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To some extent, carrying credentials is like a badge of loyalty. But even more than that, it’s a symbol that validates your calling and challenges you to walk worthy of it. To be a credentialed minister is more than the legal privilege to marry and bury; it’s an incentivized opportunity to locate the target and eventually launch into the deep. And in the process, you'll be able to say...
There is something significant and powerful about being affirmed in your calling. As a global Movement with a presence in more than 66 nations, the Pentecostal Church of God desires to do just that. Not only will we help you identify and clarify exactly what your calling is, but we intend to celebrate you along the way.
One thing we hear often is that the Pentecostal Church of God feels more like a family than a denomination. We've worked hard to develop a culture where we intentionally connect ministers through meaningful relationships and mentoring / coaching opportunities.
We know from Scripture that spiritual leaders are called to "equip the saints for the work of ministry" (Eph. 4:11-14). So, interestingly, our task is to equip you in order that you might equip others. To do that, our credential process fosters a learning environment conducive to personal study, classroom study, and hands-on experience.
As a global Movement, we have a plethora of available resources and ministry opportunities. Therefore, depending on your unique interests and desires, our hope is to assist in the process of commissioning ministers to a place of fruitfulness—whether that be on the mission field, local church, or in the marketplace.
The Pentecostal Church of God offers credentials at three different levels. Each is designed uniquely to suit varying levels of Christian service. Attaining or advancing to a new level depends on one's education and experience in the field of ministry.
Locate the Target
As this is the introductory level of credentials, we expect ministers, whether vocational or not, to actively advance in faith and serve the local church while exploring their gifts and calling in a safe environment. After a period of one year and continued study, exhorter ministers may apply for promotion.
Monthly Fee: $30
Lock Eyes with Mission
Those licensed by thePentecostal Church of God exhibit a definite call by God, having already identified their spiritual gifts and practiced them in the context of Christian service. Licensed ministers actively pursue vocational ministry, being eligible for promotion after a period of two years and continued study.
Monthly Fee: $30
Launch into the Deep
Ordination is considered the highest goal in the credentialing process. Ministers are commissioned with the full support and authority of the PCG. Though ordained ministers are not required to serve in full-time vocational roles, we expect desire to remain active in ministry in whatever capacity that may be.
Monthly Fee: $30
To receive Ministry Credentials at any level with the Pentecostal Church of God, individuals must complete various educational requirements and undergo an application process. Upon receipt of the application, a date for an interview will be set by the district officials, and upon their recommendation, the application will be forwarded to the International Mission Center for final approval.
Before receiving credentials, ministers at every level are required to first complete the Minister’s Study Series, which involves a particular set of readings and accompanying review questions, or equivalent. The exhorter series emphasizes biblical studies and theology, while the licensed and ordained series dive deeper into spiritual formation and ministerial leadership. All ministers must also be familiar with current PCG bylaws.
Equivalency options may include the Forerunner Experience (Exhorter only) or an undergraduate degree atMessenger College or other Spirit-filled Bible college / university.
Upon completion of the Minister’s Study Series, individuals may fill out an application and submit to their state or district office.
(1) new applicants must complete the Application for Minister’s Credentials, (2) previous applicants must complete the Application for Reinstatement, and (3) current ministers seeking promotion must complete the Application for Promotion. All necessary forms are included below.
Please fill out every relevant form (i.e. felony or divorce), and take care to include the pastoral reference letter.
Along with the application, forms, and pastoral reference, please also include a check or money order made out to the Pentecostal Church of God.
Fees include: $25 for background checks (some geographical areas, such as New York, may be slightly higher) plus $90 advance payment (covering the first three months of credential fees).
If for some reason the application is denied, $60 will be refunded to the applicant, and $55 will be retained to cover processing. Messenger College and Forerunner students are exempt from these application and processing fees.
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(Formerly known as the "General Office")