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How does a church become a part of AFI?
It is our desire to establish lasting relationships with local churches. This is not accomplished without fellowship and much prayer. The Executive Council of AFI views the relationship of a local church to the network as that of a marriage. Like any good marriage there needs to be a time of engagement before the commitment.
Engagement – an affiliated relationship with AFI
This is a period of up to12 months to build relationships and a time for the local church and the Executive Council to determine if a covenant commitment is the will of the Lord. During this time the Executive Council will recognize and credential the pastor and elders of the local church for a period of one year. There will be no requirement of financial support or involvement other than what is done voluntarily by the affiliated church. The Executive Council is committed to serve this local church in the same manner it would any covenanted AFI church.
Marriage – a covenant relationship with AFI
The Executive Council, by virtue of the gifting of Christ, the Head of the Church, has the responsibility to serve the local church by seeking the mind of the Lord on matters relating to revelation and ordination of five-fold ministries and elders; doctrine; discipline; and any other matters as presented by the local church for Council consideration and decision.
It is the desire of the Executive Council that each related church be visited at least twice a year by an apostle, prophet or translocal ministry team. When a request is made by the local leadership to the Council for ministry, every effort will be made for a timely response.
It is also the desire of the Executive Council that each covenanted church express their commitment by tithing to AFI since it is their storehouse and the place where a related church receives spiritual and relational covering. These tithes are used to support the translocal ministry of AFI. In addition some pastors and overseeing elders who receive a salary from the local church choose to tithe to AFI from that salary.
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