Louisiana

Chaplains

CHAPLAIN FELLOWSHIP MINISTRIES LOUISIANA

Frequently Asked Questions

By Chief Chaplain Bruce Francis and Master Chaplain Jim Moore

Q. Is CFMLA a mail order ministry? No, all membership is by application only. Chaplain Fellowship Ministries a Convention of Faith Based Christian Churches, ministries, foreign missions, chaplain programs and independent chaplains, ministers, pastors, and priest who fellowship and mutually assist each other using the Internet and any other source we may find to serve as an Evangelism tool. Our governing board of directors are here to qualify, equip, and recognize those seeking Chaplain & Minister endorsement, Certification and Ordination.

Q. Will my ordination be accepted as Legal? YES. In almost all Christian countries around the world and in all of the 50 within the United States. The ordinations presented from CFMLA has been accepted worldwide. However, some denominations outside of the CFMLA structure may not recognize your ordination. That is up to their individual Church or Ministry policies, not God's.

Q. What are the CFMLA Requirements for Ordination? The first step is submitting a completely answered application for ordination, along with the requirements of identification. We are required to have proof of whom you are. Two letters of reference from someone that knows you and your efforts to help others, and a resume detailing your work in the ministry, community or what you would like to do to help others, along with the required application fee. Include copies of any documents and ministerial experience you may have.

Q. Can I join even if I have no interests in becoming ordained? Yes, There are some who have no desire to become a chaplain, or do not feel they have been called to enter into the ministry. They instead become members of Chaplain Fellowship Ministries Louisiana as a way to help support the work. You may want to join so you can take the courses we offer through our Bible Institute. Ordination is not Mandatory to be a member of the CFMLA.

Q. How long will the ordination application process take? We take this as a serious calling from our Lord Jesus, and take all necessary steps to bring in qualified applicants. The total process could just take a couple of weeks or up to a month. Bear in mind that most denominations can require months or even years before an ordination is approved. The ordination process is reviewed by Senior Staff Members.

Q. How old does one have to be to become an ordained chaplain or minister? 18, or the age of majority in your state or country. Our standard at CFMLA is that you must be 18 years of age and will have to submit proof of this along with your initial application.

Q. Do we ordain Women? Yes. We are all of one spirit in the body of Jesus Christ. No place in the O.T. or N.T. makes any distinction that there is a difference.

Q. May I as a minister or chaplain perform counseling without a license? Generally, yes. Ministers may perform marriage, individual, and family counseling of a religious nature, as may be limited by the laws of the land. We always suggest that you check the laws in your State.

Q. May a minister or chaplain charges a fee for counseling? Depends, it is part of the job of a pastor. The counselee may make a donation or a love offering may be given.

Q. What services am I allowed to perform as a Minister or Chaplain? Anointing the Sick, Marriage, Reconciliation of a Penitent, Lord's Supper, Baptism, Confirmation, Funerals Foot Washing and other rites as allowed by scripture.

Q. What is your denominational covering and Spiritual authority? To answer this question directly and in all truthfulness - We must state; the hand of man did not create us. Our reason for being, and authority to exist comes from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who raised up this ministry, and who covers this ministry, which is answerable to Him. We owe our existence not to Man or a denomination - but by the direct work of the Living Head of the Church of whom all power and authority exists.

Q. Is CFMLA recognized by other denominations? This is a question that we love to answer and we would advise everyone to think about the question itself. The answer is probably not! That should not be shocking in its answer, because any denominational Church or Ministry only recognizes itself and not others. For example: If you have been issued credentials by the Presbyterian Church - those credentials are NOT recognized in the Baptist, Catholic or other Denominational Churches. That is a bold but truthful statement as the CFMLA is not about denominationalism, which without any doubt divides the Body of Christ instead of uniting it. Affiliation with the CFMLA means that you stand with us in core essential Christian Doctrines as outlined in our statement of beliefs. As an Independent Chaplain and minister you are free to operate your Ministry in any way the LORD himself may lead you, NOT any denomination which is of man.

There are those in the CFMLA that have been called to start "physical Churches" and there are others called to Street Ministries, many called to serve as Chaplains, others are prayer warriors, some minister to the handicapped, nursing homes, worship ministries, home cell churches, or prison Ministries.

Q. As a minister or chaplain, what tax-exempt privileges am I allowed? Generally, none. See your local CPA or tax expert. For additional information, please see publication 517 - Social Security and Other information for Members of the Clergy and Religious workers. www.irs.gov. It is the responsibility of each individual member to keep accurate records and report to the proper authorities.

Information on this site is provided for informational purposes and is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own lawyer or CPA. It is not intended to be legal advice in any way or form. This site is meant to be used as a reference work only, which may or may not help you make informed decisions concerning your church. It is not to be used in replacement of or as a substitute for a lawyer or CPA. As always, you should seek the counsel of a competent lawyer or CPA. The authors and or publishers are not responsible for any legal repercussions, adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of any of the information discussed in this site.