Supporting and uniting ministers of the gospel of Jesus Christ in their work of the ministry
The Fellowship of Evangelical Ministers (FOFEM) is an extension of Liberty World Ministries, founded in the late 1990s by Dr. Duane F. Steeves. FOFEM exists to support and unite ministers of the gospel of Jesus Christ in their work of the ministry—providing ordination, accountability, pastoral care, resources, and fellowship.
Whether you're a pastor leading a local church, an evangelist reaching the lost, a missionary on the field, a teacher equipping believers, or a prophet speaking God's word, FOFEM offers credentialing and support that enables you to fulfill your calling with confidence and accountability.
"It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up." - Ephesians 4:11-12
FOFEM serves ministers through three primary functions:
Providing ordination and licensing for ministers, giving legal recognition and spiritual covering for ministry work including weddings, funerals, and chaplaincy.
Maintaining doctrinal alignment, character standards, and ministry integrity through pastoral care meetings, annual reports, and a network of trusted ministers.
Providing pastoral care, prayer, encouragement, training resources, conference opportunities, and a fellowship network for ministers in the trenches of ministry.
FOFEM membership is open to qualified ministers who meet our requirements and align with our theological positions:
| Ministers Ordained with Liberty World Ministries | Graduates of Sozo Bible College or Liberty World Bible College who have been ordained automatically qualify for FOFEM membership |
| Ministers from Other Bible Colleges | We accept properly vetted ministers who graduated from other accredited Bible colleges or seminaries |
| Ministers Already Ordained Elsewhere | We welcome ministers properly ordained through other organizations who desire fellowship and accountability with Liberty World Ministries |
| Requirements | All applicants must meet age requirements, demonstrate godly character, show ministry experience, complete application and interview process, and receive board approval |
Important: All applicants are properly vetted through our application process, which includes references, background checks, interviews, and board approval by trusted pastors filled with the Holy Spirit.
FOFEM offers different levels of credentialing to accommodate various stages of ministry development:
Licensed ministers are those beginning in ministry or developing their calling. Licensing provides:
Ordained ministers have demonstrated mature calling and character. Full ordination provides:
FOFEM recognizes and ordains ministers in the five-fold ministry gifts described in Ephesians 4:11, as well as specialized ministry roles:
Affiliation Without Ordination: Ministers can be affiliated with FOFEM without being ordained—for example, those in training, ministry support roles, or seeking fellowship before pursuing credentials.
Becoming ordained through FOFEM is a meaningful process that recognizes God's call on your life while ensuring you're equipped and accountable for ministry:
For specific details about the ordination process, requirements, and application procedures, please contact FOFEM leadership at lbrtywrld@gmail.com or call (604) 825-0195.
FOFEM membership offers comprehensive support for your ministry journey:
| Ordination Credentials & Certificates | Official ordination credentials, updated annually with membership dues |
| Accountability Structure | Pastoral care meetings, annual reports, communication network for maintaining integrity and doctrinal alignment |
| Pastoral Support & Encouragement | Prayer support, pastoral care from leadership, encouragement during difficult seasons |
| Training & Continuing Education | Access to training resources, recommended continuing education opportunities (not mandatory but encouraged) |
| Network & Fellowship | Connection with other ordained ministers, gatherings for prayer and fellowship, shared ministry experiences |
| Legal Covering | Note: Individual legal covering must be obtained separately; FOFEM provides credentials but not legal liability coverage |
| Clergy Tax Benefits | Official clergy status for tax purposes (housing allowance, ministerial expenses, etc.) |
| Ministry Resources | Teaching materials, curriculum, ministry tools available to credentialed ministers |
| Conference Opportunities | Discounts on Liberty World conferences, special events for FOFEM members |
| Credibility & Recognition | Recognized credentials giving authority and credibility in ministry contexts |
| Legal Authority | Perform weddings, funerals, baptisms, communion, and other ministerial functions |
FOFEM is blessed to credential and support ministers serving across Canada and around the world. We are proud to stand with each one in their calling.
Over the years there have been more than 30 ministers and ministries, many volunteers and associates who have served faithfully under this fellowship. We apologise that we are not able to name, honour, and thank them all for their service to the Lord — but for a more complete listing please visit our Ministers Registry.
We honour these faithful servants of God who carried their calling well and have now entered into His presence. Their legacy lives on in the lives they touched for the Kingdom.
FOFEM takes accountability seriously, maintaining high standards while providing supportive restoration when needed:
| Annual Reports | Required - submit ministry activity and updates yearly |
| Doctrinal Alignment | Required - maintain agreement with our statement of faith |
| Membership Dues | Required - to maintain credentialing cards and updates |
| Pastoral Care Meetings | Required - attend fellowship and accountability gatherings |
| Continuing Education | Recommended (not mandatory) - encouraged to pursue ongoing training |
FOFEM maintains accountability through multiple channels:
If a minister falls into sin or doctrinal error, FOFEM responds with redemptive discipline:
"Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted." - Galatians 6:1
FOFEM ministers affirm the same 11-point statement of faith as Life Centre Church, ensuring doctrinal unity across Liberty World Ministries:
Baptism in the Holy Spirit: Required for FOFEM ministers. We believe in Spirit-filled ministry with manifestation of spiritual gifts as described in 1 Corinthians 12-14. We also hold other theological recommendations that guide our ministry practice.
FOFEM integrates with all four areas of Liberty World Ministries, providing credentialing and support across our organizational structure:
| Sozo Bible College | Graduates of Sozo are eligible for ordination but not automatically ordained - they must apply and meet requirements. FOFEM provides the credential pathway for trained ministers. |
| Life Centre Church | Church leaders are part of FOFEM, ensuring pastoral oversight is properly credentialed and accountable. |
| World Missions | Missionaries are usually ordained through FOFEM (with some exceptions), giving them credentials for international ministry work. |
| Counseling Centre | Counselors are not always ordained, but presently the counseling directors are ordained FOFEM ministers. |
FOFEM provides comprehensive support that enables effective ministry:
Official credentials give authority and legitimacy in ministry contexts
Perform weddings, funerals, baptisms, and other ministerial functions
Official clergy status for housing allowance and ministerial expenses
Fellowship with like-minded ministers for encouragement and collaboration
Trusted relationships ensuring integrity and spiritual health
Access to teaching materials, curriculum, and ministry development tools
Discounts and priority access to Liberty World conferences and special events
Leadership support, prayer coverage, and care during difficult ministry seasons
FOFEM is overseen by experienced ministers who provide direction, approve ordinations, and care for credentialed ministers:
Rev. Joseph O. Bauché - Primary Oversight
Rev. Bauché oversees FOFEM operations and approves all ordinations. As President and CEO of Liberty World Ministries, he ensures FOFEM maintains integrity and serves ministers effectively.
Rev. Troy Gagliardi - Co-Leadership
Rev. Gagliardi serves alongside Rev. Bauché in leading FOFEM, providing wisdom, counsel, and support to credentialed ministers.
FOFEM operates with a board of pastors and trusted men of God filled with the Holy Spirit who serve as Deacons and provide oversight.
Board Functions:
FOFEM serves ministers across Canada and internationally:
| Canada-Wide | Yes - FOFEM credentials recognized across all Canadian provinces and territories |
| International | Yes - We ordain and support ministers serving in multiple countries |
| Ministers in Other Countries | Yes - Currently have FOFEM ministers serving in Philippines, India, Pakistan, Mexico, and other nations |
| International Recognition | Working on it - We are building relationships for broader international credential recognition |
Founded: Late 1990s by Dr. Duane F. Steeves
Dr. Steeves recognized the need for ministers to have proper credentialing, accountability, and fellowship. He established FOFEM as an extension of Liberty World Ministries to provide these essential supports to gospel ministers. Over the years, FOFEM has ordained numerous ministers who have faithfully served the body of Christ.
Vision for Growth: As the Lord leads. FOFEM does not pursue growth for growth's sake, but trusts God to bring the ministers He wants to credential and support through this fellowship. Our expansion plans and target size are directed by the Holy Spirit's leading, not human ambition.
"Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain." - Psalm 127:1
Space reserved for future testimonies from FOFEM ministers about the impact of credentialing, accountability, and fellowship on their ministry.
Check back soon for stories of how FOFEM has supported ministers in fulfilling their calling!
If you sense God's call to ministry and desire the credibility, accountability, and support that FOFEM provides, we invite you to explore membership.
For ordination information, application procedures, or questions about FOFEM membership:
Email: lbrtywrld@gmail.com
Phone: 604-825-0195
Mail: Liberty World Ministries / FOFEM
Langley Township, British Columbia, Canada
Our full application is now available online. The process includes your personal testimony, ministry background, references, and a brief statement of faith. Applications are reviewed by the FOFEM board and you will be contacted for a follow-up interview.
Begin Your ApplicationTakes approximately 20–30 minutes — save and return anytime
FOFEM exists to serve you—the minister on the front lines of Kingdom work. Whether you're pastoring a church, preaching the gospel, teaching believers, planting churches overseas, or serving in specialized ministry, FOFEM provides the credentialing, accountability, resources, and fellowship you need to fulfill your calling with confidence and integrity. We believe in you, we're praying for you, and we're here to support you every step of the way. Join the Fellowship of Evangelical Ministers and be part of a network of ministers united in spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ!