MINISTERIAL INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
Submit your 2025-2026 MIP Application Now
Deadline August 14th, 2025
What is the Ministerial Internship Program?
The Church of God Division of Education says the following regarding MIP:
The Ministerial Internship Program (MIP) in the Church of God is a structured program that provides ministerial preparation for individuals seeking to become ordained ministers. It’s a requirement for advancing from the Exhorter rank to Ordained Minister.The MIP combines practical training on the local church level with academic studies and monthly seminars, focusing on spiritual leadership and ministerial effectiveness.
What are the purposes of the MIP?
- To provide the minister and their spouse with hands-on practical training and invaluable experience within the vibrant setting of a local church, all while being guided and mentored by an experienced pastor.
- To cultivate a deep-rooted understanding of scriptural disciplines that foster accountability, enhance self-awareness, and promote both personal and ministerial growth.
- To equip individuals with essential skills for fostering authentic relationships within the church community, among fellow ministers, and with the diverse individuals they are called to serve.
- To support new ministers in uncovering their unique talents and personal ministry styles in areas such as evangelistic outreach and pastoral duties, while also identifying their further training needs to enhance their effectiveness in ministry.
The MIP consist of main components:
- Studies on the (1) Bible, (2) Doctrine, and (3) Leadership
The candidates and spouses follow a daily schedule of spiritual, study, and physical assignments.
- A supervised practicum with a pastor:
The supervised practicum affords the supervising pastor an opportunity to prepare the MIP candidates to fulfill their divine call. The supervised practicum experience builds upon the supervising pastor being a mentor and a coach to the candidate. The focus of the relationship is on ministry activities and reflections between the supervising pastor and candidate. The relationship purposefully develops ministry skills in the candidate.
- Eight monthly seminars:
The eight monthly seminars cover a range of materials that address ministry topics and issues. The seminars complement and add to the experience of the supervised practicum.
In the case of candidates who are married, both the candidate and their spouse are required to participate in the program. A non-clergy spouse is required to successfully complete two Bible courses in MIP and participate in all other requirements including monthly seminars, monthly self-evaluations, and full participation as a spouse in the supervising local church. (Note: In order for the candidate to be approved to graduate from MIP, the spouse assignments must also be complete.)
General MIP Application Requirements
- You must hold a Church of God membership.
- You need to be consistent in church attendance and tithing.
- You must be up to date on your Exhorter reports.
- You must have actively participated in ministry within the church for over a year.
- Your Pastor must request the MIP application.
- Fill out the application completely and in appropriate attire. Do not leave any questions blank; if a question does not apply to you, write “N/A.”
- Obtain a Pastor’s recommendation included with your application.
- Secure signatures from both your Pastor and District Overseer.
- Background check due at time of sent application. The background check is required if it is older than two years.
Background check fee is $150
PAYMENT OPTIONS:
Electronically:
ONLINE PAYMENTS (Select Credentials – BC)
Check or Money Order:
Make it out to “New Jersey Church of God State Office.”
The MIP application and all requirements must be thoroughly completed and submitted to the State Office by the deadline.
**One incomplete item will delay the entire process. **
Upon receipt of your application at the State Office, we will initiate your background check and begin processing your application. The State Office will reach out if additional information is needed.
Marital Forms
If either you or your spouse has a previous marriage, expect additional marital forms to be completed, and you will need permission from the Marital Review Board at both the State and International levels to proceed with the credentialing process. Plan accordingly, this process can take time, and your application must be submitted at least two months in advance.
Applicants who are seeking exemption from MIP must have equivalent academic credits and sufficient ministerial experience. Academic transcripts, resume’, 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 Local level State Office Administrative Bishop.
Applications are available for download via the link provided. 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.
MIP 2025-2026 SEMINAR SCHEDULE
MIP Orientation – Saturday, September 6, 2025
Session 1 – Saturday, October 4, 2025
Session 2 – Saturday, November 1, 2025
Session 3 – Saturday, December 13, 2025
Session 4 – Saturday, January 3, 2026
Session 5 – Saturday, February 1, 2026
Session 6 – Saturday, March 7, 2026
Session 7 – Saturday, April 4, 2026
Session 8 – Saturday April 25, 2026
MIP is in PERSON. The location is to be announced.
MIP Commissioning – May 15-16, 2026 (Cleveland, TN)
MIP Recognition – June 2026 (New Jersey Church of God State Camp Meeting)
MIP 2025-2026 FEE SCHEDULE
Single person seeking credentials – $780.00
Married couple, one person seeking credentials – $990.00 (per couple)
Married couple, both persons seeking credentials – $1,050.00 (per couple)
How do I pay?
Click the link: Ministerial Internship Program (MIP)
Tuition fees will cover MIP 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”
If you are called to become an Ordained Minister, you must complete the Ministerial Internship Program (MIP). Successfully completing MIP allows you to become an Ordained Minister in the Church of God.
