P.A.W. Update

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Lay workers are essential to the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World because they help fulfill the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) and strengthen the local church. By empowering and equipping lay members, PAW churches can grow spiritually, expand their outreach, and build a strong, engaged community of believers. Lay workers are considered non-ministers (non-preachers) who serve in various ministries and play a crucial role in supporting the church’s mission. Their involvement is based on biblical principles and practical ministry needs.

The Pentecostal Assemblies of the World (PAW) is a well-structured, doctrinally firm, and globally expanding organization. Its leadership, councils, and churches work together to

uphold Apostolic doctrine, train ministers and spread the gospel worldwide. Requiring all local ministers in the PAW to adhere to the requirements outlined requirements, ensures doctrinal consistency, accountability, legal recognition, and leadership development while protecting the integrity of the organization. It also fosters spiritual growth, organizational

unity, and proper ministerial preparation, ultimately strengthening the PAW’s mission and effectiveness in ministry.

ALL ministers in the local church and affiliated councils of the PAW will seek a Minister Certification (formerly known as Followership Paper) to minister in the local church.

The coursework for a Ministerial License  is organized into five sections: Foundational Doctrine and Theology, Organizational and Ethical Preparation, Leadership and Cultural Awareness, Practical Ministry and Administration, and Advanced Applications.
The program progresses from basic doctrinal studies to practical ministry skills and concludes with sermon preparation and a capstone project. It includes topics such as Basic Doctrine, Theology, Bible Introduction, Ministerial Ethics, Public Speaking, Church Budgeting, Self-Care, and Sermon Preparation. The rationale for the order of classes is to build a strong theological foundation, then move to practical skills and leadership, and finally culminate in advanced applications.  

 The coursework for an Ordination License is organized into seven sections: Foundational Understanding, Historical and Biblical Context, Leadership and Ministry Essentials, Cultural and Societal Context, Practical Ministry and Church Operations, Ministry Skills and Evangelism, and advanced Application.
The coursework aims to equip candidates for effective, Spirit-led ministry by covering human behavior, discipleship, theology, church history, biblical interpretation, leadership skills, financial management, time management, global perspectives on religion and society, legal principles, evangelism, and sermon preparation. The program culminates in a practical ministry project. The order of classes prioritizes foundational knowledge, historical context, practical skills, cultural awareness, and advanced application.  

 This program is structured for Pastors  to provide a logical progression of courses, starting with foundational courses that focus on personal and ministerial skills, followed by specialized topics, and concluding with advanced strategic and practical application courses.

The coursework is divided into five sections:

• Foundational Courses: Cover spiritual formation, psychology and Christianity, and apologetics.
• Core Ministry Skills: Focus on youth ministry, conflict resolution, and trauma-informed ministry.
• Church Leadership and Development: Include building a pastoral staff, non-profit business, church growth, marketing and ministry, and strategic church planning.
• Specialized Ministry Topics: Address social justice, church and law, digital ministry, and chaplaincy.
• Advanced Application: Centers on church planting.

The rationale behind the order of courses is to build the student's capacity progressively, moving from foundational knowledge and skills to specialized areas and practical application. 

The Episcopacy Formation provides a structured theological, administrative, and pastoral education for candidates preparing for bishopric leadership. The order of classes is arranged to build foundational understanding first, then progressively advance into practical leadership, governance, and ceremonial preparation.