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Date Posted: 07:22:25 05/22/06 Mon
Author: Brother Steve - UCMI
Author Host/IP: 216.241.128.171
Subject: Re: Support for UCMI
In reply to: Tom Donoho 's message, "Re: Support for UCMI" on 19:12:10 05/21/06 Sun

Hello Tom,
I see many misunderstandings in this thread of posts. Perhaps I should shed some light on some of these. First of all it is now civil law in 25% of the states that a minister needs to be in communion with the covering body for their licensure to be accepted as legal. This is the reason for the annual report, as well as helping UCMI to keep its records current. In addition to this fact is the other part of this same civil law which states that a licensed minister must be "a regular supporting member" of their covering body for the licensure to be accepted as being legal. I think this explains the request for regular giving quite fully. This giving is also a biblical point which UCMI must take seriously.

Now on to other misunderstandings. The UCA, UCCA and the Institute are all separate entities. They all serve to the same end but they are all separate from UCMI. What church does anyone know of that is "supported" through the sale of one thing or another?? All churches receive their finance through their member's giving and gifts. If one purchases a study or a certificate these are purchases and not any form of giving in support. You got something for your money. DO not classify this the same as giving.

The final point I wish to clarify is the statement that UCMI "does not offer tangible service to its membership". I guess that ministerial licensure and ordination are not seen as any form of tangible service? What about all the letters and phone calls UCMI performs to be able to legally offer and legally provide these services to its membership? I simply cannot understand where anyone would see that it is at no cost to the ministry of UCMI to be established and accepted as legal and acceptable in all states and in most all countries around the world.

I personally have NEVER taken any wages for the full time work that I do in the performance of the ministry of UCMI. Lets get that point understood right away. However even without wages it still costs in excess of $100 per day for UCMI to simply exist!! Our phone bill alone is around $350 per month. We require about 2000 sq ft of office space just to house everything required for this ministry. There is about $15,000 worth of equiptment that must be maintained for the daily operation of this ministry. I could go on and on but I believe you get the point. UCMI offers the licensure without application fees and without renewal fees but that by no means allows that it is without any cost to the ministry. UCMI simply INVESTS in its ministers first and depends then on the membership to be solid enough in their Christian walk and ethic to help in support through their giving. This is the same financial structure of any New Testament church.

To hold any idea that something that is offered "FREE" to the kingdom workers comes at no cost is absurd. How long would any of your local churches survive with the attitude that I see displayed in this thread?? Second point here would be that if a minister cannot observe and be obedient to the covenant of kingdom giving then how can they possibly teach it to others in their own flock?? All Denominations and Conferences expect and generally demand that their ministers are supporting members. Check this out for yourself and you will quickly see that it is a requirement in most Denominations. UCMI makes no demands as to what percent or amount that is given but we do demand that it be regular in interval timing. This simply meets the requirements of the law.

If UCMI is made to exist on "SALES" of material things then we are nothing but a retial merchant such as the money changers were that Jesus went into a rage over! Retail sales is also the distinguishing mark of a "Ministry Mill" that UCMI will not accept for its own existance.

I sincerely hope that this post (be it harsh) clarifies these issues for everyone. UCMI will not be criticized for following both civil and Biblical Law in making sure that our licensure is both legal and accepted.

God bless.

Yours in Christ,
Brother Steve
UCMI

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