Waxahachie, Texas – October 7, 2016 – Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU) recently held its 10th annual Credentialing Day with a total attendance of 191 students and 12 district representatives.

On Thursday, September 29, students met with district representatives to discuss ministerial credentials with the Assemblies of God. The representatives are primarily district officers such as the secretary-treasurer, the district superintendents and other office personnel. Students had the opportunity to sit with the leader of the district of their choice and hear the representatives share the process of receiving credentials as well as answering students’ questions.

The 12 districts that were represented at the event include: Arizona, Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, North Texas, Oklahoma, Rocky Mountain, South Texas, West Florida and West Texas.

Dean of the College of Bible and Church Ministries Dr. Mike Clarensau said, “District leaders were very excited to see the high number of students they had the opportunity to connect with. We view ourselves as a partnership with the districts to help them provide ministers for their churches and to see their high level of enthusiasm for the student response was very encouraging to me.”

Districts are very accommodating to making this process easy for current SAGU students, as well as alumni. SAGU students graduate with 24 hours of Bible classes, immediately qualifying them to take an exam to receive licensed ministerial credentials.

This opportunity is not only available for students going into full-time ministry, but also for any student of education, business, history, media and other liberal arts majors wanting to incorporate ministry into their career.

Dr. Clarensau said, “I had a couple of students outside of the Church ministries department, actually Education students, who shared their desire with me about applying for their ministerial credentials. I love to see students outside the Church Ministries department demonstrating such a strong focus and enthusiasm about receiving their credentials.”

With a 30 percent increase in attendance from last year’s Credentialing Day, SAGU’s Bible and Church Ministries department is excited about the future. Dr. Clarensau hopes to see student and district leader involvement increase each year as well as a continued interest among the student population to receive their credentials.

Fourteen students who have already received their ministerial credentials were recognized in Chapel on September 29.

If you are a current student and would like more information on how you can begin the credentialing process, contact the College of Bible and Church Ministries.

If you are SAGU alumni, contact your district office for more information.

Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU) is a private, Christian university located 30 minutes south of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex in Waxahachie, Texas. The University was established in 1927, and now offers more than 60 associate, bachelor’s or master’s degrees on campus or online. More information is available at www.sagu.edu or by calling 1-888-YES-SAGU.