Ministerial Licensure Application Forms are NOT available online - please submit your request to the Credentialing Secretary via Email.
Credentialing
The credentialing of a Church of God minister is a ministry formation process. It always begins at the local church level, and the applicant for ministry must be affirmed (“set forth”) by a local church with the approval and support of the pastor.
In this process, the church partners with the individual in order to help the individual develop the abilities to fulfill his/her divine call and place of ministry. This developmental journey occurs through personal discovery, education, training, and becoming a credentialed minister in the Church of God.
All New Minister Applications including Background check must be requested from the Regional State Office by the pastor of the local church. This application must be completed and approved prior to enrolling in Calling for Ministerial Studies (CAMS).
In this process, the church partners with the individual in order to help the individual develop the abilities to fulfill his/her divine call and place of ministry. This developmental journey occurs through personal discovery, education, training, and becoming a credentialed minister in the Church of God.
All New Minister Applications including Background check must be requested from the Regional State Office by the pastor of the local church. This application must be completed and approved prior to enrolling in Calling for Ministerial Studies (CAMS).
For assistance or questions please contact the Credentials/Ministry Development Secretary at
905 790 8777 X 3 or Email
905 790 8777 X 3 or Email
The Calling of Ministerial Studies (CAMS) PROGRAM
The purpose of the Calling and Ministry Studies (CAMS) is twofold:
There are two sections to CAMS – seminars and individual study. The seminars are attended by the candidate and spouse where applicable. The goals of the three seminars are:
The candidate completes three Certificates in Ministerial Studies (CIMS) courses:
- to help the candidate determine his/her calling and understand the meaning and practices of ministry and
- to help the church assess the applicant’s suitability for credentialed ministry in the Church of God.
There are two sections to CAMS – seminars and individual study. The seminars are attended by the candidate and spouse where applicable. The goals of the three seminars are:
- To identify how an individual knows he/she has a divine call.
- To explain what the meaning and practices of ministry are.
- To assist the applicant in determining what his/her divine call is and in understanding what ministry is.
The candidate completes three Certificates in Ministerial Studies (CIMS) courses:
- Knowing Your Church
- Learning the Practices of Ministry
- Understanding Yourself and Others
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For assistance or questions please contact the CAMS Coordinator via Email.
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 2022. 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 candidates.
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 candidates.
Qualification for the Exhorter Ministerial Licensure
All candidates MUST meet the following requirements:
- 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.
- Background checks are submitted and successful candidates are informed by the Credentialing Secretary of his/her status.
- The Examination date is set by the Regional Office and candidates are notified by the Credentialing Secretary.
- Upon completion of the examination, the candidate is verbally informed of his/her exam results.
- The Credentialing Secretary submits all the required information to the International Credentialing Office for processing.
- The International Credentialing Office assigns a ministerial number and advises the Exhorter of his/her reporting obligations.
- 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.
- A meeting is scheduled with the Administrative Bishop to prepare the minister of his/her Ordination.
Ministerial Internship Program (MIP)
For assistance or questions please contact the Education and Ministerial Development Coordinator via Email.
The Ministerial Internship Program (MIP) is mandated by the General Assembly of the Church of God as a requirement for all Exhorters before advancing to the rank of Ordained Minister.
The purpose of the MIP is to “more adequately insure the formation of proper ministerial attitudes, and to offer a structured approach to practical ministerial training.” It is a nine month program consisting of monthly seminars for both minister and spouse, individual study, and a ministry practicum under the mentorship of a supervising pastor to whom the intern is assigned.
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.
The purpose of the MIP is to “more adequately insure the formation of proper ministerial attitudes, and to offer a structured approach to practical ministerial training.” It is a nine month program consisting of monthly seminars for both minister and spouse, individual study, and a ministry practicum under the mentorship of a supervising pastor to whom the intern is assigned.
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.
Candidates must submit MIP Application Form, as per following instructions. Application for MIP Placement
Ordained Minister Licensure
In consideration of the Ordained Minister licensure, 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 candidate is transferring into the Church of God, the candidate must complete an application as a new minister and MUST meet the requirements for the CAMS Program and Exhorter Licensure. The candidate's file MUST be complete before proceeding with the application process.
(NOTE: If the candidate is transferring into the Church of God, the candidate must complete an application as a new minister and MUST meet the requirements for the CAMS Program and Exhorter Licensure. The candidate'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).
(NOTE: If you are transferring into the Church of God, you must complete the CAMS Program, Exhorter and Ordained Minister Licensure Credentials).