The discipline as the instrument for setting forth the laws, plan, polity, and process by which united methodists govern themselves remains constant. Light and life is a registered trademark of the free methodist church usa. Declaration of unionthe evangelical united brethren church and the methodist church have been united into one church. From the preamble to the constitution of the united methodist church. Our most recent book of discipline, our denominations website, and superintendents can. Visit the website of the fmcusa for more information. However, some portions of the general book of discipline are not subject to adaptation. Free methodists live out their faith on nearly every continent and the movement has doubled in the past six years to over 1 million strong. The book of discipline 2016 free edition the northwest. Cokesbury, the retail arm of the united methodist publishing house, sells several versions of the discipline, including an online subscription. Foundational documents, including the doctrinal statements and the social principles, are found in the what we believe section.
The general book of discipline expresses that unity. The center for pastoral formation formally the department of ministerial development and credentialing. However, there are additional changes to the 2016 discipline. It is published every four years following general conference, which passes legislation that is included in the book of discipline. The book of discipline of the united methodist church the book of discipline of the united methodist church an online version of the book of discipline and the book of resolutions, 2016 are offered on the cokesbury web site for free. The book of discipline presents the history, theological roots, and contemporary global mission of the free methodist church usa. We are a worldwide denomination united by doctrine, discipline, and mission through our connectional covenant.
Each central conference may make changes and adaptations to the general book of discipline to more fruitfully accomplish our mission in various contexts. The book of discipline presents the history, theological roots, and. Sep 06, 2012 the 2011 book of discipline is now available. This book of covenant sets forth the theological grounding of the united methodist church in biblical faith, and affirms that we go forward as loyal heirs to all that is best in the christian past. The 2019 book of discipline is the historical, theological and missiological document of the free methodist church usa, containing our articles of religion, the christian journey, and organizational structure and guidance. Were excited to bring our denominations official statement of doctrine and governance to you in a more affordable and flexible format with our ebook version. Some of the forms are such that they can be filled out and submitted electronically if this is the case, electronic is indicated next to the selection. A complete library of documents and templates for local churches. High school rd indianapolis, in 46214 tollfree 800 3425531 local 317 2443660. The new text of each paragraph or subparagraph is printed below. For the first time, were offering the book of discipline in. The book of discipline of the united methodist church is the product of over two hundred years of the general conferences of the denominations that now form the united methodist church. Free methodist legal resources free methodist church legal. The basic unit of reference is the paragraph, not the page, chapter or section.
Purpose the church council shall provide for planning and implementing a program of nurture, outreach, witness, and resources in the local church. Following are paragraphs from the book of discipline of the united methodist church 2008 pertaining to membership. Book of discipline addendum and errata december 2019. The book of discipline of the united methodist church. The book of discipline 2016 free edition cokesbury has now made available a free online edition of the book of discipline, 2016 edition, limited to view and search capabilities. Leadership the free methodist way global ministries find a church affiliate with the fmcusa doctrine and theology resources other ministries. The book of discipline constitutes the law and doctrine of the united methodist church. Q and a around the status of the new disaffiliation. Addendum to the book of discipline of the united methodist church, 2016 the action of the 2019 general conference affected the following portions of the book of discipline. Bylaws template free methodist church legal resources. This 2015 book of discipline presents the history, theological roots, and global contemporary mission of the free methodist church usa f mcusa. The decision to perform the ceremony shall be the right and responsibility of the pastor. It follows similar works for its predecessor denominations. To bring wholeness to the world through healthy biblical communities of holy people multiplying disciples, leaders, groups and churches.
The book of discipline, which has been described as a covenant or set of laws for the denomination, outlines a shared way of life for united methodists. Bishop matthew whitehead study commission on doctrine. The general book of discipline reflects our wesleyan way of serving christ through doctrine and disciplined christian life. It was originally published in 1784, in the methodist episcopal church, and has been published every four years thereafter following the meeting of the general conference, which passes legislation that is included in the book of discipline. Our intention is not to limit discussion but to elevate it by assuring that gods love and respect is always expressed. Book of discipline 2019 read online or purchase affiliation. Disaffiliation of local churches over issues related to human sexuality. Free online editions of both the book of discipline and the book of resolutions are available from cokesbury. This material is for use in training dcoms and boms. Book of discipline update for on ordained ministry and of. Our foundational doctrine baltimorewashington conference umc. Within the discipline is a set of foundational documents, or doctrinal standards, that give us direction and enables us to stand together as disciples of jesus christ. A letter to our united methodist friends genesis conference.
Matt whitehead was elected as one of the three fmcusa bishops at free methodist general conference in orlando, florida in july 2019. A word about comment moderation this online conversation is provided by the study commission on doctrine scod of the free methodist church usa fmcusa. From the book of discipline of the united methodist church 2016. Finance the united methodist church book of discipline. The product of over 200 years of general conferences of the denominations that form the united methodist church, the discipline is the current statement of how united methodists agree to live together. It makes clear that the united methodist church is an inclusive society without regard to ethnic origin, economic condition, gender, age, or. Local churches and other united methodist agencies and institutions may acquire, hold, maintain, improve, and sell property for purposes consistent with the mission of the church, unless restricted or prevented by the discipline. Free methodist church usa love god love god love people. Fmcchurchbylawstemplate free methodist church legal. In july of 2015 the fmcusa celebrated its 37th general conference in orlando. It shall also provide for the administration of its organization and temporal life. Study commission on doctrine free methodist church usa.
The book editor, the secretary of the general conference, the publisher of the united methodist church, and the committee on correlation and editorial revision shall be charged with editing the book of discipline. For the previous 20 years, bishop matt served as the superintendent of the pacific northwest conference headquartered in seattle, washington. On sunday, january 8, many united methodist congregations will read and hear the gospel account of jesus baptism by john. Information for churches or leaders seeking to affiliate with the fmcusa legal documents and templates for local churches. The 2019 book of discipline of the free methodist church usa thank you for taking the time to read the 2019 book of discipline of the free methodist church usa. Senior pastor job description free methodist church legal. Fmcusa trust clause must be included in all free methodist church prop erty deed s buying real estate for your church brochure.
Print and pdf copies of the book may be purchased through our online bookstore at. Below are some commonlyused forms that human resources offers online for your convenience. It is the ecclesiastical and organizational manual of the church. This new paragraph became effective at the close of the 2019 general conference. At no cost, you may view an online version of the 2016 book of discipline andor book of resolutions 2016. Update for district committees on ordained ministry and boards of ordained ministry note. The fmcusa is one of the few denominations in america that sees continual growth, with a fullthrottled belief that god desires us to bring the whole gospel for the whole person to the whole world. This 2015 book of discipline presents the history, theological roots, and global contemporary mission of the free methodist church usa fmcusa. Ministerial and lay delegates from the annual conferences of the. The editors, in the exercise of their judgment, shall have the authority to make changes in wording as may be necessary to. The book of discipline of the united methodist chu cokesbury.
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