Credentials

THE FOLLOWING STEPS ARE FOR ANYONE INTERESTED IN OBTAINING FIRST-TIME CREDENTIALS:

1.) Take the online Applicant Survey

Click here for our Applicant Survey Form or download a printable copy here. We will ask for your full name, home address and the name of your Potomac Network church and pastor. This will set in motion the process by where you and your Presbyter will meet for an initial interview.

2.) Upload your transcripts

All applicants must meet the appropriate educational requirements for the level of credentials being sought. You can upload a copy of your transcript using this link.

3.) Schedule and attend Intake Interview

Once you receive confirmation that all educational requirements have been met, you will need to schedule an Intake Interview with your Presbyter. See list here or contact our office if you're unsure which region or Executive Presbyter is in your area.

4.) Complete the Application Packet

Once we receive the recommendation from your Presbyter to move forward from your initial interview, you will be sent the Application Packet. The following items must be received at our office in order to proceed:

1. The General Council application with a picture attached

2. Application fee

3. Authorization forms

4. Background check disclosure

5. An acceptable report from the General Council required background/credit check.

5.) Complete Written Examination

Once your application packet has been received and processed, you will be sent a letter of invitation to the written examination and the exam synopsis.

Credential written examinations are given in April and September for the Certified and License level, and in December for the Ordination level. ALL paperwork must be completed and in our office one month prior to the exam date.

6.) Attend Credential Committee Interview

Upon completion of the written exam, you will be scheduled for met with the Credentials interview Committee. (Conducted regionally)

THE FOLLOWING STEPS ARE FOR ANYONE INTERESTED IN UPGRADING CREDENTIALS TO LICENSE LEVEL:

1.) Complete the online request form.

Click here to request upgrading your credentials from Certified to Licensed.

2.) Upload your transcripts

All applicants must meet the appropriate educational requirements for the level of credentials being sought. You can upload a copy of your transcript using this link.

3.) Proceed with instructions from PMN Credentialing office.

Once you receive confirmation that all educational requirements have been met, our office will contact you with next steps.

Qualifications for Ordination are outlined in the New Testament scriptures (I Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:7-9).  They shall 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 Potomac Ministry Network for no less than one (1) year prior to ordination.

• Applicants must possess a Licensed Minister credential at least two (2) consecutive years and has been actively engaged in work as a pastor, evangelist or other recognized ministry for at least two (2) consecutive years immediately prior to submitting an application.

• If applicant is licensed in another district, approval to proceed with ordination must be received from former district.

• 2024 Ordination Season opens Monday, September 2nd.

• Prior to application, individuals must complete the Ordination Questionnaire. All application materials for Ordination are due Monday, October 14th, 2024. Please contact crainey@potomacag.org with any questions.

Processing requirements to upgrade your credential is 4 months, depending on the timing for application submission. 

Ordination Candidates:  Completed upgrade ordination application materials must be received in our office by the first week in November for ordination at Network Conference held each May.

The initiative to upgrade your credential must be taken by you, the credential holder. Once you meet the education requirements, please contact us to request credential upgrade application materials.

The application process to upgrade your credential shares similarities with the application process for a new credential. Once your completed application packet is received and processed, you will be contacted regarding scheduling your credential upgrade written exam for the level of credential you are pursuing and subsequently be interviewed by the credentials committee.