Credentialing: Licensing & Ordination
We are so pleased that you have an interest in pursuing ordination in the Church of God in Indiana. Indiana Ministries’ greatest desire is that the ordination process is a positive experience for you. We hope this foundational time in your ministry will not only expand your knowledge and understanding of ministry but will be an encouraging experience.
What is Leadership Focus?
The Goal
Partnering to develop healthy, growing missional leaders to expand the Kingdom of God in the present age.
The process
The Leadership Focus is an online ministry development tool, designed to equip and strengthen leaders in the Church of God through relational training with a missional perspective. We believe in a missional approach to leadership development, and believe there are certain characteristics that those responding to a call to lead should possess.
We particularly look for these qualities in those pursuing credentials. We believe that rising leaders should be: diligent in learning and growth, passionate about a compelling call to mission and ministry, committed to interdependent relationships that further the kingdom and a person of strong integrity and clear moral direction.
We particularly look for these qualities in those pursuing credentials. We believe that rising leaders should be: diligent in learning and growth, passionate about a compelling call to mission and ministry, committed to interdependent relationships that further the kingdom and a person of strong integrity and clear moral direction.
Timeline
This credentialing process is designed to last just over three years, broken into 6 six month courses, each focusing on a core area of ministry and leadership development: Commencement, Competencies, Character, Confessions, Connectivity and Celebrations.
Coaching
Each course will be hosted by a coach who will lead you through guided online web training calls. You will be expected to participate in each web meeting along with fulfilling each module’s unique requirements. As you move through each course additional fees will apply.
Cost
The enrollment course is $25. The first course is $275. The second – sixth courses are $150 each and are billed to you prior to your enrollment in the next module. You can read more about the Leadership Focus Program in the resource section.
want to know more?
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is this being done?
Our Church of God Credentials Manual calls for the credentialing Assemblies in our movement to complete an update on every credentialed minister every five years. We are leveraging this requirement to help us connect with you and your ministry. Because Indiana Ministries holds the credentials of every CHOG minister living in Indiana, they put their stamp of approval and vouch for you. All of us are vulnerable in the world we live in today. This provides a layer of protection.
Who is doing the Periodic Ministry Update (PMU)?
The Department of Ministry Service (DMS) of Indiana Ministries of the Church of God who oversees the credentialing of all Church of God ministers in Indiana is responsible to fulfill all expectations from the National Credentials Manual. The DMS has appointed a team made up of the PMU Director and Master Coordinators, along with the IM staff to fulfill this expectation.
Who developed the process?
A team made up of credentialed CHOG ministers serving in Indiana developed the process according to guidelines contained in the Credentials Manual. The process was approved by the DMS and by The Indiana Ministries Board of Directors.
When did the PMU start?
The process was developed in 2021 and 2022 was the first year. The CHOG ministers in Indiana have been divided into five groups based upon when you were ordained. One group will be done per year over a five-year period. (There are over 500 credentialed ministers in Indiana).
Is the PMU required and how often does it occur?
All credentialed ministers living in Indiana are expected to participate in and complete this update. For retired ministers, the PMU is encouraged but not required. The update takes place every five years.
What does the PMU focus on?
The extent to which your sense of calling and commitment is still current and whether there is active accountability and appropriate relationship to the standards and expectations of ministers of the Church of God.
What is the process?
Before the year of your update, you will receive a letter from the PMU Director stating that next year is the year for your update. In January/February of the year of your update, you will receive an email from the Indiana Ministries offices with the steps of the PMU process. Once you complete the first step, you will get and email or phone call from one of the Master Coordinator’s seeking to set up a time for your update. They will send an email with complete instructions.
Is the PMU a performance review?
NO…The PMU is not a performance review.
Do I do anything before the update review?
Yes. You will receive an email from the Indiana Ministries offices via email in early January. That email will include instructions and a link to an online form you’ll need to complete prior to scheduling your PMU appointment. You will be asked to review the Code of Ethics and sign your agreement.
Please note that the Indiana Ministries Code of Ethics has been recently updated.Please read it before you sign it! The final part of this online form is for you to pay for the Periodic Ministry Update. Watch for this email. After you complete the online form, you will receive an email from your Master Coordinator with complete instructions on how to set up your PMU meeting.
Please note that the Indiana Ministries Code of Ethics has been recently updated.Please read it before you sign it! The final part of this online form is for you to pay for the Periodic Ministry Update. Watch for this email. After you complete the online form, you will receive an email from your Master Coordinator with complete instructions on how to set up your PMU meeting.
How long does the PMU meeting take?
Your in-person meeting will last about 45-60 minutes.
Does the meeting have to be in person?
YES! For the most part it is our desire to do these in person. This is not just a hoop to jump through…it is a time of hearing and seeing the heart of the minister. Some things can only happen in person.
Why is there a fee and what is it used for?
The fee is $125 but remember this is every five years. There are expenses related to this process: mileage reimbursements, stipends and other expenses incurred for the Director and Coordinators, and the background check fees. We encourage you to ask your church or ministry board to cover this cost. If this fee places a significant strain on your finances, please contact Terry Canfield at
terrylcanfield@gmail.comor Jennifer Eviston at the Indiana Ministries office at
jeviston@indianaministries.org
What is included in the background check?
An identity check, a check of the Indiana state and county criminal database, a national criminal check, and a check of the Nationwide Sex Offender Registry.
Who sees my background information?
Indiana Ministries admin staff will receive the background information. No one on the PMU teams will see the information. Your information is kept in your confidential credentials file. If there are any concerns or red flags, they will be shared with the DMS.
What if I have already had a recent background check?
If you have a recent background check that is dated within the last 5 years AND has the similar checks as mentioned above, email Jennifer Eviston at Indiana Ministries at jeviston@indianaministries.org with a copy of that screening document. If it does meet our criteria, we will decrease the cost of your PMU fee by $25 (you will pay $100).
What if I decline to take part in the PMU?
All credentialed ministers living in Indiana are expected to participate in and complete this update. For retired ministers, the PMU is encouraged but not required. The update takes place every five years. Failure of non-participation for active ministers will result in credentials action by the DMS.