At CMFI, we realize that ministry is not just one dimensional. We believe that God gives each of us talents from Himself to empower us for service. One persons talents may not be the same as another person. Each of us have the God-given abilities to reach souls, hearts and lives of our neighbors and world. We are dedicated to helping people who feel a call of God upon their lives to ministry…but they don’t know what to do with it, or how to pursue it. That is where we provide needs to the individual from the body of Christ. One of those areas is credentialing.

God calls His children into His ministry to accomplish many different purposes. His purposes are likened to the talents He gives…all for His will to be accomplished on this earth in various ways. We believe that God’s Word teaches of the Five-Fold Ministry; “He gave some, Apostles; and some, prophets; and some, Evangelists; and some, Pastors and Teachers”. Ephesians 4:11. These five callings fall into the category of Ordained Ministers. These callings are ones that will have responsibilities of officiating the Sacraments… Communion, Marriage, and Baptism.

The Five-Fold Ministry is not the only extension of God’s hand. God calls individuals into ministry in other areas and purposes. “For the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ” Ephesians 4:12-13 God has blessed us to be His blessing to others. We are all called to be heralds of the Gospel. The gifts that we are given are to be used to accomplish His purpose. We believe that all parts of the body are equally important and play a vital role in ministry. “God has called us with a Holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began” 2nd Timothy 1:9

Requirements to be Licensed or Ordained:

• Accepted as a member of our fellowship
• Confess our Christian statement of faith
• Share in our ministry values
• Meet our high ethical standards
• Demonstrate a sincere and strong call of God to Christian Ministry
• Pass the theological interviewing of a board of Elders
• Pass both Federal and State Background Checks…for international; Security/Police
  checks…or the equivalent thereof.
  We are a “Distinctly Evangelical Christian Fellowship”. We hold and adhere to Fundamental beliefs from God’s word, the teachings of Christ Jesus and the guidance of the Holy Spirit…as being established and final. We hold to our Statement of Beliefs and Articles of Faith, which are also found in the Bylaws and Articles of Incorporation of Way of the Cross Church Inc.
  We do not recognize (for purposes of membership, licensing, or ordination) any anti-Christian or Quasi-Christian beliefs, fundamentals, organizations or affiliations. For those who are newly accepting of a call from God upon their lives, experienced a lapse of ministry work during their calling, left the faith and church for any reason, or that are deemed necessary by the Bishop and/or Board of Elders…shall be required to hold a License of Ministry for an appointed time (on an individual basis), prior to seeking ordination. “Study to show thyself
  approved unto God, a workman that need not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth”.
• 2nd Timothy 2:15
  Those who are currently active in the 5-Fold Ministry (Ephesians 4:11) and have been so for over a one (1) year period, may be granted Ordination without going through a License of Ministry first. At the recommendation of the Bishop and/or Board of Elders.
  Purpose:
  To provide opportunity to those who have a calling of God to ministry, an avenue to help answer that call and equip for the ministry. Our goal is to foster an environment of brotherhood, encouragement, support and prayer for one another. We provide the opportunity for ministers licensing and ordination through Way of the Cross Church Inc. We believe in unity within the body of Christ and His ministers of the Gospel.
  We do not and will not focus on denominational differences or divisions. We do not allow any proselytization for denominations or beliefs contrary to our articles of faith. We solely focus on Christ and to fulfill His great commission and command of feeding His sheep.

Credentialing Protocol:

All credentials will be approved through Christian Ministers Fellowship International (CMFI) and Way of the Cross Church Inc. (WOC). Way of the Cross Church Inc has the legal authority to issue Licensed Minister certificates and Ordination certificates to approved applicants. Way of the Cross Church is a non-denominational, Full Gospel, Evangelical church. Our beliefs, practices, articles of faith, preaching, teaching, and leadership, are all based solely on God’s Holy Word (The Bible), Jesus’ teachings, and the power and leadership of the Holy Ghost. We do not seek recognition, self-gratification, money, fame, or men’s praise. We seek only God’s will and the Father receiving all praise, honor and glory. We do not seek to draw people by “softening” the Gospel to make it more palatable or lessening our CMFI requirements. We will always lift Jesus high, where all people will be drawn unto Him (John 12:32).

CMFI offers credentials for various roles of Christian Service:
Licensed Minister — Licensing is for persons actively involved in ministry who demonstrate clear evidence of a Divine Call of God on their life and who are purposed to devote their time, talents, and gifts to ministering the Gospel to others through many different avenues.
Ordained Minister — Desired qualities for Ordination are outlined in the New Testament Scriptures (I Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:7-9). In addition, the applicant shall give evidence of maturity in character and spirituality. Ordination is required for administering the sacraments, Holy Communion, Baptisms, and Officiating Weddings. Ordination is mainly for the Five-Fold Ministry; Prophet, Apostle, Teacher, Evangelist, and Pastor.
The applicant must have met all the requirements in making and completing the prescribed application form of Christian Ministers Fellowship International. No person will be ordained into the Ministry until he/she has held a Ministers License while currently engaged in active work as a minister for a period of time (on an individual basis). That time, being sufficient to indicate to the leadership team of CMFI, and confirmation from the Holy Spirit, an overwhelming proof of the calling of God on the person’s life…unless having held ordination and Christian leadership role and responsibilities previously for 1 year or more.
All credentialed ministers will be in good standing with CMFI and Way of the Cross Church Inc (WOC), for a period of one (1) year. Renewal of credentials must be sought by the individual to remain in good standing and be recognized by these two overseeing bodies. Credentials will always be renewed at the annual “Camp Meeting” in each designated location. If a minister is not able to attend “Camp Meeting”, said minister must contact Bishop Davis or their local Elder, to schedule a meeting for renewal, within 2 weeks prior or 2 weeks after “Camp Meeting”. All credentials can be dismissed and invalidated (with or without notice), if the individual fails to renew their credentials and/or notify CMFI & WOC of any changes of information included on their application.
Way of the Cross Church Inc does not provide an umbrella for federal income tax exemption for the local Church as a religious organization. We are a fellowship of sovereign, autonomous local bodies for the purpose of fellowship and spreading the Gospel. To acquire tax-exempt status, you would need to organize your local church under the laws of your respective state/country and make application to the federal government.