International Ministerial Fellowship

What International Ministerial Fellowship does

International Ministerial Fellowship (IMF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit religious organization founded in 1958 and headquartered in Excelsior, Minnesota, that provides ecclesiastical credentialing, endorsement, and support services to Christian ministers, chaplains, missionaries, and churches. The organization operates across five core service lines: ministry credentialing (Ordained, Licensed, Commissioned, and Certified Christian Worker tiers at $150-$245 annually), chaplaincy endorsement for military and civilian settings (including federal recognition for DoD, VA, and Bureau of Prisons), mission sending agency services for 50+ missionaries ($50/month plus 10% of contributions), Clinical Pastoral Education via partnership with CPEI, and the Alliance Church Initiative connecting 15 partner congregations across denominational lines.

IMF's technology stack is administrative rather than proprietary, relying on Formstack for membership applications, Kindful for donation processing, and standard web/social platforms for member engagement. Its business model combines subscription-style annual membership dues, transaction-based fees on missionary support flows, designated donations (Global Pastors, Chaplain Commitments, IMF Cares), and tiered monthly giving clubs ranging from $15 to $1,000. Distribution occurs through direct website application, an Alliance Church referral network, and strategic partnerships with organizations including YWAM, Bridges for Peace, and theological seminaries. The organization reports serving 10,000+ ministry individuals, including 1,600+ credentialed members, 550+ chaplains, and 50+ missionaries across 50 states and 30 nations, with a stated vision to scale to 100,000 Christ-centered leaders globally.

Name

International Ministerial Fellowship

Legal name

International Ministerial Fellowship

Website

https://www.imfserves.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1958

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

International Ministerial Fellowship is a 501(c)(3) non-profit founded in 1958 that provides ecclesiastical credentialing, chaplaincy endorsement, mission sending services, and pastoral support to Christian ministers, chaplains, missionaries, and churches across 50 states and 30 nations.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Ecclesiastical Credentialing Services

NAICS

Religious Organizations (8131)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Denominational & Ecclesiastical Governance Bodies (Dioceses, Synods, Conferences) (BPAGAJAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Ministerial Training Institutes (Clergy Formation) (EDAHAKAE), Faith-Based & Mission Service Programs (EDAIAGAI)

Keywords

• Ministerial credentialing services
• Ecclesiastical endorsement
• Chaplain endorsement agency
• Mission sending agency
• Clergy fellowship services

Headquarters

HQ city

Excelsior

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Member Donations and Tithes: IMF is supported almost exclusively by its members through monthly Faith Promise giving. Members select a giving club as part of the application process and contribute monthly as a part of their tithe. Giving clubs range from $15 to $1,000 monthly.
2. Membership Dues and Fees: IMF collects annual membership fees from credentialed ministers and churches. Fees vary by credential level: Ordained Minister ($245/year), Licensed Minister ($225/year), Commissioned Minister ($225/year), Certified Christian Worker ($150/year), Associate Member ($170/year), and Alliance Church ($295/year). Application fee is $140 (non-refundable).
3. Missionary Administrative Fees: IMF charges missionaries a $50 monthly blanket fee plus 10% of contributions processed through IMF. These fees are typically deducted from support funds received.
4. Missionary Donations: IMF processes donations for agency missionaries, receiving contributions from donors and disbursing funds to missionaries after deducting administrative fees. Hostile area missionaries use account numbers for privacy protection.
5. Designated Giving Programs: IMF receives designated donations for specific purposes including Global Pastors fund, Chaplain Commitments, Alliance Church Commitments, and IMF Cares Fund. General Fund donations support IMF's vision to equip 100,000 Christ-centered leaders worldwide.
6. CPE Training Fees: IMF partners with Clinical Pastoral Education International (CPEI) to offer Clinical Pastoral Education training. Tuition and fees are processed through CPEI upon registration. The CPE program includes four units totaling 1,600 hours.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels12 records

Core offering

International Ministerial Fellowship provides ecclesiastical credentialing, ordination, and chaplaincy endorsement services for Christian ministers, chaplains, and missionaries. It also operates as a mission sending agency processing donations for missionaries and offers the Alliance Church partnership program for whole-church affiliation, the Global Pastors international credentialing program, and Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) training in partnership with CPEI.

Product overview

International Ministerial Fellowship is a non-profit religious organization offering a comprehensive platform of ministerial support services rather than a technology product. The core offerings center on ecclesiastical credentialing and endorsing services across multiple ministry contexts: ministry leadership credentialing (Ordained, Licensed, Commissioned Ministers, Christian Workers), chaplaincy endorsement (military and civilian), and mission sending agency services. Additional offerings include the Clinical Pastoral Education program (in partnership with CPEI), the Alliance Church Initiative for church partnerships, the Global Pastors program for international pastor support, and the Unscripted with IMF podcast. Supporting services include the IMF Cares emergency fund, 403(b)(9) retirement program (via Mutual of America), and various giving mechanisms through the Kindful platform. The organization operates as a 501(c)(3) non-profit serving over 10,000 members including 550+ chaplains and 50+ missionaries across 50 states and 30 nations.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• IMF Service Station: Podcast brand featuring 'Unscripted with IMF' podcast offering real stories of faith and practical encouragement for ministers.

Products and services

• Ministry Credentialing Services Multi-tier ecclesiastical credentialing including Ordained Minister ($245/year), Licensed Minister ($225/year), Special Ministry License, Commissioned Minister, Certified Christian Worker ($150/year), and Associate Member for non-credentialed individuals. Credentials authorize members to perform sacerdotal services across local church and para-church contexts.
• Chaplaincy Endorsement Services Ecclesiastical endorsement for chaplains serving in the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, VA, healthcare, correctional, police, fire, EMS, and other civilian settings, plus support toward Board Certified Chaplain (BCC) certification. Required for federal and institutional chaplaincy employment.
• Mission Sending Agency Services Comprehensive missionary agency support including donation processing, personalized online giving pages through Kindful, fundraising campaigns, donor management, professional newsletter services, and ministerial credentials for missionaries serving domestically and internationally. Missionaries pay a $50/month fee plus 10% of processed contributions.
• Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) Program Four-unit CPE program (1,600 hours total) delivered in partnership with Clinical Pastoral Education International (CPEI). Units cover Foundations of Pastoral Care, Deepening Self-awareness, Integration of Theory and Practice, and Advanced Pastoral Care and Leadership, with a Supervisory Education track for aspiring CPE Supervisors-Educators.
• IMF Alliance Church Initiative Partnership program for local churches across denominational lines providing spiritual covering, ordination services, pastoral support, church consulting, retirement planning through a 403(b)(9) program, and access to a peer network of church leaders. Membership is $295/year plus 1% of annual church income, with a 20% discount on dues for Alliance Church staff who join IMF individually.
• Global Pastors Program International credentialing, accredited theological training, and support program for pastors in underserved regions. Includes Bibles, teaching resources, and ongoing support through regional hubs. Currently active in Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rawanda, and Uganda, with a stated goal to empower 10,000 pastors across 20 countries.
• IMF Cares Fund Emergency assistance fund providing crisis and hardship support for IMF members and their families, funded by designated donations through the General Fund.
• 403(b)(9) Retirement Program Retirement savings program for Alliance Church staff teams, administered in partnership with Mutual of America. Provides churches with a 403(b)(9) retirement plan option for pastoral staff.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 10,000 individuals in ministry served, including over 550 chaplains and 50+ missionaries
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers19 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Clinical Pastoral Education International (CPEI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIMF partners with Clinical Pastoral Education International to offer CPE training to IMF members. CPEI is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC). IMF serves as an affiliate offering access to CPEI's clinical learning program that provides 1,600 hours of training across four units.
• National Association of Evangelicals (NAE)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIMF is affiliated with the National Association of Evangelicals, a major evangelical alliance in the United States that provides resources, advocacy, and networking for evangelical organizations and churches.
• Evangelicals Chaplains Commission (ECC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIMF holds membership in the Evangelicals Chaplains Commission, which provides endorsement and support for chaplains in various settings including military, healthcare, and correctional institutions.
• Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIMF is accredited by the ECFA, which provides accreditation for Christian nonprofit organizations that demonstrate financial accountability and transparency in their operations.
• Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCPEI, IMF's partner for Clinical Pastoral Education, is accredited by the DEAC, a recognized accrediting commission for distance education programs.
• Baptist Haiti MissionminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBaptist Haiti Mission is a strategic partner focused on mission work in Haiti, collaborating with IMF on mission initiatives.
• Bridges For PeaceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBridges For Peace is an international Christian organization focused on Israel-related ministry. IMF supports members who work with or are associated with Bridges For Peace.
• Columbia International UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerColumbia International University is an evangelical Christian university. IMF may refer members for theological education or collaborate on educational initiatives.
• Ethiopian Assemblies of GodminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEthiopian Assemblies of God is a strategic partner for IMF's global mission initiatives in Ethiopia, supporting credentialing and training for pastors in the region.
• Erskine Theological SeminaryminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerErskine Theological Seminary is a strategic partner providing theological education resources and collaboration opportunities for IMF members.
• The Master's InstituteminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Master's Institute is a strategic partner for theological training and education, supporting IMF's credentialing and development programs.
• World Hope Ministries InternationalminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWorld Hope Ministries International is a strategic partner for mission work, collaborating with IMF on global ministry initiatives and supporting shared mission objectives.
• National Institute of Christian Leadership (NICL)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNICL provides leadership training and development resources that complement IMF's ministry leadership services and credentialing programs.
• Spiritual Care AssociationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Spiritual Care Association provides professional development and certification resources for chaplains, supporting IMF's chaplaincy credentialing services.
• Hope HarborminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHope Harbor is a strategic partner providing support services for IMF members, particularly in the Minnesota region.
• Resting PlaceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerResting Place ministry is a strategic partner supporting IMF's mission work and providing resources for ministry members.
• Mutual of AmericaminorOthersIMF works with Mutual of America to provide retirement planning services to members through the IMF 403(b)(9) retirement program. Members can contact Logan Kiltie at Mutual of America for retirement account setup and management.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Pioneers: An interdenominational mission-sending agency focused on church planting among unreached peoples, with a similar member-care model to IMF's mission agency. Strongly comparable to IMF's Global Pastors and missionary agency functions, though focused exclusively on the sending side rather than credentialing.
• SEND International: An interdenominational evangelical mission agency that recruits, trains, and sends missionaries with administrative support and donor-disbursement infrastructure similar to IMF's mission agency. Highly comparable as a peer mission-sending organization, though IMF layers ecclesiastical credentialing on top.
• Christian and Missionary Alliance: An evangelical denomination whose core identity combines ministerial credentialing with international missions sending — very close functional analog to IMF's combined credentialing + mission agency + Global Pastors model, though still denominationally structured.

Emerging players

• Acts 29 Network: A church-planting network that provides assessment, credentialing, and pastoral coaching to member churches, with a similar Alliance Church-style affiliation model to IMF. Comparable as a membership-based pastoral credentialing and church-affiliation network, though focused on church planting rather than chaplaincy or missions.

Broad incumbents

• Church of God (Cleveland, TN): A Pentecostal denomination with ordained and licensed minister credentials, a missions department (Church of God World Missions), and chaplaincy endorsement services. Comparable to IMF's integrated ministerial credentialing + missions + chaplaincy offering.
• Church of the Nazarene: A global Wesleyan-Holiness denomination with district board-issued ministerial credentials, a missionary-sending structure (Church of the Nazarene Missions), and chaplaincy support. Comparable to IMF in providing an end-to-end credentialing + missions + chaplaincy stack, though denominationally governed.
• Foursquare Church: A Pentecostal denomination with licensed and ordained minister credentials, district chaplaincy endorsement, and international missions sending through Foursquare Missions International. Comparable to IMF as an integrated credentialing/missions/chaplaincy provider within a defined ecclesiastical tradition.
• Wesleyan Church: A holiness denomination with ordained and licensed minister credentials, district-endorsed chaplains, and global missions sending through Global Partners. Comparable to IMF's full credentialing + chaplaincy + missions stack within an established ecclesiastical structure.
• General Council of the Assemblies of God: The largest Pentecostal denomination in the US, with its own district-level credentialing system for ordained and licensed ministers and a Global Missions sending agency. Directly comparable to IMF as an ecclesiastical credentialing and endorsing body, but vastly larger and denominationally specific rather than interdenominational.
• Evangelical Free Church of America: An evangelical denomination with a credentialed minister process, district chaplaincy endorsement, and global mission sending through EFCA ReachGlobal. Comparable to IMF as a credentialing + missions + chaplaincy organization, though denominationally anchored.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xinstagram.com/IMFServes
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@imfserves/featured
• Facebookfacebook.com/IMFserves
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/international-ministerial-fellowship

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about International Ministerial Fellowship