The Church of God (Anderson) affirms the biblical doctrine of the priesthood of all believers: every Christian has direct access to God through Christ and may minister to others through gifts and calling. At the same time, the church recognizes that some believers are called to particular leadership roles and may receive ordination or commissioning through the church's cooperative structures.

Theologically, the church rejects the notion of a professional clergy class set apart ontologically from lay believers. However, practically, the church has developed a system of ordination for pastoral and other leadership roles. Women have been recognized as Spirit-called leaders throughout the church's history and are ordained alongside men. The emphasis is on the Spirit's calling and gifting rather than formal credentials. All ministry flows from the Holy Spirit, whether performed by an ordained pastor or a lay believer exercising spiritual gifts.