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 Frequently Asked Questions
We hope the following willl cover any questions that you may have regarding Freedom Covenant Global Ministries. If not, please use the form on the Contact Us page to ask us your specific question and we will strive to answer it as quickly as possible.
When was FCGM founded?
FCGM was founded in April 1999 by a group of five people led by Bishop Sam T. Leigh, who together had a vision to reach out to the world with the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Is FCGM tax exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code?
Yes, FCGM is a Non-Profit Christian Organization tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and recognized by the I.R.S. as a central organization holding a group exemption letter, whose subordinate units covered by the group exemption are also included as having contributions deductible, even though they are not separately listed. Therefore all U.S. donations made to FCGM or any of its U.S. Chartered Affiliates covered under IRS Group Exemption Number 3659 are tax deductible.
What types of ministry credentials does FCGM offer?
FCGM, through the administration of the Board of Directors by the Council of Elders, may offer the following credentials to qualified candidates called of God to serve in His ministry.
Ministerial Intern
License as Minister of the Gospel
Certificate of Ordination
Will FCGM issue ministry credentials over the Internet?
Absolutely not! FCGM is not a credential mill and will not issue any levels of ministerial credentials over the Internet. In order to be approved for FCGM credentials, all candidates must complete the following:
Submit verifiable letters of recommendation from two full-time ministers who have known candidate for
a minimum of two years [or be sponsored by a credentialed minister in good standing with FCGM]
Submit two passport sized photos
Submit annual fee [based upon level of credential applied for]
Complete a Bible test [based opon level of credential applied for]
Be approved by FCGM Council of Elders
Why does FCGM charge a fee for ministry credentials?
All ministries must receive funds with which to operate, and FCGM is no exception. There are financial needs that must be met and all FCGM ministers are expected to give regularly as the Lord leads to help meet those needs. In addition, there are certain costs involved in processing applications, issuing credentials, and maintaining records of ministers, so FCGM has established the annual credential fees in order to help offset those costs without having to use money from the general fund.
What fees are required for FCGM ministry credentials?
To help offset the costs involved in processing applications, issuing credentials, and maintaining records of ministers, FCGM has established annual fees for ministerial credentials based on the following rates.
Ordained Minister - $75.00
Licensed Minister - $60.00
Ministerial Intern - $45.00
What types of charters does FCGM offer?
FCGM may issue and oversee such charters, including, but not limited to, Church, Mission, Educational, Christian Counseling, Evangelistic, and/or other Ministry Charters in a variety of categories and titles, as it may deem appropriate, to any qualified applicant(s). For the purposes of issuing charters, only institutions of like faith, or those licensed or ordained ministers, in good standing with FCGM, are considered qualified applicants.
Does FCGM charge any fees for charters?
There is a considerable amount of time and effort involved on the part of FCGM staff to successfully issue and oversee a charter. Therefore, FCGM has established that a one-time application fee of $150.00 must be submitted with any application for chartered affiliate status. At this time, there are no annual fees required, however, FCGM does expect its chartered affiliates to make donations as the Lord leads in order to help maintain a successful and growing ministry.
Does FCGM have any accountability requirements?
In addition to maintaining a Godly life and witness, all FCGM ministers are required to submit a quarterly report to the FCGM Administrative Office by the tenth day of the month following the end of each quarter. Quarter ending and report dates are as follows:
Quarter ending March 31 - Report due no later than April 10th
Quarter ending June 30th - Report due no later than July 10th
Quarter ending September 30th - Report due no later than October 10th
Quarter ending December 31 - Report due no later than January 10th
Furthermore, FCGM is required by the Internal Revenue Service to file an annual report each year no later than September 30th listing its U.S. subordinates, together with any changes in purpose or character of operation since the previous year's report. To help facilitate this report to the IRS, all U.S. chartered affiliates are required to submit an annual report each year to FCGM no later than September 15th, together with a signed affidavit stating they wish to continue being included in the list of subordinates filed with the IRS. |
