4
Credential Tiers
3-5 wks
Typical Review Time
50
U.S. States Recognized
3,000+
Credentialed Ministers
Choose Your Credential Tier
One application. Four credential tiers.
The application form routes to the appropriate tier based on the selection made at submission. If unsure which tier fits, compare the four credentials below or contact the AEGA office.
Ministerial Apprentice.
Entry-tier credential with a twelve to twenty-four month formation period under a covering pastor. For ministers in formation on a clear licensing track. Ministerial Apprentice credential →
Christian Worker.
Vocational-tier credential for staff ministers in defined ministry roles. Youth pastor, worship pastor, missions director, associate minister. Christian Worker credential →
Licensed Minister.
Full ministerial authority to preach, officiate marriages and funerals, baptize, and serve Communion. The standard pastoral credential before ordination. Licensed Minister credential →
Ordained Minister.
The highest credential AEGA issues. Required for chaplaincy endorsement and AEGA endorsing-minister roles. Ordained Minister credential →
What You'll Need to Apply
Have these ready before starting.
Legal name and contact information. Name as it appears on government-issued identification.
Written doctrinal affirmation. One to two pages affirming alignment with AEGA's Spirit-filled doctrinal position.
Ministry history. A summary of current and recent ministry context (church, role, dates, scope).
Prior credential records (for ministers transferring an ordination from another recognized body).
Three references. At least one from a credentialed minister. Email and phone for each.
Senior-pastor endorsement letter (for Licensed Minister and above). On letterhead when possible.
Sermon sample (for Licensed Minister and Ordained Minister). Written or video link.
Application fee. Per the AEGA bylaws, varies by tier. Paid online.
Application Form
Begin the credential application.
The form below routes directly to the AEGA Board of Examiners. Save and return is supported. Most applicants complete the form in twenty to thirty minutes.
How the Review Works
From submission to credential in three to five weeks.
01
Submit the application
Personal information, doctrinal affirmation, ministry history, references, and supporting documents. Application fee paid online.
02
References contacted
The AEGA office contacts each reference by email and phone. Most references respond within a week.
03
Board of Examiners review
The doctrinal statement, ministry context, and references are reviewed. Most files reach a decision within three to five weeks of submission.
04
Credential issued
Printed certificate and wallet card mailed to the applicant. The credential is active on the date of issue.
Frequently Asked
Credential application, answered.
How long does the credential application take to review?
Most credentials are issued within three to five weeks of a complete application. Ordained Minister applications occasionally extend a week or two when a presbytery interview is scheduled. Files with complete references and a senior-pastor endorsement letter move fastest. See the full timeline by tier →
Which credential tier should I apply for?
Ministers in formation on a licensing track choose Ministerial Apprentice. Staff ministers in defined ministry roles (youth, worship, missions, associate) choose Christian Worker. Pastors exercising full ministerial authority choose Licensed Minister. Ministers pursuing chaplaincy endorsement, transferring an existing ordination, or stepping into senior pastoral office choose Ordained Minister.
Can I save the application and finish later?
Yes. The application supports save-and-return. Begin with the contact information block and the AEGA office sends a resume link by email. The reference contacts can be completed in a follow-up session if needed.
Is AEGA an online ordination service?
No. AEGA is not a denomination, and AEGA is not an online ordination service. The application includes doctrinal review, reference contacts, and (at the Ordained Minister tier) an occasional presbytery interview. The Board of Examiners reads every file before a credential is issued.
What if I have a question while applying?
The AEGA office answers application questions Monday through Friday. Call 1-800-842-5176 or email info@aega.org. Most application questions are answered the same business day. Contact AEGA →
Begin your application.
Three to five weeks of review. Decades of ministry ahead. A Spirit-filled fellowship of ministers since 1976.