Apply & Join the IMF Family!

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Step 1 - Complete Application

Step 1 - Complete Application

1. Complete the fillable .pdf application by clicking on the "Applicant Inquiry Form" button
2. Pay the $140 application fee.
3. Complete the application for membership.
4. Sign your completed application.
When you submit for signature, be sure you receive an email to sign the application. 

Step 2 - Information Gathering

Step 2 - Information Gathering

  1. Approve the request to conduct a background check, if applicable. This will be sent from Protect My Ministry.
  2. Feel free to follow up with your references.
Step 3 - Review

Step 3 - Review

A call with the IMF Review Board will be scheduled.  IMF Review Board will then make a decision on your membership.

Step 4 - Activation

Step 4 - Activation

When you are approved, you must complete the following in order to activate:

  1. Sign the covenant.
  2. Pay your first membership fee.
Applicant Inquiry Form

IMF Membership Benefits

  • Ordination And Ministry Licensing Services
  • Ecclesiastical Endorsement For Military And Civilian Chaplains
  • Mission Sending Agency
  • Ministry Consulting Services
  • Pastoral Support And Prayer Network
  • Parachurch Worker Assistance
  • Training Opportunities
  • National & Regional Conferences
  • Mentoring And Discipleship
  • Annual Chaplain Training Event
  • Resources Such As Electronic Resource Library, Monthly Newsletters, Leadership Training Videos, Podcast, And Webinars
  • Bookkeeping Services
  • IMF Cares Fund
  • Retirement Planning - 403(B)(9)
  • And More!
I joined IMF because I wanted an interdenominational fellowship association for my military chaplaincy ministry. In a time of increasing fracturing and division within the church, it is refreshing to be part of a group of people from all different backgrounds who are focused on the gospel. I appreciate the support and encouragement I receive from this body.

Jason Cassell

I was an ordained minister with IMF since 2009. This ministerial credential has helped me to be recognized by the churches who invited me to preach and minister in the churches in Singapore. I thank God for such opportunities to be able to serve God.

Raymond Sim

IMF is a vital part of my ministry and Spiritual life. I joined in 1994 along with my late husband, Paris. Paris only lived one year but I stayed connected to this ministry. IMF truly loves the Lord, it shows, and makes a difference.

Gail Favors

I am so thankful for IMF and the way they have come alongside of me as I pursue the call to prison ministry! There are daily challenges and obstacles in this type of service but God continues to show Himself faithful behind the wall as we seek to represent and tell of Jesus!

Jason Cassell

Membership Levels & Rostering Credentials  

Have you been wrestling with ways to make an impact for the Kingdom in your area? IMF exists to help provide a spiritual covering for you and your ministry. IMF has various levels of ministry credentials to best fit your call to ministry, spiritual gifts, biblical and theological training, and ministry experience. By joining IMF, you can obtain the legal right to perform all ministerial and priestly functions. For more information, please contact imfmembership@imfserves.org or schedule a meeting with us.

Are you looking for a way to serve the Lord and your country? There is a major shortage of Spirit-led chaplains to conduct Spirit directed services. Whether you choose to serve with the US Army, Air Force, or Navy, IMF provides you an avenue for ecclesiastical endorsement. You can make a difference in the lives of the men and women of our armed forces. For more information about chaplaincy, please click here to contact our Chaplaincy Team team  or schedule a meeting with us.

Requirements

  • The person holds a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
  • The person holds a Master of Divinity degree from an approved seminary accredited by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS)
  • The person has reviewed and approved our doctrine, policies and church history
  • The person has completed at least one unit (preferably three) of CPE, or willing to obtain within the first two years of membership
  • The person has been credentialed for professional ministry to include preaching, administering the Sacraments/Ordinances and church administration
  • The person has successfully completed the general membership and professional clergy requirements of IMF

Have you given any thought to becoming a police, fire, hospital, hospice, or nursing home chaplain? There are many opportunities to impact people in your own community in their greatest time of need. Chaplains provide comfort and care when it is needed most. By joining IMF, we can provide ecclesiastical endorsement or recognition of your call to serve others in your community. For more information about chaplaincy, please click here to contact our Chaplaincy Team team or schedule a meeting with us.

Requirements

  • The person holds a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
  • The person holds a Master of Divinity degree from an approved seminary accredited by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS)
  • The person has reviewed and approved our doctrine, policies and church history
  • The person has completed minimum of three units of CPE, or willing to obtain within the first two years of membership
  • The person has been credentialed for professional ministry to include preaching, administering the Sacraments/Ordinances and church administration
  • The person has successfully completed the general membership and clergy requirements of IMF

Are you called to make disciples of all nations, but you need a team behind you? IMF Missions is here to help. We act as your mission sending agency: processing donations and assisting with communications. We also offer pastoral guidance and professional accountability, without getting in your way or holding you back. Our vision is to serve you so that you may more effectively serve others. For more information on missions, please click here to contact our Mission Team or schedule a meeting with us.

You’re called to make disciples of all nations, but you need a team behind you.

IMF Missions is here to help. We act as your mission agency: processing donations and assisting with communications. We also offer pastoral guidance and professional accountability, without getting in your way or holding you back. Our vision is to serve you so that you can more effectively serve others.

We work with support-based ministers serving in a variety of settings:

  • Independent missionaries
  • International pastors
  • Evangelists
  • Staff serving with missions’ organizations such as YWAM or Bridges for Peace
  • “Home” missionaries serving specific communities in their country of origin
  • Staff pastors

Whether you’re just getting started or are a seasoned veteran, we can make your life easier.


What administrative services does IMF Missions provide?

  • Ability to process donations from checks, credit cards, or bank transfers(ACH).
  • Depositing of donations.
  • Weekly transferring of funds into your personal account(s).
  • A personalized, tax-deductible receipt sent to donors.
  • Access to a Donor Database that will give you daily updates on donations from your donors.
  • Maintenance of financial support records and donor mailing list.
  • Publishing, printing, and mailing of bi-monthly or quarterly newsletters.

What other benefits are there to being an IMF Missionary?

  • When you join IMF, you’ll receive a ministerial credential and become part of a worldwide network of Christian leaders.
  • IMF offers personal pastoral support. We are dedicated to your personal well-being as well as the growth of your ministry.

The churches and individuals who support you will have the confidence that your ministry is undergirded by an established association of professional ministers with over 1,600 members in 50 states and 30 nations.

Our Missionaries

What does it take to be an IMF Missionary?

The first step is to fill out the missionary application. If you are not currently a member, your applications for general membership and for IMF Missions can be submitted together. Start your journey to membership here.

Our fund-processing services are designed for those who have an established ministry and a committed team of donors. If you are just getting started, we will work with you to:

  • Clarify your ministry plan and vision
  • Sharpen your fundraising skills
  • Ensure that you are spiritually and emotionally prepared for the rigors of mission work

IMF Missionaries must maintain good standing with the fellowship. Responsibilities include:

  • Submission of quarterly ministry reports.
  • Payment of administrative fees. These are typically deducted from your incoming support, and they include a $50 per month blanket fee plus 10% of contributions processed through IMF.

Missions FAQs

WHAT SERVICES DO WE PROVIDE TO AGENCY MINISTERS?

For you, the Missionary

  • Ability to process donations from checks, credit cards, or bank transfers (ACH).
  • Donations can be made online on your personalized donation page.
  • A Donation button can be set up on your own website.
  • Ability to create a special fundraising campaign for a special mission or project.
    • Examples: Building a Computer Lab in Africa, Making Meals for Thanksgiving, and providing gifts to Foster children on Christmas.
  • Depositing of donations.
  • Weekly transferring of funds into your personal account(s).
  • Access to a Donor Database that will give you daily updates on donations from your donors.
  • Maintenance of financial support records and donor mailing list.
  • Professional publishing, printing, and mailing of bi-monthly or quarterly newsletters. (Email missions@imfserves.org for Agency Support Services Fees and Rates)
  • Coaching on fundraising.

For your Donor

  • A personalized, tax-deductible receipt sent to donors upon donation.
  • Donors to your ministry can check their donations online.
  • Donors can update their contact information online.
  • Donors can download their tax-statements online.
  • Donations can be set up to be recurring weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, etc.
  • Recurring Donations can be updated to have a different frequency and amount.
  • Donors who have an account can make one-time donations in just a few clicks!

Additional services may apply depending upon ministry requirements.


DO WE PROVIDE DONORS OR DONATIONS TO AGENCY MINISTERS?

No, you must raise your own funds and have your own contact list.


HOW MUCH DOES AGENCY MEMBERSHIP COST?

  • $50.00 Missions Service Fee is charged per month.
  • IMF withholds 10% of donor support funds received.
  • No annual IMF membership fee required after the first year as long as you remain in good standing with IMF requirements.
  • Overseas missionaries are required to demonstrate financial viability before receiving departmental approval.
  • Newsletter publishing (recommended but not required): Should donations and fees not cover the direct costs of mailing, postage, etc., a small minimum fee formula is used to determine the monthly cost. (Email missions@imfserves.org for Agency Support Service Fees and Rates)

NOTE: ALL FEES AND RATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.


DOES IMF DETERMINE THE PLACE OF SERVICE AND EXACT MINISTRY?

No, IMF serves to enable you to fulfill the vision that God has given you. We do not attempt to control the ministry, only to provide guidance, assistance, introductions, and accountability.

HOW DO I BECOME AN IMF AGENCY MISSIONARY?

  • If you are not already a credentialed minister with IMF:
    • Apply to be a credentialed minister with IMF and select Missions as your type of membership.
  • If you are already a credentialed minister with IMF:
    • Contact membership services to get the IMF Missions Application.


WHEN DO I RECEIVE THE RESULTS OF THE PRE-FIELD ASSESSMENT?

  • IMF reserves the right to conduct a pre-field assessment for missionaries planning to work in a foreign field (IMF may choose to waive this requirement for experienced ministers).
  • It takes approximately three weeks to get the reports from the date you meet with the assessment center.

Are you a senior pastor or member of your church’s elder board looking for fellowship and support? The IMF Alliance Church is a group of like-minded churches partnering together to provide encouragement and support to one another. By joining the IMF Alliance Church, you are partnering with other churches to further the Kingdom Impact of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. For more information, please visit the Alliance Church Webpage.

The IMF Alliance Church exists to connect local churches across denominational lines. IMF Alliance Churches partner together to provide a network of support and encouragement, share resources, ensure guidance in a time of transition, have access to conferences, webinars, fellowship gatherings, and much more—all while maintaining the sovereignty of the local church.

IMF offers Alliance Churches a spiritual covering. IMF Alliance Churches are connected theologically to a fellowship of Bible-believing churches grounded in the historic orthodoxy of the Christian faith and its practices, empowered by the contemporary work of the Holy Spirit.

IMF provides Alliance Churches with support for their pastor and the congregation. IMF serves as a pastor to the pastor. In times of leadership transition, IMF can assist congregations with interim help and the search process.


IMF offers Alliance Churches operational support. IMF Alliance Churches can participate in the IMF 403(b)(9) retirement program. IMF Alliance Churches can also receive operational help on aspects of church management from human resources and accounting/finance to board and leadership coaching.

IMF is a recognized Ecclesiastical Endorser and can help IMF Alliance Churches who desire to support members or ministers qualify for chaplaincy in military or civilian roles.

IMF is a mission-sending agency and can aid in IMF Alliance Churches who are interested in raising up missionaries or connecting with established mission works both domestically and internationally.

Becoming an IMF Alliance Church provides opportunities and support for churches who desire to affiliate in a Biblical fellowship and yet maintain their individual church distinctives.


Here is a testimony from the Senior Pastor of one of our IMF Alliance Churches:

During one of our most difficult times, our leadership team contacted the IMF office for some counsel and help. Without hesitation, a ministry team came alongside us and helped us through the storm. I want to encourage other IMF Pastors to consider having their churches become Alliance Churches. While we are independent in structure, we should be interdependent in our relationships. I would like to see this part of our Fellowship grow in order to offer more services to our congregations.

When our church joined with IMF, our leadership team agreed to sow generously into this ministry. After choosing to honor God by supporting IMF with one percent (1%) of our annual tithes and offerings, we have seen incredible financial breakthroughs!


Another aspect that has really impressed me about International Ministerial Fellowship is the quality and integrity of the people involved. When you add to this the skills of their leadership team and the resources available to the membership, I believe we are blessed to be a part of something truly incredible! We have in a very real way been blessed with an organization that exemplifies our Lord Jesus when Mark 10:45 says, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.” This kind of servant leadership is what I have witnessed with International Ministerial Fellowship.

Membership Rostering Requirements

An Ordained Minister's credential is provided to those persons who have, “an established and proven ministry.” Such persons are not only authorized to perform sacerdotal services but are also required to be performing sacerdotal services on a regular or ongoing basis.

Requirements

  • Meet the general requirements for general membership.
  • Be recommended for ordination by your pastor, church elders, or other approved religious leaders.
  • Be recommended by your peers in Christian ministry.
  • Demonstrate a level of biblical and theological proficiency.
  • Have an established and proven ministry (this may include a transfer of ordination from another recognized church, fellowship, or denomination).
  • Be performing sacerdotal services on a regular or ongoing basis.
  • Other criteria as determined by the Membership Rostering Review Board.

$275/Year

A Licensed Minister's credential is provided to persons who have some biblical and theological training ministry experience but need further knowledge or experience in order to be fully established. Such persons are authorized to perform all sacerdotal services. Normally, a person will serve at least two years with a Licensed Minister’s credential before being considered for the Ordained Minister’s credential.

Requirements

  • Meet the general requirements for general membership.
  • Be recommended for licensing by your pastor, church elders, or other approved religious leaders.
  • Be recommended for licensing by your peers in Christian ministry.
  • Demonstrate an acceptable level of biblical and theological proficiency.
  • Other criteria as determined by the Membership Rostering Review Board.

$245/Year

A Special Ministry License is provided to persons who have a clear call to Christian ministry in the local church or a recognized para-church organization who do not have a call to pulpit ministry, but serve in directly-related support ministry with biblical and theological education, demonstrating spiritual gifts and ministry skills under recognized ministry leadership. They are authorized to perform all sacerdotal services under the authority and leadership of their Senior Pastor of the local church.

Requirements

  • Meet the general requirements for general membership.
  • Be recommended for Special Ministry License by your pastor or another pastor of an established congregation.
  • Be recommended for Special Ministry License by your peers in Christian ministry.
  • Demonstrate an acceptable level of biblical and theological knowledge.
  • Other criteria as determined by the Membership Rostering Review Board.

$225/Year

The Commissioned Minister endorsement is for those who have some biblical and theological education or training, who serve a church or in evangelism, outreach ministries or community service organizations under recognized ministry leadership or mentoring. They are authorized to perform all sacerdotal services.

Requirements

  • Meet the general requirements for general membership.
  • Be recommended for credentialing by your pastor or another pastor of an established congregation.
  • Be recommended for licensing by your peers in Christian ministry.
  • Demonstrate an acceptable level of biblical and theological proficiency.
  • Other criteria as determined by the Membership Rostering Review Board.

$225/Year

A Certified Christian Worker is a credential which is issued to lay persons who are called by God as helpers. Certified Christian Workers are not authorized to perform any sacerdotal services.

Requirements

  • Meet the general requirements for general membership.
  • Be recommended to be a Christian Worker by your pastor or another pastor of an established congregation.
  • Be recommended to be a Christian Worker by your peers in Christian ministry.
  • Other criteria as determined by the Membership Rostering Review Board.

$150/Year

General Membership Only

Requirements

  • Meet the general requirements for general membership.
  • Other criteria as determined by the Membership Rostering Review Board.

$150/Year

*Non-Credentialed members hold general member status. They are included in our membership but are not authorized by IMF to perform sacerdotal services. They may participate in all issues referred to the general membership by the Board of Directors for vote and are welcome to participate in all activities sponsored by IMF. They qualify to receive all support services as offered to all members by the Fellowship. 

An Associate Member (Non-Credentialed) of IMF is entitled to all the rights and privileges accorded to a General Member. Ordained or Licensed clergy who join IMF as Associate Members are accorded the same respect as an IMF member with their clerical standing. The Associate Member may be credentialed by their own denomination. We honor them, and the ministry God has established through their faithful service to Christ. 

We have made many friends over the years working across denominational lines. In some instances, a membership in IMF has been transitional for several years while the member works toward full ordination in their own denomination. Other times circumstances prevent the candidate from pursuing ordination in their own denomination and we are able to serve their denominational church and the member in a special role for a longer period of time. We are thankful that we are able to serve in whatever situation best meets their needs. Often when they have accomplished personal goals that might require them to otherwise leave IMF, they choose to continue a relationship with us as an Associate Member because they know we love, honor and desire to cooperate in whatever way we can. IMF sees itself as a good “team player” in the Body of Christ. 

Also, we often have Christian businessmen who want to be a part of what we are doing, but do not feel called as a clergy person and prefer to affiliate as an Associate Member. We welcome them. We need them and their business knowledge to help us chart the course for this ministry. It takes many—praying, giving and going—to accomplish the Great Commission. 

Faith Promise

IMF is supported, almost exclusively, by its members. As such, we ask each of our members to support IMF on a monthly basis as a part of their monthly tithe. They do this by selecting a giving club as a part of their application process. The amounts below reflect a monthly gift.

Giving Clubs:

  • Guardian Angel- $1000
  • Patron Saint- $500
  • King David’s Guard of Valor- $100
  • Joseph’s Storehouse of Grain- $50  The Gideon Club- $25
  • King Joash’s Treasury Chest- $15
  • Centurion Guard (required for military and civilian chaplains)- 5% of monthly income
  • Aaron & Hur- 1% of monthly income
  • The Lord’s Supply- Another amount that fits your situation best.

Ready to Join the Family?

Welcome to the Membership Application Process! We are so excited to serve you! Please begin by clicking the button below. Once you've paid your application fee, you will see the next portion of the application process. Please reach out to us at imfmembership@imfserves.org with any questions.

Applying for individual membership? Start the process by clicking the button below. You will select your desired rostering level (Ordained Minister, Licensed Minister, Special Ministry License, Commissioned Minister, Christian Worker, or Associate Member) later in the application process.

Applicant Inquiry Form

Alliance Church Application

Applying to the IMF Alliance Church on behalf of your congregation?

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