levels of ministerial credentials

**Please scroll to find downloads of each level's application documents & to see all the steps in the credentialing process below**

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Applications and paperwork must be mailed or emailed to the District Office by November 1, 2020

All additional paperwork and references must be received by December 1, 2020

Interviews at the Sioux Falls District Office are scheduled for January 2021 during the Presbyter Meeting (Date: January 18-20, 2021)

Credentials are presented each Spring at the District Council - April 26-28, 2021, Sioux Falls First church roundedmap 

Email Rachel Schaible here with any credentialing questions or to email your application.

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There are three levels of credentials available through the Assemblies of God. The level of credential a person is qualified for depends on both ministry experience and education completed.  Each level is described below:

  • CertifICATE OF MINISTRY

    Those who indicate God's call to ministry, manifest a desire to enter the ministry by engaging in Christian work, and  devote a part of his or her time to Christian service may be eligible to receive a Certificate of Ministry. They will be involved in some type of viable ministry and, whenever possible, are to remain under the supervision of a pastor.

  • License to Preach

    Those who exhibit clear evidence of a call to ministry and practical experience in preaching, together with an evident purpose to devote one’s life to ministry, are eligible for a License to Preach. They will be involved in some type of viable ministry. This credential can lead to Ordination. A minister must hold a license for two consecutive years to be qualified to apply for ordination.


  • Ordained Minister

    Qualifications for Ordination are outlined in the New Testament scriptures (I Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:7-9). They will be persons of mature Christian experience who are qualified and able to undertake the responsibilities of the full ministry. In addition:

    • Applicants must be twenty-three (23) years of age or older.
    • Applicants must be a member of the South Dakota District for no less than one (1) year prior to ordination.
    • Applicants must possess a License to Preach for at least (2) consecutive years.


credentialing steps

**Please keep copies of every document you send to us for your records. 


1. To begin the process, choose which level you are pursuing and download that specific application:

(If you are currently not credentialed with the Assemblies of God, please select the first option for any level you are seeking. If you already hold a credential level, please select the one you are upgrading to from the last two options.) 


Minister_-_Application_for_Credentials.pdf


Minister_-_Application_for_Upgrade_to_License.pdf


Minister_-_Application_for_Upgrade_to_Ordination.pdf


2. All levels: please download each form below in addition to your application ("Information Authorization Release for Spouse" only if you are married):


Minister_-_Background_Check_Disclosure.pdf


Minister_-_Information_Authorization_Release_for_Minister.pdf


Minister_-_Information_Authorization_Release_for_Spouse.pdf


Minister_-_Assessment_-_Personal_Testimony.pdf


Minister_-_Assessment_-_Personal_Ministry_Inventory.pdf


Minister_-_Assessment_-_Call_to_the_Ministry.pdf

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En Español:


Minister - ESPAÑOL -Information Authorization & Release SPANISH for Minister.pdf


Minister -ESPAÑOL-Information Authorization & Release SPANISH for Spouse.pdf


Minister - ESPAÑOL Personal Testimony.pdf


Minister -ESPAÑOL Personal Ministry Inventory.pdf


Minister -ESPAÑOL Call to the Ministry.pdf



(If you need assistance in downloading these forms, please contact the South Dakota District office. Please specify the level you are seeking and if you are upgrading your credentials or seeking credentials for the first time as well as the problem you are experiencing trying to download.)



3.  Contact those you will use as references so they will be expecting the reference forms that the South Dakota District office will be sending to them.


4. Complete all 7 forms (6 forms if you are single), *please note those that need to be notarized - (we do have two notaries in our District Office if you need)*, and send, along with the following, to the South Dakota District Office by November 1st:

     a. A copy of your signed Social Security Card

     b. All post high school transcripts (or education completed since receiving your current credential, if upgrading)

     c. $100 application fee (make check out to "SDAG" & must be received at our office: 4220 W 38th St, Sioux Falls, SD 57106 before application can be processed)


5. Once your application has been received, the South Dakota District office will notify you to begin the next steps of the credentialing process as well as give you a study guide/synopsis for your exam(s).


6. Arrange with us to take your exam(s) at the South Dakota District office or to set up a qualified proctor off-site. Depending on current availability, you can choose paper or online exam(s). Notify the SDAG office at least two weeks prior to your exam date so that we can have the exams sent accordingly.


7. Once your exam is compete (70% or better), all of your references returned to our office, approved background check, and educational requirements are met, an interview will be scheduled. You and your spouse (if married) will interview with the South Dakota District Presbytery Board at the SDAG office. The interviews are scheduled to take place in January of each year.


8. If your application is approved by the Presbytry Board, it will then be forwarded to General Council for final approval.


9. Once final approval is received from General Council, your credential with the Assemblies of God will be awarded to you and will be effective immediately.


10. Though your credential will be awarded to you as soon as it is received from General Council, you and your spouse (if married) are required to attend the Credentialing Service at the District Council for the formal presentation (held each Spring).


11. Your application will be active for two years from the time we receive your application and the $100 application fee. If you fail to complete the application procedure within this time frame, you will forfeit all application fees and will be required to reapply if you desire to seek credentials at a later date.  (Some paperwork may need to be redone, if deemed necessary by the General Council.)