Welcome to the NJCOG Ministerial Development and Credentialing Process Information

WHAT IS MINISTERIAL DEVELOPMENT?

In the Church of God, Ministerial Development refers to the process of training and credentialing individuals for ministry, helping them develop their spiritual gifts, leadership skills, and understanding of the church’s theology and practice. This development journey involves personal discovery, education, training, and becoming a credentialed minister.

1. Purpose:

  • Developing Spiritual Leadership
  • Practical Training
  • Personal Discovery

2. Key Programs and Initiatives:

  • Ministerial Internship Program (MIP)
  • Calling in Ministry Studies (CAMS)
  • Calling and Ministry Studies for Students
  • Mobilize
  • Chaplaincy

3. Stages of Development:

  • Personal Discovery:
  • Education and Training:
  • Credentialing

The credentialing process is a partnership between the church and the individual, with the church supporting the individual’s development and the individual fulfilling their divine call and place of ministry.

4. Levels of Ministry:

  • Exhorters: Individuals who have been set forth for ministry by a local church and are working to develop their skills.
  • Ordained Ministers: Individuals who have completed the MIP and are recognized by the Church of God as ordained ministers.
  • Ordained Bishops: Individuals who have advanced to a leadership role in the Church of God.

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).

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 New Jersey Church of God State Office. Upon receipt of the request, the pastor may also contact the State Office Credentialing Department at 732-765-8080 ext. 409 to request the application. It can be picked up in person or downloaded.

Ministerial Ranks & Examination

Study Guides
(click below)

Exhorter Digital Study Guide

Exhorter Printed Study Guide

Exhorter with Minister of Music Printed Study Guide

Exhorter and Minister of Music Digital Study Guide

Exhorter and Minister of Christian Education Digital Study Guide

Ordained Minister Digital Study Guide

Ordained Minister Printed Study Guide

Bishop Ordained Minister Printed Study Guide

EXAM DATES

Saturday, August 2, 2025
Arrival time: 8:30 AM
Exam Time: 9 AM

Please bring a charged laptop or tablet.

Exhorter & New Minister

The entry level for credentialing is Exhorter. Applications are available for download at the application link. The Exhorters’ application also serves as an application for the Calling and Ministry Studies (CAMS) program which ministerial applicants must complete before obtaining credentials.

CAMS APPLICATION

MINISTER OF MUSIC, OR MINISTER OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION Exam

Note: If an applicant is testing for the Minister of Music or Minister of Christian Education credential, they will take two tests – the Exhorter exam and the Minister of Music or Minister of Christian Education exam Upon passing you will receive a license certificate for the exam taken

Ordained Minister – Ministerial Internship Program

Individuals who hold an Exhorter’s certificate may apply to advance to the rank of Ordained Minister. Candidates must hold their Exhorters certificate for a minimum of one year before they can take the Ordained Minister exam. The Ordained Minister application is also an application for the Ministerial Internship Program (MIP). Candidates seeking their Ordained Minister credential must complete MIP before they can take the Ordained Minister exam. Applications are available for download at the link below. See Ministerial Internship Program.

Ordained Bishop

Male Ordained Ministers who seek to advance to the rank of Ordained Bishop must meet certain requirements related to age and length of time which they have held credentials.

  • An applicant for ordination as bishop may be ordained when he is twenty-five (25) years of age, provided he has had at least eight (8) years of active ministry, or he has three (3) years of active ministry accompanied by a ministry-related degree or its equivalency from an accredited institution or one certified by the Church of God Division of Education, 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.
  • In those cases in which a ministerial applicant has had verifiable active ministerial experience prior to receiving credentials, exceptions to the age qualifications can be made upon recommendation by the ministerial applicant’s administrative bishop and with the approval of the Executive Council (72nd A.,2008; 76th A.,2016, pp.183-84).

Applications and study guides are available for download by clicking the links below.

The pastor and local church must endorse the minister for the application to be processed.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

What is the first step to begin the credentialing process?

The first step in the credentialing process is to submit an application and complete the Calling and Ministry Studies (CAMS). CAMS is offered once a year, beginning in August. Click on the “CAMS/EXHORTER” link above for information about CAMS and how to apply.

Do I need to be a member of the Church of God to begin the credentialing process?

Yes. Applicants for ministry must be a member of the Church of God and currently attending a local Church of God congregation. Applicants are required to establish at least six months of church membership, attendance, and tithing before obtaining an application. A six-month tithe report will also be required.

Can I be credentialed if me or my spouse has had a previous marriage?

There are additional forms required for any applicant who has a previous marriage, or whose spouse has a previous marriage. The couple will be required to meet with the Marital Review Board prior to the initiation of their background check.

Can I go through the credentialing process without the blessing of my pastor?

No, the pastor and the local church must endorse the minister in order for the application to be obtained.

I hold my credentials in another denomination. Can I transfer my credentials into the Church of God?

Credentialed ministers from other qualified denominations may be allowed to transfer in; however, one or more courses on Church of God history, polity, and doctrine may be required.

Can I get exempt from CAMS or MIP?

Applicants seeking exemption from CAMS or MIP must have equivalent academic credits and sufficient ministerial experience. Academic transcripts, resume’, and other documentation will be required.

Email Pastor Gwendolyn Wilson at credentials@newjerseycog.org or Pastor Kennesha Sampson credasst@newjerseycog.org if you feel you have the prerequisites needed.

All decisions about exemption are made by the Division of Education and/or Executive Committee at the Church of God International Offices.