Levels of ministerial credentials

There are three levels of credentials available through the Assemblies of God. The level of credential a person is qualified for depends on both ministry experience and education completed.  Each level is described below:

  • Certified Minister

    Those who indicate God's call to ministry, manifest a desire to enter the ministry by engaging in Christian work and, who devote a part of his or her time to Christian service may be recognized as Certified Ministers. They shall be involved in some type of viable ministry. Whenever possible are to remain under the supervision of a pastor.

  • License to preach

    Those who exhibit clear evidence of a call to ministry and practical experience in preaching, together with an evident purpose to devote one’s life to ministry, are eligible for a License to Preach. They shall be involved in some type of viable ministry. This credential can lead to Ordination. A minister must hold a license for two consecutive years to be qualified to apply for ordination.

  • Ordained Minister

    Qualifications for Ordination are outlined in the New Testament scriptures (I Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:7-9). They shall be persons of mature Christian experience who are qualified and able to undertake the responsibilities of the full ministry. In addition:

    • Applicants must be twenty-three (23) years of age or older.
    • Applicants must be a member of the Iowa Ministry Network for no less than one (1) year prior to ordination.
    • Applicants must possess a License to Preach for at least (2) consecutive years.

Credentialing Steps

1. To begin the process please complete this Form.

2. Complete Application, Information Authorization Release, and Background Check Disclosure forms (Applicant and Spouse, when

    applicable, for the Information Authorization Release forms which must be notarized. Applicant only for the Background Check 

    Disclosure form.)

3. Contact those you will use as references so they will be expecting the reference forms. It is your responsibility to mail or 

    email these forms. Be sure the completed references are mailed or emailed directly to the IMN office and they are returned as 

     soon as possible.

4. Send all pertinent information to the Iowa Ministry Network Office:

     a. Completed and signed application

     b. A copy of your Driver’s License and your signed Social Security Card

     c. Applicable Information Release forms – notarized

     d. All post high school transcripts (or education completed since receiving your credential if upgrading). It is not necessary to 

         send ISOM transcripts.

     e. $150 application fee (must be received before application can be processed)

5. Once your application has been received, the Iowa Ministry Network office will notify you to begin the next steps of the 

     credentialing process.

6. Arrange with an Ordained A/G minister (non-family member) or your presbyter to proctor your credential exam or take your exam 

     at the Iowa Ministry Network office. The synopsis/study guide for the exam is in the credential application packet. Notify the IMN 

     office at least two weeks prior to your exam date so that we can have the exams sent accordingly.

7. Once your exam is compete (70% or better), all of your reference returned to our office, approved background check, and 

     educational requirements are met, an interview will be scheduled. You and your spouse (if married) will interview with a small 

     interview team made up of IMN leadership at the IMN office. The interviews are scheduled to take place in January, July, and 

     October of each year.

8. Upon completion of the interview, the interview team will make their recommendation to the Iowa Ministry Network Presbytery 

     Board in session. If your application is approved by the Presbytery Board, it will then be forwarded to General Council for final 

     approval.

9. Once final approval is received from General Council, your credential with the Assemblies of God will be awarded to you and will 

     be effective immediately.

10. Though your credential will be awarded to you as soon as it is received from General Council, you and your spouse (if married)   

     are required to attend the Ordination Service at the District Council for the formal presentation.

11. Your application will be active for six months from the time we receive your application and the $150 application fee. If you fail to 

     complete the application procedure within this time frame, you will forfeit all application fees and will be required to reapply if you 

     desire to seek credentials at a later date.

Iowa Ministry Network
10525 Buena Vista Ct | Urbandale IA 50322
P 515.276.5493 | F 515.276.9619