Frequently Asked Questions

AIGA is a Christian ministerial and church fellowship established to bring together ministers and ministries of like faith for fellowship, cooperation, and the work of the Gospel. The Association describes its purpose as promoting unity in the Body of Christ and working together to build the Kingdom of God. Read the AIGA history and founder's message.

The Association was founded in 1962 by Dr. Granville M. Rayl and Arlene Rayl. The first headquarters was in their home in St. Louis, Missouri. The History page provides additional background about the founding and development of AIGA.

AIGA describes itself as an association rather than a denomination. Its published materials describe a fellowship with shared beliefs, bylaws, and membership responsibilities while allowing ministers to serve where they believe God is leading them. Read the Association's Bylaws and membership information.

The headquarters is located at 411 South Third Street, DeSoto, Missouri 63020, USA. Telephone numbers and contact details are listed on the Contact page.

The complete published statement is available on the AIGA Beliefs page. It addresses the Scriptures, the Godhead, salvation, sanctification, the Holy Ghost, the Church, water baptism, the Lord's Supper, divine healing, ministry, the return of Christ, final judgment, marriage and human sexuality, and abortion.

AIGA's Statement of Beliefs teaches that the baptism of the Holy Ghost is a gift promised by Jesus Christ to believers, received subsequent to the new birth, and accompanied by speaking in other tongues as the Spirit gives utterance. Consult the exact wording and Scripture references on the Beliefs page.

Yes. AIGA's published Statement of Beliefs says that women who are called of God and anointed by the Holy Spirit have freedom to serve in ministry as they are led by the Spirit. See the section titled “Women Ministers” on the Beliefs page.

The Association maintains a directory of churches and ministries by location. Visit the Churches page for the listings currently published on the website.

The website describes credentials or recognition for Christian Workers, Exhorters, Licensed Ministers, and Ordained Ministers. The appropriate category depends on the person's ministry role, experience, and qualifications. Review the Membership and Ministry Affiliation page and the credential application information.

The published description says Christian Worker credentials may be issued to people called to serve in areas other than preaching, pastoring, or evangelizing. Examples include choir directors, musicians, Sunday School superintendents, teachers, visitation workers, altar workers, and street or jail service workers. See Membership.

AIGA describes the Exhorter's credential as an entry-level credential for a person beginning in ministry. The application document provides additional information about ministry under the direction of a more mature Licensed or Ordained Minister. Read the credential application and contact the Credential Committee for current guidance.

The Membership page states that License credentials are for ministers serving as pastors or evangelists and conducting services, after at least two years of ministry experience. It describes Ordination credentials for those with four or more years as pastors or evangelists and a mature, proven ministry. Applicants must meet the Association's other qualifications, and each application is considered individually. See Membership and the credential application.

The AIGA Membership page states that applicants for License and Ordination must have experienced the baptism of the Holy Ghost according to Acts 2:1–4. The credential application further describes the evidence of speaking in tongues. Applicants should read the current application carefully and contact the Credential Committee with questions. See Membership.

Start with the credential application and the forms linked from the Membership page. The application asks for information about the applicant's ministry and includes a recommendation process. Complete every required field and submit the application as directed. For application-specific questions, contact the AIGA office and ask for the Credential Committee.

AIGA provides a recommendation questionnaire for people asked to recommend an applicant. The form asks about the recommender's knowledge of the applicant, ministry qualifications, character, and current ministry. Download the Recommendation Questionnaire and follow the submission instructions on the form.

The published Bylaws information says the Credential Committee meets monthly during the third week and that, after committee approval, processing and mailing may take approximately two to three weeks. Processing can be delayed by incomplete applications. Because schedules can change, confirm the current timetable with the AIGA office.

The Membership page provides an online Application / Renewal Fee payment link. Fee amounts and payment requirements may change, so verify the current amount with AIGA before submitting payment.

Yes. AIGA invites churches interested in affiliation to contact the Association. The website lists a Church Charter application and explains that affiliated ministries should request and review the AIGA Bylaws. Begin with the Membership and Ministry Affiliation page.

The Membership page identifies churches, evangelistic associations, missions, singing groups, campgrounds, schools, colleges, and other not-for-profit church-related work as possible applicants for affiliation or chartering. Contact AIGA to determine which application and requirements apply to your organization. See Ministry and Church Affiliation.

Ministerial credentials relate to the recognition of an individual and that person's ministry. A charter relates to an organization or ministry, such as a church, mission, or evangelistic work. AIGA lists separate applications for ministerial credentials and organizational charters on its Membership page. Contact the office if you are unsure which application is appropriate.

The Bylaws are available as a PDF document. The Association asks prospective members and ministries to read the Bylaws and Articles of Faith and to apply only after reviewing and agreeing with the Association's requirements.

Yes. AIGA describes itself as missionary-minded and reports ministry in multiple countries. Its missions page describes support for Bible teaching, ministerial training, feeding and clothing people in need, orphanages, schools, clean water, and care for the elderly. Visit the Missions page.

The Missions page lists committee leadership and national coordinators, along with information about the Association's missionary outreach. Contact the headquarters for current country-specific information.

The Missions page invites visitors to support missionary programs, including through regular donations. Use the giving information linked from the Missions page, and make sure you select the intended fund or purpose when giving.

Contact the international headquarters at 411 South Third Street, DeSoto, Missouri 63020. The website lists 636-586-3641, 636-586-5271, and 636-243-5024. You may also use the online contact page.

The Officials page lists the Association's corporate officers, board members, and committee leadership published on the website.

The website navigation includes pages for Youth and Women in Christ. If a page address changes, use the department links from the AIGA homepage.

The privacy policy is linked from the AIGA homepage and the website's Contact page.