Our Story

MFI-EA STORY

HISTORY

Ministers Fellowship international(MFI)

Ministers Fellowship International East Africa (MFI-EA)

Began in its earliest form in 1988 under the leadership of missionaries Lew and Marion Peterson. This was at a time of the formation of what is now known as Life Church. As an affiliate organization of MFI, it has the same vision and values in serving pastors and church leaders in their calling of building strong churches in East AfricaIt has had many highlights during its history, and has served its purpose well. We believe that we are on the verge of some more significant breakthrough in bringing about a whole new level of effectiveness. A key to this is an understanding of the vision and values of MFI-EA, and a commitment to the Fellowship and to each other in fulfilling the work of the kingdom of God.

Ministers Fellowship international(MFI)in America began as an organization in 1987 in response to a pressing need among pastors and leaders of independent churches for a sense of covering, accountability, identity and connection. Pastor Dick Iverson, who at the time was the pastor of Bible Temple (now Manna House) in Portland, USA, was meeting many pastors and church leaders who felt like that were alone. They had a distinct vision, a common value system and doctrinal distinctives that were compatible, but apart from joining traditional denomination, there was no vehicle through which they could associate with other like –minded leaders. In response to this cry, MFI was established. It was an independent corporation set up for sole purpose of linking ministers to ministers. It was established distinctly to provide for the strengthening of ministers all the while maintaining a high regard for the autonomy of every local church

  • MFI-EA PURPOSE

Ministers Fellowship International East Africa (MFI-EA) exists to facilitate and nurture meaningful relationships among member ministers, equipping and enabling them to be more effective in their calling, for the purpose of building and multiplying strong local churches in E.A.

MFI-EA PHILOSOPHY

MFIEA is not a fellowship of churches – it is a fellowship of pastors

Members are ministers of like vision and doctrine voluntarily associate themselves for the purpose of fellowship, encouragement, vision, equipping and strength.

MFIEA has strong convictions regarding the autonomy of the Local church. 

These underlying convictions affect everything that MFIEA does and they serve as a guide to every policy that it establishes. One of its strong foundations is the conviction that every local church is an autonomous organisation. That means that every church is to be self governing, self supporting, and self propagating. MFIEA is a catalyst to bring pastors and church leaders together in meaningful relationship that do not violate the structural integrity and authority of each local church.

MFI-EA recognizes the need that ministers have for a sense of spiritual family and identity

There is a need to be part of a vision greater than oneself. There is a need for committed relationships with like minded ministers who can be a strength and resource to them in time of need. MFIEA is just that for many pastors and leaders. When ministers come, they find new friends, spiritual brothers and sisters who feel the same need. They enter into a relationship where they can watch over one another in a loving and caring way. They also become part of a world-wide vision that continues to grow into the future.

FOUNDATIONS FOR COMMITMENT

The Bible makes it very clear that if two are going to walk together, there must be an underlying agreement (Amos 3:3). If people are going to come into a covenant relationship that is genuine and meaningful, there must be a strong foundation for that relationship to be built upon. Covenant relationship in MFI-EA is built upon four pillars:

A commitment to Christ like character is essential if those who are  associated with MFEA are going to represent Christ’s ministry effectively to the world. This means that MFEA stands for the principle of servant leadership that is demonstrated by personal integrity, moral purity, financial responsibility and ethical standards of Christian conduct.

A commitment to a common vision is essential if those who are associated with MFEA are going to be able to build a unified expression of Christ’s Church on the earth today. Unity of vision and direction, commonality of goals and purpose and even the affirmation of biblical principles and methods form a foundation upon which we can all build
together

A commitment to a common interpretation of the scripture as it relates to basic doctrinal areas (i.e. God, Christ, man, sin etc.), the eternal purpose of God, the place of the Church in God’s plan and the overall structure and government of the local church is critical if we are to effectively contribute to one another’s success.

A commitment to be our “brother’s keeper” in a tangible way is the byproduct of the other three pillars. A covenant relationship is a commitment to not only be concerned about one’s own affairs but to also be genuinely concerned about the affairs of the other members of the Fellowship (Phil. 2:3- 4). It is a commitment to the personal success of the other members of the other members and a willingness to lay our lives down to see that accomplished.

BENEFITS:

MFI-EA benefits the pastor and the church leadership in the following practical ways:

  • Help establish meaningful covenant relationships with like-minded leaders.
  • Provides an atmosphere for personal refreshing and a renewed vision.
  • Encourages and gives practical help in growing ministry gifting and leadership skills.
  • Encourages and provides practical resources for churches that are healthy, growing and
    overflowing
  • Provides resources to grow personally.
  • Provides a sense of covering and accountability
  • Give each member minister a sense of connection to a larger family network and a worldwide vision through its parent organization, Minister’s Fellowship International, based in Portland, Oregon, U.S.A.
  •  In some cases, give legal status to local independent churches.

CORE VALUES

From Gods perspective, there is only one church. It includes all believers all over the world who have entered into a personal relationship with God through faith. Yet within the family of God as a whole, there are smaller groups of churches (people and leaders) that God has brought together based on a common vision which make them in some ways distinct from other. Each of these groups has a unique set of characteristics based on a common heritage, spiritual belief system, values, and focus.
 
These characteristics give each group an identity that in some (or many) ways will be different from other groups. They serve to unite the members (pastors and churches) and protect the vision that God has given them. They also give guidelines and direction. It is a goal of MFIEA that careful following of these will help in building churches all over East Africa that are HEALTHY, GROWING, AND OVERFLOWING!
 
What are some of the Values and distinctives held by those who are apart of ministers fellowship East Africa? Here are some of the most important:

While we all reorganize and understand that the larger body of Christ encompasses all believers, it is through the local church that all of the plans and purposes of God are going to be demonstrated and fulfilled. Every believer must find himself or herself in right relationship to God and to a specific local church in order to find a place of ministry and fruitfulness. The church is Gods instrument to extend his kingdom in the earth today.
 
We believe that the function and ministry of the church is to build and extend the kingdom of God. The church, which is composed of both Jew and gentile, is God’s instrument in the earth to establish God’s rule and his reign. The church is the instrument; the kingdom is the message. If the church is going to fulfill its God given calling, it must reclaim its primary function of bringing the lost to Christ and extending the borders of Gods kingdom until the glory of the lord covers the earth.
 Matt 16:18-19, Ephesians 3:10-11, Ephesians 1:22-23, Ephesians 5:25-27.

We believe that God has a plan and pattern for government in the local church. We refer to this as team ministry or an “eldership management” form of government with a lead pastor or chief elder. The elders are the servant leaders of the local assembly who are responsible before God to build up and equip the members of the church to be able to function in their God-ordained callings.
The church that restricts itself to only one leader will be severely hampered in its growth because its health and growth depends on the ability and vision of one person rather than the leadership team that God intends there to be.1 Peter 5:1-4 Ephesians 4:11-12

We believe that both personal and corporate prayers are absolutely essential for the church to succeed. The New Testament church was birthed in prayer. It continued steadfast in prayer and bathed all of its activities and ministries in prayer.
Acts 2:42 Acts 4:23-31

We believe that the pattern for New Testament worship is found in the scriptures and is described in the Psalms. It is demonstrative worship that is characterized by the biblical expressions of singing, clapping, shouting, dancing, lifting hands, as well as bowing and kneeling. Worship is not performance or display for others, but it is ministering to God from the heart. We believe in singing songs that have been proven over time to be edifying, but also believe in encouraging new expressions and songs birthed by the spirit.
Psalms 150, John 4:23, Ephesians 5:18-20, Colossians 3:16

We believe that prophecy and the ministry of the Prophet are to be fully operational in the church today. We do not accept that this and other ministries were to be confined to an “apostolic age” but they are to be fully activated until the physical return of Christ. Romans 12:6, 1 Cor 12:28-29; 14:3-5, Hebrews 6:1-2

We believe that, at the same time God is restoring His church, He is also restoring the natural family to its proper place and function. God is in the process of healing marriages, strengthening parents, and teaching men and women more about their God-given roles. He is doing this because He wants to use a godly seed in this generation to rise up and destroy the works of the wicked one.

Malachi 4:5-6, Ephesians 5:22- 33; 6:1-4, 1 Peter 3:7

We believe that the early church focused on two important expressions of its assembly life. There were the corporate gatherings that were vital for the equipping of the saints and corporate expressions of prayer and worship. In addition, there was ministry from house to house for the sake of fellowship, relationship, nurture, and evangelism. If the church today is going to be successful in its ministry to the world and to itself, both expressions must be cultivated. As churches become healthy and grow, this becomes an essential way for the people to build meaningful relationships and be pastored at a personal level.Acts 2:46; Acts 10:24-25; Philemon 2

We believe that all the ministries given by Christ to the church (including apostles,  return of Christ. All of these ministries are needed if the body of Christ is to be properly equipped and the church is to be properly built up. The primary purpose of these ministries is not to do the work themselves, but to it is to equip and train other believers. This is how a church can grow much more rapidly in a healthy manner. Ephesians 4:11-12; Philippians 4:9; 2 Timothy 2:3s).

We believe that the gifts of the Spirit are to be fully operational, and should be desired, sought after, and evidenced in every church. Their purpose is not for themselves, but to build up the church and the kingdom of God –that is, people both inside and outside the church.
Romans 12:6-8; 1 Cor 12:4-11; Ephesians 4:13-16.

We believe that every local church should be inclusive and actively seek to minister to all kinds of people regardless of age (children, youth, adults, aged), gender, and ethnic origins (tribe), race, and social and economic standing (the poor and the rich, the outcast and the elite). Each local church should reflect the makeup of the community within which it is located. Acts 10:34; Galatians 3:28; Revelations 7:9

We believe we have been given the commission by Christ to grow the Church by its members bringing people to the Lord. It begins at home and extends to the community, city, district, and the entire world. We believe that part of this mission should be the establishing of local churches in every community in every country.
Matthew 28:19-20 Acts 1:8

We believe that five-fold ministers are to be servant leaders that equip and release every member of the local congregation to function in their God-ordained ministry (again, with the understanding of using their spiritual gifts inside and outside the walls of the church). The failure of many ministers is that they think only in terms of rising up church leaders rather than becoming salt and light to the world by rising up leaders in every segment of society. The key to being a church that is an instrument of influence and transformation in this society is successful people in every walk of life that understand their calling and purpose.
Matt 5:13-16; 1 Corinthians 1:26-31

Overline

Cultural relevance

Every minister needs to be able to gain new perspective on what is happening in their church. In our rapidly changing culture, there is a need to be aware of current trends and how to respond. This requires a willingness to make changes. There needs to be a constant heart to evaluate, to move forward and to raise the standard in every area: the way we do things, the condition of our buildings and equipment, and our strategizing. The church that fails to do this will become stagnant and irrelevant, and will not grow.
John 17:18; 1 Corinthians 9:2
 
MFI-EA is not a denomination. It is a fellowship of pastors and other church leaders. For this reason, MFI-EA does not credential ministries, hold church properties or maintain a central mission board. All of these are functions of the local Church. MFI-EA exists for the support of local church ministries and their churches.
The church of Jesus Christ is the last instrument that God is using to extend His Kingdom prior to the second coming of Christ (Ephesians 3:10; Matthew 16:18; Ephesians 1 :20-23). It is the purpose of this Fellowship to maintain the integrity of each local church, the violation of any of the following limitations will be grounds for the dissolving of this Fellowship.
• Because each church is self-governing, this fellowship will not govern local churches.
• Because each church is self-supporting, this Fellowship will not be responsible for financial support of local churches or their ministries, but may support ministry and personnel necessary for the operation of the Fellowship.
• Because each church is self-propagating, this Fellowship will not organizationally perform the local church’s ministry of evangelism, education, training, missions, or planting churches through it may voluntarily contribute to such.
 
The biblical form of church government is a plurality of elders (i.e. more than one) with a Lead Pastor or chief elder all of whom quality on the basis of 1 Timothy 3 in spiritual life, character, domestic life and ruling ability. Oversight of the church should not be in the hands of one man, nor should it be under any other group of people. Eldership Government consists solely of the Lead Pastor and the elders who serve with him or her. (1 Peter 5:1-4)
MFI-EA is committed to the training and releasing of the whole body of Christ. The function of elders is to equip believers (Eph 4:11-16). They are God’s gifts to serve the members rather than having the members serve them. At the same time, every believer in Christ must be subject to God’s authority in a specific local church for spiritual protection and long term fruitfulness (Hebrews 13:17)

MEMBERSHIP
MFI-EA is not for everyone. It is not for ministers who already have this kind of spiritual connection and covering through other like organizations. It is for pastors and ordained and licensed ministries who feel a need for and do not have this kind of connection. Because of a high regard for the importance and autonomy of the local church, the senior/lead pastor is the door through which others of his church leaders may come into the fellowship. All prospective members must be under the authority and covering of a local church eldership and must be sponsored into membership by their senior/lead pastor who is already a member.

What is the process of joining MFI-EA? Here are the Steps:

1. Sponsor

A senior pastor member or a member of the Apostolic Leadership Team
(ALT) must be willing to sponsor a person into the Fellowship based on their personal
relationship to them and knowledge of their personal character and their work.

2. Application

An official application must be completed and returned to the MFI-EA office

3. Questionnaire

 An extensive questionnaire must be completed and returned to the MFI-EA office.

4. Conference attendance

Each prospective member must attend one of the MFI-EA
sponsored conferences.

5. Interview 

Applicants must make themselves available for a personal interview with two members of the ALT.

6. Final Approval

The ALT makes the final approval of all applicants who have completed the membership process. New members receive an official letter of acceptance and a certificate. In addition, they are received into formal membership at an annual conference.