Licensing, Ordination
And Association Procedures

Licensing & Ordination

Here you will find information on how to apply for a ministry license or ordination with Restoration Fellowship International, including eligibility, requirements, fees, and the application process.

RFI’s theological position on ministry gifts and church office is explained in a separate article. That article provides the biblical and historical framework that informs our credentialing practices and should be read alongside this page. To read that article:

Hebraic Leadership Paradigms and Pauline Ecclesiology

Who May Apply

Restoration Fellowship International licenses and ordains individuals who are:

Actively engaged in ministry or preparing for recognized ministry service
In good standing with their local congregation or ministry context
Willing to serve within the accountability and fellowship of the RFI association
Committed to ethical conduct, spiritual maturity, and ongoing formation according to the Word of God.

Applicants may include pastors, teachers, chaplains, ministry leaders, and others serving in recognized ministry roles.

Credentials Offered by RFI

Ministry License

A ministry license affirms a call to ministry and authorizes ministerial service under the covering of and accountability to the presiding bishop of RFI or his designated agent, and, if applicable, the local presbytery.

Licensing is appropriate for:

Emerging ministers
Bi-vocational ministers
Those continuing in training or formation
Ministers serving without seeking ordination at this time

Ordination

Ordination is a formal recognition of a mature and proven ministry, affirmed through prayer and the laying on of hands.

Ordination is typically appropriate for:

Experienced ministers
Those serving in pastoral or oversight roles
Ministers whose calling and fruit have been demonstrated over time

RFI recognizes that ministry callings and contexts vary. Each application is reviewed on an individual basis. Further, RFI will receive and recognize ministry credentials from legitimate denominations, associations, or local churches where the applicant continues to serve in good standing.

Educational Considerations

While RFI affirms multiple paths of preparation for ministry, education helps guide credentialing decisions.

As a general guideline:

An Associate’s degree or equivalent experience typically supports licensing
A Bachelor’s degree or higher may support licensing or ordination

Exceptions may be made for seasoned ministers with demonstrated experience and fruit in ministry. Questions regarding your specific situation can be submitted to the RFI office.

How to Apply

Step-by-Step Process

Determine the appropriate credential (License or Ordination)
Complete the RFI application (link to form below)
Submit required fees
Application processing and review by the presiding bishop and executive director
Interview with applicant
Application submitted for review to the RFI presbytery
Approval and issuance of credentials

Applicants may be contacted during the review process for clarification or additional information.

Fees

Application Fee

License application: $25

Ongoing Fees

Biennial license renewal: $100
Ministry or Congregational Association fee: $400

Ordination Service

Costs related to an ordination service (travel, lodging, venue, etc.) vary and are the responsibility of the applicant or hosting congregation.
Ordination services may also be held on the campus of Messiah Congregation in Washington Mills, New York, the headquarters of RFI.

All fees support the administrative, pastoral, and oversight work of RFI.

Renewal & Good Standing

Licensed ministers are expected to:

Maintain active ministry involvement
Remain in ethical and doctrinal good standing
Renew credentials according to RFI’s renewal schedule
Remain accountable within the RFI association

Failure to renew or maintain good standing may result in the revocation of credentials.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a degree to apply?
Formal education is helpful but not the sole factor. Experience, calling, and fruit in ministry are also considered.

Can ministers ordained elsewhere apply?
Yes. RFI may recognize prior ordination and, where appropriate, waive certain requirements after review.

Does licensing or ordination guarantee placement?
No. RFI credentials affirm ministry but do not assign or guarantee ministry positions.

Is RFI hierarchical?
RFI functions as a ministry association providing covering, accountability, and support, not as a centralized governing body. The association is overseen by a Presiding Bishop and Executive Director, in concert with a Board of Directors who also serve as our presbytery.

Final Note

RFI’s approach to licensing and ordination flows from a commitment to Scripture, historic faith, and pastoral wisdom. This page focuses on process and practice. For theological foundations, please refer to our article on ministry gifts and church office, which provides the broader context for these credentials.

“Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”

Matthew 9:37-38

Ministry and Church
Association with Restoration Fellowship International (RFI)

What Association Means

Association with RFI is a voluntary relationship in which a ministry or congregation chooses to walk in fellowship, accountability, and mutual support with Restoration Fellowship International.

Association does not mean loss of local authority or ownership. Each ministry or church remains self-governing, while benefiting from connection, counsel, and shared mission within the RFI fellowship. Linked here is a short explanation of the differences between associations and denominations.

Who May Associate

A ministry or congregation may apply for association if it:

Is committed to the authority of Scripture
Is led by recognized spiritual leadership
Affirms the core faith and mission of RFI
Desires relational accountability and pastoral covering
Operates with integrity, transparency, and ethical leadership

Both established and developing ministries or churches are welcome to apply.

The Association Process

Step 1: Initial Inquiry

The ministry or church contacts RFI to express interest in association. This allows for conversation, clarification, and discernment before any formal application.

Step 2: Application Submission

The ministry or congregation completes an Association Application included in the Articles of Association (below), providing information such as:

Leadership structure
Ministry focus and mission
Statement of faith
Organizational and contact details

This step helps RFI understand the ministry’s calling and context.

Step 3: Review and Conversation

RFI leadership reviews the application and may schedule a conversation with ministry leadership to:

Clarify expectations
Answer questions
Discern mutual alignment

This is relational, not adversarial, and is intended to foster relationship and understanding on both sides.

Step 4: Approval and Association

Upon approval:

The ministry or church is formally recognized as associated with RFI
Leadership enters into a relationship of fellowship and accountability
The ministry may identify itself publicly as Associated with Restoration Fellowship International

Step 5: Ongoing Relationship

Associated ministries are encouraged to:

Maintain communication with RFI leadership
Participate in fellowship, counsel, and shared initiatives as appropriate
Operate in ethical and spiritual good standing

Association is maintained through a biannual association fee, which supports the administrative and pastoral work of RFI.

What Association Provides

Association with RFI offers:

Spiritual covering and pastoral counsel
Relational accountability, not hierarchical control
Connection with a wider network of ministries and leaders
Support for credentialed ministers serving within the ministry
Shared identity and mission within the RFI association

What Association Does Not Require

Association does not require a ministry or church to:

Surrender property or finances
Change its local governance structure
Relinquish pastoral authority
Conform to a rigid institutional model

RFI values local leadership, contextual ministry, and shared trust.

Discernment and Mutual Commitment

Association is entered into prayerfully and may be discontinued by either party if the relationship no longer serves its intended purpose. RFI views association not as a contract, but as a covenantal partnership grounded in trust, mission, and shared faith.