What We Offer
Credentialing
The IMA provides appropriate licensure that corresponds with ministers’ individual needs, experience, and situation.
Exhorter — One who is a beginner in ministry. (See bylaws Article 1 Section 3:1.a.) Exhorters are required by policy to receive minimal religious training or pastoral mentoring, pursuant to the by-laws Article 1 Section 3:1.a (4), before changing their licensing level.
Licensed Minister — Any minister who is not ordained who has been qualified to perform sacerdotal duties. (See bylaws Article 1 Section 3:1.b.)
Ordained — One who is ordained, to perform sacerdotal duties, with supporting valid documentation of date and place of ordination submitted with the application. (See bylaws Article 1 Section 3:1.c.) The IMA accepts ordinations from other associations and individual churches that are in the United States.
Additional credentialing options are available for missionaries and seniors.
Active Missionaries — An active missionary is a foreign missionary who spends the majority of their time in the country in which the mission endeavor is located. In order to be eligible for this certification the missionary must be physically involved on the mission field without secular employment or employment in a local church or religious organization.
Seniors — A Senior Member who is 65 or older and is not a pastor.
Covering
The primary expression of the IMA is in a local church — whether at home or on the missions field. As a members-first non-profit association, we are able to provide Federal Exemption coverage to the US-based local churches of our members. Local Churches led by IMA-member Pastors may apply for their church to become an Affiliate Church — recognized by the IRS under the IMA's 501c3 Group Coverage. The purpose of this coverage is for Federal Tax Exemption only, giving member churches the ability to receive tax-deductible donations.
Conferences
Fellowship, relationship, and resources are vital to the overall health and wellbeing of any minister. The IMA exists to provide these offerings to all its members. Our annual National Conference connects ministers of “like precious faith” and allows opportunities for networking and idea-sharing as well as a retreat for spiritual refreshing. We choose proven, tested speakers with our members’ needs in mind. Our goal is to facilitate a three-day event that leaves our member ministers feeling empowered, renewed, and refocused.
Our District Conferences also provide opportunities for connection and collaboration. These region-specific events allow for more tailored approaches to local settings.
“No man is an island entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent,
a part of the main…”
John Donne | 1624
Benefits of IMA Membership
Growth by serving on boards
Relate to greater body of Christ
Receive help in church or ministry difficulty when requested
A true sense of accountability based on mutual respect and honor
Identify with ministers from across the country and around the world
Great spiritual fellowship amongst ministers
An association, not a denomination
Active Districts in place across the USA
General Board models servant leadership
Very reasonable financial dues
Strong emphasis on support to missions
Blanket IRS coverage for churches and ministers
Annual convention held at various locations
The Bible regarded as the inspired Word of God
Loving legacy of honor
Associate with ministerial colleagues
National and local conferences
Camaraderie with soldiers of Christ
A staffed, competent Home Office
Support when facing difficulties
Networking of ministries
Encouragement for gospel outreach
Exclusive IRS coverage
Structure, yet freedom
Sharing gifts and talents
Grow with folks you know
Informative monthly newsletter
Support for district leadership
It’s time. Join the IMA.
Member Application Process
Familiarize yourself with the IMA By-Laws/Constitution and Doctrinal Statement to ensure alignment and agreement.
Download the Member Application Packet, complete, and mail with supporting documentation, picture, and payment to IMA Home Office. -OR-
Click the link below to fill out online application.District Chairman reviews the Application for approval
Once approved, membership materials will be sent to the member's mailing address as provided on the application.
Individual Membership
Exhorter - $150 annually
Licensed Minister - $250 annually
Ordained Minister - $275 annually
ADDITIONAL FEE ACCOMMODATIONS:
Active Missionaries - $150 annually
Senior - $150 annually
(Please note: Missionary and Golden Ager (65+) status grants a $150 annual flat rate for membership, independent of Credential Level)
Church Affiliation
Church Renewal Fees are based on average weekly attendance:
Less than 100 people: $175 annually
100-249 people: $250 annually
250-499 people: $300 annually
500-1000 people: $350 annually
1000+ people: $400 annually
Constitution, Bylaws, Beliefs
Member Renewals
Licensure Levels
The IMA is an association made up of member ministers. Ministers must renew their membership annually (due January 1st each year). Any member wishing to change their license level must re-apply for that level.
1. Exhorter - One who is a beginner in ministry. (See bylaws Article 1 Section 3:1.a). Exhorters are required by policy to receive religious training or pastoral mentoring, pursuant to the by-laws Article 1 Section 3:1.a (4), before changing their licensing level.
2. Licensed Minister - Any minister who is not ordained who has been qualified to perform sacerdotal duties. (See bylaws Article 1 Section 3:1.b)
3. Ordained Minister - One who is ordained to perform sacerdotal duties, with supporting valid documentation of date and place of ordination submitted with the application. (See bylaws Article 1 Section 3:1.c) The IMA accepts ordinations from other associations and individual churches that are in the United States.
Membership fees
Following the 3 licensure levels, the fees are as follows:
1. Exhorter - $150 annual fee
2. Licensed Minister - $250 annual fee
3. Ordained Minister - $275 annual fee.
Additional Fee Accommodations:
1. Active Missionaries - $150 annual fee. An active missionary is a foreign missionary who spends the majority of their time in the country where the mission endeavor is located. In order to be eligible for the reduced fee the missionary must be physically involved on the mission field without secular employment or employment in a local church or religious organization.
2. Golden Ager - $150 annual fee. A Senior Citizen/Golden Ager (our term) who is 65 or older and is not a pastor. Pastors of churches pay the full fee of an Ordained or Licensed Minister regardless of age. In order to receive the reduced fee the applicant must not be the pastor of a church.
Associated Church Renewals
Local churches
The primary expression of the IMA is in a local church - whether at home or on the missions field. As a members-first non-profit association, we are able to provide Federal Exemption coverage to the US-based local churches of our members. Church Renewal Forms and Fees are due January 1st of each year. Failure to submit forms within ninety (90) days of the due date will result in the resignation of your Affiliated Church Status and may require an application for reinstatement.
Church Renewal Fees are based on average weekly attendance:
1. Less than 100 people: $175 annual fee.
2. 100-249 people: $250 annual fee.
3. 250-499 people: $300 annual fee.
4. 500-1000 people: $350 annual fee.
5. 1000+ people: $400 annual fee.