Ministerial Licensure Application Forms are NOT available online - Request should be made through the Credentialing Secretary.

Church of God in Ontario recognizes three (3) ranks for Ministerial Licensure:
Level 1                                 Level 2                               Level 3
Exhorter                             Ordained Minister                Ordained Bishop

• The Applicant MUST complete the Calling for Ministerial Studies (CAMS) Program before proceeding to Level 1 (Exhorter level)
• The Applicant MUST complete the Ministerial Internship Program (MIP) before proceeding to Level 2 (Ordained Minister level) and
• The Applicant MUST complete the Ordained Minister Level with sufficient practical ministry and leadership experience  before proceeding to Level 3 (Ordained Bishop).

CALLING FOR MINISTERIAL STUDIES (CAMS) PROGRAM 

The CAMS program helps the applicant determine if they are called to Clergy Ministry, as well as increase the applicant's  knowledge about ministry.  They are two sections in the CAMS Program: seminars and individual study.  The purposes of the seminar is to  identify how an individual knows he/she has a divine call, to explain what the meaning and practices of ministry are, and to help the applicant determine, what his or her divine calling is and to understand what ministry is all about.  The seminars are attended by both the applicant and his/her spouse, provides tools that helps the applicant identify if they are called to ministry.  The seminars also offers an explanation of the Christian Discipline..  The CAMS applicant completes three Certificate in Ministerial Studies (CIMS) courses through individual study.  The study includes conducting personal devotions, about the divine call and ministry.  In addition, the applicant writes three papers: on his/her calling in ministry; his/her view of ministry and his/her ministry identity.  The spouses will attend all three seminars and will write the papers about their calling and understanding of ministry.

QUALIFICATION FOR THE CAMS PROGRAM

All candidates MUST meet the following requirements:

1. The candidate attends oral interview with the Administrative Bishop and/or Credentialing Board to establish eligibility to complete the program. 
2. Eligible candidates submit to the Credentialing Secretary, the Pastoral Endorsement Form.
3. The Credentialing Secretary provides the eligible candidate with a Ministerial Licensure Application Form for his/her completion.
4. The eligible candidate submits to the Credentialing Secretary, (1) a month by month breakdown of his/her tithing record, (2) a completed Ministerial Licensure Form and (3) proof of payment to the State Office of the requisite administrative fees including the Training Manual and Background Check.
5. The Credentialing Secretary submits to the CAMS Coordinator, the names of the eligible candidates. with successful background checks
6. The CAMS Coordinator provides the candidates with Course Schedule and Outline.
7. Candidates who have successfully completed the CAMS Program are processed to receive CAMS Certificate from the International Office.

EXHORTER

Exhorters are authorized to preach, serve as evangelists, and serve as Pastor of a church.   To make the ministerial credentialing process more efficient, the International Executive Committee appoints a committee to create a digital version of the credentialing process. The process will begin with the New Minister, Calling and Ministry Studies, Exhorter, Minister of Music, and Minister of Christian Education Application and will continue through the Ordained Bishop Exam. It is hoped that the entire process will be completed in 2021.  For now, all examinations are being administered in-person.

The Exhorter, Ordained Minister, Ordained Bishop, Minister of Music, and Minister of Christian Education exams are now ready in English. These online exams have been tested  and have been well received by all involved — the Administrative Bishops, Credentialing Board State Office personnel, and applicants. 

QUALIFICATION FOR THE EXHORTER MINISTERIAL LICENSURE PROGRAM

All candidates MUST meet the following requirements:

1. Successful completion of the CAMS Licensure Program, and  proof of payment to the State Office for requisite administration fees including, the Exhorter Ministerial Licensure Manual and Background Check.
2. Background checks are submitted and successful candidates are informed by the Credentialing Secretary of his/her status.
3. The Examination date is set by the Regional Office and candidates are notified by the Credentialing Secretary.
4. Upon completion of the examination,  the candidate is verbally informed of his/her exam results. 
5. The Credentialing Secretary submits all the required information to the International Credentialing Office for processing.
6. The International Credentialing Office assigns a ministerial number  and advises the Exhorter of his/her reporting obligations.
7. Upon obtaining the ministerial number, the Exhorter begins monthly reporting to the Regional and International office.  Exhorters not pastoring submits monthly reports to the International Office.  If pastoring, monthly Treasurer's Reports are submitted to the Regional and National Office.
8. A meeting is scheduled with the Administrative Bishop to prepare the minister of his/her Ordination.

MINISTERIAL INTERNSHIP PROGRAM (MIP)

Completion of the Ministerial Internship Program (MIP) is required prior to obtaining Ordained Ministerial Licensure credential in the Church of God. The MIP provides intensive training under the direction of a supervising pastor for a period of eight months. During the training period, the candidate and spouse follow a daily schedule of spiritual, academic, and physical assignments. This involves completion of four independent study courses. The training also includes eight seminars, periodic evaluations, examinations for the independent study courses, personal counseling, and supervised ministry experience under a mentor. At the conclusion of the training period, MIP candidates are commissioned and awarded a Certificate of completion from Ministerial Development/School of Ministry - Cleveland Tennessee.. All students who successfully complete the MIP will also receive 16 hours of credit from the School of Ministry. These  credits may be transferred upon enrollment in any Church of God undergraduate college or university.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR MIP

Candidates must submit MIP Application Form, as per following instructions.   
Application for MIP Placement

ORDAINED MINISTER LICENSURE 

In consideration of this application, Officials of the Church of God in Ontario, will review the effectiveness of your ministry since you were initially endorsed as an Exhorter and will determine your readiness for advancement.

​(NOTE: If the applicant is transferring into the Church of God, the Applicant must complete an Application as a new minister and MUST complete meet the requirements for the  CAMS Program and Exhorter Licensures.  The Applicant’s file MUST be complete before proceeding with the application process).

ORDAINED BISHOP LICENSURE

In consideration of your application for the rank of Ordained Bishop, a careful evaluation of your ministerial progress will be made. It is essential that all personal and professional data be current. Consequently, this Application process will repeat requests for information provided in earlier applications. To qualify for the rank of Ordained Bishop, you must be presently engaged in full-time ministry. The record of your ministry and your present activities in ministry will determine your eligibility for advancement to the highest rank of ministry.

​(NOTE: If you are transferring into the Church of God, you must complete the  CAMS Program,  Exhorter  and Ordained Minister Licensure Credentials).