50yrs
Since 1976
3,000+
Credentialed Ministers
4M+
Adherents Worldwide
60+
Countries Served
What We Do
Four callings, one fellowsihip.
AEGA exists to credential the called, endorse the sent, affiliate the international, and charter the gathered. Each pillar is a full ministry path with its own application, its own renewal cycle, and its own accountability.
Ministerial Credentials
Ordination and Licensing for evangelical ministers and missionaries, with Christian Worker and Ministerial Apprentice credentials for those earlier in the credential ladder.
Chaplain Endorsements
Ecclesiastical endorsement for military, VA, federal prison, hospital, law enforcement, and Civil Air Patrol chaplaincy — recognized by every major endorsing body in the United States.
501(c)(3) Non-Profit Charter or Affiliation
Charter your church or ministry under AEGA’s IRS group exemption. Tax-exempt status in under 30 days — without a standalone 1023 filing or a five-figure attorney bill. Affiliation Membership also available for those churches or ministries who already have their individual IRS 501(c)(3) status.
Foreign Affiliation
Affiliate ministers and ministries outside the United States with AEGA. Credentialing, endorsement, and fellowship for international evangelical leaders — the fastest-growing arm of our fellowship.
The AEGA Difference
An evangelical fellowship — Not a denomination.
Five decades of credentialing has taught us what ministers actually need: legitimacy where it counts, freedom where it matters, and a fellowship that picks up the phone.
Faster 501(c)(3) than going it alone.
Five decades of credentialing has taught us what ministers actually need: legitimacy where it counts, freedom where it matters, and a fellowship that picks up the phone.
The full credential ladder.
From Christian Worker (entry) through Ministerial Apprentice (Exhorter), Licensed Minister, and full Ordination.
Six chaplaincy fields.
DoD-recognized for military chaplaincy. Endorsed for VA, Federal Bureau of Prisons, hospital, law enforcement, and Civil Air Patrol. One endorser, every assignment.
Independent & evangelical.
You don’t have to join a denomination to be credentialed by AEGA. We’re a fellowship — confessionally evangelical, organizationally independent — for ministers who answer to scripture and a council of peers.
Get Ordained · By State or Nation
Become an ordained minister wherever you serve.
Every state has its own requirements for officiating weddings, performing chaplaincy, and operating a church. We’ve mapped the path for the states most of our applicants come from.
From Our Fellowship
“I have been a member of the AEGA since 1989 and am so blessed to be a part of such a great organization. The leadership and staff are wonderful humble servants of and for the Lord. They have always been there for me and my family and at times have gone above and beyond the call of service to others. If you choose to become a member of the AEGA you will find that we are just normal people who also have been called of the Lord to do His will. You will receive all the guidance and help that you will need to be a viable part of God’s Kingdom.”
Jack Ernest
Missionary, Evangelist & Chaplain — Ohio
Frequently Asked
Answers before you apply
How long does it take to get ordained through AEGA?
Most credential applications are reviewed and credentials are issued in 3–5 weeks of submission, assuming references and all requirements are met. Credentials can be expedited depending on the circumstances. Renewals are typically completed within 2 weeks.
Do I have to be part of a denomination to be credentialed?
No. AEGA is an independent evangelical fellowship — not a denomination. You retain full local autonomy. We affirm an evangelical confession of faith; we don't require denominational membership.
What’s the difference between licensed and ordained ministers?
A licensed minister is recognized to preach, teach, and perform certain ministerial duties; ordination is the full credential, recognized for officiating weddings, chaplaincy endorsement, and full pastoral office. AEGA credentials both, plus Christian Worker and Exhorter levels for those earlier in the path.
How does the 501(c)(3) group exemption work?
AEGA holds an IRS Group Exemption Number (GEN). Churches and ministries chartered under AEGA are recognized as 501(c)(3) tax-exempt under that GEN — no individual IRS Form 1023 filing required. The process typically completes in under 30 days.
Can my Church or Ministry join AEGA if we already have our 501(c)(3) status?
Yes! We have an "Affiliation" Membership Program for churches and ministries who have already obtained their individual 501(c)(3) status from the IRS.
Is AEGA recognized for military chaplain endorsement?
Yes. AEGA is a Department of Defense-recognized ecclesiastical endorser. We endorse chaplains for Active Duty, Reserve, and Guard components across every branch.