CREDENTIAL aPPLICATION PROCESS

1.         Review the following documents to ensure you are in doctrinal agreement and understand the relationship and principle of voluntary cooperation that a credential holder of the PAOC is entering into:

• The PAOC Statement of Essential Truths and Positions and Practices

• The PAOC General Constitution and By-Laws - Note specifically By-Law 10

• The Alberta & NWT District Constitution and By-Laws

• The PAOC Local Church Constitution and By-Laws

• The PAOC Ministerial Code of Ethics

These documents can be found here: https://abnwt.com/credentials

Credential Application

Download and complete the fillable PDF application form. If you need additional space for any response, attach a separate typed document and indicate “see attached” in the appropriate section.

Important: The application must be completed using the fillable PDF format. Handwritten applications will not be accepted.

Ministry Reference Form

We request a minimum of five references from individuals who have known you for at least two years. References may not be completed by family members.

More detailed guidance regarding suitable references can be found in Section 19 of the application form. If your immediate supervisor or pastor has known you for less than two years, we still ask that they complete a Ministry Reference Form, as we value their perspective on your ministry and character.

The Ministry Reference Form should be completed by individuals who have served alongside you in ministry.

Employer Reference Form (Optional)

This form is intended for non-ministry employers who can speak to your character, work ethic, and professional conduct but are not in a position to assess your aptitude for ministry. If your employer or supervisor is able to evaluate your ministry experience and suitability for ministry, they should complete the Ministry Reference Form instead.

This form is only required when applicable.

All references must be submitted directly to the ABNWT District Office by the referee and should not be viewed or submitted by the applicant. We recognize that gathering references can take time, so we encourage applicants to begin contacting potential referees early in the process.

Credential Questionnaire:

Complete Part A: Theology Proper (True/False Statements). Of the seven questions, one has a single correct answer, while the remaining six have two or more correct answers. Please select all answers that apply.

For Part B: Applied Theology, provide your responses in a single-spaced Word document. Include the question number and the full question above each response. Responses do not need to be lengthy; in most cases, one to two well-developed paragraphs per question will be sufficient.

To assist you, we have provided a downloadable Applied Theology template that includes the questions and formatting requirements. We encourage you to use this template when preparing your responses.

Confirmation of Ministry Appointment Form

This form should be completed by the Lead/Senior Pastor or ministry overseer at your place of ministry. If the Lead Pastor is a relative, the form should instead be completed by the Board Secretary.

Holding a qualifying ministry appointment is a requirement for maintaining PAOC credentials. If you are not currently serving in a ministry appointment, you may still begin and complete the application process; however, your credentials cannot be finalized until an approved ministry position has been obtained.

Please Note: Applications may remain pending for up to two years while a ministry placement is secured. After two years, applicants will be required to restart the application process. Depending on the length of time between application and ministry placement, we may also need to reconnect with you and request updates to portions of your application before final approval can be granted.

Please arrange for official transcripts from all theological post-secondary institutions you have attended to be sent directly to the ABNWT District Office as soon as possible. Any fees associated with obtaining transcripts are the responsibility of the applicant.

Please note that transcripts issued directly to the student cannot be accepted. Transcripts must be sent to the District Office by the educational institution.

If you have received a degree, diploma, or certificate, please include a copy with your application materials for our records.

Applicants are required to obtain an Enhanced Police Information Check (EPIC).

Our district uses a designated process for EPIC submissions. To begin, please email credential@abnwt.com requesting an EPIC. We will submit the request on your behalf, and you will receive an email with instructions to complete the check online. Please note that a fee applies and is the responsibility of the applicant.

The district reserves the right to request additional screening or documentation where circumstances warrant.

The Police Record Check must be completed within 6 months of your scheduled interview date. If your check expires before your interview takes place, a new EPIC will be required.

Please provide a recent, passport-style photo with your application. A professional photographer is not required; however, the photo should present you in a professional manner and be suitable for use in district and credentialing records.

For best results, please submit a head-and-shoulders photo with good lighting and a clear view of your face. Casual attire is perfectly acceptable, and smiles are welcome. A photo quality of approximately 4" x 6" is recommended, with a minimum file size of 100 KB.

Credential applications include a $100.00 fee.

Note: $25 is non-refundable if the application is declined.

You can submit your payment using one of these options:

a. E-transfer to bookkeeper@abnwt.com

b. Online through the GIVE section at abnwt.com

c. By phone or in person at our reception desk — stop by or call 780-426-0018 to process your payment

When making your payment, please indicate that it’s for your credential application