Credentialing with the Wisconsin/Northern Michigan Ministries Network, from first certificate to ordination.
What do you need?
Start in the right place.
Before you apply
Check eligibility first.
Some circumstances need a conversation before you apply.
Before you apply
Some circumstances need a conversation first.
Some people go through the credentialing process only to discover they are not eligible for credentials at this time. Don’t apply until you have confirmed with our office that you have no educational courses to complete for the level of credentials you seek. Certain past behaviors or experiences may or may not be disqualifying; each situation is unique and largely depends on the details. Please email the Network Secretary’s office in advance if you have:
- any of the following in your history: bankruptcy, foreclosures, tax liens, judgments, collections, or if you are remarried and you (or your spouse) have a former spouse who is still living
- ever been accused of, engaged in, or investigated for any sexual misconduct involving a minor or adult, including but not limited to child abuse, child molestation, indecent liberties with a child, incest, adultery, sexual harassment, rape, assault, battery, murder, kidnapping, child pornography, sodomy, or sexual contact with a counselee
- since your conversion, used tobacco, alcohol, illegal or recreational drugs in any form or been involved in gambling or pornography
A note
Divorce or remarriage.
We believe it is possible to maintain biblical standards for ministry and marriage, while at the same time offering a compassionate response to those who are called into ministry yet have a divorce and remarriage in their background. Perhaps these circumstances occurred before you came to Christ. Perhaps you entered into a marriage based upon fraudulent or deceptive circumstances, or a divorce occurred due to adultery or abandonment by your former spouse. In any case, these are painful circumstances that should not necessarily disqualify you from fulfilling God’s call upon your life.
We welcome the opportunity to help you explore the possibilities of pursuing God’s call. We will treat your application with the utmost respect and confidentiality. We will afford you the dignity of listening to your story and will serve you gladly in the process. If your situation qualifies for General Council Recognition, we will move forward to facilitate your credentialing process. Rich Lemberg, Network Secretary, or Dawn Winrich, assistant to Rich Lemberg, will be happy to provide you with more information about your next steps in responding to God’s call.
Levels
Three levels of credentials.
Certified and Licensed ministers are credentialed year round. Ordained candidates must meet the August 1 deadline.
Certificate of Ministry
Certified Minister.
Beginners and efficient helpers in gospel work, especially those who work under pastoral leadership and who devote a part of their time to Christian service.
Coursework
2 years
Licensed
Licensed Minister.
Those who give evidence of a divine call, who have had practical experience in preaching, and who give evidence of a purpose to devote their entire time to preaching the gospel.
Coursework
3 years
Ordained
Ordained Minister.
Ministers of mature experience, qualified for the responsibilities of full gospel ministry, whose ministries are accepted and recognized by the Network Presbytery.
Coursework
4 years
Applicants must be twenty-three (23) or older, a member of the network for at least one year before ordination, and must have held a ministry license and been actively engaged in ministry for at least two full consecutive years immediately before ordination.
Get credentialed or upgrade
Five steps.
Upgrading? The same five steps apply.
Follow the same five steps. Call our office or send an email to request the application documents, then mail the application with the $130 application fee (make the check payable to WNM), your educational transcripts and a copy of your signed social security card.
- Education. Meet the educational requirements through District School of Ministry (DSOM) (opens in a new tab), Global University/Berean School of the Bible (globaluniversity.edu (opens in a new tab), 800.443.1083), an endorsed Assemblies of God school, or another school approved by the network credentials committee. Moving from Certified to Licensed? Also complete the free Credentialing Track (opens in a new tab).
- Application. Call our office (715-258-8118) or email [email protected] to request the application. Send it with a copy of your signed social security card, your transcripts and the $130 application fee (check payable to WNM) to: Wisconsin/Northern Michigan Ministries Network, Attn: Network Secretary’s Office, P.O. Box 309, Waupaca, WI 54981.
- Exam. Once we have received and reviewed your application, you will be sent a study packet with a study guide and where to download the constitution and bylaws for the Network and General Council. When you are ready, contact your sectional presbyter to schedule the exam.
- Interview. After you have been notified that you passed the exam, contact your sectional presbyter to arrange an interview. A recommendation then goes to the Network Presbytery, who make a recommendation for approval to the General Council.
- Approval. The General Secretary’s office makes final approval, and you will be notified by letter. You can expect your official credential card and welcome packet in the mail within 4 to 6 weeks, and a letter to participate in the Credentialing/Recognition Service at Network Summit. Certified and Licensed credentials are recognized the year after; ordination is received at Network Summit.
Already credentialed?
Renew, reinstate or transfer.
-
The deadline for renewal forms is December 31. There are three ways to renew this year. You only need to pick one.
- The paper renewal sent to you by General Council. Make sure it is signed and answer all questions.
- The online form, filled in, printed off, signed and mailed to the Network Office.
- Online at generalsecretary.ag.org (opens in a new tab). You will need your fellowship ID (found on your card) and password. If you don't have your fellowship ID or password, contact the General Secretary's office. It is vital to submit the form.
Make sure your Network Council tithe/dues are current. General Council dues must be on a separate check payable to General Council if you send them with a paper renewal, or can be paid online at ag.org. Do not submit your Network dues to General Council when renewing online.
If you do not receive your renewal by December 1, you may submit it online or print one off, fill it out, sign it and mail it in. This keeps your credential from lapsing if your application was lost in the mail.
Late renewals
Renewals postmarked after December 31 and until January 15 need a $50.00 late fee. Renewals postmarked after January 15 must include a reinstatement application and a $130.00 reinstatement fee. You are considered automatically lapsed if not renewed by January 15. General Council now requires a network background check, including a credit report if you have not had one in the last two years, for every minister who lets a credential lapse.
Minister’s tithe and dues
Our bylaws call for 100% of the minister’s tithes/dues from all sources of ministerial income to be sent each month to the network office. Regardless of the source of income, a minister must send the network office at least $350.00 per year. These rules do not apply to a minister’s spouse who holds credentials and has no separate income. Give minister’s tithe (opens in a new tab)
General Council support
- Certified Minister: $10.00 per month, $120.00 yearly.
- Licensed Minister: $20.00 per month, $240.00 yearly.
- Ordained Minister: $25.00 per month, $300.00 yearly.
-
Applicants who want to reinstate a ministerial credential submit the application with a $130 reinstatement fee: $80 payable to the Wisconsin/Northern Michigan Ministries Network (WNM) and $50 payable to General Council. Call our office (715-258-8118) or email [email protected] to request the application.
Reinstatement guidelines
- If a credential has lapsed for over seven (7) years, the written exam is required.
- If the credential lapsed or was resigned in a district other than the Wisconsin/Northern Michigan Ministries Network, submit a letter of good standing from the previous district with the application.
- If a minister reinstates within the first three months of the calendar year after lapsing, General Council dues from the previous year must be fulfilled.
-
Transferring out of the network
When a Wisconsin/Northern Michigan Ministries Network minister establishes residence in another district, the minister should notify the Secretary/Treasurer’s office. We will then process your information and transfer your credential. Contact [email protected] or call 715-258-8118.
Transferring in from another district
Ministers transferring into the network from another district are to request a transfer from their former district within 60 days of taking up residence in the new district. It is the responsibility of the former district to complete the transfer to the Wisconsin/Northern Michigan Ministries Network. We will notify the minister when the transfer is completed.
Get in touch
Questions about credentials?
Call or email the Network Secretary’s office.
Wisconsin/Northern Michigan Ministries Network
Attn: Network Secretary’s Office
P.O. Box 309
Waupaca, WI 54981
Office: 1340 Berlin St.
Waupaca, WI 54981
Healthy Leaders. Strong Churches. Investing in the Next Generation.
A Christ-centered, Spirit-empowered network of churches strengthening pastors, developing leaders, and advancing the Gospel across Wisconsin and Northern Michigan.