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The possession of ministry credentials is both empowerment and enablement for you to fulfill the work God has called you to. 

As a credential holder with CFN Network, the benefits granted to you can look like:

• Tax benefits for those employed in ministry.
• Credentials offer you the ability to administer sacraments (weddings, funerals).
• Credentials offer you the ability to access certain ministry opportunities, such as ministering in prisons and in hospitals.
• Increased credibility by identifying with a 70-year-old international ministry with proven integrity.
• Support, encouragement and assistance from those with like vision and calling.
• Upon retirement, the IRS allows credentialed ministers of all established church denominations to declare a housing allowance on distributions from their 403(b) retirement accounts. 

 The CFN Network offers two types of credentials; a Minister’s License or Ordination.  

We define eligibility for licensing or ordination as follows: 

LICENSE 

A License to Minister is granted to the candidate who has demonstrated in their  application process a call to ministry and the kind of character growth and  development that will be required in ministry.  Holding a Minister’s License helps open the door for you to go out and function, learn,  grow, and begin bearing fruit in your ministry. This is the standard “first step” with pastoral and evangelistic ministry, administration of the ordinances of the Church, and to solemnize marriage vows in conformity with the laws of the state.  

ORDINATION 

Ordination is granted to either the candidate who has held an active Minister’s License for  at least 2 years preceding the application OR to the candidate who possesses at least 5  years of senior level church leadership experience (senior pastor, executive pastor,  director, full-time pastor, etc.), in addition to the qualifications as outlined in the New  Testament scriptures (1 Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:7-9). 

An application for new credentials with the CFN Network is divided into 4 steps: 

1. Submission 

You must fill out our CFN Network Application Form online. 

During this application, we ask for  thoughtful answers, and accurate contact information. Be prepared to also provide a pastoral contact that may be contacted to issue a recommendation on your behalf. You may save this application and your answers as you go in the event you decide to not  complete it all at once. At the end of your application form submission, you will also complete the payment for your application. 

2. Recommendation  

With the pastoral contact you provided; we will send your contact a recommendation form on  your behalf. Kindly partner with us in this process by informing your recommender that we will  be reaching out. Only upon receiving your recommendation from your pastoral recommender  will you be eligible to move onto the next step of an interview. 

3. Interview 

The final step for your approval is an interview hosted by a member of our Spiritual  Leadership. This interview will review your application submission and the pastoral  recommendation we received. The Spiritual Leader conducting your interview has all  discretion to approve or deny your application. 

4. Celebration 

If approved for your credentials, you will be contacted with the details to prepare you for our  Celebration Ceremony. Celebration Ceremonies are hosted in either early December or early  May. 

During this ceremony, you will be issued a certificate recognizing your credential, as well  as a membership card. This ceremony encompasses a time of prayer, worship, and word to  celebrate this new chapter in your life. It is the expectation of the CFN Network that every  member makes every effort possible to be physically present for the Credentials Service 

We have two seasons in which we open up applications: 

For the Fall term, applications must be completed by the first week of November in order to be credentialed for the December Credential Celebration. 

For the Spring term, applications must be completed by the first week of April in order to be credentialed for the May Credential Celebration.

No! You do not need to be a CFNI graduate or alumni in order to apply for credentials with the CFN Network. 

First time candidate for credentials: $238.50 ($138.50 credential + $100 application fee)

Annual Credential Renewal: $138.50  

Annual Spousal Credential Renewal (only if both are members of the Network): $230.00

Upgrading to ordination from license: $238.50 ($138.50 credential + $100 upgrade fee) 

Reinstatement of lapsed credentials: $238.50 ($138.50 credential + $100 reinstatement fee) 

During the Credential Celebration, CFN Network issues a certificate recognizing the status of its ministerial members, as well as a wallet-sized identification card (with an expiration date) verifying their ministerial and membership status.  

These items verify that you, as a minister, are recognized by and are affiliated with an organization that has national and international scope. 

 The Credential Celebration is a dynamic and powerful night where we solemnize your new  membership status into the Network and celebrate this new season in your calling.  

You will be able to meet fellow Network members, participate in a time of worship and word, as well as receive one-on-one prayer from our Spiritual Leadership. 

You will also receive your credential documents (certificate and card) as we take a moment to honor and recognize each new incoming member. 

The Credential Celebration is hosted twice a year in either early December or early May here in Dallas, Texas. Official dates to be confirmed at the Network's discretion.

All applicants are expected to attend this marking moment of prayer, word, and worship, unless under extenuating circumstances.  

The CFN Network is not responsible for applicant travel and accommodation.

Credentials are valid for 1 year, and must be renewed annually to maintain your licensed or  ordained status.  

Renewal deadlines are either December 1st or May 31st, according to the respective season in which the member was initially credentialed (i.e., if you were licensed in May 2024, you will need to renew by May 31st, 2025).  

No; although we expect every member to make every effort to come to the Credential Celebration as the officialization of their membership status, in the event you need to possess your credentials beforehand, please contact our office so we can assist you. 

If you do not renew your credentials by the renewal deadline, you will be assessed a $100 fee on top of the cost of your renewal, up to 3 months after expiration. 

Credentials that have been lapsed for more than 3 months are subject to reinstatement application. 

Credentials that have been lapsed for more than 1 year are subject to a reinstatement application and a new interview with one of our Spiritual Leaders. 

If you are currently credentialed with the CFN Network and have held a Minister's License for at least 2 years, you may apply for an ordination upgrade as follows:

1. Submission  

You must submit your upgrade to ordination form through THIS LINK.  

Upon submission of your form, our office will contact you regarding the status of your upgrade. Another interview is not required for the upgrade.  

2. Celebration  

Once approved for your upgrade, you will be contacted with the details to prepare you for the  Credential Celebration in either December or May. Although attendance is not required, we strongly encourage you to attend as this will be a moment of blessing with the laying of hands and prophetic prayer as you step into this new season as an ordained minister. Should you be unable to attend, please inform our office so that we can coordinate getting your credential documents sent to you.   

*Upgrade to ordination only eligible for current CFN Network members that have maintained an active license for at least 2 years preceding their application for upgrade.  

Upgrade Cost:  

Credential ($138.50) + Upgrade Fee ($100) - $238.50 

If you have already obtained your credentials with the CFN Network, then you can complete your annual credential renewal as follows: 

1. Submission 

You must submit your credential renewal form through either THIS LINK, or you can request a  mail-in form. Please provide accurate contact information in this form so may have the most  up-to-date way to reach you if you needed. At the end of the renewal form, you will also  submit your payment to finalize your renewal. 

2. Receiving your card 

Once you have submitted your credential renewal form, our office will produce your new,  updated membership card and mail it to the address you provided in your renewal form.  Please provide an accurate address so your card reaches you.  

Renewal Costs: 

Annual Credential Renewal - $138.50

Annual Spousal Renewal* - $230.00 

*For couples where both are active members of the CFN Network 

If your credentials with the CFN Network have lapsed (a.k.a., credentials that have not been renewed 3 months past the expiration date), you will need to reinstate your credentials according to the steps below:

1. Submission  

You must submit your upgrade to ordination form through THIS LINK. Upon submission of your form, our office will contact you regarding the status of your  reinstatement, and if needed, to schedule an interview with one of our Spiritual Leaders. 

2. Receiving your card  

Once you have submitted your reinstatement form, our office will produce your new, updated membership card and mail it to the address you provided in your renewal form.   Please provide an accurate address so your card reaches you. 

Reinstatement Cost:

Credential ($138.50) + Reinstatement fee ($100) - $238.50

The CFN Network has an exclusive benefit to credential holders of our Emmanuel Retreat apartment. Located on CFNI's campus, the purpose of this apartment is to offer our members a place to refresh, reset, and seek the Lord.

When you are a credentialed member of the CFN Network, you are allotted a 3-night stay per year at the Emmanuel Retreat. There is an additional cleaning fee of $60 to support the care and maintenance of the apartment for guests to come. 

Should you desire accommodation that exceeds 3 nights, this will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Please contact the CFN Network office directly for availability.

Yes! Although walk-ins are welcomed, we strongly encourage you to schedule an appointment with us to ensure that we are best prepared to welcome you and give you our undivided attention.