Tennessee Ministry Network
Answer the Call.
God has called you into a life of ministry — and we are honored to walk that road with you. The Assemblies of God recognizes three levels of credentials: Certified, Licensed, and Ordained. This is your guide through every step.
Level 01
Certified
The entry-level credential — for those who show evidence of a divine call, promise for gospel work, and are actively engaged in ministry.
Level 02
Licensed
The intermediate credential — for those with practical ministry experience and an evident commitment to devote their lives to proclaiming the gospel.
Level 03
Ordained
The highest level of credential — for licensed ministers proven over years of service and found to meet the biblical qualifications for ministry.
Salvation
A testimony of receiving Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. (John 3:5)
Water Baptism
Baptized in water by immersion. (Matthew 28:19)
Baptism in the Holy Spirit
With the initial evidence of speaking in other tongues. (Acts 2:4)
A Divine Call
A clear call to ministry — personally convicted, Spirit-confirmed, affirmed by fellow ministers.
Christian Character
A blameless life and a good report among believers and unbelievers alike. (1 Timothy 3:7)
Lifestyle
Abstaining from tobacco, alcohol, illegal or recreational drugs, pornography, and gambling.
Sound Doctrine
Agreement with the AG's 16 Fundamental Truths and constitutional directives.
Commitment to the Fellowship
An active, cooperative commitment to the Assemblies of God.
First-Time Applicants
Your path to credentials.
Six clear steps, one at a time. Click any step to see exactly what it involves and what you'll need.
- 1Pre-Application
- 2Paperwork
- 3Presbyter & Exams
- 4Processing
- 5Committee
- 6Approval
Step 1 of 6
Pre-Application
Every first-time candidate begins here. Submit the pre-application questionnaire so our credentialing office can confirm you meet the basic requirements — it must be approved by your sectional Presbyter and your Pastor before your application officially begins. This is also the time to begin (or continue) the coursework for the level you're seeking through the Tennessee School of Ministry.
Once your questionnaire is received, our office will reach out with your next steps.
Step 2 of 6
Application Paperwork
Once we receive your pre-application, our office will reach out with a link to your DocuSign application and clear instructions on where and how to pay. Complete the application and submit your application and background-check payment through the payment portal.
Step 3 of 6
Initial Presbyter Interview & Written Exams
In our network, these happen together. You'll meet in person with your sectional Presbyter, who reviews your application — and you'll take your written exams at the same appointment. Certified candidates take Bible Knowledge & Doctrine; Licensed and Ordained candidates also take Polity.
What to bring: a computer with a camera and internet access for your exams.
Step 4 of 6
Application Processing
With your interview and exams complete, the Network processes your application. This includes the mandatory background check and reference forms sent to the references you listed — returned confidentially to our office. Any flagged items may require a brief written explanation.
Step 5 of 6
Committee Interview
Sit for your interview with the Network Credentials Committee. If you're married, your spouse is expected to attend with you. Any remaining application fees are due at this time.
Step 6 of 6
TNMN & General Council Approval
The TNMN Executive Presbytery reviews the committee's recommendation and forwards it to the General Council Credentials Committee for recognition. Once approved, you are a credentialed minister of the Assemblies of God in Tennessee.
Welcome to the Tennessee Ministry Network family.
Have you graduated from an accredited Assemblies of God school with a degree in Bible, theology, ministerial studies, or another church-related major? If so, you may have already satisfied some or all of the educational requirements. In some cases, life experience or the transfer of a ministerial credential from another denomination can also meet some or all of the requirements. Reach out to our office and we'll help you understand where you stand.
Already Credentialed?
Wherever you are, start here.
Already serving with credentials? Choose your situation below for exactly what you need.
Renew Your Credentials
Renewing your credentials is now done entirely online. If you'd like to update your photo, please use the button below.
- Submit your renewal through the online credential renewal system.
- Make sure every question is answered accurately.
- Send your $10 Network renewal fee to the Network Office.
- Network deadline: December 15. Dues are due by December 31.
Please note: you'll be required to pay the balance of your General Council and Tennessee Ministry Network ministerial dues at the time of your renewal.
Upgrade Your Credentials
Moving up a level? Choose your path, then step through what's involved.
Written Request
Written Request to Upgrade
Begin by submitting your written request to upgrade. Make sure you've met the educational requirements for the level you're seeking — start or finish your coursework through the Tennessee School of Ministry.
Application Paperwork
Application Paperwork through DocuSign
Complete your upgrade application through DocuSign and pay your upgrade fee through the payment portal.
Upgrade fee: $100 — Certified to Licensed.
Upgrade fee: $150 — Licensed to Ordained.
Presbyter Interview & Exam
Initial Presbyter Interview & Written Exam
As with first-time credentialing, you'll meet with your sectional Presbyter and take the written exam for your new level at the same appointment. Bring a computer with a camera for your exam.
Application Processing
Application Processing
The Network processes your upgrade application, including any required background check and reference forms.
Committee Interview
Committee Interview
Sit for your interview with the Network Credentials Committee. If you're married, your spouse is expected to attend with you.
Approval
TNMN & General Council Approval
The TNMN Executive Presbytery reviews the committee's recommendation and forwards it to the General Council for recognition of your new credential level.
Reinstate Your Credentials
Applications for reinstatement can be submitted to the Network Office for review and processing.
- Request the reinstatement form from the Network Secretary's office.
- Complete and return the form for processing.
- A $100 reinstatement fee is required.
- Depending on how long credentials have been inactive, reinstatement may also require references, written exams, a background check, and a committee interview.
Transfer Your Credentials
Moving to Tennessee? Ministers relocating from another district are expected to transfer to the Tennessee Ministry Network within 90 days after taking up residence here. Contact your current district office to begin the transfer process.
Leaving Tennessee? Request a transfer from the Network Secretary's office. A transfer will be issued once any pending matters and financial obligations are resolved.
Financial Commitments
Credentialed ministers support both the Tennessee Ministry Network and the General Council of the Assemblies of God.
Tennessee Ministry Network — Ministerial dues equal 9% of ministerial income (salary and housing allowance), with a minimum of $60/month. Exemptions are available for full-time ministerial students and credentialed spouses with no income.
General Council — Ordained: $25/mo ($300/yr) · Licensed: $20/mo ($240/yr) · Certified: $10/mo ($120/yr).
Compliance is a prerequisite for renewal. To avoid a year-end lump sum, set up automatic monthly contributions on the Giving page (select "Minister's Dues").
Access
Credentials open doors to ministry opportunities, networks, and resources you wouldn't have on your own.
Authorization
A careful vetting process that attests to your ministerial readiness, personal integrity, and spiritual vitality.
Affirmation
Credentials invite the elders of the church to prayerfully confirm the evidence of God's call on your life.
Allies
Credentials unite us in partnership for the greatest evangelism effort the world has ever seen.
Need a few more classes first? Enroll in the Tennessee School of Ministry →
Ready to begin?
Every credentialed minister in Tennessee started with a single step. Take yours today.