By Chief Chaplain Bruce Francis - Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Is CFMI™ a mail order ministry? No, all membership is by application only. Chaplain Fellowship Ministries® is an International Convention of Faith Based Christian Churches, ministries, foreign missions, chaplain programs and independant chaplains, ministers, pastors, and priest who fellowship and mutually assist each other using the Internet and any other source we may find to serve as an Evangelism tool. Our governing board of directors are here to qualify, equip, and recognize those seeking Chaplain & Minister endorsement, Certification and Ordination. To accomplish this mission we offers several Christian educational and Faith Based training programs by distance learning. Chaplain Bible nstitute

Q. Will my ordination be accepted as Legal? YES. In almost all Christian countries around the world and in all 50 States. The ordinations presented from CFMI™ has been accepted worldwide. However, some denominations outside of the CFMI™ structure may not recognize your ordination. That is up to their individual Church or Ministry policies, not God's.

Q. What are the CFMI™ Requirements for Ordination? The first step is submitting a completely answered application for ordination, along with the requirements of identification. We are required to have proof of whom you are. Two letters of reference from someone that knows you and your efforts to help others, and a resume detailing your work in the ministry, community or what you would like to do to help others, along with the required application fee. Include copies of any documents and ministerial experience you may have.

Q. How long will the ordination application process take? We take this as a serious calling from our Lord Jesus, and take all necessary steps to bring in qualified applicants. The total process could just take a couple of weeks or up to a month. Bear in mind that most denominations can require months or even years before an ordination is approved. The ordination process is reviewed by Chief Staff Members.

Q. Do we ordain Women? Yes. We are all of one spirit in the body of Jesus Christ. No place in the O.T. or N.T. makes any distinction that there is a difference.

Q. May I as a minister or chaplain perform counseling without a license? Generally, yes. Ministers may perform marriage, individual, and family counseling of a religious nature, as may be limited by the laws of the land.

Q. May a minister or chaplain charges a fee for counseling? Depends, it is part of the job of a pastor. The counselee may make a donation or a love offering may be given. Check the laws in your State regarding faith based counseling.

Q. What services am I allowed to perform as a Minister or Chaplain? Anointing the Sick, Marriage, Reconciliation of a Penitent, Lord's Supper, Baptism, Confirmation, Funerals. And other rites as allowed by scripture.

Q. What is confirmation? Confirmation is a rite after baptism. It is an optional service. A period of instruction precedes confirmation.

Q. What is your denominational covering and Spiritual authority? To answer this question directly and in all truthfulness - We must state; the hand of man did not create us. Our reason for being, and authority to exist comes from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who raised up this ministry, and who covers this ministry, which is answerable to Him. We owe our existence not to Man or a denomination - but by the direct work of the Living Head of the Church of whom all power and authority exists.

Q. Is CFMI™ recognized by other denominations? This is a question that we love to answer and we would advise everyone to think about the question itself. The answer is probably not! That should not be shocking in its answer, because any denominational Church or Ministry only recognizes itself and not others. For example: If you have been issued credentials by the Presbyterian Church - those credentials are NOT recognized in the Baptist, Catholic or other Denominational Churches. That is a bold but truthful statement as CFMI™ is not about denominationalism, which without any doubt divides the Body of Christ instead of uniting it. Affiliation with the CFMI™ means that you stand with us in core essential Christian Doctrines as outlined in our statement of beliefs. As an Independent Chaplain and minister you're free to operate your Ministry in any way the LORD may lead you, NOT any denomination which is of man. There are those in the CFMI™ that have been called to start "physical Churches" and there are others called to Street Ministries, many called to serve as Chaplains, others are prayer warriors, some minister to the handicapped, nursing homes, worship ministries, home cell churches, or prison Ministries.

Q. As a minister or chaplain, what tax-exempt privileges am I allowed? Generally, none. See your local CPA or tax expert. For additional information, please see publication 517 - Social Security and Other information for Members of the Clergy and Religious workers. www.irs.gov

A. Exception: Senior Chaplains who have been with Chaplain Felowship Ministries for a period of six months in good standing, may apply to become an Official Affiliate Subordinate Ministry. Approved Affiliate Subordinate Ministries are covered under Chaplain Fellowship Ministries International's 501 (c) 3 IRS Group Tax Exemption as a public Charity.

B. Any ministry submited to be covered must meet the established requirements and be approved by the board of directors. This is not an automatic right, and no ministry will be covered unless it meets all established requirements.

Information on this site is provided for informational purposes and is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own lawyer or CPA. It is not intended to be legal advice in any way or form. This site is meant to be used as a reference work only, which may or may not help you make informed decisions concerning your church or ministry. It is not to be used in replacement of or as a substitute for a lawyer or CPA. As always, you should seek the counsel of a competent lawyer or CPA. The authors and or publishers are not responsible for any legal repercussions, adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of any of the information discussed in this site.

© All rights reserved. Last Updated 06/04/2008. US Federal Government contractors, Corporations and foundations our Legal Name is Chaplain Fellowship Ministries International Inc, Legal Structure is Non-profit, CFMI D-U-N-S Number is 808479526. Chaplain Fellowship Ministries International Inc. does have federal copyright on our ministry name and graphics.