MINISTRY CREDENTIALS

 

Credential Application Deadlines:

 

March 1

August 1

The Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada (PAOC) provides a process for receiving ministry credentials to support leaders in serving with integrity, excellence, and professionalism, while remaining faithful to sound biblical doctrine. Being under the covering of a PAOC ministry credential encourages relational connection and health for both the minister and the ministry they serve in.

 

CREDENTIALS ARE HELD THROUGH THE PRINCIPLE OF VOLUNTARY COOPERATION

By “voluntary” it is meant that, upon learning the principles, doctrines, and practice of the PAOC and by seeing the benefits one could derive from being associated with such an organization, a person, of his/her own free choice, decides to become a member, thus subscribing to all that for which the organization stands.

By “cooperation” it is meant that to the best of his/her ability, one will comply with all decisions setting forth and defining duties and responsibilities incumbent upon members of the organization, and will respect the will of the majority, expressed through democratic processes, for as long as he/she remains a member.

Hence “voluntary cooperation” means that a person of their own free will, will decide to become a cooperating member of PAOC, this cooperation being obligatory and not optional.

Please refer to the brochure here to discover the purpose and benefits of holding a PAOC Credential in the Western Ontario District (WOD).

 

APPLYING FOR AND HOLDING PAOC CREDENTIALS

Credentials are provided through the International PAOC body and are managed by each District of the PAOC that an individual ministers in. Credentials are issued under the following categories:

  • Ordained
  • Licensed Minister
  • Recognition of Ministry
  • Ministry Related

 

TO INITIALLY APPLY FOR ANY CATEGORY OF CREDENTIAL

Please complete the form below to request an application. Applicants do not require a current ministry position to apply for credentials, however credentials will only become active if the application is approved and a qualifying ministry appointment is received within two years of the approval date.

Divorced and Remarried?

If you have been divorced and are remarried or if you are married to someone who was previously divorced, a Divorced & Remarried Credential Application (and Spousal Supplement Application if applicable) are required in addition to the Application for Ministerial Credentials. Divorced & Remarried Credential Applications (and Spousal Supplement Application if applicable) are processed through the Office of the Assistant Superintendent for Fellowship Services at the International Office, in cooperation with the Application for Ministerial Credentials being processed through the local district office. For application forms and further information, please contact the PAOC International Office here.

 

 

To Renew Your Credential

The deadline for Annual Credential Renewal is June 30. 

Online renewals can be completed through the PAOC website here.  If you require a renewal form or have questions regarding the processing of your Credential Renewal, please contact – 905.542.7400 Ext 3221. Credential holders are expected to pay the annual credential fee and are advised to plan their finances accordingly.  If you are not currently in ministry, you must first inactivate your credential (this reduces the fee by 50%) by contacting the District Resource Centre and then you may request further assistance if required.

 

REQUESTS TO CHANGE CREDENTIAL STATUS

Inactivating Your Credential

If you are not currently in active ministry but wish to retain your credential, you may request to inactivate your credential by sending a request in writing us here.  You may remain on the inactive list for a maximum of two years, at which time you will need to either be in a qualifying ministry position and reactivate your credential or resign your credential. (If you have more than 15 years of continuous active credentialed ministry you may remain on the inactive list indefinitely.) All inactive credential holders must complete the annual renewal form and submit the appropriate fee, which is currently 50% of the active credential renewal fee.

 

 

Reactivating Your Credential

If your credential is currently inactive and you have returned to a qualifying ministry position, you may reactivate your credential through a written request and by submitting the Ministry Appointment form here

 

 

Reinstating Your Credential

If your Credential was formerly resigned in good standing or it was not renewed, and you are in a qualifying ministry appointment, please contact  us here for the process to reinstate your former PAOC Credential.

Reclassifying to Ordained

To qualify for Ordination, you must hold a Licensed Minister Credential and be in active, continuous full-time ministry for a minimum of two years. You must also have completed the pre-Ordination training which is held annually.  For further information on the Ordination process or to find out if you qualify, please contact us here

Credential Holder enquiries can be directed to our Credentials Department here or by calling 905.637.5566 ext 219