Foundations of Apostolic Ministry Cohort 2026

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Learn about the enrollment process, application requirements, payment procedures, and important deadlines for participation in the Georgia State Council Ministerial Formation & Licensing Program. 

The Georgia State Council Ministerial Formation & Licensing Program welcomes individuals who have discerned a call to ministry and desire to pursue intentional ministerial formation and a Georgia State Council Local Minister License.

To be eligible for enrollment, applicants must:

• Complete the official enrollment application. 
• Be affiliated with a local church. 
• Demonstrate a commitment to the Apostolic faith and Christian discipleship. 
• Desire to participate in a structured ministerial formation process. 
• Submit all required application materials. 

Admission is based upon a review of the completed application and all required supporting documentation. Submission of an application does not guarantee admission to the program or the issuance of a Georgia State Council Local Minister License. Final decisions remain under the authority of the Office of Theological Education, Credentials & Licensing (OTECL).

Ministerial formation is a process of becoming before leading. This policy establishes the expectations for spiritual growth, active participation, academic engagement, Christian character, and ministerial accountability that cultivate faithful, effective, and lifelong Kingdom leadership. 

The Foundations of Apostolic Ministry Cohort is an intentional ministerial formation experience that requires a commitment to faithful participation, spiritual growth, and active engagement. Because each session builds upon the previous one, participants are expected to attend the required Orientation Session and all four live formation sessions, arrive on time, remain for the duration of each session, and actively participate in discussions, assignments, and learning activities. 

If an unavoidable emergency or extenuating circumstance prevents attendance, participants should notify the Office of Theological Education, Credentials & Licensing (OTECL) as soon as possible. Requests for make-up assignments or alternative arrangements will be considered on a case-by-case basis to preserve the integrity of the formation process. 

To successfully complete the cohort and be eligible to receive a Georgia State Council Local License and participate in the Annual Commissioning, participants must complete the Orientation Session, attend and actively participate in the required formation sessions, satisfactorily complete all formation assignments, fulfill the supervised ministerial experience under the guidance of their pastor, and receive the required pastoral affirmation and program approval. 

The Office of Theological Education, Credentials & Licensing reserves the right to determine appropriate accommodations in exceptional circumstances while maintaining the standards and integrity of the Georgia State Council Ministerial Formation & Licensing Program. 

Faithful participation reflects each participant's commitment to spiritual maturity, pastoral accountability, ministerial excellence, and lifelong Kingdom service.

The Code of Conduct provides the ethical, spiritual, and professional framework that guides participant conduct throughout the program. By embracing these standards, participants contribute to a Christ-centered learning community grounded in integrity, respect, accountability, and faithful ministry. 

• A participant who cancels at least seven (7) calendar days before the cohort begins may request a full refund, less a $25.00 administrative processing fee. 
• Cancellations received less than seven (7) calendar days before the cohort begins are not eligible for a refund. 
• Once the cohort has officially begun, no refunds will be issued. 
• Program fees are non-transferable to another participant. 
• If a participant is unable to attend after enrolling, OTECL may, at its sole discretion, permit the participant to transfer enrollment to a future cohort within twelve (12) months, subject to space availability and program requirements. 
• If the Georgia State Council Ministerial Formation & Licensing Program cancels or postpones a cohort, participants may elect to receive either: 
  • a full refund, or 
  • a transfer of their registration to the next available cohort. 

Refund requests must be submitted in writing to the Office of Theological Education, Credentials & Licensing.

The Privacy Policy explains how participant information is collected, used, protected, and maintained throughout the enrollment and ministerial formation process. It reflects our commitment to safeguarding personal information with integrity, confidentiality, and responsible stewardship. 

Because this program is delivered in a virtual learning environment, participants are expected to have access to the technology necessary for active engagement. This policy outlines the minimum technology requirements, virtual classroom expectations, and participant responsibilities to ensure a productive, respectful, and uninterrupted learning experience. 

Participants are expected to have:

• A desktop computer, laptop, or tablet (a computer is strongly recommended for the best learning experience). 
• A reliable high-speed internet connection. 
• A webcam and microphone capable of participating in live class sessions. 
• Access to the program's designated virtual learning platform (e.g., Zoom or other approved platform). 
• An active email account for receiving program communications and course materials. 
• The ability to download, view, and submit PDF and Microsoft Office documents. 

Participants are expected to:

• Join each session on time and remain present for the duration of the class. 
• Participate with their camera on unless otherwise approved by the instructor. 
• Mute microphones when not speaking to minimize distractions. 
• Participate respectfully in discussions, breakout sessions, and collaborative activities. 
• Attend from a quiet location that supports learning and minimizes distractions. 
• Refrain from recording or distributing course sessions or materials without written permission from OTECL/GALI.

* Because ministerial formation occurs within a learning community, participants are expected to engage in the virtual classroom with the same professionalism, attentiveness, respect, and Christian character expected in an in-person educational setting. 

The Georgia State Council Ministerial Formation & Licensing Program is committed to providing an accessible and inclusive learning environment. Participants requiring reasonable accommodations are encouraged to submit requests so appropriate support may be considered. 

The Completion & Credentialing Policy explains the requirements for successfully completing the Georgia State Council Ministerial Formation & Licensing Program and the subsequent credentialing review process. It outlines the standards participants must satisfy before being considered for the issuance of a Georgia State Council Local Minister License. 

Completing the program does not automatically result in receiving a license. Rather:

• Participants must successfully complete all program requirements. 
• All required documentation must be submitted and approved. 
• The participant must remain in good standing with their local church. 
• OTECL reviews the participant's record. 
• The Georgia State Council authorizes the issuance of the Local Minister License.