The following qualifications are required for all credential applicants:

Personal Experience

Salvation

A testimony of accepting Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, a confirmation of being “born-again”. (John 3:5).

Water Baptism

Affirmation of having been baptized in water by immersion. (Matthew 28:19).

Baptism in the Holy Spirit

A testimony as to having experienced the Baptism in the Holy Spirit with the initial physical evidence of speaking in other tongues according to Acts 2:4.

Evidence of Divine Call

Clear evidence of a divine call to the ministry that is:

• Evidenced by a personal conviction

• Confirmed by the work of the Spirit

• Affirmed by the testimony of fellow ministers

Christian Character

A blameless Christian life and a good report evidenced and witnessed by believers and unbelievers. (Titus 1:7; I Timothy 3:7).

Lifestyle Choices

All applicants must state a willingness to abstain from using tobacco, alcohol, illegal or recreational drugs in any form, and involvement with pornography or gambling.

Doctrinal Stance

An understanding and agreement with the Assemblies of God doctrinal position as defined in the Assembly of God Statement of 16 Fundamental Truths.

Commitment to the Fellowship

An active commitment to the Assemblies of God constitutional directives evidenced by a cooperative spirit.  

THE GENERAL COUNCIL OF THE ASSEMBLIES OF GOD EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

The General Council Bylaws (Article VII, Section 2, paragraph h) indicate that formal academic achievement is not a requirement for credentials; however, credentials applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. Successfully complete equivalent coursework to that referenced in paragraph “2” below either in an endorsed Assemblies of God postsecondary school, or in a seminary, college, Bible college, district school of ministry, or school approved by the district credentials committee; or

2. Successfully complete courses, prescribed by the General Presbytery, offered in correspondence through Global University—Berean School of the Bible (see list as follows).

For applicants who completed coursework at an endorsed Assemblies of God college as a biblical studies major, ministerial studies major, or other church-related major as defined by the Commission on Christian Higher Education (which includes a course on Assemblies of God History, Missions and Governance), the following apply:

• Certified Minister — 2 years of coursework (~ 48hrs.)

• Licensed Minister — 3 years of coursework (~ 72hrs.)

• Ordained Minister — 4 years of coursework (~ 96hrs.)

For applicants who completed coursework at an endorsed Assemblies of God college in a non-biblical studies or non-ministry related major, a transcript evaluation will be employed to determine what classes can be considered educational equivalents for coursework as noted in the list which follows.

*Please note, if you are applying for a License Credential, all of the Certified courses must also be completed. In the same way, for Ordination all License and Certified courses must be completed.

Credential Minister Exams

Exams Needed

• Certified Level: Bible Knowledge & Doctrine

• Licensed & Ordained Levels: Bible Knowledge, Doctrine, & Polity

Note: You will need the zoom link, internet access and a computer device with a camera to take your exams. If you are missing any of these items, please notify us to discuss next steps.

If you have any questions about this process, please don’t hesitate to call us and speak to those serving in our credentialing office.

By action of their respective deliberative bodies, ministers are expected to give financial support to the Tennessee Ministry Network and the General Council of the Assemblies of God.  TMNM AG ministers send *100% of their tithe on all income, on a monthly basis, to the Network Offce, and support the General Council as noted in the Bylaws excerpts below.

*100% except noted ministers in the TNMN Bylaws

Tennessee Ministry Network Bylaws: 

ARTICLE IX. FINANCES AND PROPERTY  Section 1. Finance

C. Credential Holders’ Tithes

Each credential holder shall send, once a month, to the district headquarters 100 percent of his or her tithes from all sources of income. Certified ministers, who are not on staff, shall send monthly 25 percent of their tithes from all sources of income.  Senior retired ministers are free to distribute their tithes in the manner of their choosing. Each year in the first week of December, the treasurer shall send a statement of the credential holder’s giving for the past year with a questionnaire that must be returned before his or her credential is renewed. Compliance with the above requirements shall be a prerequisite for the Renewal of Credentials of all active credential holders. If contributions are in arrears, an opportunity shall be given to meet this deficit with the renewal.  Credential holders working outside the district shall contribute 50 percent of their tithes to the Southern New England District. A minister who has an arrangement with his/her local church or ministry to forward his/her tithes/dues directly to the Network Office is responsible to see that this is done on a timely basis.

General Council Bylaws Article VII. Ministry, Section 10. f.

Support of Headquarters.  The work of The General Council of the Assemblies of God, in its program of developing the spirit of cooperation and fellowship in U.S. and world missions fields, incurs considerable expense, including the financial support of the executive officers and offices.

The required minimum is:

Ordained – $25 per month ($300 per year)

Licensed – $20 per month ($240 per year)

Certified – $10 per month ($120 per year)

Compliance with the above requirements shall be a prerequisite for renewal of credentials of all active ministers.  If their contributions are in arrears, they shall be given opportunity to meet this deficit with their renewal.