FAQ: I’ve been a member since _______ , am I still in “Good Standing”?
FAQ: I’m a Lifetime Member, I received my certificate back in _______ , is my ordination still good?
Answer: Being “Ordained” and being “In Good Standing” are two separate issues. In many States now within the United States and many Nations in Africa and Asia require both in certain instances.
Many governments or licensing agencies require the minister to be in “Communion” with their parent or covering “church” or “ministry” or “organization”. Communion is typically defined as: having and maintaining regular contact and participation with, and being current with the parent, home, or covering organization.
In addition, in some instances it is further required that the minister be “Ordained” in order to carry out certain functions such as Pastor, Plant, Minister a church. Ordination is typically defined as: Being recognized as authorized by the covering organization to perform rites and responsibilities according to their faith or belief.
So, by definition, it is possible that you are ordained, but not in good standing.
As we apply our understanding of “Ordination” it is a public recognition of the anointing God has placed on one’s life to do what it is he is called to do. This anointing can only be removed or altered by God, and as such, it is the anointed one’s responsibility to do with it what He is called to.
Recognizing one’s anointing and “Ordaining” them for it, is something we do in the service of our Lord and for the support of His ministries that He is calling His Ministers to.
Our responsibility however goes farther. We, as the covering authority, recognizing the calling, anointing, and ordination, are required to keep records and attest to the character, content, and authority of each of our members. This is both a legal and spiritual obligation on our part.
So, there are a few (3) obligations on your part. Meeting these obligations keep the member in “Good Standing” which keeps them current, rostered, and therefore “Authorized” to do ministry under the covering of UNTCI…
Accountability
Accountable: each member is required to maintain current and up-to-date records with “Home Office” that include contact information, current ministry activity, and education. It is the member’s responsibility to ensure accurate changes are made in a timely manner, with an annual records “audit” completed annually whether changes were made or not.
Activity
Active: each member is required to actively support the Fellowship, both corporately and on a personal level. This is accomplished through communicating – thought, studied opinion, encouragement, ideas, activities, and prayers. We do this through our Social Media Sites maintained on Facebook.com: UNTCI’s (our church and Fellowship) main page https://www.facebook.com/untci & TECU’s (our seminary) main page https://www.facebook.com/tecu.alumni/ ; Praying – through our Network of Prayer Warriors closed / private group https://www.facebook.com/groups/UNTCINetwordOfPrayerWarriors/ we pray for one another and ask for prayer so that the entire community is lifted, and supported Commenting – on the various “news” and “informational” posts that are made to the Fellowship via our website www.untci.org; Participating – by viewing, commenting, even sharing our Live Streaming events; Fellowship – either by internet or in person, if you find yourself in the area of one of your fellow Ekklesia stop in, take an interest, come together under God for the good of His Fellowship and Church.
Benevolence
Benevolent: generosity and mercy are the outward signs of the true and faithful love of a Christian. This ministry is completely dependent upon the Grace, Love, and Providence of our God, and therefore by extension, you, the member. We rely wholly on Him, and the Love of His Faithful here in this ministry in order to provide what we are called to provide for His that are called into mission, and ministry in the places they are outside the influence of the mainline church, independent and “free indeed”. Our calling is to “equip the called” and cover them by the church in order they may work in the world. Ordained members of this ministry, in order to maintain their “Rostered” and “In Good Standing” credentials must be benevolent on a regular basis. Regular or “lay” membership, which allows access to the community, support, and educational programs, requires benevolence at least annually.
To renew, rejoin, or stay current, simply send us an email outlining your request ie “update my records” or “keeping current” or “I need to renew” with your full contact information to: untci.tecu@gmail.com
Home Office will check your records, bring them current as necessary, ensure you’ve been both active and benevolent, then issue you current credentials as necessary.