HISTORY AND ORGANIZATION OF THE EVANGELICAL ALLIANCE MINISTERIAL ASSOCIATION
In Flint, Michigan, in 1959, a small group of Christians interested in different types of ministries gathered in prayer. These men realized the need for an organization which would serve as a means of providing credentials for men and women who felt the call to God's service, but who had been unable to complete sufficient education through their own denomination to meet such requirements.
After praying much about that need, and after exploring the possibilities of meeting the need, the Evangelical Alliance Ministerial Association was established.
The charter members of this Association were the Late William Lott, Rev. Alan LaRose, and Rev. Phillip E. Fisher, who were in the early stages of evangelistic and pastoral ministries. Irving Farnsworth was an early advisor; Curtis and Bernard Loafman and Charles McCord were also eager to promote the organization. Other early members were Juanita Ross, Dr. Robert Schleuter, and M.G. Chapman.
It was decided that headquarters would remain at Flint, monthly meetings would be held, and an annual meeting would be on the third Tuesday in September. They would be able to ordain ministers and to confer honorary degrees; however, to preserve the integrity of the Association, they would be able to refuse to issue credentials after proper investigation. Membership would be renewed annually, and dues would be determined to defray expenses and to further the work.
Finally, the following officers would be elected to direct their affairs: President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Delegate-at-Large, and two Representatives-at-Large.
Much progress has been made in the ensuing years, and the Association has grown steadily, the Constitution and By-Laws being revised accordingly. A radiant future is anticipated as the work branches out across the United States and in foreign countries.