Seventh General Conference, IA

JOURNAL

of the SEVENTH GENERAL CONFERENCE

of

THE WESLEYAN CHURCH

The Wesleyan Church was formed in 1968 through the merger of the Wesleyan Methodist Church (1843) and the Pilgrim Holiness Church (i897).

Session held at

Greater Des Moines Convention Center

Des Moines, Iowa

June 22-24, 1992

Wesley Press

P. O. Box 50434

Indianapolis, Indiana 46250

GENERAL CONFERENCE

EDITING COMMITIEE

Ronald R. Brannon, Chairman

Nathan D. Birky

Wayne E. Caldwell

Craig A. Dunn

Robert W. Mcintyre

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Printed in the United States of America

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CONTENTS DEDICATION C. Wesley Lovin

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DIRECTORY 1992-1996

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OFFICERS AND COMMITIEES

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PROGRAM

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ROLL OF DELEGATES

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DAILY PROCEEDINGS Monday Morning, First Sitting Monday Afternoon, Second Sitting Monday Evening, Third Sitting Tuesday Morning, Fourth Sitting Tuesday Afternoon, Fifth Sitting Tuesday Evening, Sixth Sitting Wednesday Morning, Seventh Sitting Wednesday Afternoon, Eighth Sitting

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SEMINARS

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INSPIRATIONAL RALLIES Saturday Night, 7:30 p.rn. Sunday Morning, 10:30 a.m Sunday Afternoon Concert, 3:00 p.rn. Sunday Night, 7:00 p.rn.

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HISTORICAL DATA

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MEMORIALS THE PASTORAL LEDER. Quadrennial Address of the General Superintendents REPORT OF THE TELLERS COMMITIEE

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SEVENTH GENERAL CONFERENCE

QUADRENNIAL REPORTS OF THE GENERAL OFFICIALS 1. General Superintendent O. D. Emery 2. General Superintendent Earle L. Wilson 3. General Superintendent Lee M. Haines 4. General Superintendent H. C. Wilson 5. General Secretary 6. General Treasurer 7. General Editor 8. General Publisher 9. General Secretary of Evangelism & Church Growth 10. General Secretary of World Missions 11. General Secretary of Local Church Education 12. General Secretary of youth 13. General Secretary of Education and the Ministry

197 200 203 207 210 224 238 245 244 256 269 274 283

AUXILIARY GENERAL DIRECTORS 14. General Director of Wesleyan Medical Fellowship 15. General Director of Wesleyan Men 16. General Director of Wesleyan Women International.

292 297 300

AGENCY AND CORPORATION DIRECTORS 17. General Director of Broadcast Ministries 18. General Director of Estate Planning 19. General Director of Hephzibah Children's Home 20. General Director of Wesleyan Investment Foundation, Inc 21. General Director of Wesleyan Pension Fund, Inc

General Conference Welcome and Information Center

307 313 318 324 332

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DEDICATION

This book of minutes is dedicated to the memory of Dr. C. Wesley Lovin.

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C. Wesley Lovin 1918-1990 Carl Wesley Lovin was born December 19, 1918 in Kannapolis, North Carolina, the son of the late Rev. W. Carl and Beulah Lovin. His father was a minister in the Wesleyan Methodist Church for 56 years. Early school training was received in Roanoke, Virginia, and at Asheville and High Point, North Carolina. Ministerial training came from Central Wesleyan College, and he graduated in 1939. An honorary Doctor of Divinity Degree was awarded to him by Houghton College in 1967. • 1 He married Lois Failing in 1937. Three children were born into thiS home: Clifford Lovin, Ester Lovin Mullinax and Cathey Lovin Byrd. Mrs. Losi Lovin died September 25, 1981. On August 31, 1985, he married Earline D. Rickman, who survives him. As a pastor, he spent 23 years in service to churches in North Carolina. Those churches served include the following: Wilmington; Iredell Charge; Mt. Wesley Hiddenite; McAdenville; Gastonia Firestone; Kannapolis First; Gastonia First; and Ashville. During the 23 years of pastoring, he was involved in the organization of 25 churches. Church accomplishments included youth leadership at the district, area and general church levels, where he served as the President of the General Department of Youth from 1955-1959. He was active in his district, serving as North Carolina Conference Vice-President and then President. He was also President of the Shady Grove Camp Association for five years. In 1963, the General Conference elected him General Secretary of Extension and Evangelism, where he served for 13 years. His service to the general church also included the following: Member of the General Board of Administration

Chairman of the Wesleyan Investment Foundation

Chairman of Hephzibah Children's Home Board

Chairman of Wesleyan Indian Ministries Board

Chairman of Pilgrim Manor Nursing Homes Board

Chairman of Brainard Indian &h001 Board

Chairman of Decision Time, Inc. Board

Chairman of The Wesleyan Hour Committee

Member of Wesleyan Bible Conference Board

Trustee of Central Wesleyan College

Trustee of Houghton College

General Evangelist

He died February 24, 1990, in Gastonia, North Carolina. The memorial service was held February 27, 1990, in the Shady Grove Wesleyan Church, Colfax, North Carolina, and was attended by his family, friends and over 100 ministers and church officials. Participants in the service included Rev. Don Milstead; Rev. J. W. Stitles; Rev. Henry D. Williams; Rev. J. W. Phillips; and Rev. John A. Dunn. Interment was in the Shady Grove Cemetery. He is survived by his wife, Earline, and all three children, three stepchildren, two brothers (Fred and Lowell), one sister (Laura Smith), 13 grandchildren and one great­ grandchild. C. Wesley Lovin will be remembered for his love for God and his family, his dedicated service to The Wesleyan Church, his powerful prayers and preaching, his gOOd-natured humor, his evangelistic zeal and his ability to encourage all who came in contact With him.

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DIRECTORY 1992-1996 THE INTERNATIONAL CENTER THE WESLEYAN CHURCH

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P. O. Box 50434 Indianapolis. Indiana 46250-0434 Phone: (317) 842-0444

GENERAL SUPERINTENDENTS Eastern Administrative Area: Dr. Earle L. Wilson South/Central Administrative Area: Dr. Lee M. Haines West/Central Administrative Area: Dr. H. C. Wilson

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GENERAL SUPERINTENDENTS EMERITI Dr. Roy S. Nicholson Dr. Virgil A. Mitchell

Dr. J. D Abbott

Dr. Robert W. Mcintyre

Dr. O. D. Emery

GENERAL OFFICIALS GENERAL SECRETARY: Dr. Ronald R. Brannon GENERAL TREASURER: Mr. Daniel D. Busby GENERAL PUBLISHER: Rev. Nathan D. Birky GENERAL DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS: Dr. Norman G. Wilson GENERAL DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION AND THE MINISTRY: Dr. Kenneth R. Heer GENERAL DIRECTOR OF EVANGELISM AND CHURCH GROWTH: Dr. B. Marlin Mull GENERAL DIRECTOR OF LOCAL CHURCH EDUCATION: Dr. Keith W. Drury GENERAL DIRECTOR OF WORLD MISSIONS: Rev. Donald L. Bray GENERAL DIRECTOR OF YOUTH: Rev. Thomas E. Armiger

GENERAL BOARD OF ADMINISTRATION General Officials Dr. Earle L. Wilson Dr. Lee M. Haines Dr. H. C. Wilson Rev. Thomas E. Armiger Rev. Nathan D. Birky Dr. Ronald R. Brannon

Rev. Donald L. Bray Mr. Daniel D. Busby Dr. Keith W. Drury Dr. Kenneth R. Heer Dr. B. Marlin Mull Dr. Norman G. Wilson

SEVENTH GENERAL CONFERENCE

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Area Representatives

(Ministerial)

(Lay)

North Central Area

Rev. Harold E. Bardsley Rev. David W. Holdren Rev. Paul S. Hontz

Dr. James Barnes Mr. Edwin L. Hoover Mr. John M. Storey

Northeastern Area Dr. Clarence L. Bence Dr. Laurel D. Buckingham Rev. Harry F. Wood

Dr. Nancy Nason-Clark Dr. Paul L. laCelle Mr. David W. Tonnessen

Southern Area Rev. Richard L. Emery Rev. Donald W. Milstead Rev. Dale L. Reynolds

Dr. Char1es L. Joiner Mrs. Vera Parks Storey Dr. Paul Baker Wood

Western Area Dr. Stephen F. Babby Rev. Philip L. Harris Dr. Larry G. Johnson

Mr. Ralph L. Mcintyre Dr. Paul R. Mills Mr. Terry L. Slye

AUXILIARIES Wesleyan Medical Fellowship: Dr. Gustave Prinsen, General Director Wesleyan Men: Mr. Ronnie Hallman, General Director Wesleyan Women International: Mrs. JoAn Drury, General Director

AGENCY AND CORPORATION EXECUTIVES Estate Planning: Rev. Howard 8. Castle, General Director Hephzibah Children's Home: To be elected Wesleyan Investment Foundation: Dr. John A. Dunn, General Director Wesleyan Pension Fund: Mr. Robert L. Temple, General Director

THE WESLEYAN CHURCH

GENERAL BOARD OF REVIEW Chairman: Dr. O. D. Emery

Vice-Chairman: Dr. Robert W. Mcintyre

Secretary: Dr. Wayne W. Wright

Members (Ministerial) Dr. O. D. Emery Rev. William D. James Dr. Robert W. Mcintyre Dr. V. A. Mitchell Dr. Wayne W. Wright (Ministerial Alternates) Rev. Ernest Batman Rev. Paul D. Dieter Rev. Walter W. Jewell Rev. William F. Kinnan, Sr.

(Lay) Mr. Leonard Mills Mr. Kar1 Kresge Mr. Delbert Green Dr. Ivan Palmer (Lay Alternates) Mr. Ralph Breedlove Mr. Roy Stevenson Mr. Frank Stevens

General SecretaI)' Ronald R. Brannon Instructs the Delegates

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SEVENTH GENERAL CONFERENCE

BOARD OF GENERAL SUPERINTENDENTS

1992-1996

DR. EARLE L. WILSON General Superintendent

DR. H. C. WILSON

General Superintendent

DR. LEE M. HAINES General Superintendent

THE WESLEYAN CHURCH

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GENERAL OFFICIALS 1992-1996

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REV. THOMAS E. ARMIGER General Director of Youth

REV. NATHAN D. BIRKY General Publisher

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DR. RONALD R. BRANNON General Secretary

REV. DONALD L. BRAY

General Director of

World Missions

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SEVENTH GENERAL CONFERENCE

MR. DANIEL D. BUSBY General Treasurer

DR. B. MARLIN MULL

General Director of

Evangelism and Church Growth

DR. KEITH W. DRURY General Director of

Local Church Education

DR. KENNETH R. HEER General Director of

Education and the Ministr)'

THE WESLEYAN CHURCH

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DR. NORMAN G. WILSON

General Director of

Communications

CORPORATION, AUXILIARY AND AGENCY GENERAL

DIRECTORS

1992·1996

REV. HOWARD B. CASTLE General Director of Estate Planning

MRS. JO AN M. DRURY

General Director of Wesleyan Women International

SEVENTH GENERAL CONFERENCE

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MR. ROBERT L. TEMPLE

DR. JOHN A. DUNN

General Director of Wesleyan Pension Fund

General Director of Wesleyan Investment Foundation

MR. STEPHEN C. DROWN General Director of

Wesleyan Men

DR. GUSTAVE G. PRINSELL

(to be elected)

General Director of Hephzibah Children's Home

General Director of

Wesleyan Medical Fellowship

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SEVENTH GENERAL CONFERENCE of THE WESLEYAN CHURCH

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Officers

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General Superintendents and Co-Chairmen: O. D. Emery Earle L. Wilson Lee M. Haines

H. C. Wilson

Secretary Ronald R. Brannon Committee Assignments General Conference Planning Committee Dr. Ronald R. Brannon, Chairman Mr. Daniel D. Busby Rev. Paul W. Boss

Rev. David W. Holdren Rev. Marvin L. Hughes Dr. Joseph W. Seaborn, II

Committee on Memorials

(General Board of Administration)

Dr. O. D. Emery, Chairman

Dr. Ronald R. Brannon, Secretary

Rev. Thomas E. Armiger Dr. Stephen F. Babby Rev. Nathan D. Birky Dr. Ronald R. Brannon Dr. Laurel D. Buckingham Mr. Daniel D. Busby Dr. Wayne E. Caldwell Dr. Daniel R. Chamberlain Rev. Jay E. DeNeff Dr. Keith W. Drury Dr. O. D. Emery Dr. Lee M. Haines Rev. C. E. Hanks Rev. Philip L. Harris Dr. Kenneth R. Heer Rev. David W. Holdren Mr. Edwin L. Hoover Rev. William D. James Dr. Larry G. Johnson

Dr. Charles L. Joiner Rev. William F. Kinnan, Sr. Dr. Paul L. laCelle Mr. Ralph L. Mcintyre Dr. Ronald E. Mitchell Dr. B. Marlin Mull Rev. Dale L. Reynolds Mr. Burdette Shattuck Mr. Terry L. Slye Mr. Josiah E. Smith Mr. John M. Storey Mrs. Vera Parks Storey Mr. David W. Tonnessen Dr. Earle L. Wilson Dr. H. C. Wilson Rev. Harry F. Wood Dr. Paul Baker Wood Dr. Wayne W. Wright

SEVENTH GENERAL CONFERENCE

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Committee on Special Nominations (General Superintendents and Area Representatives of the General Board of Administration) Dr. O. D. Emery, Chairman Dr. Charles L. Joiner, Secretary Dr. Dr. Dr. Dr.

O. D. Emery Earle L. Wilson Lee M. Haines H. C. Wilson

Dr. Laurel D. Buckingham Dr. Daniel R. Chamberlain Rev. Jay E. DeNeff Rev. C. E. Hanks Rev. Philip L. Harris Rev. David W. Holdren Mr. Edwin L. Hoover Rev. William D. James Dr. Larry G. Johnson General Conference Coordinator: Rev. John K. Heavilin Exhibits Coordinator: Rev. David W. Holdren Seminar Coordinators Dr. Joseph W. Seaborn, II Rev. Paul Boss

Dr. Charles L. Joiner Rev. William F. Kinnan, Sr. Dr. Paul L. laCelle Mr. Ralph L. Mcintyre Dr. Ronald E. Mitchell Rev. Dale L. Reynolds Mr. Burdette Shattuck Mr. Terry L. Slye Mr. Josiah E. Smith Mr. John M. Storey Mrs. Vera Parks Storey Mr. David W. Tonnessen Rev. Harry F. Wood Dr. Paul Baker Wood Journal Committee Mr. Darl Fowler, Chairman Mr. Keith Biddle Mr. David Kaufmann Media Committee Dr. Joseph W. Seaborn, II Chair. Mr. Alan Miller Tellers & Ushers Coordination Rev. Stephen F. Bradley

Friends meet after Sunday morning selVice

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"And this gospel .. shall be preached in all the world..

"Matt. 24:14

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PROGRAM Personnel General Conference Coordinator: Rev. John K. Heavilin Photographer: Mr. Randy Wilmot Music Director: Rev. Mark Welch Organist: Miss Margaret Cochrane Pianist: Rev. Keith Tyler

Saturday, June 20 1:30-4:20 p.m.

SEMINARS

7:30-9:00 p.m.

CHRISTIAN PERFECTION Convenor: Dr. O. D. Emery Platform Chairman: Dr. Robert W. Mcintyre One Sacrifice - Bethany Bible College Message: Dr. Lee M. Haines

Sunday, June 21 9:10-10:00 a.m.

SEMINARS

10:30 a.m.-Noon

ASSURANCE OF BELIEVERS Platform Chairman: Dr. J. D. Abbott Impact - Central Wesleyan College Message: Dr. Earle L. Wilson

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SEVENTH GENERAL CONFERENCE

3:00-4:00 p.m.

BOBBY MICHAELS IN CONCERT

7:00-9:00 p.m.

ATONEMENT FOR ALL Platform Chairman: Dr. Virgil A. Mitchell Freedom - Bartlesville Wesleyan College His Instrument -Indiana Wesleyan University Message: Dr. H. C. Wilson

Monday, June 22 8:30-11:45 a.m.

BUSINESS SESSION Chairman: Dr. Earle L. Wilson Impact - Central Wesleyan College Ballot Roll Call Pastoral Letter: Dr. O. D. Emery Conference Business

1:30-4:30 p.m.

BUSINESS SESSION Chairman: Dr. O. D. Emery Music - Mr. & Mrs. Sam Van Horn, Columbus, OH Election of General Superintendents and General Officials

7:00-9:00 p.m.

BUSINESS SESSION

Chairman: Dr. Lee M. Haines

Music - British Isles Youth Team

Continuation of Elections

Tuesday, June 23 8:30-11 :45 a.m.

BUSINESS SESSION Chairman: Dr. H. C. Wilson His Instrument - Indiana Wesleyan University Devotions: Mr. Poge Gewane Greetings from Fraternal Delegates

1:30-2:50 p.m.

BUSINESS SESSION

Chairman: Dr. Ear1e L. Wilson

Heirborne - Houghton College

3:20-4:30 p.m.

AREA CAUCUSES

North Central Area

Northeastern Area

Southern Area

Western Area

7:00-9:00 p.m.

BUSINESS SESSION Chairman: Dr. O. D. Emery Music - Mr. Rick Webb, High Point, NC

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THE WESLEYAN CHURCH

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Wednesday, June 24 8:30-11 :45 a. m.

BUSINESS SESSION

Chairman: Dr. Lee M. Haines

Music - Hephzibah Children's Home

Devotions: Dr. Jo Anne Lyon

2:00-4:30 p.m.

BUSINESS SESSION

Chairman: Dr. H. C. Wilson

Freedom - Bartlesville Wesleyan College

7:30-8:00 p.m.

Installation of General Officials and 1992-1996 General Board of Administration

8:00-8:15 p.m.

Ritual of Gratitude - Honoring Retiring

General Officials

8:15 p.m.

Honor Reception - Retiring General Officials - Capital Square

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CHURCH 'lOur Parish Platform and General Conference theme

General Confere 1992

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SEVENTH GENERAL CONFERENCE

THE WESLEYAN CHURCH

Delegates await the start of business

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ROLL OF DELEGATES June 22, 1992 GENERAL SUPERINTENDENTS

Dr. O. D. Emery Dr. Lee M. Haines

Dr. Earle L. Wilson Dr. H. C. Wilson GENERAL SUPERINTENDENTS EMERITI

Dr. Virgil A. Mitchell Dr. Roy S. Nicholson

Dr. J. D. Abbott Dr. Robert W. Mcintyre

GENERAL OFFICIALS

(Ministerial) Rev. Thomas E. Armiger Rev. Nathan D. Birky Dr. Ronald R. Brannon Dr. Wayne E. Caldwell Dr. Keith W. Drury

Dr. Kenneth R. Heer Dr. B. Marlin Mull Dr. Wayne W. Wright (Lay) Mr. Daniel D. Busby

GENERAL BOARD OF ADMINISTRATION AREA REPRESENTATIVES

(Ministerial)

(Lay) NORTH CENTRAL AREA

Rev. C. E. Hanks Rev. David W. Holdren Rev. William F. Kinnan, Sr.

Mr. Edwin L. Hoover Mr. Burdette Shattuck Mr. John M. Storey NORTHEASTERN AREA

Dr. Laurel D. Buckingham Dr. Daniel R. Chamberlain Rev. Harry F. Wood

Dr. Paul L. laCelle Dr. Ronald E. Mitchell Mr. David W. Tonnessen SOUTHERN AREA

Rev. Jay E. DeNeff Rev. William D. James Rev. Dale L. Reynolds

Dr. Charles L. Joiner Mrs. Vera Parks Storey Dr. Paul Baker Wood WESTERN AREA

Mr. Ralph L. Mcintyre Mr. Terry L. Slye Mr. Josiah E. Smith

Dr. Stephen F. Babby Rev. Philip L. Harris Dr. Larry G. Johnson

COLLEGE PRESIDENTS

(Ministerial) Dr. Daniel R. Chamberlain Houghton College Rev. David S. Medders Bethany Bible College Dr. John M. Newby Central Wesleyan College

(Lay) Dr. James Barnes Indiana Wesleyan University Dr. Paul R. Mills Bartlesville Wesleyan College

THE WESLEYAN CHURCH

DELEGATES AT LARGE

Elected by North Michigan, South Carolina, Tri-State, Virginia, West Michigan, West Virginia and Western New York Districts.

(Ministerial)

(Lay) ATLANTIC DISTRICT

Rev. Ray Barnwell, Sr., Dist. Supt. Dr. William C. Burbury Rev. Karl Gorman Rev. David W. LeRoy Rev. Mel Norton Rev. Lawrence R. Sullivan Rev. John L. Symonds

Mr. David A. Benson Dr. David Clark Mrs. Lynda J. Chan Mrs. Kay Ingersoll Mr. Ivan M. Ricker Mr. Frank A. Stevens Mr. Robert Trafton

CAPITAL DISTRICT

Dr. David L. Keith, Dist. Supt. Rev. Jerry S. Beall Rev. James H. Mills, Jr. Rev. John M. Mills

Mr. John A. Barrett Mr. Paul R. Dixon, Sr. Mrs. Kay Hedge Mrs. Edith F. Orem

CENTRAL CANADA

Rev. S. Allan Summers, Dist. Supt. Rev. Marven V. Durling

Mr. Herb Chatson Mr. Roy Stevenson

CENTRAL NEW YORK

Rev. Wayne B. Wager, Dist. Supt. Dr. Clarence Bence Rev. N. Ward Hall Rev. David A. Larson Rev. Gerald F. Wright, Jr.

Mr. Richard G. Beach Mrs. Sharon Falke Mrs. Roberta Jelliff Mrs. Barbara Patrick Mrs. Karen A. Thompson

CHAMPLAIN

Rev. Uoyd W. Stuart, Dist. Supt. Rev. Harold Austin Rev. Rob!:!rt Bruso

Mr. Stephen Drown Mr. Paul Lamos Mr. Malcolm Starks

COLORADO

Rev. Elmer E. Brannon, Dist. Supt.

Mr. Oscar L. Frank

DAKOTA

Dr. Larry Johnson, Dist. Supt. Rev. Tim Purcell Rev. Jerry Rott Rev. Isaac Smith Rev. Ron Wickard

Mr. Sam Crabtree Mr. Ward Koeser Mr. Wayne Mueller Dr. Ivan S. Palmer Mr. Warren Thomas DELMARVA

Dr. George Harris, Dist. Supt. Rev. Tom Bunting Rev. Paul D. Dieter Rev. Dwight Mikesell

Mr. Mr. Mr. Mr.

Paul S. Carroll James Johnson William A. Jones John Mervine

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SEVENTH GENERAL CONFERENCE

DELTA

Rev. Donald L. Bray, Dist. Supt. Rev. Richard Emery Rev. William F. Tice, Jr.

Mr. William Benton Mr. Jerrell Hubbard Mr. James H. Johnson

EAST MICHIGAN

Rev. Rev. Rev. Rev. Rev.

William F. Kinnan, Sr., Dist. Supt. Kenneth Boschee Doyle Brannon Gary A. Curell Rudyard K. Fay

Rev. Rev. Rev. Rev. Rev. Rev.

C. E. Hanks, Dist. Supt. Denver K. Dodrill Fred I. Fox Richard D. Lupton Jeffrey A. Mansell Marvin Taylor

Mr. Mr. Mr. Mr. Mr.

Alton Barrett Larry Curell Delbert P. Green Mason Mills Tom Steenbergh

EASTERN OHIO

Mr. Robert Christian Mr. Lowell Cole Mrs. Marilyn Dodrill Mr. Okey Keefer Mr. Clair Parsons Mrs. Kathern Taylor FLORIDA

Rev. Raymond Kensell, Dist. Supt. Dr. Larry N. Freeman Rev. Walter McKee, Jr. Rev. Dennis Waymire

Mr. Mr. Mr. Mr.

Mark Beecher Dean Hughes M. Lee Schenck Nolan Spence

GEORGIA

Rev. Hugh C. Pope, Dist. Supt. Rev. Daniel E. Finch

Mrs. Dot Coffey Mrs. Karis Lewis ILLINOIS

Dr. Joe C. Sawyer, Dist. Supt. Dr. Meredith J. Bailie

Mr. Lawrence A. Butts Mr. Peter J. Crotser

INDIANA CENTRAL

Rev. Rev. Rev. Rev. Rev. Rev.

Ernest R. Batman, Dist. Supt. Bob K. Anderson Paul W. Boss N. Keith Hinton Milton Lightbourne Robert G. VanCise

Rev. Rev. Rev. Rev. Rev.

Harold E. Bardsley, Dist. Supt. John W. Basham Duane O. Fisher Joel E. Gearhart W. Paul James

Dr. Steve A. Foley Mr. R. Max Greenwalt Mr. Lenville A. Gross Mr. Dick M. Hines Mr. Thomas McBride Mr. Carl L. Shepherd

INDIANA NORTH

Mr. Robert Appleman Mr. Mark Batman Mr. James E. Browne Dr. Richard Gardner Mr. J. Charles Mealy

THE WESLEYAN CHURCH

INDIANA NORTH

Rev. Rev. Rev. Rev.

Gale A. Janofski Les Kephart Herbert W. Mohler James N. Watkins

Rev. Rev. Rev. Rev. Rev. Rev.

O. W. Willis, Dist. Supt. George F. Blice Bob England Everett Freels Marvin L. Hughes J. Philo Jones

Rev. Rev. Rev. Rev. Rev. Rev.

J. Richard Ernst, Dist. Supt. Donald W. Berry Donald D. Calhoun Steve Packer James W. Slye John R. Zimmer

Rev. Rev. Rev. Rev.

Francis Hubbard, Dist. Supt. Gary Brewster David R. Kaufmann Rich McLean

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(cont.) Mrs. Helen E. Shellenbarger Dr. Byron L. Tippey Mr. David Tippey Mr. Phillip A. Troyer

INDIANA SOUTH

Mr. Mr. Mr. Mr. Mr. Mr.

Frank Arney Harvey E. Best S. Dale Hayhurst Vernon Jewell Glenn A. Meyers Steve Willis

IOWA

Dr. Robert Bremner Mr. Harry Budensiek Mr. Mike Lowe Mr. Dearl Thomas Mr. Richard G. Walquist Mr. Lyle F. Wendland KANSAS

Mrs. Violet Jones Mr. Calvin Mueller Mr. James W. Ruhnke Mr. Milton Wirt

KENTUCKY

Rev. Glenn D. Black, Dist. Supt. Rev. Keith Biddle Rev. William H. Richardson

Mr. Robert Basham Mr. Dan E. Campbell Mr. Gregory D. Pavey NEBRASKA

Rev. Duane Lauber, Dist. Supt.

Mr. James E. Dow

NORTH CAROLINA EAST

Rev. Rev. Rev. Rev. Rev. Rev. Rev. Rev. Rev. Rev.

Don K. Ledbetter, Dist. Supt. Keith E. Carroll W. Lee Cockerill James L. Denny Daniel E. LeRoy W. Don Richardson James C. Smith Leon E. Thompson James Ronald Thompson Carroll M. Upton

Mr. Harold Bean Mrs. Tula Brady Mr. Mark Dawalt Mrs. Aline Loman Mrs. Ernstena Parker Mr. William Reeves Mr. Parkes Richey Mrs. Sondra O. Shuping Miss Mary Alice Smith Mr. Leonard D. Stowe

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SEVENTH GENERAL CONFERENCE

NORTH CAROLINA WEST

Rev. Henry D. Williams, Dist. Supt. Dr. Robert E. Black Rev. Edwin A. Chriscoe Rev. Donald A. Dawalt Rev. David M. Emery Dr. Melvin L. Gentry Dr. Ronald L. Haithcock Dr. Forbis L. Kivett Rev. Donald W. Milstead Rev. Raymond L. Phaup Rev. J. W. Phillips Dr. Claude R. Rickman Rev. George D. Simmons Rev. G. Timothy Smith Rev. Forrest E. Whitener Rev. Donald D. Wood

Mrs. Sherry Alloway Mr. Tony Baker Mr. Ralph D. Breedlove Mr. Donald L. Carr Mr. Larry C. Deaton Mr. Darl L. Fowler Mrs. Kim D. Fowler Mr. Larry French Mr. Harold Haithcock Mr. Ronnie L. Hallman Mr. Doug Helms Dr. Lowell D. Jennings Mrs. laVon Keener Mr. Walter W. Kiser Mr. Dan Loggins Mr. Larry Milstead

NORTH MICHIGAN

Rev. Rev. Rev. Rev. Rev. Rev.

Stephen Skinner, Dist. Supt. Roger L. Cooper Roger Freed Dale Kessler Jack Steenbergh Jonathan White

Mr. Merlyn Butcher Mr. Paul Doehring Mrs. Linda S. Heyd Mrs. Ruth E. Koteskey Mr. Ken Osborne Mr. Glenn M. Soappman

NORTHWEST

Rev. Joseph W. Watkins, Dist. Supt.

Mr. Roger L. Metcalf

PACIFIC SOUTHWEST

Dr. Stephen Babby, Dist. Supt. Dr. Lester C. Blank Dr. Orval C. Butcher Rev. Paul A. Gilbert Rev. Robert D. Hughes Rev. Ed Jenewein Rev. Jimmy F. Johnson Dr. John C. Maxwell Rev. Alan E. Nelson Rev. Franklin W. Robinson Rev. Karl R. Westfall

Mr. Skip Elmore Mr. Bruce Hesse Mr. Mark Huffman Mr. Lynn A. Knierim Mr. Jack Maxwell Mr. Dick Peterson Mr. O. J. Potts Mr. AI Rogers Mr. Roger L. Ryan Mr. Theodore R. Stewart Mr. J. Raymond Wells PENN-JERSEY

Rev. Harry F. Wood, Dist. Supt. Dr. Melvin E. Dieter Rev. Louis H. Goodman Rev. Luther A. Nelson Rev. Rick Shockley Rev. Scott Weldon Rev. Donavon W. Shoemaker

Mr. David Babb Mr. Carl Kresge Mr. Stephen Paine Mr. Leroy H. Sollenberger Mr. Robert Strum Mr. Luther P. Turner Mrs. Linda Wensel

THE WESLEYAN CHURCH

SOUTH CAROLINA

Rev. William D. James, Dist. Supt. Rev. Fred Andrews Dr. James Bross, Sr. Rev. Foster D. Gentry Rev. David Johnston Rev. James Wiggins Rev. Paul Wilcox

Mrs. Martha S. Evatt Mr. W. T. Hughey Dr. Ted Jennings Dr. Martin laBar Mrs. Jo Ann Mitchell Mr. Leon Pilgrim Mr. Herschel A. Smith Mr. Charles Tegen

TENNESSEE

Rev. L. E. Galyon, Dist. Supt.

Mr. Oliver France TEXAS

Rev. Blair Ritchey, Dist. Supt.

Mr. Jack Watkins TRI-STATE

Rev. Rev. Rev. Rev.

Max A. Colaw, Dist. Supt. C. B. Colaw Charles Cooper George H. Jenewein

Mr. Mr. Mr. Mr. Mr.

Rev. Rev. Rev. Rev. Rev. Rev.

Dale L. Reynolds, Dist. Supt. Wes Gillespie Stanley R. Hunter Barry G. Lawson Raymond B. Powers Paul W. Wilson

Paul Gallahar Jerry Mays Jim Perry Vito Sansone Roger Skelly

VIRGINIA

Mr. Edward L. Arrington, Jr. Miss Louise H. Carlton Dr. Dewey Gunnoe Mr. James D. Fralin Mr. Barney D. Jones Dr. Vergie I. Keith Mr. William Overstreet

WEST MICHIGAN

Dr. Ronald D. Kelly, Dist. Supt. Rev. Ralph V. Baynum Dr. Paul S. Hontz Rev. Vaughn B. Jensen Rev. Joe Liddick Rev. Ronald C. McClung Rev. William H. Osborne Rev. Wayne K. Schmidt, Jr. Rev. Robert L. Zuhl

Mr. Mr. Mr. Mr. Mr. Mr. Mr. Mr. Mr. Mr.

Garreth Barker Robert Barnes, Sr. John Cheney Ronald Merrill Richard A. Moberg Preston Overway Eugene Rathbun Wayne K. Schmidt, Sr. Ivan Syswerda Carl Warren

WEST VIRGINIA

Rev. Ronald H. Drillien, Dist. Supt.

Mr. Frederick J. Holdren Mr. Leon Hudson

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SEVENTH GENERAL CONFERENCE

WESTERN NEW YORK

Rev. G. Vaughn Drummonds, Dis1. Sup1. Dr. H. R. Jacobson Rev. Fred J. Moore Mrs. Ina Newcomb Rev. J. Michael Walters Mr. Wesley D. Pearson Mr. Philip G. Stockin WESTERN OHIO

Rev. Rev. Rev. Rev.

James P. Vermilya, Dis1. Sup1. S. L. Booher Walter W. Jeffries Wallace Marshall

Rev. Rev. Rev. Rev.

Charles F. Williamson, Dist. Supt. James M. Crawford Paul D. Dettmer Mark A. Holmes

Mr. Mr. Mr. Mr.

James Booher Michael D. Brown Charles R. Osborne, Sr. Harold Warman

WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA

Mr. Mr. Mr. Mr.

Robert Allison Edgar Eckley Albert M. Hill Robert Kaltenbaugh

WISCONSIN

Rev. Russell G. Buck, Dis1. Sup1. Rev. Benjamine S. Drown Rev. Stephen E. Rhoades

Mr. Greg Burger Mr. Kent Peterson Mr. Vernon Woods

PROVISIONAL DELEGATES CARIBBEAN

Dr. Job N. Ward

S1. Augustus Haye WORLD MISSIONS DISTRICT AUSTRALIA

Rev. Thomas John Blythe

Mrs. Beverley Hanbury BRAZIL

Rev. Raimundo M. Meira

Mr. Antonio M. Melo BRITISH ISLES

Rev. Christian Oliver Weaver

Mr. Douglas Dalton Walker COLOMBIA

Rev. Daniel Bernate

Mrs. Ana De Rojas GUYANA/SURINAME

Mr. John D'Anjou

Rev. Oswen Cameron HAITI

Rev. Francois D. Gilles

Mr. Jean-Claude Louisdor (CENTRAL) INDIA

Rev. Manohar Senu Lal

Mr. John Emanuel David

THE WESLEYAN CHURCH

LIBERIA

(none)

Rev. Lemuel H. Harris MEXICO

Mrs. Christina Vega

Rev. Juan Vega

PAPUA NEW GUINEA

Mr. Poge Gewane

Rev. Yawijah Tuguyah PERU

Mr. Manuel T. Carrasco

Rev. Enrique Alcantara Tacilla

PUERTO RICO

Rev. Sara Perez

Mr. Jose Santiago SIERRA LEONE

Rev. Y. Martin Kroma

Mr. Santigue D. Kanu SOUTHERN AFRICA

Rev. Richard S. Nukeri

Dr. Simon Z. Mbokazi ZAMBIA

Rev. Simon C. Syabbamba

Mrs. Leah Sichombo

NON-VOTING DELEGATES

Auxiliary General Directors Dr. Gustave G. Prinsell, Wesleyan Medical Fellowship * Mr. Ronnie Hallman, Wesleyan Men

Mrs. JoAn M. Drury, Wesleyan Women International

Agency and Corporation General Directors Dr. Norman G. Wilson, Broadcast Ministries Rev. Howard B. Castle, Estate Planning Rev. T. Joe Neyman, Hephzibah Children's Home Mr. Robert L. Temple. Wesleyan Pension Fund Dr. John A. Dunn, Wesleyan Investment Foundation Wesleyan Native American District Rev. Gary Seaton, General Director Rev. Jerry Yellowhawk, Dist. Supt. World Missions Districts and Pioneer Areas Germany - Rev. Klaus Weidlich Honduras - Rev. Omar Moya Korea - Rev. Doe Seung Kim South Africa - Rev. Gordon Webster West India· Rev. Samuel R.C. Justin *See North Carolina West listing

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World Missions Directors Rev. Paul R. Downey - Brazil &Guyana/Suriname Dr. David W. Wright - British Isles Rev. Rodney W. Guptill - Colombia Dr. R. Kenneth Blake - Germany Mr. Steven Trotzke - Haiti Rev. Thomas J. Hines - Honduras Dr. Rebecca Bibbee -India Rev. Jeff Fussner - Indonesia Dr. Barry L. Ross - Japan Dr. John H. Connor - Korea Rev. Philip A. Nettleton - Liberia Rev. Edward D. Parman - Mexico Rev. James D. Keilholtz - Papua New Guinea Rev. Richard I. West - Peru Rev. Richard 1. Brunk - Puerto Rico Rev. Donald R. Kinde - Sierra Leone Rev. Donald M. Karns - Southern Africa Rev. William F. Peed - Zambia

International delegates pose with Hospitality Center hostess

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DAILY PROCEEDINGS

Indiana Central delegation hard at work

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SEVENTH GENERAL CONFERENCE

DAILY PROCEEDINGS First Sitting

Monday, June 22, 1992 - 8:30 a.m.

Chairman: General Superintendent Earle L. Wilson. 1. The musical group, Impact, from Central Wesleyan College, opened the session with a musical package. 2. The Seventh General Conference of The Wesleyan Church assembled as called in the Des Moines Convention Center, Des Moines, Iowa, on Monday, June 22, 1992, at 8:30 a.m. for the first business session. Across the front of the platform where the chairman and secretary were seated was a large sign with the conference theme: "The Wesleyan Church, The World Still our Parish", and the quadrennial theme of "Vision 2000." 3. The Chairman greeted the delegates and visitors to this Seventh General Conference, after which Dr. Larry G. Johnson, District Superintendent of the Dakota District of The Wesleyan Church, offered prayer on behalf of the conference. 4. General Secretary Ronald R. Brannon instructed the delegates on the completion of the roll call ballot. The results showed 434 voting delegates and 31 non-voting delegates present at the conference. Subsequent to the tallying of the roll call ballots, one more voting ballot was turned into the General Secretary, making a total of 435 voting delegates. 5. The Chairman introduced the General Conference Readers for the Seventh General Conference: Dr. Ronald R. Brannon and Dr. Charles L. Joiner. 6. The General Secretary moved that the program arranged by the General Conference Planning Committee and printed in the General Conference Program Book be adopted as a guideline for the order of business. The motion was adopted. 7. The General Secretary moved that the following Special Orders be adopted: Special Orders (1) Monday, 9:30 a.m., Pastoral Letter (2) Monday, 1:30 p.m., Election of General Superintendents (followed by the election of General Officials) (3) Tuesday, 11:00 a.m., Inroduction of the Fraternal Delegates (4) Tuesday, 1:30 p.m., Consideration of the USF/EIF

Memorials

(5) Tuesday, 3:20 p.m., Area Caucuses (6) Wednesday, 8:15 p.m., Ritual of Gratitude Honoring Retiring General Officials (7) Wednesday, 8:45 p.m., Honor Reception for Retiring General Officials (8) Thursday, 7:00 p.m., Installation of officers and 1992-1996 GBAMembers 8. The Special Orders as presented were adopted. 9. The General Secretary presented the Session Rules which were printed in the General Conference Program Book and moved their adoption.

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Session Rules (1) The conference bar shall consist of the platform and the area where the tables are placed. (2) To facilitate identification and admission within the bar, all delegates shall be required to wear the name badge provided with delegates' packets. (3) Roll call shall be taken by ballot once a day as the first item of business in the morning sitting, on the prescribed forms as provided by the secretary. (4) A delegate desiring to speak shall raise the colored card provided and await the recognition of the chair before proceeding to the numbered microphone designated by the chairman. The technician will then activate the microphone. The delegates shall begin by announcement of their name and the name of the district or organization being represented. Example: "Mr. Chairman, I am Wilbur Brown from the Capital District." (5) A copy of each resolution or motion offered from the floor shall be confirmed in writing. The original shall be given to the chairman, and the duplicate to the secretary. Forms are provided. Tellers will deliver the form to the platform after preparation by the delegate. (6) Delegates desiring permission to be excused from attending the General Conference will please indicate so in writing to the General Secretary, Dr. Ronald R. Brannon, or a member of his staff. He will advise the chairman of the change in delegation. The motion to adopt the Session Rules carried. 10. The General Secretary, Dr. Ronald R. Brannon, read an official communication of greetings from Dr. Roy S. Nicholson, General Superintendent Emeritus, which expressed his disappointment in not being able to attend this General Conference. The delegates expressed appreciation to Dr. Nicholson by a standing ovation. The Chairman instructed the General Secretary to respond to the communication with an appropriate letter expressing the delegates' appreciation to Dr. Nicholson. 11. The Chairman asked Dr. Wayne W. Wright, General Secretary of Wesleyan World Missions to introduce two individuals to the General Conference: Eric John Bahadur from Pakistan and Rev. Wellington Gaba from South Africa. The Department of World Missions is considering further affiliation with groups that both of these men represent. 12. General Secretary of World Missions, Wayne W. Wright moved that Rev. Gaba and Eric John Bahadur be granted special observers status within the World Missions section of the General Conference Bar. The motion was adopted. 13. The Chairman recognized the three General Superintendents Emeriti who were present at the General Conference: Dr. Virgil A. Mitchell, Dr. J. D. Abbott and Dr. Robert W. McIntyre. The delegates expressed love and appreciation for the General Superintendents Emeriti with applause. 14. The General Secretary announced that Rev. Jerry Yellowhawk, District Superintendent of the Wesleyan Native American Pioneer District, was present and rightfully should be seated within the conference bar

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SEVENTH GENERAL CONFERENCE

according to The Discipline. The Chairman asked that one of the Tellers escort Rev. Yellowhawk to a seat within the conference bar. The Secretary noted that Rev. Yellowhawk was the fIrst Native American to be represented among the General Conference delegates. The delegates expressed their appreciation for Rev. Yellowhawk by applause. 15. The Secretary moved that for this 1992 General Conference the first ballot for election of General Superintendents be a "yes-no" ballot for incumbent General Superintendents available for reelection. Any vacancies remaining after the first ballot shall be fIlled by using unprinted ballots until the elections are completed. This election procedure for General Superintendents was adopted. 16. Memorial 1 was adopted. 17. The Chairman appointed Me. Darl L. Fowler, Rev. Keith Biddle, and Rev. David R. Kaufmann to serve as the Journal Committee. 18. Memorial 3 was adopted. 19. Memorial 4 was adopted. 20. Memorial 308 was presented to the delegates for adoption (see item 23). 21. As called for by the Special Order of the Day, General Superintendent O. D. Emery presented the 1992 Pastoral Letter on behalf of the Board of General Superintendents. The Pastoral Letter was received by the delegates. They expressed their appreciation for the report by applause. (See page 183.) 22. The conference recessed for break from 10:15-10:45 a.m. 23. Discussion of Memorial 308 continued (from item 20). After further discussion, Ballot #1 was cast for Memorial 308 (see item 30 for report). 24. Dr. O. D. Emery Reports. General Superintendent O. D. Emery was presented to answer questions concerning his quadrennial report. The report was accepted with appreciation by the delegates. (See page 197.) 25. Chairman Earle L. Wilson turned the chair over to Dr. O. D. Emery. 26. Dr. Earle L. Wilson reports. General Superintendent Earle L. Wilson was presented to answer questions concerning his quadrennial report. The report was accepted with appreciation by the delegates. (See page 200.) 27. Chairman O. D. Emery turned the chair back to Dr. Earle L. Wilson. 28. Dr. Lee M. Haines reports. General Superintendent Lee M. Haines was presented to answer questions concerning his quadrennial report. The report was accepted with appreciation by the delegates. (See page 203.) 29. Dr. H. C. Wilson reports. General Superintendent H. C. Wilson was presented to answer questions concerning his quadrennial report. The report was accepted with appreciation by the delegates. (See page 207.) 30. The report was given on Ballot #1 which was cast for Memorial 308 (from item 23). A total of 434 votes were cast with 218 necessary to adopt. There were 391 "yes" and 43 "no." The Chairman declared Memorial 308 adopted. 31. Dr. O. D. Emery, General Superintendent, moved that Memorial 308 become effective immediately. The motion carried by the required two­ thirds vote.

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32. Dr. Ronald R. Brannon reports. General Secretary Dr. Ronald R. Brannon was presented to answer questions concerning his quadrennial report. The report was accepted with appreciation by the delegates. (See page 210.) 33. Mr. Daniel D. Busby reports. General Treasurer Mr. Daniel D. Busby was presented to answer questions concerning his quadrennial report. The report was accepted with appreciation by the delegates. (See page 224.) 34. Dr. Wayne E. Caldwell reports. General Editor Dr. Wayne W. Caldwell was presented to answer questions concerning his quadrennial report. The report was accepted with appreciation by the delegates. (See page 238.) 35. The fIrst sitting of the Seventh General Conference adjourned at 11:48 a.m. Second Sitting Monday, June 22,1992 -1:30 p.m.

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Chairman: General Superintendent O. D. Emery. 36. Mr. & Mrs. Sam Van Horn from the Cypress Wesleyan Church in Columbus, Ohio, favored the delegates with a musical package. 37. Chairman O. D. Emery called the meeting to order at 1:30 p.m. 38. The General Secretary pointed out that The Discipline gives the Directors of Subsidiary Corporations non-voting seats within the conference bar. Chairman Emery asked that Mr. Gary Seaton be escorted to a seat within the conference bar as a Director of Wesleyan Native American Ministries. 39. Chairman Emery introduced the "Yes-No" ballot for General Superintendents to the delegates. After the Chairman's instructions the "Yes-No" ballots were distributed by the Tellers. Chairman Emery offered prayer before the ballots for General Superintendents were cast. 40. While the Tellers were collecting the "Yes-No" ballots for the election of General Superintendents, the body joined Chairman O. D. Emery in singing Leaning on the Everlasting Anns. The delegates joined in the singing with Chairman Emery. 41. Rev. Nathan D. Birky reports. General Publisher Rev. Nathan D. Birky was presented to answer questions concerning his quadrennial report. The report was accepted with appreciation by the delegates. (See page 245.) 42. Dr. B. Marlin Mull reports. The General Secretary of Evangelism and Church Growth, Dr. B. Marlin Mull, was presented to answer questions The report was accepted with concerning his quadrennial report. appreciation by the delegates. (See page 249.) 43. Dr. Wayne W. Wright reports. The General Secretary of World Missions, Dr. Wayne W. Wright, was presented to answer questions concerning his quadrennial report. The report was accepted with appreciation by the delegates. (See page 256.) Dr. Wright asked that all Mission Directors stand and be recognized by the General Conference. 44. Dr. Keith W. Drury reports. The General Secretary of Local Church Education, Dr. Keith W. Drury, was presented to answer questions The report was accepted with concerning his quadrennial report. appreciation by the delegates. (See page 269.)

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SEVENTH GENERAL CONFERENCE

45. Rev. Thomas W. Armiger reports. The General Secretary of Youth, Rev. Thomas E. Armiger, was presented to answer questions concerning his quadrennial report. The report was accepted with appreciation by the delegates. (See page 274.) 46. Dr. Kenneth R. Heer reports. The General Secretary of Education and the Ministry, Dr. Kenneth R. Heer, was presented to answer questions concerning his quadrennial report. The report was accepted with appreciation by the delegates. (See page 283.) 47. Dr. Gustave G. Prinsell reports. The General Director of Wesleyan Medical Fellowship, Dr. Gustave G. Prinsell, was presented to answer questions concerning his quadrennial report. The report was accepted with appreciation by the delegates. (See page 292.) 48. Mr. Ronnie Hallman reports. The General Director of Wesleyan Men, Mr. Ronnie Hallman, was presented to answer questions concerning his quadrennial report. The report was accepted with appreciation by the delegates. (See page 297.) 49. Mrs. JoAn M. Drury reports. The General Director of Wesleyan Women International, Mrs. JoAn M. Drury, was presented to answer questions concerning her quadrennial report. The report was accepted with appreciation by the delegates. (See page 300.) 50. Dr. Noman N. Wilson reports. The General Director of Broadcast Ministries, Dr. Norman G. Wilson, was presented to answer questions concerning his quadrennial report. The report was accepted with appreciation by the delegates. (See page 307.) 51. Rev. Howard B. Castle reports. The General Director of Estate Planning, Rev. Howard B. Castle, was presented to answer questions concerning his quadrennial report. The report was accepted with appreciation by the delegates. (See page 313.) 52. Dr. John A. Dunn reports. The General Director of the Wesleyan Investment Foundation, Dr. John A. Dunn, was presented to answer questions concerning his quadrennial report. The report was accepted with appreciation by the delegates. (See page 318.) 53. Rev. T. Joe Neyman reports. The General Director of Hephzibah Children's Home, Rev. T. Joe Neyman, was presented to answer questions concerning his quadrennial report. The report was accepted with appreciation by the delegates. (See page 324.) 54. Mr. Robert L. Temple reports. The General Director of the Wesleyan Pension Fund, Mr. Robert L. Temple, was presented to answer questions concerning his quadrennial report. The report was accepted with appreciation by the delegates. (See page 332.) 55. Mr. Burdette Shattuck asked the delegates to observe a moment of silence in recognition of the Wesleyans in Liberia who lost their lives during the recent civil war in Liberia. The Chairman considered the request appropriate and asked the delegates to observe a moment of silence as requested. 56. The General Secretary gave a report on the "Yes-No" ballot cast for incumbent General Superintendents. There were 429 ballots cast for Earle Wilson, 408 - Yes, 21 - No. There were 429 ballots cast for Lee M. Haines, 392 - Yes, 37 - No. There were 429 ballots cast for H. C. Wilson, 404 - Yes, 25 - No.

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57. Dr. Earle L. Wilson was declared elected and accepted his election to the office of General Superintendent for the 1992-1996 quadrennium. 58. Dr. H. C. Wilson was declared elected and accepted his election to the office of General Superintendent for the 1992-1996 quadrennium. 59. Dr. Lee M. Haines was declared elected and accepted his election to the office of General Superintendent for the 1992-1996 quadrennium. 60. Memorial 380 was adopted. 61. Dr. Charles L. Joiner of the Delta District moved that Memorial 380 become effective immediately. The motion carried by the required two­ thirds vote. 62. Rev. John K. Cheney of the West Michigan District moved that the following be adopted: Whereas, All delegates have a complete copy of all memorials; Whereas, Many memorials are lengthy and time consuming if read in their entirety; and Whereas, our time is both precious and expensive; Resolved, That the reader refer to the memorial by title and number and read only the Resolved statement(s). This motion was not adopted. 63. Memorial 305 was presented for consideration by the delegates. 64. Rev. Wayne B. Wager, District Superintendent of the Central New York District, moved to amend Memorial 305 by adding the following at the end of the existing text of Memorial 305: "In the event an incumbent is not nominated, the committee shall present two or more nominations for that office." The amendment was adopted. 65. Memorial 305 as amended was not adopted. 66. Memorial 336 was not recommended and was not adopted. 67. Memorial 315 was not recommended and was not adopted. 68. Memorial 316 was presented to the delegates for consideration. After a motion calling for the previous question passed, Memorial 316 was not adopted. 69. Chairman Emery declared the afternoon break from 2:50-3:20 p.m. 70. Memorial 335 was adopted. 71. A motion was made that Memorial 335 become effective immediately. The motion carried by the required two-thirds vote. 72. The Chairman declared that the Orders of the Day calling for elections of the general officials had arrived. 73. Nominees for the office of General Secretary were presented. They were: Dr. Ronald R. Brannon and Dr. Ronald D. Kelly. Ballot #2 was cast for the election of the General Secretary, and the polls were closed. (See item 81 for report.) 74. Chairman O. D. Emery turned the chair over to Dr. Lee M. Haines. 75. Memorial 1113 was adopted. 76. The delegates rose to give a standing ovation to General Superintendent O. D. Emery in recognition of his election to the office of General Superintendent Emeritus. Dr. O. D. Emery thanked the delegates for this high honor. 77. Chairman Lee M. Haines turned the chair back over to General Superintendent O. D. Emery. 78. Memorial 1112 was adopted.

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SEVENTH GENERAL CONFERENCE

79. A motion was made with support to make Memorial 1112 effective immediately. Dr. James Bross, Sr. of the South Carolina District commented that the memorial had nothing in its content that could be made effective immediately. After consideration, General Superintendent Lee M. Haines noted that it would appear proper to request the withdrawal of the motion to make Memorial 1112 effective immediately. The Chairman asked for the ~otion to be withdrawn by the unanimous consent of the body, which was given. 80. Memorial 56 was presented for adoption (see item 83). 81. The report was given on Ballot #2 cast for the General Secretary. There were 430 ballots cast with 216 necessary to elect. Dr. Ronald R. Brannon received 374 votes and Dr. Ronald D. Kelly received 56 votes. The Chairman declared Dr. Ronald R. Brannon elected to the position of General Secretary for the 1992-1996 quadrennium, and Dr. Brannon accepted his election to that position. 82. Nominees for the office of General Director of Local Church Education were presented They were Dr. Keith W. Drury and Dr. Aron Willis. Ballot #3 was cast for the election of the General Director of Local Church Education and the polls were closed. (See item 84 for report.) 83. Memorial 56 (from item 80) was before the body for further consideration (see item 86). 84. The report was given on Ballot #3 cast for the General Director of Local Church Education. There were 432 votes cast with 217 necessary to elect. Dr. Keith W. Drury received 372 votes and Dr. Aron Willis received 60 votes. The Chairman declared Dr. Keith W. Drury elected to the position of General Director of Local Church Education for the 1992-1996 quadrennium, and Dr. Drury accepted his election to that position. 85. Nominees for the office of General Director of Evangelism and Church Growth were presented. They were Dr. B. Marlin Mull and Rev. Ray E. Barnwell, Sr. Ballot #4 was cast for the election of the General Director of Evangelism and Church Growth and the polls were closed. (See item 87 for report). 86. Memorial 56 (from item 83) was before the body for further consideration (see item 89). 87. The report was given on Ballot #4 cast for the General Director of Evangelism and Church Growth. There were 434 votes cast with 218 necessary to elect. Dr. B. Marlin Mull received 343 votes and Ray E. Barnwell, Sr. received 91 votes. The Chairman declared Dr. B. Marlin Mull elected to the position of General Director of Evangelism and Church Growth for the 1992-1996 quadrennium, and Dr. Mull accepted his election to that position. 88. Nominees for the office of General Director of Education and the Ministry were presented. They were Dr. Kenneth R. Heer and Dr. Clarence L. Bence. Ballot #5 was cast for the election of the General Director of Education and the Ministry and the polls were closed. (See item 94 for report.) 89. Memorial 56 (from item 86) was before the body for further consideration. 90. Dr. Larry Freeman of the Florida District moved the previous question. The motioned carried by the required two-thirds vote. 91. Memorial 56 was not adopted.

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92. Memorial 325 was adopted. 93. A motion was made that Memorial 325 become effective immediately. The motion carried by the required two-thirds vote. 94. The report was given on Ballot #5 cast for the General Director of Education and the Ministry. There were 435 votes cast with 218 necessary to elect. Dr. Kenneth R. Heer received 299 votes and Dr. Clarence L. Bence received 136 votes. The Chairman declared Dr. Kenneth R. Heer elected to the position of General Director of Education and the Ministry for the 1992­ 1996 quadrennium, and Dr. Heer accepted his election to that position. 95. Nominees for the office of General Director of Youth were presented. They were Rev. Thomas E. Armiger and Rev. Tim Elmore. Ballot #6 was cast for the election of the General Director of Youth and the polls were closed. (See item 103 for report.) 96. Mrs. Sherry Alloway of the North Carolina West District inquired of the Chairman as to an apparent discrepancy between the roll call ballot showing 434 voting delegates and the report on Ballot #5 showing 435 delegates. The General Secretary reported that an additional roll call ballot had been received by the General Secretary after the initial count of 434 had been announced. 97. Memorial 330 was adopted. 98. A motion was made that Memorial 330 become effective immediately. The motion carried by the required two-thirds vote. 99. Chairman Emery adjourned the second sitting of the Seventh General Conference at 4:32 p.m. Third Sitting

Monday, June 22, 1992 ·7:00 p.m.

Chairman: General Superintendent Lee M. Haines. 100. A youth group from the British Isles opened this third sitting with a musical presentation at 6:55 p.m. 101. Chairman Haines called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. 102. Chairman Haines introduced the delegates to the Administrative Area assignments document which had been handed out to each of the delegates. 103. The report was given on Ballot #6 cast for the General Director of Youth. There were 434 votes cast with 218 necessary to elect. Rev. Thomas E. Armiger received 357 votes and Rev. Tim Elmore received 77 votes. The Chairman declared Rev. Thomas E. Armiger elected to the position of General Director of Youth for the 1992-1996 quadrennium, and Rev. Armiger accepted his election to that position. 104. Nominees for the office of General Director of World Missions were presented. They were Dr. David L. Keith and Rev. Donald L. Bray. Nominations from the floor were Rev. Ray E. Barnwell, Sr., Dr. H. C. Wilson and Rev. Robert E. Smith. Dr. H. C. Wilson respectfully withdrew his name. Ballot #7 was cast for the election of the General Director of World Missions and the polls were closed. (See item 106 for report.) 105. Memorial 51 was present to the delegates for adoption. After a motion calling for the previous question prevailed, Memorial 51 was adopted by the required two-thirds vote.

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SEVENTH GENERAL CONFERENCE

106. The report was given on Ballot #7 cast for the General Director of World Missions. There were 431 votes cast with 216 necessary to elect. Dr. David L. Keith received 99 votes, Rev. Donald L. Bray received 221 votes, Rev. Ray E. Barnwell, Sr. received 77 votes and Rev. Robert E. Smith received 34 votes. The Chairman declared Rev. Donald L. Bray elected to the position of General Director of World Missions for the 1992-1996 quadrennium, and Rev. Don Bray accepted his election to that position. 107. Memorial 515 was adopted. 108. Memorial 930 was adopted. 109. Memorial 1105 was not recommended and was not adopted. 110. Memorial 350 was adopted. 111. Memorial 361 was not recommended and was not adopted. 112. Memorial 50 was not recommended and was not adopted. 113. Memorial 52 was not recommended, but was moved for adoption by Rev. Stephen E. Rhoades of the Wisconsin District. A motion calling for the previous question prevailed. Memorial 52 was not adopted. 114. Memorial 53 was not recommended, but was moved for adoption by Rev. Daniel LeRoy of the North Carolina East District. 115. Dr. Wayne E. Caldwell, General Editor, moved to refer Memorial 53 to the Board of General Superintendents for further study. The motion to refer was adopted. 116. Memorial 60 was not recommended and was not adopted. 117. Memorial 61 was presented for adoption. 118. Rev. Russell G. Buck, District Superintendent of the Wisconsin District, moved that Memorial 60 be substituted for Memorial 61. 119. Chairman Lee M. Haines turned the chair over to General Superintendent Dr. H. C. Wilson. 120. The motion to substitute Memorial 60 for Memorial 61 was defeated. 121. Rev. Russell G. Buck, District Superintendent of the Wisconsin District, moved that Memorial 61 be amended by adding the following: "Further that a full report concerning this be forwarded to each district superintendent one year before the next General Conference so there will be time for districts to submit memorials related to this subject." This proposed amendment was defeated by a standing count of 155 "yes" and 178 "no." 122. Memorial 61, as originally presented, was adopted. 123. Chairman H. C. Wilson returned the chair to General Superintendent Lee M. Haines. 124. Memorial 300 was adopted. 125. Memorial 140 was not recommended and was not adopted. 126. Memorial 141 was adopted. 127. Memorial 142 was presented for adoption. 128. Dr. Paul Baker Wood of the North Carolina West District moved to amend Memorial 142 by replacing the word "co-pastor" with the phrase "a pastoral couple" each time it appears. The amendment to Memorial 142 was defeated. 129. Memorial 142 was adopted. 130. Memorial 143 was not recommended (see item 132). 131. Dr. Clarence L. Bence of the Central New York District moved that Memorial 142 become effective immediately. The motion carried by the required two-thirds vote.

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132. Rev. N. Keith Hinton of the Indiana Central District moved that Memorial 143 be adopted (from item 130). 133. A motion was made with support to extend the time of debate on Memorial 143 until the completion of that memorial. The motion to extend time of debate was adopted. 134. Memorial 143 was not adopted (from item 132). 135. The third sitting of the Seventh General Conference was declared adjourned at 9:07 p.m. Fourth Sitting Tuesday, June 23,1992·8:30 a.m. Chairman: General Superintendent H. C. Wilson. 136. The musical group, His Instrnment, from Indiana Wesleyan University, ministered to the delegates in song. 137. Chairman H. C. Wilson introduced Mr. Poge Gewane from Papua New Guinea, who gave the morning devotional. The devotional was based on scripture from Acts 8:26-40. Mr. Gewane dosed the devotional period with prayer. 138. General Secretary Ronald R. Brannon instructed the delegates on the completion of the roll call ballot. The roll call showed 432 voting and 32 non-voting members for a total of 464 delegates present. 139. Memorial 144 was not recommended and was not adopted. 140. Memorial 145 was adopted.

141. Memorial 146-L was presented for adoption.

142. Rev. James N. Watkins of the Indiana North District made a motion to amend Memorial 146-L to require a three-fourths vote instead of the two-thirds vote now stated in the memorial. The motion to amend was defeated. 146. Memorial 146-L was declared not adopted by the Chairman after a standing vote showed "yes" - 181 and "no" - 217. 148. Memorial 270 was presented for adoption. 149. Rev. Wayne B. Wager, District Superintendent of the Central New York District, proposed a substitute motion as follows: "The board shall consist of the district superintendent, the assistant district superintendent and in addition the district conference shall elect as many additional members as deemed sufficient unless it shall elect to have the district board of administration to fulfill this responsibility." The motion to substitute was defeated. 150. Memorial 270 was adopted. 151. General Superintendent Lee M. Haines moved that Memorial 270 become effective immediately. The motion carried by the required two­ thirds vote. 152. Memorial 271 was adopted. 153. Memorial 274 was adopted. 154. Memorial 503 was not recommended, but was moved for adoption by Rev. Donald L. Bray, District Superintendent of the Delta District. After a call for the previous question prevailed, Memorial 503 was not adopted. 155. Memorial 504 was adopted.

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156. The conference recessed for break from 10:00 to 10:30 a.m. 157. Chairman H. C. Wilson called the delegates back to order. 158. The Journal Committee reported through its chairman, Mr. Darl L. Fowler, that the minutes of the first and second sittings held on Monday, June 22, 1992, accurately described the business conducted by the Seventh General Conference at said sittings. 159. Memorial 505 was adopted. 160. Memorial 506 was adopted by the required two-thirds vote. 161. Memorial 520 was adopted. 162. Memorial 272 was adopted. 163. Memorial 559 was not recommended, but was moved for adoption by Rev. David A. Larson of the Central New York District. 164. Rev. Wayne B. Wager, District Superintendent of the Central New York District, made a motion to amend Memorial 559 as follows: By adding the phrase on the fourth line "after consultation with the General Superintendents." 165. Rev. Fred I. Fox of the Eastern Ohio District made a motion to amend the amendment so that the district board of ministerial development would be consulted in these instances instead of the consultation with the Board of General Superintendents proposed in the original amendment. The amendment to the amendment proposed by Rev. Fred I. Fox was defeated. 166. The amendment to Memorial 559 proposed by Rev. Wayne B. Wager was defeated. 167. Rev. David L. Kaufmann of the Kansas District moved to amend Memorial 559 so that it would read as follows: "While serving as a supply pastor you may be granted authorization by the district superintendent for not more than two years to administer the sacraments and solemnize the rite of matrimony wherever local laws will permit." The amendment was not adopted. 168. Memorial 559 was not adopted. 169. The Chairman noted that the time called for by the Special Orders of the Day, recognition of the Fraternal Delegates to the Seventh General Conference, had arrived. The four Fraternal Delegates were: Dr. Donald Owens from the Church of the Nazarene, Bishop Gerald E. Bates from the Free Methodist Church, Dr. Alfonso Pablo from The Wesleyan Church of the Philippines and Rev. Stephen Tanaka representing Immanuel General Mission of Japan. Each of the Fraternal Delegates brought greetings and remarks to the delegates of the Seventh General Conference. 170. Dr. Earle L. Wilson moved that the four Fraternal Delegates be granted honorary seats within the conference bar for the remainder of the Seventh General Conference. The motion was adopted by the delegates by making the statement "Thank God for the family" as requested by the Chairman. 171. The fourth sitting of the Seventh General Conference adjourned at 11:45 a.m.

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Fifth Sitting

Tuesday, June 23, 1992 • 1:30 p.m.

Chairman: General Superintendent Earle L. Wilson. 172. The musical group, Heirbome, Houghton College, opened the afternoon sitting with a musical package for the delegates. 173. Chairman Earle L. Wilson called the delegates back to order at 1:30 p.m. 174. The Chairman noted that the Orders of the Day called for the handling of the USF and USFJEIF memorials at 1:30 p.m. 175. General Secretary Ronald R. Brannon read to the delegates the procedure proposed to be followed in handling of the USF and USFJEIF related memorials. The Chairman asked for the consent of the body to follow this procedure, which was given. 176. Rev. G. Vaughn Drummonds, District Superintendent of the Western New York District, moved that debate be limited to two minutes per delegate per memorial on the USF and USFJEIF related memorials. The motion to limit debate was adopted by the required two-thirds vote, after a counting of delegates showed 264 "yes" votes and 117 "no" votes. 177. Memorial 348 was not recommended and was not adopted. 178. Memorial 351 was not recommended and was not adopted. 179. Memorial 354 was not recommended and was not adopted. ISO. Memorial 357 was not recommended and was not adopted. 181. Memorial 363 was not recommended and was not adopted. 182. Memorial 356 was not recommended and was not adopted. 183. Memorial 364 was read to the delegates (see item 199). 184. Memorial 346 was not recommended and was not adopted. 185. Memorial 365 was read to the delegates (see item 201). 186. Memorial 347 was not recommended and was not adopted. 187. Memorial 352 was not recommended and was not adopted. 188. Memorial 353 was not recommended and was not adopted. 189. Memorial 358 was not recommended and was not adopted. 190. Memorial 362 was not recommended and was not adopted. 191. Memorial 359 was not recommended and was not adopted. 192. Memorial 366 was read to the delegates (see item 203). Memorial 345 was not recommended and was not adopted. 193. 194. Memorial 349 was not recommended and was not adopted. 195. Memorial 355 was not recommended and was not adopted. 196. Memorial 367 was read to the delegates (see item 205). 197. Memorial 360 was not recommended and was not adopted. 198. Memorial 368 was read to the delegates (see item 226.). 199. Memorial 364 was back before the delegates for consideration (from item 183). Mr. Gary Seaton, General Director of Wesleyan Native American Ministries, moved with support to amend Memorial 364 by adding the words "and Wesleyan Native American Ministries" after the words "World Missions" and in line 46 and line 3 of the memorial. The amendment was adopted. 200. Memorial 364 was adopted and was made effective immediately by the required two-thirds vote. 201. Memorial 365 was adopted (from item 185).

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202. Dr. Ronald R. Brannon moved that Memorial 365 be made effective immediately. The motion carried by the required two-thirds vote. 203. Memorial 366 was adopted (from item 192). 204. Rev. Harry F. Wood, District Superintendent of the Penn­ Jersey District, moved that Memorial 356 be made effective immediately. The Chairman stated that since Memorial 366 did not effect The Discipline, that it was automatically effective at the rise of the General Conference, and therefore the motion to make it effective immediately was not necessary. 20S. Memorial 367 was presented for adoption (from item 196). 206. Dr. Martin LaBar of the South Carolina District moved to amend Memorial 367 to strike the word "all" in line 37 on page 54, and add a concluding sentence to the paragraph as it now appears in The Discipline to read "Exemptions may not be granted for projects designed to support a special ministry, as defined in 773:4." The motion to amend was adopted. 207. Dr. Paul Hontz of the West Michigan District, moved to amend Memorial 367 as follows: On line 39 to put a period after "administration" and eliminate the rest of the line so that building funds are excluded throughout the program. 208. Dr. H. C. Wilson moved that the time of debate be extended to deal fully with the matter currently before the body. The motion to extend the time of debate was adopted. 209. The amendment proposed by Dr. Paul Hontz was not adopted. 210. Rev. G. Vaughn Drummonds, District Superintendent of the Western New York District, moved to amend Memorial 367 as follows: By deleting the words "building fund" and substituting "debt retirement" on lines 37 and 38. The motion to amend was not adopted. 211. Rev. G. Vaughn Drummonds, District Superintendent of the Western New York District, moved to amend Memorial 367 as follows: by changing line 40 to read "eight years" instead of "five years." The motion to amend was not adopted. 212. Rev. David W. Holdren of the Eastern Ohio District, moved to adjourn the General Conference to the break and the appropriate afternoon caucuses and to pick up with further discussion of Memorial 367 in the scheduled evening sitting (see item 224). The motion to adjourn was adopted. 213. The chairman declared the fifth sitting of the Seventh General Conference adjourned at 3:07 p.m. Sixth Sitting Tuesday, June 23, 1992 ·7:00 p.m. Chairman: General Superintendent O. D. Emery. 214. Rick Webb ministered to the delegates in song. 21S. The nominations for the General Board of Administration from the North Central Area were read by General Superintendent Earle L. Wilson: Ministerial Lay Rev. David W. Holdren Mr. John M. Storey Dr. James Barnes Rev. Harold E. Bardsley Mr. Edwin Hoover Dr. Paul S. Hontz

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216. The nominations for the General Board of Administration for the Northeastern Area was read by General Superintendent H. C. Wilson: Ministerial Lay Dr. Laurel D. Buckingham Dr. Paul L. LaCelle Rev. Harry F. Wood Mr. David W. Tonnessen Dr. Clarence L. Bence Dr. Nancy Clark Chairman O. D. Emery turned the chair over to Dr. Lee M. 217. Haines. 218. The nominations for the General Board of Administration from the Southern Area were read by General Superintendent O. D. Emery: Ministerial Lay Rev. Dale L. Reynolds Dr. Charles L. Joiner Rev. Donald Milstead Dr. Paul Baker Wood Rev. T. Joe Neyman Mrs. Vera Parks Storey Chairman Lee M. Haines turned the chair back over to Dr. O. 219. D. Emery. 220. The nominations for the General Board of Administration from the Western Area were read by General Superintendent Lee M. Haines: Ministerial Lay Dr. Larry G. Johnson Dr. Paul Mills Dr. Stephen F. Babby Mr. Terry L. Slye Rev. Philip L. Harris Mr. Ralph L. McIntyre 223. General Secretary Ronald R. Brannon moved with support that the nominations for the General Board of Administration read by the supervising General Superintendents be approved and that those persons so named be elected as the General Board of Administration for the 1992-1996 quadrennium. The motion to elect these individuals was adopted. 224. Memorial 367 (from item 212) was back before the delegates for further consideration. 225. Memorial 367 was not adopted. 226. Memorial 368 was presented for adoption (from item 198). 227. Rev. Wayne K. Schmidt, Jr. of the West Michigan District, moved to amend Memorial 368 as follows: Strike from the resolution line 23 the amount of $3,000,000 and substitute $2,000,000 and then the conclusion of the resolution would read in this way: "For that portion between $1,000,000 and $2,000,000 there shall be a reduction of two in the total percentage divided proportionately between the two funds. For that portion that exceeds $2,000,000, there shall be no budget assessment." The amendment was adopted. 228. Memorial 368 as amended was adopted. 229. General Secretary Ronald R. Brannon moved that Memorial 368 be made effective immediately. The motion carried by the required two­ thirds vote. 230. The delegates expressed their appreciation for the leadership of the General Superintendents by a standing ovation. The General Superintendents reciprocated their appreciation to the delegates by a standing ovation. A spontaneous singing of the song, Praise God from whom all Blessings Flow was lifted in praise. 231. Memorial 560 was adopted.

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232. Memorial 1103 was not recommended but was moved for adoption by Rev. G. Vaughn Drummonds, District Superintendent of the Western New York District. 233. Mrs. Sherry Alloway of the North Carolina West District moved that Memorial 1103 be amended as follows: To place a comma after the word "need" in line 50, and strike the words "in order to propose assistance through a special fund or foundation to provide non-rental housing if that proves to be feasible" so that it would read: "Resolved, That a special committee be appointed by the General Board of Administration to study the need, and to present their recommendations to the General Board of Administration for consideration by the 1996 General Conference"; Strike the second Resolved entirely. The amendment was adopted. 234. Rev. David W. Holdren of the Eastern Ohio District moved with support that the following be adopted as a substitute for Memorial 1103: "Resolved, That the 1992 General Conference of The Wesleyan Church authorize the GBA to establish a study group to 1) determine if their is a significant need for ministries of compassion and/or restoration for ministry persons/families in crisis and 2) explore and identify a strategy for responding to such needs. Such study group shall present their findings to the GBA at least one year prior to the 1996 General Conference for recommended action." The substitute memorial was not adopted. 235. Memorial 1103 as amended was adopted. 236. Memorial 1110 was not recommended and was not adopted. 237. The General Secretary read a statement to the delegates from the Board of General Superintendents concerning the forming of a committee to study the possibilities of a denominational health insurance plan. 238. Memorial 1100 was not recommended and was not adopted. 239. Memorial 1101 was not recommended and was not adopted. 240. Memorial 1102 was not recommended and was not adopted. 241. Memorial 1106 was not recommended and was not adopted. 242. Memorial 1109 was not recommended and was not adopted. 243. Memorial 1111 was not recommended and was not adopted. 244. Memorial 110 was not recommended and was not adopted. 245. Memorial 111 was not recommended and was not adopted. 246. Rev. Richard D. Lupton of the Eastern Ohio District, asked the chairman for further clarification concerning the status of the committee's investigation of a denominational health insurance plan. The chairman answered with the comment that there was "guarded optimism" concerning the fmdings to date, and that the study is continuing at the present time. 247. Memorial 112 was not recommended and was not adopted. 248. Memorial 113 was adopted. 249. Memorial 160 was not recommended and was not adopted. 250. Memorial 125 was not recommended and was not adopted. 251. Memorial 127 was adopted. 252. Memorial 126 was adopted. 253. Memorial 163 was adopted. 254. Memorial 180 was not recommended and was not adopted. 255. Memorial 186 was adopted. 256. Memorial 181 was not recommended and was not adopted. 257. Memorial 184 was adopted.

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258. Memorial 200 was adopted. 259. Memorial 205 was adopted. 260. The sixth sitting of the Seventh General Conference was adjourned at 8:50 p.m. Seventh Sitting Wednesday, June 24, 1992 - 8:30 a.m. Chairman: General Superintendent Lee M. Haines. 261. A group of children from the Hephzibah Children's Home gave a musical presentation. The delegates responded to the children's singing with a standing ovation. 262. Chairman Lee M. Haines introduced Dr. Jo Anne Lyon, the devotional speaker for the morning. Dr. Lyon gave devotions based on the prayer of Jesus in John 17 which states "I pray thee not to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one." Dr. Lyon closed the devotional period with prayer. 263. Dr. Emery started the delegates in the singing of the song,

Make Me a Blessing. 264. Chairman Lee M. Haines shared a testimony with the delegates, giving praise to God for the things He had done in our midst during this General Conference. 265. Mr. Gary Seaton, General Director of Wesleyan Native American Ministries, expressed thanks and appreciation to the leadership of The Wesleyan Church. 266. Chairman Haines called the meeting to order. 267. The Journal Committee reported through its chairman, Mr. Darl L. Fowler, that the minutes of the third through filth sittings held on Monday, June 22, and Tuesday, June 23, 1992, accurately described the business conducted by the Seventh General Conference at said sittings. 268. General Secretary Ronald R. Brannon instructed the delegates on the completion of the roll call ballot. The roll call showed 434 voting members and 31 non-voting members for a total of 465 delegates present. 269. Nominations were presented for the General Board of Review as follows: Ministerial Members Lay Members Dr. O. D. Emery Mr. Leonard Mills Rev. William D. James Mr. Carl Kresge Dr. Robert W. McIntyre Mr. Delbert Green Dr. V. A. Mitchell Dr. Ivan Palmer Dr. Wayne W. Wright Ministerial Alternates Lay Alternates Rev. Ernest Batman Mr. Ralph Breedlove Rev. Paul D. Dieter Mr. Roy Stevenson Rev. Walter W. Jewell Mr. Frank Stevens Rev. William F. Kinnan, Sr. The nominees to the General Board of Review were elected.

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SEVENTH GENERAL CONFERENCE

270. General Superintendent H. C. Wilson announced the joint district superintendents/General Superintendents meeting for October 26-28, 1992, in the Indianapolis area. 271. General Superintendent H. C. Wilson announced the officers of the Wesleyan World Fellowship as follows: Chairman, Dr. Earle L. Wilson, representing the North American General Conference; the Vice­ Chairman is Dr. Alfonso Pablo, representing the Philippine General Conference; Secretary, Dr. Job Ward from the Caribbean; Treasurer, Rev. Donald L. Bray from North America. The four members-at-Iarge are: Rev. Enrique Alcantara from Latin America, Dr. Y. Martin Kroma from Africa, Rev. Thomas J. Blythe from Asia Pacific, and Dr. A. Wingrove Taylor from the Caribbean. These eight persons constitute the Executive Committee of the Wesleyan World Fellowship. The International Board of Review, which consists of the 272. General Superintendents of the General Conferences, met to elect officers as follows: Chairman, Dr. Lee M. Haines; Vice-Chairman, Alfonso Pablo and Secretary, Dr. H. C. Wilson. 273. Memorial 215 was not recommended but was moved for adoption by Rev. Don K. Ledbetter, District Superintendent of the North Carolina East District. Memorial 215 was not adopted. 274. Memorial 220 was adopted. 275. Memorial 230 was not recommended and was not adopted. 276. Memorial 232 was adopted. 277. Memorial 260 was adopted. 278. Memorial 261 was not recommended and was not adopted. 279. Memorial 262 was not recommended but was moved for adoption by Rev. Glenn D. Black, District Superintendent of the Kentucky District. After a reading of Memorial 262, Rev. Glenn Black moved that the following be substituted for Memorial 262. Whereas, The workings of the district treasurer involves highly skilled areas of expertise; Whereas, The responsibilities of the district treasurer require that the individual who accepts such duties must have available scheduled time to perform such; Resolved, That the present guidelines for the district treasurer pursuant to The Discipline paragraph 518 be amended as follows: "The district treasurer shall be elected by the district conference by ballot and by majority vote unless the district conference by prior action has voted to authorize the district board of administration to appoint the district treasurer. If the district conference authorizes the district board of administration to appoint the district treasurer, said appointment shall take place at the organizing session of the district board of administration immediately after the rise of the annual district conference (478:1, 2). In no event shall the election or the appointment of the district treasurer take place until after the adoption of the audited report of the district treasurer for the previous year. The district treasurer shall serve as an ex officio member of the district board of administration and shall be a voting member of the district conference. Said treasurer's qualification, amenability and other regulations are those of a district official as defined in 491-496."

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Resolved, That all other references to the district treasurer be edited in The Discipline to reflect consistency with the stated recommendation of this memorial. The substitute memorial was adopted. 280. Dr. Paul Baker Wood of the North Carolina West District moved with support to postpone consideration of the substitute memorial until copies could be distributed to each of the delegates. The motion to postpone was defeated. 281. The substitute for Memorial 262 proposed by Rev. Glenn D. Black, District Superintendent of the Kentucky District, was adopted. 282. Rev. James C. Smith of the North Carolina East District moved to amend substitute Memorial 262 by adding the following: "The election of the treasurer by the district board of administration shall take place in the opening of the conference instead of at the rise of the conference." Chairman Haines ruled the motion out of order because it was in conflict with the substitute memorial, and because it is in conflict with Robert's Rules of Order which requires that the audit be adopted before the election of the treasurer of a body. 283. Rev. James C. Smith of the North Carolina East District moved to amend substitute Memorial 262 to elect the district treasurer during the district conference but after the adoption of the audit by the district conference. 284. A motion prevailed calling for the question. 285. The amendment was not adopted. 286. Substitute Memorial 262 was adopted. 287. Memorial 280 was adopted. 288. Memorial 263 was not recommended and was not adopted. 289. Mr. Terry Slye of the Iowa District moved that Memorial 262 become effective immediately. The motion carried by the required two­ thirds vote. 290. Rev. Rick Shockley of the Penn-Jersey District moved that Memorial 280 become effective immediately. The motion carried by the required two-thirds vote. 291. Memorial 281 was adopted. 292. Memorial 231 was not recommended but was moved for adoption. 293. Memorial 231 was not adopted. 294. The conference recessed for break from 10:00-10:35 a.m. 295. Rev. Don Kinde was asked by the Chairman to give a brief update on the situation in Sierra Leone. Rev. Kinde did so, and thanked the delegates for their continued prayers. 296. Mr. Poge Gewane made a statement to the conference body, thanking the leaders and the delegates for the support and hospitality that had been extended to the overseas delegates to the conference. Chairman Haines expressed love and rejoiced that the overseas delegates were here as part of The Wesleyan Church. 297. Chairman Haines asked General Superintendent H. C. Wilson to give clarification to church treasurers regarding the 50% exemption from funds given to Wesleyan World Missions.

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SEVENTH GENERAL CONFERENCE

298. Memorial 1107 was not recommended but was moved for adoption by Rev. Russell Buck, District Superintendent of the Wisconsin District. 299. Chairman Haines commented on the constitutional conflict inherent in the memorial as it was presented. 300. Rev. Buck moved to amend Memorial 1107 by striking the term limitations on the district superintendent, district officers, General Superintendents and general officers. 301. Chairman Haines ruled Memorial 1107 out of order based on the constitutional problems inherent in the memorial and the fact that it was not specifically directed to The Discipline. 302. Memorial 395 was adopted. 303. Memorial 245 was presented for adoption. 304. Rev. N. Keith Hinton of the Indiana Central District moved to amend Memorial 245 as follows: On lines 50 and 51, page 67 of the memorials, that the words "to two-year terms, with terms so arranged that approximately one half shall be elected year" be deleted and that on page 68, line 3, the words "director of Wesleyan Women International and the president of Wesleyan Men" be deleted, so that it would read: 'The district secretary of world missions shall be an ex officio member." The motion to amend died for lack of a second. 305. Memorial 245 was adopted. 306. Memorial 182 was adopted. 307. Memorial 183 was adopted. 308. Memorial 57 was presented for adoption. 309. General Superintendent Earle L. Wilson proposed the following as a substitute for the last Resolved: Resolved, That the Caribbean Provisional General Conference shall be authorized to retain that designation until it is advanced to full general conference status. Resolved, That the General Superintendents provide for a biennial evaluation of the Caribbean General Conference which will clearly indicate development and/or deficiency during the transition to full general conference status. The substitute was adopted. 310. Memorial 57 as amended was adopted by the required two­ thirds vote. 311. General Superintendent Earle L. Wilson commented to the delegates on why Dr. A. Wingrove Taylor, General Superintendent of the Caribbean, was not a member of this General Conference body. Rev. Harry F. Wood, District Superintendent of the Penn-Jersey District, moved that an honorary seat within the conference bar be given to Dr. Taylor. The motion was adopted. 312. Memorial 375 was not recommended, but was moved for adoption by Mrs. Linda Heyd of the North Michigan District. 313. Mr. Stephen Paine of the Penn-Jersey District moved to amend Memorial 375 by removing the words "and general directors salary" from the resolved portion of the memorial. The amendment was adopted (see item 319). 314. Chairman Haines asked for the unanimous consent of the body to allow the afternoon session to begin at 2:00 p.m. instead of the scheduled

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1:30 p.m. start. There were no objections from the floor, and Chairman Haines declared that the afternoon session would begin at 2:00 p.m. 315. Chairman Haines announced the officers of the North American General Conference Board of Review as follows: Chairman, Dr. O. D. Emery; Vice-Chairman, Dr. Robert W. McIntyre; Secretary, Dr. Wayne W. Wright. 316. The seventh sitting of the Seventh General Conference adjourned at 11:50 a.m. Eighth Sitting

Wednesday, June 24, 1992 - 2:00 p.m.

Chairman: General Superintendent H. C. Wilson 317. The musical group, Freedom, from Bartlesville Wesleyan College began the afternoon session with a musical presentation. 318. On the request of the Chairman, Rev. James Vermilya, District Superintendent of the Western Ohio District, opened the afternoon session with prayer. 319. Memorial 375 (from item 313) was back before the body for further consideration. Memorial 375 was not adopted. 320. Memorial 640 was presented to the delegates for adoption. 321. Mrs. Jo Ann Mitchell from the South Carolina District moved that Memorial 640 be referred to the next Wesleyan Women International Convention for the review and recommendation of that body to the General Board of Administration for fmal action as provided in Discipline 691:44. The motion to refer was not adopted. 322. Memorial 640 was adopted. 323. Memorial 641 was not recommended and was not adopted. 324. Memorial 642 was not recommended and was not adopted. 325. Memorial 644 was adopted. 326. Memorial 645 was adopted. 327. A motion was made with support that Memorials 640,644, and 645 become effective immediately. The motion carried by the required two­ thirds vote. 328. An expression of appreciation was given from the floor for the excellent luncheon that the Wesleyan Women International office had arranged for attendees on the previous day. 329. Memorial 216 was not recommended and was not adopted. 330. Memorial 321 was presented to the delegates for adoption (see item 332). 331. The conference recessed from 2:55-3:25 p.m. 332. Memorial 321 was back before the body for consideration (see item 330). Memorial 321 was adopted. 333. Memorial 745 was adopted. 334. The Chairman asked Mr. Daniel D. Busby, General Treasurer, to give some clarifying instruction on how to handle the new 50% exemption from funds given to Wesleyan World Missions. Mr. Busby gave the requested instructions. 335. Memorial 780 was presented for adoption.

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SEVENTH GENERAL CONFERENCE

336. Rev. Russell G. Buck, District Superintendent of the Wisconsin District, moved to amend Memorial 780 in line 12 to require a two-thirds vote of the GBA instead of the called for majority vote. The amendment was adopted. 337. Memorial 780 as amended was adopted. 338. Memorial 385 was not recommended, but was moved for adoption by Rev. Dwight Mikesell of the Delmarva District. 339. Rev. Harry F. Wood of the Penn-Jersey District moved to amend Memorial 385 by amending the last Resolved to read as follows: Resolved, That authority of closing colleges given to the General Board of Administration be rescinded and returned to the General Conference and the words "merge" and "dissolve" in Discipline paragraph 928:1 be stricken. The proposed amendment was not adopted. 340. Memorial 385 was not adopted. 341. Memorial 785 was adopted. 342. General Superintendent Earle L. Wilson moved that Memorial 780 become effective immediately. The motion carried by the required two­ thirds vote. 343. Memorial 386 was not recommended and was not adopted. 344. Memorial 660 was not recommended and was not adopted. 345. Memorial 820 was adopted. 346. Memorial 920 was not recommended and was not adopted. 347. Memorial 1000 was not recommended and was not adopted. 348. Memorial 1001 was presented for adoption. 349. Dr. Wayne E. Caldwell, General Editor, requested that instead of reading the entire Ritual to the General Conference body, that Dr. Orval C. Butcher of the Pacific Southwest District sing a song for the delegates as a doxology of praise for the important ritual that is part of The Wesleyan Church. Dr. Butcher came forward to the piano and sang and played the songs, "0 Say But I'm Glad" and "Glad Day." The delegates responded with a standing ovation. 350. Dr. Clarence Bence of the Central New York District moved to amend Memorial 1001 by striking the second sentence of paragraph 1693. The motion to amend was adopted. 351. Rev. Marven V. Durling of the Central Canada District moved to amend Memorial 1001 on page 102, line 5 as follows: After the word "Church" add "This holy estate Christ adorned and beautified with His presence at the wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the Apostle Paul commended as honorable among all men." The amendment was not adopted. 352. Rev. Durling again moved to amend Memorial 1001 at paragraph 1667 by adding to the end of 1667 the following: "or if any of these desire believers' baptism as a testimony to their conversion, they be allowed to do so. The amendment died for lack of a second. 353. Memorial 1001 as once amended was adopted. 354. Chairman H. C. Wilson requested a five-minute recess in order to give the Board of General Superintendents time to confer about the remaining schedule of the General Conference. A five-minute recess ensued. 355. General Superintendent Lee Haines made a motion with support to extend the time of debate of this sitting of the General Conference

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until the remaining business of the General Conference had been taken care. The motion to extend the time of debate was adopted. 356. Memorial 1104 was not recommended and was not adopted after the reader read a statement concerning the memorial as follows: The Editing Committee is instructed to make gender neutral all sections of The Discipline, 1992 Edition, except the Constitution. 357. Memorial 1108 was not recommended and was not adopted. after the reader read a statement concerning the memorial as follows: The Editing Committee is instructed to make gender neutral all sections of The Discipline, 1992 Edition, except the Constitution. 358. Chairman H. C. Wilson proposed alterations to the Orders of the Day and made certain announcements concerning the General Conference schedule as follows: 7:30 p.m. - Installation Ceremony 8:30 p.m. - Honors Reception 8:30 a.m. - GBA meets in the Terrace Room of the Savory Hotel The Chairman declared the changes without objection from the body. 359. Rev. G. Vaughn Drummonds of the Western New York District made the following statement: "I want to give an expression of appreciation and thanks to the General Secretary and his Committee for the [me facilities and provisions that have been made for us for this General Conference. It is second to none." The delegates responded to the statement by applause. 360. General Superintendent Lee M. Haines notified the body that a certain memorial relating to the Budget ee and revision of budgets was inadvertently misplaced and not brou t forward in the General Conference materials. General Superintendent aines moved that the stated item be referred to the General Board of Administration with power to act. The motion to refer with power was adopted. 361. General Superintendent Lee Haines made a motion with support that the Seventh General Conference be adjourned from the business immediately and from the entire conference effective at the conclusion of the Honors Reception to be held on Wednesday evening, June 24, 1992 at 8:30 p.m. The motion to adjourn was adopted and the Seventh General Conference adjourned from business on Wednesday, June 24, 1992, at 4:50 p.m. 362. Dr. J. D. Abbott, General Superintendent Emeritus, closed the Seventh General Conference with prayer.

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INSPIRATIONAL

SEMINARS AND RALLIES

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GENERAL CONFERENCE SEMINARS

Held in the Convention Center Des Moines, Iowa Saturday and Sunday June 20-21, 1992 The program of the Seventh General Conference of The Wesleyan Church was augmented by a series of twelve seminars presented for information and edification of the persons in attendance. The seminar topics and speakers were as follows:

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Helping Your Church Dream Big Rev. Ray E. Barnwell, Sr. The Holiness Message in Contemporary Society Dr. Clarence E. Bence Is the World Turning on the Church Dr. Robert E. Black Moving a Congregation BeyondApathy Dr. Laurel D. Buckingham Drs. Steven and Diane Foley A Call to Social Responsibility Mrs. Pat Freeman Saving Our Families Rev. David W. Holdren Revolutionizing Christian Education "0 Worship (How?) The King" Dr. Paul Hontz Rev. Thomas D. Kinnan What Happens When a Church Prays? Mrs. Ruth Ann Polston Reaching Women in the '90's Dr. Wilbur G. Williams Prophecy & World Events: A New Approach Packaging Truth for Modems Minds Rev. Harry F. Wood

Each seminar was presented twice in one of four different time slots allotted to the seminars on Saturday and Sunday. The seminars were well attended. Through arrangements made with a recording company located in Des Moines, Iowa, audio tapes of the seminar sessions were made available to all who wanted to purchase them for a cost of $5.00 each.

INSPIRATIONAL RALLIES Held in the Civic Center Des Moines, Iowa

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Saturday Evening June 20,1992,7:30 p.m. Under a brightly colored banner proclaiming "The World ... Still our Parish," the Seventh General Conference of The Wesleyan Church was gavelled into session by General Superintendent o. D. Emery at the Des Moines, Iowa, Convention Center. Guided by General Superintendent Emeritus Robert W. McIntyre as platform Chairman and Rev. Mark Welch as worship director, the conference opened with the fIrst of several scheduled services designed to inspire and instruct the persons in attendance. Miss Margaret Cochrane served as organist for the services. The pianist was Rev. Keith Tyler.

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Following Dr. Emery's convening of the conference, Mark Welch led the congregation in singing All Hail the Power ofJesus' Name,And Can it Be, and He is Lord. Dr. McIntyre led the congregation in prayer by suggesting the topics for prayer and then asking every member of the congregation to either silently or audibly pray for each topic as it is mentioned. The prayer time was closed by a request for revival and a moving of the Holy Spirit on the heart of each person in attendance. The musical group, "One Sacrifice" from Bethany Bible College, presented a selection of two songs. Rev. Thomas Kinnan, Senior Pastor at the Lakeview Wesleyan Church in Marion, Indiana, announced the special musical presentation to be given by Bobby Michaels on Sunday afternoon at 3:00 p.m. Pastor Jerry Rott presented a challenge to the assembled group to give to the "Church Planters' Offering." Pastor Rott offered a prayer to the Lord asking for a blessing to be bestowed on the church planters across the church, and to all who would participate in the offering. The organist, Margaret Cochrane, and the pianist, Keith Tyler, provided the offertory as the offering was received. The volunteer choir, directed by Mark Welch, sang Revive Us Again and Fill Me Now. Immediately thereafter, Rev. Welch led the congregation in singing Wonderful Grace of Jesus. The musical portion of the program was closed by a solo from Rev. Welch singing You Paid Much Too High a Price. Dr. McIntyre presented General Superintendent Lee M. Haines as the speaker for the evening. Dr. Haines brought a message entitled "Christian Perfection" or "Perfect Love on Display" based on Scripture found at Mark 12:28-31. The benediction was pronounced by Dr. Haines. Sunday Morning

June 21,1992,10:30 a.m.

The Sunday morning service opened with the organist and pianist playing Love Divine, All Love Excelling, Praise Him, Praise Him and Come, Christians, Join to Sing to the assembled congregation. Mark Welch greeted the congregation and led them in singing To God Be the Glory, 0, For a Thousand Tongues to Sing and Majesty. After the musical group, "Impact" from Central Wesleyan College, presented a musical medley, Dr. Larry N. Freeman, Pastor of the Wesleyan Church in Pinellas Park, Florida, announced that special musical artist, Bobby Michaels, was going to present a concert at 3:00 p.m. in the Civic Center Auditorium. The Platform Chairman, Dr. J. D. Abbott, General Superintendent Emeritus of The Wesleyan Church, welcomed the members of the congregation and introduced Rev. Blair Ritchey, District Superintendent of the Texas District. Rev. Ritchey made a special appeal for the "Church Planters' Offering," and offered prayer for the offering that was to be received. The volunteer choir sang a choral medley as the offering was being received. The congregation followed by singing My Hope is Built on Nothing Less and Spirit of the Living God. Dr. Abbott led the congregation in prayer, and then introduced General Superintendent Earle L. Wilson, who delivered the morning message based

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on I John 1 and Romans 8:15, entitled "Assurance of the Believer. The message was closed by the congregation singing Blessed Assurance. Sunday Afternoon June 21, 1992,3:00 p.m. On Sunday afternoon, a special concert was given by soloist Bobby Michaels. Mr. Michaels, a nationally known vocalist, treated all in attendance to a fme performance of several old hymns and traditional favorites, interjected with a few more contemporary pieces. The concert was appreciated and enjoyed by those in attendance. Sunday Evening June 21, 1992, 7:00 p.m. The Sunday evening service opened with the organist and pianist playing the songs Coming Again, Is It the Crowning Day?, At Calvary, Since I Have been Redeemed, Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus, Leaning on the Everlasting Anns and Draw Me Nearer. Mark Welch then led the congregation in singing Jesus Saves and Thou Art Worthy. The musical group, "Freedom," from Bartlesville Wesleyan College, performed two songs. Dr. Virgil A. Mitchell, General Superintendent Emeritus of The Wesleyan Church, serving as Platform Chairman for the evening service, led the congregation in prayer, asking God to meet the needs of the hour. Following the prayer time, the volunteer choir performed a medley of songs under the direction of Mark Welch. Dr. O. D. Emery announced to the congregation that a new award was being instituted, called the Distinguished Pastor Award. Dr. Lee M. Haines escorted Dr. Orval C. Butcher to the podium for special recognition as the ftrst recipient of the Distinguished Pastor Award. A tribute was read by Dr. Emery, and a plaque was presented to Dr. Butcher to commemorate the event. Following a musical presentation by "His Instrument" from Indiana Wesleyan University, Dr. Mitchell presented Rev. C. Wesley Dupin, church planter from Michigan, to present the offering challenge for the evening. The challenge was to cast a ballot in favor of church planting by giving sacrificially to the church planters offering. The organist, Margaret Cochrane, and the pianist, Keith Tyler, provided the offertory as the offering was received. Mark Welch led the congregation in singing People Need the Lord, and then followed by singing a solo medley of songs. Dr. Mitchell introduced the speaker for the evening, General Superintendent H. C. Wilson, who spoke on the scriptural doctrine of "Atonement for All" based on 1 John 1:5. The message was closed by singing There Is a Fountain Filled with Blood. After General Superintendent Earle L. Wilson pronounced the benediction, the congregation closed the service by singing How Great Thou Art.

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General Superintendents present nrst

Distinguished Pastor Award to Dr. DlVal C. Butcher

General Superintendent Earle L. Wilson and two special friends

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HISTORICAL DATA

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General Superintendents of The Wesleyan Church 1 - Dr. Bernard H. Phaup 2 - Dr. Melvin H. Snyder 3 - Dr. J. D. Abbott 4 - Dr. Virgil A. Mitchell 5 - Dr. Robert W. McIntyre 6 - Dr. o. D. Emery 7 - Dr. Earle L. Wilson 8 - Dr. Lee M. Haines 9 - Dr. H. C. Wilson

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1968 - 1973 1968 - 1980 1968 - 1988 1968 -1980 1973 - 1988 1980 - 1992 1984 - present 1988 - present 1988 - present

General Conferences of The Wesleyan Church Presiding

Officers Roy S. Nicholson, Co-Convener Walter L. Surbrook, Co-Convener J. D.Abbott Virgil A. Mitchell B. H. Phaup Melvin H. Snyder

Number-Place I-Anderson Indiana

Date June 26-July 1, 1968

2-Lake Junaluska, North Carolina

June 20-25, 1972

J. D.Abbott Virgil A. Mitchell

B. H. Phaup Melvin H. Snyder

D. Wayne Brown

3-Wichita, Kansas

June 15-20, 1976

J. D. Abbott Robert W. McIntyre

Virwl A. Mitchell

Mervin H. Snyder

D. Wayne Brown

4-Indianapolis, Indiana

June 16-22, 1980

J. D. Abbott Robert W. McIntyre Virgil A. Mitchell Mervin H. Snyder

Paul Wm. Thomas Secretary pro

tem

5-Columbus, Ohio

June 16-22, 1984

J. D.Abbott O.D.Emery

Robert W. McIntyre

Virgil A. Mitchell

Ronald R Brannon

6-Knoxville, Tennessee

June 18-24,1988

J. D.Abbott O. D. Emery

Robert W. McIntyre

Earle L. Wilson

Ronald R Brannon

7-Des Monies, Iowa

June 19-24, 1992

O. D. Emery Earle L. Wilson Lee M. Haines H. C. Wilson

Ronald R Brannon

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Secretary

Garl Beaver

and D. Wayne Brown Co-Secretaries

General Church Meetings of the Pilgrim Holiness Church *General Assemblies Date October 8, 1902 October 7-8, 1903 December 26-30, 1904 November 3-13,1905 December 3-8,1906 December 26-27,1907 December 30-31, 1909 November 24-25, 1911 December 17-22,1913

Location Chicago, I1Iinois Chicago, I1Iinois Cincinnati, Ohio Chicago, I1Iinois Battle Creek, Michigan Cincinnati, Ohio Cincinnati, Ohio Huntington, West Virginia Cincinnati, Ohio

Chainnan Seth C. Rees Seth C. Rees Seth C. Rees Seth C. Rees George B. Kulp George B. KUlp George B. Kulp George B. KUlp George B. Kulp

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-General Assemblies (cont.) November 17-21, 1915 November 18-24, 1919 September 6-7, 1920 October 3-10,1922 October 7-13, 1924 September 8-14, 1926 September 2-8, 1930 September 4-10,1934 September 6-13,1938

Cincinnati, Ohio Cincinnati, Ohio Huntington, West Virginia Cincinnati, Ohio Greensboro, N. Carolina Frankfort, Indiana Frankfort, Indiana Frankfort, Indiana Owosso, Michigan

George B. Kulp George B. Kulp George B. Kulp C. C.13rown W. R.Cox W. R. Cox Seth C. Rees W. L. Surbrook W. L. Surbrook

-General Conferences June June June June June June

Owosso, Michigan Frankfort, Indiana Frankfort, Indiana Winona Lake, Indiana Winona Lake, Indiana Winona Lake, Indiana

9-15,1942 11-17, 1946 13-19, 1950 8-15, 1954 10-16, 1958 12-18, 1962

W. L. Surbrook W. L. Surbrook L. W. Sturk L. W. Sturk Wm H. Neff Wm H. Neff M. H. Snyder R. G. Flexon

-International Conferences June 14-20, 1966

Winona Lake, Indiana

June 25, 1968

Anderson, Indiana

William H. Neff M. H. Snyder P. W. Thomas M. H. Snyder J. D. Abbott P. F. Elliott, Jr.

("Originally known as "General Assemblies," these gatherings came to be know as "General Conferences," and, finally, as "International Conferences.") ('..eneral Conferences of The Wesleyan Methodist Church No.Place 1-Cleveland,OH 2-NewYork City 3-Syracuse, NY 4-Cleveland, OH 5-Fulton, NY 6-Adrian, MI 7-C1eveland, OIl 8-Syracuse, NY 9-Sycamore, IL 10-Pittsford, MI l1-Syracuse, NY 12-LaOtto, IN 13-Gr. Rapids, MI 14-Fairmount, IN 15-Sheridan, IN 16-Gr. Rapids, MI 17-Fairmount, IN 18·Fairmount, IN 19-Houghton, NY 20-FairnlOunt, IN 21-Fairmount, IN 22-Houghton, NY

Date October 2-12, 1844 October 4-13,1848 October 6-15, 1852 October 1-7, 1856 October 3-10, 1860 June 1-6, 1864 October 2-8, 1867 October 18-23, 1871 October 20-26, 1875 October 15-22, 1879 October 17-25, 1883 October 19-27, 1887 October 21-30, 1891 October 16-24, 1895 October 18-25, 1899 October 21-28, 1903 October 16-22, 1907 October 18-26, 1911 June 23-30, 1915 June 25-July 1, 1919 June 27-July 3, 1923 June 22-28, 1927

23-Houghton, NY 24-Fairmount, IN 25-Fairmount, IN 26-Fairmount, IN 27-Houghton, NY 28-Fairmount, IN 29-Fairmount, IN

June June June June June June June

24-30, 1931 26-July 1,1935 28-July 3, 1939 23-26, 1943 25-30, 1947 27-July 3, 1951 21-29, 1955

Presiding Officers Elected Luther Lee Daniel Worth Cyrus Prindle Luther Lee L. C. Matlack Luther Lee Samuel Salisbury Adam Crooks Nathan Wardner Nathan Wardner Nathan Wardner Nathan Wardner Nathan Wardner Nathan Wardner EberTeter EberTeter EberTeter Eber Teter Eber Teter EberTeter EberTeter T. P. Baker E. D. Carpenter E. D. Carpenter E. D. Carpenter F. R. Eddy F. R. Eddy Roy S. Nicholson Roy S. Nicholson Roy S. Nicholson

Secretary Elected Lewis Woodson L. C. Matlack John McEldowney John McEldowney John McEldowney John McEldowney Nathan Wardner L. N. Stratton H. T. Besse II. T. Besse E. W. Bruce E. W. Bruce E. W. Bruce E. W. Bruce E. W. Bruce E. W. Bruce J. J. Coleman 1. J. Coleman E. F. McCarty E. F. McCarty E. F. McCarty E. F. McCarty E. F. McCarty E. F. McCarty E. F. McCarty Garl Beaver Garl Beaver Garl Beaver Garl Beaver

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General Conferenres of The Wesleyan Methodist Churrh (ront.) 3O-Houghton, NY

June 24-30, 1959

O. G. Wilson(dec.) Garl Beaver B. H. Phaup H. K Sheets RD. Reisdorph

31-Fairmount, IN

June 26-July 2, 1963

32-Houghton, NY

June 14-19, 1966

33-Anderson, IN

June 25,1968

B. H. Phaup H. KSheets V. A. Mitchell B. H. Phaup H. K Sheets V. A. Mitchell (incumbents served)

Garl Beaver Gar! Beaver (incumbent served)

The 1992-1996 Board of General Superintendents

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MEMORIALS TO THE

SEVENTH GENERAL CONFERENCE

The recommendations of the Committee on Memorials and the action taken by the Seventh General Conference are listed with each memorial.

The delegates book of Memorials

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ORGANIZATIONAL MATIERS: Journal Committee Resolved, That the General Conference fIrst session chairman appoint a journal committee of three members to review and to approve the minutes of the daily proceedings, to report its fmdings to the General Conference from time to time, and to submit any reports not given to the General Conference by the time of its fInal adjournment to the General Board of Administration.

COMMITTEE ON MEMORIALS Ronald R. Brannon, Secretary Recommended and adopted (Item 16). 3

ORGANIZATIONAL MATIERS: Unfinisbed Business Resolved, That the General Board of Administration be empowered to take care of any unfInished business from the Seventh General Conference.

COMMITTEE ON MEMORIALS Ronald R. Brannon, Secretary Recommended and adopted (Item 18). 4

ORGANIZATIONAL MATIERS: Late Memorials Whereas, Discipline paragraph 641 requires that the General Conference first vote to hear a late memorial before it can be submitted for adoption; Resolved, That the delegates of this Seventh General Conference do hereby declare their desire to hear and consider all late memorials that have met the other requirements of paragraph 641. COMMITTEE ON MEMORIALS Ronald R. Brannon, Secretary Recommended and adopted (Item 19). 50

CONSTITUTION OF THE NORTH AMERICAN GENERAL CONFERENCE: Christian Baptism Whereas, Many conditions prevent Christian Baptism at the time of the new birth; Resolved, That the wording in The Discipline of The Wesleyan Church, Article VI, Membership, paragraph 153:2, page 35 be changed to read:

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Will seek Christian Baptism at the earliest possible opportunity. INDIANA SOUTH DISTRICT CONFERENCE George F. Blice, Secretary Not recommended and not adopted (Item 112).

51 CONSTITUTION OF NORTH AMERICAN GENERAL CONFERENCE: Statement on Marriage Whereas, Various segments of our society, including more than one religious body, seem intent on legitimizing homosexual lifestyle; and Whereas, New definitions and usage of certain historic language such as chaste being used to describe long term relationships between same sex lovers and monogamous being used to describe the state of being married to one person of either sex at a time seem to make a clarifying qualification of our statement on marriage advisable; Resolved, That Discipline 131:10 be amended by inserting the word "heterosexual" before the word "monogamy" in the second sentence so that the paragraph would read: To observe the teachings of the Scriptures regarding marriage and divorce. We affirm that heterosexual monogamy is God's plan for marriage, and we regard sexual sin of the spouse, such as adultery, homosexual behavior, bestiality or incest, as the only biblical grounds for considering divorce, and then only when appropriate counseling has failed to restore the relationship. COMMITTEE ON MEMORIALS Ronald R. Brannon, Secretary Recommended and adopted (Item 105).

52 CONSTITUTION OF NORTH AMERICAN GENERAL CONFERENCE: Use of Ecstatic Prayer Language Whereas, The North American General Conference and the Philippine General Conference both passed resolutions that modified the Charter of the Wesleyan World Fellowship, 1927:3(c) entitled Worship and Language; Whereas, It is reasonable to harmonize the North American General Conference Discipline (131:15) with the Charter of the Wesleyan World Fellowship (1927:3(c)); Whereas, There is a growing number of Wesleyans who believe that such change more accurately reflects biblical teaching; and Whereas, It is now timely for the General Conference to act to bring 131:15 of the Constitution into harmony with both Scripture and the Wesleyan World Fellowship Charter; Resolved, That the language of the Constitution, 131:15, be replaced by the language of the World Charter, 1927:3(c), to read:

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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. CENTRAL NEW YORK DISTRICT CONFERENCE Karen A. Thompson, Secretary Not recommended and not adopted (Item 113).

53 CONSTITUTION OF THE NORTH AMERICAN GENERAL CONFERENCE: New Statement on Regeneration Whereas, The Articles of Religion on justification and regeneration (113) contain a theological misstatement regarding the effect of the work of regeneration, specifically, in the life of the believer by attributing to regeneration what is actually accomplished by its concomitant blessing of adoption; Resolved, That the statement on justification and regeneration (113) be amended to read: We believe that regeneration is that work of the Holy Spirit by which the pardoned sinner is raised from deadness in trespasses and sins to new life in Christ. This new life is received through faith in Jesus Christ, and by it the regenerate is delivered from the power of sin which reigns over all the unregenerates, so that he loves God and through grace serves Him with the will and affections of the heart, receiving the Spirit of Adoption whereby he becomes the child of God. NORTH CAROLINA EAST DISTRICT CONFERENCE J. Ronald Thompson, Secretary Not recommended, but referred to the Board of General Superintendents for further study (Item 115).

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56 CONSTITUTION OF THE NORTH AMERICAN GENERAL CONFERENCE: General Conference Interval

Whereas, Quadrennial General Conferences are increasingly costly due to the size, logistics, and work of these inspirational and business meetings; Whereas, Movement from the present four-year interval to a five-year interval could represent substantial fmancial savings over a five-year period, thereby relieving some financial pressures and releasing those funds for other ministries; Whereas, The General Board of Administration may authorize a special session of the General Conference at any time such a special session is deemed necessary (Discipline paragraph 623); and Whereas, The amending of the Constitution every time there is a need to change the length of interval between General Conference sessions requires unnecessary involvement in details by the district conferences; Resolved, That in Discipline 167:1, we strike out the word "quadrennially" and insert the words "at an interval specified in The Discipline"; Resolved,

That the interval for regular sessions of the General Conference be changed from four to five years; Resolved, That Discipline paragraph 620 be changed to read, "The General Conference shall meet quinquennially ..."; and Resolved, That the Editing Committee of the 1992 Discipline is hereby authorized to harmonize any other quadrennial references upon which the frequency of General Conference bears, to be found in the Discipline (example: 691:28; 740:9; 743:8; 863:7).

COMMITTEE ON MEMORIALS Ronald R. Brannon, Secretary Recommended but not adopted (Item 91). 57 CONSTITUTION OF THE NORTH AMERICAN GENERAL CONFERENCE: Elimination or "Provisional General Conference" Category

Whereas, Experience has shown that the interim step of "provisional general conference" in the development of national or regional church bodies has created a distinction between the "units under the General Department of World Missions" and "provisional general conferences" with the following undesirable results: 1.

A tendency to abrupt change for the national/regional church in relation to the supporting general conference in reduction of personnel and financial support for the newer church at a critical time in its development;

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Absence of a clear channel through which the developing church may file requests for assisting personnel and financial support or through which such personnel and financial support may be properly administered; Confusion as to the role of the North American general superintendent serving the area where the developing church is located; If the developing church does not have sufficiently rapid growth to progress through the provisional relationship fairly quickly, it may in some sense be progressively weakened and left without the adequate assistance it needs to bring it to maturity as a fully established general conference; and

Whereas, The category of "national or regional conference" (cf. 868:4) provides an adequate basis for the maturing of a church body to the level of a fully established general conference, while avoiding the difficulties enumerated above; Resolved, That the category of "provisional general conference" be eliminated by amending the Constitution in Discipline 165 by striking out the words "and from provisional general conferences," and Discipline 172:2, by striking out in lines 8-10 the words "developing into separate general conferences in keeping with the Charter of the Wesleyan World Fellowship and over work," and again in line 12 by striking out the words "for each provisional general conference." Resolved, That the General Conference approve the following amendments to statutory law conditioned upon the approval by the requisite number of votes in the district conferences of the constitutional amendments proposed above: 1. Strike out paragraphs 1007, 1008, 1009, 1010. 2. Amend paragraph 1011 by striking out the present paragraph and inserting the following: 1011. A national or regional conference may be advanced to the status of a general conference by the authority of the North American General Conference (650:10) when it meets the following requirements: (1) An effective church organization on the local, district and/or general levels. (2) Effective programs for the nurture and training of members, new converts, children, young people and lay workers. (3) An effective program for ministerial training. (4) Evidence of responsible stewardship of life and possessions. induding the proper management of funds and the provision for the support of its own pastors, workers and officers. (5) A definite program of evangelism, church extension and missionary outreach on an indigenous basis.

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(6) A Discipline aI?proved by the General Board of Administration (691:41). (7) The existence of a property-holding body, or more than one such body, if required by local laws. (8) Acceptance of the Essentials of The Wesleyan Church. (9) A recommendation for such status from the General Secretary of World Missions. (10) A recommendation for such status from the General Board of Administration (ct. 691:41). 3.

The General Conference Editing Committee shall be empowered to strike out all other references to provisional general conferences in the statutory law portions of the Discipline (such as those in 100; 602:1(d); 602:2; 691:4; 1005; 1014; 1017).

Resolved, That the Caribbean Provisional General Conference authorized to retain that designation until it is advanced to full conference status. Resolved, That the General Superintendents provide for a evaluation of the Caribbean General Conference which will clearly development and/or deficiency during the transition to full conference status.

shall be general biennial indicate general

COMMITTEE ON MEMORIALS Ronald R. Brannon, Secretary Recommended, amended and adopted (Item 310).

60 CONSTITUTION OF THE NORTH AMERICAN GENERAL CONFERENCE: Study Committee to Evaluate Use of Scripture References Whereas, The Wesleyan Church has historically endorsed the authority of Scripture; Whereas, The official doctrines and positions of the Church refer to specific portions of Scripture to substantiate those doctrines and positions; Whereas, We recognize that historically, all Christian institutions have been vulnerable to subordinating Scripture to their particular traditions; Whereas, We believe that the present use of Scripture in The Discipline does not always represent our most accurate Wesleyan scholarship; and Whereas, We wish to insure that The Wesleyan Church maintains integrity before God's Word in its long-term ministry; Resolved, That the General Board of Administration appoint a committee from among our best scholars to formulate a unified hermeneutic, i h shall serve as a ide for the use of Scripture in The Discipline; and

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Resolved, That this committee systematically evaluate the present use of Scripture in PART I of The Discipline and that they present their conclusions in writing together with any recommendations they may have to the 1996 General Conference. WISCONSIN DISTRICT CONFERENCE Alan L. Tripp. Secretary Not recommended and not adopted (Item 116).

61 CONSTITUTION OF THE NORTH AMERICAN GENERAL CONFERENCE: Scripture Reference Matter Referred to Board of General Superintendents

Resolved, That the General Conference refer Memorial 60 to the Board of General Superintendents with the directive that the Board of General Superintendents receive any formal written concerns about alleged inappropriate scripture references in Part I of The Discipline, to determine their validity (including the right to ask opinion of Bible scholars when they deem such to be helpful) and to report back to the next General Conference Committee on Memorials any recommendations they deem to be justified. COMMITTEE ON MEMORIALS Ronald R. Brannon, Secretary Recommended and adopted (Item 122). 110

MEMBERSHIP: Members of Discontinued Churches Whereas, When a local church is officially discontinued in some districts, the members do not have a nearby Wesleyan church in which to transfer their membership; and Whereas, The members have no provision for transfer of their membership to the District, as a means of retaining membership in The Wesleyan Church; Resolved, That the full members of discontinued churches may have their membership listed with the district office at their request, until such time as they ask to receive a letter of transfer, or standing, or a letter of withdrawal. The new paragraph would read: 246. When a local church is officially discontinued and circumstances of location make it impossible to transfer their membership to another Wesleyan church. their membership shall be listed with the district office. unless otherwise requested for transfer, standing. or withdrawal. Cal This list shall be titled: "Discontinued Churches: Full Members Retained by the District."

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(b) This roll shall be reviewed annually by the district board of administration. KANSAS DISTRICT CONFERENCE Gary Brewster, Secretary Not recommended and not adopted (Item 244). Cared for by Memorial 113. 111 MEMBERSHIP: Inactive Members

Whereas, There arises at times full members within the local church who tend to drift away from the church, either as a result of relocation of residence, or due to spiritual decline, or other; Whereas, The church, because it values every soul as worth more than the whole world, needs to make every possible effort to keep every member of the flock of God from falling away, and therefore should be desirous to go the extra mile to maintain a relationship even with those who are spiritually struggling and in decline; Whereas, The Discipline recommends a removal from membership of those who fail to live up to their membership commitments, which includes among other things, faithfulness to the services of the church and scriptural financial support of the church (Par. 132; 247; 253; 254); Whereas, Persons who do fail to live up to such standards as just listed will often have a desire to maintain at least a limited relationship with the church and thus an opportunity remains for the pastor and people to pray and work for their spiritual restoration; and Whereas, The full rights and privileges of membership, especially the right to vote and to hold office, should be restricted to those who are in full fellowship with the body, and are clearly supporting the church; Resolved, That a new classification of membership be established entitled "Inactive Membership" to be specifically used for those members who have not faithfully attended the services of the church for one year, and/or are not contributing financially to the church, and yet have not indicated that they want their membership withdrawn; Resolved, That the decision to transfer a full member to the "Inactive Membership List" be made by the local church conference upon recommendation by the local board of administration, unless the local church conference delegates that responsibility to the local board of administration; Resolved, That those listed as "Inactive Members" would be restricted from holding any elected office within the church, and all voting privileges would be withdrawn; and Resolved, That at such time as the local church conference upon recommendation by the local board of administration, unless the local church conference delegates that responsibility to the local board of administration, deems it proper, they would be authorized to transfer "Inactive Members" to full membership status with all the rights and privileges thereof. NORTHWEST DISTRICT CONFERENCE Lance B. Paulson, Secretary Not recommended and not adopted (Item 245). Cared for by Memorial 113.

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MEMBERSHIP: Mandatory Membership Class

Whereas, There is a need to better educate incoming members into our churches regarding all aspects of The Wesleyan Church and its doctrines; Resolved, That The Discipline be amended in the following places so as to provide "mandatory church membership classes for all membership candidates except those transferring from other Wesleyan churches." 1.

In 239, strike the words "provisional members" from the second sentence and insert the words "for all prospective members in any category except those transferring from other Wesleyan churches." 239 would then read in the second sentence: "... The Pastor and the local board of administration shall be responsible to provide membership training classes for all prospective members in any category except those transferring from other Wesleyan churches, training them in the biblical doctrines ..."

2.

In 294:11, strike the words "provisional members" and insert the words "for all prospective members in any category except those transferring from other Wesleyan churches." 294:11 would then read: "... holding or arranging for membership classes for all prospective members in any category except those transferring from other Wesleyan churches that they might be adequately prepared for full membership."

NORTH CAROLINA WEST DISTRICf BOARD OF ADMINISTRAnON Raymond L. Phaup, Secretary Not recommended and not adopted (Item 247). Cared for by Memorial 113. 113 MEMBERSHIP: Committee to Evaluate Membership Structure

Whereas, The Wesleyan Church is called to minister to a lost and dying world with the purpose of seeing sinners saved, sanctified, and brought into life in the church; Whereas, The commitment of The Wesleyan Church is to holiness of life in practice;

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Whereas, The membership commitments of The Wesleyan Church represent what we believe to be an appropriate application of biblical guidelines for practical holiness; Whereas, The Wesleyan Church is reaching lost men and women who are being made new in Christ and to whom the embracing love and identity within the local church is crucial; Whereas, The present language of full and provisional membership communicates inadequately to many newcomers; Whereas, Many believers who are provisional members or eligible to be provisional members are significantly involved in the life, ministry and financial support of our church, but are excluded from even the most basic levels of decision making; Resolved, That a membership study committee be established with a General Superintendent as chairman. Additional members shall be appointed by the Board of General Superintendents and shall be comprised of two district superintendents, two local church pastors, and two lay persons. They shall meet for the purpose of evaluating present membership structure in light of the changing needs of our constituency and report back to the General Board of Administration one year prior to the next General Conference. DELTA DISTRICT BOARD OF ADMINISTRATION William F. Tice, Jr., Secretary Recommended and adopted (Item 248).

125 LOCAL CHURCH CONFERENCE: Local Church Budget Resolved, That paragraph 274:12 (Local Church Conference) which reads: To adopt an annual budget (cf. 316:30) and to authorize expenditures not provided for in the annual budget. be changed to read: To amend the annual budget adopted by the local board of administration (cf. 316:30) and to authorize expenditures not provided for in the annual budget. ILLINOIS DISTRICT CONFERENCE Hubert E. Hughes, Secretary Not recommended and not adopted (Item 250). Cared for by Memorial 127.

126 LOCAL CHURCH CONFERENCE: Annual Calendar or Events Whereas, It is very difficult at times to develop an annual calendar of events in a local church conference session;

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Resolved, That Paragraph 316:6 which reads: "To recommend to the local church conference an annual calendar of events," be changed to read:

To adopt an annual calendar of events. and Resolved, That paragraph 274:16 be stricken.

ILLINOIS DISTRICf CONFERENCE Hubert E. Hughes, Secretary Recommended and adopted (Item 252). 127 LOCAL CHURCH CONFERENCE: Local Church Budget Resolved, That Discipline 274:12, relative to the duties and powers of the Local Church Conference, be amended by adding at the end a semicolon and the words "or to delegate to the local board of administration full authority over the annual budget." Resolved, That Discipline 316:30, relative to the duties and powers of the Local Board of Administration, be amended by adding at the end a semicolon and the words "or to assume, if such authority is delegated by the local church conference, authority to adopt the annual budget and authorize all expenditures within the limits of the budget and any expenditures not provided for in the annual budget."

COMMITTEE ON MEMORIALS Ronald R. Brannon, Secretary Recommended and adopted (Item 251). 140 PASTORS: First Recall Vote Whereas, Discipline paragraph 284:1 states: The vote shall be for a two-year call, subject to such adjustment as the district superintendent shall approve, so that the term shall expire at the uniform time set by the district conference; Resolved, That the first recall vote be held at the regular voting time following two full years of service unless a vote is requested by the local board of administration and is approved by the district superintendent and the district board of administration. INDIANA SOUTH DISTRICf CONFERENCE George F. Blice, Secretary Not recommended and not adopted (Item 125).

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141 PASTORS: Time Limit for Decision Regarding a Call Whereas, During the time of pastoral transition, the candidating process involving the district superintendent, the vice-chairman of the local board of administration, the prospective pastor and the local church may take up to four weeks for the candidating, voting and notification of acceptance or refusal of a local church call by the pastoral candidate to be completed; Whereas, The local church must also wait until the candidate responds before inviting another possible candidate to interview; and Whereas, The current practice of allowing the extra time of two weeks for response by the pastoral candidate after the local church conference has notified the candidate of the vote, usually does not assist in clarifying the issue, or benefiting the local church; Resolved, That paragraph 279:6 of The Discipline be amended to read: If the vote is favorable, the minister shall notify the local board of administration and the district superintendent by phone and in writing of his decision within seven days following the official notification of such call by the local church.

KANSAS DISTRICf CONFERENCE Gray Brewster, Secretary Recommended for adoption with the following amendment of the underlined section: ... by phone and by mailing his response within seven days following the official notification of such call by the local church. Recommended as amended and adopted (Item 126).

142 PASTORS: Calling of Co-Pastors Whereas; Discipline paragraph 297:4 provides for the appointment of a clergy couple to the pastoral staff; and Whereas; There may be occasions when pastoral responsibilities are shared equally by the clergy couple resulting in a "co-pastor" arrangement, and recognition of the equality of each person in fulfilling the pastoral role could enhance the mutual effectiveness of their ministries; Resolved; That Discipline 297:4 be amended by adding the following to the existing sentence: "unless the local church conference should vote to call the persons as co-pastors. In such case, the district shall appoint them as co­ pastors and they shall be listed as such in the district journal. (Cf.303.)" The paragraph, as amended, shall read: 297:4. If a clergy couple is appointed to the pastoral staff, only one shall be designated as senior pastor, unless the local church conference should vote to call the persons as co-pastors. In such

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case, the district shall appoint them as co-pastors and they shall be listed as such in the district journal. (Cf. 303.) and Resolved; That Discipline 303 be amended by adding a new sentence to follow the ftrst sentence of the paragraph, which shall read: "In the case of a co-pastor arrangement (ef. 297:4), only one of the pastors shall be designated to serve as chairman of the local board of administration while the other may attend its meetings as a non-voting member." The paragraph, as amended would read: 303. The local board of administration consists of the pastor as

chairman, the associate pastor (except when the pastor's spouse), the church secretary, the church treasurer, the Sunday school superintendent and at least one member of the board of trustees designated by the local church conference. In the case of a co­ pastor arrangement (ef. 297:4), only one of the pastors shall be designated to serve as chairman of the local board of administration while the other may attend its meetings as a non­ voting member. In addition, the local church conference may elect up to fifteen members-at-Iarge to provide for proper representation within larger congregations, and may designate the assistant pastor(s), lay assistant(s) to the pastor, lay leader and other trustees as ex officio members of the local board of administration. In case the local church conference chooses not to elect a local church treasurer and/or a Sunday school superintendent but to assign their duties to employed or appointed staff, and such are full members of the local church, it may designate such persons as ex officio members of the local board of administration. COMMITTEE ON MEMORIALS Ronald R. Brannon, Secretary Recommended and adopted (Item 129). 143 PASTORS: Renewal of Call Whereas, The Wesleyan Church recognizes the benefits of long-term pastorates and should encourage such; Whereas, Pastoral recall votes are often a source of stress for both the pastor and his family as well as the congregation; Whereas, Many churches and pastors oppose the extended call feeling that the congregation should have the opportunity to express their desires about the pastoral relationship at least periodically; and Whereas, A four-year term of service is not unusual for other offices in The Wesleyan Church; Resolved, That the minimum term of service offered for a pastoral recall vote be four years and that Discipline paragraph 290:1 be amended to read:

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(1) One of the following alternative procedures shall be followed: (a) A vote for a four-year renewal of the call shall be taken. If the vote on a four-year renewal of the call is favorable, the local board of administration, after consulting with the pastor, may then recommend that a ballot vote be taken to renew the call for an extended period (291). (b) Or, prior to the vote on renewing the call, the local board of administration, after consultation with the pastor, shall specifically recommend to the local church conference an extended call. Resolved, That Discipline paragraph 290:2 be amended by inserting the words "to three-year" after the words "a vote for a one-year". It would then read:

(2) A vote for a one-year to three-year renewal call may be authorized by the district board of administration upon the joint request of the pastor and the local board of administration when such is due to extenuating circumstances such as the pastor's approaching retirement. INDIANA CENTRAL DISTRICT Bob K. Anderson, Secretary Not recommended and not adopted (Item 134).

144 PASTORS: Two-Thirds Vote for Initial or Renewed Call

Whereas, A simple majority vote requirement on the initial call and recall vote of pastors could permit a weakened church/pastor relationship to affect the vitality of a local congregation; Resolved, That initial call and recall vote of pastors require a two-thirds majority vote. NORTH CAROLINA EAST DISTRICT CONFERENCE .

J. Ronald Thompson, Secretary

Not recommended and not adopted (Item 139).

145 PASTORS: Extended Call Provisions

Whereas, Long-term pastorates are one of the contributing factors to productive ministry; Whereas, There is a clearly identifiable trend in our Church toward longer pastoral terms; Whereas, An increasing number of churches is utilizing the extended call for their pastors;

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Whereas, The provision for issuing an extended call indicating that such a call cannot be given until the pastor has served the church for three years is a carry-over from our earlier call process where the initial call was for one year and issuing an extended call after just one year was considered to be premature; Whereas, Our present initial call is for two years thereby allowing adequate time to establish appropriate pastorjpeople relationships and to provide a reasonable indication of the likelihood of a long-term pastoral relationship; and Whereas, Churches should have the option to proceed with an extended call after the initial call of two years has expired if so desired; Resolved, That Discipline 290:1(a) be amended by deleting from lines 4 and 5 the words "if the pastor has served the church for at least three years for" so that the contextual phrase would read "a ballot vote be taken to renew the call for three years. four years or an extended period." COMMITTEE ON MEMORIALS Ronald R. Brannon, Secretary Recommended and adopted (Item 140). 146-L

PASTORS: Pastoral Vote Whereas, In some instances it is unhealthy for conditions to deteriorate to the point where a pastor receives less than a majority vote before pastoral relations are terminated; Whereas, Said situations can create an environment which severely damages the future ministry of the church and Whereas, Wise counsel, advice, and input is profitable to the pastor as well as the church to determine what is best for all concerned; Resolved, That Discipline 279:4 be amended by adding the following: If the favorable vote is a majority, but less than two-thirds. the DBA shall review pastoral relations and the pastor shall remain only at the recommendation of the DBA. WESTERN NEW YORK DISTRICf BOARD OF ADMINISTRATION Robin W. George, Secretary Recommended for adoption with the following amendments: i. The words "in some instances" be removed from the first Whereas. 2. To amend the Resolved section so that it reads as follows: Resolved, That Discipline 279:4 be amended by adding the following language at the end: "the only exception is found in

Discipline 290:3," 3. To add an additional Resolved paragraph to read: Resolved, That the following be added as new paragraph 290:3: If the favorable vote is a majority, but less than twO­ thirds. the pastor shall not accept the call until the matter has been reviewed by the district board of administration. the

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same to allow an exception, if needed, to the time limit imposed by Discipline 279:6. The memorial as amended would then read as follows: Whereas, It is unhealthy for conditions to deteriorate to the point where a pastor receives less than a majority vote before pastoral relations are terminated; Whereas, Said situations can create an environment which severely damages the future ministry of the church and Whereas, Wise counsel, advice, and input is profitable to the pastor as well as the church to determine what is best for all concerned; Resolved, That Discipline 279:4 be amended by adding the following language at the end: "the only exception is found in Discipline 290:3.": Resolved, That the following be added as a new paragraph 290:3 to read: If the favorable vote is a majority, but less than two-thirds, the pastor shall not accept the call until the matter has been reviewed by the district board of administration, the same to allow an exception. if needed, to the time limit imposed by Discipline 279:6. Recommended as amended, but not adopted (Item 146).

160 LOCAL BOARD OF ADMINISTRATION: Adoption or Annual Budget Resolved, That paragraph 316:30 (Local Board of Administration) which reads:

To recommend an annual budget to the local church conference, to assist the pastor in securing the money necessary to fund the adopted budget, and to authorize expenditures within the limits of the adopted budget (274:12; d. 355-356). be changed to read: To adopt an annual budget (d. 274:12), to assist the pastor in securing the money to fund the adopted budget, and to authorize expenditures within the limits of the adopted budget. ILLINOIS DlSTRICf CONFERENCE Hubert E. Hughes, Secretary Not recommended and not adopted (Item 249). Cared for by Memorial 127.

163 LOCAL BOARD OF ADMINISTRATION: Special Sessions Whereas, The language of paragraph 307 allows dual interpretation, and has resulted in some degree of confusion; Resolved, That the second sentence of paragraph 307 be stricken and the following be inserted:

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A special session may be held at any time if all members of the local board of administration are present.

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COMMITIEE ON MEMORIALS Ronald R. Brannon, Secretary Recommended and adopted (Item 253).

180 LOCAL CHURCH OFFICERS AND COMMITIEES: Option to Remove Sunday School Superintendent from Local Board of Administration Whereas, The Sunday school department and all other educational auxiliaries are already well represented on the local board of administration by the chairman of the local board of Christian education; (Discipline 361 stipulates that the chairman of the local board of Christian education be assigned from among the members of the local board of administration.); Whereas, TI,e Discipline wisely recommends that no two persons of the same household be elected to serve on the same local board of administration (304). However, at present, The Discipline also insists that the Sunday school superintendent serve as an ex officio member of the local board of administration (368). In practical terms, competent people are sometimes excluded from serving as Sunday school superintendent because another householder serves on the local board of administration (and vice versa); and Whereas, The Sunday school superintendent is critical to the ministry of the local church (This memorial is not intended to minimize the influence of the office. Rather, it is intended to widen the potential nominations for this vital position. The changes proposed would merely free local churches to arrange their structure to the best advantage of their ministry.); Resolved, That paragraph 368 of The Discipline of The Wesleyan Church, 1988, be changed to read: The local church conference, at its annual session, shall elect by ballot, from among its members, a Sunday school superintendent (d. 331-332), to serve for one year or until his successor is elected. He shall be an ex officio member of the local board of administration (303), unless the local church has an operating local board of Christian education, of which the Sunday school superintendent is a member. and the local church conference chooses to eliminate the Sunday school superintendent from ex officio membership on the local board of administration. WISCONSIN DISTRICT CONFERENCE Alan L. Tripp, Secretary Not recommended and not adopted (Item 254). Substitute Memorial 186 is recommended.

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181 LOCAL CHURCH OFFICERS AND COMMITIEES: Ex Officio Members of Local Board of Administration Whereas, Paragraph 363.5 of The Discipline provides for the appointment and/or employment of a minister or director of Christian education within the local church; Whereas, The pastor and the local board of administration shall define the duties of such position; and Whereas, Those duties may include leadership over the Sunday school department and a Sunday school superintendent; Resolved, That the following be added to the beginning of the last sentence to read in it's entirety: In case the pastor and the local board of administration assign the duties of the minister or director of Christian education over that of a Sunday school superintendent, or of the local church conference chooses to not elect a local church treasurer and/or Sunday school superintendent but assigns their duties to employed or appointed staff, and such are full members of the church, it may designate such persons as ex officio members of the local board of administration. Resolved, That reference to paragraph 303 be added in quotes following paragraph 363.5 of The Discipline; Resolved, That this would allow for the existence of both a minister or director of Christian education and a Sunday school superintendent with proper representation going to the local board of administration.

CHAMPLAIN DISTRICf CONFERENCE Edwin A. Roloson, Secretary Not recommended and not adopted (Item 256).

182 LOCAL CHURCH OFFICERS AND COMMITIEES: President of Wesleyan Men on Missions Committee Whereas, The Discipline (395) provides for the optional establishment of a local church missions committee; Whereas, The defined composition implies a committee membership representing all segments of the church body; Whereas, Men are a vital part of Wesleyan churches; Whereas, The General Director of Wesleyan Men is aggressively seeking to promote greater involvement of men in the ministry of the local churches; and Whereas, The purpose of Wesleyan Men is to "extend the kingdom of God ...";

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Resolved, That paragraph 395 be amended to add "President of Wesleyan Men, or a representative of the men's group." The amended paragraph would read:

395. The local board of administration may establish a committee on missions, composed of the pastor, the local secretary of missions, the president of Wesleyan Men, or a representative of the men's group, the director of Wesleyan Women International .. ." CENTRAL NEW YORK DISTRICT CONFERENCE Karen A. Thompson, Secretary Recommended and adopted (Item 306).

183 LOCAL CHURCH OFFICERS AND COMMITTEES: LBA to Name the Chair of Missions Committee Whereas, The local missions committee needs a chairperson; Whereas, There may not be a local board of administration member available for the position of chairperson; and Whereas, There may be someone whom God has given this to as a ministry; Resolved, That the last sentence of paragraph 395 be amended to read: The local board of administration shall name the chair of the committee, and the committee shall choose its own vice-chair and secretary. CENTRAL NEW YORK DISTRICT CONFERENCE Karen A. Thompson, Secretary Recommended and adopted (Item 307).

184 LOCAL CHURCH OFFICERS AND COMMITTEES: Nominating Committee Membership Whereas, 331 of The Discipline of The Wesleyan Church states that the local church "may have a nominating committee consisting of the pastor as chairman and three members elected by the local board of administration from its membership"; Whereas, Discipline 331 further states that, 'The local church conference may, at its option, elect three additional representatives who are not members of the local board of administration"; Whereas, This establishes a very restrictive membership for the nominating committee of the pastor and three members of the local board of administration, or if the second option is chosen, a relatively large committee of seven members; and Whereas, More flexibility is desirable;

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Resolved, That 331 of The Discipline be changed to read as follows:

Each established church may have a nominating committee consisting of the pastor as chairman and two members elected by the local board of administration from its membership (274:3; 316:21). The local church conference may, at its option, elect up to four additional representatives who are not members of the local board of administration. If the local church conference does not wish to exercise its option to elect at least one additional representative. then the local board of administration shall elect one additional member who mayor may not be a member of the local board of administration. CENTRAL NEW YORK DISTRICf CONFERENCE Karen A. Thompson, Secretary Recommended for adoption with the following amendment in the underlined section: If the local church conference does not exercise its option to elect at least one additional representative. then the local board of administration shall elect one additional member who mayor may not be a member of the local board of administration. Recommended with amendment and adopted (Item 257).

186 LOCAL CHURCH OFFICERS AND COMMITIEES: Option for Sunday School Superintendent to Not Be Mandatory Member of Local Board of Administration Whereas, Multiple staffmg arrangements, varied approaches to Christian education supervision, and the recommendation against local board of administration membership of two persons from one household cause some churches to prefer the option of eliminating the required ex officio membership of the Sunday school superintendent on the local board of administration; and Whereas, Such greater flexibility may increase the number of qualified persons in some churches for this important ministry; Resolved, That preamble of paragraph 368 of The Discipline of The Wesleyan Church, 1988, be changed to read: The local church conference, at its annual session, shall elect by ballot, from among its full members, a Sunday school superintendent (d. 331-332), to serve for one year or until g successor is elected. The superintendent shall be an ex officio member of the local board of administration (303), unless the local church conference by prior action has voted to eliminate the Sunday school superintendent as an ex officio member of the local board of administration. General regulations concerning this

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office are given in 330. The duties and powers of the Sunday school superintendent shall be: COMMI'ITEE ON MEMORIALS Ronald R. Brannon, Secretary Recommended and adopted (Item 255).

200 DISTRICT ORGANIZATION: Pioneer District Appointments Whereas, According to The Discipline, paragraph 405, appointments in pioneer districts are approved by the General Board of Administration or its Executive Board; and Whereas, Frequent delay in appointments occurs because the General Board of Administration schedules only two meetings per year; Resolved, That paragraph 405 of The Discipline be amended as follows to grant authority to the Board of General Superintendents for appointments in pioneer districts: 405. Organization. The superintendent, other officers, and assigned workers shall be appointed by and the granting of ordination and commissioning and issuing of licenses shall be voted by the Board of General Superintendents, for which recommendations shall be submitted by the General Secretary of Evangelism and Church Growth (691:39). COMMITIEE ON MEMORIALS Ronald R. Brannon, Secretary Recommended and adopted (Item 258).

205 DISTRICT ORGANIZATION: Reclassification from District Status Whereas, The minimum requirements for an established district include recommendations by the Board of General Superintendents and the General Secretary of Evangelism and Church Growth; and Whereas, Discipline 421:5 states it is to be a recommendation from the General Secretary of Evangelism and Church Growth with the concurrence of the Board of General Superintendents while Discipline 740:21 states it is to be a recommendation from the Board of General Superintendents with the concurrence of the General Secretary of Evangelism and Church Growth, thus implying an uncertain procedural order; Resolved, That Discipline 421:5 be revised to read: (5) A recommendation by the Board of General Superintendents in concurrence with the General Secretary of Evangelism and Church Growth (691:38; 740:21; 837:4); and

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Resolved, That Discipline 837:4 be revised to read:

(4) To recommend to the General Board of Administration the authorization of a pioneer district (403), a special ministries project (832:2); and authorization (410: 411:4) or incorporation (1402) of a mission district; and to concur with the Board of General Superintendents if the establishment of a district is recommended (420; 421:5; 740:21) COMMITTEE ON MEMORIALS Ronald R. Brannon, Secretary Recommended and adopted (Item 259). 215 DISTRICT CONFERENCE: Committee to Study Lay/Ministerial Parity Resolved, That a study committee be established to examine the inequities of proportionate lay and ministerial delegates to district conference due to the fact that a number of ministers who would be eligible to attend and vote at district conference, are not able to attend due to incapacitation, therefore, skewing the lay/ministerial delegate proportion.

NORTH CAROLINA EAST DISTRICT CONFERENCE J. Ronald Thompson, Secretary Not recommended and not adopted (Item 273). 216 DISTRICT CONFERENCE: WWI District Outreach Director to be Non­ Voting Member Whereas, Wesleyan Women International shall seek to extend the kingdom of God through the missionary, extension, educational and benevolent work of The Wesleyan Church at home and abroad; Whereas, A primary means of fulfilling that purpose is by carrying on an active program of community and women's ministries in the areas of lay evangelism, Christian home building, Christian citizenship, and Christian social service. Whereas, Community outreach is receiving increased priority at the general, district, and local levels; Whereas, The Outreach Director is a key means of informing the constituency and a key resource person for both district and general WWI conventions; Whereas, The Outreach Director's input is needed for wise decision at the general level; Resolved, That the following be added to paragraph 440:8, ''District Wesleyan Women International Outreach Directors (1252:4)." Paragraph 440:8 would read:

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District presidents of Wesleyan Men (1225:2) and Wesleyan Youth (1298:2k), and district directors of Wesleyan Women International (1252:2), district Wesleyan Women International Outreach Directors (1252:4), Young Missionary Workers' Band (1252:7), Christian Youth Clubs International (594), and Young Adults International (5%). Resolved, That the following be added to paragraph 1251:3, 'WWI district outreach director"; change three delegates to "four," two of whom to "three" and add "district WWI outreach director." Paragraph 1251:3 would read:

Delegates. The delegates to the quadrennial general WWI convention shall be elected by the district WWI convention, by ballot and by a majority vote, at its annual session preceding the general WWI convention. When the last annual session is within sixty days of the opening date of the general WWI convention, the district convention may elect its delegates at the previous session. One delegate for every three hundred active members or major fraction thereof shall be elected (1239:1) who together with WWI district director, district outreach director and the YMWB district director shall be the delegates to the general WWI convention. Each district shall have at least four delegates to the general WWI convention, three of whom shall be the district WWI director, district outreach director, and the district YMWB director (1252:2, 4,7). Resolved, That the following be added to paragraph 1252:4: "By virtue of her office, she shall be a member of the general WWI convention (1251:3; 1261:2) and a nonvoting member of the district conference (440:8) unless she is a voting member by some other right."

Paragraph 1252:4 would read: Outreach Director. The outreach director shall be responsible for promoting the community and women's ministries programs as outlined from the general office. By virtue of her office, she shall be a member of the general WWI convention (1251:3: 1261:2) and a nonvoting member of the district conference (440:8) unless she is a voting member by some other right. and Resolved, That the following be added to paragraph 1261:2: "district WWI outreach directors," change three to "four" and two to "three."

Paragraph 1261:2 would read: Membership. The general WWI convention shall be composed of the general WWI executive committee, the district WWI directors, the district YMWB directors, and the delegates elected by the district WWI conventions (1251:3). Each district shall have at least

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four delegates, three of whom shall be the district WWI director, district WWI outreach director and the district YMWB director (1251:3; 1252:2,4, 7). CENTRAL NEW YORK DISTRICT CONFERENCE Karen A. Thompson, Secretary Not recommended and not adopted (Item 329). 220

DISTRICT CONFERENCE: Nominating Committee Whereas, There is an increasing number of Commissioned Ministers in districts who will not advance to elders orders; Whereas, The Nominating Committee is elected by the district conference; Whereas, The work of a district nominating committee is subject to the action of a district conference; and Whereas, Smaller districts could be assisted in filling committee positions if there was greater flexibility in using commissioned and licensed ministers in committee assignments; Resolved, That the word "elder" in Discipline 470, first sentence, be changed to read "ministers," so the fIrst sentence of 470 would read: Each district may have a district conference nominating committee consisting of the district superintendent as chairman, and two or more ministers and an equal number of laymen elected by the district conference (473:10). COMMITTEE ON MEMORIALS Ronald R. Brannon, Secretary Recommended and adopted (Item 274). 230

DISTRICT BOARD OF ADMINISTRATION: Election of Commissioned Ministers to District Board of Administration Whereas, There are many dedicated commissioned ministers, who have served The Wesleyan Church faithfully for many years; Resolved, That a commissioned minister who has served for a minimum of seven (7) years, may be elected to serve on the district board of administration. INDIANA SOUTH DISTRICT CONFERENCE George F. Blice, Secretary Not recommended and not adopted (Item 275).

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231 DISTRICT BOARD OF ADMINISTRATION: Three Year Term for District Board of Administration At-large Members Whereas, The Discipline of The Wesleyan Church, 1988, provides for single year terms for district board of administration members-at-Iarge; Whereas, Those members-at-Iarge who may be replaced after one year of service may scarcely have learned the function of the district board and thus may have made little tangible contribution; Whereas, The district nominating committee, composed by Discipline mandate of new members likely unacquainted with the previous year's election rationale, need give no thought to the district board of administration continuity; Whereas, District board committees may gain considerably more effectiveness from the greater certainty of membership make-up; Whereas, Most business, educational, and industrial entities and all college boards understand and practice electing board members on a staggered basis; Whereas, The Wesleyan Church practices the staggered term concept in the many camp boards and also all district boards of ministerial standing; Whereas, The Wesleyan Church membership will lose none of its effectiveness in the control of the governing process; Resolved, That paragraph 477, lines 5 and 6 of The Discipline of The Wesleyan Church, 1988, which reads "The term of office shall be for one year, ... "be amended to read, The term of office shall be for three years with one-third of the members-at-Iarge elected every year. Until the rotation process has been fully established, I-year and 2-year terms will be necessary for two-thirds of the members-at-Iarge.... DAKOTA DISTRICT CONFERENCE Ward Koeser, Secretary Not recommended and not adopted (Item 293).

232

DISTRICT BOARD OF ADMINISTRATION: Merger of Churches Whereas, The merger procedure as outlined in The Discipline (486:31) is too brief mdescription; and Whereas, The merger of two local churches involves the call of two or more pastors, and the election of a pro-rated number of officers and local board of administration members, and the disposition or sale of property belonging to the churches involved; Resolved, That paragraph 486:31 have further clarification to state: The plans for merger initiated by the local board or boards of administration must be submitted for consideration and approval to the district board of administration. before presenting the

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proposals to the local church conference for their consideration and vote. KANSAS DISTRICf CONFERENCE Gary Brewster, Secretary Recommended and adopted (Item 276).

245 DISTRICT OFFICERS AND COMMITTEES: District Board of World Missions Whereas, The mission of The Wesleyan Church is "the spreading of scriptural holiness throughout every land" (75) and to do so "involves joining the entire church of Christ in a full-orbed mission to the world," (76); Whereas, The district board of administration is "responsible within the district for the promotion of world missions" (486:3); Whereas, The need for leadership in promoting world missions is often greater than the district board can provide; Whereas, The need for developing an aggressive district program of world missions may be greater than the district secretary of world missions can handle; Whereas, The global needs and opportunities require increased missionary involvement; and Whereas, Wesleyan churches should be on the cutting edge of increasing missionary services; Resolved, That 490:2 be amended to include world missions. board of (561, proposed number); Resolved, That a new section be added to Chapter VII, District Missions and Evangelism, to read: E. DISTRICf BOARD OF WORLD MISSIONS 561. Function. The district board of administration shall serve as or shall establish a district board of world missions to aid the district board of administration in developing, supervising and promoting an aggressive program of district participation in The Wesleyan Church's program of world evangelism. 562. Membership. If a separate district board of world missions is established, it shall have as its chairman the district superintendent, unless he shall appoint a chairman subject to ratification by the district board of administration. In addition to the chairman, an equal number of elders and laymen shall be elected to two-year terms, with terms so arranged that approximately one half shall be elected each year. The district board of administration shall determine the size of the hoard. The district secretary of world missions, director of Wesleyan Women International and the president of Wesleyan Men shall be ex officio members (560; 1252:2: 1225:2). General regulations governing the membership of this board are set forth in 499-504.

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563. Sessions. The district board of world missions shall meet soon after the close of the district conference to make plans for the year and shall meet for regular sessions as deemed necessary or as directed by the district board of administration. Special sessions may be called by the chairman as needed. 564. Duties. The district board of world missions is amenable to the district board of administration in fulfilling the following duties:

(I) To develop yearly and long-range plans for the promotion of (2)

World Missions throughout the district.

(3) To build a strong prayer base for world missions. (4) To promote increased financial support of world missions. (5) To assist pastors in developing local church programs for promotion of and participation in missions. (6) To emphasize the call to missions service. and encourage those in preparation for such service. (7) To perform other duties as may be required by the district board of administration in the interest of world missions.

Resolved, That the General Conference Editing Committee be authorized to renumber the affected paragraphs as needed. CENTRAL NEW YORK DISTRICT CONFERENCE Karen A. Thompson, Secretary Recommended and adopted (Item 305).

260 DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION: Supervision of Building Projects by District Building Committee Whereas, 523:2 states that the role of the District Building Committee is to supervise certain types of buildings ("local church building, parsonage, educational unit"); and Whereas, It would be desirable for the District Building Committee to consider proposals for construction or remodeling of other types of buildings, such as a day care, garage, or gymnasium, which might significantly alter the appearance of the property, or have a major impact on the financial situation of the church; Resolved, That 523:2 be clarified by changing "for the construction of a local church building, parsonage, educational unit, or the remodeling of such buildings when it amounts to ten percent or more of the value of the building" to "for the construction of a building to be owned by the church or by a subsidiary of the church. or the remodeling of such a building. when

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building or remodeling costs are anticipated to be ten percent or more of the value of the building; ..." SOUTH CAROLINA DISTRICT CONFERENCE Fred Andrews, Secretary Recommended for adoption with the following replacement of the entire underlined section: . . . by the church or by a subsidiary of the church, or the remodeling of such a building, when building or remodeling costs are anticipated to be ten percent or more of the value of the building; ..." Recommended with amendment and adopted (Item 277). 261 DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION: Definition of Major Building Project

Whereas, Discipline 773:2 attempts to encourage fund-raising by churches for building projects, by allowing a USF obligation to be fIxed; Whereas, The criteria for such a USF fIx are district board of administration approval, and that the building project is "major"; Whereas, The definition of "major" is not clear, referring to 523:2, which mentions "ten percent or more of the value of the building," (which might be interpreted as meaning that a minor remodeling project on an auxiliary building could be used to fix a church's USF obligation); Whereas, "educational unit" in 523:2 may be interpreted to include a day care or private school building, which might be built with little or no funding from the church treasury, so that a USF fix would not be necessary in such a case; and Whereas, It is not clear whether a building intended for recreation or fellowship is an "educational unit;" Resolved, That regular use by the congregation, or a part of it, be required for eligibility for a USF fix, by inserting the following paragraph after 486:30: 486:31. To approve the request of a local church to have its United Stewardship Fund obligation fixed for a period of four years. Such approval requires that the request has been approved by the District Building Committee (523:2); that the building is new, or remodeling costs are twenty-five percent or more of the value of the church's property; and that it is anticipated that the building will be normally used at least once a week, during the Sunday or midweek services, by the congregation, one or more Sunday school classes, church nursery, junior church, or a youth or children's program. Resolved, That "major" be defined in 773:2 by inserting the following paragraph at the end of the present 773:2:

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A major building project is defmed as construction or remodeling of an eligible building (486:31) where the cost is anticipated to be twenty-five percent or more of the value of the property owned by the church. and Resolved, That the reference to 523:2, serving to defme "major," be stricken from 773:2.

SOUTH CAROLINA DISTRICT CONFERENCE Fred Andrews, Secretary Not recommended and not adopted (Item 278).

262 DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION: District Board Appointment of District Treasurer

Whereas, The workings of the district treasurer involves highly skilled areas of expertise; and Whereas, The responsibilities of the district treasurer require that the individual who accepts such duties must have available scheduled time to perform such; Resolved, That the present guidelines for the district treasurer, per The Discipline, paragraph 518, be stricken out and the following paragraph be inserted: 518. The district treasurer shall be appointed by the district board of administration, by majority vote. The appointment of said treasurer shall take place at the organizing session of the district board of administration immediately after the rise of the annual district conference (478:1, 2). The district treasurer shall serve as an ex officio member of the district board of administration and shall be a voting member of the district conference. Resolved, That all other references to the district treasurer be edited in The Discipline to reflect consistency regarding the stated recommendation of this memorial.

KENTUCKY DISTRICT BOARD OF ADMINISTRAnON Keith Biddle, Secretary Not recommended and not adopted (Item 279). A substitute memorial was presented: Whereas, The workings of the district treasurer involves highly skilled areas of expertise; Whereas, The responsibilities of the district treasurer require that the individual who accepts such duties must have available scheduled time to perform such;

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Resolved, That the present guidelines for the district treasurer pursuant to The Discipline paragraph 518 be amended as follows: "The district treasurer shall be elected by the district conference by ballot and by majority vote (473:33; cf. 471:1), unless the district conference by prior action has voted to authorize the district board of administration to appoint the district treasurer. If the district conference authorizes the district board of administration to appoint the district treasurer. said appointment shall take place at the organizing session of the district board of administration immediately after the rise of the annual district conference (478:1, 2). In no event shall the election or the appointment of the district treasurer take place until after the adoption of the audited report of the district treasurer for the previous year. The district treasurer shall serve as an ex officio member of the district board of administration and shall be a voting member of the district conference. Said treasurer's qualifications, amenability, term of office and other regulations are those of a district official as defined in 491-496." Substitute Memorial 262 was adopted (Item 286). 263

DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION: Executive Assistant to District Superintendent Whereas, The Discipline (513-515) provides for the election of an assistant district superintendent whose assignments are usually perfunctory or adjuncts to the district superintendent; Whereas, a district superintendent may wish to address specific skills to assist him in district administrative responsibilities that his elected assistant may not have, or the elected assistant may not be available to regularly provide input in a district office setting; Resolved, That a district superintendent may be permitted, when the district board of administration makes allocations in the annual proposed operating budget, to hire an executive assistant who shall: 1) Work in close harmony with the elected district superintendent to achieve carefully spelled-out objectives in district administration especially toward such goals as: a) Aiding local pastors and churches in in-depth counseling relative to spiritual, financial and numerical growth; b) Visiting certain churches in order to provide additional evaluations of problem areas, and formUlating solutions to be given to the superintendent resulting from said studies, sessions and/or findings. 2) If and when a district superintendent feels that certain skills would complement his administration, then in cooperation with the district board of administration, a set of job descriptions shall be formulated stipulating that an executive assistant shall be hired only through the approval of the elected district superintendent, and, that the executive's performances shall be periodically evaluated. However, in no case shall that person remain the

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executive assistant upon the resignation, or in the event that the district superintendent in office is not reelected. Only the district superintendent-elect, if he chooses and indicates his desire for the same person to remain as executive assistant, shall have the authority to retain that person. TRI-STATE DISTRICf BOARD OF ADMINISTRATION George H. Jenewein, Secretary Not recommended and not adopted (Item 288). 270

DISTRICT MINISTERIAL SUPERVISION: District Board of Ministerial Standing Whereas, The present method of electing members to serve on the district boards of ministerial standing is confusing with some being elected by the district conference and others by the district board of administration; and Whereas, It would be of benefit to some districts to have membership on the district boards of ministerial standing greater than the current maximum of ten; Resolved, That the first sentence in Discipline paragraph 532 be stricken and replaced with: The board shall consist of the district superintendent, the assistant district superintendent, and, in addition, the district board of administration shall elect as many additional members as deemed sufficient (486:18). PACIFIC SOUTHWEST DISTRICf CONFERENCE Floyd F. McCallum, Jr., Secretary Recommended and adopted (Item 150). 271

DISTRICT MINISTERIAL SUPERVISION: Development of Ministers in District Whereas, Wesleyan ministers are encouraged to view their development as a lifelong process of personal and professional growth; Whereas, The Discipline does not assign the development of ministers, after they have been credentialed, to any particular officer or committee; and Whereas, The district board of ministerial standing examines candidates for credentialing and reviews all annual service reports, and is therefore already involved in the process of ministerial development; Resolved, That the district boards of ministerial standing be renamed to be the district boards of ministerial development; and Resolved, That Discipline 537 be amended by adding a new subparagraph 11, which will read:

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Related to Ministerial Development (11) To cooperate with the district superintendent (511:22) and the district board of administration (486:20) in providing opportunities for the personal and professional growth of ministers within the district. The activities of the district boards of ministerial development might include individual or group interviews, assessments, growth contracts, seminars, or other means of assisting ministers to achieve their full potential for ministry. CAPITAL DlSTRICf BOARD OF ADMINISTRATION David Tonnessen, Secretary Recommended for adoption with the following amendment: Change the word "credentialed" in the second whereas to "ordained or commissioned." Recommended with amendment and adopted (Item 152). 272

DISTRICT MINISTERIAL SUPERVISION: Change in District Listing for Chaplains Whereas, Military and full-time professional institutional chaplains are now listed under Denominational Service (539:I:A:4e) even though such persons are not elected, employed or appointed by the denomination or any of its subsidiary corporations, departments, agencies or related entities; Whereas, All other positions listed under Denominational Service involve persons elected, employed or appointed by the denomination or its subsidiary corporations, departments, agencies or related entities thereby making the inclusion of chaplains in this listing seem inconsistent and to a degree inaccurate; and Whereas, Chaplains being listed under Special Service would seem more appropriate given the nature of their unique ministry, Resolved, That Discipline paragraph 539:I:A:6 be amended by adding to the beginning of the sentence, "Elders serving as military or professional institutional chaplains" so that the paragraph would read, "Elders serving as military or professional institutional chaplains and elders in active ministry not otherwise provided for, if such is approved by the district conference (1168)"; and Resolved, That Discipline 539:I:A:4e be stricken. Resolved, That paragraph 1170 be amended after the second word by inserting the words "serving as a military or professional institutional chaplain" so that the paragraph would read: An elder serving as a military or professional institutional chaplain or in active service not otherwise provided for shall be appointed to special service, if such service is approved by the district

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conference and shall be listed by the district as an appointed elder (539:I:A:6; 1168). COMMITTEE ON MEMORIALS Ronald R. Brannon, Secretary Recommended and adopted (Item 162).

274 DISTRICT MINISTERIAL SUPERVISION: Wesleyan Ministers Transferring Between Districts Whereas, 1127:1 provides that when a minister changes districts, said " ... minister shall continue to be considered as a member of the former district until a reply has been received from the district to which application has been made stating that the minister has been duly enrolled as a member of the district conference (1855; ef 511:25);" Whereas, A significant number of such changes occur at or near the date of district conferences, thus creating difficulty in completing the transfer paper work prior to district conference; Whereas, Said logistical problems tend to create a listing confusion, resulting in either double listings (two districts), confusing listing as "In Process of Transfer" or the inadvertent dropping of names; and Whereas, A minister approved for appointment by a district, but whose transfer is not yet formalized (1127:1), is sometimes uncertain whether or not to vote during the district conference proceedings; Resolved, That new district journal provisions be added to paragraph 539 to allow districts receiving ministers to list them as district members Pending Approval of the District Change; and Resolved, That the moving minister be granted a courtesy seat within the conference bar with voice but without vote until the transfer is completed per 1127:1. The resolution, when adopted, will result in Discipline changes as follows: 539. I, E. Elders Pending Approval of District Change Elders receiving appointment by the district conference to 539 I. A, B, C. or D but whose processes of transfer from another district of The Wesleyan Church are not yet completed. Said elders shall be granted voice but no vote until completion of their enrollment in the district conference (1127:1). (Present E and F changed to F and G respectively) 539. II, C. Commissioned Ministers Pending Approval of District Change Commissioned ministers receiving appointment by the district conference to 539 II A or B but whose processes of transfer from another district of The Wesleyan Church are not yet completed.

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Said ministers shall be granted voice but no vote until completion of their enrollment in the district conference (1127.1). (Present C changed to D) 539. III, C. Licensed Ministers Pending Approval of District Change Licensed ministers receiving appointment by the district conference to 539 III A or B but whose processes of transfer from another district of The Wesleyan Church are not yet completed. Said ministers shall be granted voice but not vote until completion of their enrollment in the district conference (1127:1). (Present C changed to D) 1127 (1) (Add new last sentence) To avoid dual listings, ministers receiVIng appointment by the district conference prior to completion of enrollment by the receiving district shall be listed in that conference journal as elder, commissioned minister or licensed minister Pending Approval of District Change. (539 I, E; 539 II, C; 539 III, C) COMMITTEE ON MEMORIALS Ronald R. Brannon, Secretary Recommended and adopted (Item 153).

280 DISTRICT MISSIONS AND EVANGELISM: Appointment of District Secretaries Whereas, Evangelism, education and missions are primary areas of importance in the district; Whereas, leadership at the district level for these areas must be based on vision and ability more than popularity which sometimes becomes a factor in elections; Whereas, The differing dynamics of the various districts reflect the need for options; and Whereas, These three offices are similar in need for continuity of leadership; Resolved, That the following district level offices may be filled either by election by the district conference, or by appointment of the district board of administration, as decided by the district conference: Secretary of Evangelism and Church Growth

Secretary of Sunday Schools

Secretary of World Missions

KANSAS DISTRICT BOARD OF ADMINISTRATION Gary Brewster, Secretary Recommended for adoption with the following amendment:

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Resolved, That Discipline 473:36, 38 be amended to reflect this change. Recommended as amended and adopted (Item 2B7). 281 DISTRICT MISSIONS AND EVANGELISM: District Board of Evangelism and Church Growth

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Whereas, The district secretary of evangelism and church growth is an elected office of the district conference; and Whereas, The district secretary of evangelism and church growth is a key player in the outreach ministry of the district; Resolved, That the words "If so appointed by the district board of administration" be deleted from chapter VII, District Missions and Evangelism, section C, paragraph 559 of The Discipline of The Wesleyan Church 1988. NORTH CAROLINA EAST DISTRICT CONFERENCE J. Ronald Thompson, Secretary Recommended and adopted (Item 291). 300

GENERAL CONFERENCE: Delegate Election Formula Whereas, The formula for election of General Conference delegates has remained virtually unchanged since merger in 1968 resulting in an increase in the number of district elected delegates from 302 in 1972 to a high of 408 in 1984; Whereas, The ever increasing costs of funding General Conference require a proper balance between responsible stewardship and adequate district representation; and Whereas, Continued growth in the Church indicates that an adjustment in the delegate election formula seems warranted; Resolved, That in paragraph 602:1(b) in the 1988 Discipline of The Wesleyan Church the word "every six hundred full members" be replaced with the words "every seven hundred fifty full members" so that the sentence would read: One ministerial and one lay delegate elected by an established district for every seven hundred fifty full members and major fraction thereof. COMMITTEE ON MEMORIALS Ronald R. Brannon, Secretary Recommended and adopted (Item 124).

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305 GENERAL CONFERENCE: Election of General Officials Whereas, The present practice of requiring the Committee on Special Nominations to present "two or more nominations" for the election of the general officials has not proven to fit situations in which a very large majority of the Committee has been convinced that a single candidate was the better option. Whereas, The need for fulI freedom of choice in the election of general officials is met through the right of members of the General Conference to make nominations from the floor; and Whereas, The present requirement that only the nominees for one office shalI be presented at a time and in a prescribed order can hinder a candidate from being considered for the office for which that person is best suited and can unduly extend the amount of time needed for the elections; Resolved, That the part of Discipline 648:1 which precedes the list of offices which are to be filled be stricken out and the following be inserted in its place: (1) To present to the General Conference one or more nominations for each of the folIowing general officials. In the event an incumbent is not nominated, the committee shall present two or more nominations for that office. COMMITfEE ON MEMORIALS Ronald R. Brannon, Secretary Recommended, amended, but not adopted (Item 65).

308 GENERAL CONFERENCE: Election of Three General Superintendents Whereas, The quest to maximize our potential for effective ministry and the exercise of responsible stewardship has resulted in mergers, reassignment, or realignment in the number of districts or pioneer areas in the North American General Conference since 1984, thereby reducing the number of district units by five and the number of pioneer areas by two; Whereas, A change in the number of Wesleyan higher educational institutions and the proposed merger of two of the International Center departments represent further reductions in the number of administrative units supervised by the General Superintendents; Whereas, The reduction in the number of district, colIege and headquarters units, coupled with other factors, may warrant a change in the administrative structure of the Church to a three-person Board of General Superintendents which will result in significant positive stewardship impact; Whereas, The resultant number of district units under administration per General Superintendent with a three-person board would be equal to or less than the administrative load successfully carried by the General Superintendents and Bishops of two sister denominations;

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Whereas, A three-person Board of General Superintendents assures a majority view while still providing for more than one opinion on any issue of substance; and Whereas, It appears that the ministry presence and administrative function that our people have come to expect can be appropriately provided with a three-person Board of General Superintendents; Resolved, That in paragraph 650:16 of the 1988 Discipline, the word "four" be replaced with the word "three" so that the sentence would read, "To elect by ballot and by majority vote, from among the elders of The Wesleyan Church three General Superintendents (726-729)." COMMITTEE ON MEMORIALS Ronald R. Brannon, Secretary Recommended, adopted and made effective immediately (Item 30).

315 GENERAL BOARD OF ADMINISTRATION: Voting Members of General Board of Administration Whereas, The Wesleyan Church has a modified representative form of government in which there is a one to two ratio of General Officials to Area Representatives; Whereas, There is a trend to a strong centralized power as particularly demonstrated during district conferences, General Board of Administration sessions, and General Conferences; Whereas, The informational input of the General Secretaries, Treasurer, and Editor is of significant importance; and Whereas, Information could be received through these offices functioning as an advisory cabinet; Resolved, That General Officials of the General Board of Administration who are not serving as General Superintendents, or General Secretary, namely, General Treasurer, General Editor, General Publisher, General Secretary of Education and the Ministry, General Secretary of Evangelism and Church Growth, General Secretary of Local Church Education, General Secretary of World Missions, and General Secretary of Youth remain as members of the General Board of Administration with power of voice but that their power of vote be removed. FLORIDA DISTRICT CONFERENCE Walter E. McKee, Jr., Secretary Not recommended and not adopted (Item 67).

316 GENERAL BOARD OF ADMINISTRATION: Voting Members of General Board of Administration Whereas, It is unusual for a board of directors to be constituted with approximately one-third of its members made up of employees of the corporation as is currently true of the General Board of Administration; and

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Whereas, There is value in the presence and input of the various department and office heads at meetings of the GBA; Resolved, That Discipline 678 be amended as follows: (1) The opening clause be stricken out and the following be inserted: "The General Board of Administration is composed of voting and non-voting members." (2) Subparagraph 1 be stricken out. (3) Subparagraph 2 be renumbered as 1; it be recaptioned "Voting Members"; and the following sentence inserted at the beginning: "The General Superintendents and the area representatives shall be the voting members of the GBA (172:1)." (4) A new subparagraph 2 be added as follows: (2) Non-voting Members. The General Secretary. the General Editor. the General Secretary of Local Church Education, the General Secretary of Evangelism and Church Growth, the General Secretary of Education and the Ministry, the General Secretary of World Missions, the General Secretary of Youth, the General Treasurer, and the General Publisher are non-voting members of the GBA by virtue of their office. COMMITTEE ON MEMORIALS Ronald R. Brannon, Secretary Recommended but not adopted (Item 68). 321

GENERAL BOARD OF ADMINISTRATION: Conflict of Laws Provision

Whereas, The Discipline contains various provisions which may refer to, or involve matters of local civil law or regulation; Whereas, A civil jurisdiction may from time to time enact a law or regulation which conflicts with a provision in The Discipline; and Whereas, The Church needs flexibility to adapt its structures and procedures to the requirements of civil law, but only if doing so does not require the Church to violate or impinge upon matters essential to the identity, faith, doctrine and practice of the Church; Resolved, That the following paragraphs be added to The Discipline: H. Conflict of Laws 706. Generally. In the event of a conflict between provisions of The Discipline relating to church administration at the local, district, or general level, and applicable local laws (cf. 1477), such provisions of The Discipline may be modified to the extent deemed necessary to comply with such local laws, by utilizing the approval process hereinafter specified; provided, However, that this clause shall not be construed to give the consent of The Wesleyan Church (or any component part or affiliated entity thereof) to the regulation of its affairs by any civil authority where such regulation would violate; 1) any of the Essentials of the Church (cf.

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1001:3; 2) the rights of the Church or its members to freedom of religion, freedom of association, freedom of speech, or other civil rights; 3) separation of church and state, in the sense of excessive entanglement of the civil authority in the affairs of the Church; or 4) the rights of the Church to define its religious doctrines and membership requirements, to prescribe its rituals, and otherwise to maintain its polity on matters such as ordination, sacraments, religious beliefs and practice, requirements for employment by the Church (or its component parts or afftliated entities), or any other similar matters deemed by the Church to be central to the identity, faith, doctrine and practice of the Church. 707. Approval Process. 1. Local level. If the conflict which arises relates to church administration at the local level, no modification shall be effective until approved by the district board of administration and the General Board of Administration. 2. District level. If the conflict which arises relates to church administration at the district level, no modification shall be effective until approved by the Board of General Superintendents and the General Board of Administration. 3. General level. If the conflict which arises relates to church administration at the general level, no modification shall be effective until approved by the Board of General Superintendents and the General Board of Administration. 708. Record of Permitted Changes. The General Secretary shall maintain a record of any change which has been approved under the foregoing procedure, and shall notify an affected local, district, or general entity when the process of approving a change relevant to that entity has been approved. 709. Report to General Conference. All modifications approved under the foregoing procedure shall be reported to the next subsequent General Conference. If a modification approved under the foregoing procedure is unacceptable to the General Conference, it may, by resolution, identify the respects in which the modification is unacceptable, and direct the General Board of Administration to formulate an alternative plan which is consistent with the instructions of the General Conference. and Resolved, That section 1477 be amended to read as follows:

1477. "Local laws," whenever used in The Discipline, shall be construed to mean laws, including regulations and case law, of the civil jurisdiction(s) applicable to the matter at hand. With respect to property matters, this would normally be the law of the jurisdiction within which the property is located, imd with respect

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to any other legal matters, would normally be the law of the civil jurisdiction(s) within which the matters arise. COMMITTEE ON MEMORIALS Ronald R. Brannon, Secretary Recommended and adopted (Item 332). 325

GENERAL BOARD OF ADMINISTRATION: Election of General Board of Administration Chairman Whereas, The current practice of electing the General Board of Administration chairman and vice-chairman each year, when the plan of rotation is known from the beginning of the quadrennium, wastes time through four actions doing what one action could do, and can result in lack of coordination between the time of the election and the assumption of office; Resolved, That present Discipline 684 be stricken and the following inserted in its place: 684. Chairman. The General Board of Administration shall elect quadrennially, at its organizing session, from among the General Superintendents and on a rotating basis. a chairman and a vice­ chairman for terms of equal length during the quadrennium. COMMITTEE ON MEMORIALS Ronald R. Brannon, Secretary Recommended and adopted (Item 92). 330

GENERAL BOARD OF ADMINISTRATION: Elimination of Elected Assistant General Officials Whereas, Discipline 691:31 provides that the General Board of Administration has the authority: "To elect, at its option, one or more assistants for any or all the general officials, from nominations to be submitted by the general official involved, to define the duties of such assistants; and to employ such elders and commissioned or licensed ministers as are necessary to aid the general officials in carrying our their duties and are recommended by the general official involved (cf. 163:1; 1167)"; Whereas, A four-year election of an assistant is not a practical requirement and it may not be wise in some situations; and Whereas, GBA policy provides guidance for the employment of individuals below the general officer level; Resolved, That Discipline 691:31 be deleted and all other related Discipline paragraphs be edited accordingly. COMMITTEE ON MEMORIALS Rogald R. Brannon, Secretary Recommended, adopted and made effective immediately (Item 97).

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335 GENERAL OFFICIALS OF THE CHURCH: Title Changes Whereas, The Discipline identifies the titles for General Secretaries of the Church at 711:1:b as "the General Secretary, the General Editor, the General Secretary of Local Church Education, the General Secretary of Evangelism and Church Growth, the General Secretary of Education and the Ministry, the General Secretary of World Missions and the General Secretary of Youth (648:1; 650:17)"; Whereas, The Discipline identifies the titles of members of the General Board of Administration to be elected by the GBA at 711:2 as the General Treasurer and the General Publisher; and Whereas, The use of titles including the phrase "General Secretary" are often confusing in and out of the Church; Resolved, That the following titles be approved and The Discipline edited accordingly: Present Title

Proposed Title

General Secretary General Editor Gen. Secretary of Local Church Education Gen. Secretary of Evang. & Church Growth Gen. Secretary of Education & the Ministry General Secretary of World Missions General Secretary of Youth General Treasurer General Publisher

General Secretary General Editor Gen. Dir. of Local Church Education Gen. Dir. of Evang. & Church Growth Gen. Dir. of Education & the Ministry General Director of World Missions General Director of Youth General Treasurer General Publisher

Resolved, That the term "General Director" may only be used for denominational personnel who are the heads of departments, agencies, auxiliaries, and subsidiary corporations. COMMITTEE ON MEMORIALS Ronald R. Brannon, Secretary Recommended, adopted and made effective immediately (Item 70). 336 GENERAL OFFICIALS OF THE CHURCH: Appointment of Certain General Officials Whereas, The criteria for leadership for our International Center general officer personnel requires them to be persons of specialized ability, training, and commitment; Whereas, It is not always possible for the delegates of the General Conference to know which candidates have the specialized qualifications to adequately serve the office being considered; Whereas, The election of the general officer may tend to be based on popularity rather than the needed special qualifications; and

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Whereas, There is already precedent in place through the present appointment of the General Treasurer and Publisher by the GBA. Resolved, That The Discipline be amended where needed to allow for the appointment of all general officers, except for the General Superintendents and the General Secretary, by that portion of the General Board of Administration made up of the General Superintendents and Area Representatives. KANSAS DISTRICT CONFERENCE Gary Brewster, Secretary Not recommended and not adopted (Item 66).

345 GENERAL ADMINISTRATION: Flexibility of Length ofUSF Fix Whereas, 773:2 states that a USF fix will be "for a period of four years"; and Whereas, Either the church or the district board of administration might find it advantageous to shorten this period; Resolved, That the words "up to" be inserted after the words "period of' in 773:2, so that it would read: "... the involved local church may be granted permission by the district board of administration to have its United Stewardship Fund obligation fixed for a period of !!lLJQ four years at the obligation ..." SOUTH CAROLINA DISTRICT CONFERENCE Fred Andrews, Secretary Not recommended and not adopted (Item 193).

347 GENERAL ADMINISTRATION: ElF Assessment Decrease to 3% Whereas, Our local Wesleyan churches are facing demanding economic challenges, and are often struggling to provide excellence in ministry for our people without adequate financial resources; Whereas, Action has been taken in the last quadrennium by the General Board of Administration to reduce the number of Wesleyan colleges from six to five; and Whereas, The local Wesleyan churches have responded with resolve and faithfulness to the needs of Wesleyan higher education within the confinements of their financial resources;

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Resolved, That the 1992 General Conference approve a decrease in the USF-EIF assessment for the 1992-1996 Quadrennium to three percent of the base.

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PENN-JERSEY DISTRICT BOARD OF ADMINISTRATION Rick Shockley, Secretary Not recommended and not adopted (Item 186). Cared for by Memorial 366.

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GENERAL ADMINISTRATION: Wesleyan Missions Money Exempt from USF Base Whereas, The local church does not have a direct fmancial benefit from funds raised for missions; Whereas, The present structure discourages giving to missions since it can significantly raise the general budget; and Whereas, People feel that missions giving works a hardship on the local church that is striving to also meet its USF and district obligations; Resolved, That the income given to The Wesleyan Church, General Department of World Missions from churches that have met their USF and district obligations for the last three years be excluded from USF base income; and Resolved, That subparagraph (e) be added to paragraph 773:1 to read as follows: (1) Base Income. The base income shall be the total income of a local church and all of its departments for the previous fiscal year less money received (ef. 773:4): (a) By loans (borrowed money).

(b) From the sale of property.

(c) From general or district extension funds.

(d) Bya bequest through a will.

ee) For Wesleyan missions from churches that have met their

USF and district financial obligations for the last three years.

WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT CONFERENCE Vaughn B. Jensen, Secretary Not recommended and not adopted (Item 177). Cared for by Memorial 364.

349 GENERAL ADMINISTRATION: Budget Freeze

Resolved, That paragraph 773:2 be amended to insert the following before the last full sentence of said paragraph: If the actual base income of the church drops below the fixed base

income level for anyone or more of the four years, the USF

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obligation shall be assessed at the lower level for the following year. NORTH MICHIGAN DISTRICT CONFERENCE Roger L. Cooper, Secretary Not recommended and not adopted (Item 194).

350 GENERAL ADMINISTRATION: Report Blanks and Forms Whereas, Discipline 755:10 charges the General Secretary with the responsibility for preparing "aU general church report blanks and forms not otherwise provided for in The Discipline, and upon the approval of the General Board of Administration to have charge of their publication ..."; and Whereas, The approval requirement, while valued, tends to become a management rather than policy matter and often does not coincide with the timing of General Board of Administration meetings; Resolved, That Discipline 755:10 be amended by striking the words "General Board of Administration" and replacing them with the words "Board of General Superintendents." As amended the subparagraph would read: (10) To prepare all general church report blanks and forms not otherwise provided for in The Discipline, and upon the approval of the Board of General Superintendents to have charge of their publication (511:11; 526:1; 541: 691:50; 1164). and Resolved, That the Discipline be further edited as required to bring any/all other references into conformance with this provision.

COMMITTEE ON MEMORIALS Ronald R. Brannon, Secretary Recommended and adopted (Item 110).

351 GENERAL ADMINISTRATION: Missions Money Exempt from USF Base Whereas, We feel that assessing contributions for World Missions is neither just nor healthy for the local church because: a.

b.

It diverts funds from the purpose for which they were given. General funds are given to be disbursed at the discretion of the local body. Missionary funds are given for designated purposes beyond the local church. It taxes the local church for being a channel for funds going to support the spread of the gospel worldwide.

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It places a hardship on the local church that is striving to meet its United Stewardship Fund and district obligations while at the same time increasing missions giving through faith-promises.

Whereas, We feel it is not healthy for the general church because: a. b. c.

It is a deterrent for local churches to raise funds for missions as it acts as a tax on offerings intended for use beyond the local church. It encourages direct giving to mission agencies rather than allowing the local church to channel that giving toward Wesleyan World Missions. It encourages the local church to fmd ways of avoiding assessment. Justified, or not, the practice seems to be widespread and minimizes what is actually given for missions through the church.

Resolved, That subparagraph (e) be added to paragraph 773:1 to read as follows:

(1) Base Income. The base income shall be the total income of a local church and all its departments for the previous fiScal year less money received of (cf. 773:4): (a) By loans (borrowed money). (b) From the sale of property. (c) From general or district extension funds. (d) By a bequest through a will. (e) Income for missions raised through faith-promises or special offerings. IOWA DISTRICT CONFERENCE James Doll, Secretary Not recommended and not adopted (Item 178). Cared for by Memorial 364. 354 GENERAL ADMINISTRATION: Wesleyan Missions Money Exempt from USF Base

Whereas, The mushrooming costs of our mission enterprise make it imperative that we do everything possible to increase missionary vision and encourage increased giving for missions; Whereas, It seems undesirable and counter-productive to increase the assessments on a local congregation that aggressively and sacrificially raises money for missions; and Whereas, There is concern regarding the ethics of redirecting monies given specifically for missions;

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Resolved, That all monies raised specifically for Wesleyan World Missions be excluded from the assessment base for the United Stewardship Fund General and Educational Institutions Fund.

DAKOTA DISTRICT CONFERENCE Ward Koeser, Secretary Not recommended and not adopted (Item 179). Cared for by Memorial 364. 356

GENERAL ADMINISTRATION: General Church Funds Exempted from USF Base Whereas, Under the present plan, funds received by a local church for World Missions support, or for use by the General Department of Evangelism and Church Growth, or for the November, Easter and September offerings (784:2), and for the general educational institutions (934) are counted as part of the base income (773:1) of that church; Whereas, These funds are solicited for transmission to approved ministries of the Church at large, without any direct fmancial benefit to the local church; Whereas, It is to the benefit of The Wesleyan Church that contributions to these funds be generous; and that local congregations have a sense of ownership in WorId Missions, Evangelism and Church Growth, and the general educational institutions, which would be enhanced if the local church gave more to these funds; Whereas, The requirement that USF assignment be paid on such funds tends to have unfortunate effects, such as that individual Wesleyans may give such funds directly to the approved ministry, and they are thus not counted as part of the contribution of the local congregation; or that a local church may not be as conscientious as it should be in raising such funds, because it does not want to have its assignment increased; and Whereas, A change to omit funds received for the ministries of the general church from local church base income would reduce the USF income of the general church, unless there was a compensatory elevation of the USF percentages; Resolved, That the following be added to 773:1: (e) Funds received and sent to the General Department of World Missions or the General Department of Evangelism and Church Growth, or to the general educational institutions (934), and funds received and properly transmitted for the Easter, September and November offerings (784:2). and

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Resolved, That the General board of Administration be empowered to raise the USF assignment percentages to compensate for this change. SOUTH CAROLINA DISTRICT BOARD OF ADMINISTRATION David Johnston, Secretary Not recommended and not adopted (Item 182). See related Memorial 364. 357 GENERAL ADMINISTRATION: Wesleyan Missions Money Exempted from USF Base Whereas, We feel that assessing the contributions for World Missions promotes diverting part of the funds from the purpose for which they were given; and Whereas, Assessing contributions given for World Missions is in reality assessing the local church for being a channel to raise funds for the support of the ministry of Wesleyan World Missions; Resolved, That paragraph 773:1 be amended to read: 773:1. Base Income. The base income shall be the total income of a local church and all of its departments for the previous fiscal year less money received (d. 773:4): (a) By loans (borrowed money). (b) From the sale of property. (c) From general or district extension funds. (d) By a bequest through a will. (e) For Wesleyan World Missions. INDIANA NORTH DISTRICT BOARD OF ADMINISTRATION H. W. Mohler, Secretary Not recommended and not adopted (Item 180). Cared for by Memorial 364. 358 GENERAL ADMINISTRATION: 4% ElF Assessment Maintained Whereas, The 1988 General Conference of The Wesleyan Church increased ElF support to Wesleyan colleges; Whereas, The additional ElF support from Wesleyan churches has been vital to the effort to attain financial stability in Wesleyan colleges; Whereas, The need is growing for Christian higher education designed to develop church members who are educated to think as Christians; Whereas, The need is on-going for church members who are prepared to give visionary leadership; and Whereas, Wesleyan colleges are vital for producing future leaders who are thoroughly steeped in the Wesleyan heritage and ideals; Resolved, That the 1992 General Conference affirm the vital importance of Wesleyan higher education to The Wesleyan Church; and

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Resolved, That the 1992 General Conference continue the present level of ElF support to Wesleyan colleges for the next quadrennium.

SOUTH CAROLINA DISTRICT BOARD OF ADMINISTRATION David Johnston, Secretary Not recommended and not adopted (Item 189). Cared for by Memorial 366. 359

GENERAL ADMINISTRATION: Capping USF-EIF at 6% Combined Whereas, The Church has been created by our Lord, for the purposes of evangelizing the lost, and edifying and equipping the saints for Christian service; Whereas, Denominational structure at both district and general levels has developed to help fulfill the fundamental purposes of the Church; Whereas, The motivation to help local churches has resulted in increasing denominational personnel and programs; Whereas, Such additions have resulted in increased cost reflected in higher USF assessments; Whereas, There comes a point where denominational assessments become counter productive by diverting financial resources of local churches from their primary task; and Whereas, The local church remains the primary place for the Christian ministry to occur; Resolved, That assessments be limited to no more than 3% for USF and no more than 3% for ElF based upon the income base as defined in 773:3. CENTRAL NEW YORK DISTRICT CONFERENCE Karen A. Thompson Secretary Not recommended and not adopted (Item 191). See related Memorial 366. 360

GENERAL ADMINISTRATION: Exclusion of Income Applied to Debt Retirement from USF Base Whereas, Most major building projects require borrowed money; Whereas, The present Discipline rule 773:1 excludes money received "by loans (borrowed money)" from USF assessments; Whereas, To ameliorate the fmancial hardships resulting from repayment of such loans, a Building Project Adjustment (773:2) was instituted which fixes USF obligation on all income (not just that used for debt retirement), for a fmite period (four years); and Whereas, Such adjustments, while offering some relief to the indebted church, neither specifically nor, in many cases, adequately addresses the real issue, namely that portion of the Church's income that must be allocated to debt retirement for so long as the debt is outstanding; Resolved, That paragraph 773:2 be amended as follows:

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Whenever a local church engages in a major building project (523:2) and fund drive which has been granted district board of administration approval, the involved local church may be granted permission by the district board of administration to exclude income applied to debt retirement from its USF base for so long as the district board of administration deems appropriate. CENTRAL NEW YORK DISTRICf CONFERENCE Karen A. Thompson, Secretary Not recommended and not adopted (Item 197). Cared for by Memorial 368.

361 GENERAL ADMINISTRATION: Information Reports to District Offices Whereas, The General Treasurer is required by Discipline paragraph 761:5 to submit a complete [mandal report to the General Board of Administration annually and to each General Conference; Whereas, The detail content of this report is unspecified and historically contains broad reporting categories, leaving the investors in The Wesleyan Church Corporation rather poorly informed about cost of operation at the general church level; Whereas, Each general official or responsible officer shall, as directed by the General Board of Administration, prepare a proposed annual budget of income and expenses for the operation and projected programs of the work under his care, as indicated by paragraph 786:1; and Whereas, Modest expansion of line items, available from already prepared budgets, will cause little additional effort in a computerized accounting system, yet can yield much more detailed [mandal information; Resolved, That paragraph 761:5 be amended by adding the following sentences: The General Treasurer's annual report shall include all budget line summary items and comparison figures of actual expenditures for all offices and departments of the general church as listed in paragraph 7W. This information shall be published promptly after closing of the general fiscal year and distributed to each district office. CENTRAL NEW YORK DISTRICf CONFERENCE Karen A. Thompson, Secretary Not recommended and not adopted (Item 111). NOTE: Intent of the memorial is accomplished by the directive recently issued that the General Treasurer's annual report to the GBA will be distributed in its entirety to each district office.

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362

GENERAL ADMINISTRATION: Reduce ElF from 4% to 2% Whereas, The 2% additional USF Educational Institution Fund has placed an extra burden on some of our churches; and Whereas, Some districts were not consistently paying their USF General and ElF assessment, thus causing greater pressure on other faithful districts; Resolved, That the 1992 General Conference decrease the ElF from 4% to 2%. NORTH CAROLINA EAST DISTRICT CONFERENCE J. Ronald Thompson, Secretary Not recommended and not adopted (Item 190). Cared for by Memorial 366. 363

GENERAL ADMINISTRATION: World Missions Money Exempted from USF Base Whereas, The central theme of Scripture is the mISSIon of God in bringing all people to salvation. The fulfilling of this mandate is fundamental to the blessing of God on The Wesleyan Church; Whereas, The Wesleyan Church recognizes this priority in various ways, including soliciting funds for general mission work that have no direct benefit to local congregations; Whereas, The General Department of World Missions is a non-USF funded department yet pays its full share of International Center obligations (i.e. facility rental, main frame computer time, etc.); Whereas, All the expenses of the General Department of World Missions, home office and on the mission field are paid from the contributions of Wesleyan churches; Whereas, Churches that give to the General Department of Worid Missions must presently pay USF on funds typically given sacrificially and above regular tithes and offerings creating an additional burden on mission driven churches; and Whereas, Exempting funds given to the General Department of World Missions would encourage Wesleyan churches to support Wesleyan missions and to emphasize Faith Promise Giving which could substantially strengthen our mission program and serve as a catalyst for expanded growth. Resolved, That Discipline paragraph 773:1 which deals with USF base exemptions be amended by adding: Ce) For the General Department of World Missions. DELTA DISTRICT BOARD OF ADMINISTRATION William F. Tice, Jr., Secretary Not recommended and not adopted (Item 181). Cared for by Memorial 364.

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364 GENERAL ADMINISTRATION: 50% Exemption for Wesleyan World Missions Funds Whereas, Wesleyans have a strong and admirable history of fiscal support for the work of Wesleyan World Missions; Whereas, There have been repeated requests to have the funds given to Wesleyan World Missions exempted from the USF base as defined in Discipline 773;

Whereas, Such an exemption seems appropriate and could well increase the dollar flow to Wesleyan World Missions; and Whereas, Any such exemption will create an immediate reduction in the flow of funds to the General Fund of the Church thereby mandating a graduated exemption provi~ion over the next two quadrennia so as not to cause a fiscal crisis in the General Fund; Resolved, That 50 percent of the funds given to Wesleyan World Missions be exempted from the USF base effective immediately and that Discipline 773 be amended by adding: (e) For Wesleyan World Missions (50 percent of funds given exempt); Resolved, That the 1992 General Conference go on record as favoring the intent to exempt 100 percent of the funds given to Wesleyan World Missions from the USF base effective at the rise of the 1996 General Conference. COMMITTEE ON MEMORIALS Ronald R. Brannon, Secretary Recommended, adopted and made effective immediately (Item 2(0).

365 GENERAL ADMINISTRATION: Graduated USF for New Churches Whereas, A record number of new churches was planted during the 1988-1992 quadrennium; Whereas, The continued and accelerated planting of new churches is vital to the ongoing growth of The Wesleyan Church and our attempts at Great Commission fulfillment; Whereas, The planting of new churches is a major component of Vision 2000; and Whereas, It seems appropriate to educate church plants of their responsibility to fiscally support the denomination while at the same time allowing the new church plants adequate time to develop a viable fiscal base; Resolved, That a new 773:3 be inserted in the Discipline as follows: 773:3 New Church Plant Adjustment. Whenever a district plants a new church, the USF obligation for that church shall be phased in over the first four years of its operation by setting the assessment at 25 percent of the regular assessment at the end of year one and increasing the assessment by 25

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percent per year so as to arrive at a 100 percent assessment level by the end of year four. Resolved, That present Discipline 773:3 and 773:4 be renumbered as 773:4 and 773:5.

COMMITTEE ON MEMORIALS Ronald R. Brannon, Secretary Recommended, adoption and made effective immediately (Item 201). 366

GENERAL ADMINISTRATION: 3%% ElF ASSESSMENT Whereas, Wesleyans have responded in an outstanding manner to the increase in the ElF assessment rate from two percent to four percent as voted by the 1988 General Conference thereby channeling approximately 12 million dollars to Wesleyan Higher Education during the last four years; Whereas, The operational deficits that existed at a number of our educational institutions at the time of the 1988 General Conference have been largely eliminated; Whereas, A continued strong level of fiscal support for our educational institutions by the churches is vital as together we face the educational challenges of the future; and Whereas, The fiscal pressures facing our churches are also recognized, thereby calling for a sense of balance between the needs of Wesleyan Higher Education on the one hand and the economic realities of local church ministry on the other; Resolved, That the ElF rate for the 1992-1996 quadrennium be set at 3Y2 percent of the base as defmed in Discipline 773. COMMITTEE ON MEMORIALS Ronald R. Brannon, Secretary Recommended and adopted (Item 203).

367 GENERAL ADMINISTRATION: Building Project Adjustment Whereas, Many of our churches participate in capital stewardship campaigns to fmance in whole or part the costs of building projects with a three-year campaign cycle being the near unanimous model; Whereas, The provisions of the building project adjustment (773:2) apply not only to building fund income but also to regular church tithes and offerings resulting in a capping of the USF obligation that causes significant trauma to the local church when the exemption expires and the full USF assessment applies to a considerably increased base income; Whereas, The application of the "budget freeze" to all income reduces revenue to the district and general ministries by capping not only building fund income but all income; and

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Whereas, There appears to be strong rationale for exempting capital campaign funds from the USF base for a specified period of time while the USF assessment on regular tithes and offerings would continue to apply in the normal manner; Resolved, That Discipline 773:2 be amended by striking all words in the first sentence following "district board of administration" in line four and replace with "to have all capital campaign and/or building fund income exempted from the USF base for a period of time as determined by the district board of administration but not to exceed five years in any event." COMMITTEE ON MEMORIALS

Ronald R. Brannon, Secretary

Recommended but not adopted (Item 225).

368

GENERAL ADMINISTRATION: USF Reduction Formula Whereas, A major growth wedge in The Wesleyan Church is in those churches whose average Sunday AM attendance exceeds 500; Whereas, The fmancial growth in these churches has been such that the present USF assessment formula in some cases results in USF assignments to individual churches of thousands of dollars per week; Whereas, The funds received through USF from the large churches in some districts actually constitute a majority of district income thereby raising a potential point of tension between income and influence; and Whereas, The fiscal pressure faced by all churches is recognized, it is also obvious that as the larger churches seek to respond to the rapidly changing ministry environment, they grapple with major fmancial realities surrounding buildings, staff, mission support, denominational obligations and the full orbed programs expected by their large and growing constituencies; Resolved, That the following new section be inserted after 773:1: "Assessable Income. Assessable income shall be the base income as defined in 773: 1 less building project adjustments provided for in 773:2 and funds excluded in 773:4."; Resolved, That the present 773:3 be amended by adding after the first sentence of the present paragraph the following: "The percentage in each case shall be applied to the assessable income as defined in 773:3. All churches shall be subject to full assessment on all assessable income up to $500,000. Above that level there shall be a graduated reduction in the percentage applied. For that portion of a church's assessable income between $500,000 and $1,000,000, there shall be a reduction of one in the total percentage divided proportionately between the USF-General Fund and the USF-EIF. For that portion between $1,000,000 and $2,000,000, there shall be a reduction of two in the total percentage divided proportionately between the two funds, For that portion that exceeds $2,000,000, there shall be no budget assessment." COMMITTEE ON MEMORIALS Ronald R. Brannon, Secretary Recommended, amended and adopted (Item 228),

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375 GENERAL MISSIONS AND EVANGELISM: Funding of Certain WNAM Expenses Whereas, Wesleyan Native American Ministries (WNAM) is established by The Discipline of The Wesleyan Church in paragraphs 832:2 and 848:1 as an operation of the General Department of Evangelism and Church Growth; Whereas, The General Department of Evangelism and Church Growth is a United Stewardship Fund Department of The Wesleyan Church, included in the General Budget; Whereas, Certain expenses born annually by WNAM are a direct result of the relationship established through The Discipline, relating specifically to WNAM Board expenses and General Director expenses and travel; and Whereas, WNAM currently receives no part of USF General Fund budget monies; Resolved, That WNAM Board expenses and General Director salary and travel costs be provided for in the USF General Budget through the Department of Evangelism and Church Growth beginning with fiscal year 1993, which begins September 1, 1992. WESLEYAN NATIVE AMERICAN DISTRICf CONFERENCE Richard Carper. Secretary Not recommended and not adopted (Item 319).

380 GENERAL MISSIONS AND EVANGELISM: Department of Communications Whereas, We have entered what futurists have called, "the information age," with gathering, storing, and communicating of information as a primary function in the work force; Whereas, There is a similarity of purpose and a compatibility in the means of communication whether through the written or spoken word; Whereas, The offices of the General Editor and the General Director of Broadcast Ministries both relate to the communication of the Gospel and the promotion through witness and outreach of The Wesleyan Church to the world; Whereas, It is possible and may be desirable for the Church to express and promote itself through the printed page and the spoken word by the singleness of one department; Whereas, The administration of a department of communication can be accomplished through the selection by the General Board of Administration of qualified leadership and the recruitment of persons with specialized gifts as support personnel; and Whereas, A streamlining of general offices, when possible without a loss of effectiveness, is prudent

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Resolved, That the office of a General Director of Communications be created which will incorporate all the present ministries and functions of the General Editor and the General Director of Broadcast Ministries; Resolved, That the General Director of Communications shall be employed by the General Board of Administration (691:43) and shall be an ex officio member of the General Conference (602:1(c)), the General Board of Administration (678:1) and the Interdepartmental Cabinet (768). Resolved, That Discipline, Chapter V shall be titled, General Publications and Communications and that the paragraphs of Discipline, Chapter VI, General Missions and Evangelism, relating to D. Office of Broadcast Ministries, (877. Function, 878. Office, 879. Duties), be incorporated appropriately by the General Conference Editing Committee in the new Discipline, Chapter V; Resolved, That all Discipline references related to the office of the General Editor and the office of the General Director of Broadcast Ministries be changed to reflect this action. COMMITTEE ON MEMORIALS Ronald R. Brannon, Secretary Recommended, adopted and made effective immediately (Item 60). 385

GENERAL CHRISTIAN EDUCATION: General Conference Authority Over Colleges Whereas, The 1988 General Conference amended The Discipline to assign to the General Board of Administration full authority over its educational institutions for the stated purpose of bringing colleges into line with the recommendations of the Wesleyan Higher Education Study Committee plan for Wesleyan higher education; Whereas, There is a trend in higher education that is moving away from the academicians toward experienced professionals for instruction in specific fields; Whereas, There is a continuing need for ministers trained outside of the traditional liberal arts education; and Whereas, Recent decisions by the General Board of Administration do not appear to reflect such information; Resolved, That the authority over colleges given to the General Board of Administration be rescinded and returned to the General Conference. PENN-JERSEY DISTRICT BOARD OF ADMINISTRATION Rick Shockley, Secretary Not recommended and not adopted (Item 340).

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386

GENERAL CHRISTIAN EDUCATION: General Conference Authority Over Colleges Whereas, The challenges facing Wesleyan higher education are great, and the social, cultural, and economic currents contributing to those challenges shift so suddenly and unpredictably as to make it difficult to make decisions at the General Board of Administration level that accurately reflect the needs and preferences of the region of The Wesleyan Church most affected; Whereas, The 1988 General Conference amended The Discipline to assign to the General Board of Administration full authority over its educational institutions for the stated purpose of bringing colleges into line with the recommendations of the Wesleyan Higher Education Study Committee plan for Wesleyan higher education; Whereas, There is a trend in higher education that is moving away from the academicians toward experienced professionals for instruction in specified fields; Whereas, There is a continuing need for ministers trained outside of the traditional liberal arts education; and Whereas, Recent decisions by the General Board of Administration do not appear to reflect such information; Resolved, That the authority over colleges given to the General Board of Administration be rescinded; and Resolved, That the authority be granted to the General Conference, so as to more appropriately reflect the needs of the geographical region and constituency it serves. FLORIDA DISTRICT CONFERENCE Walter E. McKee, Jr., Secretary Not recommended and not adopted (Item 343). 395

BOUNDARIES: Iowa-Minnesota District Name Change Whereas, The Iowa District is now comprised of the states of Iowa and Minnesota (cf. Discipline 952:21), but the current name causes some confusion about the BOUNDARIES of the district and sometimes leads to inadvertent omission of Minnesota pastors and churches from mailings intended for the district; and Whereas, The district desires to change its name to recognize both its Iowa and Minnesota members; Resolved, That the name of the district be changed to the "IowaMinnesota District"; Resolved, That Discipline 952:21 be amended to read as follows: (21) The Iowa-Minnesota District shall include the states of Iowa and Minnesota.

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Resolved, That conforming amendments be made as necessary throughout The Discipline (cf. 967; 979; 989).

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James Doll, Secretary

Recommended and adopted (Item 302).

503

MINISTERIAL ORDERS AND REGULATIONS: GeneraJ Superintendents to Interview Candidates for Ordination Whereas, The Discipline of The Wesleyan Church provides general ordination requirements that relate to education, character, Christian experience and service; Whereas, The districts of The Wesleyan Church are charged with the responsibility to ascertain whether the standards of character, Christian experience and service are satisfactorily met; Whereas, The General Superintendents are charged with the responsibility to represent the denomination in the ordination process yet have often little or no knowledge of the ordinand which couJd provide for uncertainty on behalf of the General Superintendent and depersona1ization for the ordinand; and Whereas, The Act of Ordination is a sacred and significant event in the life of the church, the district and the ordinand and its dignity and seriousness enhanced; Resolved, That the district board of ministerial standing declare those likely to be ordained the following year and through their chair arrange for the supervising General Superintendent to interview such candidates at least three months prior to the annual conference voting on one's elder's orders. The purpose of the interview is to be pastoral rather than evaluative. Should this interview raise concerns regarding the advisability of ordination the General Superintendent may share that with the district boards of ministerial standing. Resolved, That paragraph 1119 be amended by adding: (5) The supervising General Superintendent shall interview candidates for ordination at least three months prior to their presentation to the annual conference for election to elder's orders. The DBMS chair is responsible to schedule interviews with the General Superintendent. DELTA DISTRICT BOARD OF ADMINISTRATION William F. Tice, Jr., Secretary Not recommended and not adopted (Item 154). See related Memorial 520

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504

MINISTERS ORDERS AND REGULATIONS: Membership of Ministers Whereas, The Discipline requires each Wesleyan minister to be a member of a local Wesleyan church (1126) and the district where appointed to serve (1127); and Whereas, The language of 1127:4 contradicts the foregoing mandate by implying such relationship could be optional; Resolved, That paragraph 1127:4 be amended to clarify the paragraph's original intent, thus harmonizing with other sections of The Discipline by creating two sub-paragraphs as follows: 1127:4. If a minister joins another denomination or, in writing, declares withdrawal from the Church, said action shall immediately terminate ministerial membership in The Wesleyan Church (cf. 1138). upon recommendation of the district superintendent to the district board of administration. 1127:5. If a minister leaves for parts unknown or fails to submit the annual service report (541: 1117:4:c: 1123:3), the district board of administration may recommend and the district conference may order that the minister be declared withdrawn (cf. 1133; 1136; 1138). (Cf. 1580:2: 1597-1598.) and

Resolved, That present paragraph 1127:5 be renumbered 1127:6.

COMMITTEE ON MEMORIALS Ronald R. Brannon, Secretary Recommended and adopted (Item 155). 505

MINISTERIAL ORDERS AND REGULATIONS: Preordination Course of Study Whereas, The responsibility for adopting courses of study for pre­ ordination, specialized ministries, commissioned ministers and special lay ministries rests with the General Board of Administration (1151); Whereas, The Discipline leaves the listing of specific courses to GBA Policy and the Manual of Ministerial Preparation, except in the case of 1112:3 in which an incomplete list occurs; and Whereas, The incomplete list in 1112:3 tends to be misleading; Resolved, That Discipline 1112:3 be amended to read:

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(3) Certificate from the Ministerial Study Course Agency showing completion of the courses adopted by the General Board of Administration as being prerequisites for licensing (1851; cr. 1150:4; 1152). COMMITTEE ON MEMORIALS Ronald R. Brannon, Secretary Recommended and adopted (Item 159).

506 MINISTERIAL ORDERS AND REGULATIONS: Replacing the Term "Elder" with the Term "Ordained Minister" Whereas, It is important to have clear, consistent communication; Whereas, The term "Elder" as used by The Wesleyan Church is misunderstood by the general public as well as public agencies, i.e. IRS, Immigration, hospitals, etc., in that we have placed a non-vernacular meaning to the term; Whereas, In the listing of "Ministerial Orders ..." (1988 Discipline, Part VI, Ministry, Chapter I) we use the term "Minister" in all classifications except "Elder"; and Whereas, Paragraph 1118 of the 1988 Discipline identifies "Elder" as "a minister separated by ordination"; Resolved, That The Discipline of The Wesleyan Church be amended by substituting the term "Ordained Minister" for the term "Elder" in the Ministerial Orders. CHAMPlAIN DISTRICT CONFERENCE Edwin A. Roloson, Secretary Recommended and adopted (Item 160).

515 MINISTERIAL ORDERS AND REGUlATIONS: Minister and Marriage Whereas, Various segments of our society, including more than one major religious body, seem intent on legitimizing homosexual lifestyle; Whereas, While our position on this matter is well known to us, it behooves us to clearly state our position formally; and Whereas, We may expect to face challenges at some future point thereby making it important to have a clearly stated position on this matter; Resolved, That a new paragraph #1131 be added to the Discipline section headed MINISTER AND MARRIAGE to read: In performing marriages. Wesleyan ministers shall not unite in marriage persons of the same sex. COMMITTEE ON MEMORIALS Ronald R. Brannon, Secretary Recommended and adopted (Item 107).

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520

MINISTERIAL ORDERS AND REGULATIONS: Ordination of Elders Whereas, The election to elder's orders and the public service of ordination are acts of deep spiritual significance resulting in the candidate being "fully invested with all the functions of the Christian ministry" (Discipline 1118); Whereas, The process leading to ordination is appropriately under district jurisdiction and the act of ordination is at the hands of the district; Whereas, The candidate, however, becomes an elder of The Wesleyan Church at large; Whereas, Great care should be exercised in the election to elders orders for all those who are to be separated to the service of Christ ... by the solemn act of ordination (Discipline 1118); and Whereas, A mechanism of review by the General Superintendents, as deemed necessary or prudent in exceptional cases, should be in place; Resolved, That paragraph 1119 in the 1988 Discipline be amended by adding the following statement: (8) The Board of General Superintendents may, by unanimous vote, after consultation with the district board of ministerial standing of the involved district. postpone the intended ordination of any candidate and/or refer the same to the district board of ministerial standing for further consideration. COMMITI'EE ON MEMORIALS Ronald R. Brannon, Secretary Recommended and adopted (Item 161). 559

MINISTERIAL APPOINTMENTS: Supply Pastor Granted Certain Authority Whereas, Some supply pastors do not have the authorization to administer the sacraments or solemnize the rite of matrimony; Whereas, This lack of authorization is a great hindrance to the fulfillment of their pastoral functions to the church they serve; and Whereas, The district superintendent knows each supply pastor and local church need in his district; Resolved, That Discipline paragraph 1159:2 be stricken and the following be substituted: A supply pastor shall be appointed temporarily to fill the pulpit and to provide a spiritual ministry. While serving as a supply pastor, he may be granted authorization by the district superintendent to administer the sacraments and solemnize the rite of matrimony wherever local laws will permit. He shall not perform the administrative function of the pastor except in the

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CENTRAL NEW YORK DISTRICf CONFERENCE Karen A. Thompson, Secretary Not recommended and not adopted (Item 168). S60

MINISTERIAL APPOINTMENTS: Itinerant Bible Teachers Whereas, The itinerant ministries taught as appropriate by the Scriptures are varied (viz.; evangelist, teachers, etc.); and Whereas, Some called and equipped for itinerant teaching ministries are presently appointed as evangelist due to the absence of a category more appropriate to their gifts and calling; Resolved, That paragraph 1166 be augmented to include these persons by a rewording of the heading and provisions as follows:

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Educators/Itinerant Bible Teachers Elders, commissioned ministers, or licensed ministers may serve as educators in educational institutions. or itinerant Bible teaching ministers to local churches and districts. and be appointed as follows: --(1) Same as present (2) Same as present (3) When an elder. commissioned or licensed minister devotes his time to traveling and teaching in local churches and districts without a specific or pastoral assignment, the minister shall be appointed as an itinerant Bible teacher subject to recommendation and appointment by the district conference of which the minister is a member. An elder so appointed shall be placed on the appointed list (539:I:A). and shall be a voting member of the district conference. A commissioned or licensed minister so appointed shall be a non-voting member of the district conference and shall be listed under "other appointments" (539:II:B or 539:III:B) as is appropriate.

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Resolved, That the Editing Committee of the 1992 Discipline be authorized to harmonize other Discipline statements to reflect this action.

COMMITTEE ON MEMORIALS

Ronald R. Brannon, Secretary

Recommended and adopted (Item 231).

640

WESLEYAN WOMEN INTERNATIONAL: Change in Structure and Purpose Whereas, The declared purpose of WWI (Discipline 1237) reads:

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Wesleyan Women International shall seek to extend the kingdom of God through the missionary, extension, educational and benevolent work of The Wesleyan Church at home and abroad, by stimulating interest therein, by sharing information about the work, by encouraging a spirit of prayer, by putting forth a systematic effort to raise money as set forth in its constitution, by carrying on an active program of community and women's ministries in the areas of lay evangelism, Christian home building, Christian citizenship and Christian social service, and by providing a fellowship within which such missionary work may prosper; Whereas, The fulfillment of said worthy purpose requires the involvement of all Christian women who attend Wesleyan churches; Whereas, Greater inclusion is facilitated by structure and organization that provide for flexibility; Whereas, The growing urban and international ministry of The Wesleyan Church results in a Wesleyan constituency of increased diversity; and Whereas, Formal membership with highly developed organization excludes many who could be motivated to active participation in ministries fulfilling the declared purpose of WWI; Resolved, That a new inclusive option be provided for by amending the general purpose of WWI (para. 1257) to read: The general Wesleyan Women International shall carry out the basic purpose of WWI (1237) throughout the Church by promoting the development of an effective women's ministries in every local church, which may be organized as a local chapter or structured as the local church chooses. securing cooperation of district leadership and serving as resource provider for all women's ministries in the local churches. Resolved, That this new inclusive option be implemented at the district level by: 1.

Amending the purpose of district WWI 1248 to read:

The district Wesleyan Women International shall carry out the basic purpose of WWI (1237) within the bounds of the district, by promoting the development of an effective women's ministries group in every local church, which may be organized as local chapters or structured as the local church chooses, securing their cooperation in united district efforts. and serving as resource provider fQr all local church WQmen's ministries grQUps within the district. 2. Amending the membership Qf the district WWI conventiQn, paragraph 1250:2, tQ read:

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The presiding officer of each local church's women's ministries group, the Outreach Director, and YMWB Director and delegates: women's ministries groups without said directors shall send two delegates. Resolved, That this new inclusive option be implemented at the local church level by amending 1239:1 to read:

Active membership in Wesleyan Women International shall be open to all women who are in harmony with the doctrine of The Wesleyan Church, accept the purposes of WWI and participate in local church women's ministries. CENTRAL NEW YORK DISTRICT CONFERENCE Karen A. Thompson, Secretary Recommended for adoption with the following amendments: Change the title to "Refining Structure and Purpose." In the first resolved, second line, change the words "general purpose of WWI" to read "responsibility of the general level of WWI." In the second resolved, number 1, change the words "purpose of district WWI" to read "responsibility of the district level of WWI." In the second resolved, replace the underlined portion of number 2 with the following: The annual district WWI convention shall be composed of the district superintendent (507:4), the district WWI officers (1251), the zone chairman, the presiding officer of each local church's women's ministries group. the director of each local YMWB (1243:7). and delegates or elected alternates: women's ministries groups without said directors shall send two delegates. Recommended with amendment, adopted and made effective immediately (Item 322).

641 WESLEYAN WOMEN INTERNATIONAL: Assistant District Outreach Director

Whereas, Wesleyan Women International shall seek to extend the kingdom of God through the missionary, extension, educational and benevolent work of The Wesleyan Church at home and abroad; Whereas, A primary means for fulfilling that purpose is by carrying on an active program of community and women's ministries in the areas of lay evangelism, Christian home building, Christian citizenship and Christian social service; Whereas, The district outreach director is responsible for promoting the community and women's ministries; Whereas, Community outreach is receiving increased priority at the general level, district level and local level;

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Whereas, The outreach director is a key means of informing the constituency and a key person for both district and general WWI conventions; and Whereas, The outreach director's responsibility has increased on the district level; Resolved, That the following amendment be made to the Constitution of Auxiliaries section of Wesleyan Women International, 1252, Article 6, Duties of District WWI Officers, calling for an assistant district outreach director: The assistant district outreach director(s) shall be appointed by the district executive committee. and shall assist the district outreach director as she shall request and direct. CENTRAL NEW YORK DISTRICT CONFERENCE Karen A. Thompson, Secretary Not recommended and not adopted (Item 323).. 642

WESLEYAN WOMEN INTERNATIONAL: Local Outreach Director to be Member of District WWI Conference Whereas, Wesleyan Women International shall seek to extend the kingdom of God through the missionary, extension, educational and benevolent work of The Wesleyan Church at home and abroad; Whereas, A primary means of fulfilling that purpose is by carrying on an active program of community and women's ministries in the areas of lay evangelism, Christian home building, Christian citizenship and Christian social service; Whereas, The outreach director is responsible for promoting the community and women's ministries program; Whereas, Community outreach is receiving increased priority at the general level, district level and local level; Whereas, The outreach director is a key means of informing the constituency and a key person for both district convention; and Whereas, The outreach director's input is needed for wise decision at the district level; Resolved, That the following be added to paragraph 1242:3: local outreach director. Paragraph 1242:3 would read: Delegates. In addition to the local WWI director, local outreach director and local YMWB director, ... Resolved, That the following be added to paragraph 1243:4: "and shall serve as an ex officio member of the district WWI convention." Paragraph 1243:4 would read:

Outreach Director. The outreach director shall be responsible for promoting the community and women's ministries program as

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outlined from the district and general offices. and shall serve as an ex officio member of the district convention. Resolved, That the following be added to paragraph 1250:2: "the local outreach director (1243:3)." Paragraph 1250:2 would read:

Membership. The annual district WWI convention shall be composed of the district superintendent (507:4), the district WWI officers (1251), the zone chairman, the director of each local WWI (1243:2), the local outreach director (1243:3), the director of each local YMWB (1243:7) ... CENTRAL NEW YORK DISTRICT BOARD OF ADMINISTRATION Karen A. Thompson, Secretary Not recommended and not adopted (Item 324).

644 WESLEYAN WOMEN INTERNATIONAL: Director ofYMWB Title Changed to YMWB Coordinator Whereas, The 1988 General Conference (Memorial 652, Daily Proceeding 376) directed that the general leader of YMWB should no longer carry the title of "General Director" and should no longer be elected by the General WWI Convention, but be employed in the same manner as other "directors" at the International Center; Whereas, The resulting title of "director of YMWB" incorporated in the Discipline is difficult to distinguish in its unmodified form from "district director of YMWB" and "local director of YMWB"; Whereas, The Discipline does not presently state how the general leader of YMWB is to be selected; and Whereas, The current practice of including the general leader of YMWB, who is an office employee, as a voting member of the General WWI Executive Committee is inappropriate; Resolved, That the Discipline be amended as follows: (1) Paragraph 1262:1:a be amended by striking out "the Director of YMWB." (2) Paragraph 1262:1:b be amended by adding at the end the words, "and the general YMWB coordinator as a non-voting member," and the new title be edited into all other affected paragraphs. (3) Paragraph 1263:3 be amended following the heading by inserting the following sentence, "The general YMWB coordinator shall meet all the requirements of a general officer of WWI (d. 1262:2) and shall be employed by the General Director of WWI." GENERAL WWI EXECUTIVE COMMITIEE JoAn M. Drury, General Director Recommended, adopted and made effective immediately (Item 325).

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WESLEYAN WOMEN INTERNATIONAL: YMWB Name Changed to Wesleyan Kids for Missions Whereas, YMWB is a channel for teaching children the better way of life; and the scope of YMWB is the world; Whereas, The goal of YMWB is to win children to the Lord Jesus Christ and interest them in missions and full-time Christian service; Whereas, The name Young Missionary Workers' Band is the vernacular of an earlier era; and Whereas, Weare proposing no basic structural or program changes; Resolved, That the name be changed to WESLEYAN KIDS FOR MISSIONS, reflecting a more contemporary expression of the goals and scope of the entire program. GENERAL WWI EXECUTIVE COMMITIEE JoAn M. Drury, General Director Recommended, adopted and made effective immediately (Item 326). 660

WESLEYAN YOUTH: Elimination of Area Wesleyan Youth Conventions Whereas, The area and general Wesleyan youth conventions are being held every two years, thus placing a great cost \lpon local churches and families for registration, meals, and travel (It is understood that said conventions are a good influence on the youth of our churches, and that the general WY department does everything within its power to keep costs at a minimum without jeopardizing the impact of said conventions); Whereas, Though exposure to people outside their own area is good for our youth, attendance at the area and general conventions every two years hurts district programming and ministry (Many youth, because of time and money considerations, must choose between area WY conventions and district ministries); Whereas, Though The Wesleyan Church is trying to portray an image of being a family church, yet we ask pastors, youth leaders, and youth to be away from their family during one of the most significant times of the year (Christmas); and Whereas, While said conventions have been very powerful times for many in The Wesleyan Church, and many youth and young adults are now more firmly established in their faith, and through said conventions people are being called into full time ministry, hosting general WY conventions every three years would give every youth at least two opportunities to attend said conventions;

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Resolved, That the area Wesleyan youth convention (Discipline 1320:2) be eliminated, and that the general Wesleyan youth convention (Discipline 1324) be held every three years. WISCONSIN DISTRICT BOARD OF ADMINISTRATION Alan L. Tripp, Secretary Not recommended and not adopted (Item 344).

745 THE WESLEYAN CHURCH CORPORATION: Directors and Officers Liability and Indemnification Provisions

Whereas, It is desirable to give every reasonable possible protection to the directors and officers who voluntarily serve The Wesleyan Church and its subsidiary corporations; Whereas, The State of Indiana has approved specific language which allows a not-for-profit corporation to add indemnification language to its Articles of Incorporation; Whereas, Amending the Articles of Incorporation to include this language will provide an umbrella of protection to the directors and officers of The Wesleyan Church and the subsidiary corporations; Whereas, The General Board of Administration in session on August 24, 1989, at GBA-363 approved the filing of an amendment to the Articles of Incorporation of The Wesleyan Church Corporation concerning directors and officers liability indemnification; and Whereas, The Discipline at paragraphs 650:5 and 1426 requires the General Conference to approve any amendments to the Articles of Incorporation of The Wesleyan Church Corporation by a two-thirds vote; Resolved, That this 1992 General Conference does hereby approve and authorize the amendment of Article 12 of the Articles of Incorporation of The Wesleyan Church Corporation by adding the following paragraph: The Wesleyan Church shall indemnify any director or officer or former director or officer of the Corporation against expenses actually or reasonably incurred by him in connection with the defense of any civil action. suit. or proceeding in which he is made or threatened to be made, a party by reason of being or having been a director or officer. except in relation to matters as to which he is adjudged in the action, suit. or proceeding to be liable for negligence or misconduct in the performance of duty to the corporation: however. this indemnification is not exclusive and does not impair any other rights of those indemnified. or any person who may have served at its request as a director or officer of another corporation. may have under any provision of the Articles of Incorporation. Bylaws. resolution. or other authorization adopted, after notice. by a majority of the members voting at an annual meeting; expenses incurred in defending any action, suit. or proceeding, civil or criminal, may be paid by the corporation in advance of the final disposition of such action, suit.

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or proceeding. notwithstanding any provisions of this article to the contrary upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of the director. officer, employee, or agent to repay the amount paid by the corporation if it shall ultimately be determined that the director, officer, employee. or agent is not entitled to indemnification as provided in this section. COMMITfEE ON MEMORIALS Ronald R. Brannon, Secretary Recommended and adopted (Item 333).

780 PENSION CORPORATION: Removal ofWPF Bylaws from The Discipline Whereas, There are 48 subsidiary corporations listed in The Discipline, one of which is The Wesleyan Pension Fund (WPF); Whereas, WPF is the only subsidiary corporation that also has its bylaws included in The Discipline, thereby requiring a General Conference action for any changes to be made to WPF bylaws; Whereas, The rapidly changing field of pension administration warrants a review of WPF bylaws more frequently than once every four years; and Whereas, Removing the bylaws of WPF from The Discipline would allow the flexibility needed to effectively administer WPF to the full benefit of the members, and also maintain General Conference control over WPF through powers delegated to the General Board of Administration; Resolved, That the bylaws of The Wesleyan Pension Fund (1446-1460) be removed from The Discipline, and any and all changes to the bylaws made hereafter shall be approved by the Board of Pensions and ratified by a majority vote of the members of the General Board of Administration; Resolved, That official and complete bylaws be available for inspection by any member of The Wesleyan Pension Fund in the WPF office, or the office of the General Secretary; Resolved, That the Editing Committee be charged with the duty to bring the provisions of The Discipline into accord with this Memorial. THE BOARD OF PENSIONS E. Barton Carter, Secretary Recommended for adoption with the following to replace the second resolved: Resolved, That a copy of the official and complete bylaws be provided upon request to any member of the Wesleyan Pension Fund. Amend to change the words "majority vote" in the first Resolved to read "two-thirds vote." Recommended, amended, adopted and made effective immediately (Item 337).

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785 PENSION CORPORATION: Ministerial Benefit Association Whereas, Paragraph 1443 of The Discipline assigns the administration of the Ministerial Benefit Association to the Wesleyan Pension Fund; and Whereas, The Ministerial Benefit Association is now administered by World Life and Accident Association of Richmond, Indiana; Resolved, That paragraph 1443 of The Discipline be stricken. THE BOARD OF PENSIONS E. Barton Carter, Secretary Recommended and adopted (Item 341).

820 GENERAL REGULATIONS: Sale or Property Donated to a Local Church Whereas, It is becoming common for local churches to organize sophisticated capital campaigns in connection with building projects; Whereas, One of the strategies of the capital campaigns includes urging members or friends to donate real property to the church, thereby benefiting the church and the donor; Whereas, There are other instances when donors make a gift of real property to a local church for the explicit purpose of resale so that the proceeds may support designated ministries of the church; Whereas, In most cases, it is the intent of the donor that the property so donated be sold immediately and the proceeds generated by the sale be used for the capital campaign or other designated project; Whereas, Discipline paragraph 1498 details the steps necessary to accomplish the sale of church-owned properties, which includes a called local church conference session to take action on the matter; and Whereas, It is not expedient or necessary to call a special local church conference to take care of this type of property transaction; Resolved, That a new paragraph be added to The Discipline which would operate as an alternative to the current property process when handling property that has been donated to a local church with the expressed intent of the donor that the property be sold. The new paragraph number 1498:6 would read as follows: 1498:6. When real property is donated to a Wesleyan church for ministries or in a capital or fund raising campaign. and the donor's intent is that the property be sold and the proceeds invested accordingly. the local board of administration shall have full power to authorize the reception and disposal of the property, subject to the express written approval of each transaction by the district superintendent.

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Resolved, That paragraph 1500 be amended in line two by adding after the words "whether incorporated or unincorporated," the words "other than as provided for in 1498:6." As amended, the sentence will read:

The proceeds from the sale of any real property of a local church whether incorporated or unincorporated, other than as provided for in 1498:6, shall be used for the purchase or improvement of property for that local church, unless otherwise authorized by the district board of administration (486:30). Resolved, That these paragraphs be cross-referenced for the purpose of referral where appropriate throughout The Discipline.

COMMITTEE ON MEMORIALS Ronald R. Brannon, Secretary Recommended and adopted (Item 345). 920

LOCAL CHURCH JURISDICTION: Pre-Local Church Trial Discipline Procedure Whereas, The present process for discipline by the local church is sometimes confusing; Whereas, The Discipline process currently requires a church trial in order for action to be taken; Whereas, Church trials are usually divisive in nature; and Whereas, The Scripture is clear that those who choose to function in a manner contrary to the Word should be disciplined; Resolved, That the local board of administration be empowered to serve as a committee of the whole for disciplining problems. They shall have power to carry out discipline, including penalties subject to the following conditions: 1. The pastor must go to the person(s) in question to try to resolve the difficulty. 2. The pastor and vice-chairman must go a second time to confront and see if there can be a healing. If there is no resolution of the problem: 3. The parties involved shall be invited to meet with the local board of administration. 4. If entreaty fails, the local board of administration shall have the power, with a two-thirds vote, to administer the penalties spelled out in 1631:1-5 of The Discipline. 5. Each person shall have the right to appeal to the local board of administration for a church trial. This right must be given, in writing, to the offender when penalty is administered. 6. The district superintendent shall be informed in writing of each situation at such a time as the individual(s) are invited to the local board of administration meeting (this includes dated documentation of steps one and two).

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Resolved, That the sections of The Discipline be edited to conform with the above. WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT CONFERENCE Vaughn B. Jensen, Secretary Not recommended and not adopted (Item 346).

930 DISTRICT JURISDICTION: Judicial Statement on Special Regulations for Ministers Whereas, Various segments of our society, including more than one major religious body, seem intent on legitimizing homosexual lifestyle and "ministry"; and Whereas, It is imperative that the moral integrity of the ministry be preserved and that our position on such issues be clearly understood and formally stated; Resolved, That Discipline 1580:3 be amended by inserting the phrase "homosexual behavior" following the word "adultery" in the fIrst sentence so that it would read, "Whenever a minister, ministerial candidate or student, or special worker shall have been convicted by a judicatory of such immoral acts as fornication, adultery, or homosexual behavior ..." COMMITTEE ON MEMORIALS Ronald R. Brannon, Secretary Recommended and adopted (Item 108. 1000

BAPTISM: Infant

Resolved, That the following be added between the fIrst and second sentences of the first paragraph of the actual ritual at paragraph 1661: Infant baptism is not a means of saving grace. Children before the age of accountability are already covered by God's grace. Infant dedication is a public testimony of your desire and commitment to give your child to God and to raise him in the Christian way, God being your helper. NORTH MICHIGAN DISTRICT CONFERENCE Roger L. Cooper, Secretary Not recommended and not adopted (Item 347).

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1001 RITUAL: Revision Whereas, beginning with the 1968 merger, The Wesleyan Church has attempted to retain rituals yet avoid archaic terms which are meaningless today; Whereas, Some previous revisions of the Ritual obviously call for further revisions in the interest of correlation and compatibility; and Whereas, There is a widespread call for further updating of the language and the elimination of gender specific language; Resolved, That the following revised Ritual be approved by the 1992 General Conference. COMMITTEE ON MEMORIALS Ronald R. Brannon, Secretary Recommended, amended and adopted (Item 353). REVISED RITUAL DOCUMENT CHAPTER I BAPTISM A. Dedication of Infants 1661. (When the parents, guardians or other sponsors have presented themselves with their children before the minister, the minister shall say:) Dear friends, you have brought these children whom God has given you to be dedicated to God and to His service. By this act you testify to your faith in the Christian religion, and also your desire that your children shall receive the benefits of consecration to God, and of the prayers of the church, and may early learn to know and follow the will of God; and therefore may live a Christian life. In order for this to happen, it will be your duty as parents to teach your children early the fear of the Lord; to watch over their education, that they may not be led astray by false teachings or doctrines, to direct their minds to the Holy Scriptures as expressing the will and authority of God for all people, and to direct their feet to the sanctuary, to restrain them from evil associates and habits; and, as much you are able, to bring them up in the Lord's discipline and instruction. Will you endeavor to do so, by the help of the Lord? (Then the parents or guardians shall answer:) We will. (Then the minister shall read the following Scripture lesson:) "People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, 'Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.'

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And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them (Mark 10:13-16, NIV)." (Then the minister shall ask the parents or guardians the name of each child to be dedicated, take each child in arms, lay a hand on each child's head, and say:) , in behalf of your parents and of this congregation, I de'di,....c-a-:-te-y-ou-u-n-:-to----:-thr-e-Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. (Then the minister may pray.)

B. Baptism of Infants 1662. (When the parents, guardians or other sponsors have presented themselves with their children before the minister, the minister shall say:) Dear friends, you have brought these children whom God has given you to be baptized, thereby testifying to your own commitment of faith in Christ and the assurance you hold that the grace of God is even now at work in their lives. Forasmuch as these children are now presented by you, it will be your duty as parents to teach them as soon as they are able to learn, the nature and meaning of this sacrament. In order to testify to your faith and to your desire to nurture your children within this faith, please respond to these questions. Do you present your children for baptism as a sign of the grace of God which is extended even now to your children through the atoning work of Christ and declares them to be a part of the family of God? And, Do you promise with the help of God to bring your children up in the instruction and discipline of the Lord, to pray with them and to make every effort to so order your own life that you will not cause these little ones to stumble? And, Do you intend to encourage your children as soon as they are able to comprehend its significance to acknowledge personally their own faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and to serve God faithfully in the fellowship of His Church? (Then the parents will respond:) We do, God being our helper. (Then the minister shall ask the parents or guardians the name of each child, take each child in arms, and baptize each child saying:) , I baptize you in the name of the Father, ana of the Son, an'a'o..f"'7t'he----v'Hr o'Iy--cS"p....irit. Amen. (Then the minister may pray.)

B. Baptism of Believers 1663. (When the candidates for baptism have presented themselves before the minister, the minister shall say:)

Dear friends, in keeping with the example of Jesus, you have presented yourselves this day that you might receive the sacrament of baptism. Baptism

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is not itself the door to salvation, but rather is an outward sign of the new birth which God has wrought in your heart. It proclaims to all the world that you have taken Christ Jesus as the Lord of your lives, and that it is your purpose always to obey Him. In order that we may hear your testimony of what God has done for you, and that we may know that you understand the significance of the step you are taking, we want to ask you these questions: Do you believe in God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit? That Jesus Christ the Son suffered in your 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 all people at the last day? And do you believe in the Holy Scriptures as the inspired Word of God? 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 are justified by faith? Answer: All this I steadfastly believe. Do you intend by this act to testify to all the world that you are a Christian and that you will be a loyal follower of Christ? Answer: I do. (Then the minister shall ask each candidate to state their name, and shall immerse the candidate in water, or if desired, sprinkle orpour water, saying:) , I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and,...o-,{..-t-.-h-e--;H.....o. .,l.-y"""'s pirit. Amen. (Then the minister shall pray.) C. Affirmation or Parental Vows

1667. Persons who were baptized as infants, upon coming to maturity and being converted, and desiring to make personal the vows earlier taken in their behalf by their parents, may do so by publicly answering the questions in the ritual of baptism as given in 1663 and as directed by the pastor. Dear friends, were presented by their parents for baptism as children. They now desire to make personal the vows made in their behalf by publicly declaring their commitment to the faith in which they were baptized. (Then the minister shall address the candidate:) Do you believe in God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit? That Jesus Christ the Son suffered in your 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 all people at the last day? And do you believe in the Holy Scriptures as the inspired Word of God? 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 are justified by faith? Answer: All this I steadfastly believe. Do you affirm the act of your parents as they presented you for baptism and do you hereby testify to all the world that you are a Christian and that you will be a loyal follower cf Christ? Answer: I do.

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(Then the minister shall pray.) CHAFfER II RECEPTION OF MEMBERS 1670. When candidates for full membership or provisional membership have been approved for reception as given in 227-231, the pastor shall appoint a time during a regular worship service for their public reception, and shall preside over the service of reception, or appoint a representative to preside. In those churches in which the local churches must vote on the reception of full members, such vote should be taken at a meeting prior to the service of reception. Paragraphs 1676-1678, "Reception of Full Members," "Covenant Questions," and "Declaration of Purpose" have the authority of statutory law. The paragraphs must be followed as prescribed, except that paragraph 1676 may be addressed during membership preparation classes and omitted during the service of reception if a shortened service is desired. 1672. The service of reception may begin with a hymn and scripture reading such as one of those listed below, and with the administration of the sacrament of baptism to any who have not previously received it. Hymn. "The Church's One Foundation," "I Love Thy Kingdom, Lord," "Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken," "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God." Scripture Lesson. Romans 12:1-8; 1 Corinthians 12:4-27; Ephesians 4:1-7, 11-16; 5:25b-27. 1674. Introductory Remarks. Minister: Dear friends, the privileges and blessings which we have within the fellowship of the church of Jesus Christ are very sacred and precious. Christ so loved the church that He gave Himself for it, sanctifying Himself that the church might be sanctified. He chose to speak of Himself as the Head of the church and of the church as His body; and again He spoke of Himself as the husband and of the church as His bride. Christ gave Himself unselfishly, and He asked the church to share its glorious relationship with all humankind, sending it into the world to preach the Scriptures, to save the lost, to administer the sacraments, to maintain Christian fellowship and discipline, and to build up the believer until He comes again. All of us, whatever our age or position, stand in need of Christ's church and of those means of grace which it alone makes available. It is in keeping with Christ's commission to the church, that we meet together now. There are some among us who testify to having been received already into the spiritual fellowship of the universal church, and who desire to be received into the official and visible fellowship of this local unit of the body of Christ. 1676. Reception of Full Members. (The minister shall call before the congregation those who are being received as full members.)

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These persons standing before you come to enter into covenant as members in full relationship with The Wesleyan Church, with all of the accompanying rights, privileges, and responsibilities. They testify to having been born again. They have received the sacrament of baptism, have been instructed in and have accepted the doctrines and polity of The Wesleyan Church, and have been approved by vote as manifesting in spirit and practice God's work of grace within their heat1s. (If a shortened service is desired, and the candidates have been asked the membership covenant questions and have responded appropriately, the presiding minister may add the statement [They have each responded appropriately to the membership covenant questions as required by The Discipline, cr. 1670.], omit the questions, and move to paragraph 1678. If the covenant questions have not been addressed previously, or if a public response to the questions is desired, the questions in paragraph 1677 shall be asked as prescribed.)

1677. Covenant Questions. Minister: We now propose, in the fear of God, to question these persons as to their experience, faith, and purpose, that you may know that they are proper persons to be admitted into this Church. Dear friends, you are come seeking union with the church of Jesus Christ. We rejoice that you have chosen to undertake the privileges and the responsibilities of membership in The Wesleyan Church. Before you are fully admitted thereto, you should here publicly and individually make your vows, confess your faith, and declare your purpose, by answering the following questions: Minister: Do you believe in God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit? That Jesus Christ the Son suffered in your 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 all people at the last day? And do you believe in the Holy Scriptures as the inspired and inerrant Word of God? 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 are justified by faith? And do you believe that God not only counts believers as righteous, but that He makes them righteous, perfecting them in love at entire sanctification, and providing for their growth in grace at every stage of their spiritual life, enabling them through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit to live a victorious life? Candidate: This I believe. Minister: Do you have the witness of the Spirit that you are a child of God? Candidate: I do. Minister: Have you the assurance that you have experienced the deeper grace of heart cleansing through the infilling of the Holy Spirit? If not, do you purpose to diligently seek this grace? Candidate: I do. Minister: Do you cordially accept our Membership Commitments and Elementary Principles as biblical guidelines for your conduct, and do you accept the authority of The Discipline of The Wesleyan Church in matters of Church government? Candidate: I do.

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Minister: Do you recognize your obligation to God and the Church, and do you purpose to contribute your resources as the Lord has prospered you for the support of the gospel as the Church fulfills its mission in the world? Candidate: I do. 1678. Declaration of Purpose. Minister: By coming before us today you indicate your purpose to publicly confess the Lord Jehovah, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, to be your God and the object of your highest love. You accept the Lord Jesus to be your Redeemer, and the Holy Spirit to be your Sanctifier, Comforter, and Guide. You joyfully dedicate yourselves to God that within the everlasting covenant of His grace you might be used in His service to glorify and honor Him. And you promise to hold to Him as the highest good of your life; that you will give diligent attention to the commandments and principles of His Word; that you will seek the honor and advancement of His kingdom; and that forsaking all ungodliness and worldly desires, you will live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world. You do also purpose to join yourselves to this church, submitting yourselves to its principles of government; and by walking in love and fellowship with all its members, seek its peace, purity, and growth in grace. Do you freely and sincerely devote yourselves to be the Lord's within the fellowship of this church? Candidate: I do. 1679. Reception of Transfers from Other Denominations. Minister: There are those who have found Christ in some other branch of His church, but who now desire to transfer their membership to The Wesleyan Church, and who present themselves for reception as full members by transfer. To them we address this question: Minister: Dear friends, in transferring your covenant relation to this branch of Christ's church, you again renew your vows of church fellowship. Relying upon the grace of God, you promise to walk in all His commandments and ordinances, and to seek His service as your highest joy. You promise to submit to the rules and The Discipline of The Wesleyan Church; to strive earnestly for its peace, purity, and growth in grace, and to walk with all its members in love and Christian faithfulness. Do you sincerely devote yourselves to be the Lord's and do you hereby renew your covenant with the church of Jesus Christ by joining yourselves to this fellowship of believers? Transferee: I do. 1682. Reception of Provisional Members. Minister: The church of Jesus Christ is not only for those who are spiritually strong and mature, but it is intended by its Head and Master for all who know Him as Savior and who love and serve Him as Lord. There are those who are not yet ready for full membership in The Wesleyan Church because they are new in their relationship to Christ. For these, the Church has provided the category of provisional membership, that they may enjoy its pastoral care and spiritual nurture, and that they may grow in grace and knowledge until they take their place in full relation to the Church. These

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come now that they may be questioned and received as their experience makes fitting. To you who have so recently been converted to Christ, who desire to study and grow toward spiritual maturity, and who have here presented yourselves for reception as provisional members, we address these questions: Minister: Does the Lord now forgive your sins? Candidate: Yes, He does. Minister: Is it your purpose to grow spiritually, to study daily in private devotions and regularly at the church, to become acquainted with the Scriptures and The Discipline of our Church, and to prepare to be received at the proper time in full membership? Candidate: Yes, it is. 1685. Response of the Church. Minister: May the members of the church now join me in welcoming these new ones to our fellowship, assuring them of our love, of our prayers, and of our care over them in days to come. Do you, the members of this church, receive these to our communion and fellowship as beloved brothers and sisters, and promise to walk with them in love, to instruct, counsel, admonish, and cherish them, and to watch over them with all long-suffering, gentleness, and love? Congregation: We do. 1686. Prayer. Minister: 0 God of the church, we thank You for the blessing of Christian fellowship, for joining together in one body all those who truly believe in Jesus Christ, Your Son. We thank You for these who this day are becoming a part of this local church, this branch of Christ's body. Grant to them the grace and strength they shall need to fulfill their vows, and bind our hearts together in Your holy love, that we may aid each other and that together we may share Your gospel with the world for which Christ died. In His name we pray. Amen. 1688. Right Hand of Fellowship. Minister: And now, in behalf of The Wesleyan Church and of this local congregation, I extend to you the right hand of fellowship, welcoming you as members with us of the body of Christ. 1689. The service of reception may close with a hymn and a benediction such as the following: Hymn. "Blest Be the Tie That Binds," "Onward, Christian Soldiers," "Lead On, 0 King Eternal," "Soldiers of Christ, Arise." Benediction. Now unto Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, unto Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

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CHAPTER III

LORD'S SUPPER A. General Directions 1690. The Lord's Supper shall be observed in each local Wesleyan church at least once each three months (cf. 151; 294:6). 1692. It is expected that Wesleyan ministers shall carefully admonish the people that only those who are in right relations with God and with their neighbors should come to the Lord's table, and that others should come only if in so doing they are expressing repentance and seeking forgiveness. 1693. Only unfermented grape juice shall be used in observing the Lord's Supper. 1694. The officiating minister may enlist the assistance of other ministers, persons preparing for the ministry, or laypersons for the distribution of the elements.

B. Order of the Lord's Supper-as Part ofa Service 1695. (The elements of the Lord's Supper shall be placed upon a table and covered with a white linen cloth. The minister shall read a Scripture lesson, such as one of the following: Isa. 53; Matt. 26:26-29; Luke 22:14-20; Rom. 5:1­ 2, 6-12, 18-21; 1 Cor. 10:16-17; 11:23-29; Eph. 1:3-12; 2:1-10, 12-22; Heb. 9:11­ 17, 22-28; 1 Peter 1:18-23; 2:21-25.) (Then the congregation shall sing a hymn, such as one of the following: ''Alas! and Did My Saviour Bleed," ''Man of Sorrows, What a Name," "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross," ''Arise, My Soul, Arise," ''My Faith Looks Up to Thee, " "Rock ofAges, " "There Is a Fountain Filled with Blood. ") (Then the minister may preach a sennon on some phase of the Lord's Supper. Afterwards the congregation may sing another hymn such as one of those listed above. Then the minister shall direct the people as to the plan for distribution of the elements of the Supper, either directing them to come and kneel at the altar or to be served while seated, in either instance using this invitation:) You who are walking in fellowship with God, and are in love and harmony with your neighbors; and you who do truly and earnestly repent of your sin and intend to lead a new life, following the commandments of God, and walking from this time in His holy ways, draw near with faith, and take this holy sacrament to your comfort; and meekly make your humble confession to Almighty God. (Then the minister shall remove the cloth, folding it neatly, and laying it to one side. Then the minister shall pray the prayer of consecration:) o God of grace and mercy, we thank You that You ever loved us and provided for our redemption. We thank You for Your Son who died to save us, and for Your Spirit who invites us to draw near. Guide us now as we commemorate the suffering of our Lord. Help us to remember the cost of our salvation. Help us to commune with You and with each other. And so consecrate the bread and wine which are here prepared, that as we partake of them we may receive the spiritual benefits of Christ's broken body and shed blood. In His name we pray. Amen.

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(Then the minister shall first partake of the bread, and then distribute it to the people, saying:) The body of our Lord Jesus Christ, which was given for you, preserve your soul and body unto everlasting life. Take and eat this remembering that Christ died for you, and feed on Him in your heart, by faith, with thanksgiving. (Then the minister shall partake of the wine, and then distribute it to the people, saying:) The blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, which was shed for you, preserve your soul and body unto everlasting life. Drink this remembering that Christ's blood was shed for you, and be thankful. (After all have partaken, let that which remains of the consecrated elements be returned to the table, and covered with the white linen cloth. Then let the minister pronounce the benediction:) May the peace of God, which passes aU understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of His Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord; and the blessings of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit be among you and remain with you always. Amen.

C. Order of the Lord's Supper-as an Entire Service 1697. (The elements of the Lord's Supper shall be placed upon a table and covered with a white linen cloth. The minister shall address the congregation saying:)

Call to Worship

The Lord Jesus Himself instituted the holy sacrament we call the Lord's Supper, giving it to the disciples as a means of remembering Him until He comes again, and as a seal of the new covenant between God and man. This service is therefore a time of special sacredness and we can only be properly prepared by giving our hearts and minds to reverent worship, and by being freed of all things contrary to the divine nature and purpose. Therefore let us bow in a period of silent prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to search our hearts and to bring us into conformity with the holiness of the God we serve. (The minister shall allow sufficient time for each person to prepare for the service, and then shall pray:) Invocation

Almighty God, to whom all hearts are opened, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hidden: cleanse the thoughts of our hearts, through the presence of the Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love You, and worthily magnify Your holy name, through Christ our Lord. Amen. Hymns (Then the congregation shall sing a hymn, such as one of the following: ''Alas! and Did My Saviour Bleed," ''Man of Sorrows, What a Name," "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross," ''Arise, My Soul, Arise," "My Faith Looks Up to Thee," "Rock ofAges, " "There Is a Fountain Filled with Blood. PI)

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Scripture Readings

(Then the minister shall read a Scripture lesson, such as one of the following: [sa. 53; Matt. 26:26-29; Luke 22:14-20; Rom. 5:1-2, 6-12, 18-21; 1 Cor. 10:16-17; 11:23-29; Eph. 1:3-12; 2:1-10, 12-22; Heb. 9:11-17, 22-28; 1 Peter 1:18-23; 2:21-25.) Prayer

(Then the minister shall pray an extemporaneous prayer or use the following:) Almighty God, father of our Lord Jesus Christ, maker of all things, judge of all men, we acknowledge that in Your sight all our righteous acts are like filthy rags. Outside of Christ we are sinners, and it is only through His atonement that we are forgiven and cleansed. Whatever there is of purity and virtue in our hearts or in our lives is the product of Your grace. We come today to remember once again how Christ obtained our salvation. And as we do, we ask that the Holy Spirit shall search our hearts. If we have committed any act which is displeasing to You, or neglected any duty which would have honored You, reveal it and forgive, we pray. Or if there is any tendency to disobedience, to the love of the world, or to the exaltation of self, reveal it and purge it from our hearts, we pray. You have told us that if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. Our hope, our trust, our righteousness are in Him alone. Have mercy upon us for His sake, and grant that we may serve and please You in newness of life and purity of heart, world without end, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. Sermon, Hymn, Instructions

(Then the minister may preach a sennon on some phase of the Lord's Supper. Afterwards the congregation may sing another hymn such as one of those listed above. Then the minister shall direct the people as to the plan for distribution of the elements of the Supper, either directing them to come and kneel at the altar or to be served while seated, in either instance using this invitation:) Invitation You who are walking in fellowship with God, and are in love and harmony with your neighbors; and you who do truly and earnestly repent of your sin and intend to lead a new life, following the commandments of God, and walking from this time in His holy ways, draw near with faith, and take this holy sacrament to your comfort; and meekly (kneeling) make your humble confession to Almighty God. (When all are in place, the minister shall remove the cloth, folding it neatly, and laying it to one side. 171en the minister shall pray the prayer of consecration:)

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Consecration of Bread and Wine Almighty God, our heavenly Father, who in mercy gave Your only Son, Jesus Christ, to suffer death upon the cross for our redemption: accept our praise, we beseech You. We thank You for Your love, for the gift of Your Son, for the sacrifice He made in our behalf, for the forgiveness of our sins and the cleansing of our hearts, for the present witness of Your Holy Spirit to our hearts that we are Your children. Grant that, as we receive this bread and wine, in memory of Christ's death and suffering, in communion with You and with Your children, we may be made partakers of His body and blood; who, on the night He was betrayed, took bread, (Here the minister may take the plate of bread in hand.) and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, Take, eat; this is my body which is given for you: do this in memory of me. In the same way, after supper He took the cup, (Here the minister may take in hand the vessel from which the wine is to be poured, or the tray of individual cups.) and gave it to them, saying, Drink from it, all of you, for this is my blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for many, for the forgiveness of sins; do this, whenever you drink it, in memory of me. Amen. Distribution of Bread and Wine (Then the minister shall direct the distribution of the elements, either first kneeling at the table and partaking, then serving others who may be assisting, and then serving the people; or directing first the distribution of the bread with all holding their portion until the time for simultaneous participation, and then the distribution of the wine in the same manner.) (In either instance, either before or during the distribution, or immediately before the simultaneous partaking of the bread, the following shall be read:) The body of our Lord Jesus Christ, which was given for you, preserve your soul and body unto everlasting life. Take and eat this remembering that Christ died for you, and feed on Him in your heart, by faith, with thanksgiving. (And in like manner, either before or during the distribution, or immediately before the simultaneous partaking of the wine, the following shall be read:) The blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, which was shed for you, preserve your soul and body unto everlasting life. Drink this remembering that Christ's blood was shed for you, and be thankful. (After all have partaken, let that which remains of the consecrated elements be retumed to the table, and covered with the white linen cloth. Then let the minister and congregation join in praying:)

Lord's Prayer Our Father which art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: for Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

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Benediction

(nlen the minister shall conclude the service with the benediction:) May the peace of God, which passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of His Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord; and the blessings of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always. Amen. CHAPTER IV MARRIAGE

A. Marriage Ceremony- Long Form

1700. (At the day and time appointed for the solemnizing of matrimony, the persons to be married standing together, the man on the right hand of the woman, the minister shall say:) Dearly beloved, we are gathered together in the sight of God, and in the presence of these witnesses, to join together this man and this woman in holy matrimony, which is an honorable estate, instituted of God, and signifying unto us the mystical union which exists between Christ and His church. It is therefore not to be entered into unadvisedly, but reverently, discreetly, and in the fear of God. Into this holy estate these two persons come now to be joined. (Speaking to the persons to be married, the minister shall say:) I charge you both, as you stand in the presence of God, before whom the secrets of all hearts are disclosed, that, having duly considered the holy covenant you are about to male, you do now declare before this company your pledge of faith, each to the other. Be well assured that if these solemn vows are faithfully kept, as God's Word demands, and if steadfastly you endeavor to do the will of your heavenly Father, God will bless your marriage, will grant you fulftllment in it, and will establish your home in peace. (Then shall the minister address the man by name, and ask:) Will you have this woman to be your wedded wife, to live together in the holy estate of matrimony? Will you love her, comfort her, honor, and keep her, in sickness and in health; and forsaking all others keep yourself only unto her, so long as you both shall live? (The man shall answer:) I will. (nlen shall the minister address the woman by name, and ask:) Will you have this man to be your wedded husband, to live together in the holy estate of matrimony? Will you love him, comfort him, honor, and keep him, in sickness and in health; and forsaking all others, keep yourself only unto him, so long as you both shall live? (The woman shall answer:) I will. (Then shall the minister ask:) Who gives this woman to be married to this man?

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(The father ofthe woman, or whoever gives her in marriage, shall answer:)

I do (or Her mother and I). (Then the minister shall cause the man and woman to join right hands and shall cause the man, using their given names, to say after him:)

I, , take you, , to be my wedded wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part, according to God's holy law; and thereto I pledge you my faith. (Then shall the minister cause the woman, using their given names to say after him:)

I, , take you, , to be my wedded husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part, according to God's holy law; and thereto I pledge you my faith. [If an exchange of rings is desired, the minister shall ask for the rings, deliver the ring to the man and say: , place this ring on the finger of your bride and repeat after me: This ring I give you, in token and pledge ofour constant faith and abiding love. (The minister shall then deliver the ring to the women and say:) , place this ring on the finger of your groom and repea"""t-aflrte-r-m-e-:--;;Th;;-;-is-n....·n-g""""I give you, in token and pledge of our constant faith and abiding love.] (Here may be offered the following prayer, or an extemporaneous prayer closing with the Lord's Prayer.) a eternal God, creator and preserver of alI mankind, giver of alI

spiritual grace, the author of life everlasting, let Your blessing descend and rest upon these Your children, whom we bless in Your name. Bless this marriage and make it to them the source of abundant and enduring good. Look graciously upon them that they may love, honor, and cherish each other. May their mutual affection never know change, doubt, nor decay. Direct and strengthen them in the discharge of alI their duties. Bless the home which they establish. Teach them to order their household wisely and well, and to regard alI their possessions as Your gifts to be employed in Your service. May they so live together in faithfulness and patience, in wisdom and true godliness, that their home may be a haven of blessing and a place of peace, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (Then shall the minister cause the man and woman to join right hands and placing a hand on top of theirs shall say:)

Forasmuch, as and have consented together in holy wedlock, and have witnessed the same before God, and this company, and thereto have pledged their faith each to the other, and have declared the same by joining hands [and by giving and receiving rings]; I pronounce that they are husband and wife together, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Those whom God has joined together let not man put asunder. Amen. (Then the minister shall give this blessing.)

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God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit, bless, preserve, and keep you; the Lord mercifully with His favor look upon you, and so fill you with all spiritual benediction and grace, that you may so live together in this life, that in the world to come you may have life everlasting. Amen.

B. Marriage Ceremony-Shorter Form

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1702. (At the day and time appointed for the solemnizing of matrimony, the persons to be manied standing together, the man on the right hand of the woman, the minister shall say:) My friends, the ordinance of marriage was instituted by God Himself in the garden of Eden, and is one of the most solemn and binding of obligations, because it involves the sacred relations of the home and the family. Your happiness for the future will latgely depend upon the faithfulness with which the marriage vows are cherished and kept. There must be mutual affection the one for the other, and the marriage covenant must be kept in purity of spirit, as well as in actual word and deed, if you would reap the full fruition of happiness in your marriage. If, with full and free consent, and thoughtful determination to keep the marriage covenant, you desire to enter the holy estate of marriage, you will acknowledge the same by taking the other by the right hand. (With their hands joined, the minister shall address the man by name, and ask:) Will you have this woman to be your wedded wife, to live together after God's ordinance in the holy estate of matrimony? Will you love her, comfort her, honor, and keep her, in sickness and in health; and forsaking all others, keep yourself only unto her, so long as you both sha.ll live? (The man shall answer:) I will. (Then the minister shall address the woman by name, and ask:) Will you have this man to be your wedded husband, to live together after God's ordinance in the holy estate of matrimony? Will you love him, comfort him, honor, and keep him, in sickness and in health; and forsaking all others, keep yourself only unto him, so long as you both shall live? (The woman shall answer:) I will. (Then the minister shall place a right hand upon their joined hands and say:) Since they have taken the marriage covenant before God, and in the presence of these witnesses, by the authority committed unto me as a minister of the church of Jesus Christ, I declare that and are now husband and wife, according to the ordinance of God -a-nd"T""'7'1thr-e-rla-w-o""""f the state, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Those whom God has joined togethet let not man put asunder. Amen. (Then the minister shall offer an appropriate prayer.)

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CHAYfERV BURIAL OF THE DEAD 1705. At the House, Cburch, or Funeral Cbapel. Opening Sentences (The minister shall open the selVice with an opening sentence, such as one of the following:) "I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; 1 myself will see him with my own eyes- I, and not another" (Job 19:25-27a, NIV). "God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging" (Ps. 46:1-3, NIV). "I tell you the truth, a time is coming and has now come when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and those who hear will live" (John 5:25, NIV). "Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die'" (John 11:25-26a, NIV). "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God" (2 Cor. 1:3-4, NIV). "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal" (2 Cor. 4:17-18, NKJV). "For 1 am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. 1 have fought the good fight, 1 have finished the race, 1 have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day- and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing" (2 Tim. 4:6-8, NIY). Hymn

(Then a hymn shall be sung, or played. Then the minister shall read a scripture lessoll, such as one of the following:) Scripture Readings "Show me, 0 Lord, my life's end

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and the number of my days;

let me know how fleeting is my life.

You have made my days a mere handbreadth;

the span of my years is as nothing before you.

Each man's life is but a breath.

Man is a mere phantom as he goes to and fro:

He bustles about, but only in vain;

he heaps up wealth, not knowing who will get it.

But now, Lord, what do I look for?

My hope is in you" (Ps. 39:4-7, NIV).

"Lord, You have been our dwelling place

in all generations.

Before the mountains were brought

forth,

Or ever You had formed the earth

and the world,

Even from everlasting to everlasting,

You are God.

For a thousand years in Your sight

Are like yesterday when it is past,

And like a watch in the night.

We finish our years like a sigh.

The days of our lives are seventy years;

And if by reason of strength they are

eighty years,

Yet their boast is only labor

and sorrow;

For it is soon cut off, and we flyaway.

So teach us to number our days,

That we may gain a heart of wisdom" (Ps. 90:1-2,4, 9b-1O, 12, NKJV).

"But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the fustfruits of those

who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. But each in his own turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him. Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death. Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed - in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: 'Death has been swallowed up in victory.' 'Where, 0 death, is your victory? Where, 0 death, is your sting?' The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my dear brothers, stand fum. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain" (1 Cor. 15:20-26,51-52,54-58, NIV).

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"After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: 'Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.' All the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures. They feU down on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying: 'Amen! Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength be to our God for ever and ever. Amen!' Then one of the elders asked me, 'These in white robes - who are they, and where did they come from?' I answered, 'Sir, you know.' And he said, 'These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore, 'they are before the throne of God and serve him day and night in his temple; and he who sits on the throne will spread his tent over them. Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst. The sun will not beat upon them, nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.''' (Rev. 7:9-17, NIV). Prayer (Then the minister shall pray an extemporaneous prayer or use the following prayer:) a God of life, as we have learned to do in all our experiences, we come to You in the hour of death. We know that You love us, and that You can turn even the shadow of death into the light of morning. Help us now to wait before You with reverent and submissive hearts. Make this a time of opening our eyes and our understanding, and a time of admonition to our hearts and souls. Bless those who feel this sorrow most keenly, and cause the bonds of Christian love to bind us closer together, so that we may share with them that spiritual strength and that faith in God which is ours through the love of Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen.

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Message and Prayer (Then the minister shall preach a funeral message. The service may be closed with an extemporaneous prayer, and the following benediction:)

Benediction May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God the Father, and the communion of the Holy Spirit abide with us now and evermore. Amen. 1707. At the Graveside Scripture Readings (The minister shall read a brief scripture lesson, such as one of the following:) "I lift up my eyes to the hills­ where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot sliphe who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord watches over you ­ the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.

The Lord will keep you from all harm ­

he will watch over your life;

the Lord will watch over your coming and going

both now and forevermore" (Ps. 121, NIV).

'''Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.' Thomas said to him, 'Lord, we don't know where you are going, so how can we know the way?' Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me'" (John 14:1-6, NIV).

Committals (Then the minister shall read one of the following committals:) "And now, we commit this body to its resting place; and we commit the spirit, a our Father, together with every sacred interest of our hearts, into Your keeping; praying that You will deal graciously and mercifully with each of us, until we too shall come to You in glory, through the riches of grace in Jesus our Lord." "Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the fIrst heaven and the fIrst earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy

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City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And 1 heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Now the dwelling of God is with me, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.' he who was seated on the throne said, 'I am making everything new!' Then he said, 'Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.' He said to me: 'It is done. 1 am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life. He who overcomes will inherit all this, and I will be his God and he will be my son'" (Rev. 21:1-7, NIV). "Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the trees are for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever" (Rev. 22:1-5, NIY). Prayer and Benediction

(Then the minister may offer a brief extemporaneous prayer, and conclude with the following benediction:) Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that Great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do His will, working in you that which is well-pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. CHAPTER VI ORDINATION OF ELDERS A. Regulations

1711. That portion of the ritual of ordination entitled, "Examination of Candidates," has the authority of statutory law, and must be followed as prescribed. 1712. The ordination service shall be planned by the Council of Ordination (546; 1119:6) and shall be presided over by the General Superintendent, or if absent by the district superintendent (511:23). They shall be assisted in the various parts of the service and in the act of ordination by the Council of Ordination (546; 1119:6).

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B. The Order of the Ordination of Elders Call to Worship 1715. (The appointed minister shall commence the service with a Call to Worship, such as Isa. 52:7; 1 Cor. 1:21-24; 2 Cor. 4:5-6).

Hymn (Then the congregation shall join in singing a hymn, such as: "Lord, Speak to Me, That I May Speak," "A Charge to Keep I Have," "Lead on, 0 King Etemal, " "Soldiers of Christ, Arise, " "Conquering Now and Still to Conquer. ")

Invocation (Then the minister appointed shall give the invocation:) Almighty God, giver of all good things, who by the Holy Spirit has appointed elders in the church, grant us Your assistance in this service given to the ordination of such elders, and mercifully behold these Your servants, now called to this office, and replenish them so with the truth of Your doctrine, and adorn them with innocence of life, that both by word and good example they may faithfully serve You in this office to the glory of Your name and the edification of Your church, through the merits of our Savior, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, world without end. Amen.

Sermon (Then the General Superintendent or the minister appointed shall preach the ordination sennon, cf. 743:15.)

Presentation of Candidates 1716. (Then the district superintendent or the appointed representative shall have those to be ordained to stand and shall present them to the General Superintendent, saying:) I present (read names aloud) to be ordained as elders in The Wesleyan Church and in the church universal.

Acceptance of Candidates (Then the General Superintendent, or if absent the district superintendent, shall say unto the people:) Dear friends, these are they whom we purpose, God willing, this day to ordain elders. For, after due examination, we fmd that they are truly called to this function and ministry, and that they are qualified for the same. (The ordinands shall be seated, after which the appointed ministers shall read the Epistle and the Gospel, respectively:)

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The Epistle

1717. "I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God's grace given me through the working of his power. Although 1 am less than the least of all God's people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things" (Eph. 3:7-9, NIV) "It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ" (4:11-13, NIV). The Gospel

1718. "Therefore Jesus said again, 'I tell you the truth, 1 am the gate for the sheep. 1 am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; 1 have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. 'I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd who owns the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. 'I am the good shepherd; 1 know my sheep and my sheep know me - just as the Father knows me and 1 know the Father - and 1 lay down my life for the sheep. 1 have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. 1 must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd" (John 10:7,9-16, NIV). The Charge 1719. (Then the General Superintendent or the district superintendent, shall address the candidates, giving the charge:) Dear Servants of God: You have heard, both in your private examination by the district board of ministerial standing and in the message which has just been delivered, something of the importance of the ministry to which you are called. You are undershepherds of the Good Shepherd, the Lord Jesus, called to teach and admonish, to feed and provide for the Lord's family, to bring the lost into the fold, to bring each person unto the fullness of the stature of Christ. Remember always the greatness of this responsibility and give yourselves without reservation unto the ministry to which God has called you. We charge you to pray daily for divine guidance and strengthening so that by your study of the Scriptures and your own personal growth and development you may both model the ideal of Christ and lead your people to live in keeping with His example and instructions.

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Examination of Candidates 1720. (Then the General Superintendent, or if absent the district superintendent, shall administer the examination to the candidates:) This assembled congregation represents the church of Jesus Christ everywhere as they witness your responses to the inquiries we shall make of you. In this way we shall understand your mind and will in these things, and you may also be moved to greater faithfulness in doing your duties. Question: Is it your sincere conviction that you have been called of God to the office and work of a minister, and are you persuaded that you ought to fulfill that call by serving as an elder in The Wesleyan Church and among God's people everywhere? Answer: That is my sincere conviction. Question: Do you believe the Holy Scriptures are the fully inspired and inerrant written Word of God, containing sufficiently all doctrine necessary for eternal salvation through faith in Christ Jesus? Are you determined to instruct people from the Scriptures in order that they may be born again in Christ, become committed to holy living, and be prepared to serve for the upbuilding of the Christian community in this present age? Answer: All of this I believe, and accept as my duty. Question: Do you cordially accept our Articles of Religion and Membership Commitments, and agree to declare and defend them? And do you recognize your responsibility and cheerfully accept your obligation to promote and support The Wesleyan Church and all institutions and ministries approved by The Wesleyan Church? Answer: Yes, I do. Question: Will you with diligence minister the doctrines, sacraments, and disciplines of Christ, being always ready to challenge strange doctrine which is contrary to God's Word wherever it may arise? Answer: I will, as God enables me. Question: Do you intend to make reading of the Word and effectual prayer your earnest pursuit, and will you seek to make your lifestyle and family government exemplary so far as is possible for you? Answer: Yes, the Lord being my helper. Question: Believing that accountability and acceptance of authority is God's design for His church, will you cheerfully accept the direction of those whom the Church may place over you in the doing of your work? Answer: I will cheerfully do so.

Covenant with Candidates' Spouse 1724. (Then, if it is so desired, the General Superintendent, or if absent the district superintendent, may call the spouses of the candidates to come and stand beside them, and shall address them saying:) It is the teaching of Scripture that a spouse shall be a loving companion in the ministry of a mate. You have witnessed the examination of your marriage partner in which commitment to the work and responsibilities of ministry has been stated. Your participation in God's purposes for ministry through your marriage partner is important also. You will be needed to share in prayer, to extend love and compassion to all, to carry forward the example of IDMriage harmony and family wholesomeness. As the companion

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of your loved one who is now entering the ranks of ordained elder in the Church, will you dedicate yourself to complement and embrace that ministry as God enables you? Answer: I will, by God's grace. Act of Ordination

1726. (Then the candidates for ordination shall kneel, and, if so desired, their spouses may kneel at their sides, and the General Superintendent, or if absent the district superintendent, and the Council of Ordination shall lay their hands severally upon the head of each one, and the General Superintendent, or if absent the district superintendent, shall say:) (name) , as we lay our hands upon you we ask the Lord to give the unusual outpouring of the Holy Spirit needed for your service as an elder in the Church. May God's anointing enable you to be a faithful exponent of His Word, and an instrument for His holy sacraments, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen! (name) ,take authority to preach the Word of God, to administer the holy sacraments, and to perform the duties of an elder in the Church. Prayer for Enduement 1727. (Then the General Superintendent, or if absent the district superintendent, or other appointed minister shall pray an extemporaneous prayer of enduement or use the following:) Our Father, we beseech You to send upon these Your servants Your heavenly blessings: that they may be clothed with righteousness, that Your Word spoken in their mouths may have success and that it may never be spoken in vain. Grant also that we may have grace to hear and to receive what they shall deliver out of Your holy Word, as the means of our salvation; and that in all our words and deeds we may seek Your glory, and the increase of Your kingdom, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Assist us, 0 Lord, in all our doings, with Your most gracious favor, and further us with Your continual help, that in all our works begun, continued, and ended in You, we may glorify Your holy name, and finally by Your mercy obtain everlasting life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Right Hand of Fellowship 1728. (The newly ordained elders shall then arise, and the General Superintendent, or if absent the district superintendent, and the members of the Council of Ordination shall extend to each the right hand of fellowship, welcoming the new elders to the work and labors of the ministry. Then the presiding minister may direct the congregation to file by and greet the new elders, or the service may be closed with the following benediction:) Benediction 1729. May the God of peace, who through the everlasting covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing His will, and may He work

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in us what is pleasing to Him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen! (Heb. 13:20-21, NIV). CHAYfERVII COMMISSIONING OF MINISTERS A. Regulations 1731. That portion of the ritual of commissioning ministers entitled "Examination of Candidates" (1736), has the authority of statutory law, and must be followed as prescribed. 1732. The commissioning service shall be planned by the Council of Ordination (546) and shall be presided over by the General Superintendent (743:15), or if absent by the district superintendent (511:23). They shall be assisted in the various parts of the service and in the act of commissioning by the Council of Ordination (546; 1117:1c). B. The Order of the Commissioning of Ministers Invocation 1733. (The minister appointed shall give an extemporaneous invocation.) Hymn

(Then the congregation shall join in singing a hymn, such as "Lord, Speak to Me, That I May Speak," "A Charge to Keep I Have," "Take My Life and Let It Be.")

Scripture Reading (Then the minister appointed shall read a Scripture lesson, such as 1 Tim. 6:3-16; 2 Tim. 1:6-14; 2:1-16,22-26; 4:1-8; Titus 2:11-15; 3:3-9.)

Sermon (Then a sennon or address may be given. Cf. 743:15.)

Presentation of Candidates 1734. (Then the appointed minister shall bring the candidates and present them to the General Superintendent, saying:) I present (read names) to be commissioned as ministers in The Wesleyan Church. (Then the General Superintendent, or if absent the district superintendent, shall say unto the people:) Dear friends, these are they whom we purpose, God willing, this day to commission as ministers. For, after due examination, we fmd that they are

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truly called to this function and ministry, and that they are qualified for the same. The Charge 1735. (Then the General Superintendent, or if absent the district superintendent, shall address the candidates, giving the charge:) Dear Servants of God: You have heard, both in your private examination by the district board of ministerial standing and in the message which has just been delivered, something of the importance of the ministry to which you are called. You are undershepherds of the Good Shepherd, the Lord Jesus, called to teach and admonish, to feed and provide for the Lord's family, to bring the lost into the fold, to bring each person unto the fullness of the stature of Christ. Remember always the greatness of this responsibility and give yourselves without reservation unto the ministry to which God has called you. We charge you to pray daily for divine guidance and strengthening so that by your study of the Scriptures and your own personal growth and development you may both model the ideal of Christ and lead your people to live in keeping with His example and instructions. Examination or Candidates 1736. (Then the General Superintendent, or if absent the district superintendent, shall administer the examination to the candidates:) Is it your sincere conviction that you have been called of God to serve as a commissioned minister in The Wesleyan Church? Answer: That is my sincere conviction. Question: Do you believe the Holy Scriptures are the fully inspired and inerrant written Word of God, containing sufficiently all doctrine necessary for eternal salvation through faith in Christ Jesus? Are you determined to instruct people from the Scriptures in order that they may be born again in Christ, become committed to holy living, and be prepared to serve for the upbuilding of the Christian community in this present age? Answer: All of this I believe, and accept as my duty. Question: Do you cordially accept our Articles of Religion and Membership Commitments, and agree to declare and defend them? And do you recognize your responsibility and cheerfully accept your obligation to promote and support The Wesleyan Church and all institutions and ministries approved by The Wesleyan Church? Answer: Yes, I do. Question: Will you with diligence minister the doctrines, sacraments, and disciplines of Christ, being always ready to challenge strange doctrine which is contrary to God's Word wherever it may arise? Answer: I will, as God enables me. Question: Do you intend to make reading of the Word and effectual prayer your earnest pursuit, and will you seek to make your lifestyle and family government exemplary so far as is possible for you? Answer: Yes, the Lord being my helper.

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Question: Believing that accountability and acceptance of authority is God's design for His church, will you cheerfully accept the direction of those whom the Church may place over you in the doing of your work? Answer: I will cheerfully do so. Covenant witb Candidates' Spouses 1737. (Then if it is so desired, the General Superintendent, or if absent the district superintendent, may call the spouses of the candidates to come and stand beside them, and shall address them saying:) It is the teaching of Scripture that a spouse shall be a loving companion in the ministry of a mate. You have witnessed the examination of your marriage partner in which commitment to the work and responsibilities of ministry has been stated. Your participation in God's purposes for ministry through your marriage partner is important also. You will be needed to share in prayer, to extend love and compassion to all, to carry forward the example of marriage harmony and family wholesomeness. As the companion of your loved one who is now entering the ranks of commissioned minister in the Church, will you dedicate yourself to complement and embrace that ministry as God enables you? Answer: I will, by God's grace. Act of Commissioning

1738. (Then the candidates for commissioning shall kneel, and if so desired, their spouses may kneel at their sides, and the General Superintendent, or if absent the district superintendent, and the Council of Ordination shall lay their hands severally upon the head of each one, and the presiding minister shall say:) (name) ,as we lay our hands upon you we ask the Lord to give the unusual outpouring of the Holy Spirit needed for your service as a commissioned minister in the Church. May God's anointing enable you to be a faithful exponent of His Word, and an instrument for His holy sacraments, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen! (name) ,take authority to preach the Word of God, to administer the sacraments, and to perform the duties of a commissioned minister in the Church. j

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Prayer of Enduement 1739. (Then the appointed minister shall pray an extemporaneous prayer for the anointing of the Holy Spirit upon each candidate.)

Right Hand of Fellowsbip

(The newly commissioned ministers shall then arise, and the General Superintendent, or if absent the district superintendent, and the members of the Council of Ordination shall extend to each the right hand of fellowship, welcoming them to the work and labors of the ministry. Then the presiding minister may direct the congregation to file by and greet the newly

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commissioned ministers, or the service shall be closed with the following benediction:) Benediction May the God of peace, who through the blood of the everlasting covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing His will, and may He work in us what is pleasing to Him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen! (Hebrews 13:20-21, NIV). CHAPTER VIII COMMISSIONING OF LAY WORKERS 1740. The commissioning service shall be planned by the Council of Ordination (546) and shall be presided over by the General Superintendent when present (743:15), or, if not, by the district superintendent (511:23). 1741. Order of commissioning of Lay Workers. (This ritual is adaptable for use in commissioning any type of lay worker, including special workers, such as director of music, director of Christian education, youth director, song evangelist, chalk ariist, children's worker, spouse in ministry; including lay missionaries, such as doctors, nurses, teachers, spouses of ordained missionaries, office workers; and including any other lay worker commissioned by a district conference. In each case, the General Superintendent, or if absent the district superintendent, and others helping in the commissioning service lcf 546; 743:15; 1189; 1192J shall inseri the title of the commission being granted in the blanks, and make such other adaptations or modifications as are needed.) Invocation

1742. (The presiding minister or other appointed minister shall give an extemporaneous in vocation.) Hymn (Then the congregation shall join in singing a hymn, such as one of the following: "Take My Life, and Let It Be," "Hear Ye the Master's Call," "Give of Your Best to the Master," ''Hark! TIle Voice ofJesus Calling. ") Scripture Reading

(Then the presiding minister or other appointed minister shall read a scripture lesson, such as one of the following: Acts 2:41-44 and 6:1-8; Rom. 12:4-15; 1 Cor. 12:4-12.)

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Sennon (Then the presiding minister or other appointed minister may give a sennon or address declaring the need and function of lay workers_)

Presentation of Candidates 1743. (Then the district superintendent shall present the candidates individually to the General Superintendent, saying:) I present unto you to be commissioned as (Then the General Superintendent, or if absent the district superintendent, shall address the congregation, saying:) Dear Friends, these are they whom we purpose this day to commission as in The Wesleyan Church. After inquiry and examination, we discover that they have met the stated requirements of the Church, and we believe them to be worthy and proper persons for this service.

Address to Candidates

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1744. (Then the General Superintendent, or if absent the district superintendent, shall address the candidates, saying:) Dear Friends, we rejoice that in the providence of God a door of usefulness has been opened to you in the service of the Church. It is with infinite wisdom that God has provided diversities of gifts for His workers, distributing and administering them according to His good pleasure through the Holy Spirit. It is with joy that we have watched God's will revealed in your lives, and your own resolve grow firm to use your gifts for His glory. Turning aside from worldly interests and pursuits, you are devoting yourselves to the Lord's work, and to being helpers of the ministry. You will be pouring out of your talent, your time, your possessions, your strength, your very selves in a living sacrifice to Christ. You have not entered upon this solemn responsibility lightly, and doubtless already in the sacred stillness of the sanctuary of your heart you have consecrated yourselves to this service. What you have done alone with God, you do now formally and publicly in the presence of the Church.

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Questioning of Candidates 1745. (Then the General Superintendent, or if absent the district superintendent, shall question the candidates:) Do you believe that you have been led by the Spirit and the providences of God to engage in this work and to assume the duties of this service? Answer: I do. Do you, in the presence of God and of this congregation, promise faithfully to perform the duties of in The Wesleyan Church? Answer: I do. Do you accept the Bible as God's Word, and will you make it a lamp to your feet, and a light unto your path? Answer: I accept it, and will walk in its light.

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Will you be diligent in prayer, in the study of the Holy Scriptures, and in such other devotions as will help you to grow in the knowledge and love of God? Answer: I will. Will you cheerfully accept the direction of those whom the Church may place over you in the doing of your work? Answer: I will cheerfully do so. Consecration of Candidates 1746. (Then the candidates shall kneel for a brief season of silent prayer, after which the presiding minister or other appointed minister shall pray extemporaneously or use the following:) Our Father, who called Stephen, Philip, and other laymen into the service of Your church, look upon these Your servants who are to be set apart to service as . Give, we pray, such understanding of Your holy gospel, such fIrmness of Christian purpose, such diligence in service, and such beauty of life in Christ, that they may be to all whom they teach or serve a worthy revelation of the meaning and power of the Christian life. May they so order their time and nourish their minds and hearts that they may constantly grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ, and steadily increase in the ability to lead others unto Him. Grant that they may have strength of body, mind, and soul for the fulfillment of Your will in the holy task to which You have called them; and grant them Your Holy Spirit, that they may worthily discharge the work committed to them, to the blessing of mankind and to the praise of Christ our Savior. Amen. (Then the presiding minister shall address the candidates, saying:) May the Spirit of the living God descend upon you and abide with you always. May His holy anointing impart to you the grace for every trial, and gifts for every duty. May His presence be to you a pillar of cloud by day, and pillar of fire by night, all along the journey of life. And may the blessing of God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, be with you now and evermore. Amen. Act of Commissioning

1747. (Then the candidates shall rise, and the presiding minister shall take each by the hand and say:) I commission you to service as in The Wesleyan Church, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Hymn (Then the congregation shall join in singing a hymn, such as one of the following: "0 Master, Let Me Walk with Thee," "0 Jesus, I Have Promised, " "Work, for the Night Is Coming, " "I'll Go Where You Want Me to Go. ")

Benediction (Then the presiding minister or other appointed minister shall pronounce the benediction:)

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The peace of God, which passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always. Amen. CHAPTER IX

INSTALLATION CEREMONIES A. General Regulations

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1761. The installation ceremonies provided herewith shall normally be used as a part of some general service of worship, and in most instances the other parts of the service, such as hymns, scripture readings, and prayers, will need to be supplied, being chosen in such a manner as to give the entire service unity and dignity.

B. Installation of a Pastor 1764. Order of Installation of a Pastor. (The district superintendent or representative shall preside over the installation of a pastor [511:23J. The presiding minister or other appointed minister shall give the invocation:) o Lord, You have made known your will to us that we should pray for You to send forth laborers into Your harvest. We earnestly ask You to send forth into the world true teachers and ministers of Your Word, and to enlighten their minds with the knowledge of Your truth, that they may faithfully make known the whole counsel of God unto salvation, to the glory of Your name and the saving of souls; through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen. (The presiding minister or other appointed minister may read a scripture lesson such as John 15:1-8 and may deliver an appropriate message. At the proper time, the presiding minister shall address the congregation, saying:) Dear friends, we are assembled before God to install the Reverend , who has answered your call to become the pastor of this ...,ch'u-r-c'h,--an-a.---w.....b-ose installation has been duly authorized by the _~"""'_~_District of The Wesleyan Church. (The pastor shall come and stand before the presiding minister, who shall address the pastor, saying:) Dear fellow minister, the duties of your holy office are clearly set forth in the Word of God. As an ambassador of our Lord Jesus Christ, you are first of all to preach both Law and Gospel, as they are comprehended in the Holy Scriptures and defined in The Discipline of The Wesleyan Church. This you are to do without the addition of private opinion, as the apostle admonishes, "If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God" (1 Peter 4:11, NIV). Whatever is contrary to sound doctrine shall be refuted with all restraint as the Scripture warns, "The Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Those who oppose him he must gently instruct" (2 Tim. 2:24-25a, NIV).

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Those who are committed to your pastoral care are to be diligently admonished to walk in the commandments of the Lord blamelessly. The erring are to be warned with the fidelity which the Word of the Lord demands of faithful pastors, as the Prophet Ezekiel was instructed, "Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house ofIsrael" (Ezek. 3:17, NIV). You are also to be the steward of the holy sacraments which you are to administer to the comfort of troubled souls. In view of the Savior's gracious words, "Let the little children come to me" (Mark 10:14, NIV), the children and youth of the church must in a special sense be the object of your pastoral instruction and care. The measure of faithfulness with which you are to seek the erring is set forth in the Holy Scriptures in the words of the Apostle Paul who said, "I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears" (Acts 20:31, NIY). The example of holy men and women of God will impel you to pray diligently for your people and to be a pattern unto them in faith and good works. Do you therefore earnestly purpose to diligently fulfill these duties, and thus be able in this life to answer before The Wesleyan Church and the church universal, and in the life to come to give an account before the judgment seat of Christ? Answer: Yes, I do so purpose, by the help of God. "In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the Word, be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage-with great patience and careful instruction ... keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry" (2 Tim. 4:1-2, 5, NIV). (The congregation shall rise, and the presiding minister shall address them, saying:) And now, dear friends, I admonish you to receive as your pastor, the Reverend , whom God has given you. Accept the Word of God as preached by His messenger to you, whether it be for your comfort, your admonition, or your instruction, even as Christ has said, "Consider carefully how you listen" (Luke 8:18, NIV). Use all diligence that your children receive instruction in the Christian faith and are present with you in the services at God's house, in accordance with the counsel of the Apostle Paul to Christian parents to bring children "up in the training and instruction of the Lord" (Eph. 6:4, NIV). Pray for your pastor that the ministry offered in this place may tend to the salvation of many souls, and that through sacrificial labors, you, together with your pastor, may be saved. Honor and esteem the one who is to minister to your souls. As the Apostle Paul exhorts, "Respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other" (1 Thess. 5:12-13, NIV). Do you now, as becomes a Christian church, accept these obligations? Answer: Yes, by the help of God. (Then the presiding minister shall address the pastor, saying:)

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Upon these, your solemn mutual promises, I now install you, the Reverend , as pastor of the Wesleyan Church, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. (Then the presiding minister shall lead in prayer, concluding by leading the congregation in the Lord's Prayer. Then the presiding minister shall address the congregation and the pastor, saying:) The Lord bless you that you may bring forth much fruit and that your fruit may remain. (Then the congregation shall join in singing a hymn such as, ''A Charge to Keep I Have." Then the congregation may come forward to greet the pastor and family at the altar. The pastor shall pronounce the benediction.) C. Installation of Local Cburcb Officers

1768. Order of Installation of Local Cburcb Officers. (This installation may be held during a Sunday morning service or other appropriate service just prior to the time when the newly elected officers shall assume their duties. The congregation may join in singing a hymn, such as: ''A Charge to Keep I Have," or '1'll Live for Him Who Died for Me." The pastor may read a scripture lesson such as Acts 2:41-44 and 6:1-8. Depending upon the number of officers involved, the pastor may wish to read something concerning their duties from The Discipline. At the proper time, the pastor shall call the newly elected officers before the congregation, and shall address them, saying:) Dear friends, it is recorded in the Acts of the Apostles that when the early church was growing and the number of disciples was multiplying, and the duties of the church so increased, and so became diversified, that the church called its members together and chose those of good report, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, to assist in administering the affairs of the church; and that the officers thus chosen by the church were set before the apostles, who laid hands on them and prayed, thus setting them apart in the presence of the church to the duties of their honorable office. In like manner this church, having first sought the guidance of the divine Spirit, has chosen you to similar offices to be associated with those already in office and with the pastor before whom you have now come for public consecration. Therefore, we, the pastor and the people of this church, call upon you to hear and join in this pledge of trust to Christ and His church.

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The Officers' Pledge 1769. Trusting in Jesus Christ, the great Head of the church, I humbly promise Him and His church that I will be faithful to the extent of my ability to all known duties and responsibilities assigned to me as an officer of this church. I will endeavor to be regular in my attendance, cheerful in my service, wholehearted in my giving, open-minded in my planning, patient in the face of trials, persistent in the face of difficulty, and Christlike in my faithfulness to His service. I will seek by example and precept the promotion of Christian fellowship among all our members and the spreading of the message of full salvation at home and abroad. Do you cheerfully and yet solemnly accept the obligations of this pledge?

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Answer: I do. (Then the pastor shall address the congregation, asking them to stand, and saying:) We, the pastor and officers of this church, call upon the members and friends of this church to hear and join in this pledge of loyalty to those called of God and elected by the church as its leaders. The Church's Pledge 1770. Having chosen these officers to guide us in the administration of the church, we, its members and friends, do now pledge our loyalty to its work and promise our consideration of the plans and our friendly cooperation in the service suggested to us. We acknowledge our duty and declare our determination to pray for all our leaders and to share with them in the glorious responsibility of spreading the good news, thus hastening the coming of Christ. Do you cheerfully and yet solemnly accept the obligations of this pledge? Answer: We do. (The officers shall then kneel at the altar while the pastor and people offer prayer in their behalf.) D. Installation of District Superintendent 1772. Order of Installation of a District Superintendent. (The General Superintendent or representative shall be in charge of installing the district superintendent before the adjournment of the district conference in which election to the office has occu"ed (743:10). The newly elected district superintendent, assistant district superintendent, secretary, and treasurer, and such other district officers as are desired, shall be called before the General Superintendent, who shall first address the district superintendent, saying:) District superintendent , today you stand before us along with the other duly elected offIcers of the district. You have been prayerfully selected by this district conference to serve as leader of the District of The Wesleyan Church. It is in you that the -m""in~i~st:--e-rs-a-n""'d-m-e-mbers of the various churches within the bounds of this district are investing their confidence and trust. Yours is indeed a position of significant honor and responsibility, and it is only as God is with you that you will be enabled to ftll it. In counseling, may He grant needed grace; in decisions, may He impart of His wisdom; in labors, may your secret be His all-sufficient strength; in administration's numerous phases, may He be your "very present help." The support and cooperation of this body are assured you in the days that lie ahead. Together may you build a district that knows its best days spiritually, numerically, and materially as well. And now, that we may hear publicly your intentions to accept this charge with proper regard for all that is therewith involved, we ask you in the presence of God and of these witnesses, do you accept the office of superintendent of the District, and do you hereby solemnly covenant to discharge your duties to God, to The Wesleyan Church, and to

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all the members of the District, according to The Discipline and in the fear of God? Answer: I do, God being my helper. (The General Superintendent shall address the other district officers, saying:) Do you, as officers representing the District, covenant to support the district superintendent, and to discharge your several duties to Goa, to The Wesleyan Church, and to all the members of this district, according to The Discipline and in the fear of God? Answer: We do, God being our helper. (Then the General Superintendent shall address the district superintendent, saying:) As representative of The Wesleyan Church, I charge you with this responsibility and declare you to be formally installed as superintendent of the District, entitled to the rights and privileges thereunto pertaining. (Then the General Superintendent shall lead in prayer.) E. Installation of General Officials

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1776. Order of Installation of General Officials. (In the parts of the service prior to the actual installation, a scripture lesson such as 1 Corinthians 12:14-28 shall be read. The person appointed to preside over the service shall be responsible for giving the various charges, and shall address the congregation, saying:) According to Acts, chapter 6, the Holy Spirit led the frrst-century church to select persons for positions of service according to gifts bestowed upon them. So the Holy Spirit has led The Wesleyan Church to choose persons believed to be blameless in heart as well as in life, possessing in measure the

qualifications for the offices to which they are called. These persons we now

come to set apart as General Officials and members of the General Board of

Administration.

(Then the chainnan shall address those elected as General Superintendents, saying:) Will the General Superintendents-elect please stand. (Names of elected) , , , , the Church has caned you to Its most honored and -re-s-p-on-s~lbnlr-e-p--'Ir-a-ce-o"f-'leadership,to the office of General Superintendent. This high office is one of great importance and dignity, imposing weighty responsibilities and demanding earnest, arduous, and self-sacrificing labor. In assuming your duties, you become stewards over the spiritual and temporal affairs of the Church worldwide. You have been chosen for the office of General Superintendent because the Church recognizes in you the leadership abilities to carry spiritual and administrative authority in humility that is born of love. Further, you exemplify the high standard for Christian leadership set forth in the Word of God by Paul in the first chapter of his epistle to Titus, when he said, "Since an overseer is entrusted with God's work, he must be blameless-not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. Rather he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. He must hold

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fumly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it" (Titus 1:7-9, NIV). Do you accept the office of General Superintendent, and promise that you will faithfully endeavor to discharge your duties as set forth in The Discipline of The Wesleyan Church? Answer: I do. Inasmuch as the Church has elected you to this high office, and you have declared your willingness to accept it and your sincere purpose to discharge faithfully your duties as a General Superintendent, you are hereby set apart to this service in the Church. May faith, courage, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness and charity be in you and abound, so that you shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in your leadership of the Church. Amen. (Then the General Superintendents shall be seated, and the chainnan shall address those others elected as General Officials, saying:) The Church is served by General Officials, some elected by this General Conference, and some elected by the General Board of Administration. Will , elected as General Secretary; , elected as General Editor; , elected as General Secretary of Local Church Education; , elected as General Secretary of Evangelism and Church Growth; , elected as General Secretary of Education and the Ministry; , elected as General Secretary of World Missions; , elected as General Secretary of , Youth; , elected as General Treasurer; and elected as General Publisher, please stand. The Wesleyan Church has honored you by electing you to stand with the General Superintendents as the general officials of the Church. These are highly esteemed places of leadership. In assuming these offices, you become the recipients of respect and deference from faithful Wesleyans around the world. In connection with your respective offices, The Discipline charges you under the direction of the General Board of Administration with the responsibility of the secretarial and corporate affairs of the Church, the editorship of The Wesleyan Advocate, the development and promotion of the work of the Sunday schools, the promotion and administration of the outreach of the Church into new areas of the homeland, the promotion and correlation of the Church's educational institutions, the administration of a program of worldwide missions, the development and promotion of the work of the youth of the Church, the administration of the fmancial affairs of the Church, and the publication and distribution of materials as resources for the growth of the Church. Your service in these offices will impose duties which cannot be faithfully performed without self-denial and self-sacrifice. You must spend and be spent for the Church in the spirit of joyful service. Your election to these offices is evidence of the confidence the Church has in you as Christian leaders. May your leadership always inspire such confidence, to the glory of God. Do you accept the office to which the Church has elected you, and do you promise to discharge your duties as God may help you? Answer: I do.

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Inasmuch as the Church has elected you to these high offices, and you have declared your willingness to accept them and your sincere purpose to discharge faithfully your several duties, you are now set apart to this service in the Church. May you be strong to do God's will and have great joy in your labors. Amen. (Then the other general officials shall be seated, and the chainnan shall address the area representatives of the General Board of Administration, saying:) Will the area representatives of the General Board of Administration please stand. Having carefully considered the responsibilities and obligations of service as members of the General Board of Administration as set forth in The Discipline of The Wesleyan Church, will you, with just appreciation of these responsibilities and obligations, accept this service to which you are called? Answer: I will. Will you promise that, always seeking divine help, you will faithfully serve as a member of the General Board of Administration of The Wesleyan Church, assisting to govern and direct its affairs in a manner which will make for peace, purity, and spiritual growth throughout the denomination? Answer: I will. (The General Superintendents and other general officials shall stand once again, and the chainnan shall address them and the area representatives of the General Board ofAdministration collectively, saying:) Forasmuch as you have been chosen and have declared your willingness to accept the service to which they have elected you, you are hereby formally recognized as the General Board of Administration of The Wesleyan Church. May you always be worthy of the honor conferred upon you and the trust reposed in you by the Church. And may God, by whose providence you have been set apart to this service, grant that "the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work." Amen. (Then the chainnan shall address the congregation, saying:) Have you, members and representatives of The Wesleyan Church, worldwide, seeking the guidance of divine wisdom, chosen the persons who now stand before you to take charge of your denominational activities and interests as general officials and members of the General Board of Administration? Answer: We have. Will you pledge to honor, encourage, and cooperate with them in all things consistent with the will of God, and will you zealously aid them in the discharge of their official duties? Answer: We will. (Then the chainnan shall address the General Superintendents, other general officials, and area representatives of the General Board of Administration, saying:) Take to yourselves the office to which you have been called, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. (Then the chainnan shall pray:)

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o Lord, we ask that you set apart these Your servants unto the work to which You have called them by the voice of the Church. Endue them with heavenly vision. Grant to them Your grace that they may serve You well, being full of the Holy Spirit and of faith, administering the work of their office in the fear of the Lord. Give these Your servants favor and influence throughout Your Church. May Your work increase and advance because of Your blessings and their diligence. Equip these officers for their respective duties and enable them to be faithful in all things, so that when the Great Shepherd shall appear, each may receive a crown of glory that does not fade away. Through Christ we bring this petition. Amen. F. Installation of a College/University President 1779. Order of Installation of a College/University President. (The General Superintendent, chainnan of the board of trustees or other appointed official shall fonnal/y and officially install a college/university president at the proper time during the convocation of inauguration. The chainnan shall address the president, saying:) President , you have been chosen as the leader of College/University. The Wesleyan Church is placing under -yo-u-r-g-u....i'a-an-ce- and leadership not only the physical plant which is about us, the loyal faculty which serves here, but also the sons and daughters from our homes who are to be nurtured in the Christian tradition. They are the foundation both for tomorrow's Church and for your future constituency. As president of College/University, yours is both a priceless heritage and a grave responsibility. You are to be the one to whom all institutional personnel are responsible. It will be your task to interpret the college/university program to the faculty, the student body, the board of trustees, the constituency, and the general public. Yours is one of many educational institutions which through an unending stream of trained youth constantly condition the thought life of our age. The heritage, the doctrines, and the ideals of The Wesleyan Church will be projected to succeeding generations only as you dedicate yourself to their preservation in the present. And if free institutions are to endure in the society of which we are a part, you must carry a flaming torch of democratic idealism. You have been called to this important task because we have confidence in your leadership, in your ability, in your Christian integrity, and in your consecration to the sacred task before you. We pledge to you our cooperation, our fmancial support, and our prayers for the days which are ahead. By the authority invested in me as chairman of the board of trustees of College/University, I hereby place in your hands the official -se-a-.-l-o...,f,......,..,th-e~mstitution as the insignia of your authority and declare you College/University. formally installed as president of

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CHAPTER X DEDICATION SERVICES

A. Dedication of a Church Building 1781. Order of Dedication of a Church Building. Call to Worship

(The pastor or other appointed minister shall give the call to worship:) "Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name" (Ps. 100:2-4, NIV).

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Invocation

(Then the pastor or other appointed minister may pray an extemporaneous invocation or use the following:)

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God, eternal and ever blessed, who delights in the assembling of Your people in the sanctuary; receive us graciously as we come into Your house, and grant that peace and prosperity may be found within its walls, that the glory of God may be the light thereof, and that we may be satisfied with the goodness of Your house; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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Hymns

(Then the congregation shall join in singing a hymn. such as one of the following: "All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name," "0 Worship the King," "The Church's One Foundation," "1 Love Thy Kingdom, Lord.") Scripture Readings

(Then the pastor or other appointed minister shall read a scripture lesson, such as one of the following: 2 Chron. 6:1-2, 18-21,40-42; 7:1-4; Ps. 24; Ps. 84; Heb. 10:19-25.) Sermon

(The General Superintendent, the district superintendent or other appointed minister may be asked to deliver a message on the nature and task of the church.) Offering

(It is much to be desired that all money required for the erection and completion of a house in which to worship God shall be fully provided before the day of dedication; but where this is not done, appeals may be made either just before or following the sennon. No building shall be dedicated to God

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until approved as financially secure and properly deeded as specified in The Discipline.)

Presentation of Building for Dedication (Then the district superintendent or representative shall stand at the pulpit facing the tTustees of the church. The chainnan of the trustees shall address the district superintendent, saying:) On behalf of the trustees, the members, and this congregation, I present you this building to be dedicated to God as a place of worship and of service in His kingdom.

Acceptance of Building for Dedication (Then the district superintendent shall respond, saying:) Dear friends, for countless centuries people have erected buildings for the public worship of God, and have separated these buildings from all unhallowed uses in order to increase their reverence for God and for those places in which they commune with Him. We rejoice that God has put it into the hearts of His people to build this house in this place to the glory of His Wesleyan name. I now accept this building, to be known as the Church, to dedicate it, and to set it apart for the worship of Almighty God and the service of all people. Let us therefore, as we are assembled, solemnly dedicate this place to its proper and sacred uses.

Litany of Dedication (Then the district superintendent shall cause the congregation to stand and to join in the responsive litany of dedication:) Leader: To the glory of God the Father, who has called us by His grace; to the honor of His Son, who loved us and gave Himself for us; to the praise of the Holy Spirit, who illumines and sanctifies us; Congregation: We dedicate this house. Leader: For the worship of God in prayer and praise; Congregation: For the preaching of the everlasting gospel; Leader: For the celebration of the holy sacraments; All: We dedicate this house. Leader: For the comfort of all who mourn; Congregation: For strength to those who are tempted; Leader: For light to those who seek the way; All: We dedicate this house. Leader: For the hallowing of family life; Congregation: For teaching and guiding the young; Leader: For the perfecting of the saints; All: We dedicate this house. Leader: For the conversion of sinners; Congregation: For the sanctification of believers; Leader: For the promotion of righteousness; for the extension of the kingdom of God; All: We dedicate this house.

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Leader: In the unity of the faith; in the bond of Christian brotherhood; in charity and goodwill to all; Congregation: We dedicate this house. Leader: In gratitude for the labors of all who love and serve this church; in loving remembrance of those who have finished their course; in the hope of a blessed immortality through Jesus Christ our Lord; Congregation: We dedicate this house. All in Unison: We now, the people of this church and congregation, surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses, grateful for our heritage, sensible of the sacrifice of our fathers in the faith, confessing that apart from us their work cannot be made perfect, do dedicate ourselves anew to the worship and service of Almighty God; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Prayer of Dedication

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(Then the district superintendent shall give an extemporaneous prayer of dedication, or use the following:) Almighty God, we are not worthy to offer unto You anything belonging unto us. We humbly acknowledge that "except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it." Yet we ask that in Your great goodness You would accept the dedication of this place to Your service. Prosper this our undertaking. Receive the prayers and intercessions of all Your servants who shall call upon You in this house. Give them grace to prepare their hearts to serve You with reverence and godly fear. Affect them with a solemn apprehension of Your divine majesty, and a deep sense of their own unworthiness. May they always approach Your sanctuary with lowliness and devotion. May they always come before You with clean thoughts and pure hearts, with bodies undefiled, and minds sanctified. May they always perform a service acceptable to You, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Hymn

(Then the congregation shall join in singing a hymn, such as: ''Lead On, 0 King Eternal. '')

Benediction (Then the pastor or other appointed minister shall pronounce the benediction:) May You, 0 Lord our God, make this house Your abiding place from this day forth, and let Your ministers be clothed with salvation, let Your saints rejoice in goodness all their days, as the blessings of God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit rest and abide upon them. Amen.

B. Dedication or Parsonage 1791. Order of Dedication of a Parsonage. (At the time appointed for the dedication service, an appropriate hymn may be sung by the congregation or by a soloist or choir. Suitable numbers

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include: ''Happy the Home When God Is There," and "Bless This House." Then the pastor or other appointed minister shall give an extemporaneous prayer. Then the pastor or other appointed minister shall give a scripture reading, such as 1 Cor. 9:7-10, 13-14. Then the district superintendent lcf 511:11J or representative shall address the congregation, saying:) The Scriptures clearly teach that as Aaron was divinely appointed to the priesthood, even so today persons are called to the ministry for the purpose of preaching the Word and otherwise giving aid and comfort to the spiritually needy. In the same divine program it is also "commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel" (1 Cor. 9:14, NIV). Providing a house for the pastor is a recognition of the minister's high office and great value to the church. It is a wise provision contributing to proper temporal support. This house about to be dedicated as a pastor's home has been made possible by the generous gifts of those who are interested in the ministry and the church such ministry represents. (Then the trustees of the church shall come and stand before the district superintendent, and the chainnan of the trustees shall address the district superintendent, saying:) On behalf of the trustees, the members, and this congregation, I present this house to be dedicated to God as the home for the person whom He has appointed to pastor this people. (Then the district superintendent may give an appropriate discourse, gratefully commending the people for providing this house and charging the pastor to live here in the fear of God and as a faithful servant of the people. Then the district superintendent shall offer a prayer of dedication, such as the fol/owing:) o most gracious Lord, we acknowledge that we are not worthy to offer unto You anything belonging to us. Yet we ask that You accept the dedication of this home to Your service, and that You will prosper this our undertaking. Grant that whoever shall dwell in this house shall be so yielded and dedicated to Your service as "vessels sanctified and meet for the Master's use, prepared unto every good work," that their ministry shall be a heavenly benediction to all they meet. Grant, 0 Lord, that whoever shall enter this the home of Your ministering servants shall be made to sense Your presence, and as they depart shall be strengthened to walk in Your holy commandments, and that all who minister to the material comforts of Your servants in this home shall be richly rewarded by You. Grant, 0 Lord, that all who come to this home for spiritual counsel and comfort, shall be made both to perceive and know what things they ought to do, and may have power and strength to fulfill the same. Grant, 0 Lord, that whoever shall be joined together in the holy estate of matrimony in this home may faithfully perform and keep the vow and covenant made between them, and may remain in perfect love together all of their lives. Grant, 0 Lord, that at the family altar of this home, when prayer with thanksgiving and supplication shall be offered, that they may receive from Your hand such things as are necessary. Also, that as Your servants study and search Your Word, that divine illumination for life and duty may be

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given as in Your inftnite wisdom You shall see to be most expedient for them. All of this we ask in the name of Jesus Christ, our most blessed Lord and Savior. Amen.

(Then the district superintendent shall address the congregation, saying:) I now declare this house duly set apart as the residence of the pastor of the Wesleyan Church.

(Then the district superintendent or other appointed minister shall pronounce the benediction:) The Lord bless you, and keep you: the Lord make His face to shine upon you, and be gracious unto you: the Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace. Amen. 1100

MISCELLANEOUS: Denominational Health Plan

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Whereas, The escalating cost of medical service, hospitalization and health insurance is making it increasingly difficult for districts of less than thirty churches or less than 50 participants to successfully contract for medical and health coverage; and Whereas, Inadequate coverage could produce a catastrophic fmancial burden for clergy families; Resolved, That a denominational health plan be established with a national carrier; and Resolved, That the minimum number of policies in each district will equal 50% of the number of eligible pastors. CAPITAL DISTRICT CONFERENCE David Tonnessen, Secretary Not recommended and not adopted (Item 238). See special note after Memorial 1111. 1101 MISCELLANEOUS: Retired Elders' Health Insurance

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Whereas, Most retired Wesleyan pastors are in need of health

insurance in addition to other retirement benefits received from pension

plans, Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, SSI, or any other retirement

income or benefit;

Whereas, Most retired Wesleyan pastors are on a limited, fixed income;

Whereas, There is an increasing cost factor in the acquisition of private

health insurance; Whereas, The Lord and The Wesleyan Church have been served faithfully by its retired pastors; Whereas, The Wesleyan Church does not currently offer retired Wesleyan pastors the option of securing health insurance through a denominational group plan; and

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Whereas, Other denominations, including the Church of the Nazarene, do currently provide such an option for their retired pastors; Resolved, That The Wesleyan Church commit itself to aid retired pastors by providing the option of obtaining group health insurance through a denominational group plan; Resolved, That The Wesleyan Pension Plan of The Wesleyan Church that handles other retirement benefits be directed to pursue such a group plan to be made available to qualified retirees; and Resolved, That the said group health insurance plan be made available to the surviving spouse of an otherwise qualified participant. PENN-JERSEY DISTRICT CONFERENCE Rick M. Shockley, Secretary Not recommended and nor adopted (Item 239). See special note after Memorial 1111. 1102

MISCELLANEOUS: Insurance Plan for Ministers & Laymen Whereas, There is a need for all ministers and church members to be insured for such a time of being hospitalized; and Whereas, The Wesleyan Church already has offices through which an insurance program could be handled; Resolved, That The Wesleyan Church establish an insurance type plan for it's ministers and lay members, which could be administered through the offices of The Wesleyan Church INDIANA SOUTH DISTRICT CONFERENCE George F. Blice, Secretary Not recommended and not adopted (Item 240). See special note after Memorial 1111. 1103

MISCELLANEOUS: Retired Minister/Missionary Housing Study Committee Whereas, There are ministerial and missionary families and individuals who have given the fruitful years of their lives in joyful service in the worldwide ministry of The Wesleyan Church; who have labored on the lower end of the financial scale; and, who in facing retirement or in retirement have no equity; Resolved, That a special committee be appointed by the General Board of Administration to study the need in order to propose assistance through a special fund or foundation to provide non-rental housing if that proves to be feasible, and to present their recommendations to the General Board of Administration for consideration by the 1996 General Conference; and

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Resolved, That a continual fund or foundation then be initiated to assist these worthy ministerial and missionary families and individuals to live out their retirement years free of undue fmancial and other hardships.

WESTERN NEW YORK DISTRICf CONFERENCE Robin W. George, Secretary Amended by follows: Place a comma after the Word "need" in the Resolved and strike the words "in order to propose assistance through a special fund or foundation to provide non-rental housing if that proves to be feasible" so that it would read: Resolved, That a special committee be appointed by the General Board of Administration to study the need, and to present their recommendations to the General Board of Administration for consideration by the 1996 General Conference; Strike the second Resolved entirely. Not recommended but was amended and adopted (Item 235). 1104

MISCELLANEOUS: Editing of Gender References Whereas, The Apostle Paul has instructed there is no distinction in Christ between male and female (Gal. 3:28); Whereas, The Wesleyan Church has historically believed in the call, ordination, and appointment of women in ministry; Whereas, The Wesleyan Church has been greatly enriched by the service and contribution of women throughout its existence; and Whereas, Certain titles and expressions found within The Discipline and documents of The Wesleyan Church voice an implied male bias; Resolved, That The Wesleyan Church edit all statements and phrases in its Discipline and documents (except where deemed necessary by context) to reflect, imply, and express a neutral voice in regards to gender; and Resolved, That all expressions found within The Discipline and documents of The Wesleyan Church that refer specifically to the feminine gender, be reviewed editorially to reflect accurately this gender. WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA DISTRICf BOARD OF ADMINISTRATION Mark A. Holmes, Secretary Not recommended and not adopted (Item 356). (The Editing Committee is instructed to make gender neutral all sections of The Discipline, 1992 Edition, except the Constitution.) 1105

MISCELLANEOUS: Statistical Report Blanks Whereas, It is nearly impossible to resurrect statistics for reports if a record of such statistics has not been kept; and

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Whereas, Advance planning assists accurate reporting; Resolved, That no report shall request statistics, nor shall the manner of reporting statistics change, unless a report blank is distributed prior to the beginning of the fiscal year for which statistics are requested. CHAMPLAIN DISTRICf CONFERENCE Edwin A. Roloson, Secretary Not recommended and not adopted (Item 109). 1106

MISCELLANEOUS: Mandatory Health Insurance Plan Resolved, That the General Board of Administration be directed to make a study of the health insurance needs of pastors and prepare and implement a mandatory plan. Such a plan to be mandatory for all those coming into the ministry or service of the Church. Churches employing such would be required to pay the premium as a condition of appointment. Those already serving would also be encouraged to become a part of the plan. WISCONSIN DISTRICf CONFERENCE Alan L. Tripp, Secretary Not recommended and not adopted (Item 241). See special note after Memorial 1111. 1107

MISCELLANEOUS: Limitation on Length of Service of Certain Local, District and General Church Officials Whereas, There is an optimum time frame within which one may serve in any given office. It should be long enough to learn the "ins and outs" of the office but not so long that the office becomes ingrown; Whereas, Clearly stated service limitations could help avoid unpleasantness sometimes associated with the changing of office holders by providing for an orderly, predictable transfer of power; Whereas, The health of the Church is enhanced by the cross­ fertilization of ideas and skills as larger representations of competent people hold church offices at local, district, and general levels; and Whereas, The Church's wholeness is enhanced as the rich experience of office holders from general and district levels is plowed back into the soil of the churches; Resolved, That it is recommended that in the normal life of the Church, the following service limitations should apply: Local Level: Trustees - two (2) consecutive terms (6 years) Officers - six (6) consecutive years LBA Members-at-Iarge - five (5) consecutive years District Level: DBMS - two (2) consecutive terms (six years)

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DBA Members-at-Iarge - five (5) consecutive

years

District Superintendent - ten (10) consecutive

years

District Officers - ten (10) consecutive years

General Level:

GBA Area Representatives - three (3) consecutive

terms (12 years)

General Superintendents - three (3) consecutive

terms (12 years)

General Officers - three (3) consecutive terms (12

years)

WISCONSIN DISTRICT CONFERENCE Alan L. Tripp, Secretary Not recommended and not adopted (Item 301).

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1108

MISCELLANEOUS: Removal of Human References to Gender

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Whereas, The Scriptures clearly teach that the sexes are equal in value and that together male and female constitute "the image of God" (Gen. 1:26); Whereas, While the historic use of generic male terms for both male and female was not considered inappropriate in the past, it has become offensive to contemporary culture. People now tend to equate such use of language as a devaluation of the unique contribution which women make to humankind; Whereas, The use of generic male terms, however innocently used, imposes an unnecessary barrier between the church and those who need the gospel. In following New Testament precedent, the church must find ways to remove unnecessary barriers to the gospel (1 Cor. 9:19-23); Whereas, Of all people, Wesleyans ought to be sensitive to this concern. In the wake of the 1858 revival, our early leaders (e.g. Luther Lee of the Wesleyan Methodist Connection) and the early leaders of sister denominations in the holiness movement (e.g. B. T. Roberts of the Free Methodist Church) sensitized their society to leadership rights and roles of women in the church, including ordination! The biblical basis for their brave leadership stemmed from the observation that at Pentecost, God poured out His Spirit (and consequently the gifts of ministry) to women as well as men (Acts 2:17-21 and Joel 2:28-29, cf. Gal. 3:28); and Whereas, In conclusion, the changes proposed by this memorial do nothing more than bring the historic teaching of The Wesleyan Church in line with the evolution of the English language; Resolved, That the General Secretary shall oversee the removal of all gender specific language (referring to human references) from The Discipline of The Wesleyan Church. This shall in no way be interpreted as collusion with radical feminist thought which attach specific relational pictures by which God has chosen to reveal himself to humanity (e.g. "Father"). Rather, it is an attempt to be sensitive to both the larger teaching of Scripture with

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respect to gender and a recognition of the limits and dynamic (Le. changing) character of the English language. WISCONSIN DISTRICT CONFERENCE Alan L. Tripp, Secretary Not recommended and not adopted (Item 357). (The Editing Committee is instructed to make gender neutral all sections of The Discipline, 1992 Edition, except the Constitution.) 1109 MISCELLANEOUS: Insurance Plan for Ministers Whereas, There was a denominational health plan for many years; Whereas, It was terminated in September 1990 because it fell below the minimum participation level, due to the withdrawal of several districts and the International Center officers and staff precipitated by a rate increase; Whereas, The districts still on the plan at the time of termination had extreme difficulty finding other coverage and some participants with pre­ existing conditions became uninsurable; Whereas, There is increasing movement of pastors from one district to another making it very advantageous for them to be able to keep the same coverage; Whereas, A greater participation level would result in a stronger program with steadier rates; Whereas, The greateGt weakness of our previous health plan is that participation was voluntary; and Whereas, It is possible to have semi-self insured with a Third Party Administrator that could customize individual district plans according to their particular needs; Resolved, That The Wesleyan Church reestablish a Wesleyan Health Plan with mandatory participation unless it is a fmancial impossibility for the local church or coverage is provided through required supplemental employment; and Resolved, That such exceptions be considered by a general church office in consultation with the district board of administration. WESTERN OHIO DISTRICT CONFERENCE Stanley L. Booher, Secretary Not recommended and not adopted (Item 242). See special note after Memorial 1111. 1110 MISCELLANEOUS: Study Committee for Pastoral Families Whereas, There is currently no provision to help care for Wesleyan ministers who are not placed in another church when they feel led to leave their current church and desire to be placed in another church;

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Whereas, It is the responsibility of the church of Jesus Christ to honor those who are spiritual overseers and to share with them materially; Whereas, There is currently no provision in The Wesleyan Church for assisting those Wesleyan ministers who have marriage difficulties and must take leave of their responsibilities to recover; Whereas, We believe that it is the responsibility of Christians to bear one another's burdens and to bring healing to the lives of all Christians; Whereas, Weare instructed in Scripture to restore those who are taken in a fault; and Whereas, Provision for these needs would require significant planning, organization and funding; Resolved, That the 1992 General Conference of The Wesleyan Church of North America establish a study commission to explore ways of assisting ministers and their families in times of transition when for reason of lack of a call to a church, martial difficulties, or moral failure, they are temporarily unable to find church employment. The goal of the study commission would be to bring to the 19% General Conference an implementable plan to care for the spiritual, physical and emotional needs of ministers and their families in transition in The Wesleyan Church. CENTRAL NEW YORK DISTRICT CONFERENCE Karen A. Thompson, Secretary Not recommended and not adopted (Item 236).

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MISCELLANEOUS: Denominational Health Plan Study Committee

Whereas, The matter of health and life insurance has become a grievous problem for the individual district; Whereas, The matter of insurance has become a matter of major concern to those with major medical problems in crossing district lines; Whereas, The Wesleyan denomination should be responsible for providing the best coverage with the least possible cost to all its personnel as any other organization or business; Whereas, The average minister and lay person does not understand the particulars of group insurance programs; Whereas, The cost of health insurance continues to spiral upward; Whereas, Commissions and salaries are a large percentage of the costs of group insurance programs; and Whereas, Wesleyans are clean living people who should have less risk of diseases caused by unwholesome living, therefore should cost less to insure; Resolved, That the general church organize a committee as soon as possible to explore the possibility of forming a self-funded health and life program to include the entire Wesleyan denomination. NORTH CAROLINA EAST DISTRICT CONFERENCE J. Ronald Thompson, Secretary Not recommended and not adopted (Item 243).

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NOTE: A committee appointed by the Board of General Superintendents some months ago has already done considerable study and work on the health insurance matter, visiting on site with insurance providers investigating possible options as well as studying health plans of sister denominations and their work is continuing. The committee is to make a full presentation to the assembled District Superintendents in their meeting scheduled for October of this year and subsequently to the General Board of Administration in its November 1992 meeting. 1112 OFFICIALS, DISTRICT AND LOCAL: Title Changes for Some Whereas, A title change for many general officials has been approved replacing the word "secretary" in designated instances with the word "director;" and Whereas, For the sake of clarity and continuity there has been an historic practice of harmonizing officers titles at the district and local levels with titles of the corresponding general official; Resolved, That the General Conference Editing Committee be authorized to accordingly change all Discipline referenced titles of district and local church officers if said title includes the word "secretary" and if the title of the general official to whom their work relates is changed from general secretary to general director. COMMITfEE ON MEMORIALS Ronald R. Brannon, Secretary Recommended and adopted (Item 78). 1113 MISCELLANEOUS: General Superintendent Emeritus Title Conferred upon O. D. Emery Whereas, Discipline 748 makes provision for and establishes the criteria for the designation General Superintendent Emeritus; Whereas, O. D. Emery has declared his intention to retire from the General Superintendency at the rise of the 1992 General Conference; and Whereas, O. D. Emery meets all the criteria for the Emeritus designation referenced above; Resolved, That the title of General Superintendent Emeritus be conferred upon Dr. O. D. Emery effective at the rise of this General Conference. COMMITIEE ON MEMORIALS Ronald R. Brannon, Secretary Recommended and adopted (Item 75).

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THE PASTORAL LEITER

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Quadrennial Address

of the

Board of General Superintendents

(Daily Proceedings, Item 21)

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June 22,1992

Des Moines, Iowa

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THE GENERAL SUPERINTENDENTS

OF

THE WESLEYAN CHURCH

1988-1992

Dr. Lee M. Haines Dr. H. C. Wilson

Dr. O. D. Emery

Dr. Earle L. Wilson

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A PASTORAL LETTER From the

Board of General Superintendents

to The Wesleyan Church

Seventh General Conference

JUNE 22, 1992 Des Moines, Iowa

To the Delegates and Friends of the Seventh North American General Conference of The Wesleyan Church, Greetings! Twenty-four years ago The Wesleyan Church came into existence through one of the most successful mergers in church history. Across the years a clear sense of mission has characterized this denomination. We meet today with the conviction that God is in our doings and He has incorporated us into His eternal purposes in the world. May it always be so!

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INTRODUCTION

During these days we shall carefully examine our efforts over the past four years. We shall also seek to know that we are reading God's signals correctly. When we leave this conference site after a few days it is urgent that we will have experienced the sway of God's will through the Holy Spirit. It is highly desirable that we have reached consensus on issues which may galvanize us more and more into the movement God is calling us to be. We shall need His anointing in order to choose the right leaders for the years ahead. May the benediction of God be upon us until we shall depart this conference expressing in the words of Mark, chapter 12, verse 11, "This is the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes." REVIEWING OUR ANNALS

In Memoriam During this quadrennium many of our people have finished their earthly course and have been elevated into heaven's joys. While a complete list is impossible to cite, some leaders mentioned here have distinguished themselves as General Officers, General Board of Administration Members, College Presidents, District Superintendents, or Missionaries over past years.

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Rev. G. C. Avery Missionary Mrs. Gracia Fero Banker Missionary Dr. Watson C. Black North Carolina West District Superintendent, GBA Member Dr. Della Blackburn Missionary Missionary Rev. Lester Buckman Pacific Northwest District Superintendent Rev. Ivan S. Canary Missionary Miss Edna Mae Carter Missionary Mrs. Ella Cotrone Missionary Miss Ruth Curtis Dr. William S. Deal President ofEl Monte Pilgrim College, Author Missionary Rev. Dean Felker Dr. Robert Heckart President of Colorado Springs Bible College South Central District Superintendent Rev. Dwight Horn Atlantic District Superintendent, Dr. H. Ralph Ingersoll GBA Member Rev. Paul N. Isgrigg Missionary Miss Hazel Jones Missionary Rev. C. G. Keith Missionary Rev. John T. Lamos Champlain District Superintendent Rev. Lyman F. Lance North Carolina Conference President Rev. Richard M. Lively Missionary Dr. John S. Logan College President Dr. C. Wesley Lovin GBA Member, General Official Rev. Walter E. McKee, Sr. Brainerd Indian School President Dr. S. I. McMillen Educator, Missionary, Author Rev. Dewey O. Miller North Carolina West District Superintendent Rev. Clifford L. Morgan Califomia District Superintendent Dr. Rhett C. Mullinax South Carolina Conference President, President of Central Wesleyan College, GBA Member Rev. Robert Murphy GBA Member Rev. W. F. Page North Carolina East District Superintendent Dr. Stephen W. Paine Houghton College President Dr. Paul S. Rees GBA Member, Author Rev. Russell W. Wooten Missionary Rev. Moreland Yundt Ontario District Superintendent Leadership Transitions

The 1988 General Conference chose two new General Superintendents who have served with dignity. Dr. Lee M. Haines and Dr. H. C. Wilson have brought fine skills to their service during their initial term. Dr. Earle L. Wilson has effectively served a second term and Dr. O. D. Emery has completed his third term of service. Along with the honor the Church bestows upon those elected to this office, there are demands to be met for which no person is adequate apart from God's rich grace. This Board of General Superintendents has led aggressively and decisively in the affairs of the Church committed to them. In 1988 Reverend Nathan Birky was elected as General Publisher succeeding Mr. Mark Batman who resigned to return to private business.

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In 1989 Mrs. JoAn Drury was elected to be General Director of Wesleyan Women International, succeeding Dr. Marie Evatt who had served twelve years as WWI Director. In 1990 Dr. Keith Drury was elected General Secretary of Local Church Education to succeed Dr. David L. Keith who had served for ten years. In 1990, Mr. Robert L. Temple was elected to be General Director of the Wesleyan Pension Fund succeeding Mr. Leland Crist who had served for eight years. Reverend David Medders became President of Bethany Bible College in 1990 following the retirement of Dr. Ronald Mitchell who had served for fIfteen years. Dr. John Ragsdale serving as President of United Wesleyan College since 1984, continued his service there until the discontinuance of the program in 1990. The Board of General Superintendents expresses deep appreciation to all who have served God through leadership in The Wesleyan Church during all or a part of the past quadrennium. REPORTING OUR ACHIEVEMENTS The General Superintendents have: Given administrative care to all International Center departments, offIces, and agencies. Chaired the General Board of Administration, the various Commissions and Boards and Committees as assigned. Related to educational institutions and various subsidiary boards appropriately. Represented The Wesleyan Church to those Inter-church organizations in which we participate. Made administrative visits to all overseas units and participated in the Wesleyan World Fellowship. Presided over the district conferences. Spoken in camps, conventions and otherwise as often as possible. Written with regularity for The Wesleyan Advocate. Led the DECADE OF DIRECTION through a second phase called LEAD which served to cultivate pastoral leadership skills. Corresponded regularly with 16DO DECADE OF DIRECTION prayer partners. Directed the work of the Task Force on Public Morals and Social Concerns. Counseled leaders and pastors on the work of the Church. Followed the directive of the 1988 General Conference in establishing a pattern of regular meetings with our counterparts in the Church of the Nazarene and the Free Methodist Church. Developed a strategy for networking between The Wesleyan Church and the Church of the Nazarene which now involves ministry units which may usefully serve to evaluate and ultimately integrate some of our mutual tasks.

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Participated in Evangelism Conferences and meetings of the Fellowship of Wesleyan Evangelists. Department/Agencies We commend the leadership of our departments and agencies who have worked to advance the Church this quadrennium. Their fuller reports are embraced in the complete reports they bring. Here we touch a few peaks in the mountain range. DR. RONALD R. BRANNON, GENERAL SECRETARY, has reached new heights in efficiency in his service rendered for statistical, legal, archival and public relations matters. The impact of his work is outstanding. DR. WAYNE E. CALDWELL, GENERAL EDITOR, has directed in the moves which brought The Wesleyan Advocate to the improved monthly magazine of thirty-six pages. His high standard of editing, and his warmth and gentleness have combined to make him a valued leader in the Church. DR. B. MARLIN MULL, GENERAL SECRETARY OF EVANGELISM AND CHURCH GROWTH, has done many things well. He has led the Church in an aggressive direction of church planting. His prayer and fasting emphasis has undergirded these noble achievements. DR. WAYNE W. WRIGHT, GENERAL SECRETARY OF WORLD MISSIONS, has orchestrated his work in a manner which has produced membership increases in the overseas units of thirty-three percent and national church We are in the throes of giving increases of seventy-seven percent. phenomenal growth in many overseas units of the Church. DR. KEITH DRURY, GENERAL SECRETARY OF LOCAL CHURCH EDUCATION, has seen new responsiveness to efforts for stimulating our Sunday Schools. The focus on Discipleship coupled with curriculum enhancements lead us to believe a revival of the Sunday School and its corollary ministries is eminent. REV. THOMAS ARMIGER, GENERAL SECRETARY OF YOUTH, set a new record with 8,654 registrants at IMPACT '90. The size, momentum and potential of the Wesleyan Youth movement is recognized among all denominations as premier. DR. KENNETH HEER, GENERAL SECRETARY OF EDUCATION AND THE MINISTRY, has demonstrated superb skills in his task of leading the General Board of Administration through some hard choices regarding Wesleyan Higher Education. He has faced his challenges admirably. DR. NORMAN WILSON, GENERAL DIRECTOR OF THE WESLEYAN HOUR, has sounded forth the gospel every week over about 200 stations around the world. His ministry is proof that a Christian broadcaster with integrity can still gain an expanding listening audience and be productive of spiritual fruit in many lives. REV. HOWARD B. CASTLE, GENERAL DIRECTOR OF ESTATE PLANNING, reports that over four thousand new estate plans have been written during this past quadrennium. These have identified nearly twenty­ eight million dollars labeled for Wesleyan ministries in the future. This office has done good things in promotion of stewardship. MR. ROBERT L. TEMPLE, GENERAL DIRECTOR OF WESLEYAN PENSION FuND, effectively leads the Church to recognize the retirement

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needs of its Christian workers. The strength of the fund and the confidence of the Church continue to be encouraging. REV. NATI-IAN BIRKY, GENERAL PUBLISHER, has led the Wesleyan Publishing House to turn a difficult corner in its operation. His optimism for a redefined future of service in publishing and marketing Christian literature is strong. MR. DANIEL D. BUSBY, GENERAL TREASURER, brings solid professional expertise to the fmandal arena of the Church. His analysis of fmancial data and trends are invaluable. Of one hundred and ten million dollars contributed to Wesleyan churches over forty-four million flowed through the International Center for uses intended. DR. JOHN A. DUNN, GENERAL DIRECfOR OF THE WESLEYAN INVESTMENT FOUNDATION, has led this agency through an outstanding quadrennium. The contributions made to ministries of the Church from their earnings are outstanding. God's hand upon this work is very evident. MRS. JoAN DRURY, GENERAL DIRECfOR OF WESLEYAN WOMEN INIERNATIONAL, is directing the movement of this fine organization into the great potential with which it is faced. A new day for ministries through women as well as to women is being eagerly seized. MR. RONNIE HALLMAN, GENERAL DIRECfOR OF WESLEYAN MEN, has helped Wesleyan Men to reach a new zenith in its operation. New goals for fifteen thousand members are being implemented. DR. Gus PRINSELL, GENERAL DIRECfOR OF WESLEYAN MEDICAL FELLOWSHIP, has led this organization toward an expanded ministry incorporating the concerns of medical missions along with an inclusion of ministries for and by medical professionals in all of North America. REV. TOMMY JOE NEYMAN, GENERAL DIRECfOR OF HEPHZIBAH CHILDREN'S HOME, reports that ninety-seven different children have received the love and care of Hephzibah during this quadrennium. This institution is unique in Wesleyan causes through it's compassionate service to boys and girls. Construction of the new campus on the purchased new site is a dream yet to be realized, but it is desperately needed and eagerly awaited. MR. GARY SEATON, GENERAL DlRECfOR OF WESLEYAN NATIVE AMERICAN MINISTRIES, has given leadership in relocating the ministry offices and the main campus of Brainerd Indian School from the Hot Springs area to Rapid City, South Dakota. Other highlights

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This quadrennium will be remembered as the one when: * We launched The Wesleyan Church into Europe. * We purchased the International Center building in Indianapolis, Indiana. * Our global membership reached a record of 207,000 with a record quadrennial gain of 21,475. * Per capita giving among us reached $960 per member. * Church planting in North America reversed a loathsome trend of slow church planting by posting a two per month record over the last 15 months of the quadrennium. * The total ministry constituency as represented by the "responsibility list" reached over 292,000 persons.

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* *

* * *

Total enrollment for our colleges and university reached over 5,600. Total giving for Wesleyan Higher Education through USFjEIF was $11,000,000. All USF General and ElF Giving was $19,000,000. United Wesleyan College ended operations at Allentown, Pennsylvania having served the church since 1921. The Church observed a year, the year 1991, as the "YEAR OF THE CALL."

*

Church-wide observance of Forty Days of Prayer and Fasting became an annual occurrence in the interest of revival and evangelism. RETAINING OUR ACCENT

Our Wesleyan doctrinal heritage is not only precious but sacred in the sense of being God revealed. To preserve these doctrines God raised up John Wesley to give clarity to the scriptural position of appropriating the full measure of God's grace here and now in order to have complete and consistent victory over sin. Wesley did not propose a new theology but stressed the dimensions of experiential Christianity which corrected theory and practice of historic Christianity in his day. In sanction of this the Holy Spirit sent the mighty Wesleyan revival. Scriptural holiness is as sorely needed as an emphasis of our present day teaching as it was in Wesley's day. We are not being theologically provincial by teaching and adhering to Wesleyan doctrine. This is not the raising of a partial truth to the status of a whole truth. Nor is it the over-emphasis of one segment of Christian theology to the neglect of other legitimate emphases. This is our strong biblical appeal to the world of 1992: 1. The possibility for every person of a transforming experience of God's pardoning grace in Christ for sins committed. 2. The possibility for every person of the Holy Spirit's cleansing from power of inbred sin. 3. The possibility for every person to live a victorious Christian life to the glory of God in this world by the Holy Spirit's enabling. This is our grand message! Here we stand ... in the company of John and Charles Wesley and the later noble men and women who gave birth to this movement! May we tell the world! May we do it now! And may the Holy Spirit again send revival! RESOLVING TOWARD WORTHY GOALS In 1988 the national leaders for the Church outside the U.S. and Canada, related to the General Department of World Missions, adopted a pace-setting goal of 2000 churches by 2000 A.D. in overseas areas. Shoulder to shoulder as a world-wide family of ministry, the North American areas of the Church stand ready to augment this forward thrust. The Board of

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General Superintendents calls upon our entire constituency to engagement with a three-fold objective during the period before us; 1. The Revival and Renewal of the Church. 2. The Calling and Training of MinisterfWorkers. 3. The Planting of New Churches on an accelerated pace. In order to achieve these important objectives, we suggest four goals for the U.S. and Canadian Church which can be easily measured. Together we will call these "VISION 2000." Our shared spiritual vision as we move toward the year 2000 AD. is: Goal 1: Two hundred new churches planted by 2000 AD. During the 1988-92 quadrennium we planted new churches at the rate of 1.7 per month, and toward the last we reached an average of two per month. To sustain our current pace of two per month for the remainder of this decade would mean we had planted 200 new churches over this period. This is attainable! Goal 2: Two thousand persons called into ministry by 2000 A.D. If every Wesleyan church in North America has one person called in ministry during the remainder of this decade we will reach this goal.

This is attainable! Goal 3: Twenty thousand conversions to Christ per year by 2000 A.D. In recent years we have had near approaches to this number of converts. This goal calls for us to reach 2000 converts annually and sustain that number for each succeeding year of this decade. This is attainable! Goal 4: Two hundred thousand in High Sunday Attendance by 2000 AD. This goal calls for high day attendance of 200,000 in Sunday morning services on a pattern of annual high days. This is attainable! These four goals represent our "VISION 2000." Together we can achieve them all and through them meet our objectives of revival, more ministers called, and more new churches planted. Our theme for the period ahead is based in Matthew 24:14, "And this gospel . . . shall be preached in all the world," and is reflected in John Wesley's heartbeat... Our theme: "THE WORLD ... STILL OUR PARISH."

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On Thanksgiving Day 1990, U. S. President George Bush stood in Dhahron, Saudi Arabia before an assembled fIfty thousand men and women of the Armed Forces of the Allied Coalition of the United Nations. Looking into their faces, he said: "Your mission here is marked by a real sense of urgency. Every passing day brings Saddam closer to Iraq's goal of having nuclear

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weapons operative. Such weapons would make possible assaults to the entire Middle East. It would produce Iraq's dominance over this entire area of the world. You, ladies and gentlemen, are the civilized world's first line of defense against this evil. We have demanded a lot from you, requiring you to leave home, family, and security to come here facing injury and possible death. I want you to believe that whatever it may cost, this mission is essential to the well-being of the fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters, and sons and daughters whom you have left back home. Your courage is grand and we unite our prayers to Almighty God that your sacrifice shall not be in vain." Friends of this Seventh General Conference, as soldiers of the Cross of Christ we too, are called to war. Our enemy is more ruthless than Saddam. The challenges we face are severe also. But somehow, and in some way, The Wesleyan Church at large must take our place as a line of defense against sin and evil. We must be willing to make the necessary sacrifices to the maximum degree. May God be pleased to transform us into an effective part of His Army for righteousness! Charles Shelton closes his classic, In His Steps with the account of two visions which engaged his fictional character, Pastor Henry Maxwell. In the narrative setting Pastor Henry Maxwell experienced agony when it became evident that the church in general was stirred only on the surface and not to the extent of its depths. But then the Spirit moved upon them and he saw a vision of those same men and women with thoughts of future joy expressed in their faces turn from ease and self-satisfaction to accept suffering, loss, self­ denial and even martyrdom for the sake of Jesus Christ. He was captivated by the power of their commitment to Christ at whatever cost. Then the vision again changed and Pastor Maxwell saw the figure of Jesus Christ and he heard the SEARCHING VOICE pleading, "Arise and follow me!" And as a great throng, those committed ones arose and went forth to follow Jesus all the way. As in those two transcendent visions I pray the world may see The Wesleyan Church as first we turn from ease to commitment at all cost. And again having been compelled by our commitment to Christ, may they see us arise at the call of the SEARCHING VOICE which pleads, ''Arise and follow me!" May we too be seen arising and going forth to follow Jesus Christ all the way. Amen! THE GENERAL SUPERINTENDENTS

0.0. EMERY EARLE L. WILSON LEE M. HAINES H. C. WILSON written and presented by O. O. EMERY for the Board of General Superintendents

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REPORT OF THE

COMMITrEE OF TELLERS

Friends congratulate the newly elected General Director of World Missions

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REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF TELLERS 1.

Ballot 1 for Memorial 308: Total number of ballots cast Number necessary to adopt Yes No

2.

430

216

374

56

Ballot 3 for General Director of Local Church Education Total number of ballots cast Number necessary to elect Dr. Keith W. Drury Dr. Aron Wills

5.

429

215

21 No

37 No

25 No

Ballot 2 for General Secretary Total number of ballots cast Number necessary to elect Dr. Ronald R. Brannon Dr. Ronald Kelly

4.

43

"Yes-No" Ballot for Incumbent General Superintendents: Total number of ballots cast Number necessary to elect 408 Yes; Dr. Earle L. Wilson 392 Yes; Dr. Lee M. Haines Dr. H. C. Wilson 404 Yes;

3.

434

218

391

432

217

372

60

Ballot 4 for General Director of Evangelism and Church Growth Total number of ballots cast Number necessary to elect Dr. B. Marlin Mull Rev. Ray E. Barnwell, Sr.

434

218

343

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435

218

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Ballot 6 for General Director of Youth Total number of ballots cast Number necessary to elect Rev. Thomas E. Armiger Rev. Tim Elmore

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77

Ballot 7 for General Director of World Missions Total number of ballots cast Number necessary to elect Dr. David L. Keith Rev. Donald L. Bray Rev. Ray E. Barnwell, Sr. Rev. Robert Smith

431 216 99 221 77 34

Two North Carolina East delegates enjoy conference

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QUADRENNIAL REPORTS

OF THE GENERAL OFFICIALS

Retiring general officials and their escorts

197

Greetings! Thomas Carlyle wrote, "Time as the curtains of yesterday drop down, and time as the curtains of tomorrow roll up." The curtain of another quadrennium of Wesleyan Church-life has dropped down and at the rise of this conference the curtain of a new period will have rolled up. This report represents my accountability for the service I have rendered under God over past administrative segments appropriate here. SEPTEMBER 1, 1987 TO JUNE 26, 1988

For the initial ten months under this report, I was completing my service as the assigned General Superintendent of the Northeastern Area. During that period I rendered administrative counsel and care to the eleven districts of that area. I also made one overseas trip to the British Isles and helped them develop the proposal to become associated with the World Missions Department. This was accomplished with the approval of the 1988 General Conference. Also during that period, discussions with the Eastern Ohio District resulted in the recommendation to move them from the Northeastern Area to the North Central Area. The General Board of Administration approved this change which was made at the beginning of the quadrennium. During this period I ordained four elders and commissioned two ministers, and my travel took me over fifty thousand miles. Service rendered in the Northeastern Area was always a delightful experience. JUNE 27,1988 TO AUGUST 31,1991

Over this period of thirty-eight months my service has been to the Southern Area. Also I have had responsibility for the Latin American areas of Central and South America. In this work I have chaired forty-one district conferences in the United States and eight national or field conferences overseas. I have presided over the ordination of ninety-four elders and the commissioning of twelve ministers in these conferences. The direct involvement with Southern Area District Superintendents included two area meetings for them and two church-wide meetings for church leaders in which I led their involvement. I have spent three hundred and twelve days within Southern Area districts for conferences, meetings or consultations. During this time three new District Superintendents came into service. Re-elections occurred for twenty terms of service for District Superintendents. Ten sessions for District Board of Administration self­

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evaluations and nine sessions for District Superintendent evaluations were led by me. In my opinion this practice is very useful in our process of church administration. Over this time I have related to Central Wesleyan College, its board and administration. The progress this institution has made is very encouraging. My gratitude to God is increasingly rendered over His blessings here. Hephzibah Children's Home has been an institution to which I have related. The plan for the development of a new and improved campus has been delayed, but the vision and plans are in place. Also I have related to the Wesleyan Bible Conference. The opportunities for ministry here are enormous. Thank God for the board and leadership of this great work. At the International Center I have been Chairman of the Commission on Extension and Evangelism. I have served in rotation as Chairman of various denominational committees and boards as assigned. Direct administrative liaison to the General Department of Evangelism and Church Growth, the Office of Broadcast Ministries and to the Wesleyan Investment Foundation, Inc. has been exercised. Counsel to the executives has been graciously responded to in every case. I have thoroughly enjoyed the working relationship as a member of the Board of General Superintendents. My fellow superintendents have ministered to me in many ways. In rotation I have served my term as Chairman. In church-wide ministries I have solicited funds for Decade of Direction, involved myself in three LEAD seminars and participated in all church-wide conferences held over this period. In Inter-Church assignments, I have served as Denominational Representative to the Christian Holiness Association and a member of the CHA Executive Committee. I have travelled approximately one hundred and eighty-five thousand miles during this time. SEPTEMBER 1, 1991 TO GENERAL CONFERENCE 1992

During this ten months, I wish to render accountability for a period outside the general conference report period in the light of my planned retirement from service at this level. District travel consumed forty-two days and general church work required thirty-one days. I have worked with four districts in the Special Committees on Nomination for District Superintendents. All work travel for this period is approximately thirty-seven thousand miles. CLOSE

In 1962 I was first elected as a General Church Official. I have served three different departments as executive and for the past twelve years the General Superintendency. Now I am anticipating laying down the honor I have been accorded, and in retirement serve in some less visible ways. My thanks go the past six General Conferences which have elected me and to all

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the wonderful Wesleyan leaders and people who have surrounded me. Mostly, I am indebted to God who in Christ gave me conversion sixty years ago through the ministries of this denomination. The grace of God has sustained me, and He is worthy all the glory for any contribution I have made. Respectfully submitted, O. D. Emery General Superintendent

Dr. & Mrs. O. D. Emery receive recognition

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To the officers, and delegates of the Seventh General Conference of The Wesleyan Church: Greetings in our Saviour's Name! It is my personal pleasure to submit this report which represents a partial record of my stewardship in the office of the general superintendency over the past four years. We meet on this historic occasion as a part of the Body of Christ in the world. A fitting time to revisit our firm belief in the church as being that Body in which the historic incarnation becomes present fact. In every true believer the resurrection of our Lord is made contemporary and through the witness of The Church the Divine redeeming activity is continued. We affirm that both the Church and the world are Christs'. Therefore there can be no rest until every nation, every institution, every culture know and hail their Lord and the world is at His feet. It is because of this faith that the world continues to be our parish. THE BOARD OF GENERAL SUPERINTENDENTS I receive spiritual support and strength from my colleagues as together we serve. In a bond of brotherliness we have shared our vision for the advancement of The Church. The love of God has made us one in Him while the peace of God has sustained us for our tasks. INTERNATIONAL CENTER ADMINISTRATION According to an established rotation schedule I served as Chairman of the General Board of Administration, the Commission on Administration, the Board of General Superintendents, the Interdepartmental Cabinet, and the Task Force on Public Morals and Social Concerns during the 1988-1989 church year. I also served throughout the quadrennium as President of The Wesleyan Church Corporation and Chairman of both the Commission on Publications and the Commission on Education. Since the cessation of campus activities I have been serving as Chairman of the United Wesleyan College Board of Trustees. It has been a most enjoyable privilege to relate in a supervisory capacity to the following International Center Departments and Officials: The General Secretary, Dr. Ronald R. Brannon; The General Editor, Dr. Wayne E. Caldwell; The General Publisher, Rev. Nathan D. Birky; The General Secretary of Youth, Rev. Thomas E. Armiger; and The General Secretary of Local Church Education, Dr. David L. Keith (1988-1989) and Dr. Keith W. Drury (1990-1991). My own life has been enriched by association with these gifted, gracious and professional church leaders. Their personal reports will chronicle the variety of programs which serve to forward The Church.

1 I

THE WESLEYAN CHURCH

201

THE NORTH CENTRAL ADMINISTRATIVE AREA

J

I i

1

I

The Districts of the North Central Administrative Area are: North, West and East Michigan; North, Central and South Indiana; Western and Eastern Ohio; Wisconsin, and Illinois. The Districts, without exception, are served by capable leaders who are true Churchmen and caring people. During the quadrennium Rev. Robert Kenworthy, who had served Indiana North District thirteen years retired and the District is now led by Rev. Harold Bardsley. Rev. Larry Keesor, after serving fourteen years in North Michigan, resigned and Rev. Stephen Skinner succeeded him to district leadership. Rev. James Vermilya now serves the Western Ohio District having been elected following the retirement of Rev. Walter Jeffries who was District Superintendent for eighteen years. The Church is indebted to these faithful men who have given so much of their lives to provide the foundational leadership upon which their successors can build. There are 550 churches in the North Central Administrative Area with 39,553 members. Indiana Wesleyan University is the educational institution of the Area. The University has experienced significant growth under the leadership of President Dr. James Barnes, a most capable administrator who is dedicated to academic excellence with spiritual vitality. Record enrollments, major building programs and an adult educational program reaching throughout the State of Indiana are only some features of the Indiana Wesleyan success story of the past four years. In my overseas assignments I have assisted the General Secretary of World Missions in the administration of the Wesleyan work in India, Nepal, Haiti and Puerto Rico. It has also been my delightful duty to relate administratively to The Caribbean Provisional General Conference through the Provisional General Superintendent, Dr. A. Wingrove Taylor. Full reports of my visits to each of these church units have been filed with either the Department of World Missions or the General Board of Administration as appropriate. DENOMINATIONAL REPRESENTATION

I! 1

During the past quadrennium I have represented The Church to the World Methodist Council serving as a member of The Executive Board and Vice Chairman of the North American Section of The Council. By election of the Board of Trustees of Asbury Theological Seminary I represent The Wesleyan Church on that body and serve on its Academic Affairs Committee. PERSONAL MINISTRIES In all ministries whether occasioned by denominational assignment or of a more personal nature I have sought to be a messenger of inspiration and challenge endeavoring to move The Church toward a larger vision of its task. To that end I have preached 408 times in 166 different churches and presided

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over the ordination of 113 persons and the commissioning of 10. In addition, there have been the normal routine of conferences, committees, boards, consultations, ministerials and those unnumbered assignments and personal contacts which hopefully have been of significant value to the persons and agencies involved. In all it has been a delight to serve the Lord by serving others. I am pleased to recognize the support provided me by Mrs. Wilson who has traveled extensively with me. I have been served by three secretaries, Mrs. Donna Olsen (September 1988-May 1989), Mrs. Dawna Hays (June 1989-August 1991) and Mrs. Karen Klaasen (September 1991 to present). Without such assistance the work would have been impossible to accomplish. Carl Henry was right when he said, "The prime need of the church in these times is a new sense of its proper task." That task is first to live in obedience to the risen Head of The Church and then to move out in our mission to the world. May God be pleased to regard the record of my service, gladly rendered, as consistent with His will and purpose. Respectfully submitted, Earle L. Wilson General Superintendent

Dr. Earle L. Wilson speaks at Sunday morning service

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203

4

THE PATTERN The biblical pattern for the ministry assigned to me by the 1988 General Conference is found in 1 Peter 5:2-3: "Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers- not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock." I have sensed a strong, personal application of three aspects of this admonition. (1) I am to be a shepherd-a pastor, which has always been my self-conscious role, whether serving a local congregation or in the classroom or in general church office. (2) I am to be eager to serve - in fact, in my role as overseer I am to serve-serve while leading. (3) I am to be an example to the flock - in every aspect of life, as there are no exemptions. It is in keeping with this pattern that I have attempted to fulfill my charge this quadrennium. Only my Lord and my Church can judge how well I have succeeded. DISTRICTS AND INSTITUTIONS My service for this quadrennium, by choice and mutual agreement of the General Superintendents, was in the Western Area, which is quite a piece of geography! An Episcopal bishop who served the northwestern part of this area in frontier days was dubbed "the bishop of all outdoors" - and I have learned why! The Western Area is still our denominational frontier. I have served it in the awareness that it may well hold the key to denominational progress in the coming century. Ministry to the districts has intensified this quadrennium. In addition to chairing annual district conferences and meeting annually with each District Superintendent for a day of dialogue, the General Superintendent now leads each district board of administration quadrennially in an evaluation of itself and the District Superintendent. And he provides leadership in the selection of interim and new District Superintendents whenever vacancies occur. In addition to such service in the districts mentioned below, the General Superintendent has held special services in the two churches of the Alaska Pioneer District and with a potential Wesleyan church in Hawaii. The Western Area District Superintendents at the beginning of the quadrennium indicated their support for realigning district boundaries to provide stronger districts with greater viability for church planting and growth. I chaired three different committees which intensely studied specific realignments. One result was the merger on July 11-12, 1991 of the Arizona­ New Mexico, California, and Nevada Districts into the Pacific Southwest District. The Colorado and Nebraska Districts Merger Study Committee has voted 9 to 1 to recommend the merger of those districts to their respective district boards of administration and reconvened district conferences. By the time the 1992 General Conference convenes, the decision will have been

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made, and potentially the merging conference of the Colorado-Nebraska District will meet on July 24-25,1992. District leadership in the Western Area has changed significantly during this quadrennium. Only the Rev. Larry Johnson of the Dakota District and the Rev. Francis Hubbard of the Kansas District continue without either actual or anticipated change. The Rev. Elmer Brannon of the Colorado District and the Rev. Duane Lauber of the Nebraska District have continued in office but one or both potentially face change this summer due to the possible merger. Dr. Stephen F. Babby continues as a District Superintendent but over a territory expanded beyond California to the Pacific Southwest, while the Rev. Paul Gilbert (Arizona-New Mexico) returned to full-time service as a pastor. The Rev. Jerry Yellowhawk became the superintendent of the Wesleyan Native American District. After 26 years of service to the Iowa District, the Rev. Donald D. Calhoun was succeeded by the Rev. J. Richard Ernst. After nine and one-half years of service to the Northwest District, the Rev. B. D. Veeder was succeeded by the Rev. Joseph W. Watkins. The Rev. Carles L. Fletcher was succeeded in the Texas District by the Rev. Blair Ritchey. And after 34 years of leadership in the Tri-State District, Dr. C. B. Colaw was succeeded by the Rev. Max A. Colaw. During the quadrennium, in the Western Area, I have ordained 58 elders, commissioned 1 minister and 6 lay special workers. Bartlesville Wesleyan College has prospered under the leadership of Dr. Paul Mills and the other administrators, faculty and staff. The financial status has been significantly improved with the near elimination of the cumulative operating fund deficit. Significant new programs have been added. And a feasibility study is underway on a capital fund campaign to add several new buildings to the campus. Wesleyan Native American Ministries has undergone a significant transition under the leadership of Mr. Gary Seaton. The Brainerd Indian School campus has been closed as well as the headquarters facilities at Hot Springs, South Dakota. A new center has been opened in Rapid City and day schools are in operation on the reservations and in cities with large Native American populations. More students as well as families are being served. OTHER LANDS My responsibility as General Superintendent to visit and provide leadership and ministry to Wesleyans in other lands has led to the following visits: November 25--December 5, 1988 February 14-27, 1989 October 29--November 7,1989 November 7-14,1989 April 9-23, 1990 August 27--Septemher 6, 1990 September 6-17, 1990

Korea Philippines Japan Korea Australia Indonesia Papua New Guinea

The visits to Korea involved presiding over two sessions of the district conference as well as a preaching and teaching ministry, aimed at maturing

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205

and stabilizing the organization and leadership of our work there. The visit to the Philippines was an historic one, involving presiding over the organizing session of the full General Conference of The Wesleyan Church of the Philippines as well as a preaching/teaching ministry. The visit to Japan involved serving as fraternal delegate to the Immanuel General Mission General Conference plus preaching and assisting in the dedication of Bible college and mission headquarters buildings. The visit to Australia involved presiding over the national conference, as well as a preaching/teaching ministry to the initial meeting of the Australian Christian Holiness Association and separately to Wesleyan ministers and workers; a remarkable outpouring of the Holy Spirit was experienced in the Wesleyan holiness convention. The visit to Indonesia involved a preaching/teaching ministry to our pastors on the island of Timor again with a marked visitation of the Spirit, and participation in the reception of three independent churches with several hundreds of members. The visit to Papua New Guinea involved presiding over the national conference as well as preaching/teaching ministries to the missionaries and the national workers. COMMISSION/OFFICERS

I

The chairmanship of the Commission on World Missions has been part of my responsibility, and with it the privilege of working with Dr. Wayne Wright and the General Department of World Missions and Dr. Gus Prinsell and the Wesleyan Medical Fellowship. Wesleyan World Missions is facing a challenging period with a new field in Germany, new open doors in Eastern Europe, changing trends in support with recurring problems over insufficient funds, rising costs, and changing conditions overseas. Dr. Wright and his staff have served with distinction in meeting these challenges. The Wesleyan Medical Fellowship held its quadrennial General Convention at Central, South Carolina, May 17-20, 1991. It was an effective and exciting eye-opener for me relative to the dedication and effectiveness of this arm of the work. I presided at the business session. Dr. Prinsell has provided excellent leadership, and with his retirement from medical practice will no doubt be able to contribute even more of his time and energy to the work. I have also served Wesleyan Women International. Again significant transitions are occurring. In 1989 Dr. Marie Evatt retired after 16 years of outstanding service as General Director. In her closing years she laid the foundation for some of the changes which she knew were coming. Elected to succeed her was Mrs. JoAn Drury, who has challenged the ladies of the Church to join their traditional ministries with creative new ones under the "umbrella" of Wesleyan Women International. Changing patterns of organization and relationship are straining financial resources here too. Mrs. Drury and her executive committee are responding well. I also serve with the Rev. Howard B. Castle and the General Office of Estate Planning. He and his area representatives continue to do an outstanding job of training Wesleyans in more effective stewardship and in tapping the huge capital resources controlled by Wesleyan families and individuals for the ministries they wish to support.

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SEVENTH GENERAL CONFERENCE

OTHER DUTIES In keeping with the rotation of duties among the General Superintendents, I have served in the various offices of the Board of General Superintendents, including one year as chairman of the General Board of Administration, the Commission on Administration, the Board of General Superintendents, the Interdepartmental Cabinet, and the Task Force on Public Morals and Social Concerns. I served as liaison between the Board of General Superintendents and the LEAD management committee, and spoke in three of the four area LEAD seminars. I contributed to the Life Grow video tape series produced by Indiana Wesleyan University. I served as chairman of the Wesleyan History Committee and have contributed to the recently published third volume of the Wesleyan History Series. I have represented our Church to the American Bible Society. I have also preached and taught and spoken upon invitation in many places and circumstances. In all of the labors described above, I have traveled approximately 300,000 miles and spoken approximately 300 times. APPRECIATION I wish to express my appreciation for the privilege of having worked alongside the other three General Superintendents. God has blessed us with a wonderful relationship that has greatly aided us in our ministries and decision-making. I am the richer for having labored with them these four years. I would also express appreciation to Mrs. Debra Levite who has served as secretary to both Dr. H. C. Wilson and myself; she is patient, accurate, thorough, and committed to excellence in every way. And I would also express appreciation to my wife, Maxine, who shares nearly all of my travels and all of my labors as together we seek to serve our Lord and our Church. She has more than doubled the im pact of my ministry by her own service wherever we go. I would also thank the Lord for having granted health, strength, and opportunity to invest these years in His service. Lee M. Haines General Superintendent

Dr. Lee M. Haines speaks at Saturday evening seIVice

207

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Greetings! This is the fIrst time that it has been my privileged responsibility to report to the General Conference as an offIcial of the denomination. Rev. E. T. Meachem was a retired elder on the Delta District when I served there as District Superintendent. He often stated in his testimony that years ago he had told God: "If You will provide the grace, then I will provide the man." During this quadrennium, I have given myself to the best of my ability in providing the man and God has provided the grace. Any good accomplished rests at His feet. AREA ASSIGNMENT

It was my privileged responsibility to be assigned to the Northeastern Administrative Area for the quadrennium. While the Northeastern Area as a geographic entity is declining in total population base, our Church is growing in the Northeast. For the quadrennium, both membership and AM attendance increased, and in 1991 every district in the area recorded increases in average attendance for Sunday AM. Churches were planted. USF payment level is very high. Progress is occurring. The Northeast is alive! There is a solid and quality group of District Superintendents giving leadership to the area. Seven of them were newly elected to their positions this quadrennium, namely, Ray Barnwell, Sr., Atlantic; David Keith, Capital; S. Allan Summers, Central Canada; Lloyd Stuart, Champlain; George Harris, Delmarva; G. Vaughn Drummonds, Western New York; and Charles Williamson, Western Pennsylvania. These seven have joined ranks with Wayne Wager, Central New York and Harry Wood, Penn-Jersey to form a dynamic force for God and good. Early in the quadrennium, John Lamos, Champlain District Superintendent passed away. It was my privilege to speak at his funeral as he had requested. H. R. Ingersoll who retired in 1988 after twenty-eight years of service as Atlantic District Superintendent and twenty years as a member of the General Board of Administration was also promoted to glory. He was District Superintendent during my years in pastoral ministry and a lifelong friend of the family. It was a unique honor for me to represent The Wesleyan Church at his funeral service. The influence of these leaders is missed in the area. During these four years, I related administratively to three of our educational institutions. Bethany Bible College experienced a change in leadership upon the retirement of Dr. Ronald Mitchell after fifteen years as president. Rev. David S. Medders was elected as the new president in 1990. Houghton College continues its long and strong tradition of academic excellence. On its suburban Buffalo campus, the college grapples with the

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SEVENTH GENERAL CONFERENCE

challenges of ministerial training and Christian ministries preparation. The very difficult decision to close United Wesleyan College was a point of great trauma in the Northeast and beyond. The college leaves a proud legacy of dedicated servants of Christ providing a wide range of ministry literally around the world. OVERSEAS ASSIGNMENT The overseas assignment in the Northeast includes Europe and Africa. It is a marvelous balance of the old and the new, the strength of mature fields and the fledgling beginnings of new work. It was my joy to be in Sierra Leone for lOOth anniversary celebrations and in Germany prior to the first public services being held. It was a true privilege for me to visit Zambia, South Africa, Swaziland, Liberia, Sierra Leone, England, Germany, and Czechoslovakia where early exploration of possibilities for an Eastern Europe ministry were considered. These experiences ministered to my spirit. Thank God for the Great Commission vision and missionary family of our Church. INTERNATIONAL CENTER ASSIGNMENTS The supervisory role at the International Center has been a pleasant assignment for me. I relate directly to three officers, namely, Dr. Kenneth Reer, General Secretary of Education and the Ministry; Mr. Daniel D. Busby, General Treasurer; and Me. Robert L. Temple, General Director of The Wesleyan Pension Fund. We are strengthened as a body by the service and ministry of these men. I also served in the rotation pattern as chairman of the Interdepartmental Cabinet, Board of General Superintendents, and General Board of Administration during the second year of the quadrennium. During the fourth year, I served as secretary of the Board of General Superintendents. In addition, I served the entire quadrennium as Chairman of the Board of Directors of The Wesleyan Church of Canada. DENOMINATIONAL REPRESENTATIVE During the quadrennium, I have served as the official representative to the National Association of Evangelicals (NAE) and a member of its Board of Administration. I also carry a variety of committee assignments with NAE. PERSONAL MINISTRIES I have endeavored to give of myself fully to the task at hand to the limit of my capabilities. I have chaired district, national, and regional conferences and been present or preached at a considerable number of church

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209

dedications, mortgage burnings, anniversaries, and other special ceremonial activities. It was a high honor to ordain % persons and commission 9. I have preached more than 435 times including camp meetings, special services, weekend revivals, Year of the Call services and related events. These opportunities for ministry took me to more than 130 churches and camps and in the process more than 300,000 miles were logged. I am genuinely humbled by the open doors for service.

Ij

PERSONAL A word of appreciation is due my secretary, Mrs. Debra Levite, who has served with excellence and efficiency for the entire quadrennium. The companionship of my wife Gloria when she is able to travel with me and her understanding and support when that is not possible are assets to me whose value cannot be calculated. Troy and Kristi who travelled with me in the summers and also to England, South Africa, and Swaziland, but often endured the realities of an absent father, are points of light in my life. I thank God for them.

To God who paid a debt He did not owe, lowe a debt I cannot pay. On February 28, 1986 she was inaugurated as President of the Philippines. Shortly thereafter, Corazan Aquino went on national television and said to her nation, "It is my philosophy to do everything within my capability and leave the rest to God." To whatever ministry the Master may lead me, it is my continuing commitment to do everything within my capability and leave the rest to God. In His Majesty's service, H. C. Wilson General Superintendent

Dr. H. C. Wilson speaks at Sunday evening service

210

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1

To the Officers and Delegates of the Seventh General Conference, Greetings!

It is a pleasure to present this, my third report, to the General Conference of The Wesleyan Church. During this quadrennium Dr. Earle L. Wilson, Supervising General Superintendent, has provided valued counsel and encouraging affirmation for the work of this office. Attorney Craig A. Dunn, Assistant General Secretary, along with Lola Colen and Sue Snyder, secretaries, and Donna Watson, Assistant Director of the Archives and Historical Library, have not slacked in their dedicated labors on your behalf. The Apostle Paul admonished the Roman church to "Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord" (Romans 12:11). The quality of this office team has made commitment to that level of performance a personal joy. STATISTICAL SERVICES Early in the quadrennium, statistical services of the office were expanded to provide a proftle of each local church to the general departments and a broadened circle of data users. This has in turn enabled these ministry divisions to serve the needs of the local churches in a more definitive fashion. Quadrennial highlights reveal several trends (comparing FY-87 with FY-91 statistics): 1.

Global Statistics A.

Number of Churches: Established churches Pioneer churches Total churches Missions Total preaching points

2,663 665 3,328 1,135 4,463

(up from (up from (up from (up from (up from

2,611) 606) 3,217) 971) 4,188)

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B.

211

Ministers: The Wesleyan Church reported in FY-91 a total of 2,668 appointed elders, an increase of 208 over FY-87.

c.

Membership: 1991 - 207,116 (a gain of 21,475) Since merger in 1968 The Wesleyan Church has increased 81% in membership ... a gain of 92,506. It is significant to note the countries experiencing the most

dramatic growth among Wesleyans. Throughout this Sixth Quadrennium, Australia has reported an 81% increase in membership. Peru is up 69%. Sierra Leone shows a gain of 67% with Korea (51%) Mexico (41%), South Africa ­ European (38%) and The Wesleyan Church of the Philippines (35%) making strong contributions to the kingdom building pattern. The work in Colombia, India, Liberia, South Africa, Zambia and Papua New Guinea all have experienced double digit percentages of growth during the past four years.

WORLD MEMBERSHIP Annual Rate of Growth 1968 - 1991 7 % -,-

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6% 5%

4%

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SEVENTH GENERAL CONFERENCE

212

TOTAL MEMBERS 19X4 - 1991

Thousands ZOO IRO 160 140 120 ­ 100·­ RO 60 ­ IlJR4

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E. Sunday A.M. Attendance: 1991 - 146,830 (a gain of 4,080) The trend toward greater growth in larger churches continues. On a typical Sunday morning in FY-91 there were

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215

20,747 persons worshiping in the 22 largest congregations (averaging 500 to 3,000) of the denomination. That means that 14% of all persons attending a Wesleyan church in North America were being served by 1.3% of the local parishes. Add the average attendance of 5,672 who attend the 13 churches which have an average of 400 to 499 and it becomes evident that 18% of all persons in North America who worship in a Wesleyan church are being ministered to by 2% of the local parishes. What size is "average" for The Wesleyan Church? The raw data shows a Sunday morning attendance in all North American Wesleyan churches averages 86 (compared with 80 fouf years ago). Another computation evidences that 50% of all persons worshipping Sunday mornings in a North American Wesleyan church are part of a congregation numbering 122 or more.

Sunday A.M. Average Attendance Thousands

u.s. &Canada

60

50 40 30 20

Areas C North Central Northeast

10

o

1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991

EmSouthem Westem

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See note ,t end of report.

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SEVENTH GENERAL CONFERENCE

F.

Sunday P.M. Attendance:

1991 - 65,805 (a loss of 4,793)

G.

Sunday School: 1991 - 108,847 (a loss of 7,691) The good news is that FY-91 statistics evidence the skid in Sunday school attendance has bottomed out. The FY-91 average represents an increase of 517 over the FY-90 reports.

Average Sunday School Attendance Thousands

u.s. & Canada

o~===========~

1984 1965 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 Comp«laon by arM

s.. note at end of report. H.

uthern EmNortheastern

.Western

Contributions: The Wesleyan Church in North America, during FY-91, received in contributions for all purposes through the local churches $110,450,918. An additional $1,982,045 came to the local churches through deferred gifts. This equates to an average of $1,031 per full member or, perhaps more appropriately, to an average of $960 per total member. This is an increase of $179 per full member in four years.

1 1

THE WESLEYAN CHURCH

TOTAL CONTRIBUTION INCOME u.s. & CANADA Millions $115 $1O(l

$R5 $70

$'i'i

$/0

fill 707172 7.174 7.~ 76 77 7X 7ISIWRSEMENTS HV LOCAL CIIlIKCHIl~''''''''

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Assets vs Funds Available

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73 75 77 79 81 83 85 87 89 91

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Asset Mix 31-Dec-91

Total Benefits Paid 7.20%

, - - - - , - - - - - - - - - - - - - - "2,000,000 $1,728,203 - . .

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Money Market/Cash

1,000,000

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500,000

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THE WESLEYAN CHURCH

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THE WESLEYAN CHURCH CORPORATION COMPARATIVE BALANCE SHEET August 31, 1987

August 31, 1991

A.SSm Cash and Temporary Investments: Demand deposits and office cash funds Investments and cenificales of deposit Savings deposits with Wesleyan Investment Foundation. Inc.

Accounts and Notes Receivable: Accounts receivable Employee and other notes receivable Allowance for doubtful accounts Inventories

$842.299 1,732.972 U94.041 3.769.312

$490.633 1.920.995 1.926.040 4,337.668

1,060.653 617.167 1,677.820 (368.000)

1.963,787 151.935 2.115.722 09.000)

875,997

643,307

Property Plant and Equipment:

Land and improvements Buildings Equipment Less accumulated depreciation

Other Assets:

Church properties

Investments and deposits Prepaid expenses

19,074 216.672 2.400,458 2.636.204 0.375.776) 1.260,428

19,074 235.779 3.151.665 3,406.518 (2.016.676) 1,389,842

94,440 19.969 114,409

427,317 57.776 105,032 590.125

$7.329.966

$9.057.664

$673,316

$798.518 352.581 354.907 141,297

IIABU,UTES AND fl1ND BALANCES

Liabilities: Accounts payable Accrued payroll benefits Notes and mongages payable Annuities payable Deferred revenue Funds held for fields Fund Balances: Unresbicled: Undesignated Designated Net investment in propeny and equipment Temporarily resbicted Permanently resbicted

205,700 52,302

68.26.5

931,318

436,244 2.151,812

2.051.379 911.511 1,260,428 2.042.724 132,606 6.398,648

1.392,399 1.622.451 1.462.252 2.159,200 269.550 6.905.852

$7.329.966

$9.057.664