PNWCOG Credentialing & Ministerial Development

Ministerial Testing Deadlines

DECEMber 1 for April Testing

April 1 for September Testing

 

h

CAMS Appliction Deadline

Calling and Ministry Studies
May 1

i

MIP Application Deadline

Ministerial Internship Program
May 1

Payments

Please create an account.

Pay Here

Background Checks

Please fill out and return to office@pnwcog.org to process your background check. 

Back Ground Check Authorization

In order to apply for credentials with the Church of God, have your local church pastor contact office@pnwcog.org.

The Credentialing Process


Becoming an Exhorter

A person who feels called to become a credentialed minister in the Church of God should discuss his/her calling with his/her pastor and ask the pastor to contact the state office. Upon receipt of the request from the pastor, a New Minister/Calling and Ministry Studies (CAMS)/Exhorter Application will be mailed from the state office to the pastor.
As part of the application process, the individual desiring credentials must submit to a background check.
Please Note: If either the applicant or spouse has had a previous marriage, additional paperwork will have to be completed, and the couple will be required to meet with the a review committee prior to initiation of the background check. This can delay your process as we await approval on the final level.
After the state office receives background check approval from International Offices, the applicant (and spouse) will be eligible to begin the CAMS program. Click here for information regarding CAMS.

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.

 

Becoming 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. Click here for information regarding MIP.

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.

Becoming 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 from his exhorter date, or when he is thirty (30) years of age, provided he has had at least five (5) years from his exhorter date, if he is otherwise qualified.

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

Background Checks

A background check is required prior to advancing to the next rank of ministry for each level.  ($105.00)

Ministerial Development

Download Applications

CAMS/Exhorter Application
MIP/Ordained Application
Ordained Bishop Application
Local Church Endorsement

Divorce Documents

Divorce Doc Instructions
Divorced w/1 Former Spouse
Divorced w/ Multiple Former
Divorce Recertification

CAMS – Calling and Ministry Studies

Led by Bishop Chris Bassett | Bishop Lanny Troller | Bishop Ronnie Parker

Instructions and Checklist:

Before filling out an application you must have the following to qualify to apply for Calling and Affirmation Ministry Studies (CAMS).

    1. The candidate must have read the Bible through completely.
    2. Must be baptized in water.
    3. If the candidate has been backslidden after their initial water baptism, the candidate must be rebaptized.
    4. Must be filled with the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues.
    5. Must be able to produce a detailed 12-month tithe report showing weekly or monthly tithe reporting.
    6. If the candidate has prior marriages the candidate will have to fill out the proper forms explaining the reason for divorce.
    7. The candidate must be able to get two letters of recommendation (one from your most recent pastor and one from your employer.)
    8. Submit a check, cashier’s check, or money order made out to PNW Regional Office in the amount of $105.00 for a background check.
    9. Cost: CAMS course work is completed online (you must have internet access). The cost for CAMS is $353.00 for a single applicant and $383.00 for married with a single applicant. For a married couple both applying for CAMS, the cost is $658.00 for both to be credentialed.  This must be PAID IN FULL by the start of the CAMS class semester. If not paid in full, the applicant will not be allowed to take the CAMS course. 
    10. Please note: if the application is incomplete the application will be returned until it is completed properly.

Application Deadline is May 1 to start CAMS in the Fall. If we receive your application after the deadline, it will be held until the next CAMS start date.

The applicant is to complete Part 1 of the form and return it to the Pastor to complete. (Make sure every question is answered with dates if requested.

The Pastor is to complete Part 2. (Pastor, please review part 1 for accuracy. Please note that if the application is not filled out in its entirety that it will prolong processing.

The Pastor and Church Treasurer must sign the Endorsement Form: Prior to sending the application the candidate must be set forth by the local church. The Pastor must set a Sunday to bring the candidate before the congregation for the church to approve them to begin the credentialing process.

The application is then forwarded to the District Overseer for his signature. District Overseer: please review the application in its entirety for accuracy. Also, when possible, meet with the candidate in person, and get to know the candidate. When it is not feasible to have an in-person meeting, please conduct a Zoom, or telephone interview.

Once the application is complete, mail the application with all the supporting documents and the $105.00 fee for background check to: PNW Regional Office, PO Box O, Kennewick, WA 99336

 Additional Requirements:

    1. The applicant’s spouse is required to attend.
    2. If the applicant or applicant’s spouse has a former living spouse, when requesting the application please notify the regional office so that proper forms can be sent as part of the candidates’ application.
    3. Previous marriage. (Applicants/spouses with a previous marriage must be approved by the Regional Council/Executive Committee before they can proceed into CAMS.)
    4. This means, without approval from both the Region and International offices, the candidate may not be eligible to begin the CAMS program until the next available CAMS start date.

Start Date: The next CAMS workshops will begin in the Fall of each year. In order to be eligible all applications must be received, in the Regional Office, no later than May 1st. If we receive the CAMS application after the deadline, the application will be held until the next available CAMS start date.

If there are any questions concerning the credentialing procedures, feel free to contact the Regional Office at 509. 396.3021.

From the 2022 General Assembly Minutes, Pg. 99 IV. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS OF APPLICANTS FOR MINISTRY

  1. All applicants for the ministry, including ordained bishops, ordained ministers, exhorters, ministers of music, and ministers of Christian education, must have the baptism in the Holy Ghost (21st A., 1926, p. 32; 50th A., 1964, p. 56; DF 8, 9).
  2. All ministers shall adhere to the Teachings and Doctrines as set forth by the International General Assembly of the Church of God (75th A.,  2014).
  3. All ministers are required to pay tithes to retain their license (75th A., 2014).
  4. All applicants for ministry shall serve as exhorters before making application for ordained minister certificate, except ordained ministers coming from other reputable organizations, licensed ministers of music, and ministers of Christian education (43rd A., 1950, p. 14; 50th A., 1964, p. 56).
  5. All applicants for the ministry should be actively engaged in ministry before being recommended for credentialed ministry (75th A., 2014).
  6. All applicants for the ministry, including those advancing in rank, must give consent to the state/regional office to conduct criminal background checks (70th A., 2004 p. 55).

    MIP – Ministerial Internship Program

    Directed by Bishop Randy Wills | Bishop Tom Osborne | Bishop Cole Pruitt

    Must be an active exhorter to apply.

    The purpose of Ministerial Internship Program (MIP) is to provide ministerial preparation by practical training on the local-church level, academic self-study, and monthly training seminars, focusing on vital topics for spiritual leadership and effectiveness.  Spouses participate in MIP training.
    The Ministerial Internship Program is required in order to advance from exhorter rank to the status of ordained minister. Currently, the Ministerial Internship Program has been expanded to eighty-one countries and translated into eighteen languages.
    The Ministerial Internship Program is comprised of three parts:
    • Studies on the Bible, doctrine, and leadership
    • A supervised practicum with a pastor
    • Eight monthly seminars
    The assignments of MIP candidates to supervising pastors are made on the basis of personal training needs, geographical factors, and availability. The seminars complement and add to the experience of the supervised practicum.
    To apply for the Ministerial Internship Program, discuss with your local Pastor who will coordinate with the State Office. You must be an active exhorter to be eligible to apply. 
    Cost: You must have another Background Check completed for $105.00 (waived if previous credentialling is within 2 years).
    The MIP Course cost for a single applicant $590 and if a Married Couple, $765.  For both spouses to be credentialed, the MIP Course is $825.  Course costs must be paid prior to the start of the class. 

    Regional Examining Board

    Bishop Randall Parker
    Bishop Lanny Troller
    Bishop Calvin Ball 
    Bishop Rod Smith