Dr Alfred Craig Sr
President/Senior Pastor
“Free yourself from needing the approval of people.”
Welcome to Our Church
IAM Ministry
History
Dr. Alfred and Mrs. Beverly Craig have been married 43 years. They have 6 children, 16 grandchildren and 3 Great grandchildren. They have been in Ministry for over 40 years.
In 1976 Drs. Alfred and Dr. Beverly Craig founded Life Tabernacle Christian Center. Then in 1991 changed the name to Azusa World Ministries Their ministry has included planting churches, extensive traveling as convention speakers, and they have conducted countless revivals and seminars to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. AZUSA World Minstries is know is known all over the world. They have established over 30 churches in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, Africa. Dr. Craig is also the spiritual father to over 150 churches in Nigeria, Africa (totaling over 35,000 members in Arizona, The United States and the World).
Dr. and Mrs. Craig have been educated and trained by two of the world’s leading, Christian ministry schools and teachers. They completed one year of studies at Rhema Bible Training Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma, under the leadership of Dr. Kenneth E. Hagin. In their constant pursuit to be obedient to God, Dr. and Mrs. Craig then graduated from Crenshaw Christian Center Ministry Training Institute, Los Angeles, California in 1993. Apostle Frederick KC Price of Crenshaw Christian Center ordained Dr. Craig in 1993. Dr. Craig founded AZUSA World Ministry Training Institute in 1993. And in 2003 the AZUSA Business Institute was founded. Dr. Craig was Conferred a “Doctor of Divinity” Degree from Phoenix Christian College, and a “Doctor of Ministry” Degree from Friends International Christian University. He also was ordained as an “Apostle to The Nations” by Dr. I.V. Hilliard. In recognition of their commitment to their studies in ministry, they were honored with the “Excellence In Commitment Award” from the faculty of Crenshaw’s Ministry Training Institute.
Dr. and Mrs. Craig have an explicit assignment on there lives from God to train and equip His people as Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors, Teachers, and as members in the Ministry Of Helps. They received the vision for their task in 1991, while studying at Rhema Bible Training Center. The AZUSA World Ministry Training Institute (founded 1993) reached Africa in 2000 beginning in Kenya, and then spreading to Tanzania, Uganda, and Nigeria, Africa in 2003. Faithful to his assignment, he has established 5 churches in Arizona, and over 70 throughout Kenya and Tanzania, Africa, and he presides as the Spiritual Father to over 150 churches in Nigeria, totaling over 35,000 members worldwide.
The Ministry Training Institute has currently spread to satellite branches throughout Arizona and the World. It has graduated over 4,000 students worldwide. The students span throughout America, Kenya, Tanzania, Nigeria, Africa, and London, England. Dr. Craig credits his success to the Lord Jesus Christ, his father and mother, his wife Beverly, their children, his first pastor, Bishop Thomas Young, Kenneth Hagin Sr., Drs. I.V. and Bridget Hilliard, the complete staff of Crenshaw Christian Center and the “Apostle of Faith,” Apostle Fredrick K.C. Price and Dr. Betty Price. Today, Dr. Craig is the author of numerous books, teaching series, and confessions. He remains a prominent leader and teacher of the Gospel throughout the world. Pastor and Mrs. Craig’s purpose, together with their ministry is to meet the needs of the Body of Christ as well as the needs of the local, and international community.
What We Believe
WE ARE COMMITTED TO CHRIST AND IS SHOWN BY OUR STATEMENTS OF BELIEFS
Receiving Christ as Lord & Savior (Born Again) – John 3:5-7 New International Version (NIV) 5 Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. 6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit[a] gives birth to spirit. 7 You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You[b] must be born again’.
1. WHAT WE BELIEVE ABOUT THE BIBLE – The Bible is God’s word to all men. It was written by human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. Because it is inspired by God, it is truth without any mixture of error. (2 Timothy 3:16, 2 Peter 1:20- 21, 2 Timothy 1:13, Psalm 119:105, Psalm 119:160, Psalm 12:6, Proverbs 30:5)
2. WHAT WE BELIEVE ABOUT GOD – God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three personalities; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God. (Genesis 1:1, Genesis 1:26-27, Genesis 3:22, Psalm 90:2, Matthew 28:19, 1 Peter 1:2, 2 Corinthians 13:14)
3. WHAT WE BELIEVE ABOUT JESUS CHRIST – Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is co-equal with the Father. Jesus lived a sinless, human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all men by dying on a cross. He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven’s glory and will return again to earth to reign as King of Kings, and Lord of Lords. (Matthew 1:22-23, Isaiah 9:6, John 1:1-5, John 14:10-30, Hebrews 4:14-15, 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, Romans 1:3-4, Acts 1:9-11, 1 Timothy 6:14-15, Titus 2:13)
4. WHAT WE BELIEVE ABOUT THE HOLY SPIRIT – The Holy Spirit is equal with the Father and the Son of God. He is present in the world to make men aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. The Christian seeks to live under His control daily. (2 Corinthians 3:17, John 16:7-13, John 14:16-17, Acts 1:8, 1 Corinthians 2:12, 1 Corinthians 3:16, Ephesians 1:13, Galatians 5:25, Ephesians 5:18)
5. WHAT WE BELIEVE ABOUT MAN – Man is made in the spiritual image of God, to be like Him in character. He is the supreme object of God’s creation. Although man has tremendous potential for good, he is marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called “sin.” This attitude separates man from God. (Genesis 1:27, Psalm 8:3-6, Isaiah 53:6a, Romans 3:23, Isaiah 59:1-2)
6. WHAT WE BELIEVE ABOUT SALVATION – Salvation is a gift from God to man. Man can never make up for his sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God’s offer for forgiveness can man be saved from sin’s penalty. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his life by faith. (Romans 6:23, Ephesians 2:8-9, John 14:6, John 1:12, Titus 3:5, Galatians 3:26, Romans 5:1)
7. WHAT WE BELIEVE ABOUT ETERNITY – Man was created to exist forever. He will either exist eternally separated from God by sin, or in union with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is hell. To be eternally in union with Him is eternal life. Heaven and hell are places of eternal existence. (John 3:16, 1 John 2:25, 1 John 5:11-13, Romans 6:23, Revelation 20:15)
8. WHAT WE BELIEVE ABOUT ETERNAL SECURITY – Because God gives man eternal life through Jesus Christ, the believer is secure in that salvation for eternity. Salvation is maintained by the grace and power of God, not by the self-effort of the Christian. It is the grace and keeping power of God that gives this security. (John 10:28-29, 2 Timothy 1:12, Hebrews 7:25, Hebrews 10:10, Hebrews 10:14, 1 Peter 1:3-5)
9. WHAT WE BELIEVE ABOUT THE CHRISTIAN WALK – The Christian life should be a life of sanctification and holiness. Such a life cannot be lived out through a person’s own efforts but is a gift from God, and is a by-product of the presence of the Holy Spirit. (1 Thessalonians 4:3-7, 1 Peter 1:15-16, Galatians 3:3, Romans 6:22)
10. WHAT WE BELIEVE IN WATER BAPTISM – Baptism is an outward sign of an inward change. Biblical baptism takes place after conversion and in the mode of immersion. Baptism is an act of obedience to the teachings of Jesus Christ and is the witness of salvation, not a part of salvation. (Matthew 3:13-17, Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 16:16-34, Acts 2:38-41)
11. WHAT WE BELIEVE AS A WORSHIPER OF GOD – Romans 12:1 New International Version (NIV) – Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.
12. WHAT WE BELIEVE AS BEING OBEDIENT TO CHRIST AND HIS WORD – John 14:23 New International Version (NIV) – 23 Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.
13. WHAT WE BELIEVE IS BEING OBEDIENT TO THE LORDS SUPPER – The day before He was crucified, Jesus commanded His disciples to continue to observe the Lord’s Supper, or Communion. (Matthew 26:26-30; Mark 14:22-25; Luke 22:14-20)
Values and Commitments
WHAT WE VALUE AND COMMITMENTS
Listed below is a list of International Association of Ministries Church (IAM Church) Values that go to the very core of our ministry; Which we will never compromise.
OUR COMMITMENT TO CHRIST
1. We are committed to Family Relationship – According to the Bible, “family” is not a manmade concept. Rather, it originates from the mind of God. Every family represents a microcosm of the community within which it lives. When families fail, the community itself begins to fail.
“Family” signifies an opportunity to support growth, rather than simply as a number of people in a household. In times of crisis, families are relied upon to inject new strength into the community. For example, Moses was charged to offer the following order to his followers:
“Make sure there isn’t a man or woman among your families or tribes who turns away from the Lord our God (Deuteronomy 29:18).” Dire consequences would result if families did not make the worship of God their primary focus. Thus, family is something more than a household unit. Forbearing one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive – Colossians 3:13
2. We are committed to being a God-centered church – International Association of Ministries Church (IAM Church) exists for God. In every ministry, God is first, and our goal is to please and glorify God. We desire for people to experience and encounter God in our church by means of our corporate worship services and through the personal lives of our members. If God is not glorified through our church, we have failed, no matter how much outward success we may enjoy. (Acts 2:41, I Corinthians 11:23-26, I Corinthians 12:13)
3. We are committed to exalting Jesus Christ to Servant Leadership – It is a true and practical acknowledgment that Jesus Christ is the head of the Church. (Ephesians 5:23) We
4. We are committed to being a Bible-based church – International Association of Ministries Church (IAM Church) is all about the Bible. Every ministry of our church must be rooted in God’s Word. The Bible is inerrant, infallible, and God-breathed, and therefore, must be the final authority for everything our church believes and does. We believe that the preaching and teaching of God’s Word is the catalyst for change in people’s lives and therefore holds the highest priority. Also, our members should be striving to live out God’s Word, daily. Learning and living the Bible should be natural and normal to our church.
A teaching ministry that focuses on exposition, interpretation, and application of the Bible with relevance, enthusiasm, clarity, and conviction (Acts 2:42, II Timothy 4:2) A teaching ministry that builds up and equips the believer regardless of age, male or female, married or single. (Ephesians 4:11-12, Colossians 2:6-7)
5. We are committed to Authentic Fellowship – An active participation by all members of the Body in the family life of the church (Acts 2:44-46, Hebrews 10:24-25). A shepherding plan that promotes genuine relationships between members of the Body and those in leadership, resulting in meaningful sharing and helping to meet the needs (material, financial, emotional, and spiritual) in a Christ-like manner (II Corinthians 9:8-15, Philippians 4:19, Hebrews 4:16, I John 3:17). A submission of the members of the Body to the leadership and a willingness to be shepherded (Hebrews 13:17, I Peter 5:5). A commitment to accountability and the restoration of the believer living in sin, including the process of church discipline when needed (Matthew 18:15-17, Hebrews 3:13).
6. We are committed to Spirit-Empowered Expression – A practical reflection that the work of the ministry is done by “the believers”, who are gifted by the Holy Spirit and equipped through the teaching of the Word for service within the Body of Christ (Romans 12:4-8, I Corinthians 12:25-26, Ephesians 4:11-12). A commitment to make known the Gospel of Christ in our community through our individual witness and corporate outreach (Matthew 29:19-20, Luke 24:46-49a, Acts 1:8). A sincere desire to be instruments of God in making disciples of all nations through sacrificial giving and sacrificial going. (Mark 16:15, John 20:21, II Corinthians 8:3, I Timothy 6:17-19, III John 5-8).
7. We are committed to Prayer – We are committed to making prayer a central focus of our church. In a church where God’s people have a lively prayer life together, regenerating power is present, life is there, and the lost are saved.
Where prayer is not the central focus, there may be an outward shell of growth and productivity, but within it is empty, dry, and dead. A firm belief that God acts when we ask (Matthew 7:7-11, Matthew 21:22, I John 5:14-15). An acknowledgment that it is through prayer that we gain power for victory over temptation and boldness for sharing the Gospel with the lost (Matthew 26:41, Ephesians 6:17-19, Hebrews 4:15-16). A commitment to corporate and individual intercessory prayer for one another (Acts 4:24-31, Philippians 4:6-7, Colossians 4:24, I Thessalonians 1:2-3).
A commitment to minister to the sick who call upon the Elders for prayers of healing (James 5:13-18).
8. We are committed to Love and Displaying Hospitality – Jesus greatly expanded the scope and importance of love, saying love of God and love of fellowman are the most important of all the commandments. The apostle Paul, said Christian love was the greatest and most essential of all the spiritual gifts. Throughout the New Testament, we are encouraged and commanded to live in peace with all God’s people (Romans 12:17-18) and commit ourselves to genuine love and caring for others (1 John 3:17-18). Those are the ways we can put our faith into practice in everyday life. Francis Schaefer wrote, love is the badge, or mark of a Christian. Paul affirms that love is the place to start measuring genuine Christianity (1Cor 13:1-2)
Hospitality as presented to us in the Bible is not merely a practice. Instead, it is a way of life; a whole life view of the coming of God’s Kingdom that offers us a uniquely Christian ethic. It is comprehensive, all-encompassing, exhilarating, and challenging. As in every aspect of our service to God, we must have a proper attitude toward hospitality. It must be done in a kind, loving manner, but neither grudgingly nor done with a sense of duty or obligation. We should never grumble at the trouble or expense of showing hospitality toward others. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares (Hebrews 13:2). Show hospitality to one another without grumbling (1 Peter 4:9).
9. We are committed to evangelizing the lost – We are not a church that simply exists for ourselves. We exist for others. We look beyond the walls of our church to serve and minister to non-Christians, demonstrating to them the love of Christ. While our mission and our message never change, we will constantly re-evaluate and change our methods, in order to reach more people with the life-changing message of Jesus Christ. We do not believe it is the losts’ responsibility to seek the church, but our responsibility to seek the lost.
We believe it also has a global combined effect, for the heavenly kingdom of Jesus Christ is far greater than any local church. It includes believers all over the world. Our passion is not to see how big our local church can become, but rather, how much we can grow the body of Christ in this world.
Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you, and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age (Matthew 28:19).
WE ARE COMMITTED AT MAKING A COMMITMENT TO HIS CHURCH BY
1. Membership (Church Orientation Class) – Ephesians 2:19 New International Version (NIV) 19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of his household. Consistent Attendance – Hebrews 10:24-25 New International Version (NIV) – 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
2. Small Group Participation – Acts 5:42 New International Version (NIV) – 42 Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah.
3. Giving of Finances – 2 Corinthians 9:7-8 New International Version (NIV) – 7 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
4. Serving – 1 Peter 4:10 New International Version (NIV) – 10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.
WE ARE COMMITTED AT MAKING A COMMITMENT TO HIS CAUSE BY
1. Sharing our Faith – Philemon 1:6 New International Version (NIV) – 6 I pray that your partnership with us in the faith may be effective in deepening your understanding of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ.
2. Being a Inviter – Luke 14:13-14 New International Version (NIV) 13 But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, 14 and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”
3. Leading and Discipling others – Matthew 28:19-20 New International Version (NIV) 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
4. Ministering to Others – Galatians 5:13-14 New International Version (NIV) 13 You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh[a]; rather, serve one another humbly in love. 14 For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”[b]
5. Ministering to the Poor – Jeremiah 22:16 New International Version (NIV)16 He defended the cause of the poor and needy, and so all went well. Is that not what it means to know me?” declares the Lord.
6. Being involved in Local and Global Outreach – Acts 1:8 New International Version (NIV) 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
WE ARE COMMITTED TO CHRIST BY HAVING AND LIVING A BALANCED LIFESTYLE WITH THE 3 P’S
1. Your Personal Life –Your personal life is your relationship with God apart from family, friends, or church. (Mark 1:35; Matthew. 4:4; II Timothy. 2:15; Romans 12:1-2; I Timothy 4:8) It is the time you spend personally with God in prayer, reading and study of the Word to develop and enrich yourself spiritually, mentally, emotionally and physically.
All of this allows you to go before God, before you go before people. Your spouse, family, church and friends will all reap the benefits of a man or woman whose life has been soaked in God’s presence before you come into theirs.
2. Your Private Life – Your private life is the relationship you have with your spouse. You spend pre-determined and specifically designated time with him/her to keep your marriage refreshed and romantic. You and your spouse should agree on the days and amount of time you will spend together and not let anything interfere with it. (I Corinthians. 7:2-5; Hebrews 13:4).
I Corinthians 7:33-34 explains the difference between married individuals and single people and their involvement with the things of God. Married people owe time to their spouses. You must develop activities that you and your spouse can enjoy together. Seek to please one another. (I Peter 3:7)
According to God’s Word in Deuteronomy 6:6-7, Proverbs 22:6 and Ephesians 6:4, your private life is also the time you spend with your children and grand-children. Take the time to teach, train and be a mentor to your children. Deuteronomy. 6:6-7; Proverbs 22:6; Ephesians 6:4.
Colossians. 3: 21 encourages you to take time to encourage your children attend their church, school, and sports activities. Time and energy invested in your children is never a waste. So take the time to let them know you love them. Let them know they are important to you; Give them a clear example to follow through their life journey. Be what you want them to become.
Your private life also includes your parents. Ephesians 6:1-3 admonishes you to give your parents their due honor. Always maintain your respect before them. It is a major factor as to how well things will go for you and how long you will live on the earth.
Also, spend time with your friends and relatives. This will allow you to be a greater witness before them. Let them see and experience what you have become as a result of the great things Jesus Christ has done in your life. Read Mark 5:19-20.
3. Your Public Life – Your public life is an extension of your personal and private life. Who you are in your personal and private life will overflow into your public life. Your public life is where you work, go to church etc. It’s what people see and the image they perceive of God and His church.
You should focus on getting a handle on both your personal and private life. Your public life will always eventually go to the level of your personal and private life. I Timothy 5:8 and I Timothy 3:5 tell us that, when you are successful in your personal relationship with God, and your private relationship with your spouse, children and family, this will automatically overflow into your public life.
There really should be no difference between your personal, private and public life. The only difference is your assignment from God but your public life should be of the same quality as your spiritual life with God. God knows your personal and private life and He will not commit to you publicly what you are not ready for personally or privately. Learn to develop the 3 P’s and enjoy a successful journey through life
IAM CHURCH seeks to inspire Men & Women and Churches to be ONE Body and ONE KINGDOM. To BUILD and EQUIP disciples of Jesus Christ to fulfill the callings and to do the work of the ministry as Apostles, Prophets, Evangelist, Pastors, Teachers, Ministry of Helps and Business Owners.
Resulting in the establishment of Disciples, Leaders, Churches, Businesses, Financiers throughout Arizona, the United States and the World and the building up of the body of Christ.
We accomplish our mission by helping people EXPLORE the concepts by EDUCATING Men and Women, and churches in the principles, as Gods Blesses us to be a Blessing. Prepare Gods People as we ENGAGE in DEVELOP movements of multiplication.
We strive for a Faith-Filled movements where Men & Women and Churches are encouraged to believe beyond their natural abilities and trust God for the supernatural healing in their body. Healthy Living Personal Life and Healthy Living Ministry or Business
· To build Faith Churches and Businesses which provides opportunities for Salvation of the Lost, Personal Growth, Ministry, Leadership, Finances, and Business.
· Community – We are a beacon of Faith in our Community
· Action – Our Actions demonstrate Christ Love for Humanity
· Respect – We respect individuals without discrimination.
· Action – Our Actions demonstrate Christ Love for Humanity
· Respect – We respect individuals without discrimination.
· Faith
· Family
· Finances
· Family
· Finances
Our Promise to Our Members – We’ll greatly impact the life of others both here and around the world through our church outreaches, discipleship training, ministry training, leadership training, financial training, and business training.
To fellowship with other members, and none suffering lack. Acts 2:42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
1 John 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanses us from all sin.
1 John 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanses us from all sin.
Dr. Beverly Craig
Senior Pastor
“I am worth the price Christ paid for me. He did not die to give me worth; He died because of my worth.”
Pastor Alfred Craig Jr.
Executive Pastor
“Demand Excellence, Never Negotiate!!!”
Pastor Noel Yvette Craig
Executive Pastor
“I AM STRONG! IAM INVINCIBLE!! I AM HER!!!”