LICENSE AND ORDINATION
Elder Darrin Turley, Chair, Texas | Pastor Amelia Reaves, Vice-Chair, Massachusetts | Pastor Glen Harris, Arkansas | Pastor Tony Majors, Kansas | Elder Phyllis Hatton, Texas | Elder Lunell Taylor, Texas | Pastor Joseph L. Mosley, Arkansas
CFCI recognizes the importance of men and women accepting the “call to ministry”. In recognizing the serious nature of a person’s call to ministry, CFCI has a system that identifies men and women as persons who have demonstrated biblical characteristics of the uniqueness of God’s “call”, and a system that acknowledges that our organization grants full support to those who maintain both biblical and organizational standards of which individual should display. An individual who has been called by God to the Christian ministry has gone through a period of discernment and training related to this call in taking on the office of ministry in any Christian organization.
Levels of Credentialing
CFCI will establish and recognize five levels:
A minister who accepts a call to ministry will be considered an apprentice (unlicensed minister) and shall demonstrate a level of faithfulness and understanding within a ministerial context for a minimum of twelve (12) months. After twelve (12) months of faithful service, demonstration of biblical prerequisites, and with the recommendation of a Pastor or ministry leader, an unlicensed minister may be eligible to receive a minister’s license from CFCI. Local pastors may extend this obligation at their discretion.
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Licensed ministers must serve their ministry organizations for two (2) years before being eligible to be licensed. Licensed ministers may not officiate over the ordinances of the church or perform duties that require governmental reporting such as weddings or funerals.
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An ordained deacon is a deacon who meets biblical prerequisites, has completed a period of training and observation in their local church or organization, and has shown themselves faithful. To be ordained, they must be recommended by their local pastor or ministry leader, pass a written exam, and pass an oral examination by the Ordination Board.
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An ordained elder is a licensed minister who meets biblical prerequisites, has completed a minimum of two (2) years of faithful service as a licensed minister, is recommended by their local pastor or ministry leader, passes a written exam, and passes an oral examination by the Ordination Board. Note: Though not required, it is strongly recommended that at a minimum, these candidates complete courses in Old Testament and New Testament Survey.
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A candidate for the office of Bishop must meet the same qualifications as that of an Ordained Elder. In addition, they must have served faithfully in ministry for a minimum of ten (10) years and be recommended by the Presiding Bishop. To be recommended for the office of the bishop, there must exist a level of ministerial work that requires an overseer at the level of a bishopric. Bishops will not be appointed if a level of work does not exist to which they must preside. Bishops are strongly encouraged to have completed a Bachelor's Degree.
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Education
Elder Darrain Turley, Chair
The Christian Education Ministry involves the administration and coordination of programs or strategies which facilitate the spiritual growth and discipleship of believers into Christ-likeness. It uses methods for building effective leadership teams; programs that lead to effective church planting and growth; theories for equipping ministry leaders to preach, teach, provide biblical counsel, and mentor the people whom they lead.
Education efforts are divided into target groups according to needs and interests. Some examples of topics are (but not limited to):
Individual Level - Pastors, Elders, Ministers, Ministry Leaders, Lay Members
· Preaching Technique, Styles, Methods, etc.
· Teaching: Principles of Pedagogy and Andragogy; Strategies and Approaches
· Biblical Counseling
· Effective Leadership and Team Building
· Legal Considerations in Churches
· Church Planting and Growth
· Church Conflict Management
· Leading Worship
· Old and New Testament
Organizational Level
· Worship
· Planning, Organizing, and Establishing a Church
· Church Legal Documents (EIN; 501 c; Articles of Inc.; Constitution)
· Policy Letters
· Risk Management/Safety Issues
· Financial Administration
· Missions and Evangelism
Women's Department
Lady Cynthia Mosley, Women's Advisor
We the CFIC Women's Department consists of women who love God and support the unity of the fellowship. We are united by our faith in God and concern for one another. Regardless of denomination, we stand firm on biblical principles. Our department is growing and always room for women to express their gifts and talents to further the work of the Kingdom. We are here as an assignment for each woman to reach her full potential; spiritually, emotionally, and physically. We are models for holy living with our husbands, children, grandchildren, siblings, coworkers, and our communities. We stand on Joshua 1:9, "I've commanded you to be brave and strong, haven't I? Don't be alarmed or terrified, because the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."
Adjutancy
Elder Thomas Reaves, Adjutant General
Adjutants are men and women who are servants in God’s house. The word comes from the Latin word "to aid or assist", and is defined as a military officer who is an administrative assistant to a commander, an aide, a helping hand; in other words, they are people who are servant ministers. These servants are also known as armor-bearers. The Adjutant Ministry is a service ministry of the church. Only those who have the mindset of a servant can serve effectively in this ministry. They must have a servant’s heart and a serving spirit.
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| Youth Ministries
Lady Brenda McDonald, Director
Our youth are the heartbeat of our fellowship. We are educating, empowering, and inspiring them through the Word of God. It is our mission to raise up a generation that will love God with all their heart and build morals according to His Word. |
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| Young Adults
Minister Kenneth and Dr. Ranyel Trent, Young Adults Leaders
Our young adults are our future leaders now and in the future. We are diligent in this ministry to inform and enlighten this group of people with much love and transparency. Our Young Adults Leaders use their gifts in the Spirit to edify God's Kingdom and bring God's people closer to Him. We believe that God is raising up a remnant that will obey.
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| Music Department
Ms. Kirsten Gatewood, Minster of Music
Psalms 95:1 says, "Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation." Our ministry goes beyond just singing, it is a lifestyle of worship in order to pierce the atmosphere of God, so we can experience His glory, corporately.
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