Trinity Ministerial Fellowship

TRINITY MINISTERIAL FELLOWSHIP P. O. Box 1591, Owings Mills, Maryland 21117, U.S.A Phone: 443-854 9832 Email: [email protected] Website: www.titseminary.org

BROCHURE

1 Thank you for considering Trinity Ministerial Fellowship for your licensing and organizational needs. Trinity Ministerial Fellowship is a ministry of Trinity International Theological Seminary. Trinity Ministerial Fellowship has been birthed out of the burden that God has placed on my heart for pastors and churches to have a place to belong and a place where they can go to get their spiritual needs met as they minister week after week to those under them. It is my prayer that you find this fellowship a friendly, loving family as we embark on the vision that God has given us for the lost of this world. The following pages should be informative, as well as self explanatory as to how to join us. Should you have any question, do not hesitate to contact us. Please feel free to contact my office at anytime with any needs you may have.

God Bless,

Dr. Ambrose E. Edebe, D.Min., Ph.D President

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What Does It Mean to License?

The word “license”, as found in Webster’s dictionary, is defined as “permission granted by competent authority to engage in a business or occupation.” When Trinity Ministerial Fellowship grants a ministerial license it is granting someone the authority to perform certain acts that he/she would not otherwise be able to perform. For example: marrying, funerals, pastoral counseling, clergy-penitent rules, special rules for filing taxes, etc. When we grant you a license it is generally accepted as valid and allows you to exercise the rights and privileges that come with being a licensed or ordained minister. Please check the requirements for your State.

Does God or Man License?

There is one important issue for a church to recognize. Nowhere in the scripture does it mention that ministers need to be licensed to be able to go into the entire world. There are many potential ministers who would gladly go anywhere they are sent, yet are detained from preaching or doing any mission work because they fail to meet the standards set by their denomination or church in order to be licensed. We need to remember that it is God who ordains, man just recognizes what God is doing. Keeping that in mind when creating the licensing program for this organization, we have designed it to not interfere with what God is doing regardless of the person’s past or his training.

The Bible clearly states in Romans 13:1, 2 that we should obey the laws of the land. “Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except form God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves.” (NKJV)

We live in a country that recognizes the ministry as a profession. It places a lot of emphasis on the licensing or certification of many professions. Lawyers, doctors, nurses, certified public accountants, contractors, real estate agents and brokers and many more are given a lot of credibility because they hold a license. In the same way the government, hospitals, schools and 2 individuals have a respect for those who hold ministerial licenses. That is why Paul said in I Corinthians 9:22 “…I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.” He understood the reasons why he became all things to all people. The following verse tells it all. “Now this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I may be partaker of it with you” (I Corinthians 9; 23). He did whatever he had to do so that the gospel would not be impeded by man’s regulations. In the same way, churches license ministers so that the gospel would not be impeded. If the ministerial license is the only hindrance between you and an entire prison containing numerous men or women needing to hear the gospel, then for the sake of the gospel, get one. Many church pastors and leaders are willing to license the members of their churches for that very purpose.

Purpose of Licensure:

The purpose for licensing should be to recognize what God has already done. Too many people, on the contrary, have viewed the licensing process the same way they view any other profession. Many churches have licensing programs that make it nearly impossible for any of their members to qualify unless they hold a college degree. Remember, it is God who calls and ordains and it is man who simply recognizes it. God has always called and ordained the least likely to be recognized. He did it with Moses, Abraham, David, Samuel, Gideon, Paul and many others. So be careful that the program you choose to join is not so restrictive or rigid that if fails to recognize the least likely, should God opt to do it that way.

Definition of a Licensed, Ordained or Commissioned Minister:

There are several ways that pastors and ministers are defined. Briefly, all pastors are ministers, but not all ministers are pastors. The IRS distinguishes between the two titles and one title has a tax advantage over the other. Remember the licensing process is not so much a biblical issue as it is a legal issue that ministers need to deal with. It is important for ministers to file their income taxes correctly and in order to do so it will require you to fully define your position and classify the type of license you issue to certain ministers of your church.

For income tax purposes the IRS defines ministers in the following manner. This information can be found in IRS publication 517.

Ministers are individuals who are duly ordained, commissioned, or licensed by a religious body constituting a church or church denomination. They are given the authority to conduct religious worship, perform sacerdotal functions, and administer ordinances or sacraments according to the prescribed tenets and practices of that church or denomination. If a church or denomination ordains some ministers and licenses or commissions others, anyone licensed or commissioned must be able to perform substantially all the religious functions of an ordained minister to be treated as a minister of social security purpose. There are three functions that the IRS looks for in defining a minister with respect to social security taxes. Although without doing the following three things a person may still be recognized as a minister by other government agencies, the IRS does not recognize anyone as a minister unless he/she performs the following three functions. Therefore, if one wants to be recognized by all government agencies (which includes the IRS) then he/she must regularly fulfill the functions as stated below.

3 1. Conduct religious worship. 2. Perform sacerdotal functions 3. Administer ordinances or sacraments according to the prescribed tenets and practices of that church or denomination.

Under this definition all pastors and associate pastors are ministers. Most youth pastors and worship leaders will also qualify. There is also the issue of housing allowance. Who qualifies for this special rule?

The IRS code does not define the term minister but does define what he/she does. It is important to know that in order for a person to qualify for the housing allowance he/she must meet the following conditions.

1. Be licensed in accordance with the church’s requirements. 2. Have a housing allowance plan clearly stated in the church’s board approved minutes. 3. Receive some type of pay for the purpose of compensating the services performed in the exercise of ministry.

The three functions mentioned above should be met on a regular basis.

Different Types of Licenses:

There are three traditional forms of licensing issued. Many churches use them to represent before the congregation and community the authority bestowed upon a person to act or function in its name. Even though the church distinguishes between them, many government agencies will not, with the exception of the Christian Worker License. They are listed below:

1. Christian Worker 2. Licensed Minister 3. Ordained Minister

Each one of these licenses usually represents a different level of preparation and authority. Let me give some examples.

1. A Christian Worker license may be issued to a member of the church who has a proven record of commitment, who reflects such in his/her life and has volunteered to help with the work of the ministry. The work may be that of making hospital visits, praying for the sick and invalids, or working in the church. The license may be beneficial in giving the person some credibility with hospital staff, etc. This type of license does not give the worker the privilege to marry or conduct funerals. He/she also would not qualify for any special tax rules.

2. A Licensed Minister license may be a given to a person that has become a part of the pastoral staff. Many churches license the staff ministers of their churches to give them the authority to marry, conduct funerals and to lead worship services and much more. He/she may qualify for special tax rules, depending on the type of authority the church grants the individual by licensing him/her. This level of licensure should require some course of study of an x number of years of ministry experience. 4 3. The Ordained Minister’s license is usually granted to a person who is either the pastor or associate pastor of a church. The reason behind this type of license is to signify that he/she is in charge of the congregation (usually a senior pastor or an associate pastor). This level of licensure should require some course of study or an x number of years of ministry experience.

Remember the licenses that your church issues are only as credible as your church or ministry is credible to the public. It is always important for your church body to reflect the character of Jesus everywhere they go. One good way of establishing creditability is to establish an organization that is open and honest in all it does. We recommend that all churches become incorporated and make their purposes known in their Articles of Incorporation.

Trinity Ministerial Fellowship – Mission Statement:

Sending powerful, effective ministers throughout the world to win souls for Christ.

Trinity Ministerial Fellowship – Vision Statement:

To encourage, equip, empower and evangelize men and women in order to fulfill the Great Commission of Christ – Going into the world to preach the Gospel to every creature – one soul at a time.

Trinity Ministerial Fellowship – Doctrinal Statement:

The Holy Bible is our-sufficient rule of faith and practice. This Statement of Faith is intended simply as a basis of fellowship among us.

THE SCRIPTURES-The Bible is the inspired Word of God, the product of holy men of old who spoke and wrote as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. The New Covenant, as recorded in the New Testament, we accept as our infallible guide in matters pertaining to conduct and doctrine (2 Tim. 3:16; 1 Thess. 2:13; 2 Peter 1:21). THE GODHEAD-Our God is One, but manifested in three Persons-the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, being coequal (Deut. 6:4; Phil. 2:6). God the Father is greater than all; the Sender of the Word (Logos) and the Begetter (John 14:28; John 16:28; John 1:14). The Son is the Word flesh-covered, the One Begotten, and has existed with the Father from the beginning (John 1:1; John 1:18; John 1:14). The Holy Spirit proceeds forth from both the Father and the Son and is eternal (John 14:16; John 15:26). MAN, HIS FALL AND REDEMPTION-Man is a created being, made in the likeness and image of God, but through Adam's transgression and fall, sin came into the world. The Bible says "...all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God," and "...There is none righteous, no, not one" (Rom. 3:10; 3:23). Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was manifested to undo the works of the devil and gave His life and shed His blood to redeem and restore man back to God (Rom. 5:14; 1 John 3:8). Salvation is the gift of God to man, separate from works and the Law, and is made operative by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, producing works acceptable to God (Eph. 2:8-10). 5 ETERNAL LIFE AND THE NEW BIRTH-Man's first step toward salvation is godly sorrow that worketh repentance. The New Birth is necessary to all men, and when experienced, produces eternal life (2 Cor. 7:10; John 3:3-5; 1 John 5:12). WATER BAPTISM-Baptism in water is by immersion, is a direct commandment of our Lord, and is for believers only. The ordinance is a symbol of the Christian's identification with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection (Matt. 28:19; Rom. 6:4; Col. 2:12; Acts 8:36-39). The following recommendation regarding the water baptismal formula is adopted; to wit: "On the confession of your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and by His authority, I baptize you in the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost. Amen." BAPTISM IN THE HOLY GHOST-The Baptism in the Holy Ghost and fire is a gift from God as promised by the Lord Jesus Christ to all believers in this dispensation and is received subsequent to the new birth. This experience is accompanied by the initial evidence of speaking in other tongues as the Holy Spirit Himself gives utterance (Matt. 3:11; John 14:16,17; Acts 1:8; Acts 2:38,39; Acts 19:1-7; Acts 2:1-4). SANCTIFICATION-The Bible teaches that without holiness no man can see the Lord. We believe in the Doctrine of Sanctification as a definite, yet progressive work of grace, commencing at the time of regeneration and continuing until the consummation of salvation at Christ's return (Heb. 12:14; 1 Thess. 5:23; 2 Peter 3:18; 2 Cor. 3:18; Phil. 3:12-14; 1 Cor. 1:30). DIVINE HEALING-Healing is for the physical ills of the human body and is wrought by the power of God through the prayer of faith, and by the laying on of hands. It is provided for in the atonement of Christ, and is the privilege of every member of the Church today (James 5:14,15; Mark 16:18; Isa. 53:4,5; Matt. 8:17; 1 Peter 2:24). RESURRECTION OF THE JUST AND THE RETURN OF OUR LORD-The angels said to Jesus' disciples, "...This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven." His coming is imminent. When He comes, "...The dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air..." (Acts 1:11; 1 Thess. 4:16,17). Following the Tribulation, He shall return to earth as King of kings, and Lord of lords, and together with His saints, who shall be kings and priests, He shall reign a thousand years (Rev. 5:10; 20:6). HELL AND ETERNAL RETRIBUTION-The one who physically dies in his sins without accepting Christ is hopelessly and eternally lost in the lake of fire and, therefore, has no further opportunity of hearing the Gospel or repenting. The lake of fire is literal. The terms "eternal" and "everlasting," used in describing the duration of the punishment of the damned in the lake of fire, carry the same thought and meaning of endless existence as used in denoting the duration of joy and ecstasy of saints in the Presence of God (Heb. 9:27; Rev. 19-2.

1. The Fellowship and Its Mission – The church is the body of Christ, the habitation of God through the Spirit, with divine appointments of the fulfillment of her great commission. Each believer, born of the Spirit, is an integral part of the General Assembly and the Church of the Firstborn, which are written in Heaven (Ephesians 1:22, 23; 2:22; Hebrews 12:23). 6 Since God’s purpose concerning man is to seek and save that which is lost, to be worshipped by man, and to build a body of believers in the image of His son, the priority reason-for-being of the church is: a. To be an agency of God for evangelizing the world (Acts 1:8; Matthew 28:19, 20; Mark 16:15, 16). b. To be a corporate body in which man may worship God (I Corinthians 12:13). c. To be a channel of God’s purpose to build a body of saints being perfected in the image of His Son (Ephesians 4:11-16; I Corinthians 12:28; 14:12).

Trinity Ministerial Fellowship exists expressively to give continuing emphasis to this reason-for-being in the New Testament apostolic pattern by teaching and encouraging believers to be baptized in the Holy Spirit. This experience: a. Enables them to evangelize in the power of the Spirit with accompanying supernatural signs (Mark 16:15-20; Acts 4:29-31; Hebrews 2:3, 4). b. Adds a necessary dimension to worshipful relationship with God (I Corinthians 2:10-16; 12; 13; 14). c. Enables them to respond to the full working of the Holy Spirit in expression of fruits and gifts and ministries as in New Testament times for the edifying of the body of Christ (Galatians 5:22-26; I Corinthians 12:28; 14:12; Ephesians 4:11,12; Colossians 1:29).

1. The Ministry – A divinely called and scripturally ordained ministry has been provided by our Lord for the three fold purpose of leading the church in: (1) Evangelization of the world (Mark 16:15-20); (2) Worship of God (John 4:23,24); (3) Building a body of saints being perfected in the image of His Son (Ephesians 4:11-16).

2. Healing – Divine healing is an integral part of the gospel. Deliverance from sickness is provided for in the atonement, and is the privilege of all believers (Isaiah 53; 4, 5; Matthew 8:16, 17; James 5:14-16).

3. The Blessed Hope – The resurrection of those who have fallen asleep in Christ and their translation together with those who are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord is the imminent and blessed hope of the church (I Thessalonians 4:16,17; Romans 8:23; Titus 2:13; I Corinthians 15:51,52).

4. The Millennial Reign of Christ – The Word of God promises the catching away of the prepared and waiting saints. Followed by the great tribulation, and then with the return of our Lord with His saints and Holy angels with power and great glory to reign on earth a thousand years. The millennial reign will bring the salvation of national Israel (Ezekiel 37:21, 22; Zephaniah 3:19, 20; Romans 11:26, 27) and the establishment of the universal place (Isaiah 11:6-9; Psalms 72:3-8; Micah 4:3, 4).

7 5. The Final Judgment – There will be a final judgment in which the dead will be raised and judged according to their works. Whosoever is not found written in the Book of Life, together with the devil and his angels, and the beast and false prophet, will be consigned to everlasting punishment in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone, which is the second death (Matthew 25:46; Mark 9:43-48; Revelation 19:20; 20:11-15; 21:8).

6. The New Heavens and The New Earth – “We, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth wherein dwelleth righteousness” (II Peter 3:13; Revelation 21:22).

7. Tithes and Offerings – The need of the New Testament church, it’s varied ministries along with its God ordained leadership are to be met by the tithes and offerings of the believers (Matthew 23:23; I Corinthians 16:1; II Corinthians 9:6,7).

Requirements to be Licensed Through Trinity Ministerial Fellowship:

Pre-Application Requirements: 1. Must have been a Christian for at least two years (for Licensed Minister or Ordained Minister) 2. Must be of outstanding reputation within your church 3. Must have the pastor’s approval before applying. 4. Must be consistent in tithing 5. Must be currently used in active ministry in some sort on your church level.

Christian Worker License

This recognition is issued to those persons called of God as helpers, or to those that are just beginning their ministry. They are not authorized to perform any sacerdotal services, but primarily to assist others in the Body of Christ. Individuals in this category may include, but are not limited to: teachers, worship leaders, instructors, hospital and jail visitation, ministerial assistance, and lay persons who are called of God as helpers. This license must be held for one year before proceeding on to the Minister’s License.

The Christian worker must:

 Be established in a local church body.  Be recommended by the pastor or an associate pastor.  Be recommended by his/her peers in the Christian ministry.  Tithing to the local church  He/she must have read the Bible through at least once.  Be knowledgeable in ministerial hospital visits and home visits  Serving in the church  Must submit the $25.00 fee. 8  Must have completed at least three courses of the Trinity International Theological Seminary or equivalent from approved institutions.  Must make yearly report of the previous year, due January 31st each year.

Licensed Minister

This ministerial recognition includes those who are somewhat seasoned in the ministry, but need further experience to be fully established. They are authorized to perform all sacerdotal services. But this person is not in charge of a congregation. Limited authority is granted to run the affairs of the church.

The Licensed Minister must:

 Be recommended for license by the pastor, another pastor of an established congregation, or the senior pastor of an established ministry.  Demonstrate a level of biblical and theological proficiency. a. Possess the Certificate in Biblical Studies or Certificate in Theology or Certificate in Biblical Counseling of the Trinity International Theological Seminary or equivalent qualification from approved institutions.  Must submit the $50.00 fee.  Have read the Bible through at least twice.  Must submit yearly report of the previous year, due on January 31st of each year.

Ordained Minister

This ministerial recognition is given to those persons who have an “established” or “proven” ministry. Ordained Ministers are authorized to perform all functions of the Christian Ministry and sacerdotal services, and must be capable of doing so. He/she must either be ready, as determined by the senior pastor, to take charge of a congregation or already in charge of one.

The Ordained Minister must:

 Have an established ministry  Demonstrate a level of biblical and theological proficiency.  Be capable of performing all sacerdotal services.  Have read the Bible through at least twice.  Possess a BA degree in theology or Diploma in Biblical Studies or Diploma in Theology or Certificate in Biblical Counseling of the Trinity International Theological Seminary or equivalent qualification of an approved institution.  Have completed all requirements of Christian Worker and of a Licensed Minister  Must submit the $50.00 fee.  Must submit yearly report of the previous year, due on January 31st of each year. 9 Annual Renewal of Licenses:

 Must be in good standing with Trinity Ministerial Fellowship  Must continue to seek a closer walk with the Lord.  Must submit $25.00 or $50.00 fee with application for renewal.  Must submit a yearly report due on January 31st of each year

Ministerial Credentials: All qualified ministerial candidates will be issued with an appropriate Certificate or Licenses.

All approved candidates are encouraged to read the following texts for their continuing professional education.

a. Exploring the Old Testament, Purkiser, W.T., Demaray, C.E., Metz, Donald S., Stuneck, Maude A., 1955, Beacon Hill Press of Kansas City

b. Exploring the New Testament, Earle, Ralph, Blaney, Harvey J.S., 1955, Beacon Hill Press of Kansas City

10 c. The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership, Maxwell, John C., 1998, Thomas Nelson Publishers d. When God Builds a Church, Russell, Bob, 2000, Howard Publishing, Inc e. The Habits of Highly Effective Churches, Barna, George, 1999, Regal Books f. Exploring the Old Testament, Purkiser, W.T., Demaray, C.E., Metz, Donald S., Stuneck, Maude A., 1955, Beacon Hill Press of Kansas City g. Exploring the New Testament, Earle, Ralph, Blaney, Harvey J.S., 1955, Beacon Hill Press of Kansas City h. The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership, Maxwell, John C., 1998, Thomas Nelson Publishers i. When God Builds a Church, Russell, Bob, 2000, Howard Publishing, Inc. j. The Habits of Highly Effective Churches, Barna, George, 1999, Regal Books k. The Purpose Driven Church, Warren, Rick, 1995, Zondervon Publishing House l. Leading Change, Kotter, John P., 1996, Harvard Business School Publishing m. The Prayer Shield, Wagner, C. Peter, 1992, Regal Bo n. Your Women Did Prophesy, Edebe, Ambrose E., 2012, Xlibris Publishing o. Basic Principles and Practice of Business Administration, Edebe, Ambrose E., 2013, Xlibris Publishing p. The Manager’s Handbook, Edebe, Ambrose E., 2014, Xlibris Publishing

Trinity Ministerial Fellowship, P. O. Box 1591, Owings Mills, Maryland 21117, U.S.A.

Trinity Ministerial Fellowship P.O Box 1591, Owings Mills, Maryland 21117, U.S.A

Application For Ministers Licensing Program

Please complete ALL information requested. (Please print or type)

Full Name:______

Mailing Address:______12 City: ______State: ______Zip: ______

Country: ______

Telephone Number: (____)______Date of Birth: ____/____/______

Have you accepted Christ as your savior? YES [ ] NO [ ] Have you received the call from God to become a Christian Minister? YES [ ] NO [ ]

Which type of license are you applying for: All Fees are non-refundable

_____Ordained Minister _____Licensed Minister_____Christian Worker $50.00 Application Fee $50.00 Application Fee $25.00 Application Fee

Marital Status: _____Married _____Single _____Divorced** _____Widowed

** If divorced – please explain:______

______

Are you in harmony with the doctrines of this ministry? Please circle one Yes No

Please state your reason for requesting the license: ______

______

How have you come to sense God’s call upon your life? ______

______

Do you sense a specific calling on your life? i.e.: missionary, evangelist, pastor, etc.

______

______13 ______

Have you met the prescribed requirements? Please circle one Yes No

What type of Christian Service have you been involved with in the past? ______

______

If you are a member of another church, please submit the following information:

Name of Home Church ______Name of Pastor ______

Church Address______, City______State_____Zip______

Church Phone #______

By applying, I agree to bind myself to all the requirements and regulations of Trinity Ministerial Fellowship. I also agree that in no way am I guaranteed a license unless the Board determines that I qualify to receive one. Successful candidates will be issued with an appropriate Ministerial Certificate or License. Please return your application form with your application fee to: Trinity Ministerial Fellowship, P. O. Box 1591, Owings Mills, Maryland 21117, U.S.A. Please note that application will not be processed without the required fee.

Signed ______Date______