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Waxahachie, TX

October 23, 2019 | Andrew Hurst

Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU) hosted their 13th annual Credentialing Day on October 3. Leaders from several Assemblies of God districts came to the campus to meet with students and provide information about how to engage the credentialing process in their districts.

“It was fun to observe students’ level of engagement and interest,” said Dr. Mike Clarensau, Dean of the College of Bible and Church Ministries. “Our district personnel were very pleased with the turnout and the opportunity.”

Over the past few years, more districts have taken an interest in SAGU, and 12 district representatives participated in this year’s Credentialing Day.

Dr. Clarensau shared that the North Texas District’s numbers were even higher than expected. “But, most of all, I was pleased that all of the districts had full tables and good conversations,” he said.

The seminar had a variety of students pursuing different fields of study and with different career interests and future goals. From freshmen just interested in the process to seniors ready to engage the credentialing exam, the seminar was an opportunity to encourage and provide information for students regardless of their experience.

Once a SAGU student completes 18 or 24 hours of Bible classes required in their degree plan, he or she is eligible to take the credentialing exam. This is not only applicable for ministry majors – every SAGU student or alumnus has this opportunity.

Kara Dow, a junior pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Child and Family Studies, was one of approximately 150 students in attendance. Dow explained that she is in the process of completing her core Bible courses meaning that she will be eligible to apply for her ministerial credentials. “I wanted more information as to how I could use it to better my ministry before jumping in.”

“I would definitely recommend this event to other students on campus that were considering going into ministry. This is an amazing opportunity to sit down and get answers to all the questions you might have about ministry from those who truly care and want to invest it you and your future.”

While Credentialing Day does provide valuable information about this process to our students, it is the connection formed between district leaders and the next generation of ministers that serves the greatest purpose.

“The thing I like the most is these district leaders on campus getting a chance to invest in our students,” said Dr. Clarensau. “At the same time, I am excited to see that our students are being encouraged to consider a path where some of them who came may have not previously considered and to see them step into an opportunity here that the school is able to provide them with the academics we have.”

“I am grateful for the districts that they see this as a worthwhile investment.”

As a leading Christian university, SAGU educates and prepares individuals who want to serve Christ and others. SAGU helps students discover and develop their God-given callings in a Spirit-empowered, learning community.

We believe in affordable tuition, made possible in part through the financial support of donors who embrace the mission of SAGU and the importance of affordable, accredited programs to train Christians for leadership in ministry, business, education, and service.

Most majors are available in-person in Waxahachie, TX, and online through a wide range of associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees.