The Foundations for Commitment

The Bible makes it very clear that if two are going to walk together, there must be an underlying agreement (Amos 3:3). If people are going to come into a covenant relationship that is genuine and meaningful there must be a strong foundation for that relationship to be built upon. Covenant relationship in MFI is built upon four pillars.

Pillar #1 - Character

A commitment to Christ-like character is essential if those who are associated with MFI are going to represent Christ's ministry effectively to the world. This means that MFI stands for the principle of servant leadership that is demonstrated by personal integrity, moral purity, financial responsibility and ethical standards of Christian conduct.

Pillar #2 - Common Vision

A commitment to a common vision is essential if those who are associated with MFI are going to be able to build a unified expression of Christ's Church in the earth today. Unity of vision and direction, commonality of goals and purpose and even the affirmation of biblical principles and methods form a foundation upon which we can all build together.

Pillar #3 - Compatibility of Doctrine

A commitment to a common interpretation of the Scripture as it relates to basic doctrinal areas (i.e. God, Christ, man, sin, etc.), the eternal purpose of God, the place of the Church in God's plan and the overall structure and government of the local church is critical if we are to effectively contribute to one another's success.

Pillar #4 - Covenant Relationship

A commitment to be our "brother's keeper" in a tangible way is the by-product of the other three pillars. A covenant relationship is a commitment to not only be concerned about ones own affairs but to also be genuinely concerned about the affairs of the other members of the Fellowship (Phil. 2:3-4). It is a commitment to the personal success of the other members and a willingness to lay our lives down to see that accomplished.

Commitment One with Another

There is such a wonderful strength in unity! Mutual accountability among MFI members means they are committing themselves as brothers and sisters to intentionally watch over one another to protect each other from errors and deception.

The biblical standards of MFI call for a commitment from each member to live out their lifestyle and leadership roles in accordance with the principles of God's Word.

Commitment to Accountability

Commitment to accountability is someone saying, "Yes... I truly want someone outside of those under me in the Lord to be committed to my wellbeing; that they would be willing to make it difficult for me to go astray if they felt I was hurting my life and ministry."

Membership in MFI is a serious thing. It is an honest and heartfelt commitment to be "my brother's keeper."

"Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up." Eccl. 4:9-10

What does it cost to belong to MFI?

Every organization must receive support if it is going to be able to fulfill its vision. Many church organizations demand much from their members. Some demand a tithe of the churches general fund for operating the administrative aspects of the organization. Some demand that all missionary moneys be sent to the central office and that all missionary activity be directed through that office.

MFI is very different from this. MFI is funded through membership dues. The dues that are collected are consistent with the actual costs incurred to provide the express purposes of the Fellowship. The cost to the individual member is based on a graduating scale dependent on several things including the size of the church represented, the nature of the ministry and whether they are national or international members.

Senior pastors give a monthly amount that varies in relation to the size of the church. Other support ministries, mobile ministers and international pastors pay an annual fee of $250(U.S) per year.

The monthly giving scale for senior pastors is based on the estimated size of the church that they pastor. The count is based on the entire church population.

Giving Scale for Senior Pastor members:

Church Population Monthly Rate Church Population Monthly Rate

The annual giving of $250 for support ministries merely covers the actual costs of their membership to the Fellowship. These dues enable the Fellowship to incorporate these ministries without imposing significant financial pressure. The cost to these support ministries is normally borne by the sponsoring church. Those paying the support ministry annual rate, will, however, assume all of their own expenses to attend both the regional and the annual MFI conferences.

What is the process of joining MFI?

Becoming a member of MFI is a process. If MFI is really going to be all that it purposes to be, membership must involve more than merely signing up, putting ones name on a list and mailing regular checks.

Spiritual Steps

On the spiritual side, becoming a member of MFI starts with the leading of the Holy Spirit in the heart of the minister to do so. It is important for the sake of covenant relationship that every member of the Fellowship feels that the Head of the Church has grafted him or her in. In addition, there must be a natural process, much like a courtship, to determine if the minister is compatible with the vision and direction of the Fellowship. The process of membership begins in the heart of the minister applicant himself.

If MFI sounds like something that you would like to be a part of, ask yourself these questions:

1. Do I feel that I could support and exemplify the doctrinal emphasis of MFI?
2. Do I feel a need to relate to like-minded pastors who are seeking to build a glorious church in these days?
3. Do I want to relate in fellowship with and have mutual accountability to other leaders with strong convictions?
4. Do I want to join efforts with complimentary ministries to see God accomplish His purpose to extend His Kingdom into the entire world?

If the answer to these questions is yes, you are definitely a candidate for membership in MFI!

Practical Steps

On the practical side, becoming a member involves submitting to a rather detailed process that includes:

A Sponsor. Under normal circumstances, a senior pastor member or a member of the Apostolic Leadership Team must be willing to sponsor a person into the Fellowship based on their personal relationship to them and knowledge of their personal character and their work.

An Application. An official application must be completed and returned to the MFI office.

A Questionnaire. An extensive questionnaire must be completed and returned to the MFI office.

Conference Attendance. Each prospective member must attend one of the MFI sponsored conferences as an observer.

An Interview. Applicants must make themselves available for a personal interview with two members of the Apostolic Leadership Team.

Final Approval. The Apostolic Leadership Team makes the final approval of all applicants who have completed the membership process. New members receive an official letter of acceptance and a certificate. In addition, they are received into formal membership at an annual conference.

Who may join MFI?

MFI is not for everyone. It is not for ministers who already have this kind of spiritual connection and covering through other like organizations. It is for pastors and ordained and licensed ministries who feel a need for and do not have this kind of connection. Because of a high regard for the importance and autonomy of the local church, the senior pastor is the door through which other ordained and licensed ministries may come into the Fellowship. All prospective members must be under the authority and covering of a local church eldership and must be sponsored into membership by their senior pastor who is already a member.