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BOA ACTION: Motion to reject the resolution.
GCRCC Status: forwarded for April 2011 BOA action
Introduced by: Mid-America Conference
Written by: Mid-America Conference
Related to Paragraph(s) #: 151D, 6120.C, 8800
Whereas:
The current language in ¶151.D reads: “approval of membership by the local board of administration and the candidate’s public declaration of membership vows.”
WHEREAS, the language “approval of membership by the local board of administration should be stricken and the remaining language should read: “The candidate’s public declaration of membership vows.”
WHEREAS, in ¶6120.C Youth Membership: The language “approved by the local board of administration for adult membership” be stricken. The paragraph should read as follows: “At age sixteen, youth members may be admitted as adult members. They must answer satisfactorily the questions foe adult membership before a public meeting of the church.”
WHEREAS, in ¶8800 Adult Membership: The language “and who have been approved by the local board of administration” be stricken. The paragraph should read as follows:
“Into this holy fellowship the persons before you, who have received the sacrament of baptism, who have learned the nature of these privileges and duties, who have been instructed in the teachings and mission of the Free Methodist Church, come to be welcomed into membership. We now propose, in the fear of God, to question them as to their faith and purpose, that you may know that they are ready to be admitted into this church.”
WHEREAS, any language regarding the changes in Membership Requirements referenced above, should be changed in the Pastors and Church Leaders Manual accordingly.
Therefore, be it resolved:
Therefore, we would like the language to align more like the language in ¶6100 that reads: The biblical requirements of repentance, faith and baptism make membership in the Free Methodist Church as nearly as possible synonymous with entering into the body of Christ. Often times, pastors and ministers find that members of the board do not know the persons seeking to be members of the Church and/or have their own internal requirements based on their cultural perspectives which may prevent others from becoming members on a purely biblical basis which is represented by the language in ¶6100.
Does the resolution have a direct relationship to the vision and mission of the Free Methodist Church?
Yes.
How will the proposed change help us accomplish our vision and mission?
Simplify membership requirements
The Resolutions Committee rates this resolution as:
(A) Support – recommend adoption
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