CREDENTIALING AND EXAMINATION BOARD

BISHOP WAYNE VERNON
CHAIR

West Toronto Church of God

BISHOP MIRANDO LAL
MEMBER

Praise Cathedral Worship Centre

BISHOP DAVID SAFFREY
MEMBER

Family Life Worship Center

REV. JOYCELIN BROWN
MEMBER

Temple of Praise New Testament

BISHOP JEAN BRUNO
MEMBER

Ottawa Church of God

BISHOP NIGEL RICKETTS
MEMBER

Transforming Faith Worship Centre

Nancy Valverde - Hispanic Support

Ministers are expected to pledge full allegiance to the Church of God viz. a. viz. Church of God in Ontario and its program, and in as much as we do not accept ministerial credentials from other organizations, licensing associations, or any other, we recommend that where our ministers hold such credentials they be required to surrender same, and where applicants to the ministry hold such credentials, they be required to surrender same before being approved for licensing.

Ministerial Credentialing

In this ministry formation process, the church partners with the individual 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.

Following are the programs which are the primary means for completing this ministry formation process:

The Calling in Ministry Studies (CAMS).

Ministerial Internship Program (MIP).

The COGIO Credentialing Office coordinates the necessary programs for ministry advancement. The Credentialing Office also prepares and distributes applications, study guides, and ministerial exams for each of the levels of licensure to the candidates. Study guides/manuals and applications for licensure must be secured from the State or Regional office.

The credentialing process is directed by the Administrative Bishop of the Region, of the minister, so the prospective minister should contact the Regional Office. The Administrative Bishop will approve each candidate and the Regional Office will schedule the examinations.

LEARN MORE ABOUT CAMS

The Step-by-Step Guide to the Credentialing Process

The Candidate meets with local Pastor to discuss interest in obtaining credential.

The local Pastor contacts the District Overseer or Administrative Bishop.

The Administrative Bishop or District Overseer interviews the Candidate.

The Candidate submits the completed Endorsement Form signed by the Pastor or District Overseer.

The Candidate pays the fees for background check. Background check is done at all levels.

The Credentialing Office submits the application for background check.

The Candidate completes the Application answering ALL Questions.

The Candidate submits the Application to the District Overseer or Administrative Bishop for signature.

The Candidate submits the completed and signed Application to Credentialing Office.

The Candidate pays the fees for the Study Manual.

The Candidate prepares for the examination and interview by the Examination Board.

The Credentialing Office submits documentation to the International Office for processing.

The Candidate receives Ordination Certificate with ministerial ID number.

The Candidate begins reporting on Ministerial activities.

BECOME AN EXHORTER

A person who feels called to become a credentialed minister in the Church of God in Ontario should discuss his/her calling with his/her pastor and ask the pastor to contact the Regional office. Upon receipt of the request from the pastor, the Regional Office will provide the pastor with a New Minister/Calling and Ministry Studies (CAMS)/Exhorter Application.

As part of the application process, the individual desiring credentials must submit to a background check. Upon approval, the applicant (and spouse) will be eligible to begin the CAMS program.

After completion of CAMS, and upon recommendation of the Ministerial Development Board, the candidate will be ready to purchase an Exhorter Study Guide and will be eligible to take the Exhorter exam.

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LEARN MORE ABOUT MIP

MIP Exemptions:

The Applicant submits request in writing to the Admin Bishop.

The AB submits request to the Int'l Executive Committee.

The Candidate completed MIP, supervised by the AB or Rep.

The Candidate completes one of the following:

One Year Pastoral Ministry.

One Year Evangelism Ministry.

One Year Associate Pastoral Ministry.

One Year Specialized Training (Chaplaincy).

BECOCME AN ORDAINED MINISTER

An Exhorter who desires to advance to the rank of ordained minister should contact the state office and request an Ordained Minister/Ministerial Internship Program (MIP) Application.

After successful completion of MIP, the individual will be ready to purchase an Ordained Minister Study Guide and will be eligible to take the Ordained Minister exam

BECOME AN ORDAINED BISHOP

An Ordained Minister may advance to the rank of Ordained Bishop when he is twenty-five (25) years of age, provided he has had at least eight (8) years of active ministry, or when he is thirty (30) years of age, provided he has had at least five (5) years of active ministry, if he is otherwise qualified.

A person who meets the above qualifications may contact the Regional Office for an Ordained Bishop Application.

CREDENTIALING - MULTIPLE LIVING SPOUSES

One Former Living Spouse

The FORMS apply to the following:

The Applicant.

The Spouse

The Applicant and Spouse

The COG Credentialing Office submits documentation to Int'l Executive Council with letter from the Administrative Bishop

The Int'l Executive Council reviews application monthly and advise of decision

Multiple Former Living Spouse

The FORMS apply to the following:

The Applicant (more than one).

The Spouses (more than one)

The Applicant (more than one) and Spouses (more than one)

The COG Credentialing Office submits documentation to Int'l Executive Council with letter from the Administrative Bishop

The Int'l Executive Council reviews application January, April and September and advise of decision

CREDENTIALING REINSTATEMENT - MULTIPLE MARRIAGES

The Applicant meets with the Administrative Bishop.

The Applicant submits the required marital paperwork(with two witness FORMS for every prior living spouse).

The Regional Council reviews paperwork and accept by two-thirds majority vote.

The COGIO Credentialing Office submits to the Int'l Ministerial Advocate Department.

The Int'l Credentialing Department submits to the Int'l Executive Council for approval with two-thirds majority vote.

If multiple marriages, the above should be repeated at every level of credentialing.

CREDENTIALING REINSTATEMENT - NON-MORAL FAILURE

The Applicant submits request in writing to the Admin Bishop.

The request is submitted with the Applicant's file number, current address and contacts

The Administrative Bishop submits request to COG Intl's Office.

If the Application is less than 5 years, submit with letter ONLY

If the Applicant is more than 5 years old, submit new application with fees for background check

If the Application is more than 5 years old a supporting letter is required from the Administrative Bishop.

The International Executive reviews the recommendation and makes a final decision.

CREDENTIALING - MORAL FAILURE

The Applicant submits request in writing to the Admin Bishop.

If approved, the applicant is reinstated at the same level.

The documentation is submitted to the Church of God International Centre of Ministerial Care.

The Admin. Bishop partners with COG Int'l Centre of Ministerial Care for a program of restoration.

The Applicant completes the terms of restoration satisfactorily

The Applicant meets with the Credentialing Board and member of the International Executive.

The Credentialing Board reviews the case

The Credentialing Board makes recommendation to COG Int'l Executive Council.

The International Executive reviews the recommendation and makes a final decision.