THE FELLOWSHIP

Assimilation - Ministers or ministries that have been independent ministries and have no alignment with an apostolic ministry or network.

Ministers or ministries that have pre-existing alignments with apostolic ministry or networks but feel led to align with IIAF.

 

THE FUNCTION

• Activation

• Provide spiritual alignment to ministers and ministries.

• Provide a safe place of fellowship for ministry leaders.

• Provide ministry resources that will strengthen leaders in their ministry to the body.

• Assist with ministry governance and guidance.

• Activate and Assist with strategies for advancing the Kingdom in a region.

• Activate and Impart spiritual gifts individually and corporately.

• Assist in planting, adopting, and strengthening of revival hubs, ministries, churches and individual ministers.

 

THE FAMILY

Relational Governance - This is not about an organization; this is about mobilization. We must unite and advance as a family of believers that is mutually submitted to God and one another. IIAF adheres to a five-fold model of governance with the apostolic and prophetic ministries as the foundations.
 

Romans 12:5-6 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.
 

Ephesians 2:19-20 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;

Ephesians 4:11-12 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the equipping of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

The word for equipping is derived from the root word katartidzo meaning to join together or align.

kat-ar-tid'-zo;  from G2596 and a derivative of G739; to complete thoroughly, i.e. repair (literally or figuratively) or adjust: —fit, frame, mend, (make) perfectly join together, prepare, restore.

When the body is properly aligned, the joints can effectively supply one another mobilizing the body of Christ and advancing the Kingdom.

Ephesians 4:16 From whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. (ESV)

 

2 LEVELS OF ALIGNMENT

We offer two unique levels of involvement and alignment with Impact International Apostolic Fellowship/Ryan LeStrange Ministries. We value apostolic relationships and the powerful effect that they have in expanding and releasing Kingdom ministry.

1. IIAF- Junior Member.  A minister who has aligned with IIAF to receive apostolic counsel, instruction and impartation. These members are loosely aligned and may be in fellowship with a variety of other networks but receive a measure of strength from IIAF. They will be invited to gatherings and receive teaching from the IIAF leaders. They are required to pay an annual membership fee of $99.00 and are encouraged to sow as they can and as God directs. 

2. IIAF- Senior Member. A minister who is fully aligned with IIAF as the primary apostolic voice in their life & ministry. This individual is considered a son or daughter of the senior Apostle. They are eligible for commissioning/ ordination and their ministry is apostolically aligned with IIAF and the ministry of Apostle Ryan LeStrange. They will receive teaching, invitations to events, personal counsel/advice from Apostle LeStrange or key team members as needed. They are expected to support IIAF events and RLM events as they can. In addition to the $99.00 annual membership fee, churches/ministries aligned with IIAF are expected to sow a portion of their increase into the Fellowship as recognition of their apostolic relationship. Ministers are expected to sow monthly from their ministries into IIAF. 

 

FINANCES

Financial support communicates both honor and covenant. The Apostle Paul admonished the giving of the Philippian church (Phil. 4) as they supported his apostolic assignment. Ministerial relationships and honor should empower tithing and giving. As God joins people together in the mission, He also joins them together in giving and receiving. (Specific financial policies are outlined for each level of alignment).

 

ORDINATION/COMMISSIONING

One of the Apostolic Functions of IIAF is the licensing, ordination, commissioning and apostolic sending of ministers. Apostolic leaders recognize and affirm various gifts and offices by the leading of The Lord.

 

The following is the procedure for ordination/commissioning:

 

• A request is made by the individual desiring ordination/commissioning.

• The candidate may be interviewed by a member or director of IIAF.

• Once all requirements are satisfactorily met, the candidate will receive a signed certificate of ordination.

 

QUALIFICATIONS

IIAF believes that the candidate for ordination/commissioning must fulfill the qualifications as outlined in 1 Timothy chapter three in terms of maturity and character.

 

• Must be actively pursuing the ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ.

• Must demonstrate a call to the ministry consistent with the need for ordination as a minister.

• Must have completed training in a Bible College, School of Ministry, Seminary or other proven institute. A waiver will be considered if the applicant has at least two years of experience in ministry. The applicant must be able to prove leadership experience and submit supporting documents to IIAF staff.

• Must be active in a local church/ministry.

• Ordination is holy and constitutes a validation of the individual’s ministry by a governing body.  Relationship with IIAF and its leaders is key.

• Should the applicant not meet the criteria for ordination at the time of application, it is possible that a ministerial licensing may be awarded for a period of one year.  The applicant may resubmit application for ordination at the end of that year.

• Ordination/Commissioning is a privilege subject to annual evaluation and may be revoked at any time should it be deemed appropriate.

       

*IIAF does assist in the restoration of ministers who were previously ordained and are in the process of restoration. This must be communicated to the offices of IIAF. A thorough discovery of what the problem was and the pathway of restoration will be made. A transparent attitude and contrite heart are vital to the process of restoration.

 

ETHICS, CHARACTER & COVENANT

One component of Apostolic alignment is oversight and biblical submission. Apostles bring correction when there is a breach of biblical character/ethics. Paul was very clear that one of the expectations of a leader is godly character:

 

1 Tim. 3:1-2 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

 

An in-depth examination of this chapter finds the Apostle Paul bringing major emphasis on the character and conduct of those in the ministry. It is vital that we strive to maintain godly character and integrity. At times of crisis and mistakes, restoration is always the goal (Gal. 6) but the standard is the Word. IIAF is committed to establishing ministers/ministries of integrity and will take disciplinary action when necessary.

 

CODE OF ETHICS

IIAF shall practice and maintain the highest standards of biblical conduct and ethics in the ministry of Christian leadership.  Each member will be accountable for his/her God-given ministries.  The accountability is through voluntary acceptance and practice of the principles and procedures expressed in 1 Timothy chapter three.

 

DISCIPLINARY DECLARATION

Any formal complaints submitted against IIAF members must be of importance to bring to the Director of IIAF. Should a fellow member of the IIAF, or a member of the general public believe an IIAF member is in violation of good Christian behavior, then they should contact the IIAF administrative offices immediately. Complaints must be in writing and must be signed by the individual submitting the complaint. Additionally, the individual who is filing the complaint must provide the IIAF with their address and working phone number. Anonymous complaints are not accepted. (Mt. 18:35) The complaint must be submitted within 180 days /6 months of the member’s alleged violation or unethical behavior. (Mt. 18:35)

 

Areas Requiring Disciplinary Actions

• Heresy

• Conduct that violates biblical principles

• Unwillingness to comply with IIAF code of ethics

• Choosing not to support IIAF with financial support

• Failure to maintain adequate records of ministry

• Immoral or alternative sexual behavior that’s not biblically based

 

DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURE

The member will be notified in writing regarding the complaint and will be required to respond in writing within 30 days of receipt.  The matter will be evaluated by an Ethics Committee and/or the IIAF Executive.

 

If it is determined that further investigation of the complaint is warranted, IIAF will appoint a multi-member committee to serve as the Ethics Committee to review the matter and make a determination regarding the necessary action.  The member will be notified in writing of the final decision/action that has been determined.

 

The member against whom the complaint has been registered is expected to provide full and honest cooperation with the Ethics Committee and/or IIAF Executive.  Failure to do so will result in immediate revocation of all privileges held with IIAF.

At any time during the investigative process, the member may elect to resign their membership and relinquish any credentials awarded by IIAF or positions held with IIAF.  This will result in the matter being mutually resolved.  The member is immediately required to cease any advertising or inference of affiliation or relationship with IIAF.

 

Should discipline necessitate revocation of a member’s ordination and/or membership, IIAF shall notify the member in writing.  Upon receipt of this notification, the member is required to immediately return all certificates or licenses awarded by IIAF.  Additionally, the member is required to immediately cease any advertising or inference of affiliation or relationship with IIAF.

 

Notice

Acceptance of membership with IIAF is a pledge to abide by these covenant principles.  IIAF Officers reserve the right to deny membership or ordination to any individual as well as the right to revoke membership at their discretion.