A Ministerial Fellowship acts in place of a Denomination for ministers and Christian workers which traditionally offers government recognised ministerial credentials, as well as spiritual covering, accountability and support. Ministers and Christian workers who serve in non-denominational churches and para-church ministries who require or desire these same services can receive them through Ministerial Fellowships.
There are a variety of Ministerial Fellowships serving the body of Christ in Canada and the United States, each offering different services, having various requirements for membership, and different doctrinal statements of faith. An internet search using the term �Ministerial Fellowship� will turn up a variety of Ministerial Fellowships in North America.
For more information regarding the unique services GCMF offers, as well as our statement of faith and eligibility requirements, please visit www.gospelcrusade.ca.
WHY JOIN A MINISTERIAL FELLOWSHIP?
There are two primary reasons for joining a Ministerial Fellowship.
First, a person would join if they were a minister or Christian worker in need of ministerial credentials. Ministers and Christian workers need ministerial credentials for various reasons, including:
-To authenticate their ability as a sound minister of the Word of God to the body of Christ, thus enabling ministry opportunities
- To perform legal ceremonies, weddings, and funerals
- To provide access to prisons, hospitals, nursing homes, psychiatric centres, and other institutions of this type
GCMF issues the government recognised credentials of Ordained Minister and Licensed Minister to qualified ministers who serve in the five-fold ministries of Pastor, Teacher, Evangelist, Apostle, and Prophet, as well to missionaries, Christian counsellors, and to those who serve in music ministries. GCMF also issues the credential of Able Worker to qualified lay ministers and Christian workers.
Second, a person would join if they were a minister or Christian worker in need of ministerial support. The support GCMF offers its members includes:
- Regular ministerial fellowship meetings for refreshing, encouragement, training, and networking
- Mediation to help resolve serious problems in the local church
- Pastoral retreat opportunities at the Retreat Centres
- Qualified personal and material to help in ministry development as needed
For more information regarding joining GCMF, please visit www.gospelcrusade.ca or contact the SWO area representative Wayne Flonders.
WHAT MAKES GCMF UNIQUE?
GCMF offers credentials to applicants based on the recognised call of God to the ministry, ministry experience, and ministry fruit as opposed to an emphasis based primarily on education. As a fellowship of ministers, GCMF emphasises personal relationships among its members. At GCMF meetings there is a distinct family environment as opposed to a more businesslike atmosphere.
