Assemblies of God USA: Difference between revisions

The Assemblies of God recognizes three classifications of ministers: certified, licensed, and [[ordination|ordained]]. District councils examine candidates for all levels of ministry and recommend those qualified to the Executive Presbytery (which is the General Council's Credentials Committee), which has authority to issue ministerial credentials.{{Sfn|Minutes|2009|locpp=Constitution, Article X section 4, p. 98}} The AG's constitution guarantees that "formal academic achievement (diploma or degree) shall not be a requirement for credentials", but the General Presbytery does mandate courses and examinations.

In preparation for receiving credentials, applicants must either complete correspondence courses through Global University (the AG's distance education program), receive training through a postsecondary institution such as a college or seminary approved by the AG, or be recommended by a district credentials committee as qualifying for credentials based on self-study and ministerial experience of "substantial duration". In addition, applicants must pass a standardized exam that tests their knowledge of the Bible, AG doctrines, and ministerial practices. After passing the exam, they are interviewed by their district's credentials committee. If judged qualified, the district will recommend the applicant to the General Council credentials committee.{{Sfn|Minutes|2009|loc=Bylaws, Article VII section 2.h, p. =118}}

The Assemblies of God will not grant credentials to divorced and remarried persons if either partner has a former spouse living unless for specific exceptions. Exceptions include if the divorce occurred prior to an applicant's conversion or for "scriptural causes" such as a former spouse's marital unfaithfulness or the abandonment of a Christian by a non-Christian partner (see [[Pauline privilege]]).{{Sfn|Minutes|2009|loc=Bylaws, Article VII section 2.j, p. 118}} The Executive Presbytery has authority to issue ecclesiastical [[annulment]]s in cases involving conditions that prevent "the creation of a valid marriage union", such as fraud.{{Sfn|Minutes|2009|loc=Bylaws, Article VII section 2.k, p. 118}} Clergy are also barred from membership in [[secret societies]].{{Sfn|Minutes|2009|locpp=Bylaws,118 Article IX, Part B, section 4, p.& 128}}

The Assemblies also recognize a ''local church credential'', which can be issued by a General Council affiliated church for those engaged only in local ministry, such as prison or hospital ministry. Local church credential holders may perform the ordinances of the church with the authorization of the issuing church's senior pastor.{{Sfn|Minutes|2009|loc=Bylaws, Article VII section 1, p. =117}}