Credentialing Information
Essential Information
Access all you need to know about credentialing, with information that covers everything from basic qualifications to education path options and credential renewal.
Basic Qualifications
Credential Levels & Qualifications
Certified
They shall show promise of usefulness in the gospel work. They shall devote full or part time to Christian ministry and, at the discretion of the district credentials committees, may remain under the supervision of a pastor or a ministry coach or mentor. They shall show evidence of a divine call and be actively engaged in some aspect of ministry or proclamation of the gospel, except in case of ill health or advanced age. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age.
Licensed
Clear evidence of a divine call, character, and preparation suitable for that calling, practical ministry experience, and an evident purpose to devote one's life in service to the proclamation of the gospel. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age.
Ordained
Qualifications for ordination are outlined in the New Testament (1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:7-9). In addition:
- Applicants must be at least twenty -three years of age.
- No person may be ordained to the ministry until he or she has shown evidence of a divine call.
- Applicants must have held a ministry license for at least two full consecutive years immediately prior to ordination.
EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
There are specific education requirements for each level of credentials and there are multiple education paths you can take to meet these requirements.
The information provided in the section below will help you determine if educational requirements have been met and, if needed, help identify the best way forward to meet the requirements in the future.
We will be happy to evaluate your transcripts and let you know what courses will count towards credentials and what courses you may need to complete. Step 1 of our Steps to Apply include a transcript evaluation.
Education Path Options
Constitution & Bylaws
General Council of the Assemblies of God
North Texas Assemblies of God
Marriage Status
Our Fellowship holds a very high view of marriage and the family. God established this sacred relationship at the very beginning (Genesis 2:21-25) and as Jesus reminded us “Therefore what God has joined together let not man separate” (Matthew 19:6). Paul tells us that marriage serves as a beautiful picture of the relationship between Christ and His Church (Ephesians 5:32). In articulating ministry qualifications Paul writes: “A bishop must be blameless, the husband of one wife… (1 Timothy 3:2).
We realize that in a fallen world there are times when marriage and family relationships are fractured. We believe it is possible to maintain biblical standards for ministry and marriage, while at the same time offering a compassionate response to those who are called into ministry yet have a divorce and remarriage in their personal history or in the personal history of their spouse. It is our intention to apply biblical principles to those who have prior marriages.
Provision is made in the General Council Bylaws for the five divorce exceptions listed below for individuals applying for credentials. The policies and procedures will apply to the divorce of previous living ex-spouses of the credential applicant and the credential applicant's spouse.
- Pre-conversion
- Abandonment of the Believer by the Unbeliever
- Spousal Infidelity
- Domestic Violence by a Spouse to a Spouse or Child
- Ecclesiastical Annulment
If any of the above might apply to your situation, then we would be pleased to walk with you through a process to see if you qualify for credentials with the Assemblies of God.
We will treat your application with respect, compassion, and confidentiality. If your situation qualifies for General Council Recognition, we will move forward to facilitate your credentialing process.
Note: Ministerial Credential applicants will be asked to provide some specifics on divorces for the applicant and the applicant’s spouse on the NTAG Pre-App forms found in Step 1 of the Steps to Apply.
Financial Responsibilities
We are a Minister Lead and Minister Supported Fellowship. We want every credentialed minister to be aware of the giving requirements that were adopted and approved by their fellow ministers.
North Texas Assemblies of God Tithes
The primary support of the North Texas Assemblies of God comes from our ministers' tithes. We want every credentialed minister to be aware of the giving requirements adopted and approved by their fellow ministers. The primary support of the North Texas Assemblies of God comes from our ministers' tithes. According to our NTAG Bylaws, credentialed minister (except senior retired or disabled), shall support the district monthly with:
- 55% of the minister's tithe is designated to the NTAG.
- 15% of the minister's tithe is designated for their section.
- Both of the above portions of the minister's tithe should be sent directly to NTAG. The best way to go about doing this is through my.northtexas.ag account.
- We encourage the minister to give the remaining 30% to the local church.
- Tithes are sent directly to the North Texas AG.
- Tithes specifics for Missionaries, Chi Alpha Missionaries, & Chaplains can be found
here.
General Council Dues
As a credentialed minister with the Assemblies of God, there are annual dues that are paid directly to General Council. The amount is based on credential level.
- Certified- $10/month or $120/year
- Licensed- $20/month or $240/year
- Ordained- $25/month or $300/year
- Senior Retired or disabled ministers do not pay General Council dues.
General Council dues are paid by the minister directly to General Council. The best way to go about doing this is through AG Accounts.
Credential Renewal & Reinstatements
Credential Renewal
All ministers must renew their credentials every year. This includes those who are newly credentialed and those who have recently upgraded their credentials.
Credential Renewal Steps
- Pay NTAG Renewal Fee (This fee is waived for Senior-Retired or disabled ministers.)
- Submit Renewal Form
- Credential Renewals season is from November 1st to December 31st.
- Ministers must complete both steps listed above before December 31st to avoid late fees.
- With the addition of late fees, there is a grace period that extends the deadline to January 15th.
- After January 15th, the minister is considered lapsed and will need to follow instructions below to reinstate their credentials.
Credential Reinstatement
If your credentials have lapsed, a reinstatement application will be required. The length of time that has transpired will determine your specific steps to reinstate your credentials. To begin this process, see Steps to Apply
here.
Credential Transfers
TO the North Texas Assemblies of God
Credential transfers are initiated by the minister with the district/network where they currently hold credentials.
FROM the North Texas Assemblies of God
The minister will need to contact the Secretariat Department and initiate the transfer. Call Diane Thompson, NTAG Credential Specialist, at 817.284.4856.
Exam Study Guides
Certified
Bible Knowledge Exam:
Use of a Bible, a Concordance, or notes IS NOT permitted during the exam.
Doctrine Exam:
Use of a Bible without a Concordance or notes IS permitted during the exam.
Licensed
Polity Exam:
Use of a printed paper copy of the
General Council Constitution and Bylaws
(without notes) IS permitted during the exam.
*First time applicants at the Licensed level will take all exams: Bible Knowledge, Doctrine, and Polity.
*Licensed upgrade applicants will take only the Polity exam.
Ordained
Most applicants will not take an exam at this level. However, there are circumstances that will require Ordained level applicants to take the exams.
