the Assemblies of God must be saved (new birth, born again), baptized in water and in the Spirit (with evidence of speaking in other tongues).
Education: All applicants must meet the appropriate educational requirements for the level of credentials being sought. Please refer to the educational options for further information.
Marriage History: While history with divorce and remarriage is not an automatic disqualifier from credentialing, it can be in certain cases. Please communicate with the Network Credentialing office, credentialing@imnag.org, prior to starting the credentialing process for clarification in these areas (515) 276-5493.
Lifestyle Choices: All applicants must state a willingness to abstain from using tobacco, alcohol, illegal or recreational drugs in any form, and involvement with pornography or gambling. If you have a history of a bankruptcy, please download and complete the Bankruptcy Questionnaire and mail to:
Iowa Ministry Network
Attn: Credentialing
10525 Buena Vista Ct.
Urbandale, IA 50322
For more information about credentials, please visit the Credential Application Procedure (LINK) page, email, or call (515) 276-5493.
Next Steps
*Reminder: if you and/or your spouse have had a previous divorce(s), please stop the process and contact our office immediately at credentialing@imnag.org. There is a separate interview process you must go through before continuing with credentials.
ISOM: we can pull your certificates from your file, just let us know.
Berean/Global: request them to email a full subject list to credentialing@imnag.org
College/University: request an official transcript to be mailed to:
Iowa Ministry Network
Attn: Credentialing
10525 Buena Vista Ct.
Urbandale, IA 50322
The credential process can take on average 6 months depending on a number of factors. Below is a list of steps to help you anticipate a timeline to assist you in the process should you desire to move forward.
Courses/grades being submitted to the office (you must notify the office if ISOM courses have been completed).
Previous divorce(s) approved by the General Council.
Bankruptcy previously approved.
Interview and approval by the Network Presbytery at a regularly scheduled meeting in October, January, and July.
Final approval by the Executive Presbytery
Credentialing service at the Network Council (usually held in the Spring).
