This page explains how a church or church network applies for GAAMT accreditation. The process has five steps, from first contact to formal partnership. This page also explains the annual partnership fee and the usual timeline.

Before You Begin

Accreditation Partnership is for churches and networks that already run a ministry training program. If your church is still developing its training, Fellowship Partnership may be a better place to begin. Fellowship Partnership offers connection and shared learning with other church-based trainers. It has no formal application and no fee. Many Fellowship Partners later move toward accreditation when they are ready.

To understand what GAAMT looks for during review, please read the Accreditation Expectations page before you apply.

Step One: First Contact

The first step is to tell us about your interest in accreditation. Pastors and church network leaders can write to accreditation@gaamt.org. In your email, please give your name and the name of your church or network. Please also describe your training program briefly. GAAMT will then assign a representative to guide you through the process.

Step Two: Getting to Know Each Other

In the second step, your GAAMT representative begins an open conversation with you. We want to understand your current program, including what is working well and where you hope to grow. We also explain the GAAMT vision and what we hope to achieve together. This first conversation helps both sides see whether GAAMT is a good fit for your program. Your representative can also answer questions about the application form and the review process.

Step Three: Formal Submission

When both sides agree to move forward, your church or network completes the Application Form. Your GAAMT representative will send you the form. It asks about your church or network and about your program. It also asks about your assessment approach and your plans for the future. You will be asked to send supporting documents and samples of your curriculum.

The form has four sections, which match the four accreditation criteria. Many churches do excellent training but have never described it in writing. The form helps you describe what you already do. Your representative can answer your questions and review your draft before you submit it.

These suggestions may help as you complete the form:

• Describe any gaps honestly, because a clear description of a gap helps the review more than an overstated answer.

• Use simple language, as if you were explaining your program to a trusted friend.

• Ask your representative for help whenever a question is unclear.

Step Four: Council Review

In the fourth step, the GAAMT Accreditation Council reviews your application and your curriculum samples. The review uses the four criteria described on the Accreditation Expectations page. The Council review usually takes two to three months.

The review leads to one of four outcomes:

• Ready for recognition. Your program is strong as it stands, and we can proceed to formal accreditation.

• Minor adjustments needed. Your program is strong, and a few small adjustments are needed before we proceed.

• Gaps to address. Your program is good, and it has some gaps. If you wish, we can work together to strengthen it. This may include a provisional partnership period with clear goals.

• Not a current fit. Your program does not align with GAAMT expectations at this time. We can offer guidance if you wish to reshape your program, and the door remains open for future conversation.

Every outcome comes with written feedback and an explanation. Your church or network then decides how it wishes to continue.

Step Five: Formalising the Partnership

After any clarifications are addressed, GAAMT sends you a letter inviting payment of the annual partnership fee. When the fee is received, GAAMT sends an official letter of confirmation. This letter names the accredited program and the qualifications that you are authorised to award. Your church or network then becomes a GAAMT Certified Partner.

Annual Partnership Fee

Accredited Partners contribute an annual partnership fee of USD 200. GAAMT understands that partners have different financial situations. If your church or network cannot pay the full amount, you can apply for a scholarship. GAAMT is committed to making accreditation available to every church, whatever its ability to pay.

Timeline

The usual time from first contact to formal recognition is around six months. The time can vary depending on the program and on the availability of reviewers. Your representative will keep you informed if the timeline changes.

More Information

The GAAMT Accreditation Handbook describes each step of the process in more detail. The Handbook is available to potential partners on request from accreditation@gaamt.org. You can also ask the chatbot on this website any questions about the application process. For questions about your own program, a GAAMT representative will be glad to talk with you.

Introducing GAAMT Accreditation | Accreditation Expectations | How to Apply for GAAMT Accreditation | Model Curriculum | Beyond Accreditation