Calling And Ministry Studies (CAMS)
The credentialing of Church of God ministers is a ministry formation process. In this process, the church partners with the individuals in order to help them develop the abilities to fulfill their divine call and place in ministry. This developmental journey occurs through personal discovery, education, training, and becoming a credentialed minister in the Church of God. The vision and mission of the Church of God are integral contributing parts in the journey. There are two sections to CAMS—seminars and individual study. The purposes of the seminars are (1) to identify how the individuals know they have a divine call, (2) to explain what the meaning and practices of ministry are, and (3) to assist the applicants in determining what their divine call is and in understanding what ministry is. The seminars are attended by both applicants and spouses.
Steps in CAMS Process
Please have your pastor contact the credentialing department at the state office to request an application.
All applicants will be screened with a background check and credit history. Please submit along with your application, a $55.00 check which includes $40.00 for a background check and $15.00 CAMS application fee
A twelve-month faithful tithing and attendance record will be requested from your local church.
Two letters of recommendation (one from your pastor and one from your employer)
All CAMS applicants are required to make monthly payments to ensure that their account is paid in full upon the completion date of CAMS.
If the applicant or applicant’s spouse has been divorced, they will be interviewed by the administrative bishop and will be given forms to be completed and returned to the credentialing department.
(Divorce and Remarriage must be approved by the Administrative Bishop, State Council and the International Executive Committee.)
Please mail all information to:
WV Church of God State Office
Credentialing Department
PO Box 2374
Beckley, WV 25802-2374
Deadline for CAMS is June 30, 2024.
MINISTERIAL INTERNSHIP PROGRAM (MIP)
The Ministerial Internship Program (MIP) is mandated by the General Assembly of the Church of God as a requirement for all Exhorters before advancing to the rank of Ordained Minister. The basic purpose of the MIP is to give the beginning minister and his/her spouse a practical training experience at the local level under the supervision of a pastor. It is a nine-month program consisting of monthly seminars for both minister and spouse, individual study, and a ministry practicum under the mentorship of a supervising pastor to whom the intern is assigned.
Steps in MIP Process
- Please contact the credentialing department at the state office and request an application.
- Application fee of $25.00 and $25.00 for Background check fee is to be submitted with the application. The background check will be done before you take your Ordained Minister exam.
- Must be current with his/her monthly minister’s reports for the last six months.
- A twelve-month tithing and attendance record will be requested from your local church.
Ministerial Development Board
Ministerial Application Instruction
Exhorter
Applicant must have a CAMS certificate or have been exempt from CAMS.
Examined by the Examining Board.
After the administrative bishop has approved the application, the applicant is set forth by the local church.
Order study guide and prepare for the examination.
The administrative bishop schedules the date, time and location of the examination and informs the applicant.
Ordained Minister
Applicant must have a MIP certificate or have been exempt from MIP.
Obtain and complete an application for ordained minister rank.
Request the recommendation of the local pastor and/or regional bishop.
Must be current with his/her monthly minister’s reports for the last six months.
A twelve-month faithful tithing and attendance record will be requested from your local church.
After the administrative bishop has approved the application, the applicant will be set forth by his/her local church.
Order study guide and prepare for the examination.
The administrative bishop schedules the date, time and location of the examination and informs the applicant.
Ordained Bishop
Contact the state office and request the ordained bishop application.
Request the recommendation of the local pastor and/or regional bishop.
Must be current with his/her monthly minister’s reports for the last six months.
A twelve-month faithful tithing and attendance record will be requested from your local church.
If the applicant and/or the applicant’s spouse have divorce and remarriage history, the applicant must complete the documentation statement and make sure that all questionnaire forms have been submitted and approved. Advancement to ordained bishop will require the approval of the administrative bishop, two-thirds majority vote of the state council and two-thirds majority vote of the executive council.
The administrative bishop will notify the local church to set forth the applicant for ordained bishop.
Order study guide and prepare for examination.
The administrative bishop schedules the date, time and location of the examination and informs the applicant.
This class is open for the 2024-2025 year. Any questions can be directed to Sarita Smith @ 304-252-0622 ext 1 or sarita@wvcog.com.
Deadline for MIP is June 30, 2024
