Prior Requirement: Before the Orientation, students are to read the Bible in its entirety.
(Please reach out to the Ministerial credentialing team for tips to achieve the requirement)

Submit your CAMS Application Now

Deadline December 4th, 2025

What is Calling and Ministry Studies (CAMS)?

Completing the Calling and Ministry Studies (CAMS) program is an essential preliminary step for individuals seeking credentials with the Church of God. The credentialing process for Church of God ministers involves a comprehensive formation period during which the Church of God collaborates with candidates to cultivate their capabilities in fulfilling their divine call and ministry responsibilities. CAMS assists applicants in discerning their vocation to clergy ministry and equips them with foundational knowledge pertinent to ministry. 

The CAMS program consists of two main components: seminars and individual study. The orientation session and three seminars, attended by both applicants and their spouses, furnish resources that enable applicants to evaluate their calling to clergy ministry. Additionally, these seminars provide a detailed examination of ministerial duties.

The individual study segment encompasses three key activities for applicants:

Engaging in personal devotions focused on calling and ministry, completing three online training courses, and composing essays that articulate your sense of calling and comprehension of ministry.

Spouses: Spouses of applicants will attend the orientation and three seminars and will also write papers about their calling and understanding of ministry.

 

General CAMS Application Requirements:

1. Must receive the baptism with the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues.

2. Must hold a Church of God membership.

3. Must be consistent in church attendance and tithing.

4. Must read the entire Bible in its entirety at least once before CAMS.

5. Obtain and complete the application: When filling out the CAMS application, please do not leave questions blank. If something does not apply to you, write “N/A.”

6. Obtain two letters of recommendation (one from your most recent pastor and one from an employer).

7. Obtain signatures from your Pastor and District Overseer.

8. Background check due at time of sent application.

9. The CAMS application and its requirements must be completed and sent to the State Office before the Deadline. “One item not completed holds the whole process up.”
   
10. Once we receive your application at the State Office, you will be submitted to a background check and the processing of the application will begin! The State Office will contact you if we need more information.

    If the applicant and/or their spouse has had a previous marriage, the couple will be given additional marital forms to complete and will need to be given permission by the Marital Review Board in State and International to continue the credentialing process. This process will take time and the application must be submitted 2 months in advance.

    Marital Form Application

11. If you hold credentials in another qualified denomination, you may be allowed to transfer your credentials into the Church of God. However, one or more courses on Church of God history, polity, and doctrine may be required.

12. Applicants who are seeking exemption from CAMS or MIP must have equivalent academic credits and sufficient ministerial experience. Academic transcripts, resumes, and other documentation will be required. All exemption decisions are made by the Division of Education (DOE) and/or the Executive Committee at the Church of God International Offices and the State Office Administrative Bishop.

 

Tuition Cost

Single Candidates: $505.00

Married Candidate: $610.00  (one pursuing credentials)

Married Candidates: $900.00 (both pursuing credentials)

 

How Do I Pay? 

Tuition fees will cover CAMS Enrollment, text/supplemental books, access to internet study venues, and online study materials. All married couples share study materials and textbooks.  

“There are no reimbursements”

1. Background check fee $150

2. Payment options:

   
   Electronically: 
   Background Check Payment: Select Ministerial Development – BC (Background Check)

   Tuition Payment Calling and Ministry Studies CAMS 2025-2026

   Check or Money Order:
   New Jersey Church of God State Office
   670 N. Beers St.
   Bldg. 2 Unit 3
   Holmdel NJ 07733

  

CAMS 2026 SCHEDULE

Application Deadline – December 4, 2025

(You may send your application now)

 

Location To Be Announced * Orientation is in Person

 

Orientation Dates – January 3, 2026

1st Session – February 7, 2026

2nd Session – March 7, 2026

3rd Session – April 4, 2026

 

 CAMS Graduation – June 2026 New Jersey Church Of God Camp Meeting