REQUIREMENTS AT A GLANCE:

1. Submit the application by the deadline (June 1).

2. Complete the Ministerial Internship Program (MIP).

3. Verify that all fees are paid in full and all MIP requirements have been met.

4. MIP Commissioning Service is held in Cleveland, TN in May

5. MIP Graduation will take place during Camp Meeting in June.

6. Complete a the Ordained Minister Application.

7. Once the intern has graduated from MIP, they will be eligible to take the Ordained Minister exam.

 

Overview of the MIP Program

Applicants for the MIP must currently hold Exhorter credentials in order to apply. MIP is required in order to advance from the rank of Exhorter to the rank of Ordained Minister.

The Church of God Division of Education says the following regarding MIP:

 

“The Ministerial Internship Program (MIP) is a program that provides ministerial preparation by practical training on the local-church level, combined with academic self-study and monthly training seminars, focusing on vital topics for spiritual leadership and ministerial effectiveness.  

 

The assignments of MIP candidates to supervising pastors are made on the basis of personal training needs, geographical factors, and availability. The seminars complement and add to the experience of the supervised practicum.

 

In the case of candidates who are married, both the candidate and their spouse are required to participate in the program. A nonclergy spouse is required to successfully complete two Bible courses in MIP and participate in all other requirements including monthly seminars, monthly self-evaluations, and full participation as a spouse in the supervising local church. (Note: In order for the candidate to be approved to graduate from MIP, the spouse assignments must also be complete.)

 To apply for the MIP, please discuss with your pastor and ask the pastor to email Bishop Daniel Piñero to mindev@cognesr.org. MIP is offered once a year, beginning in September. The deadline to submit applications is June 1.

 

The purposes for MIP are to: 

1. Give the minister and spouse practical training and experience at the local-church level under the supervision of a pastor. 

2. Developing scriptural disciplines of accountability, self-awareness, personal and ministerial growth.

3. Developing skills to build relationships with the church, fellow ministers, and the people whom they serve.

4. Assist new ministers in discovering their own talents and styles for evangelistic outreach, pastoral responsibilities, other areas of ministry, and for determining further training needs.

Three parts of MIP:

1.)   Studies on the Bible, Doctrine, and Leadership:

The candidates and spouses follow a daily schedule of spiritual, study, and physical assignments.

2.)   A supervised practicum with a pastor:

The supervised practicum affords the supervising pastor an opportunity to prepare the MIP candidates to fulfill their divine call. The supervised practicum experience builds upon the supervising pastor being a mentor and a coach to the candidate. The focus of the relationship is on ministry activities and reflections between the supervising pastor and candidate. The relationship purposefully develops ministry skills in the candidate. 

3.)   Eight monthly seminars:

The eight monthly seminars cover a range of materials that address ministry topics and issues. The seminars complement and add to the experience of the supervised practicum. 

 

MIP 2025-2026 SCHEDULE

1st Session - Saturday, September (TBA), 2025

2nd Session -  Saturday, October (TBA), 2025

3rd Session -  Saturday, November (TBA), 2025

4th Session  -  Saturday, December (TBA), 2025

5th Session - Saturday, January (TBA), 2026

6th Session -  Saturday, February (TBA), 2026

7th Session -  Saturday, March (TBA), 2026

8th Session - Saturday, April (TBA), 2026

MIP Commissioning - May (TBA), 2026 (Cleveland, TN)

MIP Recognition - June 2026 (During Regional Convention)

 

MIP 2025-2026 FEE SCHEDULE

Single person seeking credentials - $690.00

Married couple, one person seeking credentials - $865.00 (per couple)

Married couple, both persons seeking credentials - $925.00 (per couple)

 

 

(please note that prices are subject to change)

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In order to begin this program, FULL PAYMENT must be received.

 

We know that God will do great things through these months of learning and leaning into the teachings and books you will read during your program.

 

Bishop Daniel Piñero

Northeast Hispanic Region

Ministerial Development Director

Email: mindev@cognesr.org