Affiliation

Associate License

An Associate License is recommended for new ministers who are Spirit-filled, living a holy life and are in the process of proving his/her calling and are ministering under the supervision of an appointed RPI ordained minister.  Those holding an Associate License may minister freely throughout our fellowship, but may not hold an office, nor vote in business sessions.

Qualifications

• Be baptized in water by full immersion
• Be filled with the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in other tongues
• Possess clear evidence of a call
• Provide three satisfactory references
• Complete an application
• Complete additional course of study as defined by the RPI Education and Credential Committees or show evidence of equivalent ministerial training
• Be approved by the RPI board
• Must have read the Bible through in its entirety

General License

Applicant must hold an Associate License for two years unless waived by the RPI board.  They may minister freely throughout our fellowship.  The applicant must be in full agreement with the RPI doctrinal statement.  This individual may not hold an office but is free to vote.

Qualifications

• Be baptized in water by full immersion
• Be filled with the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in other tongues
• Possess an Associate License for two years
• Provide three satisfactory references
• Demonstrate clear evidence of an anointed ministry
• Complete additional course of study as defined by the RPI Education and Credential Committees or show evidence of equivalent ministerial training
• Be approved by the RPI board
• Must have read the Bible through in its entirety

General Ordination

Applicant must hold a General License for two years unless waived by the RPI board.  They may minister freely throughout our fellowship.  This individual may be considered for election to an office in RPI and may vote in business sessions.  Ordination is reserved for those ministers who have proven themselves through faithful and successful service to the body of Christ in the capacity of pastor, evangelist or teacher.  Past or present ordinations may be considered by the RPI board in establishing ministerial credentials with our fellowship.

Qualifications

• Be baptized in water by full immersion
• Be filled with the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in other tongues
• Possess a General License for two years
• Provide three satisfactory references
• Demonstrate clear evidence of an anointed ministry
• Demonstrate a proven record of faithful, seasoned ministry
• Complete additional course of study as  defined by the RPI Education and Credential Committees or show evidence of equivalent ministerial training
• Be approved by the RPI board
• Must have read the Bible through its entirety

Emeritus Status

Ministers who have served the Lord actively and honorably but cannot continue to do so due to health, age or another legitimate reason may request to be deemed Honorably Inactive by the General Board.  This will be known as "Emeritus Status." Upon receiving Emeritus Status, these ministers will retain their ministerial credentials and full voting privileges, but may not hold official office in RPI.  Emeritus ministers are required to maintain some form of financial support to the fellowship and abide within the criteria required by RPI to be considered in good standing.  They shall be held in highest esteem for their service in the Kingdom of God and to our fellowship, in particular.

Inactive Status of Ministers and Churches

A minister holding credentials of any kind with RPI, or an RPI affiliate church may be moved to an Inactive Status for the following reasons:

• If dues or financial contributions are not received according to set deadlines
• If he/she does not respond to contact initiated by his/her presbyter at least once per quarter
• If it is deemed that a minister is not actively involved in regular, credible ministerial activity
• If an affiliate RPI church has ceased to hold regular services, or an RPI church or ministry becomes involved in unscriptural or unethical practices or beliefs.

Affiliating Churches

Churches desiring to establish closer ties of fellowship may apply for either Associate Membership or Full Membership.  Churches can join the RPI fellowship by voting in an official business meeting of their church or by the expressed will of the Pastor.  We require that the church agree by a majority of its voting members in good standing, if there is no Pastor.  The RPI board reserves the right to deny applications or remove a church from its membership rolls.  The same judicial process used for RPI ministers applies to churches as well.  All affiliate churches are required to financially support RPI on a monthly basis, as they are able.

Affiliating Ministries

RPI endorses legitimate ministries that do not fall under the category of churches and licensed and ordained ministers.  These ministries must meet the same requirements, as do Associate Membership Churches and Ministers.  However, these ministries are not required to hold license or ordination with RPI.  These ministries will enjoy the endorsement of our fellowship as long as they remain in good standing and continue to meet the standards of membership.
Affiliating ministries may be represented in business meetings by a chosen delegate, and are granted voting privileges.  These delegates must be filled with the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in other tongues and be living a consistent, holy life.  Ministry delegates are subject to the approval by the general board of RPI and must be on record with RPI at least two weeks prior to any RPI meetings in which they vote.

Associate Membership

Associate Membership is an introductory affiliation intended to encourage Christian fellowship and to promote joint outreach efforts.  The pastor of this church is required to hold license or ordination with RPI.  Associate membership churches are Spirit-filled assemblies that teach holy living, demonstrate good stewardship, and promote Pentecostal worship.  Associate membership churches may be represented in business meetings by the pastor or a substitute delegate, and are granted voting privileges.  Church delegates must be filled with the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in other tongues and be living a consistent, holy life.  Church delegates are subject to the approval of the general board of RPI and must be on record with RPI at least two weeks prior to any RPI meetings in which they vote.

Full Membership

Full membership is extended to those churches fully subscribing to the RPI statement of faith and bylaws, and whose pastor holds either a General License or General Ordination with our organization.  Full membership churches are Spirit-filled, teach holy living, demonstrate good stewardship, and promote Pentecostal worship.  This church is allowed to choose one delegate to represent them, in addition to the pastor, and is granted voting privileges.  This delegate must be filled with the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in other tongues and be living a consistent, holy life.  Church delegates are subject to the approval of the general board of RPI and must be on record with RPI at least two weeks prior to any RPI meetings in which they vote.