60+
Countries Served
3-5 wks
Typical Review
Since 1976
International Reach
4M+
Adherents Worldwide
What This Application Covers
Affiliation for international ministers, ministries, and networks.
The AEGA foreign affiliation application requests covenant affiliation between AEGA and an international minister, ministry, or church network outside the United States. The result is an affiliation agreement, credential reciprocity, ecclesiastical covering, and access to AEGA's credentialing, endorsement, and chartering services. AEGA is not a denomination. The affiliated ministry remains autonomous.
Affiliation agreement.
A signed covenant agreement between AEGA and the affiliating minister, ministry, or network. Sets the framework for covering, credentialing, and ongoing covenant relationship.
Recognition of the applying leader's existing credentials at the AEGA equivalent tier (Licensed Minister or Ordained Minister most commonly).
Credential reciprocity.
Relational accountability and pastoral support from AEGA headquarters and (where established) the country's foreign division. Covering, not control.
Ecclesiastical covering.
Access to AEGA's credentialing, chaplain endorsement, and 501(c)(3) charter services for the affiliated ministry's U.S.-based arms or branches. Foreign affiliation hub →
Service access.
What You Will Need to Apply
Required for a complete affiliation file.
Doctrinal statement. The ministry's confession of faith. AEGA's review confirms alignment with Spirit-filled evangelical confession.
Governance and bylaws documents. Bylaws, constitution, or governing documents describing how the ministry is led and how doctrinal accountability is held.
Leadership references. Names and contact information for three ministry references who can speak to character, doctrine, and ministry fruit.
Ministry scope summary. Congregations served, geographic reach, primary work (church planting, training, chaplaincy, network leadership), and number of ministers under the ministry.
Country and region information. Where the ministry operates. If AEGA already has a division in that country, the International Office routes accordingly.
Applying leader's biographical information. Senior leader's name, ministry biography, current credential status (if any), photograph, and role in the affiliation.
Foreign Affiliation Application
Begin the affiliation application.
The form below routes to the AEGA International Office. Plan on thirty to forty-five minutes to complete the first pass. Save and return is supported. The form accepts English-language submissions; translation support is available on request.
How the Review Works
From application to signed affiliation agreement.
01
Submit the application
Complete the form with doctrinal statement, governance documents, leadership references, ministry scope, country information, and the applying leader's biography. The International Office acknowledges receipt within five business days.
02
Doctrinal and governance review
The International Office reads the doctrinal statement, governance documents, and ministry scope. Most adjustments are minor and resolved by email. The Office contacts your three references in parallel.
03
Leadership conversation
An AEGA reviewer holds a video conversation with the applying leader covering call, ministry context, doctrinal questions, and the practical shape of the affiliation. Most conversations run forty-five to sixty minutes.
04
Affiliation agreement signed
AEGA issues the signed affiliation agreement along with credential reciprocity documentation and pathway notes for any credentialing, endorsement, or chartering services the affiliated ministry will use. Annual renewal keeps the affiliation active.
Frequently Asked
Foreign affiliation application, answered.
How long does AEGA foreign affiliation take?
Once your full file is received (doctrinal statement, governance documents, leadership references, ministry scope, applying leader's biography), the affiliation review typically completes in three to five weeks. The International Office acknowledges receipt within five business days so you know what is still outstanding.
What is the difference between foreign affiliation and foreign division membership?
Foreign affiliation is for ministers, ministries, or networks applying as the initial affiliating party. The result is an affiliation agreement and (where appropriate) the establishment of a new AEGA presence in the country. Foreign division membership is for individual ministers in a country where AEGA already has an active foreign division and the minister is applying to join that division.
Does my ministry come under AEGA control after affiliation?
No. AEGA is not a denomination. The affiliated ministry remains autonomous in doctrine, governance, and operations. The affiliation is a covenant covering, not a control. AEGA provides credentialing, endorsement, chartering, and pastoral support; the ministry retains its own leadership, finances, and local decision-making.
Can my existing credentials transfer to AEGA after affiliation?
Yes, in most cases. Credential reciprocity is one of the standard components of an AEGA affiliation agreement. The International Office reviews your current credential status and issues an AEGA credential at the equivalent tier (Licensed Minister or Ordained Minister most commonly). International credentials →
Can my ministry charter churches under AEGA's 501(c)(3) group exemption after affiliation?
AEGA's IRS group exemption applies to U.S.-based churches under U.S. federal law. International ministries receive AEGA ecclesiastical covering and credentialing, but local tax recognition depends on each country's framework. For U.S. branches or U.S.-registered ministry arms of an internationally affiliated ministry, AEGA's 501(c)(3) group exemption is available.
Begin your affiliation application.
Three to five weeks of review. Credentialed ministers in more than sixty countries since 1976. A Spirit-filled fellowship of ministers built on covenant, not control.