With John Wesley, we affirm that the scriptures know of no such thing as solitary religion, but that we have been designed to grow in our discipleship in the company of others. If such pastoral response does not result in resolution and a written complaint is made against a professing member for any of the offenses in 808.2, the presiding elder (district superintendent) and the district lay leader (if any), shall appoint a committee on investigation consisting of four professing members and three clergy in full connection to serve only for this complaint. The appeal of a bishop or clergy member shall be administered according to the provisions of the JPP 14. Forms of ecumenical shared ministries include:(a) a federated church, in which one congregation is related to two or more denominations, with persons choosing to hold membership in one or the other of the denominations; (b) a union church, in which a congregation with one unified membership roll is related to two or more denominations; (c) a merged church, in which two or more congregations of different denominations form one congregation that relates to only one of the constituent denominations; (d) a yoked parish, in which congregations of different denominations share a pastor (see 353.3). If five or more members of the committee on investigation so recommend, the pastor or presiding elder (district superintendent) may suspend the respondent from exercising any church office pending the conclusion of the trial process. g.Restrictions on proceeds of mortgage or sale No real property on which a church building or parsonage is located shall be mortgaged or sold to provide for the current budget or operating expense of a local church without the approval of sixty percent of the members and the full awareness of and consultation with the presiding elder (district superintendent). 3. Annual conferences shall be formed for the purpose of connecting clergy and laity for shared ministry and accountability across a geographical region. 2. a) The Nominations and Leadership Development Committee shall serve throughout the year to guide the church council on matters regarding the leadership (other than employed staff) of the congregation, so as to focus on mission and ministry as the context for service; guide the development and training of spiritual leaders; recruit, nurture, and support spiritual leaders; and assist the church council in assessing changing leadership needs. 17. It is the duty of pastors to prepare confirmands, teaching them the basic tenets of the historic Christian faith, the history and theology of the Wesleyan revival movement, and the practical meaning of church membership in agreement with the Transitional Book of Doctrines & Discipline and approved catechism. In addition to taking the vows of baptism ( 316) those wishing to become professing members of the Global Methodist Church shall be asked the following questions before being received into the church: Do you believe in God the Father, Jesus Christ the Son, and the Holy Spirit? The church of Jesus Christ exists in and for the world. endobj f.Purchase, sale, lease, construction, and mortgage of property Notwithstanding the powers granted in 912.3 above, prior to the purchase, sale, lease, or mortgage by a local church of any real estate, or the construction or renovation of a building, a resolution authorizing such action shall be passed by the charge conference, with the members thereof acting in their capacity as members of the corporate body, by a majority vote of those present and voting at any regular or special meeting called for that purpose, provided that not less than ten days notice of such meeting and the proposed action shall have been given from the pulpit and in the weekly bulletin, newsletter, or electronic notice of the local church or other means if required or permitted by local law, and provided further, that written consent to such action shall be given by the pastor. Implementation shall be according to guidelines established by the Transitional Leadership Council. If a leader or officer who has been elected by the charge conference is unable or unwilling to perform the duties reasonably expected of such a leader or officer, the presiding elder (district superintendent) may call a special session of the charge conference. 3. 3. Bishops who serve on the Transitional Leadership Council are expected to take an active role in helping to govern the church, including oversight responsibilities in annual conferences, as needed during the transition. 5. As TCATs work toward the formation of provisional annual conferences, pastoral appointment needs will emerge. 4. Affirming the spiritual dimensions of the ministry of all Christians, it is recognized that this ministry exists in the secular world and that civil authorities may seek legal definition predicated on the nature of the Global Methodist Church in seeking fulfillment of this ministry. a. For those individuals who have not met the requirements to be ordained as deacons or elders, the Global Methodist Church will recognize their status as associate members and licensed local pastors in the new church for not longer than two years as they complete requirements to be ordained (see 417.3). << /ProcSet [ /PDF /Text ] /ColorSpace << /Cs1 5 0 R >> /Font << /TT2 7 0 R Oversee planning and research to advance and implement the mission and strategic plan of the church. 9. The charge conference shall examine and recommend to the board of ministry, faithfully adhering to the provisions of this Transitional Book of Doctrines and Discipline, candidates for ordained ministry who have been professing members in good standing of the Global Methodist Church or its predecessors for at least one year; whose gifts, evidence of Gods grace, and call to the ministry clearly establish them as candidates; and who have met the educational requirements. K0iABZyCAP8C@&*CP=#t] 4}a ;GDxJ> ,_@FXDBX$!k"EHqaYbVabJ0cVL6f3bX'?v 6-V``[a;p~\2n5 &x*sb|! 2. Other deacons will choose to retain their status as deacons. The Nature of Enthusiasm 33. It may have legal counsel present, who shall not be the conference chancellor for the conference from which the appeal is taken, for the sole purpose of providing advice to the appellate body. (9) After full consideration do you believe that our doctrines are in harmony with the Holy Scriptures? All foundations shall have an independent governing board as determined by the incorporating documents approved by the annual conference. Access to Records. 4. The transitional connectional operating officer shall be directly amenable to the Transitional Leadership Council. They are responsible for communicating and interpreting such matters to staff. a. b. 5. 2. What should United Methodist congregations know about This does not preclude filing a new complaint for new instances of the same offense. 2. Original Sin 39. Within thirty (30) days, the bishop shall appoint an elder within the annual conference in which the alleged violation took place who shall serve as counsel for the Church under JPP 6.2. b. Candidates eligible to be ordained under the qualifications of this chapter may move toward ordination at the next annual conference session under the processes laid out in this chapter. The gift of grace is available to all persons. c. The committee on investigation shall elect a chair and secretary and organize at the annual conference following its election. Such Sacramental authority for a Deacon is limited to the appointed ministry setting and is exercised under the oversight and authority of a presiding elder. 2. The presiding elder (district superintendent) shall fix the time and place of the meetings of the charge conference and shall preside at the meetings of the charge conference or may designate an elder to preside. 6. On the third day he rose again, he ascended into heaven, is seated at the right hand of the Father, and will come again to judge the living and the dead. Approve and revise music resources and worship rituals of the Global Methodist Church, providing for variations as shall be most helpful to particular contexts worldwide, including making such resources available digitally. For our sake He was crucified under Pontius Pilate; He suffered death and was buried. Have a call by God and the people of God to devote themselves to the work of ministry. Provide an organization and structure that is able to accomplish its primary functions of support, with a connectional polity that can empower and multiply the gifts of all for the sake of Christs work in the world. The 1787-88 edition of Wesleys sermons included only the forty-four, in keeping with the stipulations of the model deed. CLERGY EFFECTIVENESS AND APPOINTMENT ASSURANCE, 514. Encourage the building of covenant groups and communities among both the clergy and clergy families, and the laity on the district. Although Methodism in England remained loyal to the established church until after John Wesleys death, the American revolution dictated the formation of a new church, independent of the Church of England. THE TRANSITIONAL BOOK OF DOCTRINES AND Deacons may also consecrate or assist with the Sacraments in accordance with 313. No such trial as herein provided shall be construed to deprive the respondent or the Church of legal civil rights, except to the extent that immunity is provided as in 805.9. The charge conference shall therefore be organized from the church or churches in every pastoral charge and shall meet at least annually. The Transitional Leadership Council shall approve theJudicial Practices and Procedures(JPP) that govern the complaint, supervisory, administrative, and judicial processes. We believe that it is only as each individual, whether lay or clergy, bears witness to Gods grace that the world may come to know Christ and respond to His invitation to have life in abundance. This new church adopted John Wesleys revision of the Anglican Articles of Religion, the Methodist General Rules, a liturgy, and ordained the first Methodist clergy. The written financial policies should be reviewed for adequacy and effectiveness annually by the Finance Committee and submitted as a report to the charge conference annually. 4. In carrying out its mission, adequate provision should be made to evangelize and spread scriptural holiness by: (1) planning and implementing a program of nurture, outreach, and witness for persons and families within and without the congregation; (2) providing for effective pastoral and lay leadership; (3) providing for financial support, physical facilities, and the legal obligations of the church; (4) utilizing the appropriate relationships and resources of the district and annual conference; (5) providing for the proper creation, maintenance, and disposition of documentary record material of the local church; and (6) seeking inclusiveness in all aspects of its life. For those who have been part of The United Methodist Church, the applicant would deliver their certificate of conference membership, if one was issued to them, along with a written letter withdrawing from membership in their annual conference to the conference secretary under 360.1 of the UMCs Book of Discipline. Transferring bishops shall also agree to uphold the Transitional Book of Doctrines and Discipline. Housing provisions shall comply with the annual conference housing policy and parsonage standards. Deacons not serving under appointment shall be classified as inactive and shall have no voting rights in the annual conference, except as provided for in 418. They will be charged with guarding the faith, order, liturgy, doctrine, and discipline of the Church. 3. The bishop, one presiding elder (district superintendent) chosen by the bishop, and the conference treasurer shall serve on the committee with voice but not vote. The provisions that follow shall govern this accountability process during the time between the forming of the Global Methodist Church and the effective date of any legislation passed by the convening General Conference designed to replace them. 6. 1. Our vision of a global church is one marked by mutual love, concern, sharing, and accountability. The basis of such discipleship of leadership lies in a life characterized by personal integrity, spiritual disciplines, and the anointing and empowerment of the Holy Spirit. If so, it shall prepare, sign, and certify a bill of charges and specifications. Forming a new denomination essentially from scratch is a difficult and complex undertaking. 3. The use of a local congregations facilities or properties by an outside organization may be granted by the Board of Trustees after consideration of whether the purposes and programs of that organization are consistent with the values of the congregation and the Global Methodist Church. Gods justifying grace works by faith to bring reconciliation to God through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ, what God does for us. Any charge must relate to an action listed as a chargeable offense in theTransitional Book of Doctrines and Discipline. Each local church, annual conference, regional conference, or connectional commission shall designate in its corporate records how its property shall be disposed of in the event of the entitys dissolution. 4. xXMo0W5m]NmB)RHXN+8 KLdwewi'3g5nSZ>BYU*T0|Jk@Z[@'94Xm4fC ~ Y`.|oS F49^Hiw[^{TvunmIOq 1v On receipt of such notification, the pastor or presiding elder (district superintendent) shall enroll the name of the person so transferring after public reception in a regular service of worship, or if circumstances demand, public announcement in such a service. and staff members after receiving recommendations from the Pastor-Parish (or Staff-Parish) Relations Committee or its equivalent body; e) Review the recommendation of the Pastor-Parish Relations Committee regarding provision of adequate housing for the pastor(s), and report the same to the charge conference for approval. d. The committee shall meet only with the knowledge of the bishop. e. Four clergy and three laity (or their alternates) seated as members of the committee shall constitute a quorum. The bishop shall then allow time for the new pastor to bring the congregation into conformity. Processing of a judicial complaint shall be governed by JPP 4. The Global Methodist Church preserves this heritage. The goal of transformational discipleship ministry in the Global Methodist Church is to make, develop, and nurture disciples of Jesus Christ through small groups where each person is invited, challenged, supported, and held accountable in living sanctified lives that reflect the practices, character, and mission of Christ. John Wesley famously declared in his journal on June 11, 1739, I look upon all the world as my parish; thus far I mean, that in whatever part of it I am, I judge it meet, right, and my bounden duty to declare unto all that are willing to hear, the glad tidings of salvation. Since that time Methodists have recognized that at the core of our churchs mission is ensuring that the Good News of Jesus Christ is shared around the globe. To encourage, strengthen, nurture, support, and respect the pastor(s) and staff and their family(ies). d. From the bishop presiding in the General Conference to the Connectional Council on Appeals. Following the historic practice of Methodism, those who serve as clergy within the Global Methodist Church shall be both elected by their peers and ordained by the bishop on behalf of the whole church. The Global Methodist Church simplifies categories of clergy in the new church (see Transitional Book of Doctrines and Discipline 403 and 412. Form the districts after consultation with the presiding elders (district superintendents) and after a vote of the annual conference has determined the number of districts. Its only purpose shall be to ensure that the disciplinary procedures for resolving a substantiated administrative complaint are properly followed as per the requirements of the JPP 2 and 3, and fair process ( 805). It is expected of all who continue in these societies that they should continue to evidence their desire of salvation, Secondly: By doing good; by being in every kind merciful after their power; as they have opportunity, doing good of every possible sort, and, as far as possible, to all men: To their bodies, of the ability which God giveth, by giving food to the hungry, by clothing the naked, by visiting or helping them that are sick or in prison. Comparing The United Methodist Church If a member of the Board of Ministry cannot serve for any reason, the bishop, in consultation with the Cabinet, shall appoint an interim member to serve the remainder of the unused term. Ten Reasons Why Ill Join the Global Methodist Church GENERAL ORGANIZATION AND PRE-TRIAL PROCEDURES, 818. Candidates for Holy Baptism, and those presenting candidates unable to answer for themselves, shall be instructed in the Christian faith and the meaning of Holy Baptism. 1. Of Sanctification (from the Methodist Protestant Discipline). The trial court shall have the power to remove the respondent from professing membership, terminate the conference membership, and revoke the credentials of conference membership, ordination, or consecration of the respondent, suspend the respondent from the exercise of the functions of office (with or without pay, if applicable) for a defined period of time, or fix a lesser penalty. 2. The purpose of such special session shall be stated in the call, and only such business shall be transacted as is in harmony with the purposes stated in the call. %PDF-1.3 It was defended by the women and men of the early church, many of whom gave their lives as testimony. Whosoever, through his private judgment, willingly and purposely doth openly break the rites and ceremonies of the church to which he belongs, which are not repugnant to the Word of God, and are ordained and approved by common authority, ought to be rebuked openly, that others may fear to do the like, as one that offendeth against the common order of the church, and woundeth the consciences of weak brethren. A complaint is a written and signed statement alleging misconduct as defined in 808.1-2 (a judicial complaint) or unsatisfactory performance of ministerial duties (an administrative complaint, 806- 807). Members of the Connectional Council on Appeals shall be ineligible to serve as delegates to the General or any regional conferences, or to serve on any general, regional or annual conference board or commission. The charge conference shall determine how to allocate the other responsibilities outlined in this Transitional Book of Doctrines and Discipline. TRANSFER FROM DISCONTINUED LOCAL CHURCHES, 331. endstream Certiorari is discretionary and is granted upon the affirmative vote of three members of the Connectional Council on Appeals. The church council shall notify the Transitional Leadership Council of their decision. The New Birth 40. In congregations with an alternate system of governance, individuals shall be named to represent the functions fulfilled by a Pastor-Parish Relation and Finance Committee and a Board of Trustees. The offering of Christ, once made, is that perfect redemption, propitiation, and satisfaction for all the sins of the whole world, both original and actual; and there is none other satisfaction for sin but that alone. Longer sabbaticals shall be the responsibility of the individuals involved, though the support of congregations and others is encouraged. Following the example of early Methodists, we believe God has raised us up in order to spread scriptural holiness across the land, embodying that grand depositum of the faith that John Wesley believed had been entrusted to the people called Methodists, the continued striving for entire sanctification in our lives. The bishop shall serve on the committee with voice but not vote. 3. 8. Members shall serve six years and may not succeed themselves. d. National background check. Where the content of petitions is essentially the same, the petition will be printed once, with the first author named and the number of additional copies received printed. 1. 2. 3. Do you repent of your sin, turn to Jesus Christ, and confess Him as your Lord and Savior? Any just resolution that involves an allegation of disobedience to a provision of the Transitional Book of Doctrines and Discipline shall include a commitment by the respondent to abide by all applicable disciplinary requirements, including those alleged to have been violated.
