Church Membership
THE WESLEYAN CHURCH
SUMMARY OF
THE ARTICLES OF RELIGION
We believe in God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
We believe that Jesus Christ the Son suffered in our place on the cross, that He died but rose again, that He now sits at the Father’s right hand until He returns to judge every person at the last day.
We believe in the Holy Scriptures as the inspired and inerrant Word of God.
We believe that by the grace of God every person has the ability and responsibility to choose between right and wrong, and that those who repent of their sin and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as justified by faith.
We believe that God not only counts the believer as righteous, but that He makes such person righteous, freeing them from sin’s dominion at conversion, purifying their hearts by faith, perfecting them in love at entire sanctification, and providing for their growth in grace at every stage of spiritual life, enabling them through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit to live victorious lives.
ELEMENTARY PRINCIPLES
Christ is the only Head of the Church, and the Word of God the only rule of faith and conduct.
No person who loves the Lord Jesus Christ, and obeys the gospel of God our Savior, ought to be deprived of church membership.
Every person has an inalienable right to private judgment in matters of religion, and an equal right to express personal opinions in any way which will not violate the laws of God or the rights of others.
All church hearings should be conducted on gospel principles only; and no minister or member should be excommunicated except for immorality, the propagation of unchristian doctrines, or for neglect of duties enjoined by the Word of God.
The pastoral or ministerial office and duties are of divine appointment, and all ordained ministers in the church of God are equal; but ministers are forbidden to be lords over God’s heritage, or to have dominion over the faith of the saints.
The Church has a right to form and enforce such rules and regulations only as are in accordance with the Holy Scriptures, and may be necessary or have a tendency to carry into effect the great system of practical Christianity.
Whatever power may be necessary to the formation of rules and regulations is inherent in the ministers and members of the Church; but so much of that power may be delegated from time to time, upon a plan of representation, as they may judge necessary and proper.
It is the duty of all ministers and members of the Church to maintain godliness and oppose all moral evil.
It is obligatory upon ministers of the gospel to be faithful in the discharge of their pastoral and ministerial duties, and it is also obligatory upon the members to esteem ministers highly for their works’ sake, and to render them a righteous compensation for their labors.
For more information related to membership requirements and Wesleyan belief, please see : The 2016 Discipline of the Wesleyan Church
Guides And Helps To Holy Living
Recommended for all members of the Wesleyan Church but required for Credentialed Ministers and Elected Leaders
The Wesleyan Church intends to relate timeless biblical principles to the conditions of contemporary society in such a way as to respect the integrity of the individual believer, yet maintain the purity of the Church and the effectiveness of its witness. This is done in the conviction that there is validity in the concept of the collective Christian conscience as illuminated and guided by the Holy Spirit. The following items (265 Wesleyan Discipline) represent historic, ethical and practical standards of The Wesleyan Church. While it is hoped that our people will earnestly seek the aid of the Spirit in cultivating a sensitivity to evil which transcends the mere letter of the law, those entering into membership are encouraged to follow carefully and conscientiously these guides and helps to holy living.
Those admitted to membership in The Wesleyan Church commit themselves to demonstrate their life in Christ in such ways as:
Toward God
(1) To reverence the name of God and to honor the Lord’s Day by divine worship and spiritual edification, participating in those activities which contribute to the moral and spiritual purposes of this day.
Gen. 2:3; Ex. 20:3, 7–11; Deut. 5:11–15; Isa. 58:13–14; Mark 2:27; Acts 20:7; Heb. 4:9.
(2) To seek only the leading of the Holy Spirit and to abstain from all forms of spiritism, such as the occult, witchcraft, astrology and other similar practices.
Lev. 19:31; 20:6; Deut. 18:10–14; Acts 19:18–19; Gal. 5:19–20.
Toward Self
(3) To exercise faithful stewardship through the wise use of their time and material resources, practicing careful self-discipline in order to further the mission of Christ’s church (remembering the principle of tithing which is basic to the New Testament standard of stewardship) and to demonstrate compassion to those in need.
Prov. 3:9; Mal. 3:10; Matt. 25:34–40; Acts 20:35; 1 Cor. 16:2; 2 Cor. 9:7; Eph. 5:16; Col. 3:17; James 2:15–16; 1 John 3:17.
(4) To demonstrate a positive social witness by abstaining from all forms of gambling and by abstaining from using or trafficking (production, sale or purchase) in any substances destructive to their physical, mental and spiritual health, such as alcoholic beverages, tobacco and drugs (other than proper medical purposes of drugs); and by refraining from membership in secret societies and lodges which are oath bound, believing that the quasi-religious nature of such organizations divides the Christian’s loyalty, their secret nature contravenes the Christian’s open witness and the secret nature of their oaths is repugnant to the Christian conscience.
Ex. 20:17; Rom. 14:21; 1 Cor. 6:12.
Gambling violates the principle of Christian stewardship and the tenth commandment, is harmful to the individual in that it is emotionally addictive, is a poor example to others, and pollutes the moral climate of society.
Prov. 20:1; Rom. 6:12; 14:21; 1 Cor. 6:12–20; 10:23; 2 Cor. 7:1; Eph. 5:18; 1 Thess. 5:22.
Christians are to regard their bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit. While no “thing” of itself is sinful, the Christian should avoid the use of anything which would not help build the fellowship of the church, would not help the believers to realize their full potential in Christ, or which would enslave them. In the light of the scientific knowledge of our day concerning the actual and potential harm of these substances, total abstinence is more in keeping with these biblical principles than is moderation.
Ex. 20:3; Matt. 5:34–36; John 18:20; Acts 4:12; James 5:12.
These prohibitions do not restrict membership in labor, civic or other organizations which do not contradict loyalty to Christ and the Church. When in these relationships Christian principles are violated, members shall be dealt with because of such violations and not because of the membership itself.
(5) To follow the teachings of the Scriptures regarding gender identity and sexual conduct.
Gen. 1:27; 1 Cor. 6:12–20; 7:17–24.
Toward Family
(6) To follow the teachings of the Scriptures regarding marriage and divorce. We affirm that sexual relationships outside of marriage and sexual relationships between persons of the same sex are immoral and sinful. We further affirm that marriage between one man and one woman is God’s design, and we regard sexual sin of the spouse, such as adultery, homosexual behavior, bestiality or incest, as clear biblical grounds for considering divorce, and then only when appropriate counseling has failed to restore the relationship.
Ex. 20:14, 17; 22:19; Lev. 20:10–16; Matt. 5:32; 19:19; Mark 10:11–12; Luke 16:18.
(7) To preserve the sanctity of the home by honoring Christ in every phase
of family life and by demonstrating Christ-like love (always avoiding violence, including physical, psychological, emotional, or sexual abuse toward one’s spouse or family members, as well as sexual infidelity or desertion, any of which warrant church discipline for the offender and may justify separation or divorce if true repentance and appropriate counseling cannot bring about reconciliation), and by living peacefully with one another, thereby building up one’s spouse and family members through word and deed, and encouraging the nurture and education of the children in the Christian faith so as to bring them early to the saving knowledge of Christ.
Prov. 22:6; Malachi 2:13–16; Mark 10:9; 1 Cor. 7:10–16, Eph. 5:28; 6:4.
Toward The Church
(8) To work together for the advancement of God’s kingdom and for the mutual edification of fellow believers in holiness, knowledge and love; to walk together in Christian fellowship by giving and receiving counsel with gentleness and affection; by praying for each other; by helping each other in sickness and distress; and by demonstrating love, purity and courtesy to all.
Rom. 15:1–2; Eph. 4; 1 Thess. 5.
(9) To grow in the knowledge, love and grace of God by participating in public worship, the ministry of the Word of God, the Lord’s Supper, family and personal devotions and fasting.
Mark 2:18–20; Acts 13:2–3; 14:23; Rom. 12:12; 1 Cor. 11:23–28; Eph. 6:18; Phil. 4:6; 1 Tim. 2:1–2; 2 Tim. 3:16–17; Heb. 10:25; 1 Peter 2:2; 2 Peter 3:18.
(10) To preserve the fellowship and witness of the Church with reference to the use of languages. The Wesleyan Church believes in the miraculous use of languages and the interpretation of languages in its biblical and historical setting. But it is contrary to the Word of God to teach that speaking in an unknown tongue or the gift of tongues is the evidence of the baptism of the Holy Spirit or of that entire sanctification which the baptism accomplishes; therefore, only a language readily understood by the congregation is to be used in public worship. The Wesleyan Church believes that the use of an ecstatic prayer language has no clear scriptural sanction, or any
pattern of established historical usage in the Church; therefore, the use of such a prayer language shall not be promoted among us.
Acts 8:14–17; 1 Cor. 12:1–14:40; Gal. 5:22–24.
Toward Others
(11) To do good as much as is possible to all people as God gives opportunity, especially to those in the body of Christ; by giving food to the hungry, by clothing the destitute, by visiting or helping those who are sick or in prison; by instructing, correcting or encouraging them in love.
Matt. 25:31–46; Eph. 5:11; 1Thess. 5:14; Heb. 3:13; 10:23–25.
(12) To respect the inherent individual rights of all persons, regardless of race, color or sex.
1 Cor. 8:13; 12:13; Gal. 3:28; 1 Tim. 5:21.
(13) To live honestly, be just in all dealings and faithful in all commitments.
Eccl. 5:4–5; Rom. 12:17; Phil. 4:8–9; 1 Peter 2:12.
SUMMARY OF
THE ARTICLES OF RELIGION
We believe in God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
We believe that Jesus Christ the Son suffered in our place on the cross, that He died but rose again, that He now sits at the Father’s right hand until He returns to judge every person at the last day.
We believe in the Holy Scriptures as the inspired and inerrant Word of God.
We believe that by the grace of God every person has the ability and responsibility to choose between right and wrong, and that those who repent of their sin and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as justified by faith.
We believe that God not only counts the believer as righteous, but that He makes such person righteous, freeing them from sin’s dominion at conversion, purifying their hearts by faith, perfecting them in love at entire sanctification, and providing for their growth in grace at every stage of spiritual life, enabling them through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit to live victorious lives.
ELEMENTARY PRINCIPLES
Christ is the only Head of the Church, and the Word of God the only rule of faith and conduct.
No person who loves the Lord Jesus Christ, and obeys the gospel of God our Savior, ought to be deprived of church membership.
Every person has an inalienable right to private judgment in matters of religion, and an equal right to express personal opinions in any way which will not violate the laws of God or the rights of others.
All church hearings should be conducted on gospel principles only; and no minister or member should be excommunicated except for immorality, the propagation of unchristian doctrines, or for neglect of duties enjoined by the Word of God.
The pastoral or ministerial office and duties are of divine appointment, and all ordained ministers in the church of God are equal; but ministers are forbidden to be lords over God’s heritage, or to have dominion over the faith of the saints.
The Church has a right to form and enforce such rules and regulations only as are in accordance with the Holy Scriptures, and may be necessary or have a tendency to carry into effect the great system of practical Christianity.
Whatever power may be necessary to the formation of rules and regulations is inherent in the ministers and members of the Church; but so much of that power may be delegated from time to time, upon a plan of representation, as they may judge necessary and proper.
It is the duty of all ministers and members of the Church to maintain godliness and oppose all moral evil.
It is obligatory upon ministers of the gospel to be faithful in the discharge of their pastoral and ministerial duties, and it is also obligatory upon the members to esteem ministers highly for their works’ sake, and to render them a righteous compensation for their labors.
For more information related to membership requirements and Wesleyan belief, please see : The 2016 Discipline of the Wesleyan Church
Guides And Helps To Holy Living
Recommended for all members of the Wesleyan Church but required for Credentialed Ministers and Elected Leaders
The Wesleyan Church intends to relate timeless biblical principles to the conditions of contemporary society in such a way as to respect the integrity of the individual believer, yet maintain the purity of the Church and the effectiveness of its witness. This is done in the conviction that there is validity in the concept of the collective Christian conscience as illuminated and guided by the Holy Spirit. The following items (265 Wesleyan Discipline) represent historic, ethical and practical standards of The Wesleyan Church. While it is hoped that our people will earnestly seek the aid of the Spirit in cultivating a sensitivity to evil which transcends the mere letter of the law, those entering into membership are encouraged to follow carefully and conscientiously these guides and helps to holy living.
Those admitted to membership in The Wesleyan Church commit themselves to demonstrate their life in Christ in such ways as:
Toward God
(1) To reverence the name of God and to honor the Lord’s Day by divine worship and spiritual edification, participating in those activities which contribute to the moral and spiritual purposes of this day.
Gen. 2:3; Ex. 20:3, 7–11; Deut. 5:11–15; Isa. 58:13–14; Mark 2:27; Acts 20:7; Heb. 4:9.
(2) To seek only the leading of the Holy Spirit and to abstain from all forms of spiritism, such as the occult, witchcraft, astrology and other similar practices.
Lev. 19:31; 20:6; Deut. 18:10–14; Acts 19:18–19; Gal. 5:19–20.
Toward Self
(3) To exercise faithful stewardship through the wise use of their time and material resources, practicing careful self-discipline in order to further the mission of Christ’s church (remembering the principle of tithing which is basic to the New Testament standard of stewardship) and to demonstrate compassion to those in need.
Prov. 3:9; Mal. 3:10; Matt. 25:34–40; Acts 20:35; 1 Cor. 16:2; 2 Cor. 9:7; Eph. 5:16; Col. 3:17; James 2:15–16; 1 John 3:17.
(4) To demonstrate a positive social witness by abstaining from all forms of gambling and by abstaining from using or trafficking (production, sale or purchase) in any substances destructive to their physical, mental and spiritual health, such as alcoholic beverages, tobacco and drugs (other than proper medical purposes of drugs); and by refraining from membership in secret societies and lodges which are oath bound, believing that the quasi-religious nature of such organizations divides the Christian’s loyalty, their secret nature contravenes the Christian’s open witness and the secret nature of their oaths is repugnant to the Christian conscience.
Ex. 20:17; Rom. 14:21; 1 Cor. 6:12.
Gambling violates the principle of Christian stewardship and the tenth commandment, is harmful to the individual in that it is emotionally addictive, is a poor example to others, and pollutes the moral climate of society.
Prov. 20:1; Rom. 6:12; 14:21; 1 Cor. 6:12–20; 10:23; 2 Cor. 7:1; Eph. 5:18; 1 Thess. 5:22.
Christians are to regard their bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit. While no “thing” of itself is sinful, the Christian should avoid the use of anything which would not help build the fellowship of the church, would not help the believers to realize their full potential in Christ, or which would enslave them. In the light of the scientific knowledge of our day concerning the actual and potential harm of these substances, total abstinence is more in keeping with these biblical principles than is moderation.
Ex. 20:3; Matt. 5:34–36; John 18:20; Acts 4:12; James 5:12.
These prohibitions do not restrict membership in labor, civic or other organizations which do not contradict loyalty to Christ and the Church. When in these relationships Christian principles are violated, members shall be dealt with because of such violations and not because of the membership itself.
(5) To follow the teachings of the Scriptures regarding gender identity and sexual conduct.
Gen. 1:27; 1 Cor. 6:12–20; 7:17–24.
Toward Family
(6) To follow the teachings of the Scriptures regarding marriage and divorce. We affirm that sexual relationships outside of marriage and sexual relationships between persons of the same sex are immoral and sinful. We further affirm that marriage between one man and one woman is God’s design, and we regard sexual sin of the spouse, such as adultery, homosexual behavior, bestiality or incest, as clear biblical grounds for considering divorce, and then only when appropriate counseling has failed to restore the relationship.
Ex. 20:14, 17; 22:19; Lev. 20:10–16; Matt. 5:32; 19:19; Mark 10:11–12; Luke 16:18.
(7) To preserve the sanctity of the home by honoring Christ in every phase
of family life and by demonstrating Christ-like love (always avoiding violence, including physical, psychological, emotional, or sexual abuse toward one’s spouse or family members, as well as sexual infidelity or desertion, any of which warrant church discipline for the offender and may justify separation or divorce if true repentance and appropriate counseling cannot bring about reconciliation), and by living peacefully with one another, thereby building up one’s spouse and family members through word and deed, and encouraging the nurture and education of the children in the Christian faith so as to bring them early to the saving knowledge of Christ.
Prov. 22:6; Malachi 2:13–16; Mark 10:9; 1 Cor. 7:10–16, Eph. 5:28; 6:4.
Toward The Church
(8) To work together for the advancement of God’s kingdom and for the mutual edification of fellow believers in holiness, knowledge and love; to walk together in Christian fellowship by giving and receiving counsel with gentleness and affection; by praying for each other; by helping each other in sickness and distress; and by demonstrating love, purity and courtesy to all.
Rom. 15:1–2; Eph. 4; 1 Thess. 5.
(9) To grow in the knowledge, love and grace of God by participating in public worship, the ministry of the Word of God, the Lord’s Supper, family and personal devotions and fasting.
Mark 2:18–20; Acts 13:2–3; 14:23; Rom. 12:12; 1 Cor. 11:23–28; Eph. 6:18; Phil. 4:6; 1 Tim. 2:1–2; 2 Tim. 3:16–17; Heb. 10:25; 1 Peter 2:2; 2 Peter 3:18.
(10) To preserve the fellowship and witness of the Church with reference to the use of languages. The Wesleyan Church believes in the miraculous use of languages and the interpretation of languages in its biblical and historical setting. But it is contrary to the Word of God to teach that speaking in an unknown tongue or the gift of tongues is the evidence of the baptism of the Holy Spirit or of that entire sanctification which the baptism accomplishes; therefore, only a language readily understood by the congregation is to be used in public worship. The Wesleyan Church believes that the use of an ecstatic prayer language has no clear scriptural sanction, or any
pattern of established historical usage in the Church; therefore, the use of such a prayer language shall not be promoted among us.
Acts 8:14–17; 1 Cor. 12:1–14:40; Gal. 5:22–24.
Toward Others
(11) To do good as much as is possible to all people as God gives opportunity, especially to those in the body of Christ; by giving food to the hungry, by clothing the destitute, by visiting or helping those who are sick or in prison; by instructing, correcting or encouraging them in love.
Matt. 25:31–46; Eph. 5:11; 1Thess. 5:14; Heb. 3:13; 10:23–25.
(12) To respect the inherent individual rights of all persons, regardless of race, color or sex.
1 Cor. 8:13; 12:13; Gal. 3:28; 1 Tim. 5:21.
(13) To live honestly, be just in all dealings and faithful in all commitments.
Eccl. 5:4–5; Rom. 12:17; Phil. 4:8–9; 1 Peter 2:12.
LOCAL BOARD OF ADMINISTRATION
COMMITMENT STANDARD
To be elected to serve on the Local Board of Administration (LBA) of Fairmount Wesleyan Church (Fairmount, Indiana) is a great responsibility. It requires a commitment to serve as a spiritual leader of the congregation. The LBA carries out the will of the Local Church Conference, serving as the chief governing and coordinating body of the local church in the interim of the local conference sessions (Discipline, paragraph 750). The primary assignment of this board is to supervise and direct all the concerns of the church to Christ’s commission to “make disciples of all men.” To this end, members of this Board and called to the following commitments:
1.SPIRITUAL: Each member’s life should give evidence of a vital relationship with Jesus Christ. Acts 6:3 gives the model of selecting for responsibility those “…of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom.” (See Timothy 3:1-13, Titus 1:6-9 for the scriptural requirements). The church can grow no higher than the spiritual vitality of its leaders. It is essential that each member live in openness before God so that they can be guided by the Holy Spirit and the church may experience the favor and blessing of God.
2.CHURCHMANSHIP: Each member shall be in full harmony with the doctrine and practices of The Wesleyan Church including the Articles of Religion, Membership Commitments, and Church Government. He or she should be able to support whole-heartedly the programs and ministries of the church locally and internationally.
3.TITHING: The LBA is responsible for much decision-making with regard to the tithes and offerings of the people. It is therefore imperative that each member of the Board be exemplary in personal stewardship, including faithfulness in tithing.
4.ATTENDANCE: Consistent attendance and participation in ministries and services of the church are essential to spiritual leadership and example. It is a member’s responsibility to be present for the duly called meetings of the LBA. It is understood that there are occasionally conflicts with work schedules or other responsibilities that will prohibit attendance.
5.CONFIDENTIALITY: There are times when sensitive issues must be discussed in the Board. Damage can be done to individuals and to the church when issues are voiced outside the meetings. Even freely discussing between LBA members outside the meeting or with family members can be dangerous. Therefore, a commitment to confidentiality is expected of all members of the LBA.
6.UNITY: A spirit of unity and cooperation is necessary for the smooth and efficient functioning of the LBA. This does not preclude disagreement. However, differences of opinion will always be bathed in love, prayer, and tenderheartedness. Members will be encouraged to listen carefully to each other, to set aside personal agendas and desires, and to collectively seek the wisdom and purposes of God for His Church.
7.RELATIONSHIP TO THE PASTOR: The pastor looks to the LBA for counsel, support, and loyalty as he seeks to lead the church. Board members have a unique responsibility in seeing that the vision God lays on the pastor’s heart is supported and fulfilled. God has sent the pastor as the spiritual and administrative leader for this point of time in the history of the church. He needs each member’s loyalty. He needs encouragement to set goals for the church which are born out of prayer and vision for the Lord’s work. He needs help to keep his priorities right, such as taking time for his family, rest, and spiritual improvement. The Board also has a unique and God-given responsibility of surrounding the pastor with spiritual protection. The Scripture is very clear, “Do not touch My anointed ones, and do My prophets no harm” (Psalm 105:15). Criticism and murmuring against the pastor is very dangerous in the church and can soon lift God’s blessing and favor. Board members must “come alongside” the pastor—protecting, encouraging, supporting, and praying for him.
8.YOU ARE IMPORTANT: LBA members are chosen by the church because they are perceived as spiritual leaders. One should accept this position as an appointment from God and so live as to inspire spiritual growth and commitment among the people. Board members are called upon to be “…an example to the believers, in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” (1 Timothy 4:12).
Adopted by the Local Board of Administration, March 15, 2012
COMMITMENT STANDARD
To be elected to serve on the Local Board of Administration (LBA) of Fairmount Wesleyan Church (Fairmount, Indiana) is a great responsibility. It requires a commitment to serve as a spiritual leader of the congregation. The LBA carries out the will of the Local Church Conference, serving as the chief governing and coordinating body of the local church in the interim of the local conference sessions (Discipline, paragraph 750). The primary assignment of this board is to supervise and direct all the concerns of the church to Christ’s commission to “make disciples of all men.” To this end, members of this Board and called to the following commitments:
1.SPIRITUAL: Each member’s life should give evidence of a vital relationship with Jesus Christ. Acts 6:3 gives the model of selecting for responsibility those “…of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom.” (See Timothy 3:1-13, Titus 1:6-9 for the scriptural requirements). The church can grow no higher than the spiritual vitality of its leaders. It is essential that each member live in openness before God so that they can be guided by the Holy Spirit and the church may experience the favor and blessing of God.
2.CHURCHMANSHIP: Each member shall be in full harmony with the doctrine and practices of The Wesleyan Church including the Articles of Religion, Membership Commitments, and Church Government. He or she should be able to support whole-heartedly the programs and ministries of the church locally and internationally.
3.TITHING: The LBA is responsible for much decision-making with regard to the tithes and offerings of the people. It is therefore imperative that each member of the Board be exemplary in personal stewardship, including faithfulness in tithing.
4.ATTENDANCE: Consistent attendance and participation in ministries and services of the church are essential to spiritual leadership and example. It is a member’s responsibility to be present for the duly called meetings of the LBA. It is understood that there are occasionally conflicts with work schedules or other responsibilities that will prohibit attendance.
5.CONFIDENTIALITY: There are times when sensitive issues must be discussed in the Board. Damage can be done to individuals and to the church when issues are voiced outside the meetings. Even freely discussing between LBA members outside the meeting or with family members can be dangerous. Therefore, a commitment to confidentiality is expected of all members of the LBA.
6.UNITY: A spirit of unity and cooperation is necessary for the smooth and efficient functioning of the LBA. This does not preclude disagreement. However, differences of opinion will always be bathed in love, prayer, and tenderheartedness. Members will be encouraged to listen carefully to each other, to set aside personal agendas and desires, and to collectively seek the wisdom and purposes of God for His Church.
7.RELATIONSHIP TO THE PASTOR: The pastor looks to the LBA for counsel, support, and loyalty as he seeks to lead the church. Board members have a unique responsibility in seeing that the vision God lays on the pastor’s heart is supported and fulfilled. God has sent the pastor as the spiritual and administrative leader for this point of time in the history of the church. He needs each member’s loyalty. He needs encouragement to set goals for the church which are born out of prayer and vision for the Lord’s work. He needs help to keep his priorities right, such as taking time for his family, rest, and spiritual improvement. The Board also has a unique and God-given responsibility of surrounding the pastor with spiritual protection. The Scripture is very clear, “Do not touch My anointed ones, and do My prophets no harm” (Psalm 105:15). Criticism and murmuring against the pastor is very dangerous in the church and can soon lift God’s blessing and favor. Board members must “come alongside” the pastor—protecting, encouraging, supporting, and praying for him.
8.YOU ARE IMPORTANT: LBA members are chosen by the church because they are perceived as spiritual leaders. One should accept this position as an appointment from God and so live as to inspire spiritual growth and commitment among the people. Board members are called upon to be “…an example to the believers, in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” (1 Timothy 4:12).
Adopted by the Local Board of Administration, March 15, 2012
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304 N. Walnut Street, Fairmount, IN 46928
765.948.4743 | office@fairmountwesleyan.com
765.948.4743 | office@fairmountwesleyan.com
