While only the person knows within his/her heart if and to what ministry God calls them, no one is ordained of God just because he or she says that they are ... there are qualifications set forth by God's Word which must be adhered to in order to be recognized as being ordained of God as a Ministry Leader!

One of the main qualifications that we must deal with as an "Internet Based Fellowship" is: "And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves." 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13.

It is difficult to "know" a person whom we have not yet met and to develop a relationship with him/her. Therefore, it is quite important that, as part of the application process, the applicant willingly spends time with the leadership ministers of True Hope Churches & Ministries in order to become mutually acquainted.

Having served as the Executive Secretary of NLCFI, Rev. Timothy Hoflund understands the challenge of surmounting the obstacles of distance and time, but with God's Holy Spirit guiding us we can expect it to be accomplished without much difficulty.

The next qualifications which we deal with are:

• Ephesians 4:11-20
  "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
  For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
  Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ:
  That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
  But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
  From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
  This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,
  Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:
  Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.
  But ye have not so learned Christ;"                    
• • Which of the 5 fold Ministry you are called into: Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor, Teacher
  • Your understanding God's Purpose of His Whole Ministry
  • Your understanding God's Purpose of the specific ministry role
  • Your having a proper frame of mind/attitude
  • Your manner of lifestyle & motivations
• 1 Timothy 3:1-7
  "This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.
  A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;
  Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;
  One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;
  (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)
  Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.
  Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil."
• • Correct understanding of the "power" of the office/position
  • Free from accusation of wrong doing (principles of forgiveness)
  • Singularly married - married to a woman vs.. married to women (not a bigamist/polygamist)
  • Lifestyle qualifications
  • Motivation qualifications
  • Home life qualifications
  • Level of spiritual maturity ... danger of pride and consequences.
  • Social reputation - integrity

Qualifications will be dealt with further during the actual application process, however these are brought to light here for a couple of reasons:

First, to establish that, unlike other internet channels, True Hope Churches & Ministries are not a "papers mill" or a "credentials factory" but we are a ministry of God's Word and God's Work. We do not issue credentials for the purpose of giving someone a source of income as a "Marriage Ministry" or any other dubious, self serving purposes.

If you are wanting ministry credentials for any other reasons besides the purposes of God as defined in His Word, please apply elsewhere!

If however, you are convinced that God calls you and ordains you as a Minister of the Gospel, then you will most likely be quite gratified by applying with True Hope Churches & Ministries.

Second, we at True Hope Churches & Ministries have a special concern for those who have once answered God's call of Ministry but through the course of life have suffered failures or set backs in marriage, morals or money but who have experienced God's corrective and restorative processes and are seeking to once again fulfill God's purposes for their lives in ministry.

• What about "Special Circumstances"?  Click here

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