The Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada provides a process for receiving ministry credentials to support leaders in serving with integrity and excellence, while remaining faithful to sound biblical doctrine. Being under the covering of a PAOC ministry credential encourages relational connection and health for both the minister and the ministry they serve in.
CREDENTIALS ARE HELD THROUGH THE PRINCIPLE OF VOLUNTARY COOPERATION
By “voluntary” it is meant that, upon learning the principles, doctrines, and practice of PAOC and by seeing the benefits one could derive from being associated with such an organization, a person, of his/her own free choice, decides to become a member, thus subscribing to all that for which the organization stands.
By “cooperation” it is meant that to the best of his/her ability, one will comply with all decisions setting forth and defining duties and responsibilities incumbent upon members of the organization, and will respect the will of the majority, expressed through democratic processes, as long as he/she remains a member.
Hence “voluntary cooperation” means that one, of his/her own free will, will decide to become a cooperating member of PAOC, this cooperation being obligatory and not optional.
APPLYING FOR AND HOLDING PAOC CREDENTIALS
Credentials are provided through the International PAOC body and are managed by each District of the PAOC that an individual ministers in. Credentials are issued under the following categories:
- Ordained
- Licensed Minister
- Recognition of Ministry
- Ministry Related
What are ministerial credentials?
A ministerial credential is a designation given to an individual who meets certain standards of personal and spiritual maturity and who demonstrates deep commitment to God and to ministry. The PAOC has developed a system of providing credentials to individuals who meet a high standard of spiritual, emotional, intellectual, social, and ministerial maturity. Individuals who obtain credentials are, therefore, recognized as both qualified and trustworthy to fill a variety of ministry positions.
Why should I be credentialed?
PAOC ministerial credentials acknowledge and affirm your divine call and commission, your qualification as an individual suited to minister within the PAOC, and your character as a Christian leader. Credentials also open up opportunities for fellowship and growth within the PAOC and beyond that include community accountability, support, and ministry enrichment events. Through the process of becoming credentialed, you will be affirmed in your desire to serve in ministry. Your experiences in Christ and in the Spirit-filled life will be evaluated, as well as the authenticity of your divine calling and your understanding of sound biblical doctrine as upheld by the PAOC. Your practical ministry abilities and your commitment to the Fellowship’s purposes, policies and initiatives will also be appraised. This is a process that will empower and direct you in your ministry path, as well as benefit the Fellowship by ensuring that its ministries are served by qualified individuals.
Why should I be credentialed with the PAOC?
Ministry credentials are offered by a variety of organizations, but their value to you hinges on the reputation and spiritual foundations of those organizations. By obtaining your credential from the PAOC, you are affiliating yourself with a highly respected, God-centred organization.
Furthermore, PAOC credentials:
- Ensure that biblical standards for spiritual leadership are met, as per l Timothy 3: 1-13.
- Demonstrate your relationship with us and open opportunities of ministry within our Fellowship and beyond.
- Allow you to participate in the life of the Fellowship by contributing to the formulation of policies and programs, serving and holding office (depending on the type of credential held).
- License you to perform weddings and serve with various governmental boards or agencies (depending on the type of credential that you pursue).
- Provide you with a supportive community that offers accountability, leadership and guidance.
- Grant opportunities for life-long learning and personal growth through conferences and seminars.
- Provide reasonable assurance that the fruit of your ministry will be preserved.
- Allow you to network with over 3,600 ministry peers and more than 1,100 PAOC churches and ministries through various ministry enrichment events.
- Provide financial benefits including eligibility for the PAOC Pension Fund, group insurance plans, and a Clergy Residence Deduction through the Canada Revenue Agency.
What credentials are offered?
- Ministry Related
- Recognition of Ministry
- Licensed Minister
- Ordained
Do I qualify?
evidence of speaking in other tongues and you must personally subscribe to The Statement ofFundan”lental and Essential Truths of The Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada (By-Law 10.2).
- You must have a recognized appointment in ministry as described in By-Law 10.2.8.1.2. The ministry placement can be either volunteer or paid, or a combination of both.
- You must be engaged in a ministry appointment which involves a minimum of 20 hours of active ministerial responsibility per week. The 20 hours a week can also include the preparation time involved in the performance of your ministerial duties.
How do I get credentialed?
- Please email credentials@bcyd.ca to request the application materials.
- Completed and submit the appropriate PAOC application form, fee, and additional documents to your district office.
- Once the district office receives and has processed your application, the District Credentials Committee will set up an interview with you.
- Recommendations are reviewed following this interview and upon approval, credentials will be issued.
If you are divorced and remarried or married to someone who has been divorced, please contact National Office before applying for credentials.
District Policy pdf
GROUP INSURANCE
Please contact the BCYD for information on the group insurance planPAOC PENSION PLAN
Established in 1938, the PAOC Pension Fund is a multi-employer, defined benefit plan, guaranteeing a lifetime pension with annual increments.
Federally incorporated and registered in the various provinces, the Fund follows legislative guidelines applicable to all Canadian pension plans.
Led by a Board of Trustees appointed by the General Executive of the PAOC, all Fund administration is coordinated through the International Office, with a dedicated Pension Centre team available to answer any questions.
Enrollment is open to all PAOC credential holders and eligible staff of PAOC churches and affiliates. It is an excellent way to save for retirement, generating an expected pension benefit based on 10% of all employee and employer contributions received.
Click here to learn more about the PAOC Pension PlanTO RENEW YOUR CREDENTIAL
The deadline for Annual Credential Renewal is June 30.
PAOC International Office Clergy Records. Online renewals can be completed through the PAOC website. If you require a renewal form or have questions regarding the processing of your Credential Renewal, please contact 905-542-7400 Ext 3221.
Credential holders are expected to pay the annual credential fee and are advised to plan their finances accordingly. If you are not currently in ministry, you must first inactivate your credential (this reduces the fee by 50%) by contacting the BCYD District and then you may request further assistance if required.
Credential Renewal
REQUESTS TO CHANGE CREDENTIAL STATUS
Inactivating Your Credential:
If you are not currently in active ministry but wish to retain your credential, you may request to inactivate your credential by sending a request in writing (by mail or email). You may remain on the inactive list for a maximum of two years, at which time you will need to either be in a qualifying ministry position and reactivate your credential or resign your credential. (If you have more than 15 years of continuous active credentialed ministry you may remain on the inactive list indefinitely.) All inactive credential holders must complete the annual renewal form and submit the appropriate fee, which is currently 50% of the active credential renewal fee.
Reactivating Your Credential:
If you credential is currently inactive and you have returned to a qualifying ministry position, you may reactivate your credential through a written request and by submitting the Ministry Appointment form to credentials@bcyd.ca.
Reinstating Your Credential:
If your Credential was formerly resigned in good standing or it was not renewed, and you are in a qualifying ministry appointment, please contact credentials@bcyd.ca for the process to reinstate your former PAOC Credential.
Reclassifying to Ordained
To qualify for Ordination, you must hold a Licensed Minister Credential and be in active, continuous full-time ministry for a minimum of two years. You must also have completed the pre-Ordination training (LEAD for Ordination Seminar) which is held annually at the BCYD District Office. For further information on the Ordination process or to find out if you qualify, please contact credentials@bcyd.ca.
