Manual Church Of The Nazarene 2005-2009 manual2005-2009 Church...
MANUAL
CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE
2005-2009
MANUAL/2005-2009
CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE
●
HISTORY
CONSTITUTION
GOVERNMENT
RITUAL
●
NAZARENE PUBLISHING HOUSE
Kansas City, Missouri, U.S.A.
Copyright 2005
by Nazarene Publishing House
Published by the authority of
the Twenty-sixth General Assembly
held in Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S.A.
June 26-30, 2005
Editing Committee
DEAN G. BLEVINS
CURTIS LEWIS JR.
FRANK M. MOORE
R. DOUGLAS SAMPLES
JACK STONE
ISBN 083-412-2529 (Cloth)
ISBN 083-412-2537 (Kivar)
ISBN 083-412-2545 (Leather Cover)
Printed in the United States of America
All scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® (NIV®).
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by the International Bible Society. Used by permission of
Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved.
CHURCH CONSTITUTION
AND THE COVENANT OF
CHRISTIAN CONDUCT
(1-99 Series)
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
(100 Series)
DISTRICT GOVERNMENT
(200 Series)
GENERAL GOVERNMENT
(300 Series)
HIGHER EDUCATION
(380 Series)
MINISTRY AND CHRISTIAN SERVICE
(400 Series)
JUDICIAL ADMINISTRATION
(500 Series)
RITUAL
(800 Series)
AUXILIARY CONSTITUTIONS
(800 Series)
FORMS
(800 Series)
APPENDIX
(900 Series)
To use the thumb index, fan the pages
with your right hand until mark
appears opposite the chapter head.
FOREWORD
“The mission of the Church of the Nazarene is to respond
to the Great Commission of Christ to ‘go and make disciples
of all nations’” (Matthew 28:19). “The primary objective of
the Church of the Nazarene is to advance God’s kingdom by
the preservation and propagation of Christian holiness as
set forth in the Scriptures.”
“The critical objectives of the Church of the Nazarene are
‘holy Christian fellowship, the conversion of sinners, the entire
sanctification of believers, their upbuilding in holiness,
and the simplicity and spiritual power manifest in the primitive
New Testament Church, together with the preaching of
the gospel to every creature.’” (25)
The Church of the Nazarene exists to serve as an instrument
for advancing the kingdom of God through the preaching
and teaching of the gospel throughout the world. Our
well-defined commission is to preserve and propagate Christian
holiness as set forth in the Scriptures, through the conversion
of sinners, the reclamation of backsliders, and the
entire sanctification of believers.
Our objective is a spiritual one, namely, to evangelize as a
response to the Great Commission of our Lord to “go and
make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19; cf. John
20:21; Mark 16:15). We believe that this aim can be realized
through agreed-upon policies and procedures, including doctrinal
tenets of faith and time-tested standards of morality
and lifestyle.
This 2005-2009 edition of the Manual includes a brief historical
statement of the church; the church Constitution,
which defines our Articles of Faith, our understanding of the
church, the Covenant of Christian Character for holy living,
and principles of organization and government; the Covenant
of Christian Conduct, which address key issues of contemporary
society; and policies of church government dealing with
the local, district, and general church organization.
The General Assembly is the supreme doctrine-formulating
and lawmaking body of the Church of the Nazarene.
7
This Manual contains the decisions and judgments of ministerial
and lay delegates of the Twenty-sixth General Assembly,
which met in Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S.A., June 26-30,
2005, and is therefore authoritative as a guide for action.
Because it is the official statement of the faith and practice
of the church and is consistent with the teachings of the
Scriptures, we expect our people everywhere to accept the
tenets of doctrine and the guides and helps to holy living
contained in it. To fail to do so, after formally taking the
membership vows of the Church of the Nazarene, injures
the witness of the church, violates her conscience, and dissipates
the fellowship of the people called Nazarenes.
The government of the Church of the Nazarene is distinctive.
In polity it is representative—neither purely episcopal
nor wholly congregational. Because the laity and the ministry
have equal authority in the deliberative and lawmaking
units of the church, there is a desirable and effective balance
of power. We see this not only as an opportunity for
participation and service in the church but also as an obligation
on the part of both laity and ministry.
Commitment and clear purpose are important. But an intelligent
and informed people following commonly agreedupon
practices and procedures advance the Kingdom faster
and enhance their witness for Christ. Therefore, it is incumbent
upon our members to acquaint themselves with this
Manual—the history of the church and the doctrines and
ethical practices of the ideal Nazarene. Adherence to the injunctions
of these pages will nurture loyalty and faithfulness
both to God and the church and will increase the effectiveness
and efficiency of our spiritual efforts.
With the Bible as our supreme Guide, illuminated by the
Holy Spirit, and the Manual as our official agreed-upon
statement of faith, practice, and polity, we look forward to
the new quadrennium with joy and unswerving faith in Jesus
Christ.
The Board of General Superintendents
JAMES H. DIEHL JESSE C. MIDDENDORF
PAUL G. CUNNINGHAM NINA G. GUNTER
JERRY D. PORTER J.K.WARRICK
8 FOREWORD
CONTENTS
Foreword 7
PART I
Historical Statement 16
PART II
CHURCH CONSTITUTION
Preamble 30
Articles of Faith 30
The Church 39
Articles of Organization and Government 42
Amendments 45
PART III
THE COVENANT OF CHRISTIAN CONDUCT
A. The Christian Life 48
B. Marriage and Divorce and/or Dissolution of Marriage 52
C. Sanctity of Human Life 54
D. Human Sexuality 57
E. Christian Stewardship 58
F. Church Officers 60
G. Rules of Order 60
H. Amending the Covenant of Christian Conduct 60
PART IV
GOVERNMENT
Preamble 62
I. THE LOCAL CHURCH 63
A. Organization, Name, Incorporation, Property,
Restrictions, Mergers, Disorganization 63
B. Membership 68
C. Evangelism and Church Membership
Committee 70
D. Change of Membership 71
E. Termination of Membership 71
F. Church Meetings 72
G. The Church Year 75
H. Calling of a Pastor 75
I. The Church/Pastor Relationship 78
J. Reviewing the Church/Pastor Relationship 79
K. The Church Board 82
L. The Stewards 88
M. The Trustees 89
N. The Sunday School Ministries Board 90
O. Nazarene Youth International/NYI Council 95
P. Nazarene Childcare/Schools 97
Q. The Local Nazarene Missions International 97
R. Prohibition of Financial Appeals 98
S. Use of the Church Name 99
T. Church-sponsored Corporation 99
U. Associates in the Local Church 100
II. THE DISTRICT ASSEMBLY 102
A. Bounds and Name 102
B. Membership and Time of Meeting 107
C. Business of the District Assembly 108
D. The District Assembly Journal 114
E. The District Superintendent 114
F. The District Secretary 120
G. The District Treasurer 121
H. The District Advisory Board 121
I. The District Ministerial Credentials Board 125
J. The District Ministerial Studies Board 127
K. The District Evangelism Board or Director of
Evangelism 129
L. The District Church Properties Board 130
M. The District Assembly Finance Committee 131
N. The District Chaplaincy Director 131
O. The District Sunday School Ministries Board 131
P. The District Nazarene Youth International 134
Q. The District Nazarene Missions International 135
R. District Paid Assistants 136
S. Disorganization of a District 136
III. THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY 138
A. Functions and Organization 138
B. Membership of the General Assembly 138
C. The Time and Place of Meeting 140
D. Special Sessions 140
E. General Assembly Arrangements Committee 141
F. Business of the General Assembly 141
G. The General Superintendents 143
H. General Superintendents Emeriti and Retired 145
I. The Board of General Superintendents 145
J. The General Secretary 148
K. The General Treasurer 150
L. The General Board 151
M. General Church-related Boards 159
N. The Christian Action Committee 161
O. Committee on the Interests of the God-Called
Evangelist 162
P. International Course of Study Advisory
Committee 162
Q. The Global Nazarene Youth International 163
R. The General Council of the General Nazarene
Missions International 164
S. National Boards 165
T. The Region 166
IV. HIGHER EDUCATION 170
A. Church and College/University 170
B. International Higher Education Council 171
C. International Board of Education 172
D. Education Commissioner 173
PART V
MINISTRY AND CHRISTIAN SERVICE
I. CALL AND QUALIFICATIONS OF THE MINISTER 176
II. CATEGORIES AND ROLES OF MINISTRY 179
A. The Lay Minister 179
B. Ministry of the Clergy 180
C. The Administrator 181
D. The Chaplain 181
E. The Deaconess 182
F. The Educator 182
G. The Evangelist 182
H. The Minister of Christian Education 184
I. The Minister of Music 184
J. The Missionary 185
K. The Pastor 185
L. The Song Evangelist 189
M. Special Service 189
III. EDUCATION FOR MINISTERS 191
A. For Ministers 191
B. General Guidelines for Preparation for
Christian Ministry 195
IV. CREDENTIALS AND MINISTERIAL REGULATIONS 196
A. The Local Minister 196
B. The Licensed Minister 197
C. The Deacon 201
D. The Elder 202
E. The Recognition of Credentials 204
F. The Retired Minister 204
G. The Transfer of Ministers 205
H. General Regulations 206
I. The Resignation or Removal from the Ministry 212
J. The Restoration of Members of the Clergy to
Church Membership and Good Standing 214
PART VI
JUDICIAL ADMINISTRATION
I. INVESTIGATION OF POSSIBLE WRONGFUL CONDUCT
AND CHURCH DISCIPLINE 220
II. RESPONSE TO POSSIBLE MISCONDUCT 220
III. RESPONSE TO MISCONDUCT BY A PERSON IN A
POSITION OF TRUST OR AUTHORITY 221
IV. CONTESTED DISCIPLINE OF A LAYPERSON 223
V. CONTESTED DISCIPLINE OF A MEMBER
OF THE CLERGY 224
VI. RULES OF PROCEDURE 228
VII. DISTRICT COURT OF APPEALS 228
VIII. GENERAL COURT OF APPEALS 229
IX. REGIONAL COURT OF APPEALS 229
X. GUARANTY OF RIGHTS 230
PART VII
RITUAL
I. THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM 234
A. The Baptism of Believers 234
B. The Baptism of Infants or Young Children 236
C. The Dedication of Infants or Young Children 238
D. The Dedication of Infants or Young Children
(for single parent or guardian) 240
II. THE RECEPTION OF CHURCH MEMBERS 242
III. THE SACRAMENT OF THE LORD’S SUPPER 248
IV. MATRIMONY 251
V. THE FUNERAL SERVICE 255
VI. INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS 260
VII. CHURCH DEDICATIONS 264
PART VIII
AUXILIARY CONSTITUTIONS
I. CHARTER FOR NAZARENE YOUTH INTERNATIONAL 268
II. CONSTITUTION FOR NAZARENE
MISSIONS INTERNATIONAL 312
III. BYLAWS OF THE SUNDAY SCHOOL 333
PART IX
FORMS
I. THE LOCAL CHURCH 348
II. THE DISTRICT ASSEMBLY 352
III. BILLS OF CHARGES 352
PART X
APPENDIX
I. GENERAL OFFICERS 354
II. ADMINISTRATIVE BOARDS, COUNCILS, AND
EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS 355
III. ADMINISTRATIVE POLICIES 362
IV. CURRENT MORAL AND SOCIAL ISSUES 367
Special Revision Index 374
Index of Vacant Paragraphs 377
Manual Index 378
PART I
Historical Statement
HISTORICAL STATEMENT
Historic Christianity
and the Wesleyan-Holiness Heritage
One Holy Faith. The Church of the Nazarene, from its beginnings,
has confessed itself to be a branch of the “one, holy,
universal, and apostolic” church and has sought to be faithful
to it. It confesses as its own the history of the people of
God recorded in the Old and New Testaments, and that
same history as it has extended from the days of the apostles
to our own. As its own people, it embraces the people of
God through the ages, those redeemed through Jesus Christ
in whatever expression of the one church they may be found.
It receives the ecumenical creeds of the first five Christian
centuries as expressions of its own faith. While the Church
of the Nazarene has responded to its special calling to proclaim
the doctrine and experience of entire sanctification, it
has taken care to retain and nurture identification with the
historic church in its preaching of the Word, its administration
of the sacraments, its concern to raise up and maintain
a ministry that is truly apostolic in faith and practice, and
its inculcating of disciplines for Christlike living and service
to others.
The Wesleyan Revival. This Christian faith has been mediated
to Nazarenes through historical religious currents and
particularly through the Wesleyan revival of the 18th century.
In the 1730s the broader Evangelical Revival arose in
Britain, directed chiefly by John Wesley, his brother Charles,
and George Whitefield, clergymen in the Church of England.
Through their instrumentality, many other men and women
turned from sin and were empowered for the service of God.
This movement was characterized by lay preaching, testimony,
discipline, and circles of earnest disciples known as “societies,”
“classes,” and “bands.” As a movement of spiritual life,
16 HISTORICAL STATEMENT
its antecedents included German Pietism, typified by Philip
Jacob Spener; 17th-century English Puritanism; and a spiritual
awakening in New England described by the pastortheologian
Jonathan Edwards.
The Wesleyan phase of the great revival was characterized
by three theological landmarks: regeneration by grace
through faith; Christian perfection, or sanctification, likewise
by grace through faith; and the witness of the Spirit to
the assurance of grace. Among John Wesley’s distinctive contributions
was an emphasis on entire sanctification in this
life as God’s gracious provision for the Christian. British
Methodism’s early missionary enterprises began disseminating
these theological emphases worldwide. In North
America, the Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in
1784. Its stated purpose was “to reform the Continent, and
to spread scriptural Holiness over these Lands.”
The Holiness Movement of the 19th Century. In the 19th
century a renewed emphasis on Christian holiness began in
the Eastern United States and spread throughout the nation.
Timothy Merritt, Methodist clergyman and founding
editor of the Guide to Christian Perfection, was among the
leaders of the holiness revival. The central figure of the
movement was Phoebe Palmer of New York City, leader of
the Tuesday Meeting for the Promotion of Holiness, at which
Methodist bishops, educators, and other clergy joined the
original group of women in seeking holiness. During four
decades, Mrs. Palmer promoted the Methodist phase of the
holiness movement through public speaking, writing, and as
editor of the influential Guide to Holiness.
The holiness revival spilled outside the bounds of Methodism.
Charles G. Finney and Asa Mahan, both of Oberlin College,
led the renewed emphasis on holiness in Presbyterian
and Congregationalist circles, as did revivalist William
Boardman. Baptist evangelist A. B. Earle was among the
leaders of the holiness movement within his denomination.
Hannah Whitall Smith, a Quaker and popular holiness revivalist,
published The Christian’s Secret of a Happy Life
(1875), a classic text in Christian spirituality.
In 1867 Methodist ministers John A. Wood, John Inskip,
HISTORICAL STATEMENT 17
and others began at Vineland, New Jersey, the first of a long
series of national camp meetings. They also organized at
that time the National Camp Meeting Association for the
Promotion of Holiness, commonly known as the National
Holiness Association (now the Christian Holiness Partnership).
Until the early years of the 20th century, this organization
sponsored holiness camp meetings throughout the
United States. Local and regional holiness associations also
appeared, and a vital holiness press published many periodicals
and books.
The witness to Christian holiness played roles of varying
significance in the founding of the Wesleyan Methodist
Church (1843), the Free Methodist Church (1860), and, in
England, the Salvation Army (1865). In the 1880s new distinctively
holiness churches sprang into existence, including
the Church of God (Anderson, Indiana) and the Church of
God (Holiness). Several older religious traditions were also
influenced by the holiness movement, including certain
groups of Mennonites, Brethren, and Friends that adopted
the Wesleyan-holiness view of entire sanctification. The
Brethren in Christ Church and the Evangelical Friends Alliance
are examples of this blending of spiritual traditions.
Uniting of Holiness Groups
In the 1890s a new wave of independent holiness entities
came into being. These included independent churches, urban
missions, rescue homes, and missionary and evangelistic
associations. Some of the people involved in these organizations
yearned for union into a national holiness church.
Out of that impulse the present-day Church of the Nazarene
was born.
The Association of Pentecostal Churches of America. On
July 21, 1887, the People’s Evangelical Church was organized
with 51 members at Providence, Rhode Island, with
Fred A. Hillery as pastor. The following year the Mission
Church at Lynn, Massachusetts, was organized with C.
Howard Davis as pastor. On March 13 and 14, 1890, representatives
from these and other independent holiness con-
18 HISTORICAL STATEMENT
gregations met at Rock, Massachusetts, and organized the
Central Evangelical Holiness Association with churches in
Rhode Island, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts. In 1892,
the Central Evangelical Holiness Association ordained Anna
S. Hanscombe, believed to be the first of many women ordained
to the Christian ministry in the parent bodies of the
Church of the Nazarene.
In January 1894, businessman William Howard Hoople
founded a Brooklyn mission, reorganized the following May
as Utica Avenue Pentecostal Tabernacle. By the end of the
following year, Bedford Avenue Pentecostal Church and Emmanuel
Pentecostal Tabernacle were also organized. In December
1895, delegates from these three congregations
adopted a constitution, a summary of doctrines, and bylaws,
forming the Association of Pentecostal Churches of America.
On November 12, 1896, a joint committee of the Central
Evangelical Holiness Association and the Association of Pentecostal
Churches of America met in Brooklyn and framed a
plan of union, retaining the name of the latter for the united
body. Prominent workers in this denomination were Hiram
F. Reynolds, H. B. Hosley, C. Howard Davis,William Howard
Hoople, and, later, E. E. Angell. Some of these were originally
lay preachers who were later ordained as ministers by
their congregations. This church was decidedly missionary,
and under the leadership of Hiram F. Reynolds, missionary
secretary, embarked upon an ambitious program of Christian
witness to the Cape Verde Islands, India, and other
places. The Beulah Christian was published as its official
paper.
The Holiness Church of Christ. In July 1894, R. L. Harris
organized the New Testament Church of Christ at Milan,
Tennessee, shortly before his death. Mary Lee Cagle, widow
of R. L. Harris, continued the work and became its most
prominent early leader. This church, strictly congregational
in polity, spread throughout Arkansas and western Texas,
with scattered congregations in Alabama and Missouri.
Mary Cagle and a coworker, Mrs. E. J. Sheeks, were ordained
in 1899 in the first class of ordinands.
Beginning in 1888, a handful of congregations bearing
HISTORICAL STATEMENT 19
the name The Holiness Church were organized in Texas by
ministers Thomas and Dennis Rogers, who came from California.
In 1901 the first congregation of the Independent Holiness
Church was formed at Van Alstyne, Texas, by Charles
B. Jernigan. At an early date, James B. Chapman affiliated
with this denomination, which prospered and grew rapidly.
In time, the congregations led by Dennis Rogers affiliated
with the Independent Holiness Church.
In November 1904, representatives of the New Testament
Church of Christ and the Independent Holiness Church met
at Rising Star, Texas, where they agreed upon principles of
union, adopted a Manual, and chose the name Holiness
Church of Christ. This union was finalized the following
year at a delegated general council held at Pilot Point,
Texas. The Holiness Evangel was the church’s official paper.
Its other leading ministers included William E. Fisher, J. D.
Scott, and J. T. Upchurch. Among its key lay leaders were
Edwin H. Sheeks, R. B. Mitchum, and Mrs. Donie Mitchum.
Several leaders of this church were active in the Holiness
Association of Texas, a vital interdenominational body that
sponsored a college at Peniel, near Greenville, Texas. The
association also sponsored the Pentecostal Advocate, the
Southwest’s leading holiness paper, which became a Nazarene
organ in 1910. E. C. DeJernett, a minister, and C. A.
McConnell, a layman, were prominent workers in this organization.
The Church of the Nazarene. In October 1895, Phineas F.
Bresee, D.D., and Joseph P. Widney, M.D., with about 100
others, including Alice P. Baldwin, Leslie F. Gay, W. S. and
Lucy P. Knott, C. E. McKee, and members of the Bresee and
Widney families, organized the Church of the Nazarene at
Los Angeles. At the outset they saw this church as the first
of a denomination that preached the reality of entire sanctification
received through faith in Christ. They held that
Christians sanctified by faith should follow Christ’s example
and preach the Gospel to the poor. They felt called especially
to this work. They believed that unnecessary elegance and
adornment of houses of worship did not represent the spirit
20 HISTORICAL STATEMENT
of Christ but the spirit of the world, and that their expenditures
of time and money should be given to Christlike ministries
for the salvation of souls and the relief of the needy.
They organized the church accordingly. They adopted general
rules, a statement of belief, a polity based on a limited superintendency,
procedures for the consecration of deaconesses
and the ordination of elders, and a ritual. These were
published as a Manual beginning in 1898. They published a
paper known as The Nazarene and then The Nazarene Messenger.
The Church of the Nazarene spread chiefly along the
West Coast, with scattered congregations east of the Rocky
Mountains as far as Illinois.
Among the ministers who cast their lot with the new
church were H. D. Brown, W. E. Shepard, C. W. Ruth, L. B.
Kent, Isaiah Reid, J. B. Creighton, C. E. Cornell, Robert
Pierce, and W. C. Wilson. Among the first to be ordained by
the new church were Joseph P. Widney himself, Elsie and
DeLance Wallace, Lucy P. Knott, and E. A. Girvin.
Phineas F. Bresee’s 38 years’ experience as a pastor,
superintendent, editor, college board member, and camp
meeting preacher in Methodism, and his unique personal
magnetism, entered into the ecclesiastical statesmanship
that he brought to the merging of the several holiness
churches into a national body.
The Year of Uniting: 1907-1908. The Association of Pentecostal
Churches of America, the Church of the Nazarene,
and the Holiness Church of Christ were brought into association
with one another by C. W. Ruth, assistant general
superintendent of the Church of the Nazarene, who had extensive
friendships throughout the Wesleyan-holiness movement.
Delegates of the Association of Pentecostal Churches
of America and the Church of the Nazarene convened in
general assembly at Chicago, from October 10 to 17, 1907.
The merging groups agreed upon a church government that
balanced the need for a superintendency with the independence
of local congregations. Superintendents were to foster
and care for churches already established and were to organize
and encourage the organizing of churches everywhere,
but their authority was not to interfere with the indepen-
HISTORICAL STATEMENT 21
dent actions of a fully organized church. Further, the General
Assembly adopted a name for the united body drawn from
both organizations: The Pentecostal Church of the Nazarene.
Phineas F. Bresee and Hiram F. Reynolds were elected
general superintendents. A delegation of observers from the
Holiness Church of Christ was present and participated in
the assembly work.
During the following year, two other accessions occurred.
In April 1908 P. F. Bresee organized a congregation of the
Pentecostal Church of the Nazarene at Peniel, Texas, which
brought into the church leading figures in the Holiness Association
of Texas and paved the way for other members to
join. In September, the Pennsylvania Conference of the Holiness
Christian Church, after receiving a release from its
General Conference, dissolved itself and under the leadership
of H. G. Trumbaur united with the Pentecostal Church
of the Nazarene.
The second General Assembly of the Pentecostal Church
of the Nazarene met in a joint session with the General
Council of the Holiness Church of Christ from October 8 to
14, 1908, at Pilot Point, Texas. The year of uniting ended on
Tuesday morning, October 13, when R. B. Mitchum moved
and C. W. Ruth seconded the proposition: “That the union of
the two churches be now consummated.” Several spoke favorably
on the motion. Phineas Bresee had exerted continual
effort toward this proposed outcome. At 10:40 A.M., amid
great enthusiasm, the motion to unite was adopted by a
unanimous rising vote.
Denominational Change of Name. The General Assembly
of 1919, in response to memorials from 35 district assemblies,
officially changed the name of the organization to
Church of the Nazarene because of new meanings that had
become associated with the term “Pentecostal.”
Later Accessions
After 1908 various other bodies united with the Church of
the Nazarene:
The Pentecostal Mission. In 1898 J. O. McClurkan, a Cum-
22 HISTORICAL STATEMENT
berland Presbyterian evangelist, led in forming the Pentecostal
Alliance at Nashville, which brought together holiness
people from Tennessee and adjacent states. This body was
very missionary in spirit and sent pastors and teachers to
Cuba, Guatemala, Mexico, and India. McClurkan died in
1914. The next year his group, known then as the Pentecostal
Mission, united with the Pentecostal Church of the
Nazarene.
Pentecostal Church of Scotland. In 1906 George Sharpe, of
Parkhead Congregational Church, Glasgow, was evicted
from his pulpit for preaching the Wesleyan doctrine of
Christian holiness. Eighty members who left with him immediately
formed Parkhead Pentecostal Church. Other congregations
were organized, and in 1909 the Pentecostal
Church of Scotland was formed. That body united with the
Pentecostal Church of the Nazarene in November 1915.
Laymen’s Holiness Association. The Laymen’s Holiness Association
was formed under S. A. Danford in 1917 at Jamestown,
North Dakota, to serve the cause of Wesleyan-holiness revivalism
in the Dakotas, Minnesota, and Montana. This
group published a paper, The Holiness Layman. J. G. Morrison
was elected president in 1919 and led an organization
with over 25 other evangelists and workers. In 1922 Morrison,
together with most of the workers and more than 1,000
of the members, united with the Church of the Nazarene.
Hephzibah Faith Missionary Association. This missionary
body, centered in Tabor, Iowa, organized in 1893 by Elder
George Weavers, subsequently sent over 80 workers to more
than a half dozen countries. Around 1950 the work at Tabor,
the South African mission, and other parts of the organization
united with the Church of the Nazarene.
International Holiness Mission. David Thomas, businessman
and lay preacher, founded The Holiness Mission in London
in 1907. Extensive missionary work developed in southern
Africa under the leadership of David Jones, and the
church was renamed the International Holiness Mission in
1917. It united with the Church of the Nazarene on October
29, 1952, with 28 churches and more than 1,000 constituents
HISTORICAL STATEMENT 23
in England under the superintendency of J. B. Maclagan,
and work led by 36 missionaries in Africa.
Calvary Holiness Church. In 1934 Maynard James and
Jack Ford, who had led itinerant evangelism (or “trekking”)
in the International Holiness Mission, formed the Calvary
Holiness Church. On June 11, 1955, union took place with
the Church of the Nazarene, bringing about 22 churches and
more than 600 members into the denomination. The accession
of the International Holiness Mission and the Calvary
Holiness Church came about largely through the vision and
efforts of Nazarene District Superintendent George Frame.
Gospel Workers Church of Canada. Organized by Frank
Goff in Ontario in 1918, this church arose from an earlier
group called the Holiness Workers. It united with the
Church of the Nazarene on September 7, 1958, adding five
churches and about 200 members to the Canada Central
District.
Church of the Nazarene (Nigeria). In the 1940s a Wesleyan-
holiness church was organized in Nigeria under indigenous
leadership. It adopted the name Church of the
Nazarene, deriving its doctrinal beliefs and name in part
from a Manual of the International Church of the Nazarene.
Under the leadership of Jeremiah U. Ekaidem, it united
with the latter on April 3, 1988. A new district with 39
churches and 6,500 members was created.
Toward a Global Church
The Church of the Nazarene had an international dimension
from its beginning. By the uniting assembly of 1908,
Nazarenes served and witnessed not only in North America
but also as missionaries in Mexico, the Cape Verde Islands, India,
Japan, and South Africa—living testimony to the impact
of the 19th-century missions movement upon the religious
bodies that formed the present-day Church of the Nazarene.
Expansion into new areas of the world began in Asia in
1898 by the Association of Pentecostal Churches of America.
The Pentecostal Mission was at work in Central America by
24 HISTORICAL STATEMENT
1900, in the Caribbean by 1902, and in South America by
1909. In Africa, Nazarenes active there in 1907 were recognized
as denominational missionaries at a later date.
Subsequent extension into the Australia-South Pacific
area began in 1945 and into continental Europe in 1948. In
these instances, the Church of the Nazarene entered by
identifying with local ministers who already preached and
taught the Wesleyan-holiness message: A. A. E. Berg of Australia
and Alfredo del Rosso of Italy.
In developing a global ministry, the Church of the Nazarene
has depended historically on the energies of national workers
who have shared with missionaries the tasks of preaching
and teaching the word of grace. In 1918 a missionary in
India noted that his national associates included three
preachers, four teachers, three colporteurs, and five Bible
women. By 1936 the ratio of national workers to missionaries
throughout the worldwide Church of the Nazarene was
greater than five to one.
The world areas where the church has entered reached a
total of 150 by 2005. Thousands of ministers and lay workers
have indigenized the Church of the Nazarene in their respective
cultures, thereby contributing to the mosaic of national
identities that form our international communion.
Distinctives of International Ministry. Historically, Nazarene
global ministry has centered around evangelism, compassionate
ministry, and education. The evangelistic impulse
was exemplified in the lives of H. F. Schmelzenbach, L. S.
Tracy, Esther Carson Winans, Samuel Krikorian, and others
whose names symbolize this dimension of ministry. Around
the world, Nazarene churches and districts continue to reflect
a revivalistic and evangelistic character.
The international roots of Nazarene compassionate ministry
lie in early support for famine relief and orphanage
work in India. This impulse was strengthened by the Nazarene
Medical Missionary Union, organized in the early 1920s
to build Bresee Memorial Hospital in Tamingfu, China. An extensive
medical work has developed in Swaziland, and other
compassionate ministries have developed around the world.
Education is an aspect of world ministry exemplified early
HISTORICAL STATEMENT 25
by Hope School for Girls, founded in Calcutta by Mrs.
Sukhoda Banarji in 1905 and adopted the following year by
the Church of the Nazarene. Outside North America,
Nazarenes have established schools for primary education
and for specialized ministerial training. There are graduate
seminaries in Costa Rica, the Philippines and the United
States; liberal arts institutions in Africa, Canada, Korea,
and the United States; one junior college in Japan; one education
college in Africa; three nursing schools in Africa, India
and Papua New Guinea; and thirty-seven Bible/theological
institutions around the world.
The church has prospered as these components of its mission
have developed. In 2005 the Church of the Nazarene
had an international membership of 1,496,296, distributed
in over 13,600 congregations.
As a result of this historical development, the denomination
is poised today with an unfinished agenda of moving
from “international presence” to an “international community”
of faith. Recognition of this fact led the 1976 General Assembly
to authorize a Commission on Internationalization,
whose report to the 1980 General Assembly led to the creation
of a system of world-region areas. The number and
boundaries of the original world regions have since changed.
The current ones are: the Africa Region, the Asia-Pacific Region,
the Canada Region, the Caribbean Region, the Eurasia
Region, the Mexico and Central America Region, the South
America Region, and eight regions in the United States.*
26 HISTORICAL STATEMENT
*A more complete history of the Church of the Nazarene may be found in
Timothy L. Smith, Called unto Holiness, Vol. 1: The Formative Years (1962);
W. T. Purkiser, Called unto Holiness, Vol. 2: The Second 25 Years (1983); and
J. Fred Parker, Mission to the World (1988).
CHURCH GOVERNMENT FLOW CHART
(with detail)
International Church of the Nazarene Constitution & Articles of Government – Manual Paragraphs 28-32
(elects pastor and local church board;
manages local church finances;
has charge of all other matters
pertaining to its local life and work)
(Advisory, Ministerial Credentials,
Ministerial Studies; other district
boards and officers)
(elected by district assembly
to give leadership in spiritual,
financial, and pastoral matters)
(annually delegates from local churches
meet to ordain ministers, elect district
superintendent, officers and boards;
disciplines ministers)
(elected by General Assembly
to administer international
church ministries; preside over
General Board and district
assemblies; give leadership
to the mission objectives)
(corporate board elected by
General Assembly delegates
for policy and fiduciary
matters of international
church ministries in the
interim of General Assembly)
QUADRENNIAL GENERAL ASSEMBLY
Doctrinal & Legislative Authority
Delegates from Districts Worldwide
DISTRICT BOARDS
corporate
GENERAL GOVERNMENT
Paragraphs 300s
DISTRICT GOVERNMENT
Paragraphs 200s
GENERAL BOARD
Paragraph 334
GENERAL
SUPERINTENDENTS
(6)
DISTRICT ASSEMBLY
Paragraphs 30, 200
DISTRICT
SUPERINTENDENT
Paragraphs 28.1, 208.2
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Paragraphs 28.2, 29 & 100s
LOCAL CHURCH
PART II
Church Constitution
ARTICLES OF FAITH
THE CHURCH
ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION AND
GOVERNMENT
AMENDMENTS
PREAMBLE
In order that we may preserve our God-given heritage, the
faith once delivered to the saints, especially the doctrine and
experience of entire sanctification as a second work of grace,
and also that we may cooperate effectually with other
branches of the Church of Jesus Christ in advancing God’s
kingdom, we, the ministers and lay members of the Church
of the Nazarene, in accordance with the principles of constitutional
legislation established among us, do hereby ordain,
adopt, and set forth as the fundamental law or Constitution
of the Church of the Nazarene the Articles of Faith, the
Covenant of Christian Character, and the Articles of Organization
and Government here following, to wit:
ARTICLES OF FAITH
I. The Triune God
1. We believe in one eternally existent, infinite God, Sovereign
of the universe; that He only is God, creative and administrative,
holy in nature, attributes, and purpose; that
He, as God, is Triune in essential being, revealed as Father,
Son, and Holy Spirit.
(Genesis 1; Leviticus 19:2; Deuteronomy 6:4-5; Isaiah 5:16; 6:1-7; 40:18-
31; Matthew 3:16-17; 28:19-20; John 14:6-27; 1 Corinthians 8:6;
2 Corinthians 13:14; Galatians 4:4-6; Ephesians 2:13-18)1
II. Jesus Christ
2. We believe in Jesus Christ, the Second Person of the
Triune Godhead; that He was eternally one with the Father;
that He became incarnate by the Holy Spirit and was born
of the Virgin Mary, so that two whole and perfect natures,
30 CHURCH CONSTITUTION
1. Scripture references are supportive of the Articles of Faith and were
placed here by action of the 1976 General Assembly but are not to be considered
as part of the Constitutional text.
that is to say the Godhead and manhood, are thus united in
one Person very God and very man, the God-man.
We believe that Jesus Christ died for our sins, and that
He truly arose from the dead and took again His body, together
with all things appertaining to the perfection of
man’s nature, wherewith He ascended into heaven and is
there engaged in intercession for us.
(Matthew 1:20-25; 16:15-16; Luke 1:26-35; John 1:1-18; Acts 2:22-36; Romans
8:3, 32-34; Galatians 4:4-5; Philippians 2:5-11; Colossians 1:12-22;
1 Timothy 6:14-16; Hebrews 1:1-5; 7:22-28; 9:24-28; 1 John 1:1-3; 4:2-3,
15)
III. The Holy Spirit
3. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Third Person of the
Triune Godhead, that He is ever present and efficiently active
in and with the Church of Christ, convincing the world
of sin, regenerating those who repent and believe, sanctifying
believers, and guiding into all truth as it is in Jesus.
(John 7:39; 14:15-18, 26; 16:7-15; Acts 2:33; 15:8-9; Romans 8:1-27; Galatians
3:1-14; 4:6; Ephesians 3:14-21; 1 Thessalonians 4:7-8; 2 Thessalonians
2:13; 1 Peter 1:2; 1 John 3:24; 4:13)
IV. The Holy Scriptures
4. We believe in the plenary inspiration of the Holy Scriptures,
by which we understand the 66 books of the Old and
New Testaments, given by divine inspiration, inerrantly revealing
the will of God concerning us in all things necessary
to our salvation, so that whatever is not contained therein is
not to be enjoined as an article of faith.
(Luke 24:44-47; John 10:35; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; 2 Timothy 3:15-17;
1 Peter 1:10-12; 2 Peter 1:20-21)
V. Sin, Original and Personal
5. We believe that sin came into the world through the
disobedience of our first parents, and death by sin. We believe
that sin is of two kinds: original sin or depravity, and
actual or personal sin.
5.1. We believe that original sin, or depravity, is that corruption
of the nature of all the offspring of Adam by reason
of which everyone is very far gone from original righteous-
CHURCH CONSTITUTION 31
ness or the pure state of our first parents at the time of
their creation, is averse to God, is without spiritual life, and
inclined to evil, and that continually.We further believe that
original sin continues to exist with the new life of the regenerate,
until the heart is fully cleansed by the baptism with
the Holy Spirit.
5.2. We believe that original sin differs from actual sin in
that it constitutes an inherited propensity to actual sin for
which no one is accountable until its divinely provided remedy
is neglected or rejected.
5.3. We believe that actual or personal sin is a voluntary
violation of a known law of God by a morally responsible
person. It is therefore not to be confused with involuntary
and inescapable shortcomings, infirmities, faults, mistakes,
failures, or other deviations from a standard of perfect conduct
that are the residual effects of the Fall. However, such
innocent effects do not include attitudes or responses contrary
to the spirit of Christ, which may properly be called
sins of the spirit. We believe that personal sin is primarily
and essentially a violation of the law of love; and that in relation
to Christ sin may be defined as unbelief.
(Original sin: Genesis 3; 6:5; Job 15:14; Psalm 51:5; Jeremiah 17:9-10;
Mark 7:21-23; Romans 1:18-25; 5:12-14; 7:1—8:9; 1 Corinthians 3:1-4;
Galatians 5:16-25; 1 John 1:7-8
Personal sin: Matthew 22:36-40 {with 1 John 3:4}; John 8:34-36; 16:8-9;
Romans 3:23; 6:15-23; 8:18-24; 14:23; 1 John 1:9—2:4; 3:7-10)
VI. Atonement
6. We believe that Jesus Christ, by His sufferings, by the
shedding of His own blood, and by His death on the Cross,
made a full atonement for all human sin, and that this
Atonement is the only ground of salvation, and that it is sufficient
for every individual of Adam’s race. The Atonement is
graciously efficacious for the salvation of the irresponsible
and for the children in innocency but is efficacious for the
salvation of those who reach the age of responsibility only
when they repent and believe.
(Isaiah 53:5-6, 11; Mark 10:45; Luke 24:46-48; John 1:29; 3:14-17; Acts
4:10-12; Romans 3:21-26; 4:17-25; 5:6-21; 1 Corinthians 6:20; 2 Corinthi-
32 CHURCH CONSTITUTION
ans 5:14-21; Galatians 1:3-4; 3:13-14; Colossians 1:19-23; 1 Timothy 2:3-
6; Titus 2:11-14; Hebrews 2:9; 9:11-14; 13:12; 1 Peter 1:18-21; 2:19-25;
1 John 2:1-2)
VII. Prevenient Grace
7. We believe that the human race’s creation in Godlikeness
included ability to choose between right and wrong,
and that thus human beings were made morally responsible;
that through the fall of Adam they became depraved so
that they cannot now turn and prepare themselves by their
own natural strength and works to faith and calling upon
God. But we also believe that the grace of God through Jesus
Christ is freely bestowed upon all people, enabling all
who will to turn from sin to righteousness, believe on Jesus
Christ for pardon and cleansing from sin, and follow good
works pleasing and acceptable in His sight.
We believe that all persons, though in the possession of
the experience of regeneration and entire sanctification,
may fall from grace and apostatize and, unless they repent
of their sins, be hopelessly and eternally lost.
(Godlikeness and moral responsibility: Genesis 1:26-27; 2:16-17; Deuteronomy
28:1-2; 30:19; Joshua 24:15; Psalm 8:3-5; Isaiah 1:8-10; Jeremiah
31:29-30; Ezekiel 18:1-4; Micah 6:8; Romans 1:19-20; 2:1-16; 14:7-12;
Galatians 6:7-8
Natural inability: Job 14:4; 15:14; Psalms 14:1-4; 51:5; John 3:6a; Romans
3:10-12; 5:12-14, 20a; 7:14-25
Free grace and works of faith: Ezekiel 18:25-26; John 1:12-13; 3:6b; Acts
5:31; Romans 5:6-8, 18; 6:15-16, 23; 10:6-8; 11:22; 1 Corinthians 2:9-14;
10:1-12; 2 Corinthians 5:18-19; Galatians 5:6; Ephesians 2:8-10; Philippians
2:12-13; Colossians 1:21-23; 2 Timothy 4:10a; Titus 2:11-14; Hebrews
2:1-3; 3:12-15; 6:4-6; 10:26-31; James 2:18-22; 2 Peter 1:10-11;
2:20-22)
VIII. Repentance
8. We believe that repentance, which is a sincere and thorough
change of the mind in regard to sin, involving a sense
of personal guilt and a voluntary turning away from sin, is
demanded of all who have by act or purpose become sinners
against God. The Spirit of God gives to all who will repent
the gracious help of penitence of heart and hope of mercy,
that they may believe unto pardon and spiritual life.
CHURCH CONSTITUTION 33
(2 Chronicles 7:14; Psalms 32:5-6; 51:1-17; Isaiah 55:6-7; Jeremiah 3:12-
14; Ezekiel 18:30-32; 33:14-16; Mark 1:14-15; Luke 3:1-14; 13:1-5; 18:9-
14; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 5:31; 17:30-31; 26:16-18; Romans 2:4; 2 Corinthians
7:8-11; 1 Thessalonians 1:9; 2 Peter 3:9)
IX. Justification, Regeneration, and Adoption
9. We believe that justification is the gracious and judicial
act of God by which He grants full pardon of all guilt and
complete release from the penalty of sins committed, and acceptance
as righteous, to all who believe on Jesus Christ and
receive Him as Lord and Savior.
10. We believe that regeneration, or the new birth, is that
gracious work of God whereby the moral nature of the repentant
believer is spiritually quickened and given a distinctively
spiritual life, capable of faith, love, and obedience.
11. We believe that adoption is that gracious act of God by
which the justified and regenerated believer is constituted a
son of God.
12. We believe that justification, regeneration, and adoption
are simultaneous in the experience of seekers after God
and are obtained upon the condition of faith, preceded by repentance;
and that to this work and state of grace the Holy
Spirit bears witness.
(Luke 18:14; John 1:12-13; 3:3-8; 5:24; Acts 13:39; Romans 1:17; 3:21-26,
28; 4:5-9, 17-25; 5:1, 16-19; 6:4; 7:6; 8:1, 15-17; 1 Corinthians 1:30; 6:11;
2 Corinthians 5:17-21; Galatians 2:16-21; 3:1-14, 26; 4:4-7; Ephesians
1:6-7; 2:1, 4-5; Philippians 3:3-9; Colossians 2:13; Titus 3:4-7; 1 Peter
1:23; 1 John 1:9; 3:1-2, 9; 4:7; 5:1, 9-13, 18)
X. Entire Sanctification
13. We believe that entire sanctification is that act of God,
subsequent to regeneration, by which believers are made
free from original sin, or depravity, and brought into a state
of entire devotement to God, and the holy obedience of love
made perfect.
It is wrought by the baptism with the Holy Spirit, and
comprehends in one experience the cleansing of the heart
from sin and the abiding, indwelling presence of the Holy
Spirit, empowering the believer for life and service.
Entire sanctification is provided by the blood of Jesus, is
34 CHURCH CONSTITUTION
wrought instantaneously by faith, preceded by entire consecration;
and to this work and state of grace the Holy Spirit
bears witness.
This experience is also known by various terms representing
its different phases, such as “Christian perfection,” “perfect
love,” “heart purity,” “the baptism with the Holy Spirit,”
“the fullness of the blessing,” and “Christian holiness.”
14. We believe that there is a marked distinction between
a pure heart and a mature character. The former is obtained
in an instant, the result of entire sanctification; the latter is
the result of growth in grace.
We believe that the grace of entire sanctification includes
the impulse to grow in grace. However, this impulse must be
consciously nurtured, and careful attention given to the requisites
and processes of spiritual development and improvement
in Christlikeness of character and personality.Without
such purposeful endeavor, one’s witness may be impaired
and the grace itself frustrated and ultimately lost.
(Jeremiah 31:31-34; Ezekiel 36:25-27; Malachi 3:2-3; Matthew 3:11-12;
Luke 3:16-17; John 7:37-39; 14:15-23; 17:6-20; Acts 1:5; 2:1-4; 15:8-9; Romans
6:11-13, 19; 8:1-4, 8-14; 12:1-2; 2 Corinthians 6:14—7:1; Galatians
2:20; 5:16-25; Ephesians 3:14-21; 5:17-18, 25-27; Philippians 3:10-15;
Colossians 3:1-17; 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24; Hebrews 4:9-11; 10:10-17;
12:1-2; 13:12; 1 John 1:7, 9)
(“Christian perfection,” “perfect love”: Deuteronomy 30:6; Matthew 5:43-
48; 22:37-40; Romans 12:9-21; 13:8-10; 1 Corinthians 13; Philippians
3:10-15; Hebrews 6:1; 1 John 4:17-18
“Heart purity”: Matthew 5:8; Acts 15:8-9; 1 Peter 1:22; 1 John 3:3
“Baptism with the Holy Spirit”: Jeremiah 31:31-34; Ezekiel 36:25-27;
Malachi 3:2-3; Matthew 3:11-12; Luke 3:16-17; Acts 1:5; 2:1-4; 15:8-9
“Fullness of the blessing”: Romans 15:29
“Christian holiness”: Matthew 5:1—7:29; John 15:1-11; Romans 12:1—
15:3; 2 Corinthians 7:1; Ephesians 4:17—5:20; Philippians 1:9-11; 3:12-
15; Colossians 2:20—3:17; 1 Thessalonians 3:13; 4:7-8; 5:23; 2 Timothy
2:19-22; Hebrews 10:19-25; 12:14; 13:20-21; 1 Peter 1:15-16; 2 Peter 1:1-
11; 3:18; Jude 20-21)
XI. The Church
15. We believe in the Church, the community that confesses
Jesus Christ as Lord, the covenant people of God made
CHURCH CONSTITUTION 35
new in Christ, the Body of Christ called together by the
Holy Spirit through the Word.
God calls the Church to express its life in the unity and
fellowship of the Spirit; in worship through the preaching of
the Word, observance of the sacraments, and ministry in His
name; by obedience to Christ and mutual accountability.
The mission of the Church in the world is to continue the
redemptive work of Christ in the power of the Spirit
through holy living, evangelism, discipleship, and service.
The Church is a historical reality, which organizes itself in
culturally conditioned forms; exists both as local congregations
and as a universal body; sets apart persons called of
God for specific ministries. God calls the Church to live under
His rule in anticipation of the consummation at the coming
of our Lord Jesus Christ.
(Exodus 19:3; Jeremiah 31:33; Matthew 8:11; 10:7; 16:13-19, 24; 18:15-
20; 28:19-20; John 17:14-26; 20:21-23; Acts 1:7-8; 2:32-47; 6:1-2; 13:1;
14:23; Romans 2:28-29; 4:16; 10:9-15; 11:13-32; 12:1-8; 15:1-3;
1 Corinthians 3:5-9; 7:17; 11:1, 17-33; 12:3, 12-31; 14:26-40; 2 Corinthians
5:11—6:1; Galatians 5:6, 13-14; 6:1-5, 15; Ephesians 4:1-17; 5:25-27;
Philippians 2:1-16; 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12; 1 Timothy 4:13; Hebrews
10:19-25; 1 Peter 1:1-2, 13; 2:4-12, 21; 4:1-2, 10-11; 1 John 4:17; Jude 24;
Revelation 5:9-10)
XII. Baptism
16. We believe that Christian baptism, commanded by our
Lord, is a sacrament signifying acceptance of the benefits of
the atonement of Jesus Christ, to be administered to believers
and declarative of their faith in Jesus Christ as their
Savior, and full purpose of obedience in holiness and righteousness.
Baptism being a symbol of the new covenant, young children
may be baptized, upon request of parents or guardians
who shall give assurance for them of necessary Christian
training.
Baptism may be administered by sprinkling, pouring, or
immersion, according to the choice of the applicant.
(Matthew 3:1-7; 28:16-20; Acts 2:37-41; 8:35-39; 10:44-48; 16:29-34; 19:1-
6; Romans 6:3-4; Galatians 3:26-28; Colossians 2:12; 1 Peter 3:18-22)
36 CHURCH CONSTITUTION
XIII. The Lord’s Supper
17. We believe that the Memorial and Communion Supper
instituted by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is essentially
a New Testament sacrament, declarative of His sacrificial
death, through the merits of which believers have life and
salvation and promise of all spiritual blessings in Christ. It
is distinctively for those who are prepared for reverent appreciation
of its significance, and by it they show forth the
Lord’s death till He come again. It being the Communion
feast, only those who have faith in Christ and love for the
saints should be called to participate therein.
(Exodus 12:1-14; Matthew 26:26-29; Mark 14:22-25; Luke 22:17-20;
John 6:28-58; 1 Corinthians 10:14-21; 11:23-32)
XIV. Divine Healing
18. We believe in the Bible doctrine of divine healing and
urge our people to seek to offer the prayer of faith for the
healing of the sick. We also believe God heals through the
means of medical science.
(2 Kings 5:1-19; Psalm 103:1-5; Matthew 4:23-24; 9:18-35; John 4:46-54;
Acts 5:12-16; 9:32-42; 14:8-15; 1 Corinthians 12:4-11; 2 Corinthians
12:7-10; James 5:13-16)
XV. Second Coming of Christ
19. We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ will come again;
that we who are alive at His coming shall not precede them
that are asleep in Christ Jesus; but that, if we are abiding in
Him, we shall be caught up with the risen saints to meet the
Lord in the air, so that we shall ever be with the Lord.
(Matthew 25:31-46; John 14:1-3; Acts 1:9-11; Philippians 3:20-21;
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Titus 2:11-14; Hebrews 9:26-28; 2 Peter 3:3-15;
Revelation 1:7-8; 22:7-20)
XVI. Resurrection, Judgment, and Destiny
20. We believe in the resurrection of the dead, that the
bodies both of the just and of the unjust shall be raised to
life and united with their spirits—“they that have done
good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done
evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.”
CHURCH CONSTITUTION 37
21. We believe in future judgment in which every person
shall appear before God to be judged according to his or her
deeds in this life.
22. We believe that glorious and everlasting life is assured
to all who savingly believe in, and obediently follow, Jesus
Christ our Lord; and that the finally impenitent shall suffer
eternally in hell.
(Genesis 18:25; 1 Samuel 2:10; Psalm 50:6; Isaiah 26:19; Daniel 12:2-3;
Matthew 25:31-46; Mark 9:43-48; Luke 16:19-31; 20:27-38; John 3:16-18;
5:25-29; 11:21-27; Acts 17:30-31; Romans 2:1-16; 14:7-12; 1 Corinthians
15:12-58; 2 Corinthians 5:10; 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10; Revelation 20:11-
15; 22:1-15)
38 CHURCH CONSTITUTION
THE CHURCH
I. The General Church
23. The Church of God is composed of all spiritually regenerate
persons, whose names are written in heaven.
II. The Churches Severally
24. The churches severally are to be composed of such regenerate
persons as by providential permission, and by the
leadings of the Holy Spirit, become associated together for
holy fellowship and ministries.
III. The Church of the Nazarene
25. The Church of the Nazarene is composed of those persons
who have voluntarily associated themselves together
according to the doctrines and polity of said church, and who
seek holy Christian fellowship, the conversion of sinners, the
entire sanctification of believers, their upbuilding in holiness,
and the simplicity and spiritual power manifest in the
primitive New Testament Church, together with the preaching
of the gospel to every creature.
IV. Agreed Statement of Belief
26. Recognizing that the right and privilege of persons to
church membership rest upon the fact of their being regenerate,
we would require only such avowals of belief as are
essential to Christian experience. We, therefore, deem belief
in the following brief statements to be sufficient.We believe:
26.1. In one God—the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
26.2. That the Old and New Testament Scriptures, given
by plenary inspiration, contain all truth necessary to faith
and Christian living.
26.3. That man is born with a fallen nature, and is, therefore,
inclined to evil, and that continually.
26.4. That the finally impenitent are hopelessly and eternally
lost.
CHURCH CONSTITUTION 39
26.5. That the atonement through Jesus Christ is for the
whole human race; and that whosoever repents and believes
on the Lord Jesus Christ is justified and regenerated and
saved from the dominion of sin.
26.6. That believers are to be sanctified wholly, subsequent
to regeneration, through faith in the Lord Jesus
Christ.
26.7. That the Holy Spirit bears witness to the new birth,
and also to the entire sanctification of believers.
26.8. That our Lord will return, the dead will be raised,
and the final judgment will take place.
V. The [General Rules] Covenant of Christian
Character2
27. To be identified with the visible Church is the blessed
privilege and sacred duty of all who are saved from their
sins and are seeking completeness in Christ Jesus. It is
required of all who desire to unite with the Church of the
Nazarene, and thus to walk in fellowship with us, that they
shall show evidence of salvation from their sins by a godly
walk and vital piety; and that they shall be, or earnestly desire
to be, cleansed from all indwelling sin. They shall evidence
their commitment to God—
27.1. FIRST. By doing that which is enjoined in the Word
of God, which is our rule of both faith and practice, including:
(1) Loving God with all the heart, soul, mind, and
strength, and one’s neighbor as oneself (Exodus 20:3-6;
Leviticus 19:17-18; Deuteronomy 5:7-10; 6:4-5; Mark
12:28-31; Romans 13:8-10).
(2) Pressing upon the attention of the unsaved the
claims of the gospel, inviting them to the house of the
Lord, and trying to compass their salvation (Matthew
28:19-20; Acts 1:8; Romans 1:14-16; 2 Corinthians 5:18-
20).
40 CHURCH CONSTITUTION
2. Constitutional changes adopted by the 2005 General Assembly are in
the process of ratification by the district assemblies at the time of printing.
Where changes are being made, words in italics are new words and words in
brackets [ ] are words being deleted.
(3) Being courteous to all men (Ephesians 4:32; Titus
3:2; 1 Peter 2:17; 1 John 3:18).
(4) Being helpful to those who are also of the faith, in
love forbearing one another (Romans 12:13; Galatians 6:2,
10; Colossians 3:12-14).
(5) Seeking to do good to the bodies and souls of men;
feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, visiting the sick
and imprisoned, and ministering to the needy, as opportunity
and ability are given (Matthew 25:35-36; 2 Corinthians
9:8-10; Galatians 2:10; James 2:15-16; 1 John 3:17-
18).
(6) Contributing to the support of the ministry and the
church and its work in tithes and offerings (Malachi 3:10;
Luke 6:38; 1 Corinthians 9:14; 16:2; 2 Corinthians 9:6-10;
Philippians 4:15-19).
(7) Attending faithfully all the ordinances of God, and
the means of grace, including the public worship of God
(Hebrews 10:25), the ministry of the Word (Acts 2:42), the
sacrament of the Lord’s Supper (1 Corinthians 11:23-30);
searching the Scriptures and meditating thereon (Acts
17:11; 2 Timothy 2:15; 3:14-16); family and private devotions
(Deuteronomy 6:6-7; Matthew 6:6).
27.2. SECOND. By avoiding evil of every kind, including:
(1) Taking the name of God in vain (Exodus 20:7; Leviticus
19:12; James 5:12).
(2) Profaning of the Lord’s Day by participation in unnecessary
secular activities, thereby indulging in practices
that deny its sanctity (Exodus 20:8-11; Isaiah 58:13-14;
Mark 2:27-28; Acts 20:7; Revelation 1:10).
(3) Sexual immorality, such as premarital or extramarital
relations, perversion in any form, or looseness and impropriety
of conduct (Exodus 20:14; Matthew 5:27-32;
1 Corinthians 6:9-11; Galatians 5:19; 1 Thessalonians 4:3-7).
(4) Habits or practices known to be destructive of physical
and mental well-being. Christians are to regard themselves
as temples of the Holy Spirit (Proverbs 20:1; 23:1-3;
1 Corinthians 6:17-20; 2 Corinthians 7:1; Ephesians 5:18).
(5) Quarreling, returning evil for evil, gossiping, slandering,
spreading surmises injurious to the good names of
CHURCH CONSTITUTION 41
others (2 Corinthians 12:20; Galatians 5:15; Ephesians
4:30-32; James 3:5-18; 1 Peter 3:9-10).
(6) Dishonesty, taking advantage in buying and selling,
bearing false witness, and like works of darkness (Leviticus
19:10-11; Romans 12:17; 1 Corinthians 6:7-10).
(7) The indulging of pride in dress or behavior. Our people
are to dress with the Christian simplicity and modesty
that become holiness (Proverbs 29:23; 1 Timothy 2:8-10;
James 4:6; 1 Peter 3:3-4; 1 John 2:15-17).
(8) Music, literature, and entertainments that dishonor
God (1 Corinthians 10:31; 2 Corinthians 6:14-17; James
4:4).
27.3. THIRD. By abiding in hearty fellowship with the
church, not inveighing against but wholly committed to its
doctrines and usages and actively involved in its continuing
witness and outreach (Ephesians 2:18-22; 4:1-3, 11-16;
Philippians 2:1-8; 1 Peter 2:9-10).
*
ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION
AND GOVERNMENT
Article I. Form of Government
28. The Church of the Nazarene has a representative form
of government.
28.1. We are agreed on the necessity of a superintendency
that shall complement and assist the local church in the fulfilling
of its mission and objectives. The superintendency
shall build morale, provide motivation, supply management
and method assistance, and organize and encourage organization
of new churches and missions everywhere.
28.2. We are agreed that authority given to superintendents
shall not interfere with the independent action of a fully
organized church. Each church shall enjoy the right to select
its own pastor, subject to such approval as the General
Assembly shall find wise to institute. Each church shall also
elect delegates to the various assemblies, manage its own finances,
and have charge of all other matters pertaining to
its local life and work.
42 CHURCH CONSTITUTION
Article II. Local Churches
29. The membership of a local church shall consist of all
who have been organized as a church by those authorized so
to do and who have been publicly received by those having
proper authority, after having declared their experience of
salvation, their belief in our doctrines, and their willingness
to submit to our government. (100-107)
Article III. District Assemblies
30. The General Assembly shall organize the membership
of the church into district assemblies, giving such lay and
ministerial representation therein as the General Assembly
may deem fair and just, and shall determine qualifications
of such representatives, provided, however, that all assigned
ordained ministers shall be members thereof. The General
Assembly shall also fix the boundaries of assembly districts,
and define the powers and duties of district assemblies.
(200-5.6)
Article IV. The General Assembly
31.1. How Composed. The General Assembly shall be
composed of ministerial and lay delegates in equal numbers,
elected thereto by district assemblies of the Church of the
Nazarene; such ex-officio members as the General Assembly
shall from time to time direct; and such delegates of districts
under the administration of the World Mission and
USACanada MissionEvangelism committees of the Church
of the Nazarene as may be provided for by the General Assembly.
31.2. Election of Delegates. At a district assembly within
16 months of the meeting of the General Assembly or
within 24 months in areas where travel visas or other unusual
preparations are necessary, an equal number of ministerial
and lay delegates to the General Assembly shall be
chosen as may be provided by the General Assembly, and
provided that the ministerial delegates shall be assigned ordained
ministers of the Church of the Nazarene. Each Phase
3 assembly district shall be entitled to at least one ministe-
CHURCH CONSTITUTION 43
rial and one lay delegate, and such additional delegates as
its membership may warrant on the basis of representation
fixed by the General Assembly. Each assembly district shall
elect alternate delegates not exceeding the number of its
delegates. (203.23, 301-1.1)
31.3. Credentials. The secretary of each district assembly
shall furnish certificates of election to the delegates and
alternates severally elected to the General Assembly, and
shall also send certificates of such elections to the general
secretary of the Church of the Nazarene immediately following
the adjournment of the district assembly.
31.4. Quorum. When the General Assembly is in session,
a majority of the whole number of delegates elected thereto
shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. If
a quorum has once been had, a smaller number may approve
the minutes then remaining unapproved, and adjourn.
31.5. General Superintendents. The General Assembly
shall elect by ballot from among the elders of the Church of
the Nazarene as many general superintendents as it may
deem necessary, who shall constitute the Board of General
Superintendents. Any vacancy in the office of general superintendent
in the interim of General Assemblies shall be
filled by a two-thirds vote of the General Board of the
Church of the Nazarene. (305.2, 316)
31.6. Presiding Officers. A general superintendent appointed
thereto by the Board of General Superintendents
shall preside over the daily meetings of the General Assembly.
But if no general superintendent be so appointed or be
present, the General Assembly shall elect one of its members
as temporary presiding officer. (300.1)
31.7. Rules of Order. The General Assembly shall adopt
rules of order governing its manner of organization, procedure,
committees, and all other matters pertaining to the orderly
conduct of its business. It shall be the judge of the
election and qualifications of its own members. (300.2-0.3)
31.8. General Court of Appeals. The General Assembly
shall elect from among members of the Church of the Nazarene
a General Court of Appeals and shall define its jurisdiction
and powers. (305.7)
44 CHURCH CONSTITUTION
31.9. Powers and Restrictions.
(1) The General Assembly shall have power to legislate for
the Church of the Nazarene, and to make rules and regulations
for all the departments related to or associated with it
in any respect, but not in conflict with this Constitution.
(300, 305-5.9)
(2) No local church shall be deprived of the right to call its
pastor, subject to such approval as the General Assembly
shall find wise to institute. (115)
(3) All local churches, officers, ministers, and laypersons
shall always have the right to a fair and orderly trial and
the right to make an appeal.
AMENDMENTS
32. The provisions of this Constitution may be repealed or
amended when concurred in by a two-thirds vote of [all the
members of] the General Assembly members present and
voting, and when concurred in by not less than two-thirds of
all the Phase 3 and Phase 2 district assemblies of the
Church of the Nazarene. Either the General Assembly or any
Phase 3 or Phase 2 district assembly may take the initiative
in the matter of proposing such [alterations or] amendments.
As soon as such [alterations or] amendments shall have been
adopted as herein provided, the result of the vote shall be announced
by the Board of General Superintendents, whereupon
such [alterations or] amendments shall have full force
and effect.3
CHURCH CONSTITUTION 45
3. Constitutional changes adopted by the 2005 General Assembly are in
the process of ratification by the district assemblies at the time of printing.
Where changes are being made, words in italics are new words and words in
brackets [ ] are words being deleted.
PART III
The Covenant of
Christian Conduct
THE CHRISTIAN LIFE
MARRIAGE AND DIVORCE AND/OR
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE
SANCTITY OF HUMAN LIFE
HUMAN SEXUALITY
CHRISTIAN STEWARDSHIP
CHURCH OFFICERS
RULES OF ORDER
AMENDING THE COVENANT
OF CHRISTIAN CONDUCT
A. The Christian Life
33. The church joyfully proclaims the good news that we
may be delivered from all sin to a new life in Christ. By the
grace of God we Christians are “to put off the old self”—the
old patterns of conduct as well as the old carnal mind—and
are to “put on the new self”—a new and holy way of life as
well as the mind of Christ. (Ephesians 4:17-24)
33.1. The Church of the Nazarene purposes to relate timeless
biblical principles to contemporary society in such a
way that the doctrines and covenants of the church may be
known and understood in many lands and within a variety
of cultures. We hold that the Ten Commandments, as reaffirmed
in the New Testament, constitute the basic Christian
ethic and ought to be obeyed in all particulars.
33.2. It is further recognized that there is validity in the
concept of the collective Christian conscience as illuminated
and guided by the Holy Spirit. The Church of the Nazarene,
as an international expression of the Body of Christ, acknowledges
its responsibility to seek ways to particularize
the Christian life so as to lead to a holiness ethic. The historic
ethical standards of the church are expressed in part in
the following items. They should be followed carefully and
conscientiously as guides and helps to holy living. Those
who violate the conscience of the church do so at their own
peril and to the hurt of the witness of the church. Culturally
conditioned adaptations shall be referred to and approved
by the Board of General Superintendents.
33.3. In listing practices to be avoided we recognize that
no catalog, however inclusive, can hope to encompass all
forms of evil throughout the world. Therefore it is imperative
that our people earnestly seek the aid of the Spirit in
cultivating a sensitivity to evil that transcends the mere letter
of the law; remembering the admonition: “Test everything.
Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil.” (1 Thessalonians
5:21-22)
48 THE COVENANT OF CHRISTIAN CONDUCT
33.4. Our leaders and pastors are expected to give strong
emphasis in our periodicals and from our pulpits to such
fundamental biblical truths as will develop the faculty of
discrimination between the evil and the good.
33.5. Education is of the utmost importance for the social
and spiritual well-being of society. Public schools have a
mandate to educate all. They are limited, however, as to their
scope and, in fact, are prohibited by court rulings from teaching
the basic tenets of Christianity. Nazarene educational organizations
and institutions, such as Sunday Schools, schools
(birth through secondary), child care centers, adult care centers,
colleges, and seminaries, are expected to teach children,
youth, and adults biblical principles and ethical standards in
such a way that our doctrines may be known. This practice
may be instead of or in addition to public schools, which often
teach secular humanism and fall short of teaching principles
of holy living. The education from public sources should be
complemented by holiness teaching in the home. Christians
should also be encouraged to work in and with public institutions
to witness to and influence these institutions for God’s
kingdom. (Matthew 5:13-14)
34.We hold specifically that the following practices should
be avoided:
34.1. Entertainments that are subversive of the
Christian ethic. Our people, both as Christian individuals
and in Christian family units, should govern themselves by
three principles. One is the Christian stewardship of leisure
time. A second principle is the recognition of the Christian
obligation to apply the highest moral standards of Christian
living. Because we are living in a day of great moral confusion
in which we face the potential encroachment of the
evils of the day into the sacred precincts of our homes
through various avenues such as current literature, radio,
television, personal computers, and the Internet, it is essential
that the most rigid safeguards be observed to keep our
homes from becoming secularized and worldly. However, we
hold that entertainment that endorses and encourages holy
living and affirms scriptural values should be affirmed and
encouraged. We especially encourage our young people to
THE COVENANT OF CHRISTIAN CONDUCT 49
use their gifts in media and the arts to influence positively
this pervasive part of culture. The third principle is the obligation
to witness against whatever trivializes or blasphemes
God, as well as such social evils as violence, sensuality,
pornography, profanity, and the occult, as portrayed by and
through the commercial entertainment industry in its many
forms and to endeavor to bring about the demise of enterprises
known to be the purveyors of this kind of entertainment.
This would include the avoidance of all types of entertainment
ventures and media productions that produce,
promote, or feature the violent, the sensual, the pornographic,
the profane, or the occultic, or which feature or glamorize
the world’s philosophy of secularism, sensualism, and materialism
and undermine God’s standard of holiness of heart
and life.
This necessitates the teaching and preaching of these
moral standards of Christian living, and that our people be
taught to use prayerful discernment in continually choosing
the “high road” of holy living. We therefore call upon our
leaders and pastors to give strong emphasis in our periodicals
and from our pulpits to such fundamental truths as will
develop the principle of discrimination between the evil and
good to be found in these media.
We suggest that the standard given to John Wesley by his
mother, namely, “whatever weakens your reason, impairs
the tenderness of your conscience, obscures your sense of
God, or takes off the relish of spiritual things, whatever increases
the authority of your body over mind, that thing for
you is sin,” form the basis for this teaching of discrimination.
(33.2-33.4, 903.12-3.14)
(Romans 14:7-13; 1 Corinthians 10:31-33; Ephesians 5:1-18; Philippians
4:8-9; 1 Peter 1:13-17; 2 Peter 1:3-11)
34.2. Lotteries and other forms of gambling, whether legal
or illegal. The church holds that the final result of these
practices is detrimental both to the individual and society.
(Matthew 6:24-34; 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13; 1 Timothy 6:6-11; Hebrews
13:5-6; 1 John 2:15-17)
34.3. Membership in oath-bound secret orders or societies.
The quasi-religious nature of such organizations dilutes the
50 THE COVENANT OF CHRISTIAN CONDUCT
Christian’s commitment, and their secrecy contravenes the
Christian’s open witness.
(1 Corinthians 1:26-31; 2 Corinthians 6:14—7:1; Ephesians 5:11-16;
James 4:4; 1 John 2:15-17)
34.4. All forms of dancing that detract from spiritual
growth and break down proper moral inhibitions and reserve.
(Matthew 22:36-39; Romans 12:1-2; 1 Corinthians 10:31-33; Philippians
1:9-11; Colossians 3:1-17)
34.5. The use of intoxicating liquors as a beverage, or trafficking
therein; giving influence to, or voting for, the licensing
of places for the sale of the same; using illicit drugs or
trafficking therein; using of tobacco in any of its forms, or
trafficking therein.
In light of the Holy Scriptures and human experience concerning
the ruinous consequences of the use of alcohol as a
beverage, and in light of the findings of medical science regarding
the detrimental effect of both alcohol and tobacco to
the body and mind, as a community of faith committed to
the pursuit of a holy life, our position and practice is abstinence
rather than moderation. Holy Scripture teaches that
our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit.With loving regard
for ourselves and others, we call our people to total abstinence
from all intoxicants.
Furthermore, our Christian social responsibility calls us
to use any legitimate and legal means to minimize the availability
of both beverage alcohol and tobacco to others. The
widespread incidence of alcohol abuse in our world demands
that we embody a position that stands as a witness to others.
(903.12-3.14)
(Proverbs 20:1; 23:29—24:2; Hosea 4:10-11; Habakkuk 2:5; Romans
13:8; 14:15-21; 15:1-2; 1 Corinthians 3:16-17; 6:9-12, 19-20; 10:31-33;
Galatians 5:13-14, 21; Ephesians 5:18)
(Only unfermented wine should be used in the sacrament
of the Lord’s Supper.) (413.11, 427.7, 428.2, 429.1, 802)
34.6. The unprescribed use of hallucinogenics, stimulants,
and depressants, and the misuse and abuse of regularly prescribed
medicines. Only on competent medical advice and
under medical supervision should such drugs be used.
THE COVENANT OF CHRISTIAN CONDUCT 51
(Matthew 22:37-39; 27:34; Romans 12:1-2; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; 9:24-
27)
B. Marriage and Divorce and/or
Dissolution of Marriage1
35. The Christian family, knit together in a common bond
through Jesus Christ, is a circle of love, fellowship, and worship
to be earnestly cultivated in a society in which family
ties are easily dissolved.We urge upon the ministry and congregations
of our church such teachings and practices as
will strengthen and develop family ties. In particular, we
urge upon the ministry the importance of teaching and
preaching clearly the biblical plan of the permanence of
marriage.
The institution of marriage was ordained by God in the
time of man’s innocence, and is, according to apostolic authority,
“honourable in all;” it is the mutual union of one
man and one woman for fellowship, helpfulness, and the
propagation of the race. Our people should cherish this sacred
estate as becomes Christians, and should enter it only
after earnest prayer for divine direction, and when assured
that the contemplated union is in accordance with scriptural
requirements.
They should seek earnestly the blessings that God has ordained
in connection with the wedded state, namely, holy
companionship, parenthood, and mutual love—the elements
of home building. The marriage covenant is morally binding
so long as both shall live, and breaking of it is a breach of
the divine plan of the permanence of marriage.
(Genesis 1:26-28, 31; 2:21-24; Malachi 2:13-16; Matthew 19:3-9; John
2:1-11; Ephesians 5:21—6:4; 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8; Hebrews 13:4)
35.1. In biblical teaching, marriage is the commitment of
male and female to each other for life, reflecting Christ’s
sacrificial love for the Church. As such, marriage is intended
to be permanent, and divorce an infraction of the clear
teaching of Christ. Such infractions, however, are not beyond
52 THE COVENANT OF CHRISTIAN CONDUCT
1. The meaning of divorce in this rule shall include “dissolution of marriage”
when it is used as a legal substitute for divorce.
the forgiving grace of God when this is sought with repentance,
faith and humility. It is recognized that some have divorce
thrust upon them against their will or are compelled
to resort to it for legal or physical protection.
(Genesis 2:21-24; Mark 10:2-12; Luke 7:36-50, 16:18; John 7:53—8:11;
1 Corinthians 6:9-11; 7:10-16; Ephesians 5:25-33)
35.2. Ministers of the Church of the Nazarene are instructed
to give due care to matters relating to solemnizing
marriages. They shall seek, in every manner possible, to convey
to their congregations the sacredness of Christian marriage.
They shall provide premarital counseling in every instance
possible before performing a marriage ceremony
including proper spiritual guidance for those who have experienced
divorce. They shall only solemnize marriages of persons
having the biblical basis for marriage. (107-7.1)
35.3. Members of the Church of the Nazarene are to seek
prayerfully a redemptive course of action when involved in
marital unhappiness, in full harmony with their vows and
the clear teachings of the Scripture, their aim being to save
the home and safeguard the good name of both Christ and
His Church. Couples having serious marital problems are
urged to seek counsel and guidance of their pastor and/or
any other appropriate spiritual leaders. Failure to comply
with this procedure in good faith and with sincere endeavor
to seek a Christian solution, and subsequent obtainment of
divorce and remarriage, makes one or both parties subject to
possible discipline as prescribed in 504-4.2 and 505-5.12.
35.4. Through ignorance, sin, and human frailties, many in
our society fall short of the divine plan. We believe that
Christ can redeem these persons even as He did the woman
at Samaria’s well, and that sin against God’s design for marriage
does not place one beyond the forgiving grace of the
gospel. Where a marriage has been dissolved and remarriage
has followed, the marriage partners are enjoined to seek the
grace of God and His redemptive help in their marriage relation.
Such persons may be received into the membership of
the church at such time as they have given evidence of their
regeneration and an awareness of their understanding of the
sanctity of Christian marriage. (27, 107.1)
THE COVENANT OF CHRISTIAN CONDUCT 53
C. Sanctity of Human Life
36. The Church of the Nazarene believes in the sanctity of
human life and strives to protect against abortion, embryonic
stem cell research, euthanasia, and the withholding of
reasonable medical care to handicapped or elderly.
Induced Abortion. The Church of the Nazarene affirms
the sanctity of human life as established by God the Creator
and believes that such sanctity extends to the child not yet
born. Life is a gift from God. All human life, including life
developing in the womb, is created by God in His image and
is, therefore, to be nurtured, supported, and protected. From
the moment of conception, a child is a human being with all
of the developing characteristics of human life, and this life
is dependent on the mother for its continued development.
Therefore, we believe that human life must be respected and
protected from the moment of conception. We oppose induced
abortion by any means, when used for either personal
convenience or population control. We oppose laws that allow
abortion. Realizing that there are rare, but real medical
conditions wherein the mother or the unborn child, or both,
could not survive the pregnancy, termination of the pregnancy
should only be made after sound medical and Christian
counseling.
Responsible opposition to abortion requires our commitment
to the initiation and support of programs designed to
provide care for mothers and children. The crisis of an unwanted
pregnancy calls for the community of believers (represented
only by those for whom knowledge of the crisis is
appropriate) to provide a context of love, prayer, and counsel.
In such instances, support can take the form of counseling
centers, homes for expectant mothers, and the creation
or utilization of Christian adoption services.
The Church of the Nazarene recognizes that consideration
of abortion as a means of ending an unwanted pregnancy often
occurs because Christian standards of sexual responsibility
have been ignored. Therefore the church calls for persons
to practice the ethic of the New Testament as it bears
upon human sexuality and to deal with the issue of abortion
54 THE COVENANT OF CHRISTIAN CONDUCT
by placing it within the larger framework of biblical principles
that provide guidance for moral decision making.
(Genesis 2:7, 9:6; Exodus 20:13; 21:12-16, 22-25; Leviticus 18:21; Job
31:15; Psalms 22:9; 139:3-16; Isaiah 44:2, 24; 49:5; Jeremiah 1:5; Luke
1:15, 23-25, 36-45; Acts 17:25; Romans 12:1-2; 1 Corinthians 6:16; 7:1ff.;
1 Thessalonians 4:3-6)
The Church of the Nazarene also recognizes that many have
been affected by the tragedy of abortion. Each local congregation
and individual believer is urged to offer the message of
forgiveness by God for each person who has experienced abortion.
Our local congregations are to be communities of redemption
and hope to all who suffer physical, emotional, and spiritual
pain as a result of the willful termination of a pregnancy.
(Romans 3:22-24; Galatians 6:1)
Genetic Engineering and Gene Therapy. The Church
of the Nazarene supports the use of genetic engineering to
achieve gene therapy. We recognize that gene therapy can
lead to preventing and curing disease, and preventing and
curing anatomical and mental disorders. We oppose any use
of genetic engineering that promotes social injustice, disregards
the dignity of persons, or that attempts to achieve
racial, intellectual, or social superiority over others (Eugenics).
We oppose initiation of DNA studies whose results
might encourage or support human abortion as an alternative
to term live birth. In all cases, humility, a respect for the
inviolable dignity of human life, human equality before God,
and a commitment to mercy and justice should govern genetic
engineering and gene therapy.
(Micah 6:8)
Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research and Other
Medical/Scientific Endeavors that Destroy Human Life
after Conception. The Church of the Nazarene strongly
encourages the scientific community to aggressively pursue
advances in stem cell technology obtained from sources such
as adult human tissues, placenta, umbilical cord blood, animal
sources, and other nonhuman embryonic sources. This
has the righteous end of attempting to bring healing to
many, without violating the sanctity of human life. Our
stand on human embryonic stem cell research flows from
THE COVENANT OF CHRISTIAN CONDUCT 55
our affirmation that the human embryo is a person made in
the image of God. Therefore, we oppose the use of stem cells
produced from human embryos for research, therapeutic interventions,
or any other purpose.
As future scientific advances make new technologies
available, we strongly support this research when it does
not violate the sanctity of human life or other moral, biblical
laws. However, we oppose the destruction of human embryos
for any purpose and any type of research that takes the life
of a human after conception. Consistent with this view, we
oppose the use, for any purpose, of tissue derived from
aborted human fetuses.
Human Cloning. We oppose the cloning of an individual
human being. Humankind is valued by God, who created us
in His image, and the cloning of an individual human being
treats that being as an object, thus denying the personal
dignity and worth bestowed on us by our Creator.
(Genesis 1:27)
Euthanasia (Including Physician Assisted Suicide).
We believe that euthanasia (intentionally ending the life of a
terminally ill person, or one who has a debilitating and incurable
disease that is not immediately life-threatening, for
the purpose of ending suffering) is incompatible with the
Christian faith. This applies when euthanasia is requested
or consented to by the terminally ill person (voluntary euthanasia)
and when the terminally ill person is not mentally
competent to give consent (involuntary euthanasia). We believe
that the historic rejection of euthanasia by the Christian
church is confirmed by Christian convictions that derive
from the Bible and that are central to the Church’s confession
of faith in Jesus Christ as Lord. Euthanasia violates
Christian confidence in God as the sovereign Lord of life by
claiming sovereignty for oneself; it violates our role as stewards
before God; it contributes to an erosion of the value the
Bible places on human life and community; it attaches too
much importance to the cessation of suffering; and it reflects
a human arrogance before a graciously sovereign God. We
urge our people to oppose all efforts to legalize euthanasia.
Allowing to Die. When human death is imminent, we
56 THE COVENANT OF CHRISTIAN CONDUCT
believe that either withdrawing or not originating artificial
life-support systems is permissible within the range of
Christian faith and practice. This position applies to persons
who are in a persistent vegetative state and to those for
whom the application of extraordinary means for prolonging
life provide no reasonable hope for a return to health.We believe
that when death is imminent, nothing in the Christian
faith requires that the process of dying be artificially postponed.
As Christians we trust in God’s faithfulness and have
the hope of eternal life. This makes it possible for Christians
to accept death as an expression of faith in Christ who overcame
death on our behalf and robbed it of its victory.
D. Human Sexuality
37. The Church of the Nazarene views human sexuality
as one expression of the holiness and beauty that God the
Creator intended for His creation. It is one of the ways by
which the covenant between a husband and a wife is sealed
and expressed. Christians are to understand that in marriage
human sexuality can and ought to be sanctified by
God. Human sexuality achieves fulfillment only as a sign of
comprehensive love and loyalty. Christian husbands and
wives should view sexuality as a part of their much larger
commitment to one another and to Christ from whom the
meaning of life is drawn.
The Christian home should serve as a setting for teaching
children the sacred character of human sexuality and for
showing them how its meaning is fulfilled in the context of
love, fidelity, and patience.
Our ministers and Christian educators should state clearly
the Christian understanding of human sexuality, urging
Christians to celebrate its rightful excellence, and rigorously
to guard against its betrayal and distortion.
Sexuality misses its purpose when treated as an end in itself
or when cheapened by using another person to satisfy
pornographic and perverted sexual interests. We view all
forms of sexual intimacy that occur outside the covenant of
heterosexual marriage as sinful distortions of the holiness
and beauty God intended for it.
THE COVENANT OF CHRISTIAN CONDUCT 57
Homosexuality is one means by which human sexuality is
perverted. We recognize the depth of the perversion that
leads to homosexual acts but affirm the biblical position
that such acts are sinful and subject to the wrath of God.We
believe the grace of God sufficient to overcome the practice
of homosexuality (1 Corinthians 6:9-11). We deplore any action
or statement that would seem to imply compatibility
between Christian morality and the practice of homosexuality.
We urge clear preaching and teaching concerning Bible
standards of sexual morality.
(Genesis 1:27; 19:1-25; Leviticus 20:13; Romans 1:26-27; 1 Corinthians
6:9-11; 1 Timothy 1:8-10)
E. Christian Stewardship
38. Meaning of Stewardship. The Scriptures teach that
God is the Owner of all persons and all things. We, therefore,
are His stewards of both life and possessions. God’s
ownership and our stewardship ought to be acknowledged,
for we shall be held personally accountable to God for the
exercise of our stewardship. God, as a God of system and order
in all of His ways, has established a system of giving
that acknowledges His ownership over all human resources
and relationships. To this end all His children should faithfully
tithe and present offerings for the support of the
gospel. (140)
(Malachi 3:8-12; Matthew 6:24-34; 25:31-46; Mark 10:17-31; Luke 12:13-
24; 19:11-27; John 15:1-17; Romans 12:1-13; 1 Corinthians 9:7-14;
2 Corinthians 8:1-15; 9:6-15; 1 Timothy 6:6-19; Hebrews 7:8; James 1:27;
1 John 3:16-18)
38.1. Storehouse Tithing. Storehouse tithing is a scriptural
and practical performance of faithfully and regularly
placing the tithe into that church to which the member belongs.
Therefore, the financing of the church shall be based
on the plan of storehouse tithing, and the local Church of
the Nazarene shall be regarded by all of its people as the
storehouse. All who are a part of the Church of the Nazarene
are urged to contribute faithfully one-tenth of all their
increase as a minimum financial obligation to the Lord and
freewill offerings in addition as God has prospered them for
58 THE COVENANT OF CHRISTIAN CONDUCT
the support of the whole church, local, district, educational,
and general. The tithe, provided to the local Church of the
Nazarene, shall be considered a priority over all other giving
opportunities which God may lay upon the hearts of His
faithful stewards, in support of the whole church.
38.2. Fund-raising and Distribution. In the light of the
scriptural teaching concerning the giving of tithes and offerings
for the support of the gospel, and for the erection of
church buildings, no Nazarene church should engage in any
method of fund-raising that would detract from these principles,
hinder the gospel message, sully the name of the
church, discriminate against the poor, or misdirect the people’s
energies from promoting the gospel.
In disbursing to meet the requirements of the local, district,
educational, and general programs of the Church of
the Nazarene, local churches are urged to adopt and practice
a financial apportionment plan, and to pay general, educational,
and district apportionments monthly. (130, 154, 155-
55.2, 413.21)
38.3. Support of the Ministry. “In the same way, the
Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel
should receive their living from the gospel” (1 Corinthians
9:14). The church is obligated to support its ministers, who
have been called of God, and who, under the direction of the
church, have given themselves wholly to the work of the
ministry. We urge therefore that the members of the church
voluntarily commit themselves to the task of supporting the
ministry by gathering money weekly for this holy business
and that the pastor’s salary be paid regularly every week.
(115.4)
38.4. Life Income Gifts, Planned and Deferred Giving.
It is essential in the exercise of Christian stewardship
that careful thought be given as to what shall be done with
one’s income and possessions over which the Lord makes the
Christian a steward during this life. The Church of the Nazarene,
recognizing the need for faithful stewardship in this
life and the God-given vision to leave a legacy for the future,
has established the Church of the Nazarene Foundation to
enhance Christian stewardship through planned and de-
THE COVENANT OF CHRISTIAN CONDUCT 59
ferred giving. Civil laws often do not provide for the distribution
of an estate in such a way as to glorify God. Each
Christian should give attention to the preparation of a last
will and testament in a careful and legal manner, and the
Church of the Nazarene through its various ministries of
missions, evangelism, education, and benevolences—local,
district, educational, and general—is recommended for consideration.
F. Church Officers
39. We direct our local churches to elect as church officers
only persons who profess the experience of entire sanctification
and whose lives bear public witness to the grace of God
that calls us to a holy life; who are in harmony with the doctrines,
polity, and practices of the Church of the Nazarene;
and who support the local church faithfully in attendance
and with tithes and offerings. (113.9-13.10, 127, 145, 146)
G. Rules of Order
40. Subject to the applicable law, the Articles of Incorporation
and the Bylaws of government in the Manual, the meetings
and proceedings of the members of the Church of the
Nazarene, local, district, and general, and the committees of
the corporation shall be regulated and controlled according
to Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised (latest edition) for
parliamentary procedure. (113, 203, 300.3)
H. Amending the Covenant of Christian Conduct
41. The provisions of the Covenant of Christian Conduct
may be repealed or amended when concurred in by a twothirds
vote of the members present and voting of a given
General Assembly.
60 THE COVENANT OF CHRISTIAN CONDUCT
PART IV
Government
THE LOCAL CHURCH
THE DISTRICT ASSEMBLY
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
HIGHER EDUCATION
PREAMBLE
The task of the Church of the Nazarene is to make known
to all peoples the transforming grace of God through the forgiveness
of sins and heart cleansing in Jesus Christ. Our
mission first and foremost is to “make disciples,” to incorporate
believers into fellowship and membership (congregations),
and to equip (teach) for ministry all who respond in
faith. The ultimate goal of the “community of faith” is to
present everyone perfect in Christ (Colossians 1:28) at the
last day.
It is in the local church that the saving, perfecting, teaching,
and commissioning takes place. The local church, the
Body of Christ, is the representation of our faith and mission.
These churches are grouped administratively into districts
and regions.
The bases of unity in the Church of the Nazarene are
those beliefs, polity, definitions, and procedures as articulated
in the Manual of the Church of the Nazarene.
The core of this unity is declared in the Articles of Faith of
the Manual.We encourage the church in all regions and languages
to translate—widely distribute—and teach these beliefs
to our constituency. This is the golden strand that is
woven into the fabric of all we are and do as Nazarenes.
A visible reflection of this unity is represented by the
General Assembly, which is the “supreme doctrine-formulating,
lawmaking, and elective authority of the Church of the
Nazarene.” (300)
A second reflection is the international General Board,
which represents the entire church.
A third reflection is the Board of General Superintendents,
who may interpret the Manual, approve cultural adaptations,
and ordain to the ministry.
The government of the Church of the Nazarene is representative,
and thus avoids the extremes of episcopacy on the
one hand and unlimited congregationalism on the other.
In world regions served by the church where cultural and
political differences may necessitate, adaptations of local,
district, and regional church government procedures contained
in Part IV, Chapters I, II, and III, may be made. Re-
62 LOCAL GOVERNMENT
quests for all such adaptations shall be submitted in writing
to and approved by the Board of General Superintendents.
CHAPTER I
THE LOCAL CHURCH
A. Organization, Name, Incorporation, Property,
Restrictions, Mergers, Disorganization
100. Organization. Local churches may be organized by
the district superintendent, or by the general superintendent
having jurisdiction, or by an elder authorized by either
of them. Official reports of new churches shall be filed with
the General Secretary’s office through the respective jurisdictional
office. (29, 107, 208.1, 433.12)
100.1. The Multicongregational Church. Organized local
churches may enlarge their ministry by establishing
Bible classes in various languages using the facilities of
these churches. These Bible classes may develop into churchtype
missions or fully organized churches (100). This may result
in more than one congregation existing under one
church name, with the approval of the district superintendent.
In such multicongregational churches where not all the
individual congregations are fully organized churches, the
District Advisory Board, with the approval of the district
superintendent and the general superintendent in jurisdiction,
may grant to such congregations the rights and privileges
of an organized local church subject to the following
conditions:
1. Such congregations may not be incorporated separate
from the organized local church.
2. Such congregations shall not hold title to property separate
from the organized local church.
3. Such congregations shall not incur indebtedness without
the approval of the district superintendent, the
church board of the organized local church, and the
District Advisory Board.
4. No such congregation may withdraw as a body from
the organized local church or in any way sever its rela-
LOCAL GOVERNMENT 63
tion thereto except by the express permission of the
district superintendent in consultation with the pastor
of the local church.
101. Name. The name of a newly organized church shall
be determined by the local church in consultation with the
district superintendent and with the approval of the District
Advisory Board. (102.4)
101.1. Change of Name. A local Church of the Nazarene
may change its name by a majority ballot vote in an annual
or special meeting of the church membership. Processes for
the change shall be: (a) The local church board submits the
proposed change to the district superintendent who shall obtain
the written approval of the District Advisory Board; (b)
the local church votes; (c) the District Advisory Board reports
the change to the district assembly, and the district assembly
votes approval of the same. (102.4)
102. Incorporation. In all places where the statutes will
permit, the trustees shall have the local church incorporated,
and the said trustees and their successors shall be the
trustees of the said corporation. Where not inconsistent with
civil law, the Articles of Incorporation shall set forth the
powers of the corporation, and provide that the corporation
shall be subject to the government of the Church of the Nazarene,
as from time to time authorized and declared in its
Manual by the General Assembly of said church. All the
property of this corporation shall be managed and controlled
by the trustees subject to the approval of the local church.
102.1. Where property is purchased and developed by the
District Advisory Board for a local church or where a new
church is formed, upon the repayment by the local church of
the money invested by the District Advisory Board, it is
deemed advisable that the District Advisory Board transfer
the title to the local church.
102.2. When a local church is incorporated, all property
acquired shall be deeded directly to the church in its corporate
name when it is possible to do so. (102.6)
102.3. The pastor and the secretary of the church board
shall be the president and secretary of the church, incorporated
or not incorporated, and shall execute and sign all con-
64 LOCAL GOVERNMENT
veyances of real estate, mortgages, releases of mortgages,
contracts, and other legal documents of the church not otherwise
provided for in the Manual and subject to the restrictions
set forth in 104-4.3.
102.4. The Articles of Incorporation of each local church
shall include the following provisions:
1. The corporate name shall include the words “Church of
the Nazarene.” The name “Church of the Nazarene”
shall appear on church signs, official stationery, and
church publications.
2. The bylaws of the corporation shall be the Manual of
the Church of the Nazarene.
3. The Articles of Incorporation shall not contain any provision
that might prevent the local church from qualifying
for any tax exemption available to churches in
the same area.
4. Upon dissolution, the assets of the corporation shall be
distributed to the District Advisory Board.
The Articles of Incorporation may contain additional provisions
when appropriate under local law. No provision,
however, shall be included that can cause the property of the
local church to be diverted from the Church of the Nazarene.
(101-1.1, 104.3, 106.1-6.3)
102.5. In multicongregational churches, where more than
one organized church shares the same facility, incorporation
may take place in partnership where local laws allow.
102.6. In localities where incorporation is not possible, the
church name shall include the words “Church of the Nazarene”
on all legal documents including, but not limited to the
property deed(s) and deed(s) of trust. (102.2)
103. Property. The local church considering the purchase
of real estate, the erection of churches or church-related
buildings, a major remodeling of either, or leasing real property
for any reason, shall submit its proposal to the district
superintendent and the District Church Properties Board
for their consideration, advice, and approval. No indebtedness,
whether involving a mortgage or not, shall be incurred
in the purchase of real estate or the erection of buildings or
a major remodeling of either, without the written approval
LOCAL GOVERNMENT 65
of the district superintendent and the District Church Properties
Board. (233-34.5)
103.1. In case agreement cannot be reached between the
church board and the district superintendent and the District
Church Properties Board, the issue may be submitted
to the general superintendent having jurisdiction, for a decision.
Either the church or the district superintendent may
appeal such decision to the Board of General Superintendents
for a final decision. All such appeals, rebuttals of appeals,
or arguments pertaining thereto, whether to the general
superintendent in jurisdiction or the Board of General
Superintendents, shall be in writing. A copy of the appeal,
rebuttals of appeals, or arguments pertaining thereto by either
the church board or the district superintendent shall be
sent to the other party involved. The minute record of a
church board appeal shall include the appeal resolution, arguments
sustaining it, and the record of the vote taken.
104. Restrictions. The local church may not purchase real
estate, nor sell, mortgage, including refinance, exchange,
or in any other way encumber real property, or otherwise
dispose of real estate except by two-thirds vote of the members
present at an annual meeting, or at a special meeting
duly called for that purpose, except the church board may
approve by two-thirds vote of its members present and voting,
properties donated for the specific purpose of providing
funds for the local church, and except upon the written approval
of the district superintendent and the District
Church Properties Board. (113.3-13.4, 113.7, 113.14, 234.3)
104.1. The real estate of the local church shall not be
mortgaged to meet current expenses.
104.2. A local church which mortgages or sells real estate,
or receives insurance claims on real estate, shall use the
proceeds only for the purchase or capital improvement of real
estate, or to reduce other real estate indebtedness. Only
with the approval of the district superintendent and the
District Advisory Board shall any proceeds be used for other
purposes.
104.3. Trustees and/or a local church may not divert property
from the use of the Church of the Nazarene. (113-13.1)
66 LOCAL GOVERNMENT
104.4. Withdrawal of Churches. No local church may
withdraw as a body from the Church of the Nazarene, or in
any way sever its relation thereto, except by provision of the
General Assembly, and upon agreed conditions and plans.
(106.2-6.3)
105. Mergers. Two or more local churches may be merged
upon two-thirds favorable vote by ballot of the members
present and voting at specially called meetings of the
churches involved, provided: the merger shall be recommended
by a majority vote by ballot of all the members of
the respective church boards, and the merger shall have
been approved in writing by the district superintendent, the
District Advisory Board, and the general superintendent in
jurisdiction.
The merger shall be finalized in a special meeting of the
new congregation for the purpose of electing officers and
making pastoral arrangements. The district superintendent,
or an elder appointed by the superintendent, shall preside.
The organization thus created shall combine the total
membership of the former churches, the membership of all
departments of those churches, and may combine part or all
of the assets and liabilities of those churches subject to the
approval of the district superintendent, the District Advisory
Board, and the general superintendent in jurisdiction.
The merger will also combine the general, educational, and
district apportionments.
Upon the notification by the district superintendent, the
general secretary of the Church of the Nazarene is authorized
to remove the names of the inactive churches from the
roll of churches.
106. Declaring Churches Inactive/Disorganized.
Churches may be declared inactive for a period of transition
by action of the District Advisory Board.
106.1. A local church may be disorganized on recommendation
from the district superintendent and a two-thirds
vote of the District Advisory Board. Such action shall be taken
only after the district superintendent has consulted with
and received an affirmative response from the general
superintendent in jurisdiction.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT 67
106.2. In case a local church becomes disorganized, or in
the event of withdrawal or attempted withdrawal from the
Church of the Nazarene (as certified by the District Advisory
Board), any church property that may exist may in no
way be diverted to other purposes, but title shall pass to the
District Advisory Board acting as agent for said district
where such has been incorporated, or other authorized
agents, for the use of the Church of the Nazarene at large,
as the district assembly shall direct; and trustees holding
property for the disorganized church shall sell or dispose of
the same only on the order and under the direction of the
District Advisory Board or other appointed agent of the district
assembly, with the written approval of the general
superintendent in jurisdiction; either conveying said property
or delivering the proceeds from the sale thereof as directed
by the district assembly or its District Advisory Board.
(104.4, 222.17)
106.3. No trustee or trustees of a disorganized church, or
a church that withdraws or attempts to withdraw from the
Church of the Nazarene, may divert property from the use of
the Church of the Nazarene. (104.4, 141-44, 222.17)
106.4. Only those churches officially disorganized may be
dropped from the records of the general secretary.
106.5. When a local church has been declared inactive, the
signatories on all church monetary and/or security accounts
must transfer the proceeds of the same to the District Advisory
Board for deposit. Refusal to comply authorizes the District
Advisory Board by resolution to close all accounts and
assume jurisdiction of all assets where the law allows.
B. Membership
107. Full Membership. All persons who have been organized
into a local church by those authorized so to do, and
all who have been publicly received by the pastor, the district
superintendent, or the general superintendent, after
having declared their experience of salvation, and their belief
in the doctrines of the Church of the Nazarene, and their
willingness to submit to its government, shall compose the
full membership of the local church; however, only church
68 LOCAL GOVERNMENT
members who are active members and have reached their
15th birthday shall be entitled to vote in annual or special
church meetings. (29, 35.4, 111, 113.1, 413.3, 417, 427.8,
433.8-33.9)
107.1. When persons desire to unite with the church, the
pastor shall explain to them the privileges and responsibilities
of membership in the church, the Articles of Faith, the
requirements of the Covenant of Christian Character and
the Covenant of Christian Conduct, and the purpose and
mission of the Church of the Nazarene.
After consulting with the Evangelism and Church Membership
Committee, the minister shall receive acceptable
candidates into the membership of the church in a public
service, using the approved form for the reception of members
(801). (27, 33-39, 110-10.4, 225)
107.2. Members of a Church-Type Mission. Where the
organization of a local church has not been effected, a churchtype
mission shall receive and report church members according
to 107 and 107.1 in the annual statistics.
108. Associate Membership. Where a district makes
provision, a local church may have associate members who
shall have all the privileges of church members, with the exception
of voting and holding church office. (203.24)
108.1. Associate members may be received into full membership
or dropped at any time, at the discretion of the pastor
and Evangelism and Church Membership Committee.
109. Inactive Membership. A local church may designate
persons as “inactive members” for the reasons stated in
109.1 and 109.2. (112.3, 133)
109.1. A member of a local church who has moved to another
community and ceases to be active at his or her
church of membership should be urged to attend the Church
of the Nazarene there and to request a transfer of membership
to that church.
109.2. When a member of a church has been absent from
all religious services of the church for six successive months
without a reason deemed justifiable by the church board,
and attempt has been made to encourage him or her to become
active when possible, that person’s membership may
LOCAL GOVERNMENT 69
be declared inactive upon recommendation of the Evangelism
and Church Membership Committee and action of the
church board. The person shall be informed by a redemptive
letter from the pastor within seven days of the action of the
church board. After such action of the church board, the pastor
shall write opposite the member’s name “Placed on the
Inactive Membership Roll by the church board (date).” A
120-day waiting period including prayer and supplication
shall follow these actions, during which an inactive member
may request in writing that the church board return his or
her name to the active roll of the church. The request must
include a reaffirmation of the vows of membership and renewed
participation in the worship activities of the local
church. The church board shall respond to the request within
60 days. Full membership may be restored to such a person
by recommendation of the Evangelism and Church
Membership Committee and action of the church board.
109.3. Inactive members shall be included in the full
membership of the local church with active members. Membership
shall be reported to the district assembly in separate
categories, namely (1) active and (2) inactive members.
109.4. Inactive members shall not be eligible to vote in
annual or special church meetings or hold office.
C. Evangelism and Church
Membership Committee
110. The church board shall provide an Evangelism and
Church Membership Committee of not fewer than three persons
acting in an advisory capacity to the pastor, who shall
be the chairperson. Its duties shall be:
110.1. To promote evangelism in the local church and seek
to conserve the fruits of evangelism. (107-7.1, 129.24)
110.2. To study and recommend to the church board and
departments ways to emphasize evangelism in the whole
life of the church.
110.3. To serve as the local committee to implement both
general and district denominational programs of evangelism.
110.4. To urge new converts to qualify for church member-
70 LOCAL GOVERNMENT
ship by a consistent devotional life, a study of the Bible and
the Manual, individually and/or in a pastor’s membership
class, remembering that members received by profession of
faith help to conserve the fruits of evangelism. (26-27, 35.4)
110.5. To endeavor to bring new members into total fellowship
and service of the church.
110.6. To work with the pastor in developing a continuing
program of spiritual guidance for new members.
110.7. To recommend to the church board, upon nomination
by the pastor, the evangelists for local campaigns. It is
recommended that at least one campaign each year be conducted
by a tenured, commissioned or registered evangelist.
110.8. No person shall be received into full membership of
the local church until the pastor first consults with the
Evangelism and Church Membership Committee concerning
that person’s reception. (107.1)
D. Change of Membership
111. Transfer. The pastor, when requested by a member,
may grant a transfer of church membership (see form in
813.4) to any local Church of the Nazarene that may be
named, such transfer to be valid for three months only.
When the reception of the transfer is acknowledged by the
receiving local church, such person’s membership in the former
local church shall cease. (813.5)
111.1. Commendation. The pastor, when requested by a
member, may grant a certificate of commendation (see form
in 813.2) to any evangelical church that may be named, after
which such person’s membership in the local church issuing
the certificate shall cease immediately. (112.2)
E. Termination of Membership
112. Ministers. When a licensed or an ordained minister
has united with the church membership or ministry of a
church other than the Church of the Nazarene, the pastor of
the local church in which the minister is a member shall immediately
notify the District Ministerial Credentials Board
of the fact. The Ministerial Credentials Board shall investigate
and confirm the status of the member of the clergy. If
LOCAL GOVERNMENT 71
the District Ministerial Credentials Board determines that
the member of the clergy will be removed from the roll of
ministers, the pastor of the local church will also remove the
person’s name from the membership roll of the church and
shall write opposite the name, “Removed by uniting with another
denomination.” (427.9, 433.10-33.11)
112.1. Laypersons. When a lay member of a local church
has accepted membership, license to preach, or ordination
from any other religious organizations, or is engaging in independent
church or missionary work, his or her membership
in the local church shall, because of that fact, immediately
cease, except in case that person shall secure the
annual written approval of the local church board of the
church in which said membership is held, and the annual
written approval of the District Advisory Board of the district
in which that church is located.
112.2. Release from Membership. The pastor, when requested
by a member, may grant a letter of release (see form
in 813.3), thus terminating such person’s membership immediately.
(111.1, 112)
112.3. After two years from the date when a person’s
membership was declared inactive, his or her name may be
removed from the church roll by action of the church board.
After such action of the church board, the pastor shall write
opposite the member’s name, “Removed by the church board
(date).” (109, 133)
F. Church Meetings
113. A meeting of the members of a local church for conference
and for the transaction of business shall be known
as a church meeting. Subject to the applicable law, the Articles
of Incorporation and the Bylaws of government in the
Manual, the meetings and proceedings of the members of
the Church of the Nazarene, local, district, and general, and
the committees of the corporation shall be regulated and
controlled according to Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised
(latest edition) for parliamentary procedure. (40, 104,
113.7, 115, 415)
113.1. Only those persons who are active members and
72 LOCAL GOVERNMENT
have reached their 15th birthday shall be entitled to vote in
church meetings. (107, 109-9.4)
113.2. There is no provision for absentee voting in church
meetings.
113.3. Business Transactions. Business, including elections,
in harmony with the spirit and order of the church,
and not otherwise specially provided for, may be transacted
at any church meeting.
113.4. Comply with Civil Law. In all cases where the
civil law requires a specific course of procedure in calling
and conducting church meetings, that course should be
strictly followed. (142)
113.5. Presiding Officer. The pastor, who shall be ex-officio
president of the local church, or the district superintendent,
or the general superintendent having jurisdiction, or
someone appointed by the district superintendent or the
general superintendent, shall preside at annual or special
church meetings. (210.1, 307.9, 413.23)
113.6. Secretary. The secretary of the church board shall
be the secretary of all church meetings; in his or her absence
a secretary pro tempore shall be elected. (135.4)
113.7. Annual Meeting. An annual church meeting shall
be held within 90 days prior to the meeting of the district
assembly. Public notice of the annual meeting must be given
from the pulpit on at least two Sundays before the meeting.
This annual meeting may be conducted on more than one
day or in more than one service upon approval by the church
board.
113.8. Reports. Reports shall be given at the annual
church meeting by the pastor (413.15), the Sunday School
superintendent (146.6), the president of the Nazarene Youth
International (151.4), the president of the Nazarene Missions
International (153.2), the deaconesses (406), the local
ministers (426.1), the secretary (135.2), and the treasurer
(136.5) of the church board.
113.9. Nominating Committee. A nominating committee
shall be used to nominate officers, boards, and district
assembly delegates, whose nominations are not provided for
elsewhere.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT 73
The Nominating Committee shall consist of not fewer
than three nor more than seven members of the church, including
the pastor, and shall be constituted by whatever
method the church board shall propose. The pastor shall be
chairperson of the committee. All persons nominated by this
committee shall affirm that they fulfill the qualifications required
of church officers in paragraph 39.
113.10. Elections. At the annual church meeting there
shall be an election, by ballot, of the stewards (137), the
trustees (141, 142.1), the Sunday School superintendent
(146), and the members of the Sunday School Ministries
Board (145), to serve for the next church year and until their
successors are elected and qualified. All those elected as
church officers shall be members of that same local Church
of the Nazarene.
We direct our local churches to elect as church officers only
persons who profess the experience of entire sanctification
and whose lives bear public witness to the grace of God
that calls us to a holy life; who are in harmony with the doctrines,
polity, and practices of the Church of the Nazarene;
and who support the local church faithfully in attendance
and with tithes and offerings. (39, 127, 145, 146)
113.11. Where laws permit, and in churches where such
procedure and the number to be elected are approved by a
majority vote of the church members present, the church
board may be elected, and then appropriate proportions designated
as stewards and trustees, in harmony with 137 and
141. When a church board is elected in this manner, the
board shall organize itself into committees to carry out assigned
responsibilities. If a church has elected an education
committee as part of its board in harmony with 145, that
committee will constitute the Education Committee of the
church board. (145-45.10) Alternative board and committee
structure may be used by a local church in organizing itself
for ministry and missional action, provided such alternatives
are approved in writing by the district superintendent
and the District Advisory Board, and such structure complies
with civil requirements.
113.12. Where laws permit, and in churches where such
74 LOCAL GOVERNMENT
procedure is approved by a majority vote of the church members
present at a duly called annual meeting, after receiving
the written approval of the district superintendent, a church
may elect one-half its church board members for two-year
terms, or one-third of its church board members for threeyear
terms, in either case designating an equal number to
be elected annually. When the church board is elected in this
manner, the number of stewards and trustees chosen must
comply with 137 and 141.
113.13. At the annual church meeting, there shall be an
election, by ballot, of lay delegates to the district assembly,
on the basis of representation fixed by the General Assembly
according to 201-1.2.
113.14. Special church meetings may be called at any
time by the pastor, or by the church board after having obtained
the consent of the pastor or of the district superintendent
or of the general superintendent having jurisdiction.
(104)
113.15. Public notice of special church meetings shall always
be given from the pulpit in at least two preceding regular
services, or in such manner as meets the requirements
of civil law. (115-15.1, 122, 137, 139, 142.1, 144)
G. The Church Year
114. The administrative year shall run concurrently with
the statistical year of the local church and shall be recognized
as the church year.
114.1. The statistical year shall close within 90 days prior
to the opening of the district assembly; and the new statistical
year shall begin the day following its close. The exact
date of the beginning and close of the statistical year within
these bounds shall be set by the District Advisory Board.
(222.1)
H. Calling of a Pastor
115. An elder or licensed minister (412) may be called to
pastor a church by two-thirds favorable vote by ballot of the
church members of voting age present and voting at a duly
called annual or special meeting of the church, provided
LOCAL GOVERNMENT 75
that such elder or licensed minister shall have been nominated
to the church by the church board, which, after having
consulted with the district superintendent, made such nomination
by two-thirds vote by ballot of all its members; and
provided the nomination shall have been approved by the
district superintendent. Any elder or licensed minister with
membership in a local church may not be considered for pastor
of that church without the approval of the District Advisory
Board. This call shall be subject to review and continuance
as hereinafter provided. (118, 121-23, 129.2, 160.8,
208.9)
115.1. Acceptance of a call to pastoral relations shall be
given by the minister not later than 15 days from the date of
the church meeting voting the call.
115.2. The church board and the pastor should clearly
communicate their goals and expectations to each other in
writing. (121, 129.3-29.4)
115.3. As soon as practical after a pastor begins serving,
the pastor and the congregation may participate in an installation
or bonding service. The objective of the service
should be to celebrate unity and direction concerning the
will of God. Where practical, the district superintendent
shall preside.
115.4. Upon issuing a call, the local church will specify
the proposed remuneration. The amount of this remuneration
shall be determined by the church board. When agreement
has been entered into between the church or the
church board and the pastor, the payment of the pastor’s
salary in full shall be considered a moral obligation by the
church. If, however, the church becomes unable to continue
the payment of the salary agreed upon, such inability and
failure shall not be considered a sufficient cause for civil action
against the church by the pastor; and in no case shall
the church be legally responsible in excess of funds raised
during the term of the pastor’s actual service, and not otherwise
designated.
The local church should also make provision for the pastor’s
traveling and moving expenses. (38-8.3, 129.8-29.9)
115.5. The remuneration of the pastor shall commence on
76 LOCAL GOVERNMENT
the Monday preceding the first official Sunday of service to
the local church.
116. The pastor of a church that has been organized for
less than five years, or had less than 35 members voting in
the previous annual church meeting, or is receiving regular
financial assistance from the district, may be appointed or
reappointed by the district superintendent, with the consent
of the District Advisory Board. (208.1-8.3, 208.5, 208.16)
117. In case of disagreement between the church board
and the district superintendent regarding pastoral arrangements,
the church board or the district superintendent may
submit the matter to the general superintendent having jurisdiction
for his or her decision. From such decision either
the church board or the district superintendent may appeal
to the Board of General Superintendents. All such appeals,
rebuttals of appeals, or arguments pertaining thereto,
whether to the general superintendent in jurisdiction or the
Board of General Superintendents, shall be in writing. A
copy of the appeal, rebuttals of appeals, or arguments pertaining
thereto by either the church board or the district
superintendent shall be sent to the other party involved. The
minute record of a church board appeal shall include the appeal
resolution, arguments sustaining it, and the record of
the vote taken. If a minister under consideration withdraws
his or her name, or if a pastoral candidate is found to be unavailable
for consideration, the appeal process should terminate
immediately, and the district superintendent and
church board shall continue with pastoral arrangements.
118. The call of a pastor who is a licensed minister will
terminate at the end of the district assembly if the minister’s
license is not renewed.
119. No pastor shall terminate the pastorate of a church
without giving the church board and the district superintendent
written resignation at least 30 days before the termination
of the pastorate, and without having this resignation
accepted by the church board and approved in writing by
the district superintendent. When the resignation has been
accepted, termination may be any time agreed upon within
30 days.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT 77
119.1. The pastor who resigns shall, in cooperation with
the secretary of the church board, prepare a correct list of
the church membership roll with current addresses. This
roll must correspond numerically with the last published
district minutes showing deletions and additions for the current
year.
120. Upon the recommendation of the church board and
approval of the district superintendent, a congregation may
elect copastors to serve. In this case, the following stipulations
will apply:
1. The copastors shall work with the church board, under
the direction of the district superintendent, to develop a
specific plan for the practical division of responsibility
and authority.
2. Although the copastors are equals in the pastoral office,
one person shall be officially designated by the
church board as the presiding officer, serving as president
of the corporation and chairperson of the church
board.
3. The pastoral review process shall be conducted as provided
for in Manual paragraph 122.
120.1. Upon the resignation or termination of a copastor a
remaining copastor may be appointed by the district superintendent
to serve as pastor of the church; provided, however,
that within sixty days, the question of the pastoral relationship
shall be presented to the church board, at which
time the church shall follow the process outlined in paragraph
115.
I. The Church/Pastor Relationship
121. Every year, the pastor and the church board shall
conduct a planning session to renew the expectations and
goals of the church and the pastor. The written understanding
of goals, plans and objectives between the church and
the pastor shall be updated. Such written understanding
shall be filed with the district superintendent. (115.2, 129.4)
121.1. Pastors and congregations shall seek a clear understanding
of each others’ expectations and sincerely follow
78 LOCAL GOVERNMENT
biblical principles to resolve differences in a spirit of reconciliation
within the church. Biblical principles for resolving
differences in Matthew 18:15-20 and Galatians 6:1-5 include:
1. Seek to resolve differences by discussing them face-toface.
2. If face-to-face discussion fails to bring resolution, seek
the assistance of one or two others in resolving the differences.
3. Bring the differences to the church board only after
face-to-face discussion and small-group efforts fail.
4. Christians are obligated to work at resolving differences
in a spirit of love, acceptance, and forgiveness.
J. Renewing the Church/Pastor Relationship
122. The Regular ChurchPastoral Review. The church
pastoral relationship shall be reviewed by the church board,
meeting with the district superintendent, or an ordained
minister or layperson appointed by the district superintendent,
within 60 days of the second anniversary of pastoral
service and every four years thereafter. The district superintendent,
or an ordained minister or layperson appointed by
the district superintendent, shall be responsible for scheduling
and conducting the review meeting(s) with the church
board. The review meeting(s) shall be scheduled in consultation
with the pastor. The review meeting(s) shall be conducted
in executive session (church board, including pastor). At
the discretion of the district superintendent, a portion of the
review may be conducted in the absence of the pastor. In
case the pastor’s spouse is an elected member of the board,
he or she shall not participate in the review.
A public and/or printed announcement explaining the
purpose of this church board meeting shall be conveyed to
the congregation the Sunday before the church board and
district superintendent meet for the regular church/pastoral
review.
At this review meeting, the question of continuing the
church/pastoral relationship shall be discussed. The objective
is to discover consensus without the need of a formal
church board vote. If the church board does not vote to pre-
LOCAL GOVERNMENT 79
sent the question of continuing the church/pastoral relationship
to the church membership, the church/pastoral relationship
will continue.
The church board may vote to present to the church membership
the question of continuing the pastoral call. The
vote by the board will be by ballot and require a majority of
all church board members present to carry.
If the church board votes to present the question of continuing
the church/pastoral relationship to the church membership,
the matter shall be presented at a church meeting
duly called for this purpose and held within 30 days following
such action. The question shall be presented, “Shall the
present church/pastoral relationship continue?” The vote
shall be by ballot and require a two-thirds majority to carry,
except where civil law of a given country requires otherwise.
If the church membership votes to continue the church/
pastoral relationship, the church/pastoral relationship shall
continue as though such a vote had not been taken; otherwise,
the church/pastoral relationship shall end on a date
set by the district superintendent not less than 30 nor more
than 180 days following the vote. If the pastor chooses not to
proceed with the vote of the congregation, he or she shall
submit a resignation. In such case, the church/pastoral relationship
shall end on a date set by the district superintendent
not less than 30 nor more than 180 days following the
pastor’s decision not to proceed with a congregational vote.
As a part of the regular review, a report will be made to the
district superintendent by the pastor and church board regarding
progress toward fulfilling the mission, vision and
core values of the church.
122.1. The chairperson of the Board of Tellers shall personally
inform the pastor of the results of a pastoral vote before
any public announcement is made.
123. Special Church/Pastoral Review. In the interim
of regular reviews, a local church board meeting shall become
officially a special review only by a majority vote of the
entire elected church board with the district superintendent
present or an elder appointed by the district superintendent
serving as chairperson. If the district superintendent and
80 LOCAL GOVERNMENT
the church board shall be of the opinion that the question of
the continuance of the church/pastoral relationship should
be submitted to the church, the district superintendent and
the church board by a majority vote of all its members present,
except where civil law of a given country requires otherwise,
may order the question submitted for vote at a special
church meeting. The question shall be submitted in the following
form: “Shall the present church/pastoral relationship
be continued?” This special church/pastoral review meeting
shall be conducted in executive session. (113.14)
If by a two-thirds vote by ballot of the church members of
voting age present and voting, except where civil law of a
given country requires otherwise, the church decides to continue
its present church/pastoral relationship, the term of
office of the pastor shall continue as though such vote had
not been taken.
If, however, the church fails to decide by such vote to continue
the present church/pastoral relationship, the term of
office of the pastor shall terminate on a date, set by the district
superintendent, not more than 180 days following the
vote. (122-22.1)
124. Local Church in Crisis. Upon learning that a local
church is approaching crisis, the district superintendent
with the approval of the District Advisory Board shall have
the authority to impanel a committee to review the situation
and implement procedures to avert a crisis. The committee
shall consist of two elders and two lay members of the District
Advisory Board, and the district superintendent who
shall serve as chairperson. (208.3)
124.1. When in the opinion of the district superintendent
and the District Advisory Board, and with approval of the
general superintendent in jurisdiction, a local church is declared
in crisis—financial, morale, or otherwise—and this
crisis seriously affects the stability and future of the church,
(a) The question of continued church/pastoral relationship
may be submitted to the local congregation by the district
superintendent or a member of the District Advisory Board
appointed by the district superintendent as if the church
board had requested the vote under paragraph 122, or (b) the
LOCAL GOVERNMENT 81
tenure of a pastor and/or church board may be terminated
with the approval of the general superintendent in jurisdiction,
and by the majority vote of the District Advisory Board.
The district superintendent, with approval of the general
superintendent in jurisdiction and the District Advisory
Board, may appoint members of the church board for any
church that has been declared in crisis. (208.3)
K. The Church Board
127. Membership. Every local church shall have a
church board, composed of the pastor, the Sunday School
superintendent, the president of the Nazarene Youth International,
the president of the Nazarene Missions International
(or if the president is the pastor’s spouse, and chooses
not to serve on the board, the vice president may serve; however,
if the president is the pastor’s spouse and chooses to
serve on the board, he or she shall not be a part of the review
process of the pastor), the stewards, and the trustees of
the church, and the members of the Sunday School Ministries
Board when elected as the Education Committee of
the church board by the annual church meeting. There shall
be no more than 25 regular members of the church board.
Ordained and district licensed ministers unassigned by the
district and paid employees of the local church are not eligible
to serve on the local church board.
We direct our local churches to elect as church officers only
persons who profess the experience of entire sanctification
and whose lives bear public witness to the grace of God
that calls us to a holy life; who are in harmony with the doctrines,
polity, and practices of the Church of the Nazarene;
and who support the local church faithfully in attendance
and with tithes and offerings. (39, 113.9-13.12, 137, 141,
145, 146, 151, 153.2, 160.4)
128. Meetings. The church board takes office at the beginning
of the church year and shall have regular monthly
meetings and shall meet specially when called by the pastor,
the district superintendent, or the church board secretary
only with the approval of the pastor, or the district superintendent
when there is no pastor. Between the annual church
82 LOCAL GOVERNMENT
meeting and the beginning of the church year, the newly
elected church board may meet for organization purposes, at
which time it shall elect a church board secretary and a
church treasurer as provided hereafter and any other officer
that it shall be their duty to elect. (129.19-130)
129. Business. The business of the church board
shall be:
129.1. To care for the interests of the church and its work,
not otherwise provided for, in harmony with the pastor. (156,
415)
129.2. To nominate to the church, after having consulted
with the district superintendent, any elder or licensed minister
whom it may deem the proper person to become pastor,
provided the nomination be approved by the district superintendent.
(115, 208.9)
129.3. To cooperate with an incoming pastor in the development
of a written statement of goals and expectations.
(115.2)
129.4. To conduct at least once a year, along with the pastor,
a planning session for the purpose of updating a clear
written understanding of expectations, goals, plans and objectives.
(121)
129.5. To arrange for pastoral supply, with approval of the
district superintendent, until such time as a pastor shall be
regularly called by the church. (209, 421)
129.6. To provide for the development and adoption of an
annual budget for the church, all auxiliaries, any childcare/
schools (birth through secondary) projecting income and expenditures.
129.7. To assign a committee of the board, whose responsibilities
include: (a) monitoring the church budget, (b) reporting
to the board on the financial conditions and concerns of
the church.
129.8. To determine the amount of compensation the pastor
shall receive, and to review it at least once a year. (115.4,
122)
129.9. To provide ways and means for the support of the
pastor, the pastoral supply, or any other paid workers of the
church; to encourage and support through planning and
LOCAL GOVERNMENT 83
budgeting the lifelong learning commitment of the pastor and
staff. (115.4)
129.10. In order to encourage a healthy pastoral ministry
and the lifelong learning of the pastor, the church board, in
consultation with the district superintendent, should provide
a sabbatical leave for the pastor following each seven
consecutive year of service in one congregation. The timing
and duration of the sabbatical shall be determined in consultation
with the pastor, church board and district superintendent.
It is strongly urged that the pastor’s salary continue
in full and the church board provide for pulpit supply
during the sabbatical period. Materials shall be developed
and distributed by the appropriate department of the
church to guide local congregations in establishing and implementing
a sabbatical leave policy and procedure.
129.11. To determine the financial support and housing
allowance an evangelist should receive and notify the person
of such minimum support at the time of the call by the
church board.
129.12. To license, or renew the license of, at its discretion,
any person who has been recommended by the pastor
for (a) local minister, or (b) lay minister. (402.3, 426.1, 426.3)
129.13. To recommend, at its discretion, to the district assembly,
upon nomination by the pastor, any person who desires
to receive a certificate for any of the assigned roles of
ministry, including all lay and ministerial candidates aspiring
to be recognized for ministries beyond the local church,
if such recommendation is required by the Manual.
129.14. To recommend, at its discretion, to the district assembly,
upon nomination by the pastor, any person who desires
the Licensed Minister’s Credential or its renewal.
(426.5, 427.1)
129.15. To recommend, at its discretion, to the district assembly,
upon nomination by the pastor, renewal of deaconess’
license in harmony with 406.
129.16. To elect, upon nomination of the Sunday School
Ministries Board, with the approval of the pastor, a director
of children’s ministries and a director of adult ministries.
(145.6)
84 LOCAL GOVERNMENT
129.17. To approve the NYI president elected by the NYI
organization of the local church, as provided in the NYI
Charter.
129.18. To approve the selection of the administrators of
Nazarene childcare/schools (birth through secondary). (152,
160.1, 208.12, 413.18)
129.19. To elect a secretary, from among the church membership
who meets the qualifications for church officers as
specified in Manual paragraph 39, at the first meeting of
the new board, to serve until the close of the church year
and until a successor has been elected and qualified. (39,
113.6, 128, 135.1-35.7)
129.20. To elect a treasurer, from among the church membership
who meets the qualifications for church officers as
specified in paragraph 39, at the first meeting of the new
board, to serve until the close of the church year and until a
successor has been elected and qualified. No member of the
pastor’s immediate family (spouse, children, siblings, parents)
can serve as the local church treasurer without the approval
of the district superintendent and the District Advisory
Board. (128, 136.1-36.6)
129.21. To cause careful accounting to be kept of all money
received and disbursed by the church, including any
childcare/schools (birth through secondary) and all auxiliaries,
and make report of the same at its regular monthly
meetings and to the annual meeting of the church. (136.3-
36.5)
129.22. To provide a committee, no fewer than two members
of which shall count and account for all money received
by the church.
129.23. To appoint an auditing committee that shall audit,
at least annually, the financial records of the treasurer
of the church, the Nazarene Youth International, the Sunday
School Ministries Board, Nazarene childcare/schools
(birth through secondary), and any other financial records of
the church. The pastor shall have access to all records of the
local church.
129.24. To provide an Evangelism and Church Membership
Committee of no fewer than three persons. (110)
LOCAL GOVERNMENT 85
129.25. To function, if advisable, as the Sunday School
Ministries Board in churches of no more than 75 members.
(145)
129.26. To appoint a trial committee of five in case written
charges are pending against a church member. (504)
129.27. To elect, with the written approval of the district
superintendent and upon the nomination of the pastor, such
paid associates as the local church may designate. (151, 152,
160-60.1, 208.12)
129.28. To elect a local minister or a licensed minister as
an unpaid associate pastor only if approval is given annually
in writing by the district superintendent.
129.29. To provide for a long-range planning committee
for the church with the pastor as ex-officio chairperson.
129.30. To adopt and implement a plan to reduce the risk
that individuals placed in positions of authority within the
church will use the position of trust or authority to engage
in misconduct. The plan for each local church must take into
consideration its own unique circumstances.
130. The church board, together with the pastor, shall follow
plans adopted by the General Assembly and agreed to
by the district assembly for raising World Evangelism Fund
and District Ministries Fund apportionments made to the
local church, and shall raise and regularly pay these apportionments.
(317.12, 334.8)
131. Meaning of Stewardship. Refer to paragraphs 38-
8.4.
132. The church board shall perform the duties of a Sunday
School Ministries Board in a newly organized church
until such board has been regularly elected. (145)
132.1. The church board and pastor of the newly organized
church shall decide when a Sunday School superintendent
will be elected. (129.25, 145, 146)
133. The church board may remove from the membership
roll the name of an inactive church member after a period of
two years has elapsed from the date when his or her name
was declared inactive. (109-9.4, 112.3)
134. The church board may suspend or revoke the license
of any locally licensed person.
86 LOCAL GOVERNMENT
135. Church Secretary. The duties of the secretary of
the church board are:
135.1. To record correctly and preserve faithfully the minutes
of all church meetings and meetings of the church
board, and do whatever else may pertain to the office.
(119.1, 129.19)
135.2. To present to the annual meeting of the church an
annual report of the major activities of the local church, including
statistics on membership. (113.8)
135.3. To see that official papers, records, and legal documents
pertaining to the local church, including deeds, abstracts,
insurance policies, loan documents, church membership
rolls, historical records, church board minutes, and
incorporation papers are held in trust in either fireproof or
secure safes on the local church premises, or when feasible,
they may be placed in safe deposit facilities in local banks or
similar institutions. Access to such shall always be shared
with the pastor and church treasurer, and care for such
shall be delivered immediately to the church secretary’s successor
in office.
135.4. To be the secretary of all annual and special church
meetings; and to be custodian of the minutes and other papers
of such annual and special church meetings. (113.6)
135.5. To certify in writing to the district superintendent
the results of the vote from the calling of a pastor and the
continuation of the church/pastoral relationship. Such certification
shall be made within one week of the vote.
135.6. To send to the district superintendent a copy of the
minutes of all church meetings and meetings of the church
board within three days of such meetings when that local
church is without a pastor.
135.7. To sign in conjunction with the pastor all conveyances
of real estate, mortgages, releases of mortgages,
contracts, and other legal documents not otherwise provided
for in the Manual. (102.3, 103-4.2)
136. Church Treasurer. The duties of the treasurer of
the church board are:
136.1. To receive all moneys not otherwise provided for, and
disburse the same only on order of the church board. (129.21)
LOCAL GOVERNMENT 87
136.2. To make monthly remittances of all district funds
to the district treasurer, and of all general funds to the general
treasurer through the appropriate office, except as otherwise
provided. (413.17)
136.3. To keep a correct book record of all funds received
and disbursed. (129.21)
136.4. To present a detailed monthly financial report for
distribution to the church board. (129.21)
136.5. To present an annual financial report to the annual
church meeting. (113.8, 129.21)
136.6. To deliver to the church board the complete treasurer’s
records at such time as the treasurer shall cease to
hold the office.
L. The Stewards
137. The stewards of the church shall be no fewer than
three or more than thirteen in number. They shall be elected
by ballot, at the annual or a special church meeting, from
among the members of the church, to serve for the next
church year and until their successors have been elected
and qualified. (39, 113.7, 113.10, 127)
138. The duties of the stewards are:
138.1. To serve as a church growth committee, unless
otherwise provided for, with the responsibilities of outreach,
evangelism, and extension, including sponsoring new churches
and church-type missions, with the pastor as ex-officio chairperson.
138.2. To provide assistance and support for the needy
and distressed. A biblical role of lay leaders is that of ministering
in areas of practical service (Acts 6:1-3; Romans 12:6-
8). Therefore stewards should offer their time and spiritual
gifts in acts of service, administration, encouragement, mercy,
visitation, and other ministries.
138.3. To serve, at the discretion of the church board, as
the Evangelism and Church Membership Committee as outlined
in 110-10.8.
138.4. To assist the pastor in organizing the church so
that Christian service opportunities are available to all
members. Special attention should be given to the develop-
88 LOCAL GOVERNMENT
ment of ministries toward those of other cultural and socioeconomic
backgrounds in the immediate and nearby communities.
138.5. To serve as liaisons to community Christian action
and service organizations.
138.6. To give assistance to the pastor in public worship
and Christian nurture in the local church.
138.7. To provide the elements for the Lord’s Supper, and
when requested by the pastor, to assist in the distribution of
the same. (34.5, 413.11)
139. A vacancy in the office of steward may be filled by
the local church at a duly called church meeting. (113.14)
140. The stewards shall constitute the Stewardship Committee,
whose duty it shall be to promote the cause of Christian
stewardship of life resources in the local church in cooperation
with the pastor and the Stewardship Ministries
office of the general treasurer. (38-8.4)
M. The Trustees
141. The trustees of the church shall be no fewer than
three or more than nine in number. They shall be elected
from among the members of the local church to serve for the
next church year and until their successors have been elected
and qualified. (39, 113.10, 127)
142. In all cases where the civil law requires a specific
mode of election of church trustees, that mode shall be
strictly followed. (113.4)
142.1. Where no particular mode of election is required by
civil law the trustees shall be elected by ballot at the annual
meeting of the local church or at a special meeting duly
called for that purpose. (113.7, 113.10)
143. The duties of the trustees are:
143.1. To hold the title to church property and manage it
as trustees of the local church, where the local church is not
incorporated, or where the civil law requires it, or where for
other reasons it is deemed best by the district superintendent
or the District Advisory Board, subject to the guidance
and the restrictions as set forth in 102-4.4.
143.2. To give guidance to the development of the physical
LOCAL GOVERNMENT 89
facilities and to financial planning, unless the church board
has provided otherwise.
144. A vacancy in the office of trustee may be filled by the
local church at a duly called church meeting. (113.14)
N. The Sunday School Ministries Board
145. Each local church shall establish a Sunday School
Ministries Board, or an Education Committee as part of
the church board, at the annual church meeting, to be responsible
for the Christian education ministries of the
church. In churches of 75 members or fewer, the responsibilities
may be performed by the church board. Members are:
ex-officio the Sunday School superintendent (146); the pastor;
the NMI president; the NYI president; children’s ministries
director; adult ministries director; and three to nine
persons elected from the church membership at the annual
church meeting. The members may be elected for staggered
terms of two years and until their successors are elected and
qualified. When an elected member vacancy occurs, it may
be filled at a duly called church meeting. If a church elects
an education committee as part of the church board, it shall
follow Manual requirements for minimum number of stewards
and trustees (137, 141). Ex-officio personnel shall be
members of the committee, though some may not be members
of the church board.
We direct our local churches to elect as church officers only
persons who profess the experience of entire sanctification
and whose lives bear public witness to the grace of God
that calls us to a holy life; who are in harmony with the doctrines,
polity, and practices of the Church of the Nazarene;
and who support the local church faithfully in attendance
and with tithes and offerings. (39)
The duties and powers of the Sunday School Ministries
Board or Education Committee are:
145.1. To plan, organize, promote, and conduct the ministry
of Christian education for the local church. This is to be
done subject to the direct care of the pastor, and the leadership
of the Sunday School superintendent, and the direction
of the local church board, in keeping with denominational
90 LOCAL GOVERNMENT
objectives and standards established by the General Board
and promoted through the Sunday School Ministries & NYI
Committee and offices of adult, NYI, and children’s ministries.
These include both curriculum and program-oriented
ministries for adults and children. The Sunday School, along
with the preaching ministry, provides the core of the
church’s study of Scripture and doctrine. Childcare/Schools
(birth through secondary) and annual/special ministries and
training, such as Caravan, Vacation Bible Schools, and singles’
ministries, provide opportunities through which scriptural
doctrines are lived out and integrated into the life of
the congregation. (413.23)
145.2. To reach the largest number of unchurched people
for Christ and the church, bringing them into the fellowship,
teaching the Word of God effectively, and encompassing
their salvation; teaching the doctrines of the Christian faith
and developing Christlike character, attitudes, and habits;
helping to establish Christian homes; preparing believers
for membership in the church and equipping them for appropriate
Christian ministries.
145.3. To determine the curricula of the various ministries,
always using Church of the Nazarene materials to
form the basis of biblical study and doctrinal interpretation.
145.4. To plan for and organize the total Sunday School
ministry of the local church in keeping with the Sunday
School Bylaws. (812)
145.5. To nominate to the annual church meeting one or
more persons approved by the pastor, for election to the office
of Sunday School superintendent. The nominations are
to be made in a meeting with the incumbent superintendent
not present.
145.6. To nominate to the church board persons approved
by the pastor, to serve as a director of children’s ministries
and a director of adult ministries.
145.7. To elect the children’s and adult councils from nominations
by the directors of children’s and adult ministries
with approval of the pastor and the Sunday School superintendent.
145.8. To elect all age-group Sunday School supervisors,
LOCAL GOVERNMENT 91
teachers, and officers who shall be professing Christians, exemplary
in life, and in full harmony with the doctrines and
polity of the Church of the Nazarene, from nominations by
the NYI president and the directors of children’s and adult
ministries. The nominees shall be approved by the pastor
and the Sunday School superintendent.
145.9. To elect a local director of Continuing Lay Training,
who shall organize, promote, and supervise regular training
opportunities for Sunday School ministries workers and the
entire membership of the church. The Sunday School Ministries
Board shall have the option of naming the Continuing
Lay Training director as an ex-officio member to this
board.
145.10. To hold regular meetings; and to organize, by
electing a secretary and other officers considered necessary,
at the beginning of the Sunday School ministries year,
which shall be the same as the church year (114). The pastor
or the Sunday School superintendent may call special meetings.
146. The Sunday School Superintendent. The annual
church meeting shall elect by majority vote by ballot, of
those present and voting, from among its full members, a
Sunday School superintendent to serve for one year (39), or
until his or her successor is elected. The Sunday School Ministries
Board, with the pastor’s approval, may call for an incumbent
Sunday School superintendent to be elected by a
“yes” or “no” vote. A vacancy shall be filled by the local
church at a duly called church meeting (113.10, 145.5). The
Sunday School superintendent, newly elected, shall be a
member ex-officio of the district assembly (201), the local
church board (127), and the Sunday School Ministries Board
(145).
We direct our local churches to elect as church officers only
persons who profess the experience of entire sanctification
and whose lives bear public witness to the grace of God
that calls us to a holy life; who are in harmony with the doctrines,
polity, and practices of the Church of the Nazarene;
and who support the local church faithfully in attendance
and with tithes and offerings. (39)
92 LOCAL GOVERNMENT
The duties and powers of the Sunday School superintendent
are:
146.1. To have executive supervision of all Sunday School
ministries in the local church.
146.2. To administer the Sunday School in keeping with
the Sunday School Bylaws. (812)
146.3. To promote programs of growth in enrollment, attendance,
and leadership training.
146.4. To preside over the regular meetings of the Sunday
School Ministries Board, or the Education Committee of the
church board, and to lead the Sunday School Ministries
Board in performing its duties.
146.5. To submit an annual budget for Sunday School
ministries to the church board.
146.6. To make a monthly report to the church board and
to submit a written report to the annual church meeting.
147. Children/Adult Councils and Directors. The
work of Sunday School ministries is best organized by agegroups:
children, youth, and adults. For each age-group
there should be a council responsible to organize and administer
the work. Such council is composed of the age-group director
and representatives from the Sunday School and other
ministries the church provides for that age-group. The
task of the council is to work with the age-group director to
plan ministries for that age-group, and to make provisions
for the implementation of those plans. All work of the children’s
and adult councils is subject to approval of its director
and the Sunday School Ministries Board.
The duties of the age-group directors are:
147.1. To chair the age-group council that he or she directs
and to lead the council in organizing, promoting, and
coordinating the total Sunday School ministry for persons
within that age-group.
147.2. To give leadership to the appropriate age-group of
the Sunday School by promoting programs of growth in enrollment
and attendance for children, youth, or adults in the
local church, in cooperation with the Sunday School Ministries
Board.
147.3. To give leadership for additional Sunday, childcare/
LOCAL GOVERNMENT 93
schools (birth through secondary), annual and special ministries,
evangelism and fellowship activities for the agegroup
he or she represents.
147.4. To nominate to the Sunday School Ministries Board
the leadership for the various ministries assigned to his or
her age-group, including Sunday School supervisors, teachers,
and officers, with exception of NYI who will nominate
youth Sunday School supervisors, teachers, and officers (39).
The nominees shall be approved by the pastor and the Sunday
School superintendent.
147.5. To obtain the approval of the Sunday School Ministries
Board before using supplemental curriculum.
147.6. To provide leadership training for age-group workers
in cooperation with the Sunday School Ministries Board
and the director of Continuing Lay Training.
147.7. To submit an annual budget request to the Sunday
School Ministries Board and/or church board, and to administer
funds in accordance with such budget approval.
147.8. To receive all reports of the various ministries functioning
within the age-groups of the local church under his
or her direction. A monthly report of Sunday School enrollment,
attendance, and ministry activities shall be submitted
to the Sunday School superintendent.
147.9. To submit a quarterly calendar of his or her agegroup
activities to the Sunday School Ministries Board to be
coordinated with the total Sunday School ministry of the local
church.
148. Children’s Ministries Council. The Children’s
Ministries Council is responsible for planning the total Sunday
School ministry for children from birth to age 12 in the
local church. The council is composed of at least one Sunday
School representative and the directors of any other children’s
ministry being offered in the local church, such as:
children’s church, Caravan, Vacation Bible School, Bible
quizzing, missions, Cradle Roll, and any others deemed necessary.
The council size will vary with the number of ministries
being offered to children in the local church as needs
are identified and leadership is available.
The duties of the children’s ministries director are:
94 LOCAL GOVERNMENT
148.1. To perform those duties assigned to all age-group
directors in 147.1-47.9.
148.2. To work with the NMI Executive Committee of the
local church in appointing a children’s mission director. The
person appointed becomes a member of both the NMI and
Children’s Ministries councils. Nominees for this position
shall be approved by the pastor and the Sunday School
superintendent.
149. Adult Ministries Council. The Adult Ministries
Council shall be responsible for planning the total Sunday
School ministry for adults in the local church. The Adult
Ministries Council is composed of at least one Sunday
School representative and the directors of any other ministry
being offered in the local church, such as: marriage and
family life, senior adult ministries, single adult ministries,
small-group Bible studies, lay ministries, women’s ministries,
men’s ministries, and any others deemed necessary.
The council size will vary with the number of ministries being
offered to adults in the local church as needs are identified
and leadership is available.
The duties of the adult ministries director are:
149.1. To perform those duties assigned to all age-group
directors in 147.1-47.9.
O. Nazarene Youth International/NYI Council
150. Nazarene youth ministry is organized in the local
church under the auspices of Nazarene Youth International.
Local groups are organized under the Nazarene Youth International
Charter and the authority of the local church
board.
150.1. The local NYI shall organize itself according to the
NYI Local Ministry Plan, which may be adapted in response
to local youth ministry needs, consistent with the NYI Charter
and the Manual of the Church of the Nazarene.
150.2. The local NYI shall be coordinated by an NYI
Council, responsible for planning and organizing ministry
for youth ages 12 and older, college/university students, and
young adults, and collectively casting the vision for local
youth ministry. All work of the NYI Council pertaining to
LOCAL GOVERNMENT 95
Sunday School is subject to the approval of the Sunday
School Superintendent and Sunday School Ministries Board.
150.3. The NYI Council shall be composed of the president
and other officers with assigned ministry responsibilities according
to local church needs, youth representatives and
ministry directors as deemed necessary, and the local pastor
and/or youth pastor. NYI Council officers shall be members
of the local Church of the Nazarene where they serve. The
council shall be responsible to the church board.
150.4. NYI officers and council members are elected by
the NYI membership. Only those NYI members who are also
members of the local Church of the Nazarene shall be entitled
to vote for the NYI president.
151. NYI President. The president of the local Nazarene
Youth International group shall be elected according to the
NYI Local Ministry Plan, at the annual NYI meeting by the
NYI members present who are also members of the Church
of the Nazarene. Nominees shall be approved by the local
pastor and church board. The NYI president shall be a member
ex-officio of the church board (127), the Sunday School
Ministries Board (145), and the district assembly (201).
Should the term “president” not effectively communicate in
a particular culture, a more appropriate title may be used
by vote of the local NYI Council.
The duties of the NYI president are:
151.1. To chair the NYI Council in facilitating the development
of youth ministry in the local church.
151.2. To work with the NMI president in the development
of a missions emphasis for youth.
151.3. To perform those duties for youth Sunday School as
assigned to all age-group directors in 147.1-47.9.
151.4. To report monthly to the local church board and the
annual meeting of the local church. (113.8, 127)
151.5. When a youth pastor is employed in a church, the
pastor, in consultation with the church board and NYI
Council, assigns the responsibility for NYI to the youth pastor.
In that case, the youth pastor carries out some of the
duties otherwise designated to the local NYI president. However,
the importance of the NYI president remains in provid-
96 LOCAL GOVERNMENT
ing lay leadership, support, and representation for local
youth ministry. The pastor, youth pastor, and NYI Council
work together to define the roles and responsibilities of the
two positions and how they work together for the benefit of
the church’s youth ministry. A youth pastor may not serve as
the NYI president. (160.4)
P. Nazarene Childcare/Schools
(Birth through Secondary)
152. Nazarene childcare/schools (birth through secondary)
may be organized by the local church board(s) after receiving
the approval of the district superintendent and the District
Advisory Board, and following criteria established by
Children’s Ministries/Sunday School Ministries Department.
The director and school board shall be accountable to and
shall submit an annual report to the local church board(s).
(129.18, 208.12-8.13, 222.11, 413.23, 414)
152.1. School Closings. In the event a local church
should find it necessary to suspend operations of its childcare/
school(s), (birth through secondary), it should do so only
after consulting with the district superintendent and the
District Advisory Board and presenting a financial report.
Q. The Local Nazarene Missions International
153. Upon the authorization of the church board, local organizations
of the Nazarene Missions International may be
formed within any age-group in harmony with the NMI
Constitution approved by the General Nazarene Missions
International Convention and the World Mission Committee
of the General Board. (811)
153.1. The local Nazarene Missions International shall be a
constituent part of the local church and subject to the supervision
and direction of the pastor and the church board. (414)
153.2. The president of the local NMI shall be nominated
by a committee of three to seven members of the Nazarene
Missions International appointed by the pastor, who shall
serve as chairperson. This committee shall submit one or
more names for the office of president subject to the approval
of the church board. The president shall be elected by
LOCAL GOVERNMENT 97
a majority vote by ballot of the members (excluding associate)
present and voting. The president shall be a member of
the local church whose NMI is served, a member ex-officio of
the church board (or in churches where the president is the
pastor’s spouse, the vice president may serve on the church
board), and a member of the district assembly held immediately
prior to his or her year of office. The president shall
present a report to the annual meeting of the local church.
(113.8, 114, 122, 127, 201)
154. All funds raised by the local NMI for general interests
of the Church of the Nazarene shall be applied to the
World Evangelism Fund apportionment of the local church
with the exception of mission special projects that have been
approved by the Ten Percent Committee.
154.1. After primary consideration has been given to the
full payment of the World Evangelism Fund, opportunities
may be given to make offerings for the support of world missionary
work, such contributions to be known as “approved
mission specials.”
155. Funds for the support of general interests shall be
raised in the following manners:
155.1. From gifts and offerings designated for the World
Evangelism Fund and general interests.
155.2. From special offerings such as Easter and Thanksgiving.
155.3. No part of the above funds shall be used for local or
district expense or charitable purposes.
R. Prohibition of Financial Appeals
156. It shall not be lawful for a local church, its officers, or
members, to send appeals to other local churches, their officers,
and members, to solicit money or financial assistance
for their local church needs or for the interests that they
may support. It is provided, however, that such solicitation
may be made to local churches and church members located
within the bounds of the assembly district in which the solicitor
is located, but only on condition that the solicitation
be approved in writing by the district superintendent and
the District Advisory Board.
98 LOCAL GOVERNMENT
157. Members of the Church of the Nazarene who are not
authorized by the General Board or one of its committees
shall not solicit funds for missionary or kindred activities
apart from the World Evangelism Fund, from congregations
of local churches, or from members of such churches.
S. Use of the Church Name
158. The name of the Church of the Nazarene, any local
church, or any corporation or institution that is a part or in
any manner affiliated with the Church of the Nazarene, or
any part of any such name, shall not be used by any members
of the Church of the Nazarene nor any one or more
members thereof, or by any corporation, partnership, association,
group, or other entity in connection with any activity
(whether of a commercial, social, educational, charitable, or
other nature) without the prior written approval of the General
Board of the Church of the Nazarene and the Board of
General Superintendents, provided, however, that this provision
shall not apply to such activities of the Church of the
Nazarene as are authorized by its official Manual.
T. Church-sponsored Corporation
159. No local church, local church board, district corporation,
district board, nor any two or more members of any of
them, acting individually or otherwise, shall directly or indirectly
form or become members of any corporation, association,
partnership, group, or other entity that promotes, sponsors,
encourages, or in any manner engages in any activity
(whether of a commercial, social, educational, charitable, or
other nature) in which members of the Church of the Nazarene
are solicited or in any manner sought as prospective
participants, customers, tenants, clients, members, or associates,
or in any activity (whether of a commercial, social,
educational, charitable, or other nature) that directly or indirectly
purports to be sponsored or operated primarily or
exclusively by or for the benefit or service of members of the
Church of the Nazarene, without the express prior written
consent of the district superintendent, the District Advisory
Board, and the Board of General Superintendents.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT 99
U. Associates in the Local Church
160. There may be those who feel called to prepare themselves
for certain vital lay services in the church, either
part-time or full-time. The church recognizes the place of
such lay workers, and yet it is basically constituted a voluntary
institution, with service to God and others the duty and
privilege of all its members according to their abilities.
When paid associates in the local church, or any subsidiary
and/or affiliated corporations of the local congregation,
whether ministerial or lay, become necessary for greater efficiency,
it must be such as will not devitalize the spirit of free
service by all its members or tax the church’s financial resources
including the payment of all financial apportionments.
However, a request may be made in writing for review
by the district superintendent and District Advisory
Board for exceptions in special cases. (129.27)
160.1. All local paid or unpaid associates who provide specialized
ministry within the context of the local church and
enter into a relationship of vocational ministry within the
church, including directors of childcare/schools (birth
through secondary), shall be elected by the church board,
having been nominated by the pastor. All nominations must
have prior approval in writing by the district superintendent,
who shall respond within 15 days after receipt of the
request. (160.4, 208.12)
160.2. The employment of such associates shall be for no
more than one year and may be renewed upon recommendation
of the pastor with the prior written approval of the district
superintendent and the favorable vote of the church
board. The pastor shall be responsible to conduct an annual
review of each staff member. The pastor, in consultation
with the church board, may make recommendations for staff
development or modifications in job description as indicated
by the review. The dismissal of all local associates prior to
the end of the employment term (end of fiscal church year)
must be by recommendation of the pastor, approval of the
district superintendent, and the majority vote of the church
board. Notification of dismissal or nonrenewal must be given
100 LOCAL GOVERNMENT
in writing not less than 30 days prior to the termination of
employment. (129.27)
160.3. The duties and services of such associates are to be
determined and supervised by the pastor. A clear, written
statement of responsibilities (job description) shall be made
available to such associates within 30 days of the beginning
of their responsibility to the local church.
160.4. No paid employee of the church shall be eligible for
election to the church board. If a church board member
should become a paid employee of the church, he or she
shall not remain a member of the church board.
160.5. In times of pastoral transition, the stability, unity,
and ongoing ministry of the local church is crucial. Consequently,
upon resignation or termination of the pastor, a
local church board may request that the district superintendent
approve the continued service of any or all associates.
This approval, if granted, could continue until 90 days after
the new pastor’s assumption of duties or until the incoming
pastor nominates his or her paid associates for the coming
year in harmony with Manual paragraph 160. Directors of
childcare/schools (birth through secondary) shall submit
their resignations effective at the end of the school year in
which the new pastor assumes the duties of the office. The
chief executive officer of any subsidiary and/or affiliated corporation
shall submit his or her resignation at the end of
that contractual period in which the new pastor assumes
the duties of the office. The incoming pastor may have the
privilege of recommending the employment of staff members
previously employed.
160.6. Communication with staff members, the church
board, and the congregation regarding the effect of 160.5 on
staff members at the time of pastoral change shall be the responsibility
of the district superintendent. (208.12)
160.7. The pastor of a congregation having approval to
function as a local church according to 100.1 shall not be
considered a staff member.
160.8. Any person serving as paid staff would be ineligible
to be called as pastor to the church of which he or she is a
member without approval of the District Advisory Board. (115)
LOCAL GOVERNMENT 101
CHAPTER II
THE DISTRICT ASSEMBLY
A. Bounds and Name
200. The General Assembly shall organize the membership
of the church into districts.
The bounds and name of a district shall be such as shall
be declared by the General Assembly, or by the assembly
district involved, with the final approval of the general
superintendent or superintendents having jurisdiction. (30)
200.1. The Creation of New Districts. New districts in
the Church of the Nazarene may be created by:
1. The division of one district into two or more districts
(requires a two-thirds vote of the district assembly);
2. The combination of two or more districts out of which a
differing configuration of districts may be created;
3. The formation of a new district in an area not encompassed
by any existing district;
4. The merger of two or more districts, or
5. A recommendation to establish a new district shall be
submitted to the general superintendent(s) in jurisdiction.
The district superintendent(s) and District Advisory
Board(s) or national board(s) may approve and refer
the matter to the district assembly/assemblies for
vote with the approval of the general superintendent(s)
in jurisdiction and the Board of General Superintendents.
(30, 200, 200.4)
200.2. Work in the Church of the Nazarene may begin as a
pioneer area and lead to the establishment of new districts and
district assembly boundaries. Phase 3 districts may emerge as
quickly as possible according to the following pattern:
Phase 1. A Phase 1 district shall be designated when opportunity
for entry into a new area is presented, within
102 DISTRICT GOVERNMENT
guidelines for strategic development and evangelism. Requests
may be made by a regional director, a district
through the Regional Advisory Council, or the sponsoring
district superintendent and/or District Advisory Board for final
approvals by the general superintendent(s) in jurisdiction
and the Board of General Superintendents. (200.1, #5)
A Phase 1 district superintendent in regions related to the
World Mission Department shall be recommended by the regional
director, in consultation with the department director,
to the general superintendent having jurisdiction who shall
appoint. The region shall give guidance to the Phase 1 district
regarding resources available for development. In other
regions, the district superintendent shall be appointed by
the general superintendent in jurisdiction after consultation
with the district superintendent(s) and Advisory Board(s) of
the sponsoring district(s). (204.2)
When, in the opinion of the field strategy coordinator and
regional director, a Phase 1 district in regions related to the
World Mission Department, is in crisis—financial, morale or
otherwise—and this crisis seriously affects the stability and
future of the district, a district may be declared in crisis
with the approval of the general superintendent in jurisdiction
and in consultation with the World Mission Department
director. The regional director, with the approval of the general
superintendent in jurisdiction, may appoint an interim
board for the management of the district and in lieu of all
existing boards, until the next regularly scheduled district
assembly. On those districts not served by a regional director
and Regional Advisory Council, the general superintendent
in jurisdiction, in consultation with the Board of General
Superintendents, may make such determination.
Phase 2. A Phase 2 district may be designated when a
sufficient number of fully organized churches and ordained
elders, and a district infrastructure of adequate maturity exists
to recommend such designation.
Such designation will be by the Board of General Superintendents
upon recommendation of the general superintendent
in jurisdiction after consultation with the department
director, regional director, and other individuals and boards
DISTRICT GOVERNMENT 103
involved in the appointment of the district superintendent.
A district superintendent will be elected or appointed.
Quantifiable guidelines would be a minimum of 10 organized
churches, 500 full members, and 5 ordained elders,
and a minimum of 50% of district administration expense
shall be generated by district ministries fund income at the
time of designation. A District Advisory Board or national
board may request the general superintendent in jurisdiction
for an exception to these criteria. (204.2)
When, in the opinion of the field strategy coordinator and
regional director, a Phase 2 district in regions related to the
World Mission Department, is in crisis—financial, morale or
otherwise—and this crisis seriously affects the stability and
future of the district, a district may be declared in crisis
with the approval of the general superintendent in jurisdiction
and in consultation with the World Mission Department
director. The regional director, with the approval of the general
superintendent in jurisdiction, may appoint an interim
board for the management of the district and in lieu of all
existing boards, until the next regularly scheduled district
assembly. On those districts not served by a regional director
and Regional Advisory Council, the general superintendent
in jurisdiction, in consultation with the Board of General
Superintendents, may make such determination.
Phase 3. A Phase 3 district may be declared when a sufficient
number of fully organized churches, and ordained elders,
and members exist to warrant such designation. Leadership,
infrastructure, budgetary responsibility, and doctrinal integrity
must be demonstrated. A Phase 3 district must be able to
shoulder these burdens and share the challenges of the Great
Commission within the global scope of an international church.
Such designation will be by the Board of General Superintendents
upon recommendation of the general superintendent
in jurisdiction after consultation with the department
director, regional director, and other individuals and boards
involved in the appointment of the district superintendent.
(203.13) A district superintendent will be selected in accordance
with Manual provisions.
104 DISTRICT GOVERNMENT
Quantifiable criteria include a minimum of 20 organized
churches, 1,000 full members, and 10 ordained elders. A District
Advisory Board or national board may request to the
general superintendent in jurisdiction for an exception to
these criteria.
A Phase 3 district must be 100% self-supporting in regard
to district administration. The district superintendent shall
be elected by the district assembly in accordance with Manual
provisions.
Phase 3 districts are an integral part of their respective
regions. In regions having a regional director, the general
superintendent in jurisdiction may enlist the assistance of
the regional director to facilitate communication with and
supervision of the district.
When in the opinion of a general superintendent in jurisdiction,
a district is in crisis—financial, morale, or otherwise—
and this crisis seriously affects the stability and future
of the district, a district may be declared in crisis with the
approval of the Board of General Superintendents and the
General Board Executive Committee. The general superintendent
in jurisdiction, with approval of the Board of General
Superintendents and the Executive Committee of the General
Board may take the following action: (1) remove the district
superintendent; (2) appoint an interim board for the management
of the district in lieu of all existing boards, until the
next regularly scheduled district assembly; and (3) initiate
such special interventions as may be necessary to restore the
district’s health and mission effectiveness. (307.8, 322)
200.3. Criteria for District Division or District
Boundary Changes. A proposal for district development or
district boundary changes developed by a regional office, a
national board, or a District Advisory Board may be presented
to the general superintendent in jurisdiction. Such a plan
should take into consideration:
1. That the proposed new districts have population centers
that justify the creation of such districts;
2. That lines of communication and transportation are
available to facilitate the work of the districts;
DISTRICT GOVERNMENT 105
3. That a sufficient number of mature elders and lay leaders
are available for the work of the district;
4. That the sponsoring districts will have, wherever possible,
sufficient district ministries fund income, sufficient
membership and organized churches to maintain
their Phase 3 district status;
200.4. Mergers. Two or more Phase 3 districts may be
merged upon two-thirds favorable vote by each of the district
assemblies involved, provided: The merger shall have
been recommended by the respective District Advisory
Boards, (and national board{s} where applicable), and approved
in writing by the general superintendents in jurisdiction
of the districts involved.
The merger and all pertinent related matters shall be finalized
at a time and place determined by the district assemblies
involved, and the respective general superintendents
in jurisdiction.
The organization thus created will combine the assets and
liabilities of the respective districts. (200.1)
Phase 1 and Phase 2 districts may be merged in accordance
with provisions for new district formation outlined in
paragraph 200.2.
200.5. If any or all of the district assemblies involved fail
to act, or if the actions of the several district assemblies are
in disagreement, the recommendation may be submitted to
the next General Assembly for action, if requested by a twothirds
majority of the affected District Advisory Boards.
200.6. A district superintendent may use zone facilitators
or mission area directors to assist in:
1. Building a sense of community and camaraderie
among the pastors of that zone or mission area;
2. Promoting the cause of Christ by encouraging and
strategizing for ministerial development, church
growth, evangelism, starting and restarting churches;
3. Carrying out specific assignments on behalf of the district
superintendent and the District Advisory Board;
and
4. Serving as a communications bridge between the local
congregations and the district.
106 DISTRICT GOVERNMENT
B. Membership and Time of Meeting
201. Membership. The district assembly shall be composed
of all assigned elders (429-29.3, 430-30.1, 433.9); all
assigned deacons (428-28.4, 433.9); all assigned licensed
ministers (427.8); all retired assigned ministers (431-31.1);
the district secretary (216.2); the district treasurer (219.2);
chairpersons of standing district committees reporting to
the district assembly; any lay presidents of Nazarene institutions
of higher education, whose local church membership
is on the district; the District Sunday School Ministries
chairperson (238.2); the district age-group ministries directors
(children and adult); the District Sunday School Ministries
Board; the president of the District Nazarene Youth
International (239.4); the president of the District Nazarene
Missions International (240.2); the newly elected superintendent
or vice superintendent of each local Sunday School
Ministries Board (146); the newly elected president or vice
president of each local Nazarene Youth International (151);
the newly elected president or vice president of each local
Nazarene Missions International (153.2); or an appropriately
elected alternate may represent the auxiliary organizations
in the district assembly; those serving in assigned
roles of ministry according to 402-23.1; the lay members of
the District Advisory Board (221.3); all retired assigned lay
career missionaries whose local church membership is on
the district; and the lay delegates from each local church in
the assembly district. (30, 113.13, 201.1-1.2)
201.1. Local churches in districts of fewer than 5,000 full
church members shall be entitled to representation in the
district assembly as follows: two lay delegates from each local
church of 50 or fewer full church members, and one additional
lay delegate for each successive 50 full church members
and the final major part of 50 full church members. (30,
113.13, 201)
201.2. Local churches in districts of 5,000 or more full
church members shall be entitled to representation in the
district assembly as follows: one lay delegate from each local
church of 50 or fewer full church members, and one addi-
DISTRICT GOVERNMENT 107
tional lay delegate for each successive 50 full church members
and the final major part of 50 full church members. (30,
113.13, 201)
202. Time. The district assembly shall be held annually,
at the time appointed by the general superintendent having
jurisdiction, and in the place designated by the preceding
district assembly or arranged for by the district superintendent.
202.1. Nominating Committee. Prior to the convening
of the district assembly, the district superintendent in consultation
with the District Advisory Board shall appoint a
nominating committee to serve the district assembly; this
committee may prepare nominations for the usual committees
and offices in advance of the convening of the district
assembly. (212.2)
C. Business of the District Assembly
203. Rules of Order. Subject to the applicable law, the
Articles of Incorporation and the Bylaws of government in
the Manual, the meetings and proceedings of the members
of the Church of the Nazarene, local, district, and general,
and the committees of the corporation shall be regulated
and controlled according to Robert’s Rules of Order Newly
Revised (latest edition) for parliamentary procedure. (40)
203.1. The business of the district assembly shall be:
203.2. To hear and receive an annual report of the district
superintendent which summarizes the ministry of the district
including newly organized churches.
203.3. To hear or receive reports from all ordained and licensed
ministers serving as pastors or commissioned evangelists;
and to consider the character of all elders, deacons,
and deaconesses. By vote of the district assembly the record
of written reports received by the secretary may be accepted
in place of oral reports of all other elders, deacons, deaconesses,
and licensed ministers not engaged in active service,
and those ministers having district certificates for all
roles of ministry in 402-23.1. (418, 427.8, 433.9)
203.4. To license as licensed ministers, after careful examination,
persons who have been recommended by church
108 DISTRICT GOVERNMENT
boards or the District Advisory Board and who may be
judged to be called to the ministry and to renew such license
upon favorable recommendation of the Ministerial Credentials
Board. (129.14, 426.5, 427.1, 427.3)
203.5. To renew as licensed deaconesses, after careful examination,
persons who have been recommended by church
boards and who may be judged to be called to the office of
deaconess upon favorable recommendation of the Ministerial
Credentials Board. (129.15)
203.6. To elect to the order of elder, or to the order of deacon,
persons judged to have fulfilled all the requirements for
such orders of ministry upon favorable recommendation of
the Ministerial Credentials Board. (428.3, 429.3)
203.7. To recognize the orders of ministry and credentials
of persons coming from other denominations who may be
judged qualified and desirable for placement in the Church
of the Nazarene upon favorable recommendation of the Ministerial
Credentials Board. (427.2, 430-30.2)
203.8. To receive, by transfer from other districts, persons
having ministerial credentials, members of the clergy, and
those having commissions for continuing ministry roles, in
harmony with 402, 406-9.1, including interim transfers approved
by the District Advisory Board, who may be judged
as desirable for membership in the district assembly upon
favorable recommendation of the Ministerial Credentials
Board. (228.9-28.10, 432-32.2)
203.9. To issue a transfer of members of the clergy, and
those having commissions for continuing ministry roles according
to 402, 406-9.1, including interim transfers approved
by the District Advisory Board, who desire to transfer
to another district upon favorable recommendation of the
Ministerial Credentials Board. (228.9-28.10, 432-32.1)
203.10. To commission or register for one year those persons
deemed qualified for the roles of ministry named and
defined in 402-23.1 upon favorable recommendation of the
Ministerial Credentials Board.
203.11. To elect, by two-thirds favorable vote, by ballot, an
elder to the office of district superintendent, to serve until
30 days following the final adjournment of the second dis-
DISTRICT GOVERNMENT 109
trict assembly following his or her election and until a successor
is elected or appointed and qualified. The procedure
for reelection of a district superintendent shall be by a “yes”
or “no” ballot vote. No elder shall be considered eligible for
election to this office who has at any time surrendered his or
her credential for disciplinary reasons. No superintendent
shall be elected or reelected following his or her 70th birthday.
203.12. After a district superintendent of a Phase 2 or
Phase 3 district (200.2) has served a district for at least two
assembly years, the district assembly may reelect said
superintendent for a period of four years subject to the approval
of the general superintendent in jurisdiction. The
procedure for election to an extended term of office shall be
by a two-thirds favorable “yes” or “no” ballot.
203.13. In case the general superintendent and the officers
of the district, namely, the District Advisory Board,
chairperson of the District Sunday School Ministries Board,
the presidents of the district NMI and NYI, the district secretary,
and the district treasurer, shall be of the opinion that
the services of the district superintendent should not continue
beyond the current year, the general superintendent having
jurisdiction and the district officers may order the question
submitted for a vote of the district assembly. The
question shall be submitted in the following form: “Shall the
present district superintendent be continued in office beyond
this district assembly?”
If the district assembly, by a two-thirds vote by ballot, decides
to continue the district superintendent in office, he or
she shall continue to serve as though such vote had not been
taken.
If, however, the district assembly fails to decide by such
vote to continue the district superintendent in office, his or
her term of office shall terminate 30-180 days following the
close of that district assembly, with the date to be determined
by the general superintendent in jurisdiction in consultation
with the officers of the district. (204.2, 206)
203.14. To elect, by ballot, up to three ordained ministers
and up to three laypersons to the District Advisory Board, to
110 DISTRICT GOVERNMENT
serve for a term not to exceed four years, as determined by
the district assembly, and until their successors are elected
and qualified.
However, when the district exceeds a total membership of
5,000, it may elect one additional ordained minister and one
additional layperson for each successive 2,500 members and
the final major part of 2,500 members. (221)
203.15. To elect a District Ministerial Credentials Board
of not less than 5 nor more than 15 ordained ministers, one
of whom shall be the district superintendent, to serve for
four years and until their successors are elected and qualified.
This board shall meet prior to the district assembly to
consider all matters subject to its authority and, insofar as
is possible, to complete its work prior to the district assembly.
(226-28.10)
203.16. To elect a District Ministerial Studies Board of
five or more ordained ministers, to serve for four years and
until their successors are elected and qualified. (229)
203.17. To facilitate greater flexibility on districts in the
use of the most appropriate persons for specific assignments
in preparing candidates for ordination, districts may elect
the total number necessary to serve on both the District
Ministerial Credentials Board and the District Ministerial
Studies Board as a District Board of Ministry.
At the first meeting of this District Board of Ministry, the
district superintendent may organize the group into a Ministerial
Credentials Board and a Ministerial Studies Board,
a Rehabilitation Committee, and any other committees that
may be deemed wise. (226, 229)
203.18. To elect a District Church Properties Board in keeping
with provisions of 233. (204.1)
203.19. To elect at its discretion either or both of the following:
(1) a District Evangelism Board of no less than six
members including the district superintendent, (2) a district
director of evangelism. The persons elected shall serve until
the final adjournment of the next district assembly and until
their successors are elected and qualified. (204.1, 212)
203.20. To elect a District Sunday School Ministries
Board in harmony with the procedure stated in 237, to serve
DISTRICT GOVERNMENT 111
until their successors are elected and qualified. (204.1, 212)
203.21. To elect a District Assembly Finance Committee of
equal lay and ministerial representation to serve for a term
not to exceed four years, as determined by the district assembly,
and until their successors are elected and qualified.
The district superintendent and district treasurer shall be
members ex-officio. (235-35.2)
203.22. To elect a District Court of Appeals, consisting of
three ordained ministers, including the district superintendent,
and two laypersons, to serve for a term not to exceed
four years and until their successors are elected and qualified.
(509)
203.23. To elect, by ballot, at a session within 16 months
of the meeting of the General Assembly, or within 24 months
in areas where travel visas or other unusual preparations
are necessary, all of the lay delegates and all but one of the
ministerial delegates, since one shall be the district superintendent.
Every Phase 3 district assembly shall be entitled to
representation at the General Assembly by an equal number
of ministerial and lay delegates. The district superintendent
at the time of the General Assembly shall be one of the ministerial
delegates, and the remaining ministerial delegates
shall be ordained ministers. In case the district superintendent
is unable to attend, or in case there has been a vacancy
and the new district superintendent has not been appointed,
the properly elected alternate shall be seated in the district
superintendent’s place. The Nominating Committee shall
submit ballots containing at least three times the number of
delegates eligible from that district, in each category, ministerial
and lay. From these nominees, the allowed delegates
and alternates shall be elected according to paragraphs
301.1-1.3. Delegates elected are expected to attend faithfully
all meetings of the General Assembly from opening to closing
unless providentially prevented. (31.1-1.3, 301.1-1.3,
303, 331.1)
203.24. To establish, at its discretion, a system of associate
membership for its local churches, but associate members
must not be counted as full members for purposes of
representation. (108)
112 DISTRICT GOVERNMENT
203.25. To provide for the auditing of all district treasurers’
books annually, either by a District Auditing Committee
elected by the District Advisory Board or by an auditing
firm or certified public accountant. (222.18)
203.26. To present to the General Assembly, through the
district secretary, a full official journal for the preceding
quadrennium, to be preserved and filed. (205.3-5.4, 217.7)
203.27. To grant a retired relation to a minister upon recommendation
of the District Ministerial Credentials Board.
Any change in status must be approved by the district assembly,
upon recommendation by the District Ministerial
Credentials Board. (228.8, 431)
203.28. To consider and care for the entire work of the
Church of the Nazarene within the bounds of the assembly
district.
203.29. To transact any other business pertaining to the
work, not otherwise provided for, in harmony with the spirit
and order of the Church of the Nazarene.
204. Other Rules Pertaining to the District Assemblies.
The district assembly may authorize, where civil law
permits, the District Advisory Board to incorporate. After incorporation
as above provided, the District Advisory Board
shall have power, on its own resolution, to purchase, own,
sell, exchange, mortgage, deed in trust, hypothecate, lease,
and convey any property, real and personal, as may be necessary
or convenient for the purpose of the corporation.
(222.5)
204.1. As far as possible membership of district boards
and committees shall be equal between ministers and
laypersons unless specifically provided otherwise by the
Manual.
204.2. The district superintendents of Phase 1 and
Phase 2 districts shall be chosen in accordance with Manual
paragraph 200.2. A Phase 2 district may revert to Phase
1 district status until such time as it can meet the requirements
for Phase 2 status.
204.3. When the presiding officer of a district assembly
deems that it is impossible to convene or continue with the
business of the district assembly and therefore postpones,
DISTRICT GOVERNMENT 113
cancels or adjourns the district assembly, the general superintendent
in jurisdiction, in consultation with the Board of
General Superintendents, shall appoint all district officers
not elected prior to the adjournment of the district assembly,
to serve for a period of one year.
D. The District Assembly Journal
205. The journal shall be the record of the regular proceedings
of the district assembly.
205.1. The journal must be either written or typewritten
manuscript, or printed, and substantially bound.
205.2. Separate items of business shall be placed in separate
paragraphs.
205.3. The journal should be edited carefully with the
view to its examination by the General Assembly. (203.26,
217.7)
205.4. The full official journal for each quadrennium shall
be preserved and filed with the district and the General Assembly
files. (217.5, 217.7)
205.5. The journal shall be arranged as far as possible according
to the table of contents prepared by the general secretary
in consultation with the Board of General Superintendents.
The table of contents shall be furnished to the
district secretary prior to the convening of the district assembly.
205.6. The journal shall contain not only the assignment
of pastors to local churches but also all regular and special
engagements entered into by ministerial and lay members
of the district assembly who are engaged in any line of denominational
service that may entitle them to consideration
if applying for benefits from the Pensions Board having the
responsibility for the pensions and benefits program in
which that district participates. (115)
E. The District Superintendent
206. The initial term of office for a district superintendent
who is elected at a district assembly begins 30 days after the
adjournment of the district assembly. It runs for two full assembly
years ending 30 days after the adjournment of the
114 DISTRICT GOVERNMENT
assembly that marks the second anniversary of the election.
At the time of said assembly the superintendent may be reelected
(203.11-3.12) or a successor elected or appointed and
qualified. The initial term of office for a district superintendent
who is appointed by the general superintendent in jurisdiction
begins at the time of the appointment, includes
the remainder of the church year in which the superintendent
was appointed, and extends through the two following
church years. The term of office ends 30 days after the adjournment
of the assembly that marks the end of the second
full assembly year of service. At said assembly the superintendent
may be elected (203.11-3.12) for another term, or a
successor will be elected or appointed and qualified. (203.11-
3.13)
207. If for any cause a vacancy shall occur in the interim
of sessions of the district assembly, the general superintendents,
jointly and severally, may fill the vacancy, upon consultation
with a committee composed of the District Advisory
Board, the chairperson of the District Sunday School
Ministries Board, the presidents of the district NMI and
NYI, the district secretary and the district treasurer. Consultation
shall include an invitation for the committee, as a
whole, to submit names for consideration in addition to
those names brought forward by the general superintendent
in jurisdiction. (307.6)
207.1. The office of a Phase 1 or Phase 2 district superintendent
may be declared vacant with cause upon the recommendation
of the general superintendent having jurisdiction.
The office of district superintendent in a Phase 3
district may be declared vacant upon a two-thirds majority
vote of the District Advisory Board, the chairperson of the
District Sunday School Ministries Board, the presidents of
the district NMI and NYI, the district secretary, and the district
treasurer. (321)
207.2. In the event of temporary incapacitation of an incumbent
district superintendent, the general superintendent
having jurisdiction, in consultation with the District
Advisory Board, may appoint a qualified elder to serve as interim
district superintendent. The question of incapacitation
DISTRICT GOVERNMENT 115
shall be determined by the general superintendent in jurisdiction
and the District Advisory Board. (307.7)
207.3. Upon the resignation or termination of the district
superintendent, the staff members of the district office, the
chief executive officer or any subsidiary and/or affiliated corporations
of the district, paid and unpaid, such as assistant
superintendent and office secretary, shall submit their resignations
effective concurrently with the final date of the district
superintendency. However, one or more of the staff
members may remain with the written approval of the general
superintendent in jurisdiction and the District Advisory
Board, but not longer than the date of the new superintendent’s
assumption of duties. (241.3)
207.4. After consultation with the District Advisory Board
and the approval of the general superintendent in jurisdiction,
the newly elected or appointed district superintendent
may have the privilege of recommending the employment of
staff members previously employed. (241.3)
208. The duties of a district superintendent are:
208.1. To organize, recognize, and superintend local
churches within the bounds of his or her assembly district,
subject to the approval of the general superintendent having
jurisdiction. (100, 433.12)
208.2. To be available to the local churches in his or her
assembly district as needed, and as necessary meet with the
church board to consult with reference to spiritual, financial,
and pastoral matters, giving such helpful advice and
assistance as the superintendent may deem proper.
208.3. In circumstances where the district superintendent
has determined that a church is in an unhealthy, declining
situation, the continuation of which threatens the viability
of the church and its mission effectiveness, the district
superintendent may pursue contact with the pastor or the
pastor and the church board to evaluate the circumstances.
Every effort shall be made to work with the pastor and
church board toward resolution of issues that have led to the
circumstances which are impeding mission effectiveness.
If the district superintendent, after working with the pastor
and/or board, concludes that further intervention is nec-
116 DISTRICT GOVERNMENT
essary, he or she may, with the approval of the District Advisory
Board and the general superintendent in jurisdiction,
take appropriate action to address the situation. Such action(
s) may include, but are not limited to: (1) the removal of
the pastor; (2) the dissolution of the church board; (3) the
initiation of such special interventions as may be necessary
to restore the church’s health and mission effectiveness.
(124-24.1)
208.4. To schedule and conduct, with each local church
board, the regular church/pastoral review according to the
provisions of 122.
208.5. To have special supervision of all the church-type
missions of the Church of the Nazarene within the bounds
of his or her assembly district.
208.6. To nominate to the District Advisory Board someone
to fill a vacancy, should one occur in the office of district
secretary. (216.1)
208.7. To nominate to the District Advisory Board someone
to fill a vacancy, should one occur in the office of district
treasurer. (219.1)
208.8. To appoint a district chaplaincy director to promote
and amplify holiness evangelism through the specialized
ministry of chaplaincy. (236)
208.9. To consult with the church board concerning the
nomination of an elder or a licensed minister to pastor a local
church and to approve or disapprove such nomination.
(115, 129.2, 160.8)
208.10. To schedule a special church/pastoral review
(123), within 90 days of the request of a church board for
such review, on the continuance of the church/pastoral relationship.
208.11. To approve or disapprove the granting of license
to any member of the Church of the Nazarene who may request
local minister’s license or renewal of local minister’s license
from the church board of a local church not having an
elder as pastor. (426.1, 426.3)
208.12. To approve or disapprove in writing requests from
the pastor and the local church board to have or to employ
any unpaid associate pastors or paid local associates (such as
DISTRICT GOVERNMENT 117
associate pastors; ministers or directors of Christian education,
children, youth, adult, music, childcare/schools {birth
through secondary}, etc.). The primary criteria for the district
superintendent’s decisions to approve or disapprove, in concept,
the hiring of paid staff will be the willingness and ability
of the church to meet its local, district, and general obligations.
It is the pastor’s responsibility to screen and select pastoral
associates. However, the district superintendent shall
have the right to disapprove the nominee. (129.27, 160-60.8)
208.13. To approve or disapprove, with the District Advisory
Board, requests from local churches to operate Christian
childcare/school (birth through secondary) ministries.
(152, 222.11, 414)
208.14. To execute and sign, along with the secretary of
the District Advisory Board, all legal documents of the district.
(222.5)
208.15. To nominate to the District Advisory Board and to
supervise any paid assistants on the district. (241)
208.16. To appoint pastors in keeping with 116.
208.17. The district superintendent may, with the approval
of the District Advisory Board, appoint the members
of the church board (stewards, trustees), the chairperson of
the Sunday School Ministries Board, and other church officers
(secretary, treasurer) if a church has been organized for
less than five years, or had less than 35 voting members in
the previous annual church meeting, or is receiving regular
financial assistance from the district, or has been declared
in crisis. The total number of members of such board shall
not be less than three. (116, 124)
208.18. To cause to be investigated written accusations
against a minister in his or her assembly district, according
to 505-5.3.
208.19. The district superintendent shall schedule and
conduct a self-assessment and review in consultation with
the tenured evangelist in accordance with paragraph 407.4.
209. The district superintendent, with the consent of the
church board, may appoint a pastoral supply to fill a vacancy
in the office of pastor until the next district assembly.
Such appointed pastoral supply shall be subject to removal
118 DISTRICT GOVERNMENT
by the district superintendent when his or her services are
not satisfactory to the church board and the local church.
(129.5, 421, 426.6)
210. The district superintendent is authorized to perform
for a local church within the bounds of his or her assembly
district all the functions of pastor when that local church is
without a pastor or pastoral supply. (412)
210.1. The district superintendent may preside at the annual,
or a special meeting of a local church, or appoint a surrogate
for such duty. (113.5)
211. If for any reason the general superintendent having
jurisdiction fails to be present or to appoint a representative
to be present in his or her stead at the district assembly, the
district superintendent shall call the district assembly to order
and shall preside until other provision may be made by
the district assembly. (307.4)
212. The district superintendent may fill vacancies in the
District Assembly Finance Committee (203.21), the District
Auditing Committee (203.25), the District Ministerial Credentials
Board (226.1), the District Ministerial Studies
Board (229.1), the District Evangelism Board or the district
director of evangelism (232), the District Church Properties
Board (233), the District Sunday School Ministries Board
(237), the District Court of Appeals (509), and other district
boards and standing committees where such are not provided
in the Manual or by assembly action.
212.1. The district superintendent may appoint all chairpersons,
secretaries and members of the district boards and
standing committees where such are not provided in the
Manual or by assembly action.
212.2. The district superintendent, in consultation with
the District Advisory Board, shall appoint a nominating
committee to prepare nominations for the usual committees
and offices in advance of the district assembly. (202.1)
213. The district superintendent shall be ex-officio chairperson
of the District Advisory Board (221.2) and the District
Ministerial Credentials Board (227.1).
213.1. The district superintendent shall be a member exofficio
of all elected and standing boards and committees on
DISTRICT GOVERNMENT 119
the district he or she serves. (203.20-3.21, 233, 237, 810, 811)
214. All official acts of the district superintendent shall be
subject to review and revision by the district assembly, and
subject to appeal.
214.1. The district superintendent shall always show due
regard for the advice of the general superintendent in jurisdiction
and the Board of General Superintendents with regard
to pastoral arrangements and other matters relating to
the office of the district superintendent.
F. The District Secretary
216. The district secretary, elected by the District Advisory
Board, shall serve for a period of one to three years and
until his or her successor is elected and qualified. (222.16)
216.1. If the district secretary shall cease to serve, for any
cause, in the interim of sessions of the district assembly, the
District Advisory Board shall elect his or her successor upon
nomination by the district superintendent. (208.6)
216.2. The district secretary shall be a member ex-officio
of the district assembly. (201)
217. The duties of the district secretary are:
217.1. To record correctly and preserve faithfully all minutes
of the district assembly.
217.2. To record correctly and preserve all statistics of the
district.
217.3. To forward all statistical charts to the general secretary
to be audited before their publication in the official
journal. (325.6)
217.4. To be custodian of all documents of the district assembly,
and turn them over promptly to his or her successor.
217.5. To preserve and file the full official journal for each
quadrennium. (205.4)
217.6. To forward sufficient copies of the printed journal
of each district assembly to General Headquarters for distribution
among the general officers and general boards of the
Church of the Nazarene.
217.7. To present to the General Assembly, for the district
assembly, the full official journal for the preceding quadrennium
to be preserved and filed. (203.26, 205.3-5.4)
120 DISTRICT GOVERNMENT
217.8. To do whatever else may pertain to his or her office.
217.9. To refer all items of business coming to him or her
during the year to the proper assembly committee or standing
board.
218. The district secretary may have as many assistants
as the district assembly shall elect.
G. The District Treasurer
219. The district treasurer, elected by the District Advisory
Board, shall serve for a period of one to three years and
until his or her successor is elected and qualified. (222.15)
219.1. If the district treasurer shall cease to serve, for any
cause, in the interim of sessions of the district assembly, the
District Advisory Board shall elect his or her successor upon
nomination by the district superintendent. (208.7)
219.2. The district treasurer shall be a member ex-officio
of the district assembly. (201)
220. The duties of the district treasurer are:
220.1. To receive all such moneys from his or her district
as may be designated by the General Assembly, or by the
district assembly, or by the District Advisory Board, or as
the needs of the Church of the Nazarene may require, and
disburse the same according to the direction and policies of
the district assembly and/or the District Advisory Board.
220.2. To keep a correct record of all moneys received and
disbursed and to render a monthly report to the district
superintendent for distribution to the District Advisory
Board and an annual report to the district assembly, to
which he or she shall be amenable.
H. The District Advisory Board
221. The District Advisory Board shall be composed of the
district superintendent ex-officio and up to three ordained
ministers and up to three laypersons elected by ballot by the
district assembly annually or for terms not to exceed four
years, to serve until the final adjournment of the next district
assembly and until their successors are elected and
qualified. However, their terms of service may be staggered
by electing a proportion of the board annually.
DISTRICT GOVERNMENT 121
When a district exceeds a total membership of 5,000, it
may elect one additional ordained minister and one additional
layperson for each successive 2,500 members or the final
major part of 2,500 members. (203.14)
221.1. A vacancy on the District Advisory Board may be
filled by the remaining members thereof.
221.2. The district superintendent shall be ex-officio
chairperson of the District Advisory Board.
221.3. The lay members of the District Advisory Board
shall be ex-officio members of the district assembly, ex-officio
members of the District Sunday School Ministries Convention,
ex-officio members of the District NMI Convention,
and ex-officio members of the District NYI Convention. (201,
221)
222. The duties of the District Advisory Board are:
222.1. To set the date for the beginning and closing of the
statistical year in harmony with the provisions of 114.1.
222.2. To give information to and consult with the district
superintendent respecting the ministers and local churches
of the assembly district. (416)
222.3. To appoint an investigating committee consisting of
three or more ordained ministers in case an accusation is
filed against a member of the clergy. (505-5.3)
222.4. To select a trial court in case charges are made
against a member of the clergy. (505.5-5.6)
222.5. To incorporate, where civil law permits and when
authorized by the district assembly. After incorporation, as
above provided, the District Advisory Board shall have power,
on its own resolution, to purchase, own, sell, exchange, mortgage,
deed in trust, hypothecate, lease, and convey any property,
real and personal, as may be necessary or convenient for
the purpose of the corporation. The district superintendent
and the secretary of the District Advisory Board, or other persons
authorized by the District Advisory Board, incorporated
or not incorporated, shall execute and sign all conveyances on
real estate, mortgages, releases of mortgages, contracts, and
other legal documents of the District Advisory Board. (204)
222.6. In areas where the civil law does not permit such in-
122 DISTRICT GOVERNMENT
corporation, then the district assembly may elect the District
Advisory Board as district trustee with power, on its own resolution,
to purchase, own, sell, exchange, mortgage, deed in
trust, hypothecate, lease, and convey any property, real and
personal, as may be necessary or convenient for the purpose
of carrying on its work in the district. (102.6, 106.2, 222.5)
222.7. The District Advisory Board, in areas where it is
possible for local churches to incorporate, shall, with the advice
of competent legal counsel, provide pattern incorporation
forms adequate for the areas of its district. This pattern
incorporation form shall always include the provisions set
forth in 102-2.5.
222.8. To serve in an advisory capacity to the district
superintendent in his or her supervision of all the departments,
boards, and committees of the district.
222.9. To submit to the Board of General Superintendents
any plans proposed for the creation of a district center. Such
plans shall require the approval in writing of the Board of
General Superintendents before they are put in operation.
(319)
222.10. To recommend the renewal of license for the licensed
minister serving as pastor. (427.5)
222.11. To approve or disapprove requests from local
churches to operate Christian childcare/school (birth through
secondary) ministries. At the discretion of the district superintendent
and the District Advisory Board, a District Christian
Childcare/Schools (Birth through Secondary) Committee
may be established. Its function shall be to recommend policy,
procedures, and philosophy to the District Advisory Board for
application in the local church childcare/school (birth through
secondary), and to help establish, support, and monitor such
childcare/schools (birth through secondary). (152, 208.13, 414)
222.12. To elect or dismiss any paid assistants employed
by the district. (241-41.1)
222.13. To act, in consultation with the district superintendent,
as a finance committee between assemblies with
authority to adjust operational budgets as deemed necessary
and report the same to the district assembly. (220.1)
DISTRICT GOVERNMENT 123
222.14. To protect all district property, real or personal,
including all equity therein, from being diverted to any personal
or corporate use other than for the Church of the Nazarene.
(102.4, 106.5, 204)
222.15. To elect a district treasurer, to serve for a period of
one to three years and until his or her successor is elected
and qualified. (219)
222.16. To elect a district secretary, to serve for a period of
one to three years and until his or her successor is elected
and qualified. (216)
222.17. To certify the withdrawal or attempted withdrawal
of any local church from the Church of the Nazarene for
the purpose of implementing the transfer of title to real
property as provided for in paragraph 106.2.
222.18. If required, pursuant to paragraph 203.26, to elect
a District Auditing Committee to serve until the adjournment
of the following district assembly. (203.26)
222.19. To give an annual report to the district assembly
summarizing the activity of the work of the board including
the number of convened meetings.
223. The District Advisory Board may issue a transfer of
membership to a member of the clergy, a minister of Christian
education (409), or a deaconess (406), who desires to
transfer to another district assembly, before the meeting of
the district assembly in which such person’s membership is
held. Such transfers may be accepted by the receiving District
Advisory Board, granting to those transferred full
rights and privileges of membership on the district on which
it is received. The receiving district assembly shall have final
approval of all such Advisory Board transfer receptions
upon favorable recommendation by the Ministerial Credentials
Board. (203.8-3.9, 228.9-28.10, 432-32.2)
223.1. The District Advisory Board may, upon request, issue
a Certificate of Commendation (813.2) to a member of
the district assembly who wishes to unite with another denomination.
224. The District Advisory Board, with the approval of the
district superintendent, may suspend a licensed deaconess
when it is required for the good of the church, after a confer-
124 DISTRICT GOVERNMENT
ence with the church board of the local church of which the
licensed deaconess is a member, and after giving her a fair
hearing.
225. In case a licensed or ordained minister presenting a
credential from another evangelical denomination shall,
during the interim of sessions of the district assembly, make
application to unite with the Church of the Nazarene, his or
her credential shall be examined by the District Advisory
Board. Only with the favorable recommendation of the District
Advisory Board shall such applicant be received into
membership in the local church. (417, 427.2, 430)
I. The District Ministerial Credentials Board
226. The District Ministerial Credentials Board shall be
composed of not less than 5 nor more than 15 ordained ministers,
one of whom shall be the district superintendent.
They shall serve for a period of four years and until their
successors are elected and qualified. However, their terms of
service may be staggered by electing a proportion of the
board annually. (203.15)
226.1. A vacancy occurring in the Ministerial Credentials
Board in the interim of the district assemblies may be filled
by appointment by the district superintendent. (212)
227. Following the election of the Ministerial Credentials
Board the district superintendent shall call a meeting of the
board for organization as follows:
227.1. The district superintendent shall serve as chairperson
ex-officio of the board; however, upon his or her request
the board may elect an acting chairperson to serve in
such relationship until the close of the next district assembly.
(213)
227.2. The board shall elect from its membership a permanent
secretary who shall provide a suitable system of
records, at the expense of the district assembly, which shall
be the property of the district. The secretary shall carefully
record all actions of the board and faithfully preserve them
along with such other records as shall be relevant to the
work of the board and promptly transmit them to his or her
successor.
DISTRICT GOVERNMENT 125
228. The duties of the Ministerial Credentials Board
are:
228.1. To carefully examine and evaluate all persons who
have been properly presented to the district assembly for
election to the order of elder, the order of deacon, and for
minister’s license.
228.2. To carefully examine and evaluate all persons desiring
to receive a certificate for any of the assigned roles of
ministry, including all lay and ministerial candidates aspiring
to be recognized for ministries beyond the local church,
and any other special relations provided by the Manual.
228.3. To carefully inquire of each candidate and make
any other investigation deemed advisable concerning his or
her personal experience of salvation; personal experience of
entire sanctification by the baptism with the Holy Spirit;
knowledge of the doctrines of the Bible; full acceptance of
the doctrines, the Covenant of Christian Character and the
Covenant of Christian Conduct, and the polity of the church;
evidence of graces, gifts, intellectual, moral, and spiritual
qualifications, and general fitness for the ministry to which
the candidate feels called.
228.4. To carefully investigate the conduct of each candidate
to seek to identify whether or not the candidate is engaging
in or has a pattern of conduct, which if continued
would be inconsistent with the ministry for which the candidate
has applied.
228.5. To review for approval for reappointment any local
minister who has been appointed as supply pastor if he or
she is to continue such service after the district assembly
following the appointment. (426.6)
228.6. To investigate and review the cause of failure of an
ordained minister to report to the district assembly for two
successive years and make recommendation to the district
assembly relative to the continued listing of the name on the
published rolls of elders or deacons.
228.7. To investigate reports concerning an ordained minister
indicating that he or she has placed his or her church
membership with any other church or that he or she has
joined with the ministry of another denomination or group
126 DISTRICT GOVERNMENT
or is participating in independent activities without duly
authorized permission, and make recommendation to the
district assembly relative to his or her retention on the roll
of elders or deacons. (112, 433.11)
228.8. To recommend to the district assembly retired relationship
for a minister requesting such relation and who, in
the judgment of the board, is unable to continue in the active
ministerial service because of disability (203.27, 431) or
who desires to discontinue active ministerial service because
of age.
228.9. To recommend to the district assembly, members of
the clergy, and those licensed for continuing ministry roles,
for transfer to another district, including interim transfers
approved by the District Advisory Board. (203.9, 432-32.2)
228.10. To recommend to the district assembly, persons
having ministerial credentials, members of the clergy, and
those licensed for continuing ministry roles for reception of
transfer from other districts, including interim transfers approved
by the District Advisory Board. (203.8, 432-32.2)
J. The District Ministerial Studies Board
229. The District Ministerial Studies Board shall be composed
of five or more ordained ministers, elected by the district
assembly to serve for a term of four years and until
their successors are elected and qualified. However, their
terms of service may be staggered by electing a proportion of
the board annually. (203.16)
229.1. Vacancies occurring in the District Ministerial
Studies Board, in the interim of sessions of the district assembly,
may be filled by appointment by the district superintendent.
(212)
230. Before the close of the district assembly in which the
board is elected, the district superintendent or district secretary
shall call a meeting of all the members of the board for
organization and assignment as follows:
230.1. The board shall elect from among its members a
chairperson. They shall elect an ordained minister as secretary,
who with the other members shall have the responsibility
of examining and advancing candidates through a val-
DISTRICT GOVERNMENT 127
idated course of study for ordination. They shall maintain a
permanent record for all students. (230.5, 424.1-24.3)
230.2. The chairperson shall assign to the other members
of the board the responsibility for and supervision of all candidates
enrolled in a validated course of study for ministerial
preparation. Such assignment shall continue as long as
the candidates remain actively enrolled during the committee
member’s term of office unless otherwise mutually
arranged.
230.3. The chairperson shall attend all meetings of the
board, unless providentially prevented, and shall oversee
the work of the board each year. In case of necessary absence
of the chairperson, the secretary shall do his or her
work pro tempore.
230.4. The secretary shall, at the expense of the district
assembly, provide a suitable record book of ministerial studies,
which shall be the property of the district assembly, and
shall be used according to instructions in the Sourcebook on
Ordination.
230.5. The other members of the board shall attend faithfully
the meetings of the board and shall supervise all candidates
by (1) fraternal encouragement, counsel, and guidance;
and (2) training by example and by conversation
concerning the ethics of the clergy with specific attention being
given to how a member of the clergy can avoid sexual
misconduct. (230.1)
230.6. The board shall cooperate with the district superintendent
and the Clergy Development office through the respective
Course of Study Advisory Committee (COSAC) in
seeking ways to encourage, aid, and guide the candidates
who are pursuing validated courses of study in a Nazarene
college/university or seminary.
231. The board may establish classes or seminars in order
to assist licensed ministers or other candidates in the pursuit
of the various validated courses of study, and establish,
subject to approved district funding, central libraries of all
books for loan when necessary.
231.1. The chairperson and the secretary of the District Ministerial
Studies Board are authorized to enroll a student in a
128 DISTRICT GOVERNMENT
validated course of study for ministerial education, in consultation
with the district superintendent. (230.1-30.2, 424.1-24.3)
231.2. The board shall carry out its responsibilities in conformity
with the official Sourcebook on Ordination.
231.3. The board shall report all relevant data concerning
each candidate’s educational progress to the District Ministerial
Credentials Board in time for that board to process the
data before the district assembly. The District Ministerial
Studies Board shall recommend to the district assembly
placement and advancement in and graduation from the various
validated courses of study. Such placement, advancement,
or graduation shall be consistent with guidelines provided by
the office of Clergy Development through the respective
Course of Study Advisory Committee (COSAC).
231.4. The District Ministerial Studies Board shall be responsible,
in cooperation with officially recognized Nazarene
institutions for ministerial preparation and the Clergy Development
office through the respective Course of Study Advisory
Committee (COSAC), and under the general guidance of the
district superintendent, for the promotion of continuing education
for ordained ministers and other staff ministers on the
district. The continuing education shall include education concerning
ethics of the clergy with particular attention being
given to how a member of the clergy can avoid sexual misconduct.
K. The District Evangelism Board
or Director of Evangelism
232. The district assembly may elect either a District
Evangelism Board or a district director of evangelism. The
persons elected shall serve until the final adjournment of
the next district assembly and until their successors are
elected and qualified. (203.19)
232.1. In cooperation with the district superintendent, the
District Evangelism Board, or the district director of evangelism,
shall seek to promote and amplify the necessity of
holiness evangelism, by providing training opportunities, by
conducting rallies and conferences, by emphasizing the need
for local church revivals with God-called evangelists, and by
DISTRICT GOVERNMENT 129
every other available means, to impact the district with the
Great Commission of Jesus Christ as a first priority in the
functioning of the Body of Christ.
L. The District Church Properties Board
233. The District Church Properties Board shall be composed
of the district superintendent ex-officio and no fewer
than two ministerial and two lay members. Members may be
elected by the district assembly to serve for a term of four
years or until their successors are elected and qualified. The
District Advisory Board may serve as the District Church
Properties Board upon favorable vote of the district assembly.
234. The duties of the District Church Properties
Board are:
234.1. To advance the cause of constructing church-related
buildings within the bounds of the assembly district, in
cooperation with the District Advisory Board.
234.2. To verify and conserve the titles to local church
property.
234.3. To consider propositions submitted by local churches
relating to the purchase of real estate or the erection of
church buildings or parsonages, and to advise them concerning
the propositions submitted. (103)
234.4. To approve or disapprove, in conjunction with the
district superintendent, propositions submitted by local
churches relative to church building plans and the incurring
of indebtedness in the purchase of real estate or the erection
of buildings. The Church Properties Board shall normally
approve a request to increase indebtedness subject to the
following guidelines:
1. The local church requesting approval to increase indebtedness
paid all financial apportionments in full for
the two years preceding the request.
2. The amount of total indebtedness will not exceed three
times the average of the amount raised for all purposes
in each of the preceding three years.
3. The details of the planned remodeling or construction
shall have been approved by the Church Properties
Board.
130 DISTRICT GOVERNMENT
4. The amount of indebtedness and the terms of payment
will not jeopardize the spiritual life of the church.
The Church Properties Board may approve requests that
do not meet these guidelines only with the approval of the
district superintendent and the District Advisory Board.
234.5. To do whatever else the district assembly may direct
regarding the matter of local church property.
M. The District Assembly Finance Committee
235. The duties of the District Assembly Finance Committee
are:
235.1. To meet prior to the district assembly and to make
recommendation to the district assembly concerning all financial
apportionments and the allocation of those apportionments
to the local churches.
235.2. To do whatever else the district assembly may direct
in areas of district finance. (203.21)
235.3. To publish in the district journal the method used
and the percentages applied to determine the budget base
for all accepted budgets.
N. The District Chaplaincy Director
236. The district superintendent may appoint a district
chaplaincy director. In cooperation with the district superintendent,
the district chaplaincy director shall seek to promote
and amplify holiness evangelism through the specialized
ministry of chaplaincy. The director will promote and
support evangelism through industrial, institutional, campus,
and military opportunities. The director shall give special
attention to Nazarene servicemembers and other military
members located on military installations, appointing
and assisting host pastors located near these bases to impact
servicemembers and their families for Christ, bonding them
to our church while they are serving their country. (208.8)
O. The District Sunday School Ministries Board
237. The District Sunday School Ministries Board shall be
composed of the district superintendent, the district NMI
president, the district NYI president, and the chairperson of
DISTRICT GOVERNMENT 131
the District Sunday School Ministries Board, who comprise
an Executive Committee, and at least three additional members.
The additional members shall be elected by the district
assembly or the District Sunday School Ministries Convention
to staggered terms of three years and until their successors
are elected and qualified. Upon initial organization of the
District Sunday School Ministries Board, the three additional
members are to be elected from six nominees, with one being
elected for a term of three years, one for a term of two years,
and one for a term of one year. However, when the district total
membership exceeds 5,000, the number of members nominated
and elected may be doubled, and, when possible, at
least four of the ten board members should be laypersons. Vacancies
occurring in the Sunday School Ministries Board, in
the interim of sessions of the district assembly, may be filled
by appointment by the district superintendent. (212)
The duties of the District Sunday School Ministries
Board are:
237.1. To meet within one week following their election
and to organize by electing a secretary, treasurer, district directors
of adult ministries, children’s ministries, and Continuing
Lay Training, who then shall become ex-officio members
of the Sunday School Ministries Board. Other district
directors, as deemed necessary, may be nominated by the
Executive Committee and elected by the board.
237.2. To give supervision to all Sunday School interests
of the district.
237.3. To elect a Children’s Ministries Council* whose
chairperson shall be the district director of children’s ministries
and whose members shall be the district directors of:
boys’ and girls’ camps, Caravan, Vacation Bible School, Bible
quizzing, children’s church, Cradle Roll, and any others
deemed necessary.
237.4. To elect an Adult Ministries Council* whose chairperson
shall be the district director of adult ministries and
whose members shall be the district directors of: marriage
132 DISTRICT GOVERNMENT
*For additional information concerning the duties of Children’s and Adult
Ministries councils, see the Sunday School Ministries Handbook.
and family life, senior adult ministries, single adult ministries,
lay retreat, small-group Bible studies, women’s ministries,
men’s ministries, and any others deemed necessary.
237.5. To arrange for an annual district Sunday School
Ministries convention. (237)
237.6. To determine, in consultation with the district
superintendent, whether elections for the District Sunday
School Ministries Board members and chairperson will be
held in the district assembly or in the District Sunday
School Ministries Convention.
237.7. To encourage all local Sunday School ministries
chairpersons and age-group ministries directors/NYI presidents
to be present in the District Sunday School Ministries
Convention and take part as opportunity affords.
237.8. To organize the district into zones and appoint zone
chairpersons who shall assist the board at its direction to
carry forward the work of Sunday School ministries on the
district.
237.9. To plan and implement district or zone Continuing
Lay Training classes.
237.10. To assist the Sunday School Ministries Department
of the General Board in securing information relating
to district and local Sunday School interests.
237.11. To recommend to the District Assembly Finance
Committee the annual District Sunday School Ministries
Board budget.
237.12. To be responsible for the district lay retreat. The
district director of adult ministries shall be member ex-officio
of the District Lay Retreat Committee.
237.13. To approve the report of its chairperson to be presented
to the district assembly.
237.14. To meet as frequently as deemed necessary by the
district superintendent or the chairperson of the District
Sunday School Ministries Board to plan and execute effectively
the responsibilities of the board.
238. The District Sunday School Ministries Chairperson.
The district assembly or the Sunday School Ministries
Convention, from two or more nominees submitted by
the District Nominating Committee, shall elect a chairperson
DISTRICT GOVERNMENT 133
of the District Sunday School Ministries Board to serve for a
one- or two-year term. An incumbent chairperson may be reelected
by a favorable “yes” or “no” vote when such vote has
been recommended by the District Sunday School Ministries
Board, with the approval of the district superintendent. A
vacancy in the interim of sessions of the district assembly
may be filled according to the provisions of 212. (237.6)
The duties and powers of the District Sunday School
Ministries chairperson are:
238.1. To give responsible leadership to the Sunday
School on the district by promoting programs of growth in
enrollment and attendance, and to coordinate all programs
relating to children’s and adult ministries, and to work in
cooperation with NYI to coordinate youth Sunday School.
238.2. To be an ex-officio member of the district assembly
and the District Sunday School Ministries Board.
238.3. To report to the General Board Sunday School Ministries
Department accurate Sunday School statistics each
month and to prepare for the District Sunday School Ministries
Board a written report for the annual assembly journal.
P. The District Nazarene Youth International
239. Nazarene youth ministry is organized on the district
under the auspices of Nazarene Youth International, under
the Nazarene Youth International Charter, and the authority
of the district superintendent, the District Advisory
Board, and the district assembly. The district NYI shall be
composed of the members and local groups of Nazarene
Youth International of the assembly district.
239.1. The district NYI shall organize itself according to
the NYI District Ministry Plan, which may be adapted in response
to district youth ministry needs, consistent with the
NYI Charter and the Manual of the Church of the Nazarene.
239.2. The district NYI shall be coordinated by a District
NYI Council, responsible for planning and organizing ministry
for youth ages 12 and older, college/university students,
and young adults, and collectively casting the vision
for district youth ministry. The council shall be responsible
to the district superintendent and District Advisory Board.
134 DISTRICT GOVERNMENT
All work of the NYI Council pertaining to Sunday School is
subject to the approval of the district Sunday School Ministries
chairperson and Sunday School Ministries Board.
239.3. The District NYI Council shall be composed of the
president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer, youth
representatives and ministry directors as deemed necessary,
and the district superintendent. District NYI officers and
council members are elected by the annual District NYI
Convention according to the NYI District Ministry Plan, and
shall serve without salary. Nominees shall be approved by
the district superintendent. Should the terms used to describe
officers not effectively communicate in a particular
culture, more appropriate titles may be used by vote of the
District NYI Council.
239.4. The duties of the district NYI president are to give
direction and leadership to the district NYI, to chair the District
NYI Council in facilitating the development of youth
ministry on the district, to preside at the annual District
NYI Convention, to represent the interests of the district
NYI on appropriate district boards and committees, and to
encourage the development of NYI ministry in local churches
on the district. The district NYI president shall report to
the district superintendent and District Advisory Board, and
annually to the district assembly. The district NYI president
shall be a member ex-officio of the district assembly (201).
Q. The District Nazarene Missions International
240. The District Nazarene Missions International shall
be composed of the local Nazarene Missions International
within the boundaries of the assembly district. The district
NMI shall be auxiliary to the General Nazarene Missions
International. (811)
240.1. The District Nazarene Missions International shall
be governed by the NMI Constitution approved by the General
Nazarene Missions International Convention and the
World Mission Committee of the General Board. It shall be
subject to the district superintendent, the District Advisory
Board, the district assembly, and the district Nazarene Missions
International Council. (811)
DISTRICT GOVERNMENT 135
240.2. The president of the District Nazarene Missions International
shall serve without salary and shall be a member
ex-officio of the district assembly. (201)
R. District Paid Assistants
241. When paid assistants become necessary for the
greater efficiency of the district administration, such persons,
ministerial or lay, shall be nominated by the district
superintendent, after having secured the written approval
of the general superintendent in jurisdiction. They shall be
elected by the District Advisory Board. The employment of
such assistants shall be for no more than one year but may
be renewed by recommendation of the district superintendent
and the majority vote of the Advisory Board. (208.15)
241.1. Dismissal of such assistants prior to the end of the
employment period must be by the recommendation of the
district superintendent and the majority vote of the District
Advisory Board. (222.12)
241.2. The duties and services of such district assistants
are to be determined and supervised by the district superintendent.
241.3. Within 30 days after a new district superintendent
assumes administrative duties on the district, the term of
service of the paid assistants shall be considered concluded,
unless otherwise stipulated by national labor law. (Such
clerical assistants as office secretaries shall not be included
in the above provisions.) (207.3-7.4)
241.4. Service as a paid district assistant shall not prohibit
one from serving in other district elected or appointed offices
such as district secretary or district treasurer.
S. Disorganization of a District
242. When it seems clear to the Board of General Superintendents
that a district no longer should continue as such, it
may, upon their recommendation, be disorganized by a twothirds
favorable vote of the General Board of the Church of
the Nazarene and a formal pronouncement thereof. (200)
242.1. In case a district becomes officially disorganized,
any church property that shall exist may in no way be di-
136 DISTRICT GOVERNMENT
verted to other purposes, but shall pass to the control of the
General Board, for the use of the Church of the Nazarene at
large, as the General Assembly shall direct; and trustees
holding property, or corporations created to hold property,
for the disorganized district shall sell or dispose of the same
only on the order and under the direction of the appointed
agent of the General Board, and turn the funds over to such
agent. (106.2, 106.5, 222.5)
DISTRICT GOVERNMENT 137
CHAPTER III
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
A. Functions and Organization
300. The General Assembly is the supreme doctrine-formulating,
lawmaking, and elective authority of the Church
of the Nazarene, subject to the provisions of the church Constitution.
(31.1-1.9)
300.1. The General Assembly shall be presided over by
the general superintendents, jointly and severally. (31.6,
307.2)
300.2. The General Assembly shall elect its other officers
and organize itself for the transaction of its business according
to its wisdom and pleasure. (31.7)
300.3. Rules of Order. Subject to the applicable law, the
Articles of Incorporation and the Bylaws of government in
the Manual, the meetings and proceedings of the members
of the Church of the Nazarene, local, district, and general,
and the committees of the corporation shall be regulated
and controlled according to Robert’s Rules of Order Newly
Revised (latest edition) for parliamentary procedure. (40)
B. Membership of the General Assembly
301. The General Assembly shall be composed of ministerial
and lay delegates in equal numbers from each Phase 3 district,
the district superintendent serving as one of the assigned
and ordained ministerial delegates, the remaining
assigned and ordained ministerial delegates and all the lay
delegates elected thereto by the district assemblies of the
Church of the Nazarene; the general superintendents emeriti
and retired; the general superintendents; the general secretary;
the general treasurer; the editor of Holiness Today; the
directors of the several departments, ministries, and services
138 GENERAL GOVERNMENT
of the General Board; the education commissioner; the regional
directors; the national director of the Church of the
Nazarene, Canada; the General Nazarene Missions International
president; the Global Nazarene Youth International
president; the regional college/university presidents (in regions
where more than one school exists, one delegate from
these schools would be elected by the Regional Advisory
Council); presidents of multiregional institutions whose
Board of Directors are elected by multiple district representatives;
the president of the Nazarene Publishing House; the
president of the Church of the Nazarene Foundation; the revivalism
coordinator; one career missionary delegate for
every region of 50 or fewer missionaries and two career missionary
delegates for every region with 51 or more missionaries,
elected by the Regional Advisory Council in each region.
In the absence of such election the missionary representative
shall be elected by the World Mission Committee.
301.1. Each Phase 3 district shall be entitled to representation
in the General Assembly by: one assigned ordained
minister and one layperson for the first 2,000 or fewer full
church members, and one additional assigned ordained minister
and one additional layperson for the next 1 to 3,500
full members, and for each successive additional 1 to 3,500
full members.1 The term “assigned ordained minister” shall
include elders and deacons.
301.2. Each Phase 2 district shall be entitled to one lay
and one ministerial delegate to the General Assembly. The
assigned and ordained ministerial delegate shall be the district
superintendent. An alternate will be elected for each
delegate.
301.3. A Phase 1 district shall be entitled to one nonvoting
delegate to the General Assembly. The district superintendent
shall be the delegate, providing he or she holds his or
her membership on the district. If the district superintendent
does not hold his or her membership on the district, an
alternate who is a member of the district will be elected.
GENERAL GOVERNMENT 139
1. 0-2,000; 2,001-5,500; 5,501-9,000; 9,001-12,500; 12,501-16,000; 16,001-
19,500; 19,501-23,000; 23,001-26,500; 26,501-30,000; etc.
301.4. The right of an assigned ministerial delegate-elect
to the General Assembly to represent the district assembly
electing him or her shall be vacated in case he or she shall
move to a new ministerial assignment on another assembly
district, or if the delegate-elect shall leave the active, assigned
ministry of the Church of the Nazarene prior to the
convening of the General Assembly. Any minister who has
been granted official retirement status by a district would
be ineligible to be nominated as a delegate or a delegateelect
to the General Assembly.
301.5. The right of a lay delegate-elect to the General Assembly
to represent the district assembly electing him or
her shall be vacated in case he or she shall remove his or
her church membership to some local church on another assembly
district prior to the convening of the General Assembly.
C. The Time and Place of Meeting
302. The General Assembly shall meet in the month of
June, every fourth year, at such time and place as shall be
determined by a General Assembly Commission composed of
the general superintendents and an equal number of persons
chosen by the Board of General Superintendents. The
general superintendents and said commission shall also
have power, in case of an emergency, to change the time and
place of the meeting of the General Assembly.
302.1. The General Assembly shall open on Sunday with a
full day of devotional and inspirational services. Provision
shall be made for the orderly and careful transaction of
business, and for such services at the close of the session as
it may order. The General Assembly shall fix the time at
which its session shall adjourn. (31.4)
D. Special Sessions
303. The Board of General Superintendents, or a majority
thereof, by and with the written consent of two-thirds of all
the district superintendents, shall have power to call a special
session of the General Assembly in case of an emergency,
the time and place thereof to be determined by the
140 GENERAL GOVERNMENT
general superintendents and a commission chosen by the
Board of General Superintendents.
303.1. In case of a special session of the General Assembly,
the delegates and alternates to the last preceding General
Assembly, or their duly elected and qualified successors,
shall serve as delegates and alternates to the special session.
E. General Assembly Arrangements Committee
304. The general secretary, the general treasurer, and
three persons appointed by the Board of General Superintendents
at least one year before the convening of the General
Assembly shall constitute the General Assembly Arrangements
Committee.
304.1. The General Assembly Arrangements Committee
shall have authority to arrange all necessary details regarding
offices, exhibits and space, entertainment and meals,
and whatever else may be needful to contribute to the comfort,
convenience, and efficiency of the General Assembly,
and enter into contracts necessary to provide the same.
304.2. The General Assembly Arrangements Committee
with the general superintendents shall formulate a program
for the General Assembly, including emphases for each of
the general interests; a Communion service; and other religious
services for the first three days of the General Assembly
or until a committee on public worship shall have been
appointed; all of which program shall be subject to approval
by the General Assembly.
F. Business of the General Assembly
305. The business of the General Assembly, subject to paragraph
31.9 of the church Constitution, shall be:
305.1. To reference, through its Reference Committee, all
resolutions, recommendations, and implementing legislation
from commissions and special committee reports and other
documents to standing or special legislative committees of the
assembly, or to regional caucuses for consideration before being
presented to the assembly. The Reference Committee may
submit legislation affecting only a specific region/regions to
GENERAL GOVERNMENT 141
the General Assembly delegates of said region(s) meeting in
caucus for action. Changes that affect the Manual must be
acted upon by the entire General Assembly.
305.2. To elect, by a two-thirds vote of its members present
and voting, as many general superintendents as it may
deem necessary, who shall hold office until 30 days following
the final adjournment of the next General Assembly and until
their successors are elected and qualified; provided that
the first ballot shall be a “yes” or “no” ballot for the general
superintendents then serving, and any vacancies remaining
after the first ballot shall be filled by ensuing ballots until
the elections are completed. In the event that someone who
is ineligible under this provision receives votes on the first
ballot, that person’s name shall be deleted from the elective
ballot and the report of the first ballot shall include this
statement: “One or more names have been deleted due to ineligibility
for the office.” No elder shall be considered eligible
for election to the office of general superintendent who has
at any time surrendered his or her credential for disciplinary
reasons. No person shall be elected to the office of general
superintendent who has not reached the age of 35 years
or who has reached the age of 68 years. (31.5, 306, 900.1)
305.3. To elect a general superintendent to the emeritus
honor when deemed advisable, provided the superintendent
shall have become disabled or shall have reached 65 years of
age. It is thereby understood that election to emeritus relation
is of life tenure. (314.1)
305.4. To place in the retired relation a general superintendent
who has attained to the age of 68 years, or who, in
the judgment of the General Assembly, has become disqualified
by physical disability, or by old age, or by any other disqualification
that would prevent such a person from caring
adequately for the work of the general superintendency; and
provided that said superintendent has served in the office of
general superintendent for a reasonable term of years. The
General Assembly may grant retired relation when a general
superintendent who has attained the age of 65 years requests
it.
Should a general superintendent who has attained the
142 GENERAL GOVERNMENT
age of 65 years request retirement in the interim of General
Assemblies, the request may be granted by the General
Board in regular session upon recommendation of the Board
of General Superintendents. (314.1)
305.5. To fix a suitable retirement pension for each retired
general superintendent, in accordance with paragraph 314.2.
305.6. To elect a General Board, as provided in 331.1-32.4,
to serve until the final adjournment of the next General Assembly
and until their successors are elected and qualified.
(330, 901.1)
305.7. To elect a General Court of Appeals, consisting of
five ordained ministers, to serve until the final adjournment
of the next General Assembly and until their successors are
elected and qualified. The Board of General Superintendents
shall select the chairperson and secretary. (31.8, 510, 901.2)
305.8. To elect boards of control for educational institutions
serving multiregional areas, to serve until their successors
are elected and qualified and in accordance with the
following provisions:
a. The boards of control shall be comprised of persons
from the respective areas served by the institution.
b. In instances where the institution serves a multiregional
area, election of that board shall be conducted in
the General Assembly regional caucus(es) composed of
delegates from the regions primarily served by the
schools.
305.9. To do anything else, in harmony with the Holy
Scriptures, that wisdom may dictate for the general welfare
of the Church of the Nazarene and the holy cause of Christ,
subject to the church Constitution. (31.9)
G. The General Superintendents
306. The general superintendents, elected by the General
Assembly, shall serve until 30 days following the final adjournment
of the next General Assembly and until their successors
are elected and qualified. (305.2)
306.1. A general superintendent shall hold no other general
office in the church while serving as general superintendent.
(307.10)
GENERAL GOVERNMENT 143
306.2. The general superintendents shall be members exofficio
of the General Assembly. (301)
307. The duties and powers of the general superintendents
are:
307.1. To have general supervision of the Church of the
Nazarene, subject to the law and order as adopted by the
General Assembly.
307.2. To preside over the General Assembly and over the
General Board of the Church of the Nazarene, jointly and
severally. (300.1, 334.3)
307.3. To ordain, or appoint others to ordain, in connection
with the ordained ministers present, those who have
been duly elected to be elders or deacons. (433.5-33.6)
307.4. To preside over each Phase 3 district assembly; or,
if hindered from doing so, to make suitable arrangements
for such presidency. (202, 211)
307.5. The general superintendent presiding over a district
assembly, the district superintendent, and the District
Advisory Board, in concurrence with the delegates of local
churches, shall appoint pastors over such local churches as
have not regularly called pastors. (214.1)
307.6. The general superintendents, jointly and severally,
may appoint district superintendents over assembly districts
where vacancies occur in the interim of district assembly
sessions, upon consultation with a committee composed
of the District Advisory Board, the chairperson of the District
Sunday School Ministries Board, and the presidents of
the district NMI and NYI, the district secretary and the district
treasurer. (207)
307.7. In the event of temporary incapacitation of an incumbent
district superintendent, the general superintendent
having jurisdiction, in consultation with the District
Advisory Board, may appoint a qualified elder to serve as interim
district superintendent. The question of incapacitation
shall be determined by the general superintendent in jurisdiction
and the District Advisory Board. (207.2)
307.8. The general superintendent in jurisdiction may recommend
to the Board of General Superintendents that a
Phase 3 district be declared in crisis. (200.2, 322)
144 GENERAL GOVERNMENT
307.9. The general superintendent having jurisdiction
may preside at the annual, or a special meeting of a local
church, or appoint a representative to do so. (113.5)
307.10. The general superintendents shall not be members
of any of the general boards of the Church of the Nazarene.
(306.1)
307.11. All official acts of the general superintendents
shall be subject to review and revision by the General Assembly.
307.12. Any official act of a general superintendent may
be nullified by a unanimous vote of the remaining members
of the Board of General Superintendents.
307.13. The office of any general superintendent may be
declared vacant, for cause, by the unanimous vote of the remaining
members of the Board of General Superintendents,
supported by a majority vote of all the district superintendents
of Phase 3 and Phase 2 districts.
H. General Superintendents
Emeriti and Retired
314. All general superintendents emeriti and retired general
superintendents shall be members ex-officio of the General
Assembly. (301)
314.1. A general superintendent who has been placed in
the retired relation, or voted emeritus honor, shall not be a
member of the Board of General Superintendents and shall
be relieved of all official responsibility. However, in the event
that an active general superintendent should be incapacitated
by illness, hospitalization, or other unavoidable emergency
necessitating absence from any assignment, the
Board of General Superintendents is empowered to call into
temporary assignment any retired general superintendent.
(305.3-5.5, 900.1)
314.2. The pension for a general superintendent shall be
under the provisions of the General Church Pension Plan, a
qualified church plan. (305.5)
I. The Board of General Superintendents
315. The general superintendents shall organize as a board
GENERAL GOVERNMENT 145
and arrange for and assign to the members thereof the particular
work over which they shall have special jurisdiction.
316. Vacancy. If a vacancy occurs, by death or otherwise,
in the Board of General Superintendents, in the interim of
sessions of the General Assembly, the question of calling for
an election to fill the vacancy shall be decided by the Board
of General Superintendents. Upon receipt of the board’s decision,
the general secretary shall notify at once all members
of the General Board. When an election is called for, the
members of the General Board shall elect, by a two-thirds
vote of all eligible to vote, an elder of the Church of the Nazarene
to fill the vacancy and to perform the duties of the
general superintendent until the final adjournment of the
next General Assembly. (31.5, 305.2)
316.1. The general secretary shall report the result of the
vote to the Board of General Superintendents, which shall
announce the same to the Church of the Nazarene.
317. The duties of the Board of General Superintendents
shall be:
317.1. To provide supervision of the international Church
of the Nazarene. The Board of General Superintendents
shall provide appropriate attention to leadership, guidance,
motivation, and access to all Phase 3 districts.
317.2. To recommend, in consultation with the director of
the World Mission Department, and the respective national
administrative directors and/or regional directors, changes
in the assignment of the geographical areas subject to the
approval of the Board of General Superintendents and the
General Board.
317.3. To have supervision of all general boards and the
committees of the General Board. The policies and plans
adopted by the board or committee require the approval of
the Board of General Superintendents. The Board of General
Superintendents shall have the privilege of making to the
General Board and to the committees thereof such recommendations
as they shall deem advisable. They shall approve
or disapprove all nominations made by the World Mission
Committee to the General Board of the Church of the
Nazarene for appointment as missionaries.
146 GENERAL GOVERNMENT
317.4. To function as a Nominating Committee, in conjunction
with the General Board Executive Committee, to
bring one or more names to the General Board for election of
a general secretary and a general treasurer.
317.5. To declare vacant with cause by a two-thirds vote
the office of general secretary, general treasurer, Nazarene
Publishing House president, or department director.
317.6. To fill vacancies that may occur in the membership
of the General Court of Appeals in the interim of sessions of
the General Assembly, and to select the chairperson and secretary
of the court. (305.7, 511, 901.2)
317.7. To fill vacancies that may occur in any special commission
or committee in the interim of General Assemblies
or General Board.
317.8. To approve the appointments and elections made
by the General Board of the Church of the Nazarene in filling
vacancies that may occur in its membership.
317.9. To fill vacancies, upon nomination made by the remaining
members thereof, on the corporate board of the
Nazarene Publishing House. (337)
317.10. To appoint general superintendents to serve as
advisers of all institutions of higher education affiliated
with the International Board of Education and to serve as
general superintendents in jurisdiction for all departments
of the General Board. (901.5)
317.11. To arrange, in conjunction with Clergy Development,
ministerial studies for local ministers, licensed ministers,
and those serving in ministerial roles, lay or credentialed.
(424-25)
317.12. To plan, preserve and promote the lifeline of our
global mission interests, the Board of General Superintendents,
with the General Board, is authorized and empowered
to apportion the World Evangelism Fund to the several
assembly districts. (130, 334.8)
317.13. To approve in writing the restoration of credential
to a former elder or deacon as required. (434.7, 435.2)
318. The Board of General Superintendents shall be the
authority for the interpretation of the law and doctrine of
the Church of the Nazarene, and the meaning and force of
GENERAL GOVERNMENT 147
all provisions of the Manual, subject to an appeal to the
General Assembly.
319. The Board of General Superintendents shall consider
and pass upon plans for district centers, which plans shall
not be carried out until they have been approved in writing
by the Board of General Superintendents. (222.9)
320. The presiding general superintendent shall have discretionary
power in the ordaining of divorced persons to the
office of elder or deacon in the Church of the Nazarene.
(35.1-35.3, 428.3, 429.3)
321. The Board of General Superintendents may declare
vacant with cause the office of a district superintendent of
any Phase 2 or Phase 1 district upon recommendation of the
general superintendent having jurisdiction and may declare
vacant the office of district superintendents in Phase 3 districts
upon a two-thirds majority vote of the District Advisory
Board, the chairperson of the District Sunday School Ministries
Board, the presidents of the district NMI and NYI, the
district secretary, and the district treasurer. (207.2)
322. The Board of General Superintendents may approve
that a Phase 3 district be declared in crisis. (200.2, 307.8)
323. The Board of General Superintendents shall have authority
to do anything else in the service of the Church of
the Nazarene, not otherwise provided for, according to the
dictates of its wisdom, in harmony with the general church
order, and subject to the church Constitution.
J. The General Secretary
324. The general secretary, elected by the General Board
as provided by General Board Bylaws, shall serve until the
final adjournment of the next General Assembly and until a
successor is elected and qualified, or until removed according
to 317.5. (900.2)
324.1. The general secretary shall be a member ex-officio
of the General Assembly. (301)
324.2. If in the interim of sessions of the General Board a
vacancy should occur in the office of the general secretary
for any cause, it shall be filled by the General Board, upon
nomination as provided in 317.4. (334.22)
148 GENERAL GOVERNMENT
324.3. The general secretary shall be amenable to the
Board of General Superintendents and the General Board.
325. The duties of the general secretary are:
325.1. To record correctly and preserve the journal of the
proceedings of the General Assembly and the General Board.
325.2. To record correctly and preserve all general statistics
of the Church of the Nazarene.
325.3. To preserve all documents belonging to the General
Assembly, and promptly deliver the same to his or her successor.
325.4. To preserve carefully, in permanent form, all decisions
rendered by the General Court of Appeals. (513)
325.5. To catalogue and preserve all filed, surrendered, removed,
and resigned credentials of ministers and deliver
them only on proper order made by the district assembly of
the assembly district from which they were received. (434-
34.1, 434.6)
325.6. To audit assembly district statistical charts for
publication. (217.3)
325.7. To maintain in a permanent database the records
of all persons who have been granted a district minister’s license.
325.8. To make available the minutes of the General Assembly
sessions to the delegates of the specific assembly
who make a request for them through their district, or in
World Mission areas, their regional office. This may be done
in digital format.
325.9. To make available for download from http://
www.nazarene.org the complete text of the latest version of
the Manual, in a format that can be used in the widest possible
range of personal computers, personal digital assistants
(PDAs), etc.
325.10. To do faithfully whatever else may be necessary
for the fulfillment of the duties of the office.
326. The general secretary shall be custodian of, and hold
in trust, such legal documents as belong to the general
church.
326.1. The general secretary is authorized to collect available
historic material relating to the rise and development
GENERAL GOVERNMENT 149
of our denomination, and shall be the custodian of such
records and material.
326.2. The general secretary shall keep a register of Historic
Sites and Landmarks according to paragraph 902.10.
327. The general secretary, in conjunction with the general
superintendents, shall, prior to the opening of the General
Assembly, prepare all necessary forms, including Rules of
Order “Manual” Abridgment for revision, and other things
necessary for expediting the work of the General Assembly.
The expense incurred shall be provided for out of the General
Assembly expense fund.
327.1. The general secretary may have as many assistants
for the work as the General Assembly shall elect, or, in the
interim of sessions of the General Assembly, the Board of
General Superintendents may appoint.
K. The General Treasurer
328. The general treasurer, elected by the General Board
as provided by General Board Bylaws, shall serve until the
final adjournment of the next General Assembly and until a
successor is elected and qualified or until removed according
to 317.5. (900.3)
328.1. The general treasurer shall be a member ex-officio
of the General Assembly. (301)
328.2. The general treasurer shall be amenable to the
general superintendent in jurisdiction for the Headquarters
Financial office, the Board of General Superintendents, and
the General Board.
329. The duties of the general treasurer are:
329.1. To have the custody of all funds belonging to the
general interests of the Church of the Nazarene.
329.2. To receive, and disburse on order, the funds of the
USACanada MissionEvangelism Committee, Finance Committee,
Sunday School Ministries & NYI Committee, World
Mission Committee, and such other funds as properly belong
to the General Board, or to any of its departments; the general
superintendents’ fund; the general contingent fund; the
General Assembly expense fund; other general benevolent
church funds; the funds of the Global Nazarene Youth Inter-
150 GENERAL GOVERNMENT
national; and the funds of the General Nazarene Missions
International. (330.3)
329.3. To give bond for the faithful performance of duties,
in a reliable surety company, in a good and sufficient sum,
as the General Board may direct.
329.4. To furnish such reports to the boards and departments,
for whose funds he or she may be custodian, as may
be required by them.
329.5. To furnish to the General Board an annual report
of all finances of the Church of the Nazarene, including investments.
(334.13)
329.6. To safeguard annuity funds invested in real estate
by proper insurance policies and to provide against the lapsing
of such policies.
329.7. To secure monthly reports of receipts and disbursements
from all schools, orphanages, rescue homes, and other
institutions of the Church of the Nazarene.
L. The General Board
330. The General Board of the Church of the Nazarene, a
religious and charitable corporation incorporated under the
laws of the state of Missouri at Kansas City, Mo., U.S.A.,
shall be composed of members who shall be elected by ballot
by the General Assembly from among the persons nominated
as provided in 331.1-32.4. To be elected a member of the
General Board as a representative of a church region, one
must be a resident on that region as well as a member of a
local church on that region. (305.6, 333)
330.1. No one shall be eligible for election to the General
Board or shall remain a member of the General Board who
is an employee of the General Board, or entities including
educational institutions controlled by the General Board. Individuals
from districts or other entities receiving operating
funds from the general church are likewise ineligible.
330.2. The general secretary shall be ex-officio secretary
of the General Board.
330.3. The general treasurer of the Church of the Nazarene
shall be ex-officio treasurer of the General Board and also of
the departments thereof. (329.2)
GENERAL GOVERNMENT 151
331. Nominations for the General Board shall be made
as herein provided:
331.1. After the delegates to the General Assembly have
been elected, each Phase 3 district delegation shall meet to
select candidates for nomination to the General Board in the
following manner. Each Phase 3 district may present names
of two ordained ministers and two laypersons. The multicultural
composition of the nominating district should be considered
in selecting names for nomination. For such regions
that have a Regional Advisory Council, the names of these
candidates shall be sent first to the national board and then
to the Regional Advisory Council, which may reduce the
number of names to three for each member that the caucus
needs to vote on, after which the names shall be sent immediately
to the office of the general secretary to be placed on
ballots for presentation to the General Assembly delegates
from each region. (203.23)
331.2. From the list of these candidates, the General Assembly
delegates from each region shall nominate to the
General Assembly as follows:
Each region of 100,000 or fewer full members shall nominate
one ordained minister and one layperson; each region
exceeding 100,000 and up to 200,000 full members shall
nominate two ordained ministers, one district superintendent
and one pastor or evangelist, and two laypersons; and
one additional layperson and one additional ordained minister
for regions exceeding 200,000 full members, with the following
provisions:
1. On those regions whose membership is in excess of
200,000 full members, one ordained minister shall be a
pastor or evangelist; another shall be a district superintendent;
and the other ordained minister may be in
either category.
2. No district shall be entitled to more than two members
on the General Board, and no region shall be entitled
to more than six members (with the exception of institutional
representatives and auxiliary members).
Whenever more than two candidates from a district receive
a higher number of votes than candidates from
152 GENERAL GOVERNMENT
other districts on the region, those on another district
receiving the next highest number of votes shall be selected
as nominees from the region. (305.6, 901.1)
3. In each region the layperson/laypersons, the pastor or
evangelist, and/or the district superintendent who receive
the highest number of votes in their respective
classifications shall be nominated by majority vote to the
General Assembly. In the instance of the larger regions
where six members are to be elected, the layperson and
the ordained minister who receive the next highest number
of votes shall be the additional nominees. (902.9)
4. If a Regional Advisory Council determines that it is likely
that a majority of elected delegates will be prevented
from attending the General Assembly, the regional caucus
voting may be conducted via postal or electronic
means within six months prior to the start of General
Assembly. The specific process by which this postal or
electronic nomination of General Board members to the
General Assembly occurs shall be proposed by the Regional
Advisory Council and submitted to the General
Secretary’s office for approval prior to implementation.
331.3. The International Board of Education (IBOE) shall
nominate to the General Assembly four persons from the educational
institutions, two ordained ministers and two laypersons.
(330.1)
331.4. The Global Council of the Nazarene Youth International
shall nominate to the General Assembly two members
of the Global NYI Council. (341.4)
331.5. The General Council of the Nazarene Missions International
shall nominate to the General Assembly two
members of the General Council. (342.3)
332. Elections to the General Board shall be as herein
provided:
332.1. Each nominee presented by the respective regions
shall be elected by the General Assembly by a majority “yes”
vote by ballot. (902.9)
332.2. From the nominees presented by the International
Board of Education, the General Assembly shall elect two, one
of whom shall be an ordained minister and one a layperson.
GENERAL GOVERNMENT 153
332.3. From the nominees presented by the Global Council
of the Nazarene Youth International, the General Assembly
shall elect one. (341.4, 901.3)
332.4. From the nominees presented by the General
Council of the Nazarene Missions International, the General
Assembly shall elect one. (342.3, 901.4)
333. The members of the General Board shall hold office
until the final adjournment of the next General Assembly
and until their successors are elected and qualified. In the
event that a member of the General Board shall move his or
her church membership or residence from the region he or
she represents, or if a minister changes from the category of
ministerial assignment for which elected, before the second
regular meeting of the quadrennium, his or her membership
shall be terminated immediately. The vacancy so created
shall be filled promptly. (330)
333.1. Vacancies occurring in the membership of the
General Board, and also the committees thereof, shall be
filled upon nomination by the Board of General Superintendents,
who shall present to the general secretary, as soon as
feasible, the names of two eligible persons from whom for regional
representation the Advisory Boards of the districts of
the region on which the vacancy occurred shall elect one by
a majority vote, each Phase 2 and Phase 3 District Advisory
Board being entitled to one vote. For educational representation,
the nominees shall be submitted to the General
Board to elect one by a majority vote. For representation
from NYI, nominees shall be submitted to the Global Council
to elect one by a majority vote. For representation from
NMI, nominees shall be submitted from the Executive Committee
of the General NMI Council in consultation with the
general superintendent in jurisdiction, and with the approval
of the Board of General Superintendents to the General
NMI Council to elect one by a majority vote.
DUTIES OF THE GENERAL BOARD
334. The General Board shall encourage and expect all
national, regional, district, and local boards to fulfill the
mission of the Church of the Nazarene, which is to propa-
154 GENERAL GOVERNMENT
gate Christian holiness in the Wesleyan tradition, and shall
facilitate the progress of the global church in each nation
and/or region. The General Board shall promote the financial
and material affairs of all the committees of the Church
of the Nazarene, subject to such instructions as may be given
by the General Assembly. It shall coordinate, correlate,
and unify the plans and activities of the several constituent
committees so that a unified policy may be established by
and in all the activities of the Church of the Nazarene. It
shall have the power to direct the auditing of the accounts of
all departments and institutions relating to or associated
with the Church of the Nazarene, with a view to securing
such uniformity of method and completeness of form as
shall be most efficient; and it shall be an advisory body in
the business and administrative affairs of the several departments
of the General Board and of all the organizations
and institutions that are a part of, related to, or associated
with this denomination. These departments, organizations,
and institutions shall give due consideration to the advice
and recommendations of the General Board.
334.1. The General Board shall have power to buy, own,
hold, manage, mortgage, sell and convey and donate, or otherwise
acquire, encumber, and dispose of both real and personal
property, sold, devised, bequeathed, donated, or otherwise
conveyed to it in trust for any lawful purpose, and to
execute such trust; to borrow and to loan money in the execution
of its lawful purposes.
334.2. The General Board shall fill a vacancy in the Board
of General Superintendents in accordance with paragraphs
316 and 305.2.
334.3. The General Board shall meet before or immediately
following the final adjournment of the General Assembly
and shall organize by electing officers and committees, and
members to committees as required by its Articles of Incorporation
and bylaws, to serve for the quadrennium and until
their successors are elected and qualified. The general superintendents,
jointly and severally, shall preside over the
meetings of the General Board.
334.4. Meetings. The General Board shall meet in ses-
GENERAL GOVERNMENT 155
sion at least three times during the quadrennium, at a time
specified by the bylaws of the said board, at Kansas City,
Mo., U.S.A.; however, the hour, date, and place of the regular
meeting may, by resolution unanimously adopted at any regular
or special meeting, be changed to suit the best interests
of the General Board and its committees.
334.5. Special Meetings of the General Board may be
called by the chairperson, the president, or the secretary.
334.6. Finance Committee. The Finance Committee,
elected by the General Board, shall have charge of the proper
investment of trust funds. The General Board, after first
referring to this committee all budget requests submitted by
the several departments and offices of the General Headquarters
for the ensuing year, shall receive from the committee
a report of its recommendations concerning each request.
This committee shall perform any other work assigned to it
by the General Board. It shall keep accurate minutes of all
its meetings and submit them to the General Board for approval.
334.7. World Evangelism Fund. The World Evangelism
Fund shall be the grand total of all department budgets and
other funds to be raised by the whole denomination for the
support, maintenance, and promotion of its general activities.
From the statements of budget requests submitted by the
various departments and agencies of the church, and from
the statements of the general treasurer, the General Board
shall determine the amount to be allotted from the World
Evangelism Fund to each department and fund. When the
World Evangelism Fund with its proposed allotment to each
department shall have been agreed upon, it shall be submitted
to the Board of General Superintendents for its consideration,
suggestions, or amendments before final adoption
by the General Board.
334.8. When the total amount of the World Evangelism
Fund has been fixed for the next fiscal year by the General
Board, the General Board and the Board of General Superintendents
are authorized and empowered to apportion the
World Evangelism Fund to the several assembly districts on
156 GENERAL GOVERNMENT
a basis of equity to both the district and general interests affected.
(130, 317.12)
334.9. The General Board shall have authority to increase
or diminish the amount requested by any department or
fund. Items of finance adopted by the General Assembly
shall be referred to the General Board, who shall be authorized
to adjust proportionately with existing economic conditions
the annual allocation of any institution or agency of
the church, in keeping with the total financial commitment
of the general church.
334.10. The General Board shall approve appropriations
from the World Evangelism Fund for the Nazarene Theological
Seminary (U.S.A.) and the Nazarene Bible College (U.S.A.)
as it may deem advisable in line with the availability of funds.
334.11. The General Board shall annually review and
make appropriate adjustments in the salaries and related
benefits of the general superintendents in the interim of
General Assemblies.
334.12. Reports. The General Board shall, at its regular
meeting, receive a detailed report of the activities of the departments
for the past year, including a financial report.
Each department shall also submit a proposed expenditures
budget for the ensuing year.
334.13. The general treasurer shall annually present to
the General Board a detailed financial report of receipts and
disbursements of all funds of which he or she has been custodian
during the past year, including trust funds and investments,
together with a detailed statement of the proposed expenditures
for the ensuing year of funds not included in the
budgets of departments of the General Board. The general
treasurer shall be responsible to the General Board for the
faithful performance of official duties. (329.5)
334.14. The General Board shall meet before or immediately
following the final adjournment of the General Assembly
and shall elect a general secretary and a general treasurer as
provided in General Board Bylaws, who shall hold office until
the final adjournment of the next General Assembly and until
their successors are elected and qualified.
334.15. The General Board members representing United
GENERAL GOVERNMENT 157
States regions shall elect a Board of Pensions and Benefits
USA, composed of one member representing each United
States region, and one member-at-large. Nominations shall
be submitted by the Board of General Superintendents as
provided by the Bylaws of the Board of Pensions and Benefits
USA. (336)
334.16. The General Board shall elect a Nazarene Publishing
House Board following each General Assembly, who shall
serve until the adjournment of the next General Assembly
and until their successors are elected and qualified. (337)
334.17. The General Board shall elect a Nazarene Publishing
House president in the manner prescribed by 334.20
and General Board Bylaws.
334.18. A General Board agenda item affecting only a specific
region/nation shall be referred upon approval of the Executive
Committee of the General Board and the Board of
General Superintendents, to the General Board members of
said region/nation meeting in caucus.
334.19. The General Board shall properly relate any commission
or committee authorized by the General Assembly
or General Board to some department or departments, or to
the board as a whole, and assign its work, responsibility, and
budget.
334.20. Department Directors. The General Board
shall elect a department director, by ballot, for each of its
several departments, to serve until the final adjournment of
the next General Assembly and until their successors are
elected and qualified, unless removed from office as provided
in paragraph 317.5. They shall be nominated according
to the following procedures: If there is an incumbent
director, the Nominating Committee may recommend either
a “yes” or “no” vote, or present multiple nominees. The
search for capable candidates for these offices shall be conducted
by a search committee as provided by General Board
Bylaws. This committee will bring two or more names to the
Nominating Committee along with supporting rationale for
their recommendation.
The Nominating Committee, composed of the six general
superintendents and the Personnel Committee from the re-
158 GENERAL GOVERNMENT
spective committee, shall submit one or more names to the
General Board for election as provided in the General Board
Bylaws.
334.21. Executives’ Salaries. The General Board shall
establish and document a “performance evaluation” and
salary administration program that includes the department
director and ministry/service directors and provides
for a salary structure that recognizes both levels of responsibility
and merit. The General Board shall annually review
and approve the salaries of department directors, the Nazarene
Publishing House president, and such other officers as
may be authorized and elected by the General Board.
334.22. The General Board, during the interim of sessions
of the General Assembly and/or General Board, upon nomination
as provided in the General Board Bylaws and 317.4, shall
fill any vacancy that may occur in the offices listed in 334.14,
334.20, and any other executive offices created by the General
Assembly, General Board, or their elected committees.
335. The retirement for all officers and any other director
listed in 334.14 and 334.20, and any other agency head
employed by the General Assembly or its elected commissions,
the General Board and its departments, shall occur at
the time of the General Board meeting following their 70th
birthday. Where there are vacancies, they shall be filled in
accordance with Manual procedures.
M. General Church-related Boards
PENSION BOARDS
336. There shall be a Pensions Board, or equivalent
authorized body, with fiduciary responsibility for each
church-related pension plan. A pension plan may apply at
organizational, district, multidistrict, national, regional, or
multiregional level as the needs may dictate. (334.15)
336.1. The General Board shall establish and maintain
suggested guidelines that are relevant to all pension programs
worldwide. The General Board does not guarantee
any pension plan from loss or depreciation. The General
Board does not guarantee the payment of any money that
GENERAL GOVERNMENT 159
may be or becomes due to any person from any pension
plan, and shall not be liable in the case of the underfunding
of any pension plan.
336.2. All pension plans shall submit an annual report to
the General Board through Pensions and Benefits International
in the form and format requested.
NAZARENE PUBLISHING HOUSE BOARD
337. The Nazarene Publishing House (NPH), a corporation
of Kansas City, Mo., U.S.A., shall have a Board of Directors
composed of nine members: the president of the Nazarene
Publishing House, who shall be the chief executive
officer of the corporation; the general secretary of the
Church of the Nazarene, who shall be the ex-officio secretary
of the corporation; one General Board member from the
Sunday School Ministries & NYI Committee and selected by
that committee; and six members-at-large, nominated by the
Board of General Superintendents and elected by the General
Board. They shall hold office until the final adjournment
of the next General Assembly and until their successors are
elected and qualified. Vacancies shall be filled by majority
vote of the remaining members from nominations made by
the Board of General Superintendents.
337.1. The Board of Directors shall review and provide
guidance for the policy, planning, and business operations of
the Nazarene Publishing House and shall serve in accordance
with the charter and bylaws of NPH and the General
Board.
337.2. The Nazarene Publishing House Board shall meet
annually, or more frequently, as specified in the NPH Bylaws.
337.3. The Capital Expenditures Budget and an annual
budget shall be prepared by the president of the Nazarene
Publishing House for approval by the Board of Directors before
adoption by the General Board.
337.4. The president of the Nazarene Publishing House
shall be responsible to the NPH Board of Directors for the
management of the corporation’s business, and shall report
annually to the Board of Directors and to the General Board.
337.5. The president of the Nazarene Publishing House
160 GENERAL GOVERNMENT
shall be elected in accordance with 334.20, except that the
Board of Directors will select one of their number to serve on
the Search Committee when a new president is to be elected,
and the Nominating Committee shall be composed of the six
general superintendents, three members of the Board of Directors
who are not members ex-officio, and three members
of the General Board Executive Committee. He or she shall
be amenable to the general superintendent in jurisdiction.
337.6. The president of the Nazarene Publishing House
shall be a member of the Headquarters Directors Fellowship
and the Planning and Budget Council.
N. The Christian Action Committee
338. Following the General Assembly, the Board of General
Superintendents shall appoint a Christian Action Committee,
one of whom shall be the general secretary, who
shall report the committee’s work to the General Board.
The duties of the General Christian Action Committee
are:
338.1. To provide and develop for our people constructive
information regarding such matters as alcohol, tobacco, narcotics,
gambling and other current moral and social issues in
harmony with church doctrine, and to disseminate the information
in denominational communications.
338.2. To emphasize the sanctity of marriage and the sacredness
of the Christian home and to point out the problems
and evils of divorce. In particular, stress should be laid
upon the biblical plan of marriage as a lifelong covenant, to
be broken only by death.
338.3. To encourage our people to serve in places of leadership
in organizations working for civic and social righteousness.
338.4. To alert our people regarding the Lord’s Day observance,
oath-bound secret orders, entertainments that are
subversive of the Christian ethic, worldliness of other types,
and such related subjects as may need emphasis. (34.1)
338.5. To assist and encourage each district to establish a
Christian Action Committee; and to provide each district
committee with information and material on current moral
GENERAL GOVERNMENT 161
issues to be disseminated to each local church for appropriate
action.
338.6. To monitor moral issues of national and international
importance and to present the scriptural viewpoint to
the appropriate organizations for their consideration.
O. Committee on the Interests of the
God-Called Evangelist
339. The Committee on the Interests of the God-Called
Evangelist shall be composed of the revivalism coordinator,
who shall be ex-officio chairperson of the committee, plus
four tenured evangelists and one pastor. The USA/Canada
Mission/Evangelism director, in consultation with the revivalism
coordinator shall submit a list of nominees for the
committee to the Board of General Superintendents for approval
and appointment. The committee or its designee shall
personally interview commissioned evangelists who have
been recommended by their respective district assemblies
for “tenured evangelist” status (408.3). It shall also review
the state of itinerant evangelism in the Church of the Nazarene
and make recommendations concerning both revivals
and evangelists to the appropriate committee of the General
Board. Vacancies shall be filled by appointment from the
Board of General Superintendents from recommendations
received from the USACanada MissionEvangelism director,
in consultation with the revivalism coordinator. (317.7)
P. International Course of Study
Advisory Committee
340. Following the General Assembly, the Clergy Development
director, in consultation with the regional education coordinators,
shall submit a list of nominees to serve on the International
Course of Study Advisory Committee (ICOSAC).
Nominees to the committee may include pastoral, administrative,
educational, and lay representatives. Composition of
ICOSAC should substantially represent the global church.
The Board of General Superintendents shall appoint the International
Course of Study Advisory Committee to serve for
the quadrennium.
162 GENERAL GOVERNMENT
The International Course of Study Advisory Committee
shall meet not less than once every two years at a location
determined by the Clergy Development director (424.1-24.2,
424.5).
Q. The Global Nazarene Youth International
341. Nazarene youth ministry is organized globally under
the auspices of Nazarene Youth International, under the
Nazarene Youth International Charter, and the authority of
the general superintendent in jurisdiction for NYI and General
Board. The global NYI shall be composed of the members,
local groups and district organizations, of Nazarene
Youth International around the world. The global NYI is
governed by the NYI Charter and the NYI Global Ministry
Plan approved by the General Assembly.
341.1. There shall be a quadrennial Global NYI Convention
which shall meet at a time set by the Board of General
Superintendents, in consultation with the Global Council of
Nazarene Youth International. The quadrennial convention
shall be composed of such members as are designated in the
NYI Global Ministry Plan (810).
341.2. The convention shall elect a global president and a
global vice president, who shall be members ex-officio of the
Global NYI Council and shall serve without salary.
341.3. The Global NYI Council shall be composed of the
president, vice president, youth members-at-large, and representation
from each region as designated by the NYI Global
Ministry Plan (810). The Director of Nazarene Youth International
shall serve ex-officio on the council. The council shall be
responsible to the General Board through the Sunday School
Ministries & NYI Committee, and to the general superintendent
in jurisdiction for NYI, and shall conduct itself under the
authority of the NYI Charter and the NYI Global Ministry
Plan. The Global NYI Council members shall hold office until
the conclusion of the subsequent General Assembly, when
their successors are elected and qualified.
341.4. The Global Nazarene Youth International shall be
represented on the General Board of the Church of the Naz-
GENERAL GOVERNMENT 163
arene by one member elected by the General Assembly from
nominations made by the Global NYI Council. (331.4, 332.3)
341.5. The Global Nazarene Youth International shall be
represented at the General Assembly by the global NYI
president at the end of his or her term (301).
R. The General Council of the General
Nazarene Missions International
342. The General Council of the General Nazarene Missions
International shall be composed of the general president,
general director, and the number of members prescribed
by the Constitution of the General Nazarene
Missions International and elected in accordance therewith.
342.1. The General Council shall be governed by the NMI
Constitution. The General Council shall be auxiliary to the
World Mission Committee of the General Board. (811)
342.2. The general director shall be nominated by the
World Mission Department director, in consultation with the
general superintendent in jurisdiction for the World Mission
Department, and shall be approved by a majority vote of the
General Council before being submitted to the World Mission
Committee for approval by a majority vote with the recommendation
submitted for election by the Board of General
Superintendents. In the event the nomination is not
approved, the director of the World Mission Department and
the Board of General Superintendents shall submit further
nominations until one is approved by majority ballot vote of
the General Council. The general director shall be an ex-officio
member of the General NMI Council and a member of
the staff of the World Mission Department.
342.3. The General Nazarene Missions International shall
be represented on the General Board by one member elected
thereto by the General Assembly from nominations made by
the General Council of the General Nazarene Missions International.
(331.5, 332.4)
342.4. There shall be a Quadrennial Convention held under
the direction of the General Council of the General Nazarene
Missions International immediately preceding the
regular meeting of the General Assembly. This convention
164 GENERAL GOVERNMENT
shall elect the General Council of the General Nazarene
Missions International in harmony with the Constitution.
The convention shall elect a general president, who shall be
a member ex-officio of the General Council of the General
Nazarene Missions International. (811)
S. National Boards
343. Where deemed necessary, a national board shall be
established to facilitate the fulfillment of the church’s mission
allowing for unified strategies for evangelism, discipleship,
church planting, district development, new districts,
ministerial preparation, resource development, and ministerial
retirement savings plans; by providing for the acquiring,
holding, selling, and conveying of property; or by dealing
with any other administrative and/or legal business matters
relative to the Church of the Nazarene in that nation, for
which no other provision is made in the Manual. Such a
board shall be recognized as a lawful authority of the
Church of the Nazarene in that nation.
Where only one district of the Church of the Nazarene is
organized in the nation, the duly elected District Advisory
Board shall be the national board to conduct business as
outlined above.
Where there are two or more organized districts in one
nation, the national board shall be composed of the duly appointed
or elected district superintendents, as well as one
elder and two lay representatives elected by the district assembly,
from the members of the District Advisory Board; or,
with the approval of the General Board and the Board of
General Superintendents, the membership shall consist of
those persons duly elected or appointed as district superintendents
and additional representation of ordained ministers
and laypersons as agreed upon.
Where there is more than one region in one nation, the
duly elected representatives from said regions to the General
Board and additional representation of ordained ministers
and laypersons as agreed upon shall constitute the national
board. (331-31.2)
A copy of the articles of organization or incorporation of
GENERAL GOVERNMENT 165
such board shall be filed immediately with the general secretary.
Any business transacted by the national board shall
be subject to the approval of the Board of General Superintendents.
The minutes of the annual and special meetings of
the national board shall be reviewed by the Regional Advisory
Council who shall recommend approval or disapproval,
before they are submitted to the general secretary for reading
and approval by the General Board.
T. The Region
344. Origin and Purpose. In the growth of the church
worldwide, there has developed a grouping of several organized
districts into geographical areas identified as regions.
A cluster of districts amenable to the general government of
the Church of the Nazarene and having a sense of area and
cultural identification may be formed into an administrative
region by action of the General Board and approval of the
Board of General Superintendents.
344.1. Regional Policy. In keeping with the nonsymmetrical
approach to organization, the Board of General Superintendents
may, when deemed necessary, and in consultation
with the Regional Advisory Council, structure
administrative regions according to the particular needs, potential
problems, existing realities and diverse cultural and
educational backgrounds in their particular geographic areas
of the world. In such situations, the Board of General
Superintendents shall establish a policy that embraces nonnegotiable
commitments including our Articles of Faith,
faithful adherence to our holiness doctrine and lifestyle, and
support of our extensive missionary outreach efforts.
344.2. Duties. The principal duties of the regions are:
1. To implement the mission of the Church of the Nazarene
through the established pioneer areas, districts,
and institutions;
2. To develop regional awareness, fellowship, and strategies
to fulfill the Great Commission, bringing district
and institutional representatives together periodically
for planning, prayer, and inspiration;
3. To nominate persons to the General Assembly and
166 GENERAL GOVERNMENT
General/Global Conventions for elections to the General
Board;
4. In harmony with Manual provisions, to establish and
maintain such schools and colleges or other institutions
as they shall determine;
5. To be authorized to recruit and screen missionary candidates
from the region in accordance with policy
(344.3);
6. To plan Regional Advisory Council meetings and conferences
for the region;
7. To facilitate National Boards as stipulated in paragraphs
343 and 344.3.
344.3. Regional Advisory Council (RAC). A region
may have a Regional Advisory Council whose responsibilities
will be to assist the regional director in strategy development
for the region, to review and recommend approval or
disapproval of all national board minutes before forwarding
the same to the office of the general secretary, to interview
missionary candidates for recommendation to the World
Mission Department and/or for deployment as regional and
General Board contracted missionaries, to receive reports
from the regional director, field strategy coordinators, and
ministry coordinators, to elect missionary delegates to the
General Assembly in accordance with provisions of the Manual,
and to elect a principalrectorpresident of an International
Board of Education institution as a delegate to the
General Assembly.
Membership of the RAC shall be flexible in order to shape
the RAC according to the needs, development and requirements
of the individual regions. The regional director will
recommend the number of members of the RAC to the World
Mission director and the general superintendent in jurisdiction
for approval. Ex-officio members will be the general
superintendent in jurisdiction of the region, the World Mission
Department director and the regional director who will
serve as chairperson. World Mission Department contracted
personnel shall not be candidates for election to the RAC
but may serve as resource persons. Members of the RAC will
be elected by ballot by the regional caucus at the General
GENERAL GOVERNMENT 167
Assembly. The RAC will fill any vacancy between General
Assemblies.
The regional director, in consultation with the RAC, may
convene a regional conference or area evangelism conference
as needed.
344.4. The Regional Director. Where deemed necessary
a region may have a director elected by the Board of General
Superintendents in consultation with the World Mission Department
director, and ratified by the General Board, to
work in harmony with the policies and practices of the
Church of the Nazarene giving leadership to the districts,
churches, and institutions of said region in fulfillment of the
mission, strategies, and program of the church.
Prior to the reelection of a regional director, a review shall
be conducted by the World Mission Department director and
the general superintendent in jurisdiction, in consultation
with the Regional Advisory Council. A positive review will
constitute an endorsement for the recommendation for reelection.
Each regional director is to be administratively accountable
to the World Mission Department, and the General
Board, and in jurisdictional matters, accountable to the
Board of General Superintendents.
344.5. The Field Strategy Coordinator. When considered
necessary, the regional director could institute a field
structure in the region, and recommend to the World Mission
Department director the appointment of field strategy
coordinators according to the World Mission Policy and Procedure
Manual. The field strategy coordinator would be responsible
to the regional director.
344.6. Regional Course of Study Advisory Committee.
The Regional Course of Study Advisory Committee
(RCOSAC) shall be composed of the regional education coordinator,
who may be ex-officio chairperson of the committee,
plus representatives selected in consultation with the regional
director. Members of the RCOSAC should represent
all parties interested in ministerial education (i.e., pastors,
administrators, educators, and laity) for the region.
168 GENERAL GOVERNMENT
344.7. Duties of the Regional Course of Study Advisory
Committee. The principal duties of the RCOSAC are:
1. To develop the regional Sourcebook on Ordination
(SOO) outlining the minimum educational standards
for ordination on their region in the Church of the Nazarene.
The regional SMD must reflect the minimum
standards established in the Manual and elaborated in
the International Sourcebook on Developmental Standards
for Ordination;
2. To develop validation procedures for the ministerial
educational programs of their region, to verify the programs
meet the regional COSAC and ICOSAC minimum
standards;
3. To collaborate with the regional educational providers
to interpret these standards in ministerial education
programs;
4. To review ministerial education program submissions
for compliance with regional Sourcebook and International
Sourcebook standards;
5. To endorse regional ministerial education programs to
the International Course of Study Advisory Committee
for adoption and approval.
GENERAL GOVERNMENT 169
CHAPTER IV
HIGHER EDUCATION
A. Church and College/University
380. The Church of the Nazarene, from its inception, has
been committed to higher education. The church provides
the college/university with students, administrative and faculty
leadership, and financial and spiritual support. The college/
university educates the church’s youth and many of the
church’s adults, guides them toward spiritual maturity, enriches
the church, and sends out into the world thinking,
loving servants of Christ. The church college/university,
while not a local congregation, is an integral part of the
church; it is an expression of the church.
The Church of the Nazarene believes in the value and the
dignity of human life and the need for providing an environment
in which people can be redeemed and enriched spiritually,
intellectually, and physically, “made holy, useful to the
Master and prepared to do any good work” (2 Timothy 2:21).
The primary task and traditional expressions of local church
activity—evangelism, religious education, compassionate
ministries, and services of worship—exemplify the church’s
love for God and concern for people.
At the local church level, the Christian education of youth
and adults at various stages of human development intensifies
the effectiveness of the gospel. Congregations may incorporate
within their objectives and function childcare/school
educational programs at any or all levels, from birth through
secondary. At the general church level, the historic practice
of providing institutions for higher education or ministerial
preparation will be maintained. Wherever such institutions
are operated, they shall function within the philosophical
170 HIGHER EDUCATION
and theological framework of the Church of the Nazarene as
established by the General Assembly and expressed through
the Manual.
380.1. Educational Mission Statement. Education in
the Church of the Nazarene, rooted in the biblical and theological
commitments of the Wesleyan and holiness movements
and accountable to the stated mission of the denomination,
aims to guide those who look to it in accepting, in
nurturing, and in expressing in service to the church and
world consistent and coherent Christian understandings of
social and individual life. Additionally, such institutions of
higher education will seek to provide a curriculum, quality
of instruction, and evidence of scholastic achievement that
will adequately prepare graduates to function effectively in
vocations and professions such graduates may choose.
380.2. General Assembly authorization, upon the recommendation
of the International Board of Education, is required
to establish degree granting institutions.
Authorization for the development or change of status of
existing institutions may be granted by the General Board
upon recommendation of the International Board of Education.
No local church or combination of churches, or persons representing
a local church or group of churches, may establish
or sponsor a post-secondary level or ministerial preparatory
institution on behalf of the church, except upon the recommendation
of the International Board of Education.
B. International Higher Education Council
381. There shall be an International Higher Education
Council composed of the president, principal, rector, or director
(or his/her designated representative) of each International
Board of Education institution of the Church of the
Nazarene, the regional education coordinators, the education
commissioner, the World Mission Department director,
and the general superintendent in jurisdiction for the International
Board of Education.
HIGHER EDUCATION 171
C. International Board of Education
382. The International Board of Education shall be the
general church advocate for educational institutions in the
Church of the Nazarene worldwide.
This board shall be composed of thirteen members: eight
elected by the General Board, plus five members ex-officio:
the two education representatives on the General Board, the
World Mission Department director, the Clergy Development
director, and the education commissioner (383). A
Nominating Committee composed of the education commissioner,
the World Mission Department director, the two education
representatives on the General Board, and the general
superintendents in jurisdiction for the International
Board of Education and World Mission Department shall
present eight nominees approved by the Board of General
Superintendents to the General Board for election.
In an effort to insure broad representation throughout the
church, the Nominating Committee shall submit nominees
as follows: one regional education coordinator; three laypersons;
two ordained ministers from World Mission regions
where no person who is an education coordinator has been
nominated; two “at large” nominees. No World Mission region
shall have more than one elected member on the IBOE
until each region has a representative.
Throughout the nominating and election process, attention
shall be given to the election of persons with cross-cultural
perspective and/or experience as educators.
The functions of the International Board of Education
are:
382.1. To insure that institutions are under the legal control
of their respective governing boards whose constitutions
and bylaws shall conform to their respective charters or articles
of incorporation and that shall be in harmony with the
guidelines set by the Manual of the Church of the Nazarene.
382.2. To insure that members of governing boards of
Nazarene institutions shall be members of the Church of the
Nazarene in good standing. They are to be in full accord
with the Articles of Faith, including the doctrine of entire
172 HIGHER EDUCATION
sanctification and the usages of the Church of the Nazarene
as set forth in the Manual of the church. Insofar as possible,
the membership of the higher education boards of control
shall have an equal number of ministers and laity.
382.3. To receive such funds as may be contributed to it
for educational purposes through gifts, bequests, and donations,
and shall annually recommend allocations from these
funds to each educational institution in accordance with policy
adopted by the General Board. Institutions shall not continue
to receive regular support unless their education standards,
plan of organization, and financial reports are filed
with the International Board of Education.
382.4. To receive and deal appropriately with a yearly report
from the education commissioner summarizing the following
information from all International Board of Education
institutions: (1) annual statistical report, (2) annual
audit report, and (3) annual fiscal budgets for the upcoming
year.
382.5. To recommend and to provide support and advocacy,
although its role is advisory to the institutions, to the Board
of General Superintendents and to the General Board.
382.6. To serve the church in matters pertaining to Nazarene
educational institutions in order to strengthen the
bonds between the institutions and the church at large.
382.7. To submit its business and recommendations to the
Board of General Superintendents and the General Board
for ratification in the same manner as is the business and
recommendations of committees of the General Board.
D. Education Commissioner
383. The administrator of the International Board of Education
is the education commissioner, who shall be elected
by two-thirds favorable vote of the General Board from one
or more nominees approved by the Board of General Superintendents
and presented by a Nominating Committee composed
of the two education representatives on the General
Board, the general superintendents in jurisdiction for the
International Board of Education and the World Mission
HIGHER EDUCATION 173
Department, the World Mission Department director, and
the chairperson of the International Higher Education
Council. (382)
The education commissioner may be reelected as an incumbent
by a “yes” or “no” vote of the General Board upon
approval of the Nominating Committee.
The duties of the education commissioner shall be detailed
in the General Board Bylaws. (382)
384. All institutional constitutions and bylaws must include
an article on dissolution and disposal of assets indicating
that the Church of the Nazarene shall receive such assets
to be used for educational services for the church.
174 HIGHER EDUCATION
PART V
Ministry and
Christian Service
CALL AND QUALIFICATIONS OF THE MINISTER
CATEGORIES AND ROLES OF MINISTRY
EDUCATION FOR MINISTERS
CREDENTIALS AND MINISTERIAL
REGULATIONS
CHAPTER I
CALL AND QUALIFICATIONS
OF THE MINISTER1
400. The Church of the Nazarene recognizes and insists
that all believers have committed to them a dispensation of
the gospel that they are to minister to all people.
We also recognize and hold that the Head of the Church
calls some men and women to the more official and public
work of the ministry. As our Lord called to Him whom He
would, and chose and ordained His 12 apostles “that they
might be with him and that he might send them out to
preach” (Mark 3:14), so He still calls and sends out messengers
of the gospel. The church, illuminated by the Holy Spirit,
will recognize the Lord’s call.
The church also recognizes on the basis of Scripture and
experience that God calls individuals to a lifetime of ministry
who do not witness to a specific call to preach.
When the church discovers a divine call, the proper steps
should be taken for its recognition and endorsement, and all
suitable help should be given to open the way for the candidate
to enter the ministry.
401. The perpetuity and efficiency of the Church of the
Nazarene depend largely upon the spiritual qualifications,
the character, and the manner of life of its ministers.
(433.14)
401.1. The minister of Christ is to be in all things a pattern
to the flock—in punctuality, discretion, diligence, earnestness;
176 MINISTRY AND CHRISTIAN SERVICE
1. The Manual Editing Committee, in recognition of the validity of the
opening words of paragraph 400, has attempted to use language that reflects
this distinctive. However, due to the nature of this section of the Manual, the
terms “minister” or “the minister” will usually refer to a person holding credentials,
whether licensed, ordained, or commissioned.
“in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the
Holy Spirit and in sincere love; in truthful speech and in the
power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right
hand and in the left” (2 Corinthians 6:6-7).
401.2. The minister of the gospel in the Church of the
Nazarene must have peace with God through our Lord Jesus
Christ, and be sanctified wholly by the baptism with the
Holy Spirit. The minister must have a deep sense of the fact
that souls for whom Christ died are perishing, and that he
or she is called of God to proclaim or make known to them
the glad tidings of salvation.
401.3. The minister must likewise have a deep sense of
the necessity of believers going on to perfection and developing
the Christian graces in practical living, that their “love
may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight”
(Philippians 1:9). One who would minister in the
Church of the Nazarene must have a strong appreciation of
both salvation and Christian ethics.
401.4. The minister must have gifts, as well as graces, for
the work. He or she will have a thirst for knowledge, especially
of the Word of God, and must have sound judgment,
good understanding, and clear views concerning the plan of
redemption and salvation as revealed in the Scriptures.
Saints will be edified and sinners converted through his or
her ministry. Further, the minister of the gospel in the
Church of the Nazarene must be an example in prayer.
401.5. The minister should respond to opportunities to
mentor future ministers and to nurture the call to ministry
of those who have obvious gifts and graces for ministry or
who are hearing the call of God to Christian ministry.
401.6. Theology of Ordination. While affirming the
scriptural tenet of the universal priesthood and ministry of
all believers, ordination reflects the biblical belief that God
calls out and gifts certain men and women for ministerial
leadership in His Church. Ordination is the authenticating,
authorizing act of the Church, which recognizes and confirms
God’s call to ministerial leadership as stewards and
proclaimers of both the gospel and the Church of Jesus
Christ. Consequently, ordination bears witness to the
MINISTRY AND CHRISTIAN SERVICE 177
Church universal and the world at large that this candidate
evidences an exemplary life of holiness, possesses gifts and
graces for public ministry, and has a thirst for knowledge,
especially for the Word of God, and has the capacity to clearly
communicate sound doctrine.
(Acts 13:1-3; 20:28; Romans 1:1-2; 1 Timothy 4:11-16; 5:22; 2 Timothy
1:6-7; 5:22)
178 MINISTRY AND CHRISTIAN SERVICE
CHAPTER II
CATEGORIES AND ROLES OF MINISTRY
A. The Lay Minister
402. All Christians should consider themselves ministers
of Christ and seek to know the will of God concerning their
appropriate avenues of service. (400)
402.1. Any member of the Church of the Nazarene who
feels called to serve as a church planter, bivocational pastor,
teacher, lay evangelist, lay song evangelist, stewardship
minister, church staff minister, and/or other specialized ministry
on behalf of the church, but who does not at the present
time feel a special call to become an ordained minister,
may pursue a validated course of study leading to a certificate
of lay ministry.
402.2. The local church board, upon the recommendation
of the pastor, shall initially examine the lay minister as to
personal experience of salvation, effective involvement in
church ministries, and knowledge of the work of the church,
and satisfy itself as to the lay minister’s qualifications for
such ministry.
402.3. The local church board may issue to each lay minister
candidate a certificate signed by the pastor and the secretary
of the church board.
402.4. The certificate of the lay minister may be renewed
annually by the church board upon the recommendation of
the pastor, if the lay minister has completed at least two
subjects in the lay ministry educational program as outlined
by the Continuing Lay Training. The lay minister shall report
annually to the church board.
402.5. For a lay minister serving under district assignment
as church planter, supply pastor, bivocational pastor,
and/or other specialized ministry, upon completion of a vali-
MINISTRY AND CHRISTIAN SERVICE 179
dated course of study, a certificate of lay ministry may be issued
by the District Advisory Board, signed by the district
superintendent and the secretary of the District Advisory
Board. The certificate of lay ministry may be renewed annually
by the District Advisory Board upon the recommendation
of the district superintendent.
402.6. The lay minister serving outside the local church
where he or she is a member shall be subject to the appointment
and supervision of the district superintendent and the
District Advisory Board, and shall report annually to them.
When district assignment shall cease, reference shall be
made back to the local church in which the lay minister
holds membership for renewal and reporting.
402.7. After completion of a lay ministry validated course
of study, a lay minister shall proceed in a specialized concentration
of study according to his or her chosen ministry. (See
Continuing Lay Training Catalog) The provision for grading
and recording the same will be made at the Continuing Lay
Training office.
402.8. A lay minister shall not be eligible to administer
the sacraments of baptism and the Lord’s Supper, and shall
not officiate at marriages.
B. Ministry of the Clergy
403. The Church of the Nazarene recognizes only one order
of the preaching ministry, that of the elder. It also recognizes
that the member of the clergy may serve the church in
various capacities. Christ has called “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” (Ephesians
4:11-12). The church recognizes the following categories
of service in which a district assembly may place an
elder, deacon, or, as circumstances warrant, a licensed minister:
pastor, evangelist, missionary, teacher, administrator,
chaplain, and special service. Service within these categories
that qualifies as being an “assigned minister” would include
that service for which ministerial training and ordination
are normally required, or greatly desired. The Sourcebook on
180 MINISTRY AND CHRISTIAN SERVICE
Ordination shall provide guidelines for each category of
ministry that will aid district boards in identifying the qualifications
necessary for consideration to be an assigned minister.
Only assigned ministers shall be voting members of
the district assembly.
403.1. All persons assigned to a particular role shall file a
report annually to the assigning district assembly.
403.2. All persons assigned to a particular role may request
and obtain annually from the assigning district a certificate
of their role of service, signed by the district superintendent
and the district secretary.
403.3. All persons assigned to a particular role of ministry,
when placed on disability by approved medical authority,
may be listed as “assigned disabled.”
The roles of ministry are listed in alphabetical order for
convenience.
C. The Administrator
404. The elder or a deacon who is an administrator is one
who has been elected by the General Assembly as a general
official; or a member of the clergy who has been elected or
employed by the General Board to serve in the general
church; or an elder who has been elected by the district assembly
as district superintendent; or a member of the clergy
who has been elected or employed as his or her primary assignment
in the service of a district. Such person is an assigned
minister.
D. The Chaplain
405. The elder or deacon who is a chaplain is one who feels
divinely led to specialized ministry in military, institutional,
or industrial chaplaincy. All chaplains must be approved by
their district superintendent. Persons applying for career or
career assignment in the U.S.A. military chaplaincy must appear
before the Chaplaincy Advisory Council and the Board
of General Superintendents. The chaplain who serves in this
ministry as his or her primary assignment and who does not
sustain a retired relationship with the church or any of its
departments or institutions, shall be an assigned minister,
MINISTRY AND CHRISTIAN SERVICE 181
and shall report annually to the district assembly and give
due regard to the advice and counsel of the district superintendent
and the District Advisory Board. The chaplain may
receive associate members into the Church of the Nazarene
in consultation with an officially organized Church of the
Nazarene, administer the sacraments in harmony with the
Manual, give pastoral care, comfort the sorrowing, reprove
and encourage and seek by all means the conversion of sinners,
sanctification of believers, and the upbuilding of the
people of God in the most holy faith. (416, 433.9, 433.11)
E. The Deaconess
406. A woman who is a member of the Church of the Nazarene
and believes that she is divinely led to engage in ministering
to the sick and the needy, comforting the sorrowing,
and doing other works of Christian benevolence, and who
has given evidence in her life of ability, grace, and usefulness,
and who was in the years preceding 1985 licensed or
consecrated as a deaconess shall continue in such standing.
However, those women called to active and assigned ministry
but not called to preach shall complete the requirements
for ordination to the order of deacon.Women desiring
a credential for compassionate ministries may pursue the
requirements for lay minister. (113.8, 402-2.8)
F. The Educator
407. The elder, deacon, or licensed minister who is an educator
who is employed to serve on the administrative staff or
faculty of one of the educational institutions of the Church
of the Nazarene. The district shall designate such a person
as an educator for their ministry assignment.
G. The Evangelist
408. The elder or licensed minister who is an evangelist is
one devoted to traveling and preaching the gospel, and who
is authorized by the church to promote revivals and to
spread the gospel of Jesus Christ abroad in the land. The
Church of the Nazarene recognizes three levels of itinerant
evangelism to which a district assembly may assign minis-
182 MINISTRY AND CHRISTIAN SERVICE
ters: registered evangelist, commissioned evangelist, and
tenured evangelist. An evangelist who dedicates time to
evangelism, outside his or her local church as his or her primary
assignment and who does not sustain a retired relationship
with the church or any of its departments or institutions,
shall be an assigned minister.
408.1. A registered evangelist is an elder, or a district licensed
minister, who has indicated a desire to pursue evangelism
as his or her primary ministry. Such registration
shall be for one year. Renewal by subsequent district assemblies
shall be granted on both the quality and quantity of
work in evangelism in the year prior to the assembly.
408.2. A commissioned evangelist is an elder who has met
all the requirements of a registered evangelist for two complete
years. The commission is for one year and may be renewed
by subsequent district assemblies for one who continues
to meet the requirements.
408.3. A tenured evangelist is an elder who has met all
the requirements of a commissioned evangelist for four complete
and consecutive years immediately prior to application
for tenured evangelist status, and has been recommended by
the District Ministerial Credentials Board and approved by
the Committee on the Interests of the God-Called Evangelist
and the Board of General Superintendents. This role
designation shall continue until such time as the evangelist
no longer meets the requirements of a commissioned evangelist,
or until he or she is granted retired status. (228.2,
431)
408.4. A regular self-assessment and review similar to the
church/pastoral review shall be conducted by the evangelist
and district superintendent together at least every four
years after the election to the tenured role. The district
superintendent shall be responsible for scheduling and conducting
the meeting. This meeting shall be scheduled in consultation
with the evangelist. Upon completion of the review,
a report of the results shall be forwarded to the
Committee on the Interests of the God-Called Evangelist to
evaluate qualification requirements for continued approval.
(208.19)
MINISTRY AND CHRISTIAN SERVICE 183
408.5. An elder or licensed minister who sustains a retired
relationship with the church or any of its departments,
and who wishes to perform a ministerial function through
revivals or evangelistic meetings, may receive certification
for “retired evangelism service.” Such certification shall be
for one year, shall be voted by the district assembly upon
recommendation by the district superintendent, and may be
renewed by subsequent district assemblies on the basis of
actual work in evangelism in the year prior to the assembly.
408.6. An elder or licensed minister desiring to enter the
field of evangelism between district assemblies may be recognized
by the general office of Clergy Development upon
recommendation of the district superintendent. The registration
or commission shall be voted by the district assembly
upon recommendation by the district superintendent.
408.7. Guidelines and procedures for certification of evangelists’
roles will be contained in the Sourcebook for Ministerial
Development.
H. The Minister of Christian Education
409. A member of the clergy employed in a ministerial capacity
in a Christian education program of a local church
may be assigned as a minister of Christian education.
409.1. A person who was, in the years preceding 1985, licensed
or commissioned as a minister of Christian education,
shall continue in good standing. However, those persons
desiring to begin the pursuit of the role of minister of
Christian education may complete the requirements for ordination
to the order of deacon as their credential for this
ministry.
I. The Minister of Music
410. A member of the Church of the Nazarene who feels
called to the ministry of music may be commissioned as a
minister of music for one year by the district assembly, provided
such person (1) has been recommended for such work
by the church board of the local church in which membership
is held; (2) gives evidence of grace, gifts, and usefulness;
(3) has had at least one year of experience in music min-
184 MINISTRY AND CHRISTIAN SERVICE
istry; (4) has had not less than one year of vocal study under
an accredited teacher and is pursuing a validated course of
study or its equivalent prescribed for ministers of music or
has completed the same; (5) is regularly engaged as a minister
of music; (6) has been carefully examined, under the direction
of the district assembly of the assembly district
within the bounds of which the person holds his or her
church membership, regarding his or her intellectual and
spiritual qualifications, and general fitness for such work.
(203.10)
410.1. Only such persons who maintain this ministry as
their primary assignment and vocation and have ministerial
credentials shall be considered assigned ministers.
J. The Missionary
411. The missionary is a member of the clergy or a layperson
who has been appointed by the General Board to minister
for the church through the World Mission Committee or
through the USACanada MissionEvangelism Committee. A
missionary with an appointment and having a ministerial
credential shall be considered an assigned minister.
K. The Pastor
412. A pastor is a minister (115) who, under the call of
God and His people, has the oversight of a local church. A
pastor in charge of a local church is an assigned minister.
(210)
413. The duties of a pastor are:
413.1. To preach the Word.
413.2. To equip the saints for the work of the ministry.
413.3. To receive persons as members of the local church
according to 107 and 107.1.
413.4. To administer the sacraments.
413.5. To care for the people by pastoral visitation, particularly
the sick and needy.
413.6. To comfort those who mourn.
413.7. To correct, rebuke, and encourage, with great patience
and careful instruction.
413.8. To seek, by all means, the conversion of sinners, the
MINISTRY AND CHRISTIAN SERVICE 185
entire sanctification of the converted, and the upbuilding of
God’s people in the most holy faith. (25)
413.9. To have the care of all departments of local church
work.
413.10. To appoint the teachers of the Sunday School in
harmony with 145.8.
413.11. To administer the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper
at least once a quarter. A licensed minister who has not complied
fully with the provisions of 427.7 (see also 802) shall
arrange for the administration of the sacrament by an ordained
minister. Consideration should be given for extending
the Lord’s Supper to homebound persons, under supervision
of the pastor.
413.12. To read to the congregation the Constitution of
the Church of the Nazarene and the Covenant of Christian
Conduct contained in 1-27, 33-39, both inclusive, within
each year (114), or have this section of the Manual printed
and distributed annually to the members of the church.
413.13. To supervise the preparation of all statistical reports
from all departments of the local church, and present
promptly all such reports through the district secretary to
the district assembly. (114.1)
413.14. To give leadership to the evangelism, education,
devotion, and expansion programs of the local church in harmony
with the district and general church promotional
goals and programs.
413.15. To submit a report to the annual church meeting,
including a report on the status of the local church and its
departments, and an outline of areas of future needs with
recommendations for reference by the church to any of its
officers or departments for study and/or implementation in
future steps for growth and progress.
413.16. To appoint an investigating committee of three in
case of accusation filed against a church member. (501-1.2)
413.17. To see that all World Evangelism Fund monies
raised through the local NMI are remitted promptly to the
general treasurer; and that all District Ministries Fund
monies are remitted promptly to the district treasurer.
(136.2)
186 MINISTRY AND CHRISTIAN SERVICE
413.18. To nominate to the church board all persons who
are paid employees of the local church, and to have supervision
of the same. (160.1-60.3)
413.19. To sign in conjunction with the church secretary
all conveyances of real estate, mortgages, releases of mortgages,
contracts, and other legal documents not otherwise
provided for in the Manual. (102.3, 103-4.3)
413.20. To notify the pastor of the nearest church when a
member or friend of a local church or any of its departments
moves to another locality in the same assembly district
where vital association with the previous local church is impractical,
giving the member’s or friend’s address.
413.21. To arrange, together with the church board, according
to plans adopted by the General Assembly and
agreed to by the district assembly, for the raising of the
World Evangelism Fund and District Ministries Fund apportionments
made to the local church; and to raise these
apportionments. (38.2, 130, 154)
413.22. The pastor may, when requested by a member,
grant a transfer of church membership, a certificate of commendation,
or a letter of release. (111-11.1, 112.2, 813.2-
13.5)
413.23. The pastor shall be, ex-officio, president of the local
church, chairperson of the church board, and a member
of all elected and standing boards and committees of the
church he or she serves. The pastor shall have access to all
records of the local church. (127, 145, 150, 152, 153.1)
413.24. To nurture the call that people feel toward Christian
ministry and to mentor such persons as are called. This
shall include guiding them toward appropriate preparation
for ministry.
413.25. To fulfill the expectations of God and the Church
for a program of lifelong learning. (433.15)
413.26. To nurture his or her own call through the years
of ministry, to maintain a life of personal devotion that enriches
his or her own soul, and, if married, to guard the integrity
and vitality of that marriage relationship.
414. The pastor shall have the right to a voice in the nomination
of all heads of all departments of the local church,
MINISTRY AND CHRISTIAN SERVICE 187
and any Nazarene childcare/school (birth through secondary)
organization.
415. The pastor shall not contract bills, create financial obligations,
count moneys, or disburse funds for the local church
unless authorized and directed by majority vote of the church
board or by majority vote of a church meeting; such action, if
taken, must be approved in writing by the District Advisory
Board and shall be duly recorded in the minutes of the church
board or of the church meeting. No pastor or any member of
his or her immediate family shall be authorized to sign checks
on any church account except upon the written approval of the
district superintendent. Immediate family shall include
spouse, children, siblings, or parents. (129.1, 129.21-29.22)
416. The pastor shall always show due regard for the
united advice of the district superintendent and the District
Advisory Board. (222.2, 433.2)
417. In case a licensed or ordained minister presenting
credentials from another denomination shall, during the interim
of sessions of the district assembly, make application
for membership in a local church, the pastor may not receive
such applicant without first having obtained the favorable
recommendation of the District Advisory Board. (107, 225)
418. For the exercise of this office the pastor shall be
amenable to the district assembly, to which he or she shall
report annually and give brief testimony to his or her personal
Christian experience. (203.3, 427.8, 433.9)
419. The pastor shall automatically become a member of
the church of which he or she is pastor; or, in case of more
than one church in his or her charge, of the church of his or
her choice. (433.8)
420. Pastoral Service includes the ministry of a pastor or
an associate pastor, who may serve in specialized areas of
ministry recognized and approved by the appropriate governing,
licensing and endorsing agencies. A member of the clergy
called to any of these levels of pastoral service in connection
with a church may be considered an assigned minister.
421. Supply Pastors. A district superintendent shall
have the power to appoint a supply pastor, who shall serve
subject to the following regulations:
188 MINISTRY AND CHRISTIAN SERVICE
1. A supply pastor may be a Nazarene member of the clergy
serving in some other assignment, a local minister or
a lay minister of the Church of the Nazarene, a minister
in process of transfer from another denomination, or
a minister who belongs to another denomination.
2. A supply pastor shall be appointed temporarily to fill
the pulpit and to provide a spiritual ministry, but shall
not have authority to administer the sacraments or to
perform marriages unless that authority adheres to
him or her on some other basis, and he or she shall not
perform the administrative function of the pastor except
in the filing of reports, unless authorized to do so
by the district superintendent.
3. A supply pastor’s church membership shall not be automatically
transferred to the church where he or she
is serving.
4. A supply pastor shall be a nonvoting member of the
district assembly unless he or she is a voting member
by some other right.
5. A supply pastor may be removed or replaced at any
time by the district superintendent.
L. The Song Evangelist
422. A song evangelist is a member of the Church of the
Nazarene whose intention is to devote the major portion of
his or her time to the ministry of evangelism through music.
A song evangelist who has a ministerial credential and who
is involved in active ministry and has evangelism as his or
her primary assignment, and who does not sustain a retired
relationship with the church or any of its departments or institutions,
shall be an assigned minister.
422.1. Guidelines and procedures for certification of song
evangelists’ roles are contained in the Sourcebook for Ministerial
Development.
M. Special Service
423. A member of the clergy in active service not otherwise
provided for shall be appointed to special service, if
MINISTRY AND CHRISTIAN SERVICE 189
such service is approved by the district assembly, and shall
be listed by the district as an assigned minister.
423.1. An elder or deacon employed in a ministerial capacity
as an officer in a church-related organization serving the
church, or approved upon careful evaluation of his or her
district assembly to serve with an educational institution,
evangelistic, or missionary organization not directly related
to the church, may be appointed to special service subject to
433.11.
190 MINISTRY AND CHRISTIAN SERVICE
CHAPTER III
EDUCATION FOR MINISTERS
A. For Ministers
424. Ministerial education is designed to assist in the
preparation of God-called ministers whose service is vital to
the expansion and extension of the holiness message into
new areas of evangelistic opportunity. We recognize the importance
of a clear understanding of our mission based on
Christ’s commission to His Church in Matthew 28:19-20, to
“go and make disciples.” Much of the preparation is primarily
theological and biblical in character, leading toward ordination
in the ministry of the Church of the Nazarene. The
District Ministerial Studies Board shall determine the
placement and evaluate the progress of each student in his
or her validated course of study.
424.1. Fulfillment of Educational Foundations for
Ordained Ministry. A variety of educational institutions
and programs are provided around the world by the Church
of the Nazarene. The resources of some world areas allow
more than one program to be developed to provide the educational
foundations for ministry. The normal expectation is
that each student will take advantage of the most appropriate
validated course of study provided by the Church in his
or her area of the world. In some instances the particular circumstances
of the student may make the ideal impossible.
The Church will utilize as much flexibility in delivery systems
as is feasible to make adequate preparation available to
every person called by God to ministry in the Church. A validated
course of study, directed and supervised by the District
Ministerial Studies Board, and college/seminary programs,
developed by the educational institutions, may be used.
They should cover the same general standards as outlined
MINISTRY AND CHRISTIAN SERVICE 191
in the International Sourcebook on Developmental Standards
for Ordination and the regional Sourcebook on Ordination.
Licensed ministers shall be graduated from a validated
course of study when they have satisfactorily
completed a validated course of study leading toward ordination
by Bible, theological, and liberal arts colleges/universities
and seminaries, whose ordination programs have been
validated by the Regional Course of Study Advisory Committee,
recommended by the International Course of Study
Advisory Committee through Clergy Development, for adoption
by the General Board and approval by the Board of
General Superintendents.
424.2. Cultural Adaptations for the Educational Foundations
for Ordained Ministry. The variety of cultural contexts
around the world makes one curriculum unsuited for all
world areas. Each region of the world will be responsible for
the development of specific curricular requirements for providing
the educational foundations for ministry in a way that
reflects the resources and the expectations of that world area.
Approval of the International Course of Study Advisory Committee,
the General Board, and the Board of General Superintendents
(424.5) will be required before implementing a
regionally designed program for providing educational foundations
for ministry. Even within world regions there are varieties
of cultural expectations and resources. As a result, cultural
sensitivity and flexibility will characterize regional
provisions for the educational foundations for ministry, which
shall be directed and supervised by the District Ministerial
Studies Board. Cultural adaptations of each region’s program
for providing educational foundations for ministry will be approved
by Clergy Development and the International Course
of Study Advisory Committee in consultation with the regional
educational coordinator.
424.3. General Curriculum Areas for Ministerial
Preparation. Though curriculum is often thought of only as
academic programs and course content the concept is much
larger. The character of the instructor, the relationship of
the students and instructor, the environment, and students’
past experiences join with the course content to create the
192 MINISTRY AND CHRISTIAN SERVICE
full curriculum. Nevertheless, a curriculum for ministerial
preparation will include a minimal set of courses that provide
educational foundations for ministry.
Cultural differences and a variety of resources will require
differing details in curriculum structures. However, all
programs for providing educational foundations for the ordained
ministry that seek approval by Clergy Development
should give careful attention to content, competency, character,
and context. The purpose of a validated course of study
is to contain courses that include all four elements in varying
degrees and that will help ministers fulfill the mission
statement of the Church of the Nazarene as agreed upon by
the Board of General Superintendents as follows:
“The mission of the Church of the Nazarene is to respond to
the Great Commission of Christ to ‘go and make disciples of
all nations’” (Matthew 28:19). “The primary objective of the
Church of the Nazarene is to advance God’s Kingdom by the
preservation and propagation of Christian holiness as set
forth in the Scriptures.”
“The critical objectives of the Church of the Nazarene are
‘holy Christian fellowship, the conversion of sinners, the entire
sanctification of believers, their upbuilding in holiness
and the simplicity and spiritual power manifest in the
primitive New Testament Church, together with the preaching
of the gospel to every creature’” (25).
A validated course of study is described in the following
categories:
Content—Knowledge of the content of the Old and New
Testaments, the theology of the Christian faith, and the
history and mission of the Church is essential for ministry.
Knowledge of how to interpret Scripture, the doctrine
of holiness and our Wesleyan distinctives, and the
history and polity of the Church of the Nazarene must
be included in these courses.
Competency—Skills in oral and written communication;
management and leadership; finance; and analytical
thinking are also essential for ministry. In addition
MINISTRY AND CHRISTIAN SERVICE 193
to general education in these areas courses providing
skills in preaching, pastoral care and counseling, biblical
exegesis, worship, effective evangelism, biblical
stewardship of life resources, Christian education and
Church administration must be included. Graduation
from a validated course of study requires the partnering
of the educational provider and a local church to direct
students in ministerial practices and competency
development.
Character—Personal growth in character, ethics, spirituality,
and personal and family relationship is vital for
the ministry. Courses addressing the areas of Christian
ethics, spiritual formation, human development, the
person of the minister, and marriage and family dynamics
must be included.
Context—The minister must understand both the historical
and contemporary context and interpret the worldview
and social environment of the culture where the
Church witnesses. Courses that address the concerns of
anthropology and sociology, cross-cultural communication,
missions, and social studies must be included.
424.4. Preparation for the ordained ministry pursued in
non-Nazarene schools or under non-Nazarene auspices shall
be evaluated by the District Ministerial Studies Board in
conformity with the curricular requirements stated in a
Sourcebook on Ordination developed by the region/language
group.
424.5. All courses, academic requirements, and official administrative
regulations shall be in a regional Sourcebook on
Ordination developed by the region/language group in cooperation
with Clergy Development. This regional Sourcebook and
such revisions as become necessary shall be endorsed by the
International Course of Study Advisory Committee and approved
by Clergy Development, the General Board, and the
Board of General Superintendents. The Sourcebook shall be in
compliance with the Manual and with the International
Sourcebook on Developmental Standards for Ordination, produced
by Clergy Development with the International Course
of Study Advisory Committee. The International Course of
194 MINISTRY AND CHRISTIAN SERVICE
Study Advisory Committee shall be appointed by the Board of
General Superintendents.
424.6. Once a minister has fulfilled the requirements of a
validated course of study for ministry, he or she will continue
a pattern of lifelong learning to enhance the ministry to
which God has called him or her. A minimum expectation is
20 contact hours each year (2 accredited Continuing Education
Units {CEUs}) or the equivalent determined by the region/
language group and stated in their regional Sourcebook
on Ordination. All assigned and unassigned licensed and ordained
ministers shall report on their progress in a program
of lifelong learning as part of their report to the district assembly.
An up-to-date report on his or her lifelong learning
program will be used in the church/pastoral review process
and in the process of calling a pastor. The regional Sourcebook
on Ordination for the region/language group will contain
the details of the accrediting and reporting process. At
least 20 contact hours or its equivalent are expected annually.
(115, 122, 413.25, 433.15)
B. General Guidelines for Preparation
for Christian Ministry
425. General guidelines for preparation for Christian ministry
are:
425.1. A validated course of study, together with the necessary
procedures concerning their completion for those seeking
a credential as elder and deacon or certification in categories
and roles of ministry, are to be found in the regional
Sourcebook on Ordination.
425.2. In regions administratively related to the World
Mission Department, all validated courses of study, as stated
in the regional Sourcebook on Ordination will be governed by
the regional Sourcebook on Ordination. (424.2-24.3, 424.5)
MINISTRY AND CHRISTIAN SERVICE 195
CHAPTER IV
CREDENTIALS AND MINISTERIAL
REGULATIONS
A. The Local Minister
426. A local minister is a lay member of the Church of the
Nazarene whom the local church board has licensed for ministry,
under the pastor’s direction, and as opportunity affords,
thus providing for the demonstration, employment,
and development of ministerial gifts and usefulness. He or
she is entering into a process of lifelong learning.
426.1. Any member of the Church of the Nazarene who
feels called of God to preach or to pursue lifetime ministry
through the church may be licensed as a local minister for
one year by the church board of a local church having an
elder as pastor, upon the pastor’s recommendation; or by the
church board of a local church not having an elder as pastor,
if the granting of license is recommended by the pastor and
approved by the district superintendent. The candidate
must first be examined as to his or her personal experience
of salvation, knowledge of the doctrines of the Bible, and the
order of the church; he or she must also demonstrate that
the call is evidenced by grace, gifts, and usefulness. A local
minister shall make a report to the local church at its annual
church meetings. (113.8, 129.12, 208.11)
426.2. The church board shall issue to each local minister
a license signed by the pastor and the secretary of the
church board. Where a church is supplied by a person who
does not have a district license, that person may be issued a
local minister’s license, or the renewal of license, by the District
Advisory Board upon the recommendation of the district
superintendent. (208.11, 222.10)
426.3. The license of a local minister may be renewed by
196 MINISTRY AND CHRISTIAN SERVICE
the church board of a local church having an elder as pastor,
upon the recommendation of the pastor; or by the church
board of a local church not having an elder as pastor, provided
that the renewal of license is recommended by the pastor
and approved by the district superintendent. (129.12, 208.11)
426.4. Local ministers shall pursue a validated course of
study for ministers under the direction of the District Ministerial
Studies Board. Local license cannot be renewed after
two years without the written approval of the district superintendent
if the local minister has not completed at least two
courses in the required studies in a validated course of study.
426.5. A local minister, having served in that relation for
at least one full year, and having passed the necessary studies,
may be recommended by the church board to the district
assembly for minister’s license; but, if not received, he or she
shall sustain his or her former relation. (129.12, 424, 427.1)
426.6. A local minister who has been appointed as supply
pastor must be approved by the Ministerial Credentials
Board if he or she continues this service after the district assembly
following the appointment. (209, 228.5, 421)
426.7. A local minister shall not be eligible to administer
the sacraments of baptism and the Lord’s Supper, and shall
not officiate at marriages. (427.7)
B. The Licensed Minister
427. A licensed minister is one whose ministerial calling
and gifts have been formally recognized by the district assembly
through the granting of a ministerial license, authorizing
the minister for, and appointing him or her to, a larger
sphere of service and to greater rights and responsibilities
than those pertaining to a local minister, normally as a step
toward ordination as an elder or a deacon. The district ministerial
license shall include a statement indicating whether
the minister is preparing for ordination as an elder or a deacon
or a district license not leading to ordination. (427.7)
427.1. When there are members of the Church of the Nazarene
who acknowledge a call to a lifetime of ministry, they may
be licensed as ministers by the district assembly provided they
(1) have held a local minister’s license for one full year; (2) have
MINISTRY AND CHRISTIAN SERVICE 197
completed one-fourth of a validated course of study for ministers,
or have passed the Nazarene history and polity courses
and five additional courses in a validated course of study for
ministers, or if enrolled in a Nazarene college/university or
seminary, have completed one-fourth of a validated college/university
or college/university-seminary course of study for ministry,
or have completed one-fourth of a validated district or
regional training center curriculum. Exceptions to this requirement
may be made by the District Ministerial Credentials
Board provided the candidate is pastoring an organized church
and is registered in a system of approved studies, and provided
the candidate annually fulfills the minimum amount of studies
required by the Manual for the renewal of a license, and provided
the district superintendent approves the exception; (3)
have been recommended for such work by the church board of
the local church of which they are members, to which recommendation
shall be attached the Application for Minister’s License
carefully filled in; (4) have given evidence of grace, gifts,
and usefulness; (5) have been carefully examined, under the direction
of the district assembly of the district within the
bounds of which they hold their church membership, regarding
their spiritual, intellectual, and other fitness for such work, including
appropriate background checks as determined by the
District Advisory Board. In the case where a background check
reveals criminal misconduct prior to one’s salvation, this fact
should not be interpreted by the District Ministerial Credentials
Board as automatically excluding the applicant from credentialed
ministry, except under the provisions of paragraph
435.8; (6) have promised to pursue immediately a validated
course of study prescribed for licensed ministers and candidates
for ordination; (7) have had any disqualification, which
may have been imposed by a district assembly, removed by an
explanation in writing by the district superintendent and the
District Advisory Board of the district where the disqualification
was imposed; and provided further that their marriage relationship
does not render them ineligible for a district license
or ordination; and (8) in case of a previous divorce and remarriage,
the recommendation of the District Ministerial Credentials
Board along with supporting documents will be given to
198 MINISTRY AND CHRISTIAN SERVICE
the general superintendent in jurisdiction, which may remove
this as a barrier to pursuing a license or ordination. (35.1-5.3,
129.14, 205.6, 426.5)
427.2. Licensed ministers from other evangelical denominations,
desiring to unite with the Church of the Nazarene,
may be licensed as ministers by the district assembly, provided
they present the credentials issued to them by the denomination
in which they formerly held their membership;
and further provided that they (1) have passed a course of
study equivalent to a validated course of study in the
Church of the Nazarene for local ministers; (2) have been
recommended by the church board of the local Church of the
Nazarene of which they are members; (3) have given evidence
of grace, gifts, and usefulness; (4) have been carefully
examined under the direction of the district assembly regarding
their spiritual, intellectual, and other fitness for
such work; and (5) have promised to pursue immediately a
validated course of study prescribed for licensed ministers
and candidates for ordination. (203.6)
427.3. A minister’s license shall terminate with the close of
the next district assembly. It may be renewed by vote of the
district assembly, provided (1) that the candidate for renewal
shall file with the district assembly the Application for Minister’s
License carefully filled in; and provided (2) that the candidate
shall have completed at least two courses in a validated
course of study; and provided (3) that the candidate has
been recommended for the renewal of license by the church
board of the local church of which he or she is a member, upon
the nomination of the pastor. In case, however, he or she shall
not have passed a validated course of study required, the license
may be renewed by the district assembly only upon submission
of a written explanation for this failure. Such explanation
shall be satisfactory to the District Ministerial
Credentials Board and approved by the general superintendent
presiding. The district assembly may, for cause and at its
discretion, vote against the renewal of a minister’s license.
Licensed ministers who have graduated from a validated
course of study and have been placed in retired relation by
the district assembly shall, with the recommendation of the
MINISTRY AND CHRISTIAN SERVICE 199
District Advisory Board, have their license renewed without
the filing of an Application for Minister’s License. (203.4)
427.4. To qualify for ordination, candidates must achieve
graduation from a validated course of study within 10 years
from the granting of the first district license. Any exception,
due to unusual circumstances, may be granted by the Ministerial
Credentials Board, subject to the approval of the general
superintendent in jurisdiction.
A licensed minister who is not pursuing ordination or who
is disqualified from ordination for failure to complete a validated
course of study within the prescribed time limit may
be granted renewal of minister’s license upon recommendation
of the District Advisory Board and the Ministerial Credentials
Board.
427.5. In the case of licensed ministers who are serving as
pastors, the recommendation for the renewal of minister’s license
shall be made by the District Advisory Board rather
than by the local church board. (222.10)
427.6. The general superintendent having jurisdiction shall
issue to each licensed minister a minister’s license, bearing
the signature of the general superintendent in jurisdiction,
the district superintendent, and the district secretary.
427.7. Licensed ministers shall be vested with authority
to preach the Word and/or to use their gifts and graces in
various associate ministries in servant ministry to the Body
of Christ; and, provided they pass annually the required
studies in a validated educational program and are acting
as pastors, or are involved in an active and assigned ministry
recognized by the district on which their membership
is held, they shall also be vested with authority to administer
the sacraments of baptism and the Lord’s Supper in
their own congregations, and to officiate at marriages where
the laws of the state do not prohibit. (34.5, 35.2, 409-10, 413,
413.4, 413.11, 420, 428-28.2, 429-29.2, 800, 802, 803)
427.8. All licensed ministers shall hold their ministerial
membership in the district assembly of the district wherein
their church membership is held, and shall report to this
body annually. (201, 203.3, 418)
427.9. In case a licensed minister has united with the
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church membership or ministry of another denomination, his
or her church membership and ministerial membership in the
Church of the Nazarene shall, because of that fact, immediately
cease, and the district assembly shall cause to be entered into
its minute record the following statement: “Removed from
the membership and ministry of the Church of the Nazarene
by uniting with another denomination.” (107, 112)
C. The Deacon
428. A deacon is a minister whose call of God to Christian
ministry, gifts, and usefulness have been demonstrated and
enhanced by proper training and experience, who has been
separated to the service of Christ by a vote of a district assembly
and by the solemn act of ordination, and who has been
invested to perform certain functions of Christian ministry.
428.1. The deacon does not witness to a specific call to
preach. The church recognizes, on the basis of Scripture and
experience, that God calls individuals to lifetime ministry
who do not witness to such a specific call, and believes that
individuals so called to such ministries should be recognized
and confirmed by the church and should meet requirements,
and be granted responsibilities, established by the church.
This is a permanent order of ministry.
428.2. The deacon must meet the requirements of the order
for education, exhibit the appropriate gifts and graces,
and be recognized and confirmed by the church. The deacon
shall be vested with the authority to administer the sacraments
of baptism and the Lord’s Supper, and to officiate at
marriages where the laws of the state do not prohibit, and
on occasion to conduct worship and to preach. It is understood
that the Lord and the church may use this person’s
gifts and graces in various associate ministries. As a symbol
of the servant ministry of the Body of Christ, the deacon
may also use his or her gifts in roles outside the institutional
church. (34.5, 35.2)
428.3. One who is called of God to this ministry, and who
has fulfilled all the requirements of the church for the same,
who has successfully completed a validated course of study
prescribed for licensed ministers and candidates for ordina-
MINISTRY AND CHRISTIAN SERVICE 201
tion as deacon, who has been a district licensed minister for
not less than four years and recommended for renewal of
district license by the church board of the local church in
which he or she holds membership or by the District Advisory
Board, and has been carefully considered and favorably
reported by the Ministerial Credentials Board to the district
assembly, may be elected to the order of deacon by twothirds
vote of the district assembly; provided he or she has
been an assigned minister not less than four consecutive
years; and provided further that the candidate must currently
be serving in a ministry assignment. In the case of
part-time associate ministers, it should be understood that
there should be an extension of the consecutive years of inservice
time, depending on their level of involvement in local
church ministry, and that their testimony and service
demonstrate that their call to ministry is primary to all other
pursuits. Further, any disqualification that may have
been imposed by a district assembly has been removed in
writing by the district superintendent and District Advisory
Board of said district; and provided further that his or her
marriage relationship does not render him or her ineligible
for ordination. (35.1-35.3, 203.6, 320, 424)
428.4. If in the pursuance of his or her ministry, the ordained
deacon feels called to the preaching ministry, he or
she may be ordained elder upon completion of the requirements
for that credential and the return of the deacon credential.
D. The Elder
429. An elder is a minister whose call of God to preach,
gifts, and usefulness have been demonstrated and enhanced
by proper training and experience, and who has been separated
to the service of Christ through His church by the vote
of a district assembly and by the solemn act of ordination,
and thus has been fully invested to perform all functions of
the Christian ministry.
429.1. We recognize but one order of preaching ministry—
that of elder. This is a permanent order in the church. The
elder is to rule well in the church, to preach the Word, to ad-
202 MINISTRY AND CHRISTIAN SERVICE
minister the sacraments of baptism and the Lord’s Supper,
and to solemnize matrimony, all in the name of, and in subjection
to, Jesus Christ, the great Head of the Church. (34.5,
35.2, 412-13.3, 413.11, 433.12)
429.2. The church expects that one called to this official
ministry should be a steward of the Word and give full energy
through a lifetime to its proclamation.
429.3. One who is called of God to this ministry, and who
has fulfilled all the requirements of the church for the same,
who has successfully completed a validated course of study
prescribed for licensed ministers and candidates for ordination
as elder, who has been a district licensed minister for
not less than three years and recommended for renewal of
district license by the church board of the local church in
which he or she holds membership or by the District Advisory
Board, and has been carefully considered and favorably
reported by the Ministerial Credentials Board of the district
assembly, may be elected to the order of elder by two-thirds
vote of the district assembly. To be eligible for election, the
candidate must have been an assigned minister for not less
than three consecutive years either as a pastor or as a registered
evangelist (spending the major portion of that time actively
in the field), or the candidate must have served not
less than four consecutive years as associate pastor; or one
year as pastor and two consecutive years as an assigned associate
pastor; or have served four years as an assigned
teacher in the religion department of one of our Nazarene
institutions of higher education, or in a Christian ministry
in such other institutions and assigned roles approved by
the Board of General Superintendents, and the candidate
must currently be serving in a ministry assignment. In the
case of part-time associate ministers, it should be understood
that there should be an extension of the consecutive
years of in-service time, depending on their level of involvement
in local church ministry, and that their testimony and
service demonstrate that their call to ministry is primary to
all other pursuits. Further, any disqualification that may
have been imposed by a district assembly must be removed
in writing by the district superintendent and the District
MINISTRY AND CHRISTIAN SERVICE 203
Advisory Board of the district where the disqualification
was imposed before the minister is eligible for election to elder’s
orders. In addition, the candidate’s marriage relationship
must be such as not to render him or her ineligible for
ordination. (35.1-5.3, 203.6, 320, 424)
E. The Recognition of Credentials
430. Ordained ministers from other evangelical denominations,
desiring to unite with the Church of the Nazarene and
presenting their ordination papers, may have their ordination
recognized by the district assembly, after satisfactory examination
by the District Ministerial Credentials Board as
to their conduct, personal experience and doctrine, provided
that: (1) they demonstrate appreciation, comprehension and
application of the Manual and history of the Church of the
Nazarene by successfully completing the related portions of a
validated course of study; (2) they file with the district assembly
the Ordination/Recognition Questionnaire, carefully
filled in; and (3) they meet all requirements for ordination as
outlined in 428-28.3 or 429-29.3. (203.6, 225, 424)
430.1. The general superintendent having jurisdiction
shall issue to the ordained minister so recognized a certificate
of recognition, bearing the signature of the general
superintendent in jurisdiction, the district superintendent,
and the district secretary. (433.6)
430.2. When the credential of a minister from another
church has been duly recognized, the credential issued by
said church shall be returned to him or her inscribed in
writing or stamped on the reverse side of the credential as
follows:
Accredited by the ____________________ District Assembly
of the Church of the Nazarene this _______ day of _______,
_______, (year) as the basis of the new credentials.
__________________________, General Superintendent
__________________________, District Superintendent
__________________________, District Secretary
F. The Retired Minister
431. A retired minister is one who has been placed in the
204 MINISTRY AND CHRISTIAN SERVICE
retired relation by the district assembly in which he or she
holds ministerial membership, upon recommendation by the
District Ministerial Credentials Board. Any change in status
must be approved by the district assembly, upon recommendation
by the District Ministerial Credentials Board. (203.27,
228.8)
431.1. Retirement shall not compel cessation from ministerial
labors or in itself deprive of membership in the district
assembly. A minister who was serving in an “assigned”
role at the time of requesting retired relation or at the age
for normal retirement may be placed in a “retired assigned”
relation. However, a minister in an “unassigned” status in
either of the above situations will be placed in a “retired
unassigned” relation. (201, 433.9)
G. The Transfer of Ministers
432. When a member of the clergy desires to transfer to
another district, transfer of ministerial membership may be
issued by vote of the district assembly, or by the District Advisory
Board in the interim of assemblies, in which his or
her ministerial membership is held. Such transfer may be
received by the District Advisory Board in the interim before
the district assembly meets, granting to said minister
full rights and privileges of membership on the district on
which it is received, subject to final approval of the Ministerial
Credentials Board and the district assembly. (203.8-3.9,
223, 228.9-28.10)
432.1. The transfer of a licensed minister shall be valid only
when a detailed record of the licensee’s grades in a validated
course of study for licensed ministers, properly certified by
the secretary of the District Ministerial Studies Board of the
issuing district assembly, has been sent to the secretary of
the District Ministerial Studies Board of the receiving district.
The secretary of the District Ministerial Studies Board
of the receiving district shall notify his or her district secretary
that the licensee’s record of grades has been received.
The minister being transferred shall actively pursue the
matter of the reporting of his or her grades in a validated
course of study to the receiving district. (230.1-30.2)
MINISTRY AND CHRISTIAN SERVICE 205
432.2. The district assembly receiving a transfer shall notify
the district assembly issuing said transfer of the reception
of the transferred person’s membership. Until the
transfer is received by vote of the district assembly to which
addressed, the person thus transferred shall be a member of
the issuing district assembly. Such transfer is valid only until
the close of the next session following the date of issue of
the district assembly to which addressed. (203.8, 223,
228.10)
H. General Regulations
433. The following definitions are of terms relating to general
regulations for ministers of the Church of the Nazarene:
Clergy—elders, deacons and licensed ministers.
Laity—Members of the Church of the Nazarene who are
not clergy.
Active—fulfilling an assigned role.
Assigned—The status of a member of the clergy who is
active in one of the roles listed in Chapter II, Part V.
Unassigned—The status of clergy who are in good standing
but not presently active in one of the roles listed in
Chapter II, Part V.
Retired Assigned—The status of retired clergy who
were assigned at the time retirement was requested.
Retired Unassigned—The status of retired clergy who
were not assigned at the time retirement was requested.
Disciplined—The status of clergy who have been deprived
of the rights, privileges, and responsibilities of the
clergy by disciplinary action.
Filed Credential—The status of the credential of a
member of the clergy in good standing who, because of inactivity
in the ministry, has voluntarily temporarily given up
the rights, privileges, and responsibilities of being a member
of the clergy by filing his or her credential with the general
secretary. A person who files his or her credential remains a
member of the clergy and may have the rights, privileges,
and responsibilities of being a member of the clergy reinstated
by requesting that his or her credential be returned,
in accordance with 435.2. (434, 434.2, 434.8)
206 MINISTRY AND CHRISTIAN SERVICE
Surrendered Credential—The status of the credential
of a member of the clergy who, because of misconduct, accusations,
confessions, result of action by a board of discipline,
or voluntary action for any reason other than inactivity in
the ministry has been deprived of the rights, privileges, and
responsibilities of the clergy. The person who surrenders his
or her credential is still a member of the clergy, under discipline.
The rights, privileges, and responsibilities of the clergy
may be restored.
Resigned—The status of the credential of clergy in good
standing who, for personal reasons, have decided they no
longer wish to be considered as ministers, and give up the
rights, privileges, and responsibilities of being members of
the clergy to become laypersons on a permanent basis.
(434.1, 434.8) A member of the clergy who is not in good
standing may also resign his or her credential according to
the provisions outlined in paragraph 434.4. The person who
resigns is no longer a member of the clergy. The rights, privileges,
and responsibilities of being the clergy may be reinstated,
in accordance with 435.3.
Removed—The status of the credential of clergy whose
names have been removed from the roll of ministers in accordance
with the provisions of 434.3.
Return of Credential—The reinstatement to the rights,
privileges, and responsibilities of the clergy to one who has
filed his or her credential.
Restoration of Credential—The reinstatement to the
rights, privileges, and responsibilities of the clergy to one
who has surrendered his or her credential, or whose credential
has been removed.
Rehabilitation—The process of seeking to bring a minister
who has been disciplined or has voluntarily surrendered
the rights, privileges, and responsibilities of the clergy to a
place of spiritual, emotional, mental and physical health
and to a place of usefulness and constructive activity. Rehabilitation
does not necessarily include the restoration of the
rights, privileges, and responsibilities of the clergy.
Accusation—A written document signed by at least two
members of the Church of the Nazarene accusing a member
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of the Church of the Nazarene of conduct which if proven
would cause the member to be subject to discipline under
the terms of the Manual.
Knowledge—The awareness of facts learned by the exercise
of one’s own senses.
Information—Facts learned from others.
Belief—A conclusion reached in good faith based upon
knowledge and information.
Investigating Committee—A committee appointed in
accordance with the Manual to gather information with regard
to alleged or suspected misconduct.
Charges—A written document describing specifically the
conduct of a member of the Church of the Nazarene which if
proven would be the basis of discipline under the terms of
the Manual.
Suspension—A type of disciplinary action which temporarily
denies a member of the clergy the rights, privileges,
and responsibilities of the clergy.
Good Standing—The status of clergy who have no unresolved
accusations pending, are not currently under discipline,
and whose credential is not surrendered, removed, or
resigned.
433.1. In case a member of the clergy shall, without the
written approval of the District Advisory Board of the assembly
district in which he or she holds ministerial membership,
or the written approval of the Board of General Superintendents,
regularly conduct independent church activities that
are not under the direction of the Church of the Nazarene, or
acts as a member of the staff of an independent church of another
religious group, he or she shall be subject to discipline.
(433.11, 505.1)
433.2. A member of the clergy shall always show due regard
for the united advice of the district superintendent and
the District Advisory Board. (416)
433.3. Any claim to participation by a member of the clergy,
and/or his or her dependents in any plan or fund that the
church may have now or hereafter for the assistance or support
of its disabled or aged ministers shall be based only upon
regular, active service rendered by the minister as an as-
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signed pastor or evangelist or other recognized role, under
the sanction of the district assembly. This rule shall exclude
from such participation all those in part-time and occasional
service.
433.4. A licensed minister actively assigned as pastor or
associate pastor of a Church of the Nazarene shall be a voting
member of the district assembly. (201)
433.5. The candidate elected to the order of elder or order
of deacon shall be ordained by the laying on of the hands of
the general superintendent and ordained ministers with appropriate
religious exercises, under the direction of the presiding
general superintendent. (307.3)
433.6. The general superintendent having jurisdiction
shall issue to the person so ordained a certificate of ordination,
bearing the signature of the general superintendent in
jurisdiction, the district superintendent, and the district secretary.
(430.1)
433.7. In case the credential of an elder or deacon has
been misplaced, mutilated, or destroyed, a duplicate certificate
may be issued upon the recommendation of the District
Advisory Board. Such recommendation shall be made directly
to the general superintendent in jurisdiction, and upon
the authority of that approval, the general secretary shall
issue a duplicate certificate. On the back of the certificate,
the original number should be identified along with the
word DUPLICATE. If the general superintendent or the district
secretary signing the original certificate is not available, the
general superintendent having jurisdiction, the district
superintendent, and the district secretary of the district requesting
the duplicate certificate shall sign the certificate.
On the reverse side thereof shall be the following statement
inscribed in writing or printing, or both writing and printing,
and signed by the general superintendent having jurisdiction,
the district superintendent, and the district secretary.
This certificate is given to take the place of former certificate
of ordination given to (name) , on the _______ day of
(month) , A.D. (year) , by the (ordaining organization) , at
which date ____he was ordained and h_____ former ordi-
MINISTRY AND CHRISTIAN SERVICE 209
nation certificate signed by ________________________ and
________________.
The former certificate was (misplaced, mutilated, destroyed).
__________________________, General Superintendent
__________________________, District Superintendent
__________________________, District Secretary
433.8. All elders and deacons shall hold church membership
in some local church. If an elder or deacon does not hold
membership in a local church on the district where his or
her credential is held, he or she can be dropped from the roll
of elders or deacons. (419)
433.9. All elders and deacons shall hold their ministerial
membership in the district assembly of the district wherein
their church membership is held, to which body they shall report
annually. Any elder or deacon who for two consecutive
years does not report to his or her district assembly either in
person or by letter shall, if the district assembly so elect,
cease to be a member thereof. (30, 201, 203.3, 418, 431.1)
433.10. In case an ordained minister has united with the
church membership or ministry of another denomination,
his or her church membership and ministerial membership
in the Church of the Nazarene shall, because of that fact,
immediately cease, and the district assembly shall cause to
be entered into its minute record the following statement:
“Removed from the membership and ministry of the Church
of the Nazarene by uniting with another denomination.”
(107, 112)
433.11. No ordained minister shall regularly conduct independent
church activities that are not under the direction
of the Church of the Nazarene, or carry on independent missions
or unauthorized church activities, or be connected with
the operating staff of an independent church or other religious
group or denomination, without the annual written
approval of the District Advisory Board or the written approval
of the Board of General Superintendents. When the
said activities are to be conducted on more than one district,
or a district other than the district on which said minister
holds ministerial membership, the written approval of the
210 MINISTRY AND CHRISTIAN SERVICE
Board of General Superintendents must be obtained prior to
the participation in said activities. The Board of General Superintendents
shall notify the respective District Advisory
Boards that a request for said approval is pending before
their board.
Should an ordained minister fail to comply with these requirements,
he or she may, on recommendation by a twothirds
vote of the entire membership of the Ministerial Credentials
Board, and by action of the district assembly, be
dropped from the membership of the Church of the Nazarene.
The final determination as to whether any specific activity
constitutes “an independent mission” or “an unauthorized
church activity” shall rest with the Board of General
Superintendents. (112-12.1)
433.12. An assigned minister may start a local church
when authorized to do so by the district superintendent or
the general superintendent having jurisdiction. Official
organization reports are to be filed with the General Secretary’s
office by the district superintendent. (100, 208.1)
433.13. Membership in the district assembly shall be by
virtue of being a pastor or other assigned minister who is
actively serving and maintains employment in such ministry
as his or her primary vocation in one of the assigned
ministerial roles defined in Chapter II.
433.14. It shall be the duty of every minister of the
Church of the Nazarene to hold in trust and confidence any
communication of a confidential nature given him or her by
a counselee of the congregation while he or she is acting in
his or her professional character as a licensed or ordained
minister of the Church of the Nazarene. The public dissemination
of such communication without the express written
consent of the declarant is expressly condemned. Any Nazarene
minister who violates the above regulation subjects
himself or herself to the disciplinary sanctions set forth in
Part VI, Subsection V of this Manual.
433.15. All elders and deacons are expected to be involved
in lifelong learning by completing two (2) continuing education
credits or its equivalent per year to be administered by
the District Ministerial Studies Board. (424.6)
MINISTRY AND CHRISTIAN SERVICE 211
I. The Resignation or Removal from the Ministry
434. The general secretary is authorized to receive and
hold for safekeeping the credentials of clergy in good standing
who, because of inactivity in the ministry for a period of
time, wish to file them. At the time of filing the credential,
the member of the clergy shall certify to the general secretary
that the credential is not being filed for the purpose of
avoiding discipline. The filing of the credential shall not prevent
clergy from being subject to discipline as a member of
the clergy. Members of the clergy who file their credentials
with the general secretary may have them returned according
to the provisions of 435.2.
434.1. When a member of the clergy in good standing
ceases from an assigned ministry to pursue a calling or vocation
other than the clergy in the Church of the Nazarene,
he or she may resign the rights, privileges and responsibilities
of the clergy and return the credential to the district assembly
in which he or she holds standing, to be placed in the
care of the general secretary. The record in the district minutes
will show that he or she was “removed from the Roll of
Ministers, having resigned his or her order.” Clergy who
thus resign may have their credential returned according to
the provisions of 435.3.
434.2. When a member of the clergy fails to fulfill the responsibilities
of the clergy by remaining unassigned for a
length of time which shall not be less than four years, that
indicates that the person is no longer actively participating
as clergy. In such instances, the person will be required to
file his or her credential. The District Ministerial Credentials
Board shall report to the district assembly “the credential
of (the elder or deacon in question) has been filed by the
District Ministerial Credentials Board.” This action should
be considered nonprejudicial to character. The individual
who files may have his or her credential reinstated according
to the provisions of 435.2.
434.3. A member of the clergy may be removed from the
Roll of Ministers if he or she receives a Letter of Commendation
from his or her local church and does not use it in
212 MINISTRY AND CHRISTIAN SERVICE
joining another Church of the Nazarene by the time of the
next district assembly, or if he or she declares in writing
that he or she has withdrawn from the Church of the Nazarene,
or if he or she changes his or her residence from the
address of record without providing the District Ministerial
Credentials Board within one year with a new address of
record, or if he or she joins another denomination either as a
member or a minister, or if he or she fails to submit an annual
report as required in 427.8 and 433.9; the District Ministerial
Credentials Board may recommend and the district
assembly may order that his or her name be removed from
the membership roll of the local church and the Roll of Ministers
of the Church of the Nazarene.
434.4. A member of the clergy not in good standing may
resign his or her credential, upon recommendation of the
District Advisory Board. (435)
434.5. A member of the clergy may be expelled from the
ministry of the Church of the Nazarene either through surrender
of his or her credential or through disciplinary action
according to paragraphs 505-8.
434.6. When an elder or deacon has been expelled, the credential
of the member of the clergy shall be sent to the general
secretary to be catalogued and preserved subject to the
order of the district assembly of the district where the elder
or deacon held membership at the time he or she was expelled.
(325.5)
434.7. Pastors, local church boards, and others who determine
assignments within the church shall not engage clergy
who are not in good standing in any position of trust or authority
such as supply minister, song director, Sunday
School teacher, or other until the credential is restored. Exceptions
to this prohibition require the written approval of
both the district superintendent where such credential was
lost and the general superintendent in jurisdiction of that
district. (435.5-35.6)
434.8. When an unretired elder or deacon ceases from active
service as a member of the clergy and takes full-time
secular employment, after a period of two years he or she
may be required by the District Ministerial Credentials
MINISTRY AND CHRISTIAN SERVICE 213
Board to resign from the clergy order or file his or her credential
and to return his or her credential to the general
secretary. This two-year period shall begin at the district assembly
immediately following the cessation of activity as a
member of the clergy. The District Ministerial Credentials
Board shall report its action to the district assembly. This
action should be considered nonprejudicial to character.
434.9. Any member of the clergy within 48 hours of the
filing of a request for divorce or legal termination of a marriage
by the minister or within 48 hours of the physical separation
of the minister and his or her spouse for the purpose
of discontinuing the physical cohabitation shall (a) contact
the district superintendent, notifying the superintendent of
the action taken; (b) agree to meet with the district superintendent
and a member of the District Advisory Board at a
mutually agreeable time and place, or if no mutually agreeable
time and place can be arranged, at a time and place
designated by the district superintendent; (c) at the meeting
designated in subsection b above, the member of the clergy
shall explain the circumstances of the action taken and the
marital conflict as well as the biblical basis for justification
as to why the member of the clergy should be permitted to
continue to serve as a member of the clergy in good standing.
If a member of the clergy fails to comply with the subsections
above, such noncompliance shall be cause for discipline.
J. The Restoration of Members of the Clergy
to Church Membership and Good Standing
435. Any member of the clergy who is expelled or withdraws
from local church membership when he or she is not
in good standing may reunite with the Church of the Nazarene
only with the consent of the district assembly of the assembly
district from which he or she withdrew or was expelled.
Should two appeals for restoration to either church
membership or ministerial standing be denied, a request
may be granted by the Board of General Superintendents to
transfer responsibility for restoration to another district
where placement may be considered. If all appeals for cre-
214 MINISTRY AND CHRISTIAN SERVICE
dential restoration are denied, an ordained minister may become
a layperson, upon approval of the District Advisory
Board. (434.4)
435.1. If for any reason the name of an elder or deacon
shall be removed from a district assembly roll, that elder or
deacon shall not be recognized in any other district without
having secured the written consent of the district assembly
from whose roll his or her name was removed, except as provided
for in paragraph 435. (The District Advisory Board
may act on a request of transfer of jurisdiction between assemblies.)
435.2. When an elder or deacon in good standing has filed
his or her credential, such credential may, at any subsequent
time when the elder or deacon is in good standing, be
returned to the elder or deacon upon order of the district assembly
where it was filed, provided that the return of his or
her credential shall have been recommended by the district
superintendent and the District Advisory Board.
435.3. When an elder or deacon in good standing has resigned
his or her order of ministry according to 434.1 and
434.8, he or she may be restored to said order by the district
assembly, upon filling out the Ordination/Recognition Questionnaire,
reaffirming the vows of ministry, and after examination
by and the favorable recommendation of the District
Ministerial Credentials Board and upon approval by the
general superintendent in jurisdiction.
435.4. When an ordained minister is deceased whose credential
was filed and who was in good standing at the time
of death, the minister’s family may, upon written request to
the general secretary, and approval by the district superintendent
of the district where such filing is recorded, receive
said minister’s certificate of ordination.
435.5. Any time a member of the clergy ceases to be entitled
to exercise the rights and privileges of the clergy, the
Ministerial Credentials Board will prepare a written report
concerning the facts and circumstances of the change in status.
The report shall include the recommendations of the
Ministerial Credentials Board concerning whether or not a
plan of rehabilitation is appropriate. Each district is encour-
MINISTRY AND CHRISTIAN SERVICE 215
aged to have a written plan in harmony with the Manual directives,
to aid in the process of response, rehabilitation, reconciliation
and possible restoration to ministry, of clergy
involved in conduct unbecoming a minister. If a plan for rehabilitation
is appropriate, the Ministerial Credentials
Board shall, to the extent practical, work with the individual
to apply the district plan for rehabilitation. The objective
of the plan should be to return the individual to a place of
spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical health. Primary
responsibility for accomplishing the plan shall rest on the
person being rehabilitated, but the facilitator(s) shall represent
the church in providing support and assistance. The
facilitator(s) or their designee shall report to the Ministerial
Credentials Board once each quarter concerning the progress
toward rehabilitation. The report shall be in the form
established by the Ministerial Credentials Board. The Ministerial
Credentials Board may revise the plan of rehabilitation
from time to time as the circumstances warrant.
435.6. A member of the clergy who is not in good standing
shall not preach, teach a Sunday School class, or hold any
other position of trust or authority in the church or worship
services, and shall not be given any ministerial role unless
the District Advisory Board, the Ministerial Credentials
Board, the district superintendent, and the general superintendent
in jurisdiction determine that the individual has
made sufficient progress toward rehabilitation to warrant
once again allowing the individual to be of service in a position
of trust or authority. Those considering approval shall
carefully consider whether or not the individual who has
lost good standing has appropriately repented of his or her
misconduct. True repentance involves a deep sense of personal
guilt coupled with a change of conduct which continues
for a length of time sufficient to be evidence that the
change is likely to be permanent. Approval to serve in a position
of trust or authority may be granted with or without
restrictions. (505.1-5.2, 505.5, 505.11-5.12)
435.7. A member of the clergy who has lost good standing
may be restored to good standing and have his or her credential
restored only by the action of the Board of General
216 MINISTRY AND CHRISTIAN SERVICE
Superintendents upon a recommendation for restoration
from the district assembly where good standing was lost. A
recommendation for restoration shall require the approval
of the district superintendent, the District Ministerial Credentials
Board, and a two-thirds approval of the District Advisory
Board. In considering whether or not to recommend
that a credential be restored, progress on the plan of rehabilitation
shall be the primary issue but passage of time
shall be an additional consideration.
However, in the event the member of the clergy has committed
sexual misconduct, the member of the clergy shall
not be eligible to apply for restoration until four years have
passed. A member of the clergy who has lost good standing
as a result of sexual misconduct, must satisfactorily progress
on a prescribed plan for rehabilitation for a minimum
of four years, before good standing may be restored. (505.1-
5.2, 505.5, 505.11-5.12)
435.8. Because some types of misconduct, such as sexual
misconduct involving children or of a homosexual nature, or
repeated marital infidelity, are rarely the result of a one-time
moral lapse, individuals who are guilty of sexual misconduct
that involves a high probability of repeated misconduct
should not be restored to good standing. These individuals also
should not be permitted to serve in any position of leadership,
trust, or ministry in the local church. (505.1-5.2, 505.5,
505.11-5.12)
MINISTRY AND CHRISTIAN SERVICE 217
PART VI
Judicial Administration
INVESTIGATION OF POSSIBLE WRONGFUL
CONDUCT AND CHURCH DISCIPLINE
RESPONSE TO POSSIBLE MISCONDUCT
RESPONSE TO MISCONDUCT BY A PERSON
IN A POSITION OF TRUST OR AUTHORITY
CONTESTED DISCIPLINE OF A LAYPERSON
CONTESTED DISCIPLINE OF A
MEMBER OF THE CLERGY
RULES OF PROCEDURE
DISTRICT COURT OF APPEALS
GENERAL COURT OF APPEALS
REGIONAL COURT OF APPEALS
GUARANTY OF RIGHTS
I. INVESTIGATION OF POSSIBLE WRONGFUL
CONDUCT AND CHURCH DISCIPLINE
500. The objectives of church discipline are to sustain the
integrity of the church, to protect the innocent from harm, to
protect the effectiveness of the witness of the church, to warn
and correct the careless, to bring the guilty to salvation, to rehabilitate
the guilty, to restore to effective service those who
are rehabilitated, and to protect the reputation and resources
of the church. Members of the church who do violence to the
Covenant of Christian Character or the Covenant of Christian
Conduct, or who willfully and continuously violate their
membership vows, should be dealt with kindly yet faithfully,
according to the grievousness of their offenses. Holiness of
heart and life being the New Testament standard, the Church
of the Nazarene insists upon a clean ministry and requires
that those who bear its credentials as clergy be orthodox in
doctrine and holy in life. Thus the purpose of the discipline is
not punitive or retributive but is to accomplish these objectives.
Determination of standing and continued relationship
to the church is also a function of the disciplinary process.
II. RESPONSE TO POSSIBLE MISCONDUCT
501. A response is appropriate any time a person with authority
to respond becomes aware of information that a prudent
person would believe to be credible and which would
cause a prudent person to believe that harm is likely to
come to the church, to potential victims of misconduct, or to
any other person as a result of misconduct by a person in a
position of trust or authority within the Church.
501.1. When a person who does not have authority to respond
for the church becomes aware of information which a
prudent person would consider to be credible and which
would cause a prudent person to believe that wrongful conduct
by a person in a position of trust or authority may be
occurring within the church, the person with the informa-
220 JUDICIAL ADMINISTRATION
tion shall make the representative of the church who has
the authority to respond aware of the information.
501.2. The person who has authority to respond is determined
by the position within the church of the individual or
individuals who may be involved in misconduct as follows:
Person Implicated Person with Authority to Respond
Nonmember Pastor of local church where the
conduct in question takes place.
Layperson Pastor of church where layperson
is a member.
Member of the clergy District superintendent where the
person implicated is a member or
the pastor of the local church
where the person is on staff.
District superintendent General superintendent in
jurisdiction
Not otherwise defined General secretary/
Headquarters operations officer
The person with authority to respond may enlist the help
of others in any fact-finding or response.
501.3. If no accusation has been made, the purpose of an
investigation shall be to determine whether or not action is
needed to prevent harm or to reduce the impact of harm
that has previously been done. In circumstances in which a
prudent person would believe that no further action was
needed to prevent harm or to reduce the impact of harm, no
investigation will continue unless an accusation has been
filed. Facts learned during an investigation may become the
basis of an accusation.
III. RESPONSE TO MISCONDUCT BY A
PERSON IN A POSITION OF TRUST OR
AUTHORITY
502. Whenever a person authorized to respond learns
facts which indicate that innocent parties have been harmed
by the misconduct of a person in a position of trust or authority,
action shall be taken to cause the church to respond
appropriately. An appropriate response will seek to prevent
JUDICIAL ADMINISTRATION 221
any additional harm to victims of the misconduct, seek to respond
to the needs of the victims, the accused, and others
who suffer as a result of the misconduct. Particular concern
should be shown for the needs of the spouse and family of
the accused. The response will also seek to address the
needs of the local church, the district and the general church
concerning public relations, protection from liability and
protection of the integrity of the church.
Those who respond for the church must understand that
what they say and do may have consequences under civil
law. The duty of the church to respond is based on Christian
concern. No one has the authority to accept financial responsibility
for a local church without action by the church
board, or for a district without action by the District Advisory
Board. One who is uncertain about what action is appropriate
should consider seeking counsel from an appropriate
professional.
502.1. In each local church, it is appropriate for the
church board to fashion a response to any crisis which may
arise; however, it may be necessary to respond before a
board meeting can take place. It is wise for each local church
to have an emergency response plan.
502.2. On each district the primary responsibility for responding
to a crisis rests with the District Advisory Board;
however, it may be necessary to respond before a meeting of
the board can take place. It is wise for a district to adopt an
emergency response plan. The plan may include the appointment
by the District Advisory Board of a response
team composed of people with special qualifications such as
counselors, social workers, those trained in communications
and those familiar with the applicable law.
503. Resolution of Disciplinary Matters by Agreement.
The disciplinary process described in this Manual is
intended to provide an appropriate process for resolving allegations
of misconduct when the allegations are contested
by the accused. In many situations, it is appropriate to resolve
disciplinary matters by agreement. Efforts to resolve
disciplinary matters by agreement are encouraged and
should be pursued whenever practical.
222 JUDICIAL ADMINISTRATION
503.1. Any matter which is within the jurisdiction of a Local
Board of Discipline may be resolved by a written agreement
between the person accused and the pastor if approved
by the church board and the district superintendent. The
terms of such an agreement shall have the same effect as an
action by a Local Board of Discipline.
503.2. Any matter which is within the jurisdiction of a
District Board of Discipline may be resolved by a written
agreement between the person accused and the district
superintendent if the agreement is approved by the District
Advisory Board and the general superintendent in jurisdiction.
The terms of such an agreement shall have the same
effect as an action by a District Board of Discipline.
IV. CONTESTED DISCIPLINE
OF A LAYPERSON
504. If a lay member is accused of unchristian conduct,
such charges shall be placed in writing and signed by at
least two members who have been in faithful attendance for
at least six months. The pastor shall appoint an investigating
committee of three members of the local church, subject
to the approval of the district superintendent. The committee
shall make a written report of its investigation. This report
must be signed by a majority and filed with the church
board.
After the investigation and pursuant thereto, any two
members in good standing in the local church may sign
charges against the accused and file same with the church
board. Thereupon the church board shall appoint, subject to
the approval of the district superintendent, a Local Board of
Discipline of five members, who are unprejudiced and able
to hear and dispose of the case in a fair and impartial manner.
If in the opinion of the district superintendent, it is impractical
to select five members from the local church due to
the size of the church, the nature of the allegations, or the
position of influence of the accused, the district superintendent
shall after consulting the pastor, appoint five laypersons
from other churches on the same district to be the
Board of Discipline. This board shall conduct a hearing as
JUDICIAL ADMINISTRATION 223
soon as practicable and determine the issues involved. After
hearing the testimony of witnesses and considering the evidence,
the Board of Discipline shall either absolve the accused
or administer discipline as the facts shall establish to
be proper. The decision must be unanimous. Discipline may
take the form of reprimand, suspension, or expulsion from
membership in the local church.
504.1. An appeal from the decision of a Local Board of
Discipline may be taken to the District Court of Appeals
within 30 days by either the accused or the church board.
504.2. When a layperson has been expelled from membership
in the local church by a Local Board of Discipline, he or
she may reunite with the Church of the Nazarene on the
same district only with the approval of the District Advisory
Board. If such consent is granted, he or she shall be received
into the membership of that local church using the approved
form for the reception of church members. (27, 33-39, 112.1-
12.4, 801)
V. CONTESTED DISCIPLINE
OF A MEMBER OF THE CLERGY
505. The perpetuity and effectiveness of the Church of the
Nazarene depend largely upon the spiritual qualifications,
the character, and the manner of life of its clergy. Members
of the clergy aspire to a high calling and function as anointed
individuals in whom is placed the church’s trust. They accept
their calling knowing that they will be held to high personal
standards by those to whom they minister. Because of
the high expectations placed upon them, the clergy and
their ministry are peculiarly vulnerable to any accusation of
misconduct. It is therefore incumbent upon members to use
the following procedures with the biblical wisdom and maturity
that befits the people of God.
505.1. If a member of the clergy is accused of misconduct,
conduct unbecoming a minister, or of teaching doctrines out
of harmony with the doctrinal statement of the Church of
the Nazarene, or of serious laxity in the enforcement of the
Covenant of Christian Character or the Covenant of Christian
Conduct of the church, such accusations shall be placed
224 JUDICIAL ADMINISTRATION
in writing and shall be signed by at least two members of
the Church of the Nazarene who are at the time in good
standing. Accusations of sexual misconduct cannot be signed
by any person who consented to participate in the alleged
misconduct. The written accusation must be filed with the
District Advisory Board of the district where the accused
has ministerial membership. This accusation shall become
part of the record in the case.
The District Advisory Board shall give written notice to
the accused that accusations have been filed, as soon as
practical by any method which gives actual notice. When actual
notice is not practical, notice may be provided in the
manner which is customary for serving legal notices in that
locality. The accused and his or her counsel shall have the
right to examine the accusations and to receive a written
copy of the same immediately upon request. (435.6-35.8)
505.2. A person’s signature on an accusation against a
member of the clergy constitutes certification by the signer
that, to the best of the signer’s knowledge, information and
belief formed after reasonable inquiry, the accusation is well
grounded in fact. (435.6-35.8)
505.3. When a written accusation is filed, the District Advisory
Board shall appoint a committee of three or more ordained
ministers and not less than two (2) laypersons as the
Advisory Board deems to be appropriate to investigate the
facts and circumstances involved and report their finding in
writing and signed by a majority of the committee. If after
considering the committee’s report, it shall appear that there
are probable grounds for charges, such charges shall be
drawn up and signed by any two ordained ministers. The
District Advisory Board shall give the accused notice thereof,
as soon as practical, by any method which gives actual notice.
When actual notice is not practical, notice may be provided
in the manner which is customary for serving legal notices
in that locality. The accused and his or her counsel shall
have the right to examine the charges and specifications and
to receive a copy thereof immediately upon request. No accused
shall be required to answer charges of which he or she
has not been informed as specified herein. (222.3)
JUDICIAL ADMINISTRATION 225
505.4. If, after investigation it appears that an accusation
against a member of the clergy is without factual basis and
has been filed in bad faith, the filing of the accusation may
be grounds for disciplinary action against those who signed
the accusation.
505.5. In case charges are filed, the District Advisory
Board shall appoint five ordained ministers and not less
than two (2) laypersons as it deems advisable of the district
to hear the case and determine the issues; these five ordained
ministers so named shall constitute a District Board
of Discipline to conduct the hearing and dispose of the case
according to the laws of the church. No district superintendent
shall serve as prosecutor or as assistant to the prosecutor
in the trial of an ordained minister or licensed minister.
This Board of Discipline shall have power to vindicate and
absolve the accused in connection with said charges or to administer
discipline commensurate with the offense. Such
discipline may provide for discipline intended to lead to the
salvation and rehabilitation of the guilty party. The discipline
may include repentance, confession, restitution, suspension,
recommendation for removal of credential, expulsion
from the ministry or membership of the church, or both,
public or private reprimand, or any such other discipline
that may be appropriate including suspension or deferment
of discipline during a period of probation. (222.4, 435.6-35.8,
505.11-5.12)
505.6. If either the accused or the District Advisory Board
shall so request, the Board of Discipline shall be a Regional
Board of Discipline. The regional board for each case shall
be appointed by the general superintendent in jurisdiction
of the district where the accused minister holds his or her
membership.
505.7. It is provided that in no case shall disciplinary action
be taken against a missionary by a Phase 1 district as
such.
505.8. The decision of a Board of Discipline shall be unanimous,
written and signed by all members, and shall include
a finding of “guilty” or “not guilty” as to each charge and
specification.
226 JUDICIAL ADMINISTRATION
505.9. Any hearing by a Board of Discipline herein provided
for shall always be conducted within the bounds of the
district where the charges were filed at a place designated
by the board that is to hear the charges.
505.10. The procedure at any hearing shall be according
to Rules of Procedure hereinafter provided. (222.3-22.4,
427.9, 433.11, 508)
505.11. When a minister is charged with conduct unbecoming
a minister and shall admit to guilt, or shall confess
to guilt without being charged, the District Advisory Board
may assess any of the disciplines provided for in 505.5.
(435.6-35.8)
505.12. When a minister is accused of conduct unbecoming
a minister, and shall admit to guilt, or shall confess to
guilt prior to being brought before a Board of Discipline, the
District Advisory Board may assess any of the disciplines
provided for in 505.5. (435.6-35.8)
506. Following a decision by a Board of Discipline, the accused,
the District Advisory Board, or those who sign the
charges shall be entitled to appeal the decision to the General
Court of Appeals for those in the United States and Canada,
or to the Regional Court of Appeals in other world regions.
The appeal shall be begun within 30 days after such
decision, and the court shall review the entire record of the
case and all steps that have been taken therein. If the court
discovers any substantial error prejudicial to the right of
any person, it shall correct such error by ordering a new
hearing to be conducted in a manner capable of giving relief
to that person affected adversely by previous proceedings or
decision.
507. When the decision of a Board of Discipline is adverse
to the accused minister and the decision provides for suspension
from the ministry or cancellation of credential, the
minister shall thereupon immediately suspend all ministerial
activity; and refusal to do so will result in the forfeiture of
the right to appeal.
507.1. When the decision of a Board of Discipline provides
for suspension or cancellation of credential and the accused
minister desires to appeal, he or she shall file with the sec-
JUDICIAL ADMINISTRATION 227
retary of the court to which the appeal is made, at the time
the notice of appeal is filed, his or her written credential as
a minister, and his or her right of appeal shall be conditioned
upon compliance with this provision. When such credential
is so filed, it shall be safely kept by the said secretary
until the conclusion of the case, and thereupon the
same shall either be forwarded to the general secretary or
returned to the minister as the court may direct.
507.2. Appeals to the General Court of Appeals may be
made by the accused or the Board of Discipline from decisions
of a Regional Court of Appeals. Such appeals shall be
by the same rules and procedures as other appeals to the
General Court of Appeals.
VI. RULES OF PROCEDURE
508. The General Court of Appeals shall adopt uniform
Rules of Procedure governing all proceedings before boards
of discipline and courts of appeal. After such rules are
adopted and published, they shall be the final authority in
all judicial proceedings. Printed Rules of Procedure shall be
supplied by the general secretary. Changes or amendments
to such rules may be adopted by the General Court of Appeals
at any time, and when these are adopted and published,
they shall be effective and authoritative in all cases.
Any steps that are thereafter taken in any proceeding shall
be in accordance with such change or amendment. (505.1)
VII. DISTRICT COURT OF APPEALS
509. Each organized district shall have a District Court of
Appeals composed of two laypersons and three ordained ministers,
including the district superintendent, elected by the
district assembly according to 203.22. This court shall hear
appeals of church members concerning any action of local
boards of discipline. Notice of appeal must be given in writing
within 30 days after such action or after appellant has knowledge
thereof. Such notice shall be delivered to the District
Court of Appeals or a member thereof, and a copy of such notice
shall be delivered to the pastor of the local church and to
the secretary of the church board concerned. (203.22)
228 JUDICIAL ADMINISTRATION
509.1. The District Court of Appeals shall have jurisdiction
to hear and decide all appeals of laypersons or churches
from the action of a Board of Discipline appointed to discipline
a layperson.
VIII. GENERAL COURT OF APPEALS
510. The General Assembly shall elect five ordained ministers
to serve as members of the General Court of Appeals
during each ensuing quadrennium, or until their successors
are elected and qualified. This court shall have jurisdiction
as follows:
510.1. To hear and determine all appeals from the action
or decision of any District Board of Discipline or Regional
Court of Appeals. When such appeals are so determined by
said court, such determination shall be authoritative and final.
(305.7)
511. Vacancies that may exist in the General Court of Appeals
during the interim between sessions of the General
Assembly shall be filled by appointment of the Board of
General Superintendents. (317.6)
512. Per diem and expense allowances for members of the
General Court of Appeals shall be the same as that of members
of the General Board of the church, when the members
of the court are engaged in official business of the court, and
payment therefor shall be made by the general treasurer.
513. The general secretary shall be custodian of all permanent
records and decisions of the General Court of Appeals.
(325.4)
IX. REGIONAL COURT OF APPEALS
514. There shall be a Regional Court of Appeals for each
region other than the United States and Canada. Each Regional
Court of Appeals shall consist of five ordained ministers
elected by the Board of General Superintendents following
each General Assembly. Vacancies shall be filled by the
Board of General Superintendents. The Rules of Procedure
shall be the same for the Regional Courts of Appeals as for
the General Court of Appeals, in both the church Manual
and the Judicial Manual.
JUDICIAL ADMINISTRATION 229
X. GUARANTY OF RIGHTS
515. The right to a fair and impartial hearing of charges
pending against an accused minister or layperson shall not
be denied or unduly postponed. Written charges shall be given
an early hearing in order that the innocent may be absolved
and the guilty brought to discipline. Every accused is
entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty.
As to each charge and specification, the prosecution shall
have the burden of proving guilt to a moral certainty and
beyond a reasonable doubt.
515.1. The cost of preparing the record of a case, including
a verbatim transcript of all testimony given at the trial, for
the purpose of an appeal to the General Court of Appeals,
shall be borne by the district where the hearing was held
and disciplinary action taken. Every minister who appeals
shall have the right to present oral as well as written argument
upon his or her appeal, but this right may be waived
in writing by the accused.
515.2. A minister or layperson who is accused of misconduct
or any violation of the church Manual and against
whom charges are pending shall have the right to meet his
or her accusers face-to-face and to cross-examine the witnesses
for the prosecution.
515.3. The testimony of any witness before a Board of Discipline
shall not be received or considered in evidence unless
such testimony be given under oath or solemn affirmation.
515.4. A minister or layperson who is brought before a
Board of Discipline to answer charges shall always have the
right to be represented by counsel of his or her own choosing,
provided such counsel be a member in good standing in the
Church of the Nazarene. Any full member of a regularly
organized church against whom no written charges are pending
will be considered in good standing.
515.5. A minister or layperson shall not be required to answer
charges for any act that occurred more than five years
before the filing of such charges, and no evidence will be
considered at any hearing for any matter that occurred
more than five years before the charges were filed. Provided,
230 JUDICIAL ADMINISTRATION
however, that if the person aggrieved by any such act was
under the age of 18 or found to be mentally incompetent of
making an accusation or filing a charge, such five-year limitation
periods would not begin to run until the aggrieved
person reached age 18 or became mentally competent. In the
case of the sexual abuse of a child, no time limit shall apply.
If a minister is convicted of a felony by a court of competent
jurisdiction, he or she shall surrender his or her credential
to the district superintendent. At the request of such
minister, and if the Board of Discipline has not previously
been involved, the District Advisory Board shall investigate
the circumstances of the conviction and may restore the credential
if it deems appropriate.
515.6. A minister or layperson shall not be twice placed in
jeopardy for the same offense. It shall not be considered,
however, that such person was placed in jeopardy at any
hearing or proceeding where the court of appeals discovers
reversible error committed in the original proceeding before
a Board of Discipline.
JUDICIAL ADMINISTRATION 231
PART VII
Ritual
THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM
THE RECEPTION OF CHURCH MEMBERS
THE SACRAMENT OF THE LORD’S SUPPER
MATRIMONY
THE FUNERAL SERVICE
INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS
CHURCH DEDICATIONS
800. THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM
800.1. The Baptism of Believers
DEARLY BELOVED: Baptism is the sign and seal
of the new covenant of grace, the significance of
which is attested by the apostle Paul in his letter
to the Romans as follows:
“Or don’t you know that all of us who were
baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his
death? We were therefore buried with him
through baptism into death: in order that, just as
Christ was raised from the dead through the glory
of the Father, we too may live a new life. If we
have been united with him like this in his death,
we will certainly also be united with him in his
resurrection” (Romans 6:3-5).
The earliest and simplest statement of Christian
belief, into which you now come to be baptized,
is the Apostles’ Creed, which reads as follows:
“I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of
heaven and earth;
“And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord;
who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the
Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was
crucified, dead, and buried; He descended into
hell; the third day He rose again from the dead;
234 RITUAL
He ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right
hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence
He shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
“I believe in the Holy Ghost, the holy Church of
Jesus Christ, the communion of saints, the forgiveness
of sins, the resurrection of the body, and
the life everlasting.”
Will you be baptized into this faith? If so, answer,
“I will.”
Response: I will.
Do you acknowledge Jesus Christ as your personal
Savior, and do you realize that He saves
you now?
Response: I do.
Will you obey God’s holy will and keep His
commandments, walking in them all the days of
your life?
Response: I will.
The minister, giving the full name of the person and
using the preferred form of baptism—sprinkling, pouring,
or immersion—shall say:
__________________, I baptize thee in the name
of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy
Spirit. Amen.
RITUAL 235
800.2. The Baptism of Infants or
Young Children
When the sponsors shall have presented themselves
with the child (or children) the minister shall say:
DEARLY BELOVED: While we do not hold that
baptism imparts the regenerating grace of God,
we do believe that Christ gave this holy sacrament
as a sign and seal of the new covenant.
Christian baptism signifies for this young child
God’s gracious acceptance on the basis of His prevenient
grace in Christ, and points forward to his
(her) personal appropriation of the benefits of the
Atonement when he (she) reaches the age of
moral accountability and exercises conscious saving
faith in Jesus Christ.
In presenting this child for baptism you are
hereby witnessing to your own personal Christian
faith and to your purpose to guide him (her)
early in life to a knowledge of Christ as Savior. To
this end it is your duty to teach him (her), as
soon as he (she) shall be able to learn, the nature
and end of this holy sacrament; to watch over his
(her) education, that he (she) may not be led
astray; to direct his (her) feet to the sanctuary; to
restrain him (her) from evil associates and
habits; and as much as in you lies, to bring him
236 RITUAL
(her) up in the nurture and admonition of the
Lord.
Will you endeavor to do so by the help of God?
If so, answer, “I will.”
The minister may then ask the parents or guardians to
name the child, and shall then baptize the child, repeating
his (her) full name and saying:
_________________, I baptize thee in the name
of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy
Spirit. Amen.
The minister may then offer the following prayer or
may use an extemporary prayer.
Heavenly Father, we humbly pray that Thou
wilt take this child into Thy loving care. Abundantly
enrich him (her) with Thy heavenly grace;
bring him (her) safely through the perils of childhood;
deliver him (her) from the temptations of
youth; lead him (her) to a personal knowledge of
Christ as Savior; help him (her) to grow in wisdom,
and in stature, and in favor with God and
man, and to persevere therein to the end. Uphold
the parents with loving care, that with wise
counsel and holy example they may faithfully
discharge their responsibilities to both this child
and to Thee. In the name of Jesus Christ our
Lord. Amen.
RITUAL 237
800.3. The Dedication of Infants or
Young Children
When the parents or guardians have presented themselves
with the child (or children) the minister shall
say:
“Then little children were brought to Jesus for
him to place his hands on them and pray for
them. But the disciples rebuked those who
brought them. Jesus said, ‘Let the little children
come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom
of heaven belongs to such as these’” (Matthew
19:13-14).
In presenting this child for dedication you signify
not only your faith in the Christian religion
but also your desire that he (she) may early know
and follow the will of God, may live and die a
Christian, and come unto everlasting blessedness.
In order to attain this holy end, it will be your
duty, as parents (guardians), to teach him (her)
early the fear of the Lord, to watch over his (her)
education, that he (she) be not led astray; to direct
his (her) youthful mind to the Holy Scriptures,
and his (her) feet to the sanctuary; to restrain
him (her) from evil associates and habits;
and, as much as in you lies, to bring him (her) up
in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
238 RITUAL
Will you endeavor to do so by the help of God?
If so, answer, “I will.”
Pastor: I now ask you, the congregation; will
you commit yourself as the Body of Christ to support
and encourage these parents as they endeavor
to fulfill their responsibilities to this child
and to assist _________________ by nurturing his
(her) growth toward spiritual maturity?
Response:We will.
Pastor: Our loving Heavenly Father, we do here
and now dedicate _________________ in the name of
the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Then the minister may offer the following prayer, or
may use an extemporary prayer.
Heavenly Father, we humbly pray that Thou
wilt take this child into Thy loving care. Abundantly
enrich him (her) with Thy heavenly grace;
bring him (her) safely through the perils of childhood;
deliver him (her) from the temptations of
youth; lead him (her) to a personal knowledge of
Christ as Savior; help him (her) to grow in wisdom,
and in stature, and in favor with God and
man, and to persevere therein to the end. Uphold
the parents with loving care, that with wise
counsel and holy example they may faithfully
discharge their responsibilities both to this child
and to Thee. In the name of Jesus Christ our
Lord. Amen.
RITUAL 239
800.4. The Dedication of Infants or
Young Children
(Ritual for Single Parent or Guardian)
When the parent or guardian has presented himself
(herself) with the child (or children) the minister shall
say:
“Then little children were brought to Jesus for
him to place his hands on them and pray for
them. But the disciples rebuked those who
brought them. Jesus said, ‘Let the little children
come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom
of heaven belongs to such as these’” (Matthew
19:13-14).
In presenting this child for dedication you signify
not only your faith in the Christian religion
but also your desire that he (she) may early know
and follow the will of God, may live and die a
Christian, and come unto everlasting blessedness.
In order to attain this holy end, it will be your
duty, as a parent (guardian), to teach him (her)
early the fear of the Lord, to watch over his (her)
education, that he (she) be not led astray; to direct
his (her) youthful mind to the Holy Scriptures,
and his (her) feet to the sanctuary; to restrain
him (her) from evil associates and habits;
and, as much as in you lies, to bring him (her) up
in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
240 RITUAL
Will you endeavor to do so by the help of God?
If so, answer, “I will.”
Pastor: I now ask you, the congregation; will
you commit yourself as the Body of Christ to support
and encourage this parent as he (she) endeavors
to fulfill his (her) responsibilities to this
child and to assist _________________ by nurturing
his (her) growth toward spiritual maturity?
Response:We will.
Pastor: Our loving Heavenly Father, we do here
and now dedicate ______________________ in the
name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the
Holy Spirit. Amen.
Then the minister may offer the following prayer, or
may use an extemporary prayer.
Heavenly Father, we humbly pray that Thou
wilt take this child into Thy loving care. Abundantly
enrich him (her) with Thy heavenly grace;
bring him (her) safely through the perils of childhood;
deliver him (her) from the temptations of
youth; lead him (her) to a personal knowledge of
Christ as Savior; help him (her) to grow in wisdom,
and in stature, and in favor with God and
man, and to persevere therein to the end. Uphold
the parent with loving care, that with wise counsel
and holy example he (she) may faithfully discharge
his (her) responsibilities both to this child
and to Thee. In the name of Jesus Christ our
Lord. Amen.
RITUAL 241
801. THE RECEPTION OF
CHURCH MEMBERS
The prospective members having come forward to
stand before the altar of the church, the pastor shall
address them as follows:
DEARLY BELOVED: The privileges and blessings
that we have in association together in the
Church of Jesus Christ are very sacred and precious.
There is in it such hallowed fellowship as
cannot otherwise be known.
There is such helpfulness with brotherly watch
care and counsel as can be found only in the
Church.
There is the godly care of pastors, with the
teachings of the Word; and the helpful inspiration
of social worship. And there is cooperation in
service, accomplishing that which cannot otherwise
be done. The doctrines upon which the
church rests as essential to Christian experience
are brief.
NOTE: The minister may choose one of
the following creedal options.
OPTION 1:
We believe in God the Father, Son, and Holy
Spirit.We especially emphasize the deity of Jesus
Christ and the personality of the Holy Spirit.
242 RITUAL
We believe that human beings are born in sin;
that they need the work of forgiveness through
Christ and the new birth by the Holy Spirit; that
subsequent to this there is the deeper work of
heart cleansing or entire sanctification through
the infilling of the Holy Spirit, and that to each of
these works of grace the Holy Spirit gives witness.
We believe that our Lord will return, the dead
shall be raised, and that all shall come to final
judgment with its rewards and punishments.
Do you heartily believe these truths? If so, answer,
“I do.”
Do you acknowledge Jesus Christ as your personal
Savior, and do you realize that He saves
you now?
Response: I do.
Desiring to unite with the Church of the Nazarene,
do you covenant to give yourself to the fellowship
and work of God in connection with it, as
set forth in the Covenant of Christian Character
and the Covenant of Christian Conduct of the
Church of the Nazarene? Will you endeavor in
every way to glorify God, by a humble walk, godly
conversation, and holy service; by devotedly giving
of your means; by faithful attendance upon
the means of grace; and, abstaining from all evil,
will you seek earnestly to perfect holiness of
heart and life in the fear of the Lord?
Response: I will.
RITUAL 243
The minister shall then say to the person or persons:
I welcome you into this church, to its sacred
fellowship, responsibilities, and privileges. May
the great Head of the Church bless and keep you,
and enable you to be faithful in all good works,
that your life and witness may be effective in
leading others to Christ.
The minister shall then take each one by the hand, and
with appropriate words of personal greeting welcome
each into the church.
(Alternate form for members joining by letter
of transfer:)
_________________________, formerly a member
(members) of the Church of the Nazarene
______________________, comes (come) to join the
fellowship of this local congregation.
Taking each by the hand, or speaking to the group, the
minister shall say:
It gives me pleasure on behalf of this church to
welcome you into our membership. We trust that
we will be a source of encouragement and
strength to you and that you, in turn, will be a
source of blessing and help to us. May the Lord
richly bless you in the salvation of souls and in
the advancement of His kingdom.
OPTION 2:
We believe:
In one God—the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
244 RITUAL
That the Old and New Testament Scriptures,
given by plenary inspiration, contain all truth
necessary to faith and Christian living.
That man is born with a fallen nature, and is,
therefore, inclined to evil, and that continually.
That the finally impenitent are hopelessly and
eternally lost.
That the atonement through Jesus Christ is for
the whole human race; and that whosoever repents
and believes on the Lord Jesus Christ is
justified and regenerated and saved from the dominion
of sin.
That believers are to be sanctified wholly, subsequent
to regeneration, through faith in the
Lord Jesus Christ.
That the Holy Spirit bears witness to the new
birth, and also to the entire sanctification of believers.
That our Lord will return, the dead will be
raised, and the final judgment will take place.
(paragraphs 26.1-26.8)
Do you heartily believe these truths? If so, answer,
“I do.”
Do you acknowledge Jesus Christ as your personal
Savior, and do you realize that He saves
you now?
Response: I do.
Desiring to unite with the Church of the Nazarene,
do you covenant to give yourself to the fellowship
and work of God in connection with it, as
RITUAL 245
set forth in the Covenant of Christian Character
and the Covenant of Christian Conduct of the
Church of the Nazarene? Will you endeavor in
every way to glorify God, by a humble walk, godly
conversation, and holy service; by devotedly giving
of your means; by faithful attendance upon
the means of grace; and, abstaining from all evil,
will you seek earnestly to perfect holiness of
heart and life in the fear of the Lord?
Response: I will.
The minister shall then say to the person or persons:
I welcome you into this church, to its sacred
fellowship, responsibilities, and privileges. May
the great Head of the Church bless and keep you,
and enable you to be faithful in all good works,
that your life and witness may be effective in
leading others to Christ.
The minister shall then take each one by the hand, and
with appropriate words of personal greeting welcome
each into the church.
(Alternate form for members joining by letter of
transfer:)
________________________, formerly a member
(members) of the Church of the Nazarene at
______________________, comes (come) to join the
fellowship of this local congregation.
Taking each by the hand, or speaking to the group, the
minister shall say:
246 RITUAL
It gives me pleasure on behalf of this church to
welcome you into our membership. We trust that
we will be a source of encouragement and
strength to you and that you, in turn, will be a
source of blessing and help to us. May the Lord
richly bless you in the salvation of souls and in
the advancement of His kingdom.
RITUAL 247
802. THE SACRAMENT OF
THE LORD’S SUPPER
The administration of the Lord’s Supper may be introduced
by an appropriate sermon and the reading of 1
Corinthians 11:23-29; Luke 22:14-20, or some other
suitable passage. Let the minister then give the following
invitation:
The Lord himself ordained this holy sacrament.
He commanded His disciples to partake of
the bread and wine, emblems of His broken body
and shed blood. This is His table. The feast is for
His disciples. Let all those who have with true repentance
forsaken their sins, and have believed
in Christ unto salvation, draw near and take
these emblems, and, by faith, partake of the life
of Jesus Christ, to your soul’s comfort and joy. Let
us remember that it is the memorial of the death
and passion of our Lord; also a token of His coming
again. Let us not forget that we are one, at
one table with the Lord.
The minister may offer a prayer of confession and supplication,
concluding with the following prayer of consecration:
Almighty God, our Heavenly Father, who of
Thy tender mercy didst give Thine only Son, Jesus
Christ, to suffer death upon the Cross for our
redemption: hear us, we most humbly beseech
248 RITUAL
Thee. Grant that, as we receive these Thy creatures
of bread and wine according to the holy institution
of Thy Son, our Savior Jesus Christ, in
remembrance of His passion and death, we may
be made partakers of the benefits of His atoning
sacrifice.
We are reminded that in the same night that
our Lord was betrayed, He took bread and, when
He had given thanks, He broke it and gave it to
His disciples, saying, “This is my body given for
you; do this in remembrance of me.” Likewise, after
supper, He took the cup, and when He had
given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, “This
cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is
poured out for you; do this, whenever you drink
it, in remembrance of me.”
May we come before Thee in true humility and
faith as we partake of this holy sacrament.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Then may the minister, partaking first, with the assistance
of any other ministers present, and when necessary,
of the stewards, administer the Communion to
the people.
While the bread is being distributed, let the minister
say:
The body of our Lord Jesus Christ, which was
broken for you, preserve you blameless, unto everlasting
life. Take and eat this, in remembrance
that Christ died for you.
RITUAL 249
As the cup is being passed, let the minister say:
The blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, which was
shed for you, preserve you blameless unto everlasting
life. Drink this, in remembrance that
Christ’s blood was shed for you, and be thankful.
After all have partaken, the minister may then offer a
concluding prayer of thanksgiving and commitment.
(34.5, 413.4, 413.11, 427.7, 428.2, 429.1)
NOTE: Only unfermented wine should be
used in the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper.
250 RITUAL
803. MATRIMONY
At the day and time appointed for the solemnization of
matrimony, the persons to be married—having been
qualified according to law and by careful counsel and
guidance by the minister—standing together, facing
the minister, the man to the minister’s left and the
woman to the right, the minister shall address the congregation
as follows:
DEARLY BELOVED: We are gathered together
here 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 in the time of
man’s innocency, signifying unto us the mystical
union that exists between Christ and His Church.
This holy estate Christ adorned and beautified
with His presence and first miracle that He
wrought, in Cana of Galilee, and St. Paul commended
as being honorable among all men. It is,
therefore, not to be entered into unadvisedly, but
reverently, discreetly, and in the fear of God.
Into this holy estate these persons present now
come to be joined.
Addressing the couple to be married, the minister shall
say:
_______________ and _______________, I require
and charge you both as you stand in the presence
of God, to remember that the commitment to
RITUAL 251
marriage is a commitment to permanence. It is
the intent of God that your marriage will be for
life, and that only death will separate you.
If the vows you exchange today be kept without
violation, and if you seek always to know and
do the will of God, your lives will be blessed with
His presence, and your home will abide in peace.
Following the charge the minister shall say unto the
man:
__________, 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 shall live?
Response: I will.
Then shall the minister say unto the woman:
____________, 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, 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?
Response: I will.
Then the minister shall ask:
Who gives this woman to be married to this man?
Response (by the father, or whoever gives the
bride in marriage): I do.
252 RITUAL
Facing each other and joining right hands, the couple
shall then exchange the following vows:
The man shall repeat after the minister:
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 us do part, according to God’s holy
ordinance; and thereto I pledge you my faith.
The woman shall repeat after the minister:
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 us do part, according to God’s
holy ordinance; and thereto I pledge you my faith.
If desired, a ring ceremony may be inserted at this
point. The minister receives the ring from the groomsman
and, in turn, passes it to the groom. As he then
places it upon the bride’s finger, he shall repeat, after
the minister:
This ring I give you as a token of my love and
as a pledge of my constant fidelity.
Repeat for double ring ceremony.
The couple then shall kneel as the minister offers the
following, or an extemporaneous prayer:
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O Eternal God, Creator and Preserver of all
mankind, Giver of all spiritual grace, the Author
of everlasting life, send Thy blessing upon these
Thy servants, this man and this woman, whom
we now bless in Thy name; that as Isaac and Rebekah
lived faithfully together, so these persons
may surely perform and keep the vow and
covenant made between them this hour and may
ever remain in love and peace together, through
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Then shall the minister say:
Forasmuch as this man and woman have consented
together in holy wedlock, and have witnessed
the same before God and this company,
and have declared the same by joining of hands,
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.
The minister shall then add this blessing:
God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,
bless, preserve, and keep you; the Lord mercifully
with His favor look upon you, and fill you with all
spiritual benediction and grace. May you so live
together in this life that in the world to come you
may have life everlasting.
The minister may then conclude with an extemporaneous
prayer and/or benediction. (427.7)
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804. THE FUNERAL SERVICE
DEARLY BELOVED: We are gathered today to pay
our final tribute of respect to that which was
mortal of our deceased loved one and friend. To
you members of the family who mourn your loss,
we especially offer our deep and sincere sympathy.
May we share with you the comfort afforded
by God’s Word for such a time as this:
“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” (John 14:1-3).
“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 11:25-26).
INVOCATION (in the minister’s own words or the following):
Almighty God, our Heavenly Father, we come
into this sanctuary of sorrow, realizing our utter
dependence upon Thee. We know Thou dost love
us and canst turn even the shadow of death into
the light of morning. Help us now to wait before
Thee with reverent and submissive hearts.
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Thou art our Refuge and Strength, O God—a
very present Help in time of trouble. Grant unto
us Thy abundant mercy. May those who mourn
today find comfort and healing balm in Thy sustaining
grace.We humbly bring these petitions in
the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
A HYMN OR SPECIAL SONG
SELECTIONS OF SCRIPTURE:
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord
Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us
new birth into a living hope through the resurrection
of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an
inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—
kept in heaven for you, who through faith are
shielded by God’s power until the coming of the
salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last
time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a
little while you may have had to suffer grief in all
kinds of trials. These have come so that your
faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes
even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine
and may result in praise, glory and honor
when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have
not seen him, you love him; and even though you
do not see him now, you believe in him and are
filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for
you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation
of your souls” (1 Peter 1:3-9).
(Other passages that might be used are: Matthew 5:3-
4, 6, 8; Psalms 27:3-5, 11, 13-14; 46:1-6, 10-11.)
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MESSAGE
A HYMN OR SPECIAL SONG
CLOSING PRAYER
AT THE GRAVESIDE
When the people have assembled, the minister may
read any or all of the following scriptures:
“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; I myself will see him with my own eyes—
I, and not another” (Job 19:25-27).
“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. . . . Then
the saying that is written will come true: ‘Death
has been swallowed up in victory. Where, O
death, is your victory? Where, O 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 firm. 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 Corinthians
15:51-52, 54-58).
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“Then I heard a voice from heaven say, ‘Write:
Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from
now on. Yes,’ says the Spirit, ‘they will rest from
their labor; for their deeds will follow them’” (Revelation
14:13).
The minister shall then read one of the following committal
statements:
For a Believer:
Forasmuch as the spirit of our departed loved
one has returned to God, who gave it, we therefore
tenderly commit his (her) body to the grave in
sure trust and certain hope of the resurrection of
the dead and the life of the world to come, through
our Lord Jesus Christ, who shall give to us new
bodies like unto His glorious body. “Blessed are
the dead who die in the Lord.”
For a Nonbeliever:
We have come now to commit the body of our
departed friend to its kindred dust. The spirit we
leave with God, for we know the merciful Judge of
all the earth will do right. Let us who remain dedicate
ourselves anew to live in the fear and love of
God, so that we may obtain an abundant entrance
into the heavenly Kingdom.
For a Child:
In the sure and certain hope of the resurrection
to eternal life through our Lord Jesus Christ, we
commit the body of this child to the grave. And as
Jesus, during His earthly life, took the children
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into His arms and blessed them, may He receive
this dear one unto himself, for, as He said, “The
kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
PRAYER:
Our Heavenly Father, God of all mercy, we look
to Thee in this moment of sorrow and bereavement.
Comfort these dear ones whose hearts are
heavy and sad. Wilt Thou be with them, sustain
and guide them in the days to come. Grant, O
Lord, that they may love and serve Thee and obtain
the fullness of Thy promises in the world to
come.
“May the God of peace, who through the blood
of the eternal 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).
RITUAL 259
805. INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS
Following the singing of an appropriate hymn, let the
secretary read the names and positions of the officers
to be installed. These may come forward and stand at
the altar of the church, facing the minister. A covenant
card* should be provided for each. The minister shall
then say:
Recognizing God’s method of setting apart certain
workers for specific areas of Christian service,
we come to this moment of installation of
these officers (and/or teachers) who have been
duly chosen to serve in our church for the ensuing
year. Let us consider God’s instructions to us
from His Holy Word.
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of
God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices,
holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual
act of worship. Do not conform any longer to
the pattern of this world, but be transformed by
the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able
to test and approve what God’s will is—his good,
pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 12:1-2).
“Do your best to present yourself to God as one
approved, a workman who does not need to be
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*Available from NPH
ashamed and who correctly handles the word of
truth” (2 Timothy 2:15).
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as
you teach and admonish one another with all
wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual
songs, with gratitude in your hearts to God”
(Colossians 3:16).
“Anyone who receives instruction in the word
must share all good things with his instructor”
(Galatians 6:6).
We now come to this important moment when
you who stand before the altar are to take upon
yourselves the task of caring for the affairs of the
church and its auxiliary organizations. May you
look upon the assignments you now assume as
special opportunities for service for our Lord, and
may you find joy and spiritual blessing in the
performance of your respective duties.
Yours is no light task, for the ongoing of the
church and the destiny of souls are in your
hands. The development of Christian character is
your responsibility, and leading the unsaved to
Jesus Christ is your highest objective. May God
grant you wisdom and strength as you do His
work for His glory.
You have been given a card on which is printed
a covenant. We shall read it in unison, and as we
do so, let us make it a personal commitment.
RITUAL 261
WORKER’S COVENANT
In consideration of the confidence placed in me
by the church in being selected for the office I
now assume, I hereby covenant:
To maintain a high standard of Christian living
and example in harmony with the ideals and
standards of the Church of the Nazarene.
To cultivate my personal Christian experience
by setting aside each day definite time for prayer
and Bible reading.
To be present at the regular Sunday School,
the Sunday morning and Sunday evening preaching
services, and the midweek prayer meeting of
the church, unless providentially hindered.
To attend faithfully all duly called meetings of
the various boards, councils, or committees to
which I have been, or will be, assigned.
To notify my superior officer if I am unable to
be present at the stated time, or to carry out my
responsibilities in this office.
To read widely the denominational publications,
and other books and literature which will
be helpful to me in discharging the duties of my
office.
To improve myself and my skills by participating
in Continuing Lay Training courses as opportunity
is afforded.
To endeavor to lead people to Jesus Christ by
manifesting an active interest in the spiritual
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welfare of others and by attending and supporting
all evangelistic meetings in the church.
The minister shall then offer an appropriate prayer,
and a special song of dedication may be sung, after
which the minister shall say:
Having pledged together your hearts and
hands to the task of carrying forward the work of
this church in your particular assignments, I
herewith install you in the respective positions to
which you have been elected or appointed. You
are now a vital part of the organizational structure
and leadership of this church. May you, by
example, by precept, and by diligent service, be
effective workers in the vineyard of the Lord.
The minister shall ask the congregation to rise, and
shall address them as follows:
You have heard the pledge and covenant entered
into by your church leaders for the coming
year. I now charge you, as a congregation, to be
loyal in your support of them. The burdens which
we have laid upon them are heavy, and they will
need your assistance and prayers. May you always
be understanding of their problems and tolerant
of their seeming failures. May you lend assistance
joyfully when called upon, so that, as we
work together, our church may be an effective instrument
in winning the lost to Christ.
The minister may then lead in a concluding prayer or
have the congregation repeat the Lord’s Prayer in unison.
RITUAL 263
806. CHURCH DEDICATIONS
Minister: Having been prospered by the hand
of the Lord and enabled by His grace and
strength to complete this building to the glory of
His name, we now stand in God’s presence to
dedicate this structure to the service of His kingdom.
To the glory of God our Father, from whom
cometh every good and perfect gift; to the honor
of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior; and to the
praise of the Holy Spirit, Source of light, and life,
and power—our Sanctifier,
Congregation: We do now, with joy and gratitude,
humbly dedicate this building.
Minister: In remembrance of all who have
loved and served this church, establishing the
heritage we now enjoy, and who are now part of
the Church Triumphant,
Congregation: We gratefully dedicate this edifice
(sanctuary, education building, fellowship
hall, etc.).
Minister: For worship in prayer and song, for
the preaching of the Word, for the teaching of the
Scriptures, and for the fellowship of the saints,
Congregation: We solemnly dedicate this house
of God.
Minister: For the comfort of those who mourn,
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for the strengthening of the weak, for the help of
those who are tempted, and for the giving of hope
and courage to all who come within these walls,
Congregation: We dedicate this place of fellowship
and prayer.
Minister: For the sharing of the good news of
salvation from sin, for the spreading of scriptural
holiness, for the giving of instruction in righteousness,
and for the service of our fellowmen,
Congregation:We reverently dedicate this building.
Unison:We, as laborers together with God, now
join hands and hearts and dedicate ourselves
anew to the high and holy purposes to which this
building has been set apart. We pledge our loyal
devotion, faithful stewardship, and diligent service
to the end that in this place the name of the
Lord shall be glorified, and His kingdom shall be
advanced; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
RITUAL 265
PART VIII
Auxiliary Constitutions
NAZARENE YOUTH INTERNATIONAL
NAZARENE MISSIONS INTERNATIONAL
BYLAWS OF THE SUNDAY SCHOOL
CHAPTER I
810. Nazarene Youth International Charter
“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young,
but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love,
in faith, and in purity.” 1 Timothy 4:12
I. Our Mission
The mission of Nazarene Youth International is to call
our generation to a dynamic life in Christ.
II. Our Members
Membership in Nazarene Youth International includes
all persons participating in Nazarene youth ministry
who choose to embrace our stated vision and values.
III. Our Vision
The Church of the Nazarene believes that young people
are an integral part of the Church. Nazarene Youth
International exists to lead young people into a lifelong
relationship with Jesus Christ and to facilitate their
growth as disciples for Christian service.
IV. Our Values
We value Young People . . . significant in the kingdom
of God.
We value the Bible . . . God’s unchanging truth for
our lives.
We value Prayer . . . vital interactive communication
with our heavenly father.
We value the Church . . . a global holiness community
of faith, diverse in culture but one in Christ.
We value Worship . . . life-changing encounters
with an intimate God.
We value Discipleship . . . a lifestyle of becoming
like Christ.
268 AUXILIARY CONSTITUTIONS
We value Community . . . building relationships
that help bind us together and to God.
We value Ministry . . . extending God’s grace to our
world.
We value Witness . . . sharing God’s love in word
and deed.
We value Holiness . . . a work of grace whereby
God, through the working of His Holy Spirit, enables
us to live a life representing Christ in who we are
and in everything we do.
These values are important dimensions of the holy life
and are to be reflected in the life and ministry of NYI at
every level of the church. (Please refer to the Articles of
Faith in the Manual of the Church of the Nazarene for
more information on these values.) In reflecting these
values, we acknowledge the following Guiding Principles.
V. Our Guiding Principles
NYI exists for youth.
Nazarene Youth International exists to attract,
equip, and empower young people for service in the
kingdom of God and to facilitate their integration
into the Church of the Nazarene.
NYI focuses on Christ.
Christ is central to who we are, the Word of God our
authoritative source for all we do, and holiness our
pattern for life.
NYI is built on relational ministry to youth in
the local church.
Effective ministry to young people in the local
church is critical to the health and vibrancy of NYI.
Relationships and incarnational ministry form the
foundation for Nazarene youth ministry, guiding
young people toward spiritual maturity in Christ.
NYI develops and mentors young leaders.
NYI provides opportunities for emerging leaders to
develop and utilize their gifts within an environment
of nurture and support, assuring strong leadership
AUXILIARY CONSTITUTIONS 269
for the Church of the Nazarene. Leadership training,
accountability, and mechanisms for evaluation and
modification of ministry are vital functions of NYI.
NYI is empowered to lead.
Relevant youth ministry requires that responsibility
for ministry and organizational decisions reside
with NYI leadership and the appropriate governing
bodies at every level. A sense of belonging and ownership,
a passion for service, and input in decisionmaking
are key ingredients for the empowerment of
young people through NYI.
NYI embraces unity and diversity in Christ.
NYI is committed to understanding and celebrating
differences and diversity in language, color, race,
culture, socioeconomic class, and gender. Our differences
do not diminish unity but enhance our potential
and effectiveness. Sharing the good news of Jesus
Christ in culturally relevant ways must always
be a high priority.
NYI creates networks and partnerships.
A climate of cooperation characterizes our relationships
at every level of NYI. Networking within the
church enhances the development and deployment
of young people for service; NYI actively participates
in such cooperative endeavors.
VI. Our Ministry Framework
The Nazarene Youth International Charter provides
the foundation for organizing, planning, and implementing
youth ministry at every level of the Church of
the Nazarene. Standard ministry plans are provided
that local, district, and regional NYI groups are encouraged
to adapt in response to youth ministry needs
in their own ministry situation. Ministry plans at
every level must be consistent with the NYI Charter
and the Manual of the Church of the Nazarene.
VII. Revisions
The NYI Charter may be amended through resolutions
270 AUXILIARY CONSTITUTIONS
approved by the Global NYI Convention, according to
the Global Ministry Plan.
LOCAL MINISTRY PLAN
I. Membership and Ministry Focus
Section 1—Composition and Accountability
1. Local NYI membership consists of those who affiliate
themselves with an NYI group by participating in its
ministries and joining the local group.
2. The local NYI maintains an accurate roster of all active
members.
3. The local NYI is accountable to its membership, the local
church board, and the pastor.
4. The local NYI reports monthly to the church board and
to the annual church meeting.
Section 2 - Ministry Focus
1. The traditional ministry focus of the local NYI is to
youth ages 12 and older, college/university students, and
young adults. A local NYI Council may modify the ministry
focus as seen fit with the approval of the pastor and
local church board.
2. For the purposes of representation and programming,
the local NYI council establishes age divisions in response
to local youth ministry needs.
II. Leadership
Section 1—Officers
1. The officers of the local NYI are a president and up to
three persons elected by the annual NYI meeting with assigned
ministry responsibilities according to local church
needs. These officers serve on the Executive Committee.
2. Local NYI officers must be members of the local church
whose NYI they serve, active in local youth ministry, and
leaders in personal example and service.
3. In churches not having an organized NYI (no local NYI
AUXILIARY CONSTITUTIONS 271
Council), the pastor, with church board approval, may
appoint the NYI president so that the church may begin
to reach young people for Christ and respond to their
spiritual growth needs.
Section 2—Elections
1. Officers are elected annually by the members of the local
NYI at the annual meeting and serve until their successors
are elected and assume their ministry roles.
2. A Nominating Committee nominates the officers for NYI.
A Nominating Committee is appointed by the pastor and
consists of NYI members, as well as the pastor and the
NYI president. All nominees are to be approved by the
pastor and church board. Persons nominated as local
NYI president must have reached their 15th birthday at
the time of their election.
3. Officers are elected by majority vote of the NYI members
present at the annual NYI meeting. When there is only
one nominee for a position, a “yes” and “no” ballot is
used, with approval by two-thirds majority vote. Only
those who are also members of the local Church of the
Nazarene may vote for the president.
4. An incumbent officer may be reelected by a “yes” or “no”
vote when such vote is recommended by the NYI Council
to the Nominating Committee, approved by the pastor
and church board, and approved by two-thirds majority
vote at the annual NYI meeting.
5. A vacancy occurs when an officer moves his or her membership
from the church, resigns, or is removed from office
by two-thirds majority vote of the council due to neglect
of duties or inappropriate conduct. Should a vacancy
occur among officers, the NYI Council fills the vacancy by
two-thirds majority vote if there is one nominee or by majority
vote if two or more nominees. If the vacancy occurs
in the office of NYI president, the pastor, youth pastor, or
his or her designee chairs the meeting for election.
Section 3—Responsibilities
1. The responsibilities of the NYI president include:
272 AUXILIARY CONSTITUTIONS
a. Chairing the NYI Council to cast a vision for youth
ministry in the church.
b. Facilitating the development of youth ministry and
working with the NYI Council to define the ministry
focus in response to the needs of their young people.
c. Serving on the church board and submitting a monthly
report to the board. A local church board may establish
prior to the annual election a minimum age for
the NYI president to serve on the church board;
should the president be younger, alternate representation
for NYI on the church board may be appointed by
the NYI Council, subject to the approval of the board.
d. Submitting an annual report of ministry and finances
to the annual church meeting.
e. Recommending the budget for the local NYI, as approved
by the NYI Council, to the church board.
f. Serving as an ex-officio member of the Sunday School
Ministries Board to coordinate youth Sunday School
in the church.
g. Serving as a delegate to the District NYI Convention
and the district assembly. Should the president be
unable to attend, a representative elected by the NYI
Council and approved by pastor and the church board
may provide alternate representation.
2. The responsibilities of other NYI officers include:
a. Developing and designating leaders for various local
NYI ministries.
b. Being role models and spiritual guides for youth both
within and outside the church.
c. Defining and assigning titles and youth ministry responsibilities
in response to local church needs.
d. Distributing the following responsibilities to insure
accountability and effectiveness:
1) Keeping a correct record of all meetings of the NYI
Council and attending to all matters of correspondence
for the local NYI.
2) Disbursing, receiving, and keeping records of NYI
funds according to church board policy.
3) Compiling an annual financial report of all moneys
AUXILIARY CONSTITUTIONS 273
raised and disbursed to submit to the annual
church meeting.
4) Working with the NYI president to create an annual
budget to present to the council and to the
church board for approval.
e. Cooperating with the president in every way possible
to facilitate the local NYI ministry.
f. Carrying out other ministries as assigned by the NYI
Council.
Section 4—Paid Staff
1. When a youth pastor is employed in a church, the pastor,
in consultation with the church board and NYI Council,
assigns the responsibility for NYI to the youth pastor. In
that case, the youth pastor carries out some of the duties
otherwise designated to a local NYI president. However,
the importance of the NYI president remains, in providing
vital lay leadership, support, and representation for
local youth ministry. The pastor, youth pastor and NYI
Council work together to define the roles and responsibilities
of the two positions and how they work together
for the benefit of the church’s youth ministry.
2. A youth pastor may not serve as the NYI president.
3. The youth pastor serves ex-officio on the NYI Council, the
Executive Committee, and the NYI Nominating Committee.
4. The youth pastor may serve as the pastor’s designee for
NYI-related responsibilities.
5. If a church has multiple paid staff that minister to specific
age divisions within NYI, it may develop officers for
each age division under staff leadership and determine
from among those officers how NYI is to be represented
on the church board.
III. Council
Section 1—Composition
1. The local NYI Council is composed of the NYI officers,
other elected or appointed youth member-at-large and
274 AUXILIARY CONSTITUTIONS
ministry leaders as deemed necessary, and the pastor
and/or youth pastor, who collectively cast the vision for
local youth ministry.
2. NYI Council members must be members of the local
Nazarene Youth International. Local church membership
is strongly encouraged and NYI Council members should
be expected to become church members.
Section 2—Elections
1. A NYI Nominating Committee nominates local NYI
members to be elected to the NYI Council.
2. The NYI membership then elects the members of the
NYI Council from submitted nominations by majority
vote at the annual NYI meeting.
3. A vacancy occurs when a council member moves his or her
membership from the local NYI, resigns, or is removed
from office by two-thirds majority vote of the council due
to neglect of duties or inappropriate conduct. Should a vacancy
occur among council members, the NYI Council fills
the vacancy by two-thirds majority vote if there is one
nominee or by majority vote if two or more nominees.
4. If a church has fewer than seven NYI members, the pastor
may appoint the members of the NYI Council so that
youth ministry may be developed and young people are
reached for Christ.
Section 3—Responsibilities
1. The NYI Council is responsible for planning and organizing
the total ministry for youth within the local church
and, through its officers and directors, initiates and directs
ministries and activities to reach young people for
Christ and to respond to their spiritual growth needs, in
harmony with local church leadership.
2. The NYI Council defines the ministry focus of the local NYI
in response to local youth ministry needs, and develops and
assigns titles and job descriptions for ministry directors.
3. The NYI Council gives leadership to the youth area of
the Sunday School by promoting growth in enrollment
and attendance for youth, nominating and providing
AUXILIARY CONSTITUTIONS 275
training for youth Sunday School teachers and leaders,
and recommending curriculum and resources to be used,
in cooperation with the Sunday School Ministries Board.
4. The NYI Council cooperates with the District NYI Council
in promoting district, regional, and global NYI ministries
to young people of the church.
5. The NYI Council establishes and communicates the
process for submitting revisions to the Local Ministry Plan.
Section 4—Committees
1. The NYI Executive Committee consists of elected NYI officers
and the pastor or youth pastor. The Executive
Committee may conduct the business of the NYI Council
when necessary. All actions of the Executive Committee
are communicated to the remaining members of the
council and are subject to the approval of the entire
council at its next meeting.
2. The NYI Council may establish specific ministry or age
division committees in response to youth ministry needs.
Section 5—Paid Staff
1. The pastor designates the responsibilities of a youth pastor,
in consultation with the church board and the NYI
Council.
2. The NYI Council and youth pastor work in cooperation
and harmony with each other.
3. If a church has multiple paid staff who minister to specific
age divisions within NYI, it may develop NYI councils
or committees for each of these age divisions under
staff leadership. The church may decide whether a coordinating
council for the various groups is used.
IV. Meetings
Section 1—Local NYI Meetings
1. A variety of local NYI gatherings help provide effective
ministry to young people.
2. The local NYI group participates in district, regional,
and global NYI gatherings that further enhance youth
ministry in the church.
276 AUXILIARY CONSTITUTIONS
Section 2—NYI Council Meetings
1. The NYI Council meets regularly to fulfill the mission
and vision of NYI.
2. Meetings of the council may be scheduled or called by
the president or pastor.
Section 3—Annual Meeting
1. The annual meeting of the local NYI is held within sixty
days of the District NYI Convention and in harmony
with the Manual of the Church of the Nazarene.
2. NYI officers and council members and delegates to the
District NYI Convention are elected at the annual NYI
meeting.
3. The NYI Local Ministry Plan may be revised by twothirds
majority vote at the NYI annual meeting.
V. Ministries
Section 1—Evangelism
The NYI develops and implements a variety of ongoing ministries
and special events to reach young people for Christ.
Section 2—Discipleship
The NYI develops and implements a variety of ongoing ministries
and special events to nurture and challenge young
people to grow as disciples of Christ, in personal devotion,
worship, fellowship, ministry, and leading others to Christ.
Section 3—Leadership Development
The NYI develops and implements a variety of ongoing ministries
and special events to mentor and equip young people
to be leaders for Christ and His church.
VI. Revisions
Section 1—Provision
1. This Local Ministry Plan provides a standard format for
the organization, function, and leadership of NYI at the
AUXILIARY CONSTITUTIONS 277
local level. A local NYI group may adapt the plan in response
to local youth ministry needs, consistent with the
Nazarene Youth International Charter and the Manual
of the Church of the Nazarene.
2. Any area not covered by this ministry plan is under the
authority of the local NYI Council.
Section 2—Process
1. The NYI Council establishes and publicizes the process
for adapting and revising the Local Ministry Plan and
must approve proposed revisions prior to their being
brought to the annual NYI meeting.
2. Proposed revisions to the Local Ministry Plan must be
distributed to NYI members prior to the NYI annual
meeting.
3. Revisions must be approved by a two-thirds majority vote
of all NYI members present and voting at the annual NYI
meeting and are subject to church board approval.
4. All changes in the Local Ministry Plan become effective
no later than 30 days following the NYI annual meeting.
The revised plan must be posted in written form prior to
taking effect.
DISTRICT MINISTRY PLAN
I. Membership and Ministry Focus
Section 1—Composition and Accountability
1. All local NYI groups and members of NYI within the
boundaries of a district form the district Nazarene Youth
International.
2. The district NYI is accountable to its membership, the
district superintendent, and the District Advisory Board.
3. The district NYI reports annually to the District NYI
Convention and the district assembly through the district
NYI president.
Section 2—Ministry Focus
1. The traditional ministry focus of the district NYI is to
278 AUXILIARY CONSTITUTIONS
youth ages 12 and older, college/university students, and
young adults. A District NYI Council may modify the
ministry focus as seen fit, with the approval of the district
superintendent and District Advisory Board.
2. For the purposes of representation and programming,
the District NYI Council establishes age divisions according
to youth ministry needs on the district.
II. Leadership
Section 1—Officers
1. The officers of the district NYI are the president, vice
president, secretary, and treasurer.
2. District NYI officers must be members of a local Church
of the Nazarene within the bounds of the district at the
time of their election, be active in local and district youth
ministry, and be viewed as leaders in personal example
and ministry.
3. District NYI officers serve without salary. Financing for
the administrative expenses of district NYI officers is allocated
as a part of the district NYI budget.
4. Should a district not yet have an organized NYI (no District
NYI Convention), the district superintendent may
appoint a district NYI president so that local churches
may be assisted in reaching young people for Christ and
in responding to their spiritual growth needs.
Section 2—Elections
1. District NYI officers are elected by the District NYI Convention
to serve for a one-year term, from the close of the
convention until their successors are elected and assume
their ministry roles. At the recommendation of the district
NYI Nominating Committee and with the approval
of the district superintendent, an officer may be elected
for a two-year term.
2. A district NYI Nominating Committee nominates the officers
of the district NYI. The Nominating Committee is
appointed by the District NYI Council and consists of at
least four district NYI members, and also includes the
AUXILIARY CONSTITUTIONS 279
district superintendent and the district NYI president.
All nominees must be approved by the District NYI
Council and district superintendent.
3. Officers are then elected by ballot by majority vote at the
annual NYI Convention. When there is only one nominee
for a position, a “yes” and “no” ballot is used, with approval
by two-thirds majority vote. If recommended by
the Nominating Committee, the convention may vote to
allow the District NYI Council to appoint the district
NYI secretary and treasurer.
4. An incumbent officer may be reelected by a “yes” or “no”
vote when such vote is recommended by the District NYI
Council, with the approval of the district superintendent
and approved by two-thirds majority vote of the District
NYI Convention.
5. A vacancy occurs when an officer moves his or her membership
from the district, resigns, or is removed from office
by two-thirds majority vote of the council due to
neglect of duties or inappropriate conduct. Should a vacancy
occur in the office of district NYI president, the vice
president assumes the responsibilities of president until
the next District NYI Convention. Should a vacancy occur
among other officers, the District NYI Council fills the
vacancy by two-thirds majority vote if there is one nominee
or by majority vote if two or more nominees.
Section 3—Responsibilities
1. The responsibilities of the district NYI president include:
a. Giving leadership and direction to district NYI, working
in cooperation with NYI and district leadership.
b. Chairing the District NYI Council to cast a vision for
youth ministry on the district.
c. Facilitating the development of youth ministry on the
district and working with the District NYI Council to
define the district NYI ministry focus according to
needs.
d. Presiding at the District NYI Convention.
e. Encouraging the development of NYI ministry in
each local church within the district.
280 AUXILIARY CONSTITUTIONS
f. Representing the interests of NYI on all appropriate
district boards and committees.
g. Submitting an annual report to the District NYI Convention
and district assembly.
h. Presenting an annual budget to the District Finance
Committee (or appropriate district body) and to the
District NYI Convention for approval.
i. Serving as a delegate to the Global NYI Convention.
Should the president be unable to attend, a representative
elected by the District NYI Council and approved
by district superintendent and District Advisory
Board may provide alternate representation.
j. Serving as a member of the Regional NYI Council, if
so designated by the ministry plan of the region.
2. The responsibilities of the vice president include:
a. Cooperating with the president in every way possible
to carry out effective youth ministry on the district.
b. Performing the duties of the president in his or her
absence.
c. Carrying out other duties as assigned by the District
NYI Council and Convention.
d. In case of a vacancy in the office of district NYI president,
fulfilling the functions of president until a successor
is elected and installed.
3. The responsibilities of the secretary include:
a. Keeping a correct record of all the proceedings of the
District NYI Council, the Executive Committee, and
the District NYI Convention.
b. Attending to all matters of correspondence for the
district NYI.
c. Notifying the global NYI office and regional NYI
president of the names and addresses of the various
district NYI officers and ministry directors as soon as
possible after election.
d. Carrying out other duties as assigned by the District
NYI Council and Convention.
4. The responsibilities of the treasurer include:
a. Disbursing, receiving, and keeping record of district
NYI funds.
AUXILIARY CONSTITUTIONS 281
b. Compiling an annual financial report of all moneys
raised and disbursed to submit to the annual District
NYI Convention.
c. Working with the president to create an annual budget
to present to the appropriate bodies.
5. Other responsibilities may be assigned to officers according
to district youth ministry needs.
Section 4—Paid Staff
1. When a district employs a youth pastor, the district
superintendent, in consultation with the District Advisory
Board and District NYI Council, assigns the responsibility
for the district NYI to the district youth pastor. In
that case, the district youth pastor carries out some of
the duties otherwise designated to a district NYI president.
However, the importance of the district NYI president
remains, in providing additional leadership, support,
and representation for district youth ministry. The
District NYI Council and district superintendent work
together to define the roles and responsibilities of the
two positions and how they work together for the benefit
of the district youth ministry.
2. A district youth pastor may not serve as the district NYI
president.
3. The district youth pastor serves ex-officio on the District
NYI Council, the Executive Committee, and the District
NYI Nominating Committee.
4. The district youth pastor may serve as the district superintendent’s
designee for NYI-related responsibilities.
III. Council
Section 1—Composition
1. The District NYI Council is composed of the officers of
the district NYI, other elected or appointed youth members-
at-large and ministry leaders as deemed necessary
by the council, and the district superintendent and/or
district youth pastor.
2. Only NYI members who are members of the Church of
282 AUXILIARY CONSTITUTIONS
the Nazarene on the district may serve as District NYI
Council members.
Section 2—Elections
1. The district NYI Nominating Committee nominates district
NYI members to be elected to the District NYI Council.
2. The District NYI Convention then elects the members of
the District NYI Council from submitted nominations by
majority vote.
3. A vacancy occurs when a council member moves his or her
membership off of the district, resigns, or is removed from
office by the council by two-thirds majority vote due to neglect
of duties or inappropriate conduct. Should a vacancy
occur among council members, the District NYI Council fills
the vacancy by two-thirds majority vote if there is one nominee
or by majority vote if two or more nominees.
4. The Nominating Committee may authorize the District
NYI Council to appoint district ministry directors.
Section 3—Responsibilities
1. The District NYI Council is responsible for planning and
organizing the total ministry for youth within the district
and, through its officers and directors, initiates and
directs ministries and activities to reach young people
for Christ and to respond to their spiritual growth needs,
in harmony with district leadership.
2. The District NYI Council defines the ministry focus of
district NYI in response to district youth ministry needs
and develops and assigns titles and responsibilities for
district NYI ministry directors.
3. The District NYI Council encourages and equips local
churches across the district for effective youth ministry.
4. The District NYI Council gives leadership to the youth
area of the district Sunday School by promoting growth
in enrollment and attendance for youth and by providing
training for youth Sunday School teachers and leaders in
cooperation with the District Sunday School Ministries
Board.
AUXILIARY CONSTITUTIONS 283
5. The District NYI Council promotes regional and global
NYI ministries and programs to local NYI groups.
6. The District NYI Council makes recommendations to the
District NYI Convention concerning the ministry of NYI.
The convention may revise these recommendations prior
to adoption.
7. The District NYI Council establishes and communicates
the process for amending the District Ministry Plan.
Section 4—Committees
1. The NYI Executive Committee consists of elected district
NYI officers and the district superintendent and/or district
youth pastor. Should the secretary and treasurer be
appointed members of the council, the council may elect
by majority vote two other District NYI Council members
to serve on the Executive Committee. All actions of
the Executive Committee are communicated to the remaining
members of the council and are subject to the
approval of the entire council at its next meeting.
2. The District NYI Council may establish specific ministry
or age division committees in response to district youth
ministry needs.
Section 5—Zone NYI
1. In cooperation with district leadership, the District NYI
Council may authorize various zones within the existing
structure of the district to organize for leadership of
NYI, in order to coordinate and maximize NYI ministry
across the district.
2. A zone NYI council may be created to have responsibility
for specific ministries and activities on the zone.
3. A president or representative from each zone may serve
on the District NYI Council, if so specified by the District
NYI Convention.
Section 6—Paid Staff
1. The district superintendent designates the responsibilities
of a district youth pastor, in consultation with the
District Advisory Board and District NYI Council.
284 AUXILIARY CONSTITUTIONS
2. The District NYI Council and district youth pastor work
in cooperation and harmony with each other.
IV. Meetings
Section 1—District NYI Meetings
1. A variety of district NYI gatherings help provide effective
ministry to young people.
2. The district NYI also encourages and enhances local NYI
ministry by meeting with local NYI groups across the
district to resource them for effective ministry.
3. The district NYI participates in regional and global NYI
gatherings that further enhance effective youth ministry
across the district.
Section 2—District NYI Council Meetings
1. The District NYI Council meets regularly to fulfill the
mission and vision of district NYI.
2. Meetings of the council may be scheduled or called by
the district NYI president or district superintendent.
Section 3—District NYI Convention
1. The annual District NYI Convention provides for inspirational
sessions and programs to advance youth ministry
across the district. Reports are received, leadership
is elected, and any legislative business pertaining to the
work of NYI is transacted at the Convention. Delegates
to the Global NYI Convention are also elected consistent
with the NYI Global Ministry Plan.
2. The District NYI Council arranges for and oversees the
District NYI Convention, in cooperation with the district
superintendent. The Convention convenes at a time and
place designated by the District NYI Council, with the
approval of the district superintendent and within ninety
days of the district assembly.
3. The District NYI Convention is composed of the members
of the District NYI Council, the district superintendent,
local pastors, other assigned ordained ministers of
the district who participate in NYI ministry, and local
NYI delegates.
AUXILIARY CONSTITUTIONS 285
4. All local NYI delegates to the District NYI Convention
must be members of the Church of the Nazarene that
they represent.
5. The number of local NYI delegates for each church is determined
by the membership figures on the most recent
local pastor’s report prior to the district assembly. District
NYI leadership encourages local churches to make
suitable arrangements for the expenses of delegates attending
the District NYI Convention.
6. The local NYI delegation to the District NYI Convention
for churches with 30 or fewer NYI members consists of:
a. The pastor and youth pastor or any full-time paid
pastoral staff who participate in NYI ministry;
b. The newly elected local NYI president;
c. Up to four elected delegates, with at least half being
within the district-established NYI ministry focus.
d. Local churches may add an additional delegate for
each successive 30 local NYI members and/or final
major part of those 30 members (i.e., 16-29 members).
At least half of any additional delegates must be also
within the district-established NYI ministry focus.
7. The pastor of any local church or director of an approved
Nazarene Compassionate Ministries Center not having
an organized NYI may appoint one delegate.
286 AUXILIARY CONSTITUTIONS
Number of Number of Number of Number of
members delegates members delegates
5-45 4 136-165 8
46-75 5 166-195 9
76-105 6 196-225 10
106-135 7 226-255 11
*Number of elected delegates from a local NYI does not include ex-officio
delegates (NYI president, pastor, youth pastor, District NYI Council members
from a local church, etc.).
V. Ministries
Section 1—Evangelism
The district NYI develops and implements a variety of ongoing
ministries and special events to reach young people for
Christ.
Section 2—Discipleship
The district NYI develops and implements a variety of ongoing
ministries and special events to nurture and challenge young
people to grow as disciples of Christ in personal devotion, worship,
fellowship, ministry, and leading others to Christ.
Section 3—Leadership Development
The district NYI develops and implements a variety of ongoing
ministries and special events to mentor and equip
young people to be leaders for Christ and His church.
VI. Revisions
Section 1—Provision
1. This District Ministry Plan provides a standard format
for the organization, function, and leadership of NYI at
the district level. The district NYI may adapt and revise
the plan in response to youth ministry needs on the district,
consistent with the Nazarene Youth International
Charter and the Manual of the Church of the Nazarene.
2. Any area not covered by this ministry plan is under the
authority of the District NYI Council.
Section 2—Process
1. The District NYI Council establishes and publicizes the
process for adapting and revising the District Ministry
Plan, and must approve proposed revisions prior to their
being brought to the District NYI Convention.
2. Proposed revisions to the District Ministry Plan must be
distributed in written form to local NYI groups prior to
the District NYI Convention.
AUXILIARY CONSTITUTIONS 287
3. Revisions must be approved by a two-thirds majority
vote of all delegates and members present and voting at
the District NYI Convention and are subject to the approval
of the district superintendent and District Advisory
Board.
4. All changes in the District Ministry Plan become effective
no later than 60 days following the Convention. The
revised document must be distributed in written form
prior to taking effect.
REGIONAL MINISTRY PLAN
I. Membership and Ministry Focus
Section 1—Composition and Accountability
1. All local NYI groups, district NYI ministries, and members
of NYI within the boundaries of a region form the
regional Nazarene Youth International.
2. The regional NYI is accountable to its membership and
to the Global NYI Council. Where applicable, the regional
NYI may also be accountable to the regional director
and Regional Advisory Council.
3. The regional NYI reports to the Global NYI Council on
an annual basis and, where applicable, to the regional director
and Regional Advisory Council on a regular basis.
Section 2—Ministry Focus
1. The traditional ministry focus of the regional NYI is to
youth ages 12 and older, college/university students, and
young adults. A Regional NYI Council may modify the
ministry focus as seen fit, with the approval of the districts
on the region and, where applicable, the regional
director.
2. For the purposes of representation and programming,
the Regional NYI Council establishes age divisions according
to youth ministry needs on the region.
288 AUXILIARY CONSTITUTIONS
II. Leadership
Section 1—Officers
1. The officers of the regional NYI are the president and up
to three other persons elected by the Regional Caucus at
the Global NYI Convention, with titles and ministry responsibilities
assigned according to regional needs. These
officers serve on the Executive Committee.
2. Regional NYI officers must reside on and be members of
the Church of the Nazarene within the bounds of the region
at the time of their election, be active in youth ministry,
and be viewed as leaders in personal example and
ministry.
3. Regional NYI officers serve without salary. Financing for
the administrative expenses of regional NYI officers is
allocated as a part of regional funds.
4. A regional NYI president may serve in his or her position
no more than two full terms.
Section 2—Election
1. Regional NYI officers are elected by the Regional Caucus
of the Global NYI Convention, and approved by the convention.
The officers serve for a four-year term, from the
close of the General Assembly until the close of the following
General Assembly.
2. A regional NYI Nominating Committee nominates the
officers of the regional NYI. The nominating committee
is appointed by the Regional NYI Council and consists of
at least four regional NYI members, including the regional
NYI president and regional director (where applicable).
At least two names are submitted to the caucus
for each position. The Regional NYI Council and regional
director (where applicable) must approve all nominees.
3. The regional NYI president is elected by majority vote of
the Regional Caucus at the Global NYI Convention and
approved by majority vote of the convention, according to
the NYI Global Ministry Plan. Other officers are elected
by majority vote by ballot of the Regional Caucus.
AUXILIARY CONSTITUTIONS 289
4. An incumbent regional NYI president who is eligible to
be elected for a second term may be reelected by a “yes”
or “no” vote, when such election is recommended by the
Regional NYI Council, approved by the regional director
(where applicable), and approved by two-thirds majority
vote by ballot of the Regional Caucus at the Global NYI
Convention.
5. A vacancy occurs when an officer moves his or her membership
off of the region, resigns, or is removed from office
by two-thirds majority vote of the Regional NYI
Council due to neglect of duties or inappropriate conduct.
Should a vacancy occur among officers, the Regional NYI
Council fills the vacancy by two-thirds majority vote if
there is one nominee or by majority vote if two or more
nominees. In the case of such a vacancy in the office of
regional NYI president, the region elects a new president
consistent with the NYI Global Ministry Plan.
Section 3—Responsibilities
1. The responsibilities of the regional NYI president include:
a. Giving leadership and direction to the regional NYI,
working in cooperation with NYI and regional leadership.
b. Chairing the Regional NYI Council to cast a vision
for youth ministry on the region.
c. Facilitating the development of youth ministry on the
region and working with the Regional NYI Council to
define the regional NYI ministry focus according to
needs.
d. Presiding at the Regional Caucus at the Global NYI
Convention.
e. Encouraging the development of NYI ministry on
each district or field within the region.
f. Representing the interests of regional NYI on appropriate
regional boards and committees and, when applicable,
to multiregional committees.
g. Submitting an annual report to the Regional NYI
Council, regional director and Regional Advisory Council
(where applicable), and the Global NYI Council.
290 AUXILIARY CONSTITUTIONS
h. Recommending an annual budget to the Regional NYI
Council and the regional office (where applicable).
i. Serving as a delegate to the Global NYI Convention
and a member of the Global NYI Council, except in the
U.S.A., where two representatives elected from among
the regional NYI presidents serve as members of the
Global NYI Council. Should the president be unable to
attend, a representative elected by the Regional NYI
Council and approved by regional director (where applicable)
may provide alternate representation.
j. Serving as a liaison between the regional NYI and
Nazarene institutions of higher education on the region
to promote communication, cooperation, and
ministry partnership.
2. The responsibilities of regional NYI officers include:
a. Developing and designating leaders for the various
regional NYI ministries.
b. Defining and assigning titles and youth ministry responsibilities
according to regional needs.
c. Distributing the following responsibilities to insure
accountability and effectiveness:
1) Keeping a correct record of all meetings of the Regional
NYI Council and attending to all matters of
correspondence for the regional NYI.
2) Disbursing, receiving, and keeping records of regional
NYI funds, according to Global NYI Council,
General Board, and regional office policies.
3) Assisting the president in compiling an annual financial
report of all moneys raised and disbursed
to submit to the Global NYI Council and other appropriate
bodies.
4) Working with the president to create an annual budget
to present to the Regional NYI Council and to
the regional director (where applicable) for approval.
5) Notifying the NYI office and the regional office
(where applicable) of the names and addresses of
the various regional NYI officers and ministry directors
as soon as possible after election or appointment.
AUXILIARY CONSTITUTIONS 291
d. Cooperating with the president in every way possible
to facilitate regional youth ministry.
e. Carrying out other ministries as assigned by the Regional
NYI Council or Regional Caucus.
Section 4—Paid Staff
1. When a region employs a regional NYI coordinator, the
regional director, in consultation with the Regional Advisory
Council and Regional NYI Council, assigns the responsibility
for the regional NYI to the regional NYI coordinator.
In that case, the regional NYI coordinator may
carry out some of the duties otherwise designated to a
regional NYI president. However, the importance of the
regional NYI president remains, in providing additional
leadership, support, and representation for regional
youth ministry. The Regional NYI Council and regional
director work together to define the roles and responsibilities
of the two positions and how they work together
for the benefit of the regional youth ministry.
2. A regional NYI coordinator may not serve as regional
NYI president.
3. The regional NYI coordinator serves ex-officio on the Regional
NYI Council, the Executive Committee, and the
Regional NYI Nominating Committee.
4. The regional NYI coordinator may serve as the regional
director’s designee for NYI-related responsibilities.
III. Council
Section 1—Composition
1. The Regional NYI Council is composed of the officers of
the regional NYI and other elected or appointed youth
members-at-large and ministry leaders as deemed necessary
by the council, and, where applicable, the regional
director and/or regional NYI coordinator.
2. Only those NYI members who are members of the
Church of the Nazarene on the region may serve as Regional
NYI Council members.
3. When applicable, representatives from Nazarene colleges
292 AUXILIARY CONSTITUTIONS
or universities responsible for shared ministry with the
regional NYI may also serve on the Regional NYI Council.
Section 2—Elections
1. A regional NYI Nominating Committee nominates regional
NYI members to be elected to the Regional NYI
Council.
2. The Regional Caucus at the Global NYI Convention then
elects by majority vote the members of the Regional NYI
Council from submitted nominations. The Regional Caucus
may authorize the Regional NYI Council to appoint
regional ministry directors.
3. A vacancy occurs when a member moves his or her membership
off of the region, resigns, or is removed from office
by two-thirds majority vote of the council due to neglect of
duties or inappropriate conduct. Should a vacancy occur
among council members elected or appointed by the council,
the Regional NYI Council fills the vacancy by twothirds
majority vote if there is one nominee or by majority
vote if two or more nominees. If a vacancy occurs among
members representing a district on the region, the vacancy
is filled according to that District’s Ministry Plan.
Section 3—Responsibilities
1. The Regional NYI Council is responsible for planning
and organizing the total ministry for youth within the
region and, through its officers and directors, initiates
and directs ministries and activities to reach young people
for Christ and to respond to their spiritual growth
needs, in harmony with regional leadership.
2. The Regional NYI Council defines the ministry focus of
regional NYI in response to regional youth ministry
needs, and develops and assigns titles and responsibilities
for regional NYI ministry directors.
3. The Regional NYI Council encourages and equips districts
across the region for effective youth ministry.
4. The Regional NYI Council gives leadership to the youth
area of Sunday School regionally by promoting growth in
enrollment and attendance for youth and providing
AUXILIARY CONSTITUTIONS 293
training for youth Sunday School teachers and leaders in
cooperation with Sunday School Ministries.
5. The Regional NYI Council promotes global NYI ministries
and programs to regional membership.
6. The Regional NYI Council directs the expenditure of
funds provided to the region through NYI events and
partnerships.
7. The Regional NYI Council makes recommendations to
the Regional Caucus at the Global NYI Convention concerning
the ministry of NYI. The council also appoints up
to two persons to serve the region as members of the
Resolutions Committee at the Global NYI Convention,
consistent with the Global Ministry Plan.
8. The Regional NYI Council establishes and communicates
the process for amending the Regional Ministry Plan.
Section 4—Committees
1. The NYI Executive Committee consists of the elected regional
NYI officers and the regional director and/or regional
NYI coordinator (where applicable). The Executive
Committee may conduct the business of the Regional
NYI Council when it is impractical or impossible to convene
the entire council. All actions of the Executive Committee
are communicated to the remaining members of
the council and are subject to the approval of the entire
council at its next meeting.
2. The Regional NYI Council may establish specific ministry
committees in response to regional youth ministry needs.
3. In countries where there are a number of districts, a region
may organize national NYI leadership to coordinate
and facilitate youth ministry in that country.
Section 5—The Field NYI
1. Where applicable and in cooperation with regional
church leadership, the Regional NYI Council may organize
for leadership of NYI on the various fields within
the existing structure of a region, in order to coordinate
and maximize NYI ministry across the region.
294 AUXILIARY CONSTITUTIONS
2. A field NYI council may be created to have responsibility
for specific ministries and activities on the field.
3. A president or elected representative from each field
may serve on the Regional NYI Council, if so specified by
the Regional Caucus.
Section 6—Paid Staff
1. The regional director designates the responsibilities of a
regional NYI coordinator, in consultation with the Regional
Advisory Council and the Regional NYI Council.
2. The Regional NYI Council and regional NYI coordinator
work in cooperation and harmony with each other.
IV. Meetings
Section 1—Regional NYI Meetings
1. A variety of regional NYI gatherings help provide effective
ministry to young people on the region.
2. The regional NYI also encourages and enhances district
NYI ministry by meeting with district NYI groups across
the region to resource them for effective ministry.
3. The regional NYI participates in global NYI gatherings that
further enhance effective youth ministry across the region.
Section 2—Regional NYI Council Meetings
1. The Regional NYI Council meets regularly to fulfill the
mission and vision of regional NYI.
2. Meetings of the council may be scheduled or called by
the regional NYI president, regional director (where applicable),
a global NYI officer, or the director of NYI.
Section 3—Regional Caucus
1. A Regional Caucus is convened during the Global NYI
Convention. The caucus provides for inspirational sessions
and programs to advance youth ministry across the
region. Reports are received, leadership is elected, and
any legislative business pertaining to the work of NYI on
the region is transacted at the caucus. The caucus also
AUXILIARY CONSTITUTIONS 295
places in nomination up to two names for each youth
member-at-large on the Global NYI Council, consistent
with the Global Ministry Plan.
2. The Regional NYI Council, in cooperation with the Global
NYI Council, arranges for and oversees the Regional
Caucus.
3. The Regional Caucus is composed of the members of the
Regional NYI Council, the regional director and/or regional
NYI coordinator (where applicable), and the delegates
from the region to the Global NYI Convention who
are elected, consistent with the Global Ministry Plan.
4. The caucus convenes during the Global NYI Convention
at a time and place designated by the Global NYI Council.
When approved by the Regional NYI Council, the regional
director (where applicable), and the Global NYI
Council, a caucus may be convened by postal or electronic
means within six months prior to the Global NYI Convention
in order to conduct regional NYI business when
circumstances prohibit a majority of elected delegates
from attending the Global NYI Convention.
V. Ministries
Section 1—Evangelism
The regional NYI develops and implements a variety of ongoing
ministries and special events to reach young people
for Christ.
Section 2—Discipleship
The regional NYI develops and implements a variety of ongoing
ministries and special events to nurture and challenge
young people to grow as disciples of Christ in personal devotion,
worship, fellowship,ministry, and leading others to Christ.
Section 3—Leadership Development
The regional NYI develops and implements a variety of ongoing
ministries and special events to mentor and equip
young people to be leaders for Christ and His church.
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VI. Revisions
Section 1—Provision
1. The Regional Ministry Plan provides a standard format
for the organization, function, and leadership of NYI at
the regional level. A regional NYI may adapt and revise
the plan in response to youth ministry needs on the region,
consistent with the Nazarene Youth International
Charter and the Manual of the Church of the Nazarene.
2. Any area not covered by this ministry plan is under the
authority of the Regional NYI Council.
Section 2—Process
1. The Regional NYI Council, in cooperation with the regional
director (where applicable), establishes and publicizes
the process for adapting and revising the Regional
Ministry Plan and must approve proposed revisions prior
to their being brought to the Regional Caucus.
2. Proposed revisions to the Regional Ministry Plan must be
distributed in written form to district NYI councils prior
to the Regional Caucus at the Global NYI Convention.
3. Revisions must be approved by a two-thirds majority
vote of all delegates and members present and voting at
the Regional Caucus and are subject to the approval of
the regional director and Regional Advisory Council
(where applicable).
4. All changes in the Regional Ministry Plan become effective
no later than 90 days following the Global NYI Convention.
The revised document must be distributed in
written form prior to taking effect.
GLOBAL MINISTRY PLAN
I. Membership and Ministry Focus
Section 1—Composition and Accountability
1. All local NYI groups, district and regional NYI ministries,
AUXILIARY CONSTITUTIONS 297
and their members constitute Nazarene Youth International
at the global level.
2. The global NYI is accountable to NYI membership, the
general superintendent in jurisdiction for NYI, and the
Sunday School Ministries and NYI Committee of the General
Board.
3. The global NYI reports annually to the General Board
through the Sunday School Ministries and NYI Committee
and reports quadrennially to the Global NYI Convention
and to the General Assembly of the Church of the Nazarene.
4. The director of NYI is responsible for general coordination
and supervision for the development of youth ministry
for the Church of the Nazarene through Nazarene
Youth International.
5. NYI offices around the world work together with the
Global NYI Council for the effective implementation of
youth ministry globally for the Church of the Nazarene.
Section 2—Ministry Focus
1. The ministry focus of Nazarene Youth International is to
youth ages 12 and older, college/university students, and
young adults. Regional, district, and local NYI councils
may modify the ministry focus as seen fit, consistent
with the ministry plan for that level.
2. For the purposes of representation and programming,
Nazarene Youth International at the global level establishes
three divisions—early youth, senior youth, and college/
university/young adult—in order to provide effective
youth ministry globally.
II. Leadership
Section 1—Officers
1. The elected officers of the global NYI are a president and
a vice president.
2. Global NYI officers must be members of NYI and the
Church of the Nazarene, be active in youth ministry, and
be leaders in personal example and ministry.
3. Global NYI officers serve without salary. Financing for
298 AUXILIARY CONSTITUTIONS
the administrative expenses of global NYI officers is allocated
as a part of NYI funds.
4. A global NYI officer may serve in his or her position no
more than one full term.
Section 2—Elections
1. Global NYI officers are elected by the Global NYI Convention.
The elected officers serve for a four-year term,
from the close of the General Assembly until the close of
the following General Assembly.
2. The various regional caucuses at the Global NYI Convention
nominate the global NYI officers. A caucus may
submit up to two nominees for each position, selected by
majority vote of the caucus. The officers are then elected
by majority vote by ballot of the Convention from the
nominations submitted by each regional caucus.
3. A vacancy occurs in the position of global NYI president
or vice president when he or she resigns from office or is
removed from office by two-thirds majority vote of the
Global NYI Council due to neglect of duties or inappropriate
conduct. In the case of a vacancy among the global
NYI officers during a quadrennium, such vacancies are
filled according to the following sequence:
a. The Executive Committee of the Global NYI Council,
serving as a Nominating Committee, submits two or
more nominees to the general superintendent in jurisdiction
for NYI;
b. After consultation with the Board of General Superintendents,
the general superintendent in jurisdiction
brings a ballot of approved nominees to the Global
NYI Council;
c. Election is by two-thirds majority vote of the members
of the Global NYI Council.
Section 3—Responsibilities
1. The responsibilities of the global NYI president include:
a. Providing vision and leadership to NYI in collaboration
with the director of NYI and NYI and church
leaders at every level.
AUXILIARY CONSTITUTIONS 299
b. Presiding at the meetings of the Global NYI Convention
and the meetings of the Global NYI Council.
c. Advancing the interest of the global NYI and the
work of NYI around the world.
d. Representing NYI as a member of the General Board
of the Church of the Nazarene, with the approval of
the General Assembly following election.
e. Representing NYI as a member of the General Assembly
at the close of his or her term.
f. Carrying out other duties as assigned by the Global
NYI Council and Convention.
2. The responsibilities of the global NYI vice president include:
a. Cooperating with the president in every way possible
to carry out effective youth ministry globally.
b. Ensuring accurate records of all proceedings of the
Global NYI Convention and all meetings of the Global
NYI Council are kept for submission to the General
Board through the Sunday School Ministries and
NYI Committee and to the General Assembly.
c. Chairing the Global NYI Council, providing alternate
representation on any boards or councils, and fulfilling
any designated duties in the absence of the global
NYI president.
d. Conducting the election of a new global NYI president
in the event of a vacancy, or assisting a region in the
election of a new regional NYI president. Should there
be a vacancy in the office of global NYI vice president,
the global NYI president fulfills this function.
e. Carrying out other duties as assigned by the Global
NYI Council and Convention.
f. Chairing the meeting of the newly elected U.S.A. regional
NYI presidents at the Global NYI Convention
to elect two U.S.A. representatives to the Global NYI
Council.
Section 4—Paid Staff
1. The general superintendent in jurisdiction for NYI and
the General Board assign the responsibility for the glob-
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al NYI to the director of NYI. The director of NYI is subject
to the oversight of the Board of General Superintendents.
The importance of the global NYI president remains,
in providing additional leadership, support, and
global representation for NYI. The director of NYI and
global NYI president, in consultation with the general
superintendent in jurisdiction for NYI and the Global
NYI Council, work together to define how they work together
for the benefit of youth ministry.
2. The Board of General Superintendents elects the director
of NYI. When a vacancy occurs in the position, it is
filled according to the following sequence:
a. The general superintendent in jurisdiction nominates
the director of NYI, in consultation with the Global
NYI Council and Board of General Superintendents.
b. A ballot is then presented to the Global NYI Council
for approval by majority vote. The ballot is then referred
to the Sunday School Ministries and NYI Committee
of the General Board for approval by majority
vote, and finally to the Board of General Superintendents
for election.
3. The Global NYI Council approves by majority vote the
nomination of the general superintendent in jurisdiction
for NYI of an incumbent director of NYI at the first
scheduled meeting following the General Assembly, who
is then approved by majority vote of the Sunday School
Ministries and NYI Committee of the General Board and
elected by the Board of General Superintendents.
4. The director of NYI may not serve as an elected global
NYI officer.
5. The director of NYI serves ex-officio on the Global NYI
Council, the Executive Committee, the U.S.A./Canada
Committee, and other global NYI committees as appointed.
III. Council
Section 1—Composition
1. The Global NYI Council is composed of the global NYI officers,
the director of NYI, all regional NYI presidents
AUXILIARY CONSTITUTIONS 301
from outside the U.S.A., and two regional NYI presidents
representing regions within the U.S.A.
2. Three youth members-at-large also serve as members of
the Global NYI Council. One member-at-large is to be between
the ages of 12 and 14 inclusive at the time of election,
one between the ages of 15 and 18 inclusive at the
time of election, and one between the ages of 19 and 23
inclusive at the time of election.
3. Regional NYI coordinators and the NYI U.S.A. coordinator
serve ex-officio on the Global NYI Council. Other appointed
persons as deemed necessary by the Global NYI
Council may be appointed to serve as nonvoting members
of the council.
4. All Global NYI Council members must be members of
NYI and the Church of the Nazarene.
Section 2—Elections
1. Regional NYI presidents are elected by majority vote of
the Regional Caucus at the Global NYI Convention and
approved by majority vote of the convention. At least two
names are submitted to the caucus for each position.
When circumstances prohibit a majority of elected delegates
from attending the Global NYI Convention, an
election may be held by postal/electronic ballot of the
elected delegates of a region within six months prior to
the Global NYI Convention, when approved by the Regional
NYI Council, the regional director (where applicable),
and the Global NYI Council.
2. An incumbent regional NYI president who has served
one term may be elected by a “yes” or “no” vote, when
such a vote is recommended by the Regional NYI Council
and approved by two-thirds vote of the Regional Caucus
and by the Convention. No person may serve in the office
of regional NYI president for more than two full terms.
3. Two regional NYI presidents from the U.S.A. are elected
to serve on the Global NYI Council by majority vote by
the newly elected U.S.A. regional NYI presidents at the
Global NYI Convention. At least three names are placed
in nomination at a special meeting of the U.S.A. regional
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NYI presidents chaired by the outgoing global NYI vice
president.
4. The various regional caucuses at the Global NYI Convention
nominate youth members-at-large to serve on
the Global NYI Council. A caucus may submit up to two
nominees for each position, selected by majority vote of
the caucus. Council members-at-large are then elected by
majority vote by ballot of the Convention from the nominations
submitted. No person may serve as a youth
member-at-large for more than one term.
5. The members of the Global NYI Council serve until the
close of the following General Assembly.
6. A vacancy among Global NYI Council members occurs
when a member resigns from office, is removed from office
by two-thirds majority vote of the Global NYI Council
due to neglect of duties, inappropriate conduct, or, in
the case of regional NYI presidents, changes residence or
church membership from their region or is removed by
the Regional NYI Council. Should a vacancy occur
among youth members-at-large, the Global NYI Council
fills the vacancy by majority vote from two or more nominations
submitted by the Executive Committee, acting as
a nominating committee. In the case of a vacancy in the
office of regional NYI president during the quadrennium,
the region elects a new president as follows:
a. When a special meeting of the Regional NYI Council
is possible, such a meeting for the purpose of election
may be conducted. A regional NYI Nominating Committee
appointed by the global NYI vice president
submits at least two nominees to the Regional NYI
Council for election by two-thirds majority vote. The
global NYI vice president or his or her appointed designee,
or the regional director (where applicable)
chairs this special meeting.
b. When a special meeting is not practical, the global
NYI vice president may conduct the ballot by postal,
telephone, or electronic means.
c. A vacancy among the two regional NYI presidents
representing the U.S.A. on the Global NYI Council is
AUXILIARY CONSTITUTIONS 303
filled by majority vote of the U.S.A. regional NYI
presidents.
Section 3 —Responsibilities
1. The Global NYI Council, in collaboration with the director
of NYI and NYI staff, establishes procedures for global
NYI programs and events and gives direction and support
to the development of youth ministry resources for
all levels of NYI, subject to approval of the general superintendent
in jurisdiction for NYI and the General Board.
These NYI ministry programs, events, and resources designed
to reach young people for Christ and respond to
their spiritual growth needs are facilitated through the
director of NYI and NYI leadership around the world.
2. The Global NYI Council provides a forum for the support
and development of effective youth ministry programs,
events, and resources at the regional level, consistent
with the mission and vision of NYI.
3. The Global NYI Council provides an avenue for the representation
of regional, district, and local levels of NYI
by council members to the NYI staff. Council members
also represent the global NYI by initiating contact with
their region, districts, and local churches on behalf of the
Global NYI Council and the Nazarene Youth International
office.
4. The Global NYI Council assists in the planning and administration
of the quadrennial Global NYI Convention.
5. The Global NYI Council gives input to the youth area of
the Sunday School and helps promotes growth in enrollment
and attendance for youth and training for youth
Sunday School teachers and leaders globally, in cooperation
with Sunday School Ministries.
6. The Global NYI Council reviews the annual budget and
expenditures of the NYI office provided through the General
Board.
7. The Global NYI Council directs and reviews the expenditure
of funds provided through NYI events and partnerships
subject to the approval of the general superintendent
in jurisdiction.
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Section 4—Committees
1. The Executive Committee consists of the elected Global
NYI officers, the director of NYI, and three other members
of the council elected by majority vote of the council.
The Executive Committee may conduct the business of
the Global NYI Council when it is impractical or impossible
to convene the entire council. All actions of the Executive
Committee are communicated to the remaining
members of the council and are subject to the approval of
the entire council at its next meeting.
2. The Global NYI Council may establish specific ministry
committees as necessary for advancing its work.
3. The NYI U.S.A./Canada Committee meets annually to plan
collaborative ministries and special events and to develop
youth ministry resources for the U.S.A. and Canada, in consultation
with and facilitated through the NYI staff designated
to serve the U.S.A. and Canada. The U.S.A./Canada
Committee consists of all regional NYI presidents from the
U.S.A. and Canada, the Nazarene Student Leadership Association
student cochair, the NYI U.S.A./Canada coordinator,
any Global NYI Council youth member-at-large or global
officer who resides in the U.S.A. or Canada, and other
youth members-at-large and ministry leaders as deemed
necessary by the NYI U.S.A./Canada Committee. Officers
for the U.S.A./Canada NYI Committee include a chairperson,
vice chairperson, and secretary, elected by majority
vote from among the three regional NYI presidents (U.S.A.
and Canada) who serve on the Global NYI Council. The
global NYI president and the director of NYI serve ex-officio
on this committee and coordinate its work with NYI
around the world. The U.S.A./Canada Committee reports
annually to the Global NYI Council.
Section 5—Paid Staff
1. The director of NYI is subject to the oversight of the
Board of General Superintendents and reports to the
Sunday School Ministries and NYI Committee. The Global
NYI Council may recommend revisions to these duties
to the general superintendent in jurisdiction for NYI.
AUXILIARY CONSTITUTIONS 305
2. The director of NYI, in consultation with the Global NYI
Council, designates the responsibilities of paid staff of
NYI, including those assigned to serve the U.S.A. and
Canada. The Global NYI Council and NYI office staff
work in cooperation and harmony with each other.
3. The director of NYI, in consultation with the general
superintendent in jurisdiction and the U.S.A./Canada
NYI Committee, designates an NYI U.S.A./Canada coordinator.
The U.S.A./Canada coordinator works in cooperation
and harmony with the NYI U.S.A./Canada Committee.
4. Regional NYI coordinators outside of the U.S.A. and
Canada work in cooperation and harmony with the Global
NYI Council, the director of NYI, and their regional director.
5. The director of NYI may not serve as the Global NYI
president.
IV. Meetings
Section 1—Global NYI Meetings
1. To provide effective ministry to young people, global NYI
ministry may involve a variety of gatherings for worship,
teaching, training, fellowship, and evangelism. Global
NYI leadership works together with regional, district,
and local NYI leadership to plan ministry globally, related
to specific groups, and geared to multiple regions, so
that youth ministry in the Church of the Nazarene may
be most effective.
2. Global NYI leaders and staff are actively involved with
NYI on every level as a resource for effective ministry.
Section 2—Global NYI Council Meetings
1. The Global NYI Council meets annually to advance the
mission and vision of NYI. The meeting is scheduled in
connection with the annual meeting of the General Board.
2. The global NYI officers or director of NYI may call special
meetings as necessary, in consultation with the general
superintendent in jurisdiction for NYI.
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Section 3—Global NYI Convention
1. A quadrennial Global NYI Convention provides for inspirational
sessions and programs to advance youth ministry
around the world. Reports are received, leadership
is elected, and any legislative business pertaining to the
work of NYI is transacted at the Global NYI Convention.
2. The Board of General Superintendents sets the length of
the Convention and the time it convenes, from recommendations
of the Global NYI Council to the General Assembly
Program Committee. The global NYI officers, director
of NYI, and NYI staff and coordinators oversee the convention,
with the assistance of the Global NYI Council.
3. All delegates of the Global NYI Convention must be
members of the Church of the Nazarene and Nazarene
Youth International and 12 years of age or older at the
time of the Global NYI Convention. Additionally, each
district NYI delegate must be a member of and reside on
the district he or she represents at the time of the convention.
4. The Global NYI Convention is composed of the global
NYI officers and members-at-large, the director of NYI,
duly elected executive regional officers (no more than
three), the regional and U.S.A./Canada NYI coordinators,
field, national, and district NYI coordinators, and district
NYI delegates as follows:
a. Districts with 1,000 or fewer NYI members may send
the following delegates:
1) The district NYI president serving at the time of
the Global NYI Convention;
2) One ministerial delegate active in NYI leadership
who is an assigned elder, deacon, or district licensed
minister;
3) One lay delegate over the age of 23 at the time of
the Global NYI Convention who is active in NYI
leadership; and
4) One youth delegate between the ages of 12 and 23
at the time of the Global NYI Convention who is
active in NYI.
AUXILIARY CONSTITUTIONS 307
b. In addition, a district may send an additional ministerial
delegate, lay delegate, and youth delegate between
the ages of 12 and 23 at the time of the Global
NYI Convention, for each successive 1,500 NYI members
and/or the final major part of 1,500 members
(751-1,499 members).
c. The size of the district delegation is based on the district
NYI membership report for the district assembly
in the calendar year immediately prior to the Global
NYI Convention.
d. All district delegates are to be elected by ballot by
majority vote at a session of the District NYI Convention
within 18 months of the Global NYI Convention
or within 24 months in areas where travel visas or
extensive preparations are necessary. Alternate delegates
may be elected after elected delegates on another
ballot from the remaining nominations by plurality
vote, with first alternate, second alternate, third alternate,
etc., designated by the number of votes received.
Delegates and alternates must be elected by
December 31 of the year prior to the Global NYI Convention.
e. The student body president of each Nazarene university,
college, or theological school, may also serve as a
delegate, as a representative of the partnership of
NYI with his or her institution. Should he or she be
unable to serve or attend, a representative selected
by the student government may provide alternate
representation.
5. In the case of districts without an organized NYI (no District
NYI Convention), Global NYI Convention representation
may be comprised of one delegate of NYI membership
age chosen by the district assembly. Should a
delegate withdraw prior to the convention, the District
Advisory Board may appoint a qualified delegate.
6. The bar of the Global NYI Convention may be set to enable
all duly elected delegates to participate in the voting
of the Global NYI Convention. This voting may take
place by whatever means necessary.
308 AUXILIARY CONSTITUTIONS
7. A caucus for each region is held during the Global NYI
Convention and is composed of the Regional NYI Council,
the regional director and regional NYI coordinator
(where applicable), and elected district NYI delegates
from that region.
AUXILIARY CONSTITUTIONS 309
Number of Number of Number of Number of
members delegates members delegates
4-1,750 3 4,751-6,250 12
1,751-3,250 6 6,251-7,750 15
3,251-4,750 9 7,751-9,250 18
*Number of elected delegates from a district NYI does not include ex-officio
delegates (district NYI president, regional NYI presidents and coordinators,
global officers and members-at-large from a district, etc.).
V. Ministries
Section 1—Evangelism
Nazarene Youth International at the global level develops
and implements a variety of ongoing ministries and special
events to reach young people for Christ.
Section 2—Discipleship
Nazarene Youth International at the global level develops
and implements a variety of ongoing ministries and special
events to nurture and challenge young people to grow as
disciples of Christ in personal devotion, worship, fellowship,
ministry, and leading others to Christ.
Section 3—Leadership Development
Nazarene Youth International at the global level develops
and implements a variety of ongoing ministries and special
events to mentor and equip young people to be leaders for
Christ and His church.
VI. Revisions
Section 1—Provision
1. The Nazarene Youth International Charter and Global
Ministry Plan provide the structure for organization,
function, and leadership of NYI at the global level. The
Global NYI Convention may revise the NYI Charter and
Global Ministry Plan in response to youth ministry
needs around the world through submitted resolutions.
All amendments to the Global Ministry Plan must be
consistent with the NYI Charter and the Manual of the
Church of the Nazarene.
2. Any area not covered by the NYI Charter or Global Ministry
Plan is under the authority of the Global NYI
Council and the director of NYI.
Section 2—Process
1. The Global NYI Council, in cooperation with the director
of NYI, establishes and publicizes the process for amending
the Global Ministry Plan and the Nazarene Youth International
Charter through submitted resolutions.
2. Any District NYI Council, Regional NYI Council, the
Global NYI Council, or at least six sponsoring delegates
to the Global NYI Convention may submit these resolutions.
Resolutions must be in proper resolution form and
received by the stated deadline.
3. The NYI office must receive all resolutions at least 30
days prior to the annual meeting of the Global NYI
Council in the year of the Global NYI Convention.
4. Resolutions must be distributed in written form to Global
NYI Convention delegates prior to the Global NYI
Convention.
5. Resolutions are considered first by the Global NYI Council
and by a Resolutions Committee of the Global NYI
Convention, composed of up to two NYI delegates appointed
from each region by the Regional NYI Council.
Those resolutions receiving a majority vote of either body
to recommend their approval are then considered by the
Convention.
310 AUXILIARY CONSTITUTIONS
6. Resolutions must be approved by a two-thirds majority
vote of all delegates present and voting at the Global
NYI Convention.
7. All approved changes in the Nazarene Youth International
Charter and Global Ministry Plan become effective
no later than 90 days following the Global NYI Convention.
The revised document must be distributed in
written form prior to taking effect.
AUXILIARY CONSTITUTIONS 311
CHAPTER II
811. NAZARENE MISSIONS INTERNATIONAL
CONSTITUTION
Article I. Name
The name of this organization shall be Nazarene Missions
International (NMI) of the Church of the Nazarene.
Article II. Purpose
The purpose of this organization shall be to
mobilize the entire church in active mission involvement,
in united prayer, and in the study of the salvation
needs of the world;
promote a wider knowledge of the mission fields of the
Church of the Nazarene;
inspire and challenge youth and children to be open to
God’s call for missionary service, and to facilitate the
mentoring of children, youth, and adults in their calls;
raise funds, as elsewhere provided for in this Constitution,
for extending the kingdom of Jesus Christ around
the world.
Article III. Structure
Section 1. Local
The local Nazarene Missions International (NMI) shall be
an organization of the local church and shall work cooperatively
with the pastor and church board through the local
NMI council.
A local NMI may choose to have one or more groups to further
the purpose of NMI (e.g., Sunday School classes, children’s
church, youth groups, chapters, special missions emphasis
focus, etc.). Such groups and the appointment/election
of officers shall be authorized by the local NMI council with
approval by the pastor and the respective related leaders.
312 AUXILIARY CONSTITUTIONS
Section 2. District
The district Nazarene Missions International (NMI) shall
be an organization of the _______________ District and work
cooperatively with the district superintendent, district advisory
board, and other district related leaders through the
district NMI council.
All local NMI organizations within the boundaries of
______________ District shall constitute the district NMI.
Section 3. General
The general Nazarene Missions International (NMI) shall
be an organization of the Church of the Nazarene and work
cooperatively with the General NMI Council, the World Mission
Department, the World Mission Committee of the General
Board, and the general superintendent in jurisdiction.
All district and local NMI organizations shall constitute
the general NMI. It shall be auxiliary to the Church of the
Nazarene.
Article IV. Membership
A. Members: Any person who is a member of the Church
of the Nazarene and supports the Nazarene Missions
International (NMI) purpose may be a member of NMI
in that local church.
1. Voting and holding office shall be limited to members
who are 15 years of age or older, except in children’s
and youth groups.
2. Unless otherwise stated in this constitution, reference
to “members” means NMI members who are
members of the church.
B. Associate Members: Any person who is not a member
of the Church of the Nazarene and supports the NMI
purpose may be an associate member of NMI.
Article V. Councils and Officers
Section 1. Local Council
A. Purpose: The local council shall promote the purpose of
Nazarene Missions International (NMI) in the local
church.
AUXILIARY CONSTITUTIONS 313
B. Composition
1. The council shall have four officers: a president, a
vice president, a secretary, and a treasurer.
2. Council members shall be responsible for mission
education, LINKS, prayer and fasting, mission call,
Alabaster, Missionary Health Care, Work & Witness,
World Mission Broadcast, publicity, Nazarene
Compassionate Ministries, children’s missions,
youth missions, and/or any other emphasis deemed
necessary by the local council. Chapter chairmen
shall be members of the local NMI council. A council
member may hold more than one position but only
have one vote.
3. Executive committee shall be the pastor (ex-officio),
NMI officers, and two other council members.
4. Any district NMI council member shall be an ex-officio
member of the local NMI council with the approval
of the local NMI council.
C. Nominations, Elections, Appointments, and Vacancies
1. Nominations: The council shall be nominated by a
committee of not less than three and no more than
seven members of the NMI. The pastor shall appoint
the nominating committee and serve as the committee
chairman. All nominees shall be NMI members
of the local Church of the Nazarene.
2. Elections: The officers and a minimum of two additional
council members shall be elected at the annual
meeting and shall begin serving on the first day
of the new church year after the election. If a local
church has a unified treasurer who accounts for
church funds, including NMI monies, and who has
been elected by the church board, that person shall
be the NMI treasurer as an ex-officio member of the
local NMI council with all rights and duties, unless
otherwise specified by the local council.
a. President
(1) The nominating committee shall submit one
or more names for the office of president,
subject to the approval of the church board.
314 AUXILIARY CONSTITUTIONS
(2) Incumbent nominees may be reelected by a
yes/no ballot when such election is recommended
by the nominating committee and
approved by the pastor.
(3) The president shall be elected by a majority
vote by ballot of the members present and
voting for a term of service of one or two
church years. The NMI council and the pastor
shall recommend the length of the term of
service.
b. Each of the remaining officers shall be elected by
ballot for a term of service of one or two church
years, the length of the term to be recommended
by the NMI council and the pastor, by
(1) A plurality vote; or
(2) A yes/no vote, when such a vote is recommended
by the nominating committee and
approved by the pastor.
c. Additional council members, whose length of service
shall be one church year, may be:
(1) Elected to specific responsibilities, or
(2) Elected to the council as a whole with responsibilities
to be determined later, or
(3) Appointed by the executive committee.
d. Delegates and alternates to the district convention
shall be elected by ballot at the annual meeting
by a plurality vote. Alternates may be elected
on a separate ballot, or at the recommendation of
the local council on the same ballot as the delegates.
(See Article VI, Section 2, A.3 for determining
the number of delegates.)
3. Appointments: In consultation with the pastor, additional
council members may be appointed by the executive
committee to a term of service of one church
year and shall begin serving on the first day of the
new church year or at any time after the appointment
is made.
4. Vacancies
a. President: The executive committee shall nomi-
AUXILIARY CONSTITUTIONS 315
nate one or more names with the approval of the
church board. Election shall be by ballot with a
majority vote of the NMI members at any regular
or called meeting.
b. Other executive committee members: The executive
committee shall nominate one or more
names. Election shall be by ballot by a plurality
vote of the local NMI members at any regular or
called meeting. If a local church has a unified
treasurer, that vacancy shall be filled by the
church board.
c. Other council members: The executive committee
shall fill any vacancy by appointment.
D. Duties of Council Members
1. President
a. Directs the work of NMI in the local church.
b. Presides at all regular and special meetings of
NMI.
c. Promotes, or delegates responsibility for, all emphases
not assigned by election or council action.
d. Prepares an annual budget for approval by the
local NMI council and church board.
e. Submits annually written reports to the local
NMI, the annual church meeting, the pastor of
the local church, and the district NMI secretary.
f. Serves as an ex-officio member of the church
board, Sunday School Ministries board, district
NMI convention, and district assembly. In the case
where the pastor’s spouse serves as the local president,
if he or she so desires not to serve on the
church board, the vice president is authorized to
serve on the church board in the president’s place.
2. Vice President
a. Performs all duties of the president when the
president is absent.
b. Serves in other areas as assigned by the local
NMI council.
3. Secretary
a. Conducts the correspondence of the NMI, keeps
316 AUXILIARY CONSTITUTIONS
statistical records, and records the minutes of all
business meetings.
b. Keeps a complete list of all NMI members.
4. Treasurer
a. Keeps an accurate account of all funds collected
and expended.
b. Ensures all offerings are sent to the designated
treasurers in a timely manner.
c. Furnishes the council and, where applicable, the
local church treasurer with all reports.
5. Executive Committee
a. Appoints additional council members or fills vacancies
on the council.
b. Transacts business between council meetings.
c. Nominates one or more names for president if a
vacancy occurs between annual meetings.
6. Other Council Members
a. Promotes the emphases and/or responsibility to
which they are assigned (see NMI Handbook).
Section 2: District Council
A. Purpose: The district council shall promote the purpose
of Nazarene Missions International within the district.
B. Composition
1. The council shall have four officers: a president, a
vice president, a secretary, and a treasurer.
2. Council members shall be responsible for mission
education, LINKS, prayer and fasting, mission call,
Alabaster, Missionary Health Care, Work & Witness,
World Mission Broadcast, publicity, Nazarene
Compassionate Ministries, children’s missions,
youth missions, deputation, NMI zone or area coordinators,
or any other emphasis deemed necessary
by the district council. A council member may hold
more than one position but have only one vote.
3. Executive Committee shall be the district superintendent,
NMI officers, and two other council members.
C. Nominations, Elections, Appointments, and Vacancies
1. Nominations: The council shall be nominated by a
AUXILIARY CONSTITUTIONS 317
committee of not less than five (5) members of the
NMI. The district executive committee shall appoint
the nominating committee. The district superintendent
shall serve as the committee chairman for the
nomination of the district president. Upon approval
of the district superintendent, the district NMI
president may serve as chairman of the nominating
committee for other nominations. All nominees
shall be NMI members of a local Church of the Nazarene
on the district where they will serve.
2. Elections: The president and at least four additional
council members, one of which will be designated as
vice president, shall be elected by ballot at the annual
district convention. (These four council positions
do not include the secretary and treasurer. See
Article V, Section 2, C.2.c.) The term of service shall
be one or two convention years. A convention year is
from the adjournment of the district convention to
the adjournment of the next district convention.
a. President
(1) The nominating committee shall submit at
least two or more names for the office of president
except when nominating an incumbent
president for another term.
(2) Incumbent nominees may be reelected by a
yes/no ballot when such election is recommended
by the district council and approved
by the district superintendent.
(3) The president shall be elected by a two-thirds
favorable vote of the members present and
voting for a term of service of one or two convention
years or until the successor has been
elected. The district NMI council and the district
superintendent shall recommend the
length of the term of service.
b. Vice president shall be elected by ballot in one of
the following ways:
(1) To the specific responsibility with two names
submitted for the office; or
318 AUXILIARY CONSTITUTIONS
(2) To the council as a whole with specific council
positions to be determined by the council; or
(3) A yes/no vote upon the recommendation of
the nominating committee and approval of
the district superintendent.
c. Secretary and treasurer shall be elected by ballot
by
(1) The district convention. With the recommendation
of the nominating committee and approval
of the district superintendent, election
may be by a yes/no ballot for one or two convention
years; or
(2) The newly elected district council upon the
recommendation of the nominating committee
and approval of the district superintendent.
With the recommendation of the nominating
committee and approval of the district
superintendent, election may be by a yes/no
ballot for one or two convention years.
(3) If a district has a unified treasurer who accounts
for district funds, including NMI
monies, that person shall be the NMI treasurer
as an ex-officio member of the district
NMI council with all rights and duties, unless
otherwise specified by the district council.
d. Three council members, in addition to the officers,
shall be elected by ballot for one or two convention
years with responsibilities to be determined
by the council. The nominating committee
and the district superintendent shall recommend
the length of the term of service.
e. Additional council members, including NMI zone
or area coordinators, may be
(1) Elected to specific responsibilities; or
(2) Elected to the council as a whole with responsibilities
to be determined later by the council;
or
(3) Appointed by the executive committee or dis-
AUXILIARY CONSTITUTIONS 319
trict council as determined by the executive
committee.
The term of service shall be one or two convention
years. The nominating committee and district
superintendent shall recommend the length
of the term of service.
f. Youth representatives
(1) The district convention may elect by ballot
one and not more than two youth members to
the district council; or
(2) The newly elected district council may elect
one and not more than two youth members to
the district council.
(3) Nominations may be requested from the district
Nazarene Youth International executive
committee.
(4) Term of service shall be for one convention
year.
g. The two executive committee members other
than the officers shall be elected by ballot by the
district council for a term of service of one convention
year or until their successors are elected.
h. Delegates and alternates to the General Convention
shall be elected by ballot at a district convention.
Alternates may be elected on a separate
ballot, or at the recommendation of the district
council on the same ballot as the delegates. (See
Article VI, Section 3, A.3.b. for determining the
number of delegates and time of election.)
3. Appointments: In consultation with the district
superintendent, additional council members may be
appointed by the executive committee or district
council as determined by the executive committee.
4. Vacancies
a. President: The executive committee shall nominate
two names. Election shall be by ballot with
a majority vote of the district council present and
voting. The person elected shall serve until the
adjournment of the next district convention.
320 AUXILIARY CONSTITUTIONS
b. Other council members: The executive committee
or district council shall fill any vacancy by appointment.
The newly appointed council members
shall serve until the adjournment of the
next district convention.
c. Unified treasurer: If a district has a unified treasurer,
that vacancy shall be filled by district advisory
board.
D. Duties of Council Members
1. President
a. Directs the work of NMI on the district.
b. Presides at all meetings of the district council,
executive committee, and the district convention.
c. Promotes, or delegates responsibility for, all emphases
not assigned by election or council action.
d. Prepares an annual budget for approval by the
district finance committee.
e. Submits annually a written report to the district
NMI convention and to the General NMI Council
regional representative.
f. Serves as an ex-officio member of the district advisory
council, district Sunday School Ministries
board, district NMI convention, and district assembly.
2. Vice President
a. Performs all duties of the president when the
president is absent.
b. Serves in other areas as assigned by the district
NMI council.
3. Secretary
a. Conducts the correspondence of the NMI and
records the minutes of all business meetings.
b. Sends report forms annually to local NMI presidents.
c. Compiles statistical records and submits an annual
report to the district president, general NMI
director, General Council representative, and
where applicable the NMI program coordinator
for World Mission regions.
AUXILIARY CONSTITUTIONS 321
4. Treasurer
a. Keeps an accurate account of all funds collected
and expended.
b. Remits funds to designated treasurers in a timely
manner.
c. Furnishes regular itemized reports to the district
council and prepares an annual report for the
district convention.
d. Arranges with appropriate district personnel the
annual audit of the district NMI treasurer’s books.
5. Executive Committee
a. Appoints additional district council members or
fills vacancies on the council.
b. Transacts business between council meetings.
c. Nominates two names for president if a vacancy
occurs between annual conventions.
6. Other Council Members
a. Promote the emphases and/or responsibility to
which they are assigned (see NMI Handbook).
Section 3: General Council
A. Purpose: The General NMI Council shall promote the
purpose of Nazarene Missions International.
B. Composition
1. General director, general president, and one representative
from each region in the Church of the
Nazarene.
2. Executive Committee shall be the general director,
the general president, the vice president, and two
other council members.
3. The director of the World Mission Department shall
be a member of the General Council and the Executive
Committee.
C. Nominations, Elections, and Vacancies
1. Nomination and Election of General Director
a. The general director shall be nominated by the director
of the World Mission Department in consultation
with the general superintendent in jurisdiction
for the World Mission Department.
322 AUXILIARY CONSTITUTIONS
b. The General Council shall approve the nominated
general director by a majority vote by ballot.
c. The World Mission Committee of the General
Board shall approve the nomination by a majority
vote by ballot and recommend the nominee to
the Board of General Superintendents.
d. The Board of General Superintendents shall
elect the general director.
2. Nomination and Election of General President
a. A nominating committee composed of the general
director, three regional representatives from the
General Council, and five non-General Council
members shall be appointed by the executive
committee. No two members of the nominating
committee may be from the same region.
b. The general director shall serve as chairman of
the nominating committee.
c. The committee shall submit the names of two
and not more than three persons for general
president. The nominees shall be approved by the
Board of General Superintendents.
d. From these nominees the General Convention
shall elect a general president by a two-thirds
vote by ballot.
e. The general president shall serve from the adjournment
of the General Convention until the
adjournment of the next General Convention or
until his or her successor has been elected and
qualified.
f. The general president shall be limited to two full
terms of service. A term of service shall be one
quadrennium. If a person is elected to fill a vacancy
in the office of general president, that person
is also eligible to serve two full terms.
3. Nomination and Election of General Council Members
a. Each district NMI council may submit one or two
names to the General NMI Office from its region
as the regional representative for a nominating
ballot.
AUXILIARY CONSTITUTIONS 323
(1) These persons shall be members and residents
of the region they will represent. (In
the case where a council member moves from
that region within 6 months prior to the next
General Convention, that council member
will complete the term.)
(2) This provision does not apply to anyone whose
home residence is just across a regional boundary
from the place of church membership.
b. From these names on the nominating ballot, each
region in caucus at the general NMI convention
shall choose by ballot two nominees. The two
with the highest number of votes shall be declared
the nominees; however, the two nominees
shall not be from the same district. If this happens,
the person with the second highest number
of votes is replaced by the person with the next
highest number of votes from a different district.
c. The region in caucus shall then elect one person
by a majority vote to represent the region on the
General Council.
d. Council members shall serve from the adjournment
of the General Convention until the adjournment
of the next General Convention or until
their successors have been elected and qualified.
e. The term of service shall be limited to two full
terms. A term of service shall be one quadrennium.
If a person is elected to fill a vacancy of a
General Council member, that person is also eligible
to serve two full terms.
4. Nomination and Election of Executive Committee
a. The General Council shall in its first meeting
nominate and elect a vice president and two additional
members for the executive committee.
b. Election shall be by ballot by a majority vote of
those present and voting.
5. Nomination and Election of NMI Representative to
General Board
a. The General Council shall nominate two mem-
324 AUXILIARY CONSTITUTIONS
bers of the council to represent NMI on the General
Board of the Church of the Nazarene.
b. The General Assembly shall elect the NMI representative
by ballot.
6. Vacancies
a. If a vacancy occurs in the office of general president
between General Conventions, a new general
president shall be elected from nominees selected
by the executive committee in consultation
with the general superintendent in jurisdiction
by a two-thirds vote of the General Council. The
person will perform the duties of the general
president until adjournment of the next General
Convention. The question of calling for an election
to fill the vacancy shall be decided by the
General Council in consultation with the general
superintendent in jurisdiction.
b. If a vacancy occurs on the council between General
Conventions, each district executive committee
on the region concerned shall be requested to submit
one nominee from the region to the general
executive committee. From these names, the general
executive committee shall present two names
as nominees. The vacancy shall then be filled by a
majority vote by the district NMI presidents on
the region. The question of calling for an election
to fill the vacancy shall be decided by the General
Council executive committee in consultation with
the general superintendent in jurisdiction.
c. If a vacancy occurs in the office of general director,
the same process will be followed for the
nomination and election of the general director
(see Article V. Section 3. C. 1).
d. If a vacancy occurs in the executive committee
between General Conventions, the General Council
shall nominate two people. The vacancy shall
be filled by a majority vote by ballot of the General
NMI Council.
e. If a vacancy occurs in the NMI representative to
AUXILIARY CONSTITUTIONS 325
the General Board, the general executive committee
shall submit two nominees after consultation
with the general superintendent in jurisdiction
and the approval of the Board of General Superintendents.
The General NMI Council shall elect the
General Board representative by a majority vote.
D. Duties
1. General Council Members
a. Cooperate with the general NMI director in developing
NMI policy and program.
b. Promote the total program of the NMI in the geographic
region they represent.
c. Submit a report of the NMI work in the region to
each General Council meeting.
d. Nominate two members of the council for election
by the General Assembly as the NMI representative
on the General Board.
e. Act on any legislation passed by the General Assembly
relevant to regional representation.
f. Elect a vice president and two other members
from the council to the executive committee.
2. General Director
a. Serves as the executive officer of NMI.
b. Advances the mission interests of NMI throughout
the districts around the world in cooperation
with the General Council.
c. Interprets the NMI Handbook and Constitution.
d. Directs the personnel and business of the general
office.
e. Serves as editor-in-chief of all NMI publications.
f. Directs the compilation and maintenance of
records and reports.
g. Makes an annual financial and statistical report
to the General Council, the World Mission Committee,
and the General Board.
h. Prepares a condensed report of business transacted
in each meeting of the council for approval
by the World Mission Committee of the General
Board.
326 AUXILIARY CONSTITUTIONS
i. Directs the organization and program of the General
Convention in collaboration with the General
Council.
j. Prepares the General Convention report, both financial
and statistical, with a condensed version
through the World Mission Department for the
General Assembly.
k. Serves as an ex-officio member of the General Assembly.
3. General President
a. Presides at the meetings of the General Council,
executive committee, and the General Convention.
b. Promotes the purpose and programs of NMI.
4. Vice President
a. Performs the duties of the president when the
president is absent.
5. Executive Committee
a. Transacts business between council meetings.
b. Nominates two names for general president if a
vacancy occurs between General Conventions.
c. Nominates two names for a vacancy on the executive
committee.
d. Appoints the nominating committee for general
president.
Article VI. Meetings
Section 1. Local Meetings
A. Monthly
There shall be one or more meetings for mission information,
inspiration, and prayer held each calendar
month.
1. Meetings may take the form of mission services,
mission speakers, mission lessons, mission activities
and events, mission moments, NMI emphases, etc.
2. The NMI president and the council shall work in cooperation
with the pastor in planning mission education
and involvement for the local church.
AUXILIARY CONSTITUTIONS 327
B. Annual
1. The annual meeting shall be held no later than 30
days prior to the district convention to elect the executive
committee/council for the next church year
and the delegates to the district convention.
2. Voting and election to the local council shall be limited
to NMI members who are 15 years of age or
older.
C. Council Meetings
The local council shall meet at least quarterly to plan,
report, evaluate, inform, inspire, and carry out the
work of the local organization. A majority of council
members shall constitute a quorum.
Section 2. District Meetings
A. Convention
1. There shall be an annual district convention to report,
pray, inform, inspire, present plans, and conduct
business pertaining to the organization.
2. The time and place of the convention shall be decided
by the district council in consultation with the
district superintendent and shall be held within 30
days prior to the district assembly.
3. Membership
a. Only members of the respective district shall be
eligible to serve as ex-officio or elected delegates.
b. Ex-officio members of the convention shall be district
NMI council; district superintendent; all assigned
ministers and full-time salaried associate
ministers of local churches; lay members of the
district advisory board; the local NMI presidents
of the assembly year just ending, and newly elected
NMI presidents or newly elected vice presidents
if the newly elected president cannot attend;
General NMI Council member; retired
assigned ministers; retired missionaries, missionaries
on home assignment, and missionary appointees;
and any former district presidents who
reside on the district that they served.
328 AUXILIARY CONSTITUTIONS
c. Elected delegates from each local church shall be
NMI members (15 years of age or older). The
number of elected delegates shall be based on the
following formula: two delegates (excluding associate
members) from each local NMI of 25 members
or fewer, and one additional delegate for
each additional 25 members or major portion
thereof.
4. The delegates present shall constitute a quorum.
B. Council
The district council shall meet at least biannually to
transact business in the interim between the annual
district conventions. A majority of council members
shall constitute a quorum.
Section 3. General Meetings
A. Convention
1. There shall be a General Convention of Nazarene
Missions International immediately preceding the
General Assembly to report, pray, inform, inspire,
present plans, and conduct business pertaining to
the organization. A majority of registered delegates
shall constitute a quorum.
2. The time and place of the convention shall be decided
by the General Council in consultation with the
general superintendent in jurisdiction.
3. Membership
a. Ex-officio members of the General Convention
shall be members of the General Council; NMI
program coordinators of World Mission regions;
district NMI presidents, or in the event a district
president cannot attend, the district vice president
may be allowed to represent that district;
and the NMI president of each Phase 1 district,
or if the president cannot attend, the president,
with the approval of the district superintendent
may designate an alternate to be seated.
b. Elected delegates to the General Convention
shall be based on the following formula: two dele-
AUXILIARY CONSTITUTIONS 329
gates from each Phase 3 and Phase 2 district of
1,000 or fewer NMI members, excluding associates,
and one additional delegate for each additional
700 members or major portion thereof.
c. One global missionary delegate for every World
Mission region of 50 or fewer missionaries, or two
global missionary delegates for each region with
51 or more missionaries shall be elected by the
Regional Advisory Council in each region.
d. Delegates are to be elected by ballot by the district
convention within 16 months of the General
Convention or within 24 months in areas where
travel visas or other unusual preparations are
necessary.
e. Any elected delegate shall be residing at the time
of the General Convention on the district where
he or she held membership at the time of election.
If any elected delegate moves off the district,
the privilege of representing the former district
is forfeited. This provision does not apply to
anyone whose home residence is just across a district
boundary from the place of church membership.
B. Council Meetings
The General Council shall meet a minimum of three
times during the quadrennium to transact business
pertaining to the organization. A majority of council
members shall constitute a quorum.
Article VII. Funds
Section 1. Raised by Local Churches
A.World Evangelism Fund
1. All funds raised for the World Evangelism Fund
shall be sent to the general treasurer.
2. World Evangelism Fund (WEF) shall be raised in
the following manner:
a. Regular WEF offerings
b. Easter and Thanksgiving offerings
c. The WEF portion of Faith Promise giving
330 AUXILIARY CONSTITUTIONS
d. Prayer and Fasting offerings
B. Approved Mission Specials
1. Opportunity shall be given to contribute to Approved
Mission Specials (such as Alabaster, World Mission
Broadcast, Nazarene Compassionate Ministries,
Deputation, Missionary Health Care, LINKS, Work
& Witness, NMI International Student Scholarship
Fund, etc.) over and above WEF giving.
2. Additional Approved Mission Specials may be approved
and authorized by appropriate personnel at
Nazarene International Headquarters.
3. The General NMI Council shall authorize all Approved
Mission Specials that are promoted and
raised through NMI from the general level.
C. Funds Exclusive
1. No part of the World Evangelism Fund and Approved
Mission Specials shall be used for local or
district expense or charitable purposes.
D. Local Expense
1. A local expense fund shall be provided for NMI as
determined by the local NMI council and approved
by the church board.
2. A portion of the local expense shall be designated
for the expenses of the district convention delegates.
Section 2. Raised by the Districts
A. District Expense
1. A district expense fund shall be provided for NMI as
determined by the district NMI council and approved
by the district finance committee.
2. A portion of the district expense fund shall be designated
to pay for district delegate expenses to the
General Convention.
3. World Evangelism Fund and Approved Mission Specials
shall not be used for district expense.
Section 3. Remuneration
A. The ministry of NMI shall be a love service to the
church. No salaries shall be paid at any level—local,
AUXILIARY CONSTITUTIONS 331
district, and general—with the exception of the general
director, who is employed by the General Board.
B. Adequate remuneration shall be provided for the expenses
of council members at all levels—local, district,
and general.
Article VIII. Policies and Procedures
The General NMI Council shall establish additional policies,
procedures, and job descriptions for NMI to be contained
in the NMI Handbook along with the NMI Constitution.
Article IX. Parliamentary Authority
The rules contained in the current edition of Robert’s
Rules of Order Newly Revised, when not in conflict with applicable
law, the Articles of Incorporation of the Church of
the Nazarene, the NMI Constitution, and any other rules of
order that NMI may adopt, shall govern the organization.
Article X. Amendments
The NMI Constitution may be amended by two-thirds favorable
vote of members present and voting at a General
Convention of Nazarene Missions International and by the
approval of the World Mission Committee of the General
Board.
332 AUXILIARY CONSTITUTIONS
CHAPTER III
812. BYLAWS OF THE SUNDAY SCHOOL
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of Sunday School Ministries (SSM) is to carry
out the Great Commission to children, youth, and adults in
preparation for a lifetime of Christian holiness.
PURPOSE
The purpose of the Sunday School is threefold:
A. To teach the Word of God effectively until pupils are
saved, sanctified wholly, and maturing in Christian experience.
B. To help Christians grow spiritually by involving them
in a reaching, teaching, and soul-winning ministry.
C. To locate and visit unchurched people until they become
enrolled and regular in attendance.
ARTICLE I. MEMBERSHIP
Responsibility List
Each local church should assume responsibility for reaching
all persons in the community who are not actively involved
in another local church. To assist in this mission,
maintaining three lists will be helpful:
A. Active Responsibility List (Enrollment) (Line 25, Pastor's
Annual Report, PAR). This is the traditional enrollment
list and shall include all persons who declare
their willingness to attend the regular Sunday School
session (see Article II, Section 1) with some degree of
regularity. Each teacher is expected to be responsible
for the spiritual welfare of those on his or her class Responsibility
List.
B. Prospect List. This list includes the names of all persons
who have the potential of becoming regular
AUXILIARY CONSTITUTIONS 333
attenders of the local Sunday School. Each Sunday
School class should consistently strive to bring them
into regular attendance. This list should include persons
who only attend morning worship.
C. Extended (Outreach) Ministry List (Line 27, PAR).
This list shall include all persons who are regularly involved
in an extended (outreach) Sunday School ministry
(see Article II, Section 2), but not in a regular
Sunday School session each week.
SECTION 1. Participants in the following ministries shall
be included on either the Sunday School Active Responsibility
List (Enrollment), the Prospect List, OR the Extended
(Outreach) Ministry List, according to the following guidelines:
a. Cradle Roll (Line 16, PAR): Children under four years
of age who, along with their parents, do not attend
Sunday School may be enrolled on the Prospect List as
Cradle Roll.
1. The children are considered as prospects for the
Sunday School early childhood classes, and the parents
as prospects in the corresponding adult classes.
2. The Sunday School superintendent and the children’s
ministries director, in consultation with the
pastor, shall appoint a Cradle Roll director each
church year who is responsible to visit and take program
materials to these families.
3. When they begin attending Sunday School with
some degree of regularity, they should be transferred
to the Sunday School Active Responsibility
List (Enrollment) of the corresponding age-group
class.
4. If they have not started attending by the child's
fourth birthday, they should be removed from the
Cradle Roll list and added to the prospect list of the
Preschool and Adult departments.
5. Until they begin attending with some degree of regularity,
they shall remain on the prospect list.
b. Home Department: Any person physically or vocationally
unable to attend a regular Sunday School class
334 AUXILIARY CONSTITUTIONS
may be enrolled in the Home Department and listed on
either the Active Responsibility List (Enrollment) OR
the Extended (Outreach) Ministries List according to
the following guidelines:
1. The Sunday School superintendent and adult ministries
director, in consultation with the pastor, shall
appoint a Home Department supervisor each church
year whose responsibility is to visit and teach the
Sunday School lesson each week.
2. Those persons visited weekly and taught the Sunday
School lesson shall be listed on the Active Responsibility
List (Enrollment), and included in the
weekly regular Sunday School attendance (Line 26,
PAR).
3. If there is no regular weekly visit, or if approved
Sunday School curriculum is not taught, these persons
should be listed on the extended (outreach)
ministry list (Line 27, PAR) and counted in the extended
(outreach) ministries average weekly attendance
(Line 28, PAR).
c. Nursing HomeConvalescent CenterHealth Care Facility:
Any residents confined to one of these centers who
attend a weekly session sponsored by the local church
may be listed on either the Active Responsibility List
(Enrollment) OR the extended (outreach) ministry list
according to the following guidelines:
1. If the resident actively participates in a weekly
study of approved Sunday School curriculum he or
she shall be included on the Active Responsibility
List (Enrollment) (Line 25, PAR) and counted in the
average weekly attendance (Line 26, PAR).
2. If the resident attends a weekly service but is unable
to actively participate, or if approved Sunday
School curriculum is not taught, he or she shall be
added to the extended (outreach) ministry list (Line
27, PAR) and counted in the extended (outreach)
ministries average weekly attendance (Line 28,
PAR).
d. Church-Type Mission: Any group sponsored by the lo-
AUXILIARY CONSTITUTIONS 335
cal church or district who meets weekly for at least a
half hour in another location to study approved Sunday
School curriculum with the goal of becoming an
organized Church of the Nazarene shall be added to
the Active Responsibility List (Enrollment) (Line 25,
PAR) and average weekly regular Sunday School attendance
(Line 26, PAR) of the sponsoring church by
designating name/location of the new work.
1. The attendance figures of any Church-Type Mission
shall be listed separately from the regular Sunday
School session of the sponsoring church when reporting
to the district each month, but included in
the monthly Sunday School attendance total for the
district.
2. If a local church sponsors a Church-Type Mission in
close proximity to the church, this attendance
should be listed and reported separately by name
and location under the sponsoring church’s attendance.
If a local church sponsors more than one new
work, each new work should be listed by name and
location.
3. Attendance totals for the week, month, and year
should be recorded per the following example:
Regular Sunday School Attendance 125
Church-Type Mission (Corporate Hills) 30
Church-Type Mission (Blue Valley) 15
Extended (Outreach) Ministries 25
4. If a district or local church is promoting a large
group of church planting situations, these Church-
Type Missions may be listed separately with their
own name and location, if desired by the district.
e. Childcare/Schools: Any group of students in a Nazarene
childcare/school (birth-secondary) under the sponsorship
of the local church shall be listed on either the
Active Responsibility List (Enrollment) OR the Extended
(Outreach) Ministries List, according to the following
guidelines:
1. If students not currently enrolled in a Nazarene
Sunday School actively participate in a regular
336 AUXILIARY CONSTITUTIONS
weekly study of approved Sunday School curriculum
for at least a half hour, they shall be included on the
Active Responsibility List (Enrollment) (Line 25,
PAR), and counted in the average weekly attendance
(Line 26, PAR).
2. If students attend a weekly class but approved Sunday
School curriculum is not taught, they shall be
added to the extended (outreach) ministry list (Line
27, PAR) and counted in the extended (outreach)
ministries average weekly attendance (Line 28,
PAR).
f. Bible Study/Small Groups: Persons attending any
group assembled under the sponsorship of the local
church for the purpose of studying biblical principles
shall be listed on either the Active Responsibility List
(Enrollment) OR the Extended (Outreach) Ministries
List according to the following guidelines:
1. If the group meets weekly for at least a half hour to
study biblical principles and approved curriculum,
members shall be listed on the Active Responsibility
List (Enrollment) (Line 25, PAR) and average weekly
regular Sunday School attendance (Line 26, PAR).
2. If the group does not meet weekly for at least a half
hour to study approved curriculum, it shall be listed
on the Extended (Outreach) Ministries List (Line
27, PAR) and counted in the extended (outreach)
ministries average weekly attendance (Line 28,
PAR).
SECTION 2. Removal of Names
Once a person is listed on any responsibility list, the local
church should actively seek to minister to that person until
he or she is brought into the fellowship of that church. Removing
names should be done only with the approval of the
pastor when:
a. the enrollee moves out of town
b. the enrollee joins another Sunday School
c. the enrollee specifically asks to have his or her name
removed
d. the enrollee dies
AUXILIARY CONSTITUTIONS 337
ARTICLE II. ATTENDANCE
Counting Sunday School Attendance
The purpose of counting Sunday School Ministries attendance
in the local church is to measure the effectiveness of
that church’s effort to reach people with the biblical message.
All Sunday School ministry efforts should lead to
bringing people into fellowship with Christ by experiencing
the new birth and identification with the local church.
It is important to remember that even though some people
may be involved in more than one Sunday School ministry,
they shall be counted only once in either the Regular
Sunday School Attendance OR Extended (Outreach) Ministry
Attendance. Attendance counts for Sunday School ministries
occurring on weekdays should be counted in the following
Sunday’s attendance.
The General Sunday School Ministries Department needs
to have correct responsibility list and attendance figures
from each district in order to compile an accurate report of
Sunday School growth within the denomination each year.
Sunday School ministries attendance is divided into two
categories: Regular Sunday School Session (Line 26, PAR)
and Extended (Outreach) Ministries (Line 28, PAR). These
categories shall be counted each week by the local church
according to the guidelines listed below and in Article I, Section
1 above.
SECTION 1. Regular Sunday School Session. A regular
Sunday School session shall be defined as an organized
group of people who meet each week at a specified time and
place. The purpose of this meeting must be to study biblical
principles, using Sunday School curriculum approved by the
local Sunday School Ministries Board, for at least a half
hour. This will constitute the regular Sunday School weekly
attendance (Line 26, PAR).
a. Attendance counts shall be closed no later than the
halfway point of the Regular Sunday School Session.
This shall also apply to unified/combined services,
those occasions when the Regular Sunday School Session
does not meet due to a special worship service.
338 AUXILIARY CONSTITUTIONS
b. An enrollee in a local Sunday School shall be considered
present in his or her local Sunday School when attending
on that Sunday a local, zone, district, region, or
general church-sponsored function such as a retreat,
assembly, camp meeting, etc., as long as he or she is
not counted in another local Sunday School where he
or she is attending. Such functions shall include at
least a half hour of study of biblical principles.
c. All Regular Sunday School Sessions shall be used in
determining the average attendance for the year and
that attendance shall be reported monthly to the district.
For most churches, the number of Sunday School
sessions held will be 52. In some geographical areas
weather will occasionally prohibit regular Sunday
School sessions. The District Sunday School Ministries
Board, in consultation with the district superintendent,
shall determine any valid exceptions.
d. Attendance counts from Home Department, Nursing
HomeConvalescent CenterHealth Care Facility,
Church-Type Missions, Nazarene Childcare/Schools
(birth-secondary), and Bible Study/Small Groups may
be included in the average weekly regular Sunday
School attendance OR the extended (outreach) ministries
average weekly attendance according to the
guidelines in Article I, Section 1.
SECTION 2. Extended (Outreach) Ministry. The attendance
of all extended and outreach ministries of the local
church shall be counted as the Extended (Outreach) Ministry
Attendance (Line 28, PAR). The Extended (Outreach)
Ministry Attendance shall be defined as persons involved in
a study of biblical principles for at least a half hour, but not
otherwise meeting the criteria of a Regular Sunday School
Session (see Article II, Section 1).
a. A local church having more than one type of extended
(outreach) ministry should combine responsibility list
figures and report a single figure each month. The
same is true for extended (outreach) ministry weekly
attendance.
b. Since extended (outreach) ministries and new works
AUXILIARY CONSTITUTIONS 339
can begin or end any time during the church year, the
yearly average should be determined by dividing accumulative
figures by the number of weeks the ministries
were conducted.
ARTICLE III. CLASSES AND DEPARTMENTS
SECTION 1. The Sunday School shall be divided into
classes for children and youth on the basis of age or school
grade. For adults the classes should be determined by common
interests.
SECTION 2. When the number of classes within the children's,
youth, or adult age-groups increase, attention should
be given to departmentalization with a supervisor appointed
by the Sunday School Ministries Board.
SECTION 3. The duties of the department supervisor
shall be to:
a. coordinate the work of the teachers within the department
b. conduct departmental meetings when necessary
c. insure that each teacher within the department has
the necessary curriculum, additional resources, and
equipment available when needed
d. be responsible for ordering all necessary curriculum
and materials for the department (give order to ordering
secretary)
e. work with the corresponding age-group director of the
Sunday School Ministries Board to promote Sunday
School enrollment and attendance and implement any
special campaigns
f. present training needs of the department's teachers to
the corresponding age-group director for presentation
to the Sunday School Ministries Board
g. keep accurate enrollment and attendance records for
the department and see that all absentees and
prospects are contacted regularly
h. work with the teachers in the department to see that
the entire area is attractive and conducive to learning
i. be responsible for the securing of substitute teachers
within the department.
340 AUXILIARY CONSTITUTIONS
ARTICLE IV. TEACHERS
SECTION 1. The department supervisors and teachers
shall be appointed annually according to Manual 145.8.
SECTION 2. While the ideal is for each teacher to serve
for the entire year, in certain circumstances it may be advisable
to appoint teachers for a shorter term.
SECTION 3. In cases of proven unsoundness of doctrine,
imprudent conduct, or neglect of duty, the Sunday School
Ministries Board shall have the right to declare the office
of any officer or teacher vacant according to Manual
145.8.
SECTION 4. All Sunday School teachers and substitutes
should:
a. attend workers' meetings regularly
b. contact each student, absentee, and prospect on a regular
basis
c. avail themselves of all training opportunities provided
d. provide fellowship opportunities for the class periodically
e. be responsible for seeing that the teaching area is attractive
and conducive to learning
f. prepare an effective lesson each week
g. be alert to salvation opportunities for each student.
ARTICLE V. OFFICERS AND THEIR DUTIES
SECTION 1. The local Sunday School superintendent
shall be elected each year according to Manual 113.9-13.10
and 127. The duties of the Sunday School superintendent
shall be to:
a. be superintendent of the Sunday School under the direction
of the pastor
b. represent Sunday School Ministries at the monthly
church board meeting
c. plan regular teachers' and workers' meetings
d. provide training opportunities for teachers, substitute
teachers, and prospective teachers
e. communicate Sunday School responsibility list and attendance
growth campaign plans to all workers
AUXILIARY CONSTITUTIONS 341
f. report the statistics of the Sunday School to the zone
chairman each month
g. encourage attendance at district and general Sunday
School Ministries functions.
SECTION 2. The duties of the age-group directors are outlined
in Manual 147.1-147.9.
SECTION 3. The Sunday School Ministries Board shall
elect a person to keep the Sunday School records. He or she
shall keep an accurate record for the entire Sunday School,
of the responsibility list (enrollment), prospect list, extended
(outreach) ministry list, attendance, visitors, and other statistics
as may be required.
SECTION 4. The Sunday School Ministries Board shall
elect a treasurer to keep an accurate account of all moneys
raised by the Sunday School each week and authorize the disbursement
according to the direction of the board. A monthly
report shall be given to the Sunday School superintendent.
SECTION 5. The Sunday School Ministries Board shall
appoint a person to be responsible for ordering the Sunday
School curriculum and other resources requested by the agegroup
directors and/or department supervisors. The appointee
shall distribute to the appropriate age-group director
all information received from Nazarene Publishing
House and prepare the order after approval of the superintendent
and pastor.
ARTICLE VI. ADMINISTRATION AND SUPERVISION
SECTION 1. The Sunday School is under the care of the
pastor, amenable to the local church board, under the general
supervision of the Sunday School Ministries Board and
the immediate leadership of the superintendent and agegroup
directors.
SECTION 2. If a church who has employed a full-time director
of Christian education wishes to elect that person as
Sunday School superintendent, the procedure is as follows:
a. the local church Nominating Committee would recommend
to the annual church meeting that no superintendent
be elected for the coming church year, and that
the full-time associate will serve as superintendent
342 AUXILIARY CONSTITUTIONS
b. the congregation should affirm the decision by majority
vote
c. the full-time associate will become the Sunday School
superintendent and will attend church board meetings
to discuss Christian education interests but will not be
a voting member, Manual 160.4.
The same procedure should be followed for full-time paid
associates who are requested to serve as the Children's or
Adult Ministry directors.
It shall be understood that these are temporary arrangements,
and that all possible effort should be made to train
and resource local lay leaders for these positions as soon as
possible.
SECTION 3: When a pastor to children, youth, or adults is
employed in a church, the pastor, in consultation with the
church board, the Sunday School Ministries Board, or NYI
Council, assigns the responsibility for children, youth, and
adults to the age-level pastors. In that case, the pastor to
children, youth, or adults carries out some of the duties otherwise
designated to a local children’s director, NYI president,
or adult director. However, the importance of the local
children’s director, NYI president, or adult director remains
to provide vital lay leadership, support, and representation
for local children’s, youth, and adult ministries. The pastor,
pastors to children, youth, and adults, and the Sunday
School Ministries Board or NYI Council work together to define
the roles and responsibilities of the three positions and
how they work together for the benefit of the church’s agerelated
ministries.
ARTICLE VII. CONVENTIONS
SECTION 1. District Sunday School Ministries Convention.
It is important that each district plan a District Sunday
School Ministries Convention annually in order to provide
inspiration, motivation, and training for all Sunday
School ministries workers. The promotion of Sunday School
should be a highlight of each convention.
a. Ex-officio members of the District SSM Convention
shall be: the district superintendent; all pastors, as-
AUXILIARY CONSTITUTIONS 343
signed ordained ministers, assigned district licensed
ministers, retired assigned ministers, full-time associates;
district SSM chair, and local Sunday School superintendents
newly elected prior to and holding office
at the time of the SSM District Convention; the district
and all local children's and adult directors; the district
NYI president and all local NYI presidents; elected
members of the District SSM Board; lay members of
the District Advisory Board; and any Nazarene fulltime
professors of Christian education with membership
on that district.
b. In the annual church meeting, each local Sunday
School shall elect additional representatives to the
Convention, equal to 25 percent of the officers and
teachers of the Sunday School (Line 24, PAR).
c. The District SSM Board shall serve as a nominating
committee to select twice the number of nominees to be
elected by plurality vote. These nominees should be
members of the Church of the Nazarene, actively involved
in one of the ministries of Sunday School Ministries,
and should be selected from the various agegroups
(children, youth, adult workers). In case elected
representatives cannot attend, alternate representatives
shall be designated in the order of the votes received.
d. The representatives to the District SSM Convention
may elect the District SSM chair and the elected members
of the District SSM Board according to Manual
239 and representatives to the General SSM Convention
each quadrennium.
SECTION 2. General Sunday School Ministries Convention.
In connection with each General Assembly, Sunday
School Ministries shall observe a General Convention. Elected
representatives (and guests) shall meet for the purpose of
inspiration, motivation, and training to equip and enrich involvement
in fulfilling the mission and purpose of Sunday
School Ministries globally.
a. Ex-officio representatives to the General SSM Convention
shall be: district superintendents, district SSM
344 AUXILIARY CONSTITUTIONS
chairs, district directors of Children’s and Adult Ministries,
professors of Christian education at Nazarene
colleges, universities, and seminaries, and directors
and staff of the general Sunday School Ministries Department.
b. Each district should elect four additional representatives
which is the number equal to the district ex-officio
members or a number equal to one percent of the
Sunday School officers on the district, whichever number
is larger.
c. The following guidelines should be adhered to in elections
for General SSM Convention representatives:
1. The Nominating Committee shall be comprised of
the district superintendent, district SSM chair, and
at least three others appointed by the District SSM
Board. They shall select three times the number of
nominees to be elected.
2. The District SSM Convention shall elect an equal
number of representatives and alternates from all
Sunday School ministries (including youth Sunday
School teacher/workers). Those elected should be
persons who are presently and actively involved in
the respective area to which they are elected. The
number of alternates elected should include alternates
for ex-officio members. Persons should not be
elected who will serve as delegates to the General
Nazarene Missions International Convention or the
General Nazarene Youth International Convention,
because the three conventions run concurrently.
3. Representatives shall be elected by ballot in the
District SSM Convention within 16 months of the
meeting of the General Assembly or within 24
months in areas where travel visas or other unusual
preparations are necessary.
4. As nearly as possible, elect an equal number of
laity and clergy—50 percent laypersons and 50
percent full-time active ministers, elders, or licensed
ministers. When the total number is uneven,
the extra representative shall be a layperson.
AUXILIARY CONSTITUTIONS 345
5. Incumbent district Sunday School ministries leaders
newly elected prior to and holding office at the
time of the General Convention shall be the ex-officio
members of the convention.
6. All elected and ex-officio representatives present in
the District SSM Convention shall be eligible to
vote for General SSM Convention representatives.
7. A plurality vote shall be sufficient for election.
8. In case elected representatives cannot attend, alternate
representatives shall be designated in the
order of the votes they received.
9. At the convening of the General SSM Convention,
each representative shall reside on and be a member
of a Church of the Nazarene on the district he
or she was elected to represent. (This is not intended
to apply to those living near district boundaries
where home residence may be across the district
line from the place of regular church participation.)
10. If a district cannot finance the full number of representatives
to the General SSM Convention as
recommended, the District SSM Board may elect
as many persons as the district can afford to send.
11. Representatives who attend the convention should
have financial assistance from the district comparable
to expenses provided from the district for
Nazarene Youth International and Nazarene Missions
International Convention delegates.
12. If election of representatives for the General SSM
Convention does not take place at the District SSM
Convention, representatives shall be elected at the
District Assembly.
ARTICLE VIII. AMENDMENTS
These bylaws may be amended by a majority vote of the
General Board members present and voting.
346 AUXILIARY CONSTITUTIONS
PART IX
Forms
THE LOCAL CHURCH
THE DISTRICT ASSEMBLY
BILLS OF CHARGES
CHAPTER I
813. THE LOCAL CHURCH
813.1. Recommendation to the District Assembly*
(to be completed annually for district licensed ministers)
(Check the appropriate board.)
The Church Board of the _____________________________
The District Advisory Board of the (Manual 222.10)
_______________ recommends ___________________ to the
(Ministerial Credentials Board) District Assembly for:
District Minister’s License
Renewal of District Minister’s License
Renewal of Deaconess’ License
Renewal of Director of Christian Education License
Ministry Role Certification (Manual 402-423)
CED—Christian Education Minister
EDU—Education (employed to serve on the administrative
staff or faculty of one of the educational institutions
of the Church of the Nazarene)
EVR—Evangelist, Registered (is devoted to traveling
and preaching the gospel as his or her primary ministry,
promoting revivals and spreading the gospel abroad in
the land)
MIS—Missionary (appointed by the General Board to
minister for the church through the World Mission Committee
or through the USACanada MissionEvangelism
Committee)
PSV-FT or PSV-PT—Pastoral Service Full-time or
Part-time (associate pastor, performing pastoral service
348 FORMS
*This form may be used for different recommendations. Please mark the
applicable title for such, as well as designating the ministry role certification.
in connection with a church, in specialized areas of ministry
recognized and approved by the appropriate governing,
licensing and endorsing agencies)
SER—Song Evangelist, Registered (devotes the major
portion of his or her time to the ministry of evangelism
through music as his or her primary assignment)
SPC—Special Service/Interdenominational (in active
service in a manner not otherwise provided for,
which must be approved by the district assembly upon
recommendation by the District Advisory Board and/or
the Ministerial Credentials Board)
STU—Student
U—Unassigned
Review the minimal requirements for ordination (Manual
428.3, 429.3) and also the procedures for formalization of relationship,
either paid or unpaid. (Manual 160-60.3) This is
important for establishing and maintaining the candidate’s
history of ministry.
If a designation other than “STU” or “U” is indicated above,
describe the formal relationship that exists with the candidate,
as approved by the church board and the district superintendent.
______________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
We certify that _____________________________________ has
fulfilled all the requirements for such a request.
By vote of the Board this ____________ (date), and by receipt
of a letter of permission from the district superintendent
this ______________ (date).
________________________________________________________
Chairperson
________________________________________________________
Secretary
Referred ________ Reported ________ Disposition ________
FORMS 349
813.2. Certificate of Commendation
This certifies that ________________________________ is a
member of the Church of the Nazarene at ________________
and is hereby commended to the Christian confidence of
those to whom this certificate may be presented.
________________________________________________________
Pastor
Date_______________________________, _________(year)
NOTE: When a certificate of commendation is given, that person’s membership
immediately ceases in the local church issuing the certificate. (111.1)
813.3. Letter of Release
This certifies that ____________________________ has been
until this date a member of the Church of the Nazarene at
_______________________________________ and, at h________
request, is granted this letter of release.
________________________________________________________
Pastor
Date_______________________________, _________(year)
NOTE: Membership terminates immediately upon issuance of a letter of
release. (112.2)
813.4. Transfer of Members
This certifies that ________________________ is a member
in the Church of the Nazarene at _________________________
and, at h______ request, is hereby transferred to the Church
of the Nazarene at ________________________________ in the
______________________ District.
When the reception of this transfer is acknowledged by
the receiving local church, membership in this local church
will cease.
________________________________________________________
Pastor
________________________________________________________
Address
Date ________________________________________________
NOTE: A transfer is valid for three months only. (111)
350 FORMS
813.5. Transfer Acknowledged
This certifies that _________________________________ has been
received into membership by the Church of the Nazarene at
___________________________ this _________ day of _____________,
________(year).
________________________________________________________
Pastor
________________________________________________________
Address
NOTE: Forms 813.2, 813.3, 813.4, and 813.5 may simply be prepared
on local church stationery as needed.
813.6. Local Minister’s License*
THIS IS TO CERTIFY that ____________________ is licensed
as a Local Minister in the Church of the Nazarene for one
year, provided that _________ spirit and practice are such as
become the gospel of Christ, and ________________ teachings
correspond with the established doctrines of the Holy Scriptures
as held by said church.
By Order of the Church Board of the ___________ Church
of the Nazarene.
Done at ______________, this _________ day of __________,
______(year).
________________________________________________________
Chairman
________________________________________________________
Secretary
FORMS 351
*Available from Nazarene Publishing House, No. U-190.
CHAPTER II
814. THE DISTRICT ASSEMBLY
Official district forms may be secured from the General
Secretary, 6401 The Paseo, Kansas City, MO 64131-1213,
U.S.A.
CHAPTER III
815. BILLS OF CHARGES
Section 1. In Trial of a Church Member
Section 2. In Trial of an Ordained Minister
Section 3. In Trial of a Licensed Minister
Bills of Charges may be secured from the General Secretary,
6401 The Paseo, Kansas City, MO 64131-1213, U.S.A.
352 FORMS
PART X
Appendix
GENERAL OFFICERS
ADMINISTRATIVE BOARDS, COUNCILS, AND
EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS
ADMINISTRATIVE POLICIES
CURRENT MORAL AND SOCIAL ISSUES
CHAPTER I
900. GENERAL OFFICERS
900.1. General Superintendents
James H. Diehl Jesse C. Middendorf
Paul G. Cunningham Nina G. Gunter
Jerry D. Porter J. K.Warrick
General Superintendents Emeriti and Retired
Orville W. Jenkins, Emeritus
William M. Greathouse, Emeritus
Eugene L. Stowe, Emeritus
Raymond W. Hurn, Emeritus
Jerald D. Johnson, Emeritus
Donald D. Owens, Emeritus
John A. Knight, Emeritus
William J. Prince, Emeritus
Jim L. Bond, Emeritus
W. Talmadge Johnson, Emeritus
900.2. General Secretary
Jack Stone
900.3. General Treasurer
Marilyn J. McCool
INTERNATIONAL HEADQUARTERS
6401 THE PASEO
KANSAS CITY, MO 64131-1213
U.S.A.
354 APPENDIX
CHAPTER II
901. ADMINISTRATIVE BOARDS, COUNCILS,
AND EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS
901.1. GENERAL BOARD
MEMBERS BY CHURCH REGIONS
Minister Layperson
Africa Region
Emanuel David Lima Araujo Stanley Bhebhe
Collen Smith Magagula Jafete Alberto Mabote
Timothy Mogorosi Mecildes Tavares
Asia-Pacific Region
Andrew Moime Graeme Sheppard
Canada Region
D. Ian Fitzpatrick Hugh Hawthorne
Caribbean Region
Victor George Carmen Luisa Checo Acosta
Raul Puig William H.Woolford
Central U.S.A. Region
Ted R. Lee John Q. Dickey, Sr.
East Central U.S.A. Region
Eddie Estep James Couchenour, Sr.
Eastern U.S.A. Region
Jossie E. Owens Jan Lanham
Eurasia Region
Hans-Guenter Mohn Paul D. Tarrant
Mexico and Central America Region
Marcos Joel Galicia Rodriguez Juan Alfonso Cienega R.
Danilo Solis Ana Maria Crocker de Diaz
APPENDIX 355
North Central U.S.A. Region
Edmond P. Nash Larry McIntire
Northwest U.S.A. Region
Randy J. Craker Bob Helstrom
South America Region
Amadeu Aparecido Teixeira Haroldo Millet Neves
Flavio Valvassoura Oswaldo Quispe T.
South Central U.S.A. Region
Duane E. Srader Ron Mercer
Southeast U.S.A. Region
Larry D. Dennis Charles Davis
Gary A. Henecke Dennis Moore
Southwest U.S.A. Region
John H. Calhoun Dan W. Spaite
Education
John Bowling Loren Gresham
Nazarene Missions International
Eunice Brubaker
Nazarene Youth International
Mark E. Holcomb
901.2. General Court of Appeals
David Wilson, Chairperson Dan Boone, Secretary
Jossie Owens Duane Strader
Tim Stearman
901.3. Council of
Nazarene Youth International
Global NYI Council
Gary Hartke, Nazarene Youth International Director
Monte Cyr, President (Africa, Regional Coordinator)
Mark Holcomb, Vice President (U.S.A./Canada, Regional
President)
Ronald Miller, Africa (Regional President)
Dave Harris, Asia-Pacific (Regional President)
Rudolph Prescod, Caribbean (Regional President)
356 APPENDIX
Tim Evans, Eurasia (Regional President)
Josue Jimenez, Mexico and Central America (Regional
President)
Alexandre Cesar Da Silva, South America (Regional President)
Ed Belzer, U.S.A./Canada (Regional President)
Danny Dyer, U.S.A./Canada (Regional President)
Paul Coy, Asia-Pacific (Regional Coordinator)
Eduardo Donath, Caribbean (Regional Coordinator)
Sabine Wielk, Eurasia (Regional Coordinator)
David Gonzalez Perez, Mexico and Central America (Regional
Coordinator)
Timothy McKeithen, South America (Regional Coordinator)
Dave Curtiss, U.S.A./Canada Regional Coordinator
Jennifer Wilson, Early Youth Member-at-large
Johanna Radziszewski, Senior Youth Member-at-large
Simone Finney, Young Adult Member-at-large
U.S.A./Canada Council
Gary Hartke, Nazarene Youth International Director
Dave Curtiss, U.S.A./Canada Regional Coordinator
Mark Holcomb, Chair (Central U.S.A.)
Danny Dyer, Vice Chair (South Central U.S.A.)
Ed Belzer, Secretary (Northwest U.S.A.)
Pat Wiens, Canada
Roger Bonzo, East Central U.S.A.
James Heyward, Eastern U.S.A.
Brian Smith, North Central U.S.A.
Michael Johnson, Southeast U.S.A.
Charles Brodhead, Southwest U.S.A.
Jennifer Wilson, Early Youth Representative
Carissa Ulmet, Senior Youth Member-at-large
Simone Finney, Young Adult Member-at-large
The Assigned General Superintendent in Jurisdiction (Adviser)
APPENDIX 357
901.4. General Council of
Nazarene Missions International
Dr. Daniel D. Ketchum, General Director
Rev. Eunice Brubaker, President
Mrs. Esther Ribisi, Africa Region
Mrs. Raquel Fausto, Asia-Pacific Region
Mrs. Elizabeth Wall, Canada Region
Mrs. Jennifer Brown, Caribbean Region
Rev. Carol Techau, Central U.S.A. Region
Mrs. Sue Call, East Central U.S.A. Region
Mrs. Geraldine Perry, Eastern U.S.A. Region
Dr. Philip Weatherill, Eurasia Region
Sra. Ana Maria Crocker de Diaz, Mexico and Central America
Region
Mrs. Susan Dillow, North Central U.S.A. Region
Mr. Bob Shea, Northwest U.S.A. Region
Rev. Marcos Vinicio Pedrosa Monteiro, South America Region
Mr.Wes Harper, South Central U.S.A. Region
Mrs. Carol Anne Eby, Southeast U.S.A. Region
Rev. Theron Friberg, Southwest U.S.A. Region
Dr. Louie E. Bustle,World Mission Department Director
The Assigned General Superintendent in Jurisdiction (Adviser)
901.5. Nazarene Institutions of Higher Education
INTERNATIONAL HIGHER EDUCATION COUNCIL
Africa Region
Africa Nazarene School of Extension
Nairobi, Kenya
Africa Nazarene University
Nairobi, Kenya
Institut Biblique Nazareen
Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire,West Africa
Nazarene College of Education
Manzini, Swaziland
358 APPENDIX
Nazarene College of Nursing
Manzini, Swaziland
Nazarene College of Theology
Siteki, Swaziland
Nazarene Theological College
Honeydew, Republic of South Africa
Nazarene Theological College of Central Africa
Lilongwe, Malawi, Central Africa
Nigeria Nazarene Theological College
Abak, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria,West Africa
Seminario Nazareno em Mozambique
Maputo, Mozambique
Asia-Pacific Region
Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary
Manila, Philippines
Indonesia Nazarene Theological College
Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Japan Christian Junior College
Chiba Shi, Japan
Japan Nazarene Theological Seminary
Tokyo, Japan
Korea Nazarene University
Chonan City, Choong Nam, Korea
Luzon Nazarene Bible College
Baguio City, Philippines
Melanesia Nazarene Bible College
Mount Hagen, Papua New Guinea
Nazarene Nursing College
Mount Hagen, Papua New Guinea
Nazarene Theological College
Thornlands, Queensland, Australia
South Pacific Nazarene Theological College
Suva, Fiji Islands
Southeast Asia Nazarene Bible College
Mae Taeng, Chiang Mai, Thailand
Taiwan Nazarene Theological College
Peitou, Taiwan, Republic of China
Visayan Nazarene Bible College
Cebu City, Philippines
APPENDIX 359
Caribbean Region
Caribbean Nazarene College
Santa Cruz, Trinidad
Seminaire Theologique Nazareen d’Haiti
Petion-Ville, Haiti
Seminario Nazareno Dominicano
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Seminario Teologico Nazareno Cubano
Ciudad Habana, Cuba
Eurasia Region
CIS Education Centers
Moscow, Russia
Eastern Mediterranean Nazarene Bible College
Beirut, Lebanon
European Nazarene College
Busingen, Switzerland
Nazarene Nurses Training College
Washim, Maharashtra, India
Nazarene Theological College-Manchester
Manchester, England
South Asia Nazarene Bible College
Bangalore, Karnataka, India
Mexico and Central America Region
Instituto Biblico Nazareno
Coban, Guatemala
Seminario Nazareno de las Americas
San Jose, Costa Rica
Seminario Nazareno Mexicano, A.C.
Mexico City D.F., Mexico
Seminario Teologico Nazareno de Guatemala
Guatemala City, Guatemala
South America Region
Brazil Nazarene College
Campinas, Brazil
Facultad Teologico Nazareno
Campinas, Brazil
360 APPENDIX
Instituto Biblico Nazareno
Bagua Chica, Amazonas, Peru
Seminario Biblico Nazareno
Santiago, Chile
Seminario Teologico Nazareno
Chiclayo, Peru
Seminario Teologico Nazareno de Bolivia
LaPaz, Bolivia
Seminario Teologico Nazareno Del Cono Sur
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Seminario Teologico Nazareno Sudamericano
Quito, Ecuador
U.S.A./Canada Council of Education
Canadian Nazarene University College
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Eastern Nazarene College
Quincy, Massachusetts, U.S.A.
MidAmerica Nazarene University
Olathe, Kansas, U.S.A.
Mount Vernon Nazarene University
Mount Vernon, Ohio, U.S.A.
Nazarene Bible College
Colorado Springs, Colorado, U.S.A.
Nazarene Theological Seminary
Kansas City, Missouri, U.S.A.
Northwest Nazarene University
Nampa, Idaho, U.S.A.
Olivet Nazarene University
Bourbonnais, Illinois, U.S.A.
Point Loma Nazarene University
San Diego, California, U.S.A.
Southern Nazarene University
Bethany, Oklahoma, U.S.A.
Trevecca Nazarene University
Nashville, Tennessee, U.S.A.
APPENDIX 361
CHAPTER III
902. ADMINISTRATIVE POLICIES
902.1. Annuities
The General Board and institutions of the church are prohibited
from using annuity gifts until such have become
their valid property by the death of the annuitant. Such
gifts are to be carefully invested in funds usually accepted
as trust funds by the courts of the land. (2005)
902.2. Debt
No institution may incur any debt on the strength of
pledges. Pledges are not to be counted as assets. (2005)
902.3. Bible Societies
(1) Approved Bible Societies
The Church of the Nazarene places special emphasis upon
the Bible as the written revelation of God, and we believe
that it is the only effective agency to win new followers to
Jesus Christ, and because there is an increasing need for
more copies of the Scripture; therefore be it Resolved,
First, That the General Assembly express its hearty approval
of and sympathy with the work of the United Bible
Societies around the world.
Second, That we endorse the observance of Universal
Bible Sunday, directing attention on this day to the essential
place the Scriptures should occupy in the lives of Christian
people.
Third, That the General Assembly authorize its general
secretary and director of Sunday School Ministries Department,
or any alternates who may be appointed, to attend
during the ensuing quadrennium each annual session of the
Advisory Council of the American Bible Society held in December
at Bible House in New York City.
362 APPENDIX
(2) Offering for Bible Societies
Resolved, That the Church of the Nazarene designate the
second Sunday of December of each year as a special time
for the presentation of this important matter and the taking
of an offering for each nation’s Bible Society. The Bible Society
chosen shall be members (associate or full), of the worldwide
fellowship of the United Bible Societies or in the absence
of a member society, such other Bible Society designated by
the district; also that a special effort be made to have all of
our churches take part in such an offering. (2005)
NOTE: It is understood that our churches in Scotland
send their contributions to the National Bible Society in
Scotland; the churches in England, to the British and Foreign
Bible Society; and the churches in Canada, to the Canadian
Bible Society. The churches of the United States forward
contributions to our denominational Headquarters,
6401 The Paseo, Kansas City, MO 64131-1213, for the support
of the American Bible Society.
902.4. Dramatics
WHEREAS, There is danger in the excessive use of dramatic
productions in our schools and colleges; be it
Resolved, That this practice be carefully restricted and
greater emphasis be placed on the spiritual exercise that
leads to sound Christian experience. (1997)
902.5. Manual Editing Resolution
Be it Resolved, That the members of the Manual Editing
Committee appointed by the Board of General Superintendents
be and they are hereby constituted the Manual Editing
Committee; and be it further
Resolved, That the Manual Editing Committee be and
they are hereby authorized to harmonize conflicting statements
that may appear in the record of the actions of the
Twenty-sixth General Assembly in regard to changes in the
Manual; and also to make such editorial changes in the text
of the present Manual as will correct the language without
altering the meaning; also to make such editorial changes in
APPENDIX 363
the copy of the newly adopted matter as may serve to correct
the language without altering the meaning.
The Manual Editing Committee is hereby further authorized
to substitute plainly understood words or expressions
for confusing words or expressions, to revise the numbering
of chapters, paragraphs, sections, and other divisions of the
Manual in harmony with any actions adopted by the Twenty-
sixth General Assembly, and also to prepare the index in
harmony with any actions adopted by the Twenty-sixth
General Assembly.
Further resolved that the supervision of all translations of
the Manual shall be a duty of the Manual Editing Committee.
(2005)
902.6. Manual Appendix Review
Any item remaining in Chapters III and IV of the Appendix
for three quadrennia without reconsideration shall be
referred by the Committee on Reference to the proper committee
of the General Assembly for the same consideration
as a resolution to the General Assembly. (2001)
902.7. Tenure of Committees
Any special committee created for any purpose, unless
specified otherwise, will cease to exist at the following General
Assembly. (2005)
902.8. General Assembly Business
(From the 2005 Delegate’s Handbook)
RESOLUTIONS AND PETITIONS
Rule 26. Presentation. District assemblies, a committee
authorized by the district assembly, regional councils, the
General Board or any of its recognized departments, official
boards or commissions of the general church, the General
Nazarene Missions International Convention, the Global
Nazarene Youth International Convention, or five or more
members of the General Assembly, may present resolutions
and petitions for the consideration of the General Assembly
in accordance with the following rules:
364 APPENDIX
a. Resolutions and petitions shall be presented in duplicate
and typewritten on the official form furnished by
the general secretary.
b. Each resolution or petition presented will include the
subject and the name of the delegates or group making
the presentation.
c. Proposals for changes in the church Manual must be
presented in writing and shall give paragraph and section
of Manual to be affected and the text of the
change, should it be adopted.
d. They shall be presented to the general secretary no
later than December 1 prior to the convening of the
assembly to be numbered and sent to the Reference
Committee for reference in accordance with Rule 37
and Manual 305.1, and in order that they may be
printed in the Delegate’s Handbook.
Rule 27. Resolutions and Petitions for Late Reference.
With the consent of the assembly, resolutions, petitions,
and other items for consideration by the assembly
may be presented to the general secretary for reference to a
legislative committee no later than June 1 prior to the convening
of the assembly, with the exception of the general/
global conventions which meet just prior to the General Assembly.
Rule 28. Manual Changes. Resolutions adopted by the
General Assembly shall be submitted to the Manual Editing
Committee to be harmonized with other Manual provisions.
902.9. Restrictions on Membership—
General Church Boards
No person shall serve on more than one of the following
boards: General Board, Nazarene Theological Seminary
(U.S.A.) Trustees, Nazarene Bible College (U.S.A.) Trustees.
(2001)
902.10. Historic Sites and Landmarks
District and regional assemblies may designate places of
historic significance within their boundaries as Historic
Sites. At least fifty years must elapse after a place achieves
APPENDIX 365
historic significance before it is recognized as a Historic
Site. A Historic Site does not have to have original buildings
or structures surviving in order to be designated. The assembly
secretary shall report newly designated Historic
Sites to the general secretary, reporting the action taken, information
on the site, and the site’s significance.
District and regional assemblies can ask the General Assembly
to designate places of denomination-wide significance
as Historic Landmarks. Nominations are restricted to
previously designated Historic Sites. The general superintendents
or a committee appointed for the purpose of screening
nominations must concur with a nomination before it receives
General Assembly consideration.
The general secretary shall keep a register of Historic Sites
and Landmarks and publicize them appropriately (paragraph
326.2). (1997)
366 APPENDIX
CHAPTER IV
903. CURRENT MORAL AND SOCIAL ISSUES
903.1. Organ Donation
The Church of the Nazarene encourages its members who
do not object personally to support donor/recipient anatomical
organs through living wills and trusts.
Further, we appeal for a morally and ethically fair distribution
of organs to those qualified to receive them. (2001)
903.2. Discrimination
The Church of the Nazarene reiterates its historic position
of Christian compassion for people of all races. We believe
that God is the Creator of all people, and that of one
blood are all people created.
We believe that each individual, regardless of race, color,
gender, or creed, should have equality before law, including
the right to vote, equal access to educational opportunities,
to all public facilities, and to the equal opportunity, according
to one’s ability, to earn a living free from any job or economic
discrimination.
We urge our churches everywhere to continue and strengthen
programs of education to promote racial understanding
and harmony. We also feel that the scriptural admonition of
Hebrews 12:14 should guide the actions of our people. We
urge that each member of the Church of the Nazarene
humbly examine his or her personal attitudes and actions
toward others, as a first step in achieving the Christian goal
of full participation by all in the life of the church and the
entire community.
We reemphasize our belief that holiness of heart and life
is the basis for right living. We believe that Christian charity
between racial groups or gender will come when the
hearts of people have been changed by complete submission
APPENDIX 367
to Jesus Christ, and that the essence of true Christianity
consists in loving God with one’s heart, soul, mind, and
strength, and one’s neighbor as oneself. (2005)
903.3. Abuse of the Unempowered
The Church of the Nazarene abhors abuse of any person
of any age or sex and calls for increased public awareness
through its publications and by providing appropriate educational
information.
The Church of the Nazarene reaffirms its historical policy
that all those who act under the authority of the Church are
prohibited from sexual misconduct and other forms of abuse
of the unempowered. When placing people in positions of
trust or authority, the Church of the Nazarene will presume
that past conduct is usually a reliable indicator of likely future
behavior. The Church will withhold positions of authority
from people who have previously used a position of trust
or authority to engage in sexual misconduct or abuse of the
unempowered, unless appropriate steps are taken to prevent
future wrongful behavior. Expressions of remorse by a
guilty person shall not be considered sufficient to overcome
the presumption that future wrongful conduct is likely, unless
the expressions of remorse are accompanied by an observable
change of conduct for a sufficient length of time, to
indicate that a repeat of the wrongful misconduct is unlikely.
(1997)
903.4. Responsibility to the Poor
The Church of the Nazarene believes that Jesus commanded
His disciples to have a special relationship to the
poor of this world; that Christ’s Church ought, first, to keep
itself simple and free from an emphasis on wealth and extravagance
and, second, to give itself to the care, feeding,
clothing, and shelter of the poor. Throughout the Bible and
in the life and example of Jesus, God identifies with and assists
the poor, the oppressed, and those in society who cannot
speak for themselves. In the same way, we, too, are
called to identify with and to enter into solidarity with the
poor and not simply to offer charity from positions of com-
368 APPENDIX
fort. We hold that compassionate ministry to the poor includes
acts of charity as well as a struggle to provide opportunity,
equality, and justice for the poor. We further believe
that the Christian responsibility to the poor is an essential
aspect of the life of every believer who seeks a faith that
works through love.
Finally, we understand Christian holiness to be inseparable
from ministry to the poor in that it drives the Christian
beyond his or her own individual perfection and toward the
creation of a more just and equitable society and world. Holiness,
far from distancing believers from the desperate economic
needs of people in our world, motivates us to place
our means in the service of alleviating such need and to adjust
our wants in accordance with the needs of others. (2001)
(Exodus 23:11; Deuteronomy 15:7; Psalms 41:1; 82:3;
Proverbs 19:17; 21:13; 22:9; Jeremiah 22:16; Matthew 19:21;
Luke 12:33; Acts 20:35; 2 Corinthians 9:6; Galatians 2:10)
903.5. Women in Ministry
The Church of the Nazarene supports the right of women
to use their God-given spiritual gifts within the church, affirms
the historic right of women to be elected and appointed
to places of leadership within the Church of the Nazarene,
including the offices of both elder and deacon.
The purpose of Christ’s redemptive work is to set God’s
creation free from the curse of the Fall. Those who are “in
Christ” are new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17). In this redemptive
community, no human being is to be regarded as
inferior on the basis of social status, race, or gender (Galatians
3:26-28).
Acknowledging the apparent paradox created by Paul’s instruction
to Timothy (1 Timothy 2:11-12) and to the church
in Corinth (1 Corinthians 14:33-34), we believe interpreting
these passages as limiting the role of women in ministry
presents serious conflicts with specific passages of scripture
that commend female participation in spiritual leadership
roles (Joel 2:28-29; Acts 2:17-18; 21:8-9; Romans 16:1, 3, 7;
Philippians 4:2-3), and violates the spirit and practice of the
Wesleyan-holiness tradition. Finally, it is incompatible with
APPENDIX 369
the character of God presented throughout Scripture, especially
as revealed in the person of Jesus Christ. (2001)
903.6. The Church and Human Freedom
Concerned that our great Christian heritage be understood
and safeguarded, we remind our people that both political
and religious freedom rest upon biblical concepts of
the dignity of humankind as God’s creation and the sanctity
of one’s own individual conscience. We encourage our people
to participate in appropriate activity in support of these biblical
concepts and to be ever vigilant against threats to this
precious freedom.
These freedoms are constantly in danger, therefore we
urge election of persons to public office at all levels of government
who believe in these principles and who are answerable
only to God and the constituency that elected them
when carrying out a public trust. Further, we resist any invasion
of these principles by religious groups seeking special
favors.
We believe that the role of the Church is to be prophetic
and constantly to remind the people that “righteousness exalts
a nation” (Proverbs 14:34). (2005)
903.7. War and Military Service
The Church of the Nazarene believes that the ideal world
condition is that of peace and that it is the full obligation of
the Christian Church to use its influence to seek such means
as will enable the nations of the earth to be at peace and to
devote all of its agencies for the propagation of the message
of peace. However, we realize that we are living in a world
where evil forces and philosophies are actively in conflict
with these Christian ideals and that there may arise such international
emergencies as will require a nation to resort to
war in defense of its ideals, its freedom, and its existence.
While thus committed to the cause of peace, the Church of
the Nazarene recognizes that the supreme allegiance of the
Christian is due to God, and therefore it does not endeavor to
bind the conscience of its members relative to participation
in military service in case of war, although it does believe
370 APPENDIX
that the individual Christian as a citizen is bound to give
service to his or her own nation in all ways that are compatible
with the Christian faith and the Christian way of life.
We also recognize that, as an outgrowth of the Christian
teaching and of the Christian desire for peace on earth, there
are among our membership individuals who have conscientious
objection to certain forms of military service. Therefore
the Church of the Nazarene claims for conscientious objectors
within its membership the same exemptions and considerations
regarding military service as are accorded members
of recognized noncombatant religious organizations.
The Church of the Nazarene, through its general secretary,
shall set up a register whereon those persons who supply
evidence of being members of the Church of the Nazarene
may record their convictions as conscientious objectors.
(2005)
903.8. Creation
The Church of the Nazarene believes in the biblical account
of creation (“In the beginning God created the heavens
and the earth . . .”—Genesis 1:1).We oppose any godless
interpretation of the origin of the universe and of humankind.
However, the church accepts as valid all scientifically
verifiable discoveries in geology and other natural phenomena,
for we firmly believe that God is the Creator. (Articles I.
1., V. 5.1, VII.) (2005)
903.9. Evidence of Baptism with the Holy Spirit
The Church of the Nazarene believes that the Holy Spirit
bears witness to the new birth and to the subsequent work
of heart cleansing, or entire sanctification, through the infilling
of the Holy Spirit.
We affirm that the one biblical evidence of entire sanctification,
or the infilling of the Holy Spirit, is the cleansing of
the heart by faith from original sin as stated in Acts 15:8-9:
“God, who knows the heart, showed that he accepted them by
giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as he did to us. He made
no distinction between us and them, for he purified their
hearts by faith.” And this cleansing is manifested by the fruit
APPENDIX 371
of the Spirit in a holy life. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love,
joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness
and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful
nature with its passions and desires” (Galatians 5:22-24).
To affirm that even a special or any alleged physical evidence,
or “prayer language,” is evidence of the baptism with
the Spirit is contrary to the biblical and historic position of
the Church. (1997)
903.10. Pornography
Pornography is an evil that is undermining the morals of
society. Printed and visual materials that degrade the dignity
of humankind and are contrary to the scriptural view of
the sanctity of marriage and the wholesomeness of sex are
to be abhorred.
We believe that we are created in the image of God and
that pornography degrades, exploits, and abuses men,
women, and children. The pornography industry is motivated
by greed, is the enemy of family life, has led to crimes of violence,
poisons minds, and defiles the body.
To honor God as Creator and Redeemer, we urge active
opposition to pornography by every legitimate means and
the making of positive efforts to reach for Christ those who
are involved in this evil. (1997)
903.11. Christian Modesty of Dress
Recognizing the increasing trend toward immodesty of
dress in public places, we remind our people of the Christian
concept of modesty as an expression of holiness and urge that
Christian modesty be exercised at all times in public. (2005)
903.12. Substance Abuse
The Church of the Nazarene continues to strongly object
to substance abuse as a social malignancy. We encourage
church members to take an active and highly visible role
and to participate in education relative to substance abuse
and the incompatibility of such use with a Christian experience
and a holy life. (2001)
372 APPENDIX
903.13. Alcohol Desocialization
The Church of the Nazarene publicly supports the desocialization
of alcohol consumption.We encourage civic, labor,
business, professional, social, voluntary, and private agencies
and organizations to assist in such desocialization to
counteract the advertising and media promotion of the social
acceptability of the “alcohol culture.” (2001)
903.14. Tobacco Use and Advertising
The Church of the Nazarene urges its people to continue
to speak out against the use of tobacco, both as a health hazard
and a social evil. Our historic stand is based on God’s
Word, where we are admonished to maintain our bodies as
temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 3:16-17; 6:19-20).
Our stand opposing the use of tobacco in all its forms is
strongly supported by medical evidence, documented by numerous
social, governmental, and health agencies around
the world. They have demonstrated that it is a major health
hazard, and have shown conclusively that its use may produce
changes in normal bodily physiology, both serious and
permanent.
We recognize that our young people are greatly influenced
by the millions of dollars that are spent on tobacco advertising,
and its twin evil, beverage alcohol.We endorse a ban on
all advertising of tobacco and beverage alcohol in magazines,
on billboards, and on radio and television. (2001)
903.15. HIV/AIDS
(Human Immunodeficiency Virus/
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome)
Since 1981, our world has been confronted with a most
devastating disease known as HIV/AIDS. In view of the
deep need of HIV/AIDS sufferers, Christian compassion motivates
us to become accurately informed about HIV/AIDS.
Christ would have us to find a way to communicate His love
and concern for these sufferers in any and every country of
the world. (2001)
APPENDIX 373
Constitution
27 The Covenant of
Christian Character
(General Rules)
32 Amendments to the
Constitution
The Covenant of Christian Conduct
34.5 The Christian Life–
Administering
Sacraments
36 Sanctity of Human
Life
38-8.1, 38.4 Christian Stewardship
Local Government
100 Local Church Organization
100.1 Multicongregational
Church
102.4 Use of Local Church
Name
104 Local Church Property
Restrictions
105 Local Church Mergers
106.1 Approval for Disorganized
Church
106.2-6.3 Jurisdiction of Local
Church Property
107.1 Church Membership
Procedures
109.1 Relocation of Church
Members
113.2 Absentee Voting in
Church Elections
113.11 Alternative Church
Board/Committee
Structure
115.4 New Pastor’s Remuneration
120-20.1 Copastors
121 The Church/Pastor
Relationship
122 Regular Church/Pastoral
Review
123 Special Church/Pastoral
Review
124.1 Local Church in Crisis
127 Church Board Meetings
128 Frequency of Church
Board Meetings
129.10 Pastor Sabbatical
Leave
129.20 Election of Church
Board Treasurer
129.23 Local Church Auditing
Committee
131 Meaning of Stewardship
134 Jurisdiction of Locally
Licensed Persons
136.2 Remittances of District
Funds
140 Stewardship Committee
152-52.1 Nazarene Childcare/
Schools
154 Local NMI Funds
154.1 Approved Mission
Specials
159 Church-sponsored
Corporation
160.1-60.2 Associates in the Local
Church
District Government
200 District Bounds and
Name
200.1 Creation of New Districts
200.2 Pioneer Area; Phase
1, 2, 3 Districts
200.4 District Mergers
200.6 District Zone Facilitators/
Mission Area
Directors
374 INDEX
SPECIAL REVISION INDEX
Changes authorized by the 2005 General Assembly
are indexed here.
These changes are indexed in numerical order.
203.2 District Superintendent’s
Annual Report
203.11 Election/Reelection of
District Superintendent
203.13 Review of District
Superintendent
203.21 District Assembly Finance
Committee
203.22 District Court of Appeals
203.25 District Auditing
Committee
204.3 Convening a District
Assembly
205.6 District Journal
Records
207 District Superintendent
Vacancy
207.3-7.4 Resignation of District
Staff
208.1 District Superintendent
Responsibility
to Local Churches
208.12 Approval for Paid/Unpaid
Local Church
Associates
212-12.1 Vacancies in Boards/
Committees
213 District Superintendent
as Chairperson
219 Election of District
Treasurer
222.6-22.7 Advisory Board Duties
Regarding Local
Church Incorporation
222.13 Finance Committee in
between Assemblies
222.17 Jurisdiction of Local
Church Property
222.18 District Auditing
Committee
222.19 District Advisory
Board Annual Report
230.6 District Ministerial
Studies Board Duties
231.3-31.4 District Ministerial
Studies Board Duties
234.1 District Church Properties
Board Duties
235.3 District Assembly Finance
Committee
Duties
General Government
301 Membership of the
General Assembly
305.3 Term of Office for
General Superintendents
307.8 Declaration of Distict
in Crisis
316.1 Special Election of
General Superintendent
Announcement
317.11 Duties of Board of
General Superintendents
320 Ordination of Divorced
Persons
322 Declaration of Phase
3 District in Crisis
325.7-25.9 Duties of the General
Secretary
331.2 General Board Elections
333.1 Vacancies in the General
Board
334.14 Election Processes of
Headquarters officers
334.20 Election Processes of
Headquarters officers
339 Committee on the Interests
of the God-
Called Evangelist
340 International Course
of Study Advisory
Committee
344.2 Duties of the Regions
344.3 Membership of the
Regional Advisory
Council
344.4 Regional Director
344.5 Field Strategy Coordinator
344.6-44.7 Regional Course of
Study Advisory
Committee
INDEX 375
383 Election of Education
Commissioner
Ministry and Christian Service
401.6 Theology of Ordination
402-2.8 The Lay Minister
413.11 Pastor’s Duties Related
to Sacraments of
the Lord’s Supper
413.23 Pastor’s Membership
on Boards and
Committees and
Access to Local
Church Records
415 Restriction for Signing
Checks in Local
Church
421 Supply Pastors
424.3 General Curriculum
Areas for Ministerial
Preparation
424.6 Minister Lifelong
Learning/Reporting
425.1-25.2 General Guidelines
for Preparation for
Christian Ministry
427 District License Not
Leading to Ordination
427.1 Educational Requirements/
Background
Checks for Licensed
Ministers
427.4 District License Not
Leading to Ordination;
Exception of
Time Limit for
Graduation from a
Validated Course of
Study
427.7 Rights and Privileges
of Licensed Minister
428.3 Service Time/Qualifications
for Ordination
as a Deacon
429.3 Service Time/Qualifications
for Ordination
as an Elder
430 Qualifications for
Recognition of Credential
430.2 Inscription of Credential
from Other Denomination
431.1 Minister’s Retirement
Relationship
433 General Regulations–
Definition for Resignation
of Credential
433.8 Minister’s Membership
in a Local
Church
434.2 Unassigned Member
of the Clergy
434.4 Resignation of Credential
434.8 Unassigned Minister
in Secular Employment
435.1 Transfer of Jurisdiction
of a Minister
435.8 Restrictions Related
to Misconduct of a
Minister
Judicial
505.3 District Investigating
Committee
505.5 District Board of
Discipline
509 District Court of
Appeals
510.1 General Court of Appeals
515.1 Guaranty of Rights
Ritual
801 Reception of Church
Members
802 The Sacrament of the
Lord’s Supper
Auxiliary CharterConstitution
Bylaws
810 NYI Charter
811 NMI Constitution
812 Sunday School Ministries
Bylaws
Appendix
902.1 Annuities
902.2 Debt
902.3 Bible Societies
376 INDEX
902.7 Tenure of Committees
903.2 Discrimination
903.6 The Church and Human
Freedom
903.7 War and Military Service
903.8 Creation
903.11 Christian Modesty of
Dress
INDEX 377
INDEX OF VACANT PARAGRAPHS
42-99, 125-26, 161-99, 215, 243-99, 308-13, 345-79, 385-99,
436-99, 516-99, 600-99, 700-99, 807-9, 816-99
Abortion, 36
Abstinence, total, 34.5
Abuse of the unempowered, 903.3
Accusation
Of church member, 504
Of licensed minister, 505
Of ordained minister, 505
Adoption
Article of Faith, 11-12
Adult ministries director
District, 237.1, 237.4, 237.7
Local, 147-47.9, 237.7
Adultery, 27.2, 35.1-35.3, 435.8
Advisory Board, see District Advisory
Board
Africa Nazarene School of Extension
(Kenya), 901.5
Africa Nazarene University (Kenya),
901.5
Age-group councils, see Sunday
School
Age-group directors, see Sunday
School
AIDS, see HIV/AIDS
Alcohol, 34.5
Desocialization, 903.13
Amendments to the church Constitution,
32
American Bible Society, 902.3
Annual meetings
District assembly, 202
General Board, 334.4
Local church, 113.7
See Church meetings
Annuities, 902.1
Apostatize, 7
Appeal
Of church members, 504.1
Of local church, 103.1, 117
Of ministers, 506
Right to, 31.9
Appeals
Financial, kinds prohibited, 156-57
See District Court of Appeals
See General Court of Appeals
See Regional Court of Appeals
Appendix, 900-903
Application for minister’s license,
427.1, 427.3
Appointment, district superintendent,
see District superintendent,
appointment
Appointment, pastoral, see Pastor,
appointment
Apportionment system, 38.2, 130,
154.1, 237.11, 317.12, 334.7-
34.8, 413.17
Area, pioneer, 200.2, 344.2
Arrangements Committee, see General
Assembly
Articles of Faith, 1-22
Articles of Incorporation, see
Church, local
Articles of Organization and Government,
28-31.9
Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological
Seminary (Philippines), 901.5
Assemblies, see District assembly,
and General assembly
Assistants, paid
District, 207.3-7.4, 241
Local, see Associates
Associate pastor, see Associates
Associates, paid
Local church
Approval of, 129.27, 208.12
Securing of, 160
Association of Pentecostal Churches
of America, page 16
Atonement, 16, 26.5
Article of Faith, 6
Auditing Committee
District, 203.25
Local, 129.23
Backsliding, 7
Baptism
Administered by whom, 413.4,
427.7, 428.2, 429.1
378 INDEX
MANUAL INDEX
(Numbers refer to paragraphs.)
Article of Faith, 16
Modes, choice of, 16
Rituals for, 800
Baptism with the Holy Spirit, 13,
903.9
Behavior, 27
Belief, Agreed Statement of, 26
Benevolence, ministerial, see Pensions
Board
Beulah Christian, The, page 17
Bible, see Scriptures, the Holy
Bible societies, 902.3
Boards
District, see
Church Properties Board, District
Discipline, Board of, District
District Advisory Board
District Board of Ministry
Evangelism Board, District
Ministerial Credentials Board,
District
Ministerial Studies Board, District
Sunday School Ministries, District
General, see General Board
General Superintendents, Board
of
Local, see
Church board, local
Discipline, Board of, Local
Stewards, Board of
Sunday School Ministries
Board, Local
Trustees, Board of
Brazil Nazarene College (Brazil),
901.5
Bresee, Phineas F., pages 18-20
British and Foreign Bible Society,
902.3
British Commonwealth
Representation on General Board,
331.2
Budget system, see Apportionment
system
Buildings, see Church buildings
Bylaws for local Sunday Schools,
145.4, 812
Calvary Holiness Church, page 22
Canadian Nazarene University College
(Canada), 901.5
Caravan director
District, 237.3
Local, 148
Caribbean Nazarene College
(Trinidad), 901.5
Charter
NYI, 810
Children’s ministries director
District, 237.1, 237.3, 237.7
Local, 147.1-47.9
Christ, doctrine of
Article of Faith, 2
Atonement, 6, 16, 26.5
Belief on, 7, 9, 26.5
Blood, 6, 13
Death, 2, 6, 17
Eternal, 2
Faith in, 16-17, 26.6
Head of the Church, 400, 429.1
Incarnation, 2
Resurrection, 2
Revealed in Trinity as Son, 1-2,
26.1
Second Coming, 15, 26.8
Article of Faith, 19
Sufferings, 6
Virgin Birth, 2
Christian Action Committee, General,
338
Christian day schools, see Nazarene
schools
Christian education
Approval, 129.27, 152, 160.1,
208.12-8.13, 413.18
Commission, 409.1
Minister, 409
Securing of, 33.5, 160, 424
See Associates, paid
See Sunday School Ministries
Christian family life, see Marriage
and family life
Christian holiness, 13
Christian Holiness Partnership,
page 16
Christian life, the, 33-33.5
Conscientious, 33.2-33.3
Holiness ethic, 33.2-33.3
Holy living, guidelines for, 33.2-
33.3
Principles, biblical, 33.1, 33.4
Christian perfection, 13
INDEX 379
Christian schools, see Nazarene
schools
Church
Church Constitution, 1-32
Article of Faith—The Church, 15
Church of God, 23
Church of the Nazarene, 25
Historical statement, pages 14-
24
Church of the Nazarene (Nigeria),
page 22
Churches severally, 24
General church, 23
Church attendance, 27.1, 39, 113.10,
127, 135-36, 145, 146
Church board, local
Chairperson, 127, 412, 413.23
Duties, 113.11-13.12, 113.14, 115,
115.2, 115.4, 117, 119-34,
402.2-2.7, 410, 426-26.3,
426.5, 427.1-27.3, 428.3,
429.3, 434.7
Meetings, 128
Church buildings
Advice on, 103-3.1, 104.2, 208.2,
234.3
Church Constitution
Amendments, 32
Articles of Faith, 1-22
Articles of Organization and Government,
28-31.9
Church, the, 23-27
Preamble, page 26
Church government flow chart, page
27
Church letters
Commendation, 111.1, 413.22,
813.2
Release, 112.2, 413.22, 813.3
Transfer, 111, 413.22, 813.4-13.5
Church, local
Annual meetings, see Church
meetings
Articles of Incorporation, 102.4
Change of name, 101.1
Church/Pastor relationship
Local church in crisis, 124-24.1
Planning session, church board
and pastor, 121
Regular church/pastoral review,
122-22.1
Resolving differences, 121.1
Sabbatical leave, 129.10
Salary, 38.3, 115.4, 129.8-29.9
Special church/pastoral review,
123
Constitution on, 29
Crisis in, 124-24.1
Finances, 28.2, 129.20-29.23, 136
Liability limited, 115.4
Prohibition of appeals, 156-57
Records, 129.23
Membership, 29, 107-9.4
Associate, 108-8.1
Commendation, 111.1, 413.22,
813.2
Committee, 107.1, 108.1-10.8
Conditions of, 26
Inactive, 109-9.4, 112.3, 133
Letters, see Church letters
Removal, 112.1-12.3, 133, 813.2-
13.3
Transfer, 111, 413.22, 813.4-13.5
Merger, 105
Name, church, 101. 102.4, 102.6
Officers, 39, 113.10, 127, 135-36,
145, 146
Organization and disorganization,
100, 106-6.5, 208.1, 433.12
Pastor/church relationship, see
Church/Pastor relationship
Pastoral relations
Call, 115-19.1
Election, 115, 122-23
Moving expenses, 115.4
President of, 102.3, 113.5, 413.23
Property
Disposition of, 106.1-6.5
Restrictions, 103-4.4
Signatories on accounts, 106.5
Title to, 102-2.3, 102.6, 234.2
See Real estate
Secretary, 129.19, 135-35.7
Treasurer, 129.20, 136-36.6
Year
Church, 114
Statistical, 114.1
Church meetings, 113-13.15
Annual, 113-13.15
Elections by, 113.9-13.13
Notice and time, 113.4, 113.7
Officers of, 113.5-13.6
Reports to, 113.8
Voting, 107, 113.1-13.2
380 INDEX
Definition, 113
Special
Call and notice, 113.4, 113.14-
13.15, 115
Continue church/pastoral relationship,
122-23
Fill vacancies, 139, 144
Real estate transactions, 104
Church members, see Members,
church
Church membership class, see Members,
church, class for
Church Membership Committee,
Evangelism and Duties, 110-
10.8
Church name, use of, 102.4, 102.6,
159
Church of the Nazarene, see Church
Church Properties Board, District
Appeals from, 103.1
Duties, 103, 104, 234-34.5
Election, 203.18
Members, 203.18, 233
Church regions, 344
Church sites, see Church buildings,
advice on
Church-type missions, 100.1, 107.2,
138.1, 208.5
Church year
Administrative/Assembly year, 114
Statistical year, 114.1
CIS Education Centers (Russia),
901.5
Civil government, 903.6
Cleanse from indwelling sin, 27
Clergy, member of the, 433
Cloning, human, 36
Colleges/Universities
Dramatics, 902.4
Representation on General Board,
331.3, 332.2
See International Board of Education,
382
Commissions
General Assembly Commission,
302
Related to General Board, 334.19
Committees
Education, see Sunday School
Ministries Board
General Assembly Arrangements
Committee, 304-4.2
General Christian Action Committee,
338
Interests of the God-called Evangelist,
339
Investigating Committee, 222.3
Membership Committee, Evangelism
and Church, 110-10.8
Nominating Committee
District, 202.1
Local, 113.9
Communion, see Lord’s Supper
Communion service
General Assembly, 304.2
Ritual, 802
Computers, 34.1
Conduct, see Behavior
Conscientious Christian, 33.2-33.3
Constitutions
Church, see Church Constitution
NMI
district, 811
general, 811
local, 811
NYI, see Charter, NYI
Sunday School Bylaws, 812
Continuing Lay Training, 145.9,
237.1, 237.9
Contributions, 27.1
Corporation, see General Boards
(corporations) and Incorporation
Corporation, church-sponsored, 159
Councils
Adult Ministries, 237.4
Children’s Ministries, 237.3
NYI, 150
Regional Advisory Council, 344.3
Course of study
International Advisory Committee,
340, 424.1-24.2, 424.5
Minister’s, 424
Regional Advisory Committee,
344.6-44.7, 424.1
Sourcebook for Ministerial Development,
424.4
Court, see Judicial Administration
Court of Appeals
District
Duties, 509
Election, 203.22
Membership, 203.22, 509
Rules of procedure, 508
Vacancies, 212
INDEX 381
See Judicial Administration
General
Duties, 510, 513
Jurisdiction, 31.8
Membership, 31.8, 305.7, 510
Per diem, 512
Records, 325.4, 513
Vacancies, 317.6, 511
See Judicial Administration
Regional
Duties, 506, 507.2, 514
Jurisdiction, 514
Membership, 514
Rules of procedure, 508
Vacancies, 514
See Judicial Administration
Courtesy enjoined, 27.1
Covenant of Christian Character,
The, 27
Covenant of Christian Conduct, The,
33-41, 413.12
Cradle Roll, 237.3, 812, Article I,
Section 1(a)
Creation, 903.8
Credential
Deacon’s, see Minister, ordained,
credentials
Elder’s, see Minister, ordained,
credentials
Status, definition of, 433
Cursing, 27.2
Dancing, 27.2, 34.4
Day schools, see Nazarene schools
Deacon, see Minister, ordained
Deaconess, 406
Debt, local church, 103-4, 902.2
Dedications, church, 806
Delegates
District assembly
Election, 113.13
Ratio of representation, 201.1-
1.2
Right to elect safeguarded, 28.2
District conventions
NMI, 811, Article VI, Section 2
NYI, 810, District Ministry
Plan, Article IV, Section 3
Sunday School Ministries, 237.5,
812, Article VII, Section 1
General Assembly
Alternate, 31.2, 203.23
Basis of representation, 31.1-
31.2, 301-1.3
Credentials, 31.3
Election, 31.2, 203.23
Eligibility forfeited, 301.4-1.5
Faithful attendance expected,
203.23
General/Global conventions
NMI, 811, Article VI, Section 3
NYI, 810, Article IV, Section 3
Sunday School Ministries, 812,
Article VII, Section 2
Departments/Committees of General
Board, 334.20
Duties and powers, 334
Depravity, 5, 7, 13, 26.3
Destiny, 26.4
Article of Faith, 20, 22
Discipline
Board of
District, 505-5.9, 506-7.1
Local, 504-4.1
Church member, 504
Minister, 505
Purpose, 500
See Judicial Administration
Discrimination, racial, see Racial
discrimination
Dishonesty, 27.2
District Advisory Board
Chairperson, 213, 221.2
Duties and powers, 100.1, 101-1.1,
102.1, 102.4, 104.2, 105,
106-6.2, 106.5, 113.11,
114.1, 115, 116, 124.1,
129.20, 152-52.1, 156, 160.8,
200.1-0.5, 203.13, 203.25,
208.3, 208.6-8.7, 208.13,
208.15, 208.17, 212.2, 222-
25, 307.5-7.7, 427.1, 427.3-
27.5, 428.3, 429.3, 432,
433.7, 433.11, 434.4, 435.1,
435.6-35.7, 504.2-5.6, 505.8-
506, 515.5
Election, 203.14, 221
Ex-officio members of district assembly,
201, 221.3
Finance Committee (interim),
222.13
Membership, 203.14, 213, 221,
221.2
Vacancies, 221.1
382 INDEX
District assembly
Bounds and name, 200
Duties and powers
Authorizes commissions, credentials,
licenses, and transfers,
129.13-29.15, 203.3-3.10,
222.10-22.11, 814
Authorizes incorporation of District
Advisory Board, 222.5
Controls church property, when,
106.2, 106.5
Elects general assembly delegates,
203.23
Elects officers, boards, committees
203.11-3.23, 206, 216,
219, 221, 226, 229, 232-33,
235-37, 241, 509
Hears reports, 203.2-3.3, 220.2,
235.1, 418, 427.8, 433.9
Records proceedings, 205-5.6
Representation, 30, 201-1.2
Transacts other business,
203.28-3.29
Meeting, time of, 202, 204.3
Membership, 30, 113.13, 201-1.2
Year
Church, 114
Statistical, 114.1
District Board of Ministry, 203.17
District boundaries, 200
District centers, approval of, 222.9,
319
District chaplaincy director, 236
District, crisis in, 200.2, 307.8, 322
District disorganization, 242
District mergers, 200.4
District minister’s license records,
325.7
District Ministry Plan, see NYI
District mission area directors, 200.6
District organization, 200.1
District paid assistants, 207.3-7.4,
241
District phase, 200.2
District property, 204, 222.5-22.9,
242.1
District secretary
Assistants, 218
Duties, 31.3, 203.26, 217-17.9,
403.2, 413.13, 427.6, 430.1,
433.6-33.7, 814
Election, 216, 222.16
Ex-officio member of district assembly,
201, 216.2
Vacancy, 216.1
District superintendent
Amenability, 208.1, 214
Appointment, 206-7, 307.6
Constitution on, 28-28.2
Duties and powers, district, 33.4,
203.2
Annual report, 203.2
Arranges for assembly, 202
Fills vacancies, 208.6-8.7, 209-
12, 216.1, 219.1, 226.1,
229.1, 237
Holds ex-officio relationship,
213-13.1
Presides at district assembly,
when, 211, 307.4
Serves as chairperson of boards
and committees, 213-14,
221.2, 227.1
Duties and powers, local
Approve pastoral associates,
paid or unpaid, 208.12
Church in crisis, 124-24.1, 208.3
Have oversight, 100, 104, 106.1,
113.5, 128, 208-10.1, 426.1-
26.4
Make pastoral arrangements,
115-17, 119, 124, 129.2,
208.9-8.10, 209, 307.5
Duties and powers, other
Acts in disciplinary matters,
435.2-35.3
Election, 203.11-3.13, 206
Vacancy, 207-7.1, 307.6, 321
Assistants, paid, 207.2-7.3,
241
Temporary incapacitation,
207.2
District treasurer
Amenability, 220.2
Duties, 220-20.2, 413.17
Election, 219, 222.15
Ex-officio member of district assembly,
201, 219.2
Vacancy, 219.1
District zone facilitators, 200.6
Divine healing
Article of Faith, 18
Divisions, see Departments
INDEX 383
Divorce, 35.2-35.4, 320, 427.1, 428.3,
429.3
Dramatics, 902.4
Dress, pride/modesty in, 27.2, 903.11
Drugs, 34.5-34.6, 903.13-3.14
See Substance abuse
Easter Offering, 155.2
Eastern Mediterranean Nazarene
Bible College (Lebanon), 901.5
Eastern Nazarene College (U.S.A.),
901.5
Editor, Holiness Today, see Holiness
Today editor
Education, see Higher Education
Education Committee, local, 145
Elder, see Minister, ordained
Emeritus general superintendent,
see General superintendent,
emeritus relationship
Entertainments, 27.2, 34.1
Entire sanctification, see Sanctification,
entire
Eternal punishment, see Punishment,
eternal
European Nazarene College
(Switzerland), 901.5
Euthanasia, 36
Evangelism and Church Growth Division,
see USACanada Mission
Evangelism Department
Evangelism and Church Membership
Committee, see Church
Membership Committee
Evangelism Board, District, 203.19,
232-32.1
Evangelist, 408-8.7
Report, annual, 203.3
Support, 129.11
Evil, 5-5.3, 27.2
Facultad Teologico Nazareno
(Brazil), 901.5
False witness, 27.2
Fellowship of Christians, 24, 27.3
Field strategy coordinator, 344.5
Finance Department, see Headquarters
Financial Office
Finances, 329.2, 902.1-2.2
Appeals prohibited, 156-57
Monthly reports from district and
institutions, 329.7
Pastor’s limitations, 415
See Debt, local church
Foreign missions, see World Mission
Department
Foreword, pages 5-6
Forms
Bills of charges
Trial of licensed minister, 815
Trial of ordained minister, 815
Trial of layperson, 815
District assembly use
Certificates, commissions, licenses,
and transfers, 814
Local church use
Church letters, licenses, recommendations,
and certificates,
813-13.6
Foundation, Church of the Nazarene,
38.4
President, 301
Free agency, see Grace, prevenient
Freewill offerings, 38.1
Fullness of the Spirit, 13, 903.9
Funeral ritual, 804
Gambling, 34.2, 338.1
Gene therapy, 36
General Assembly
Arrangements Committee, 304-4.2
Authorized, 31.1-31.9, 300
Constitutional changes, 32
Delegates and/or members, 31.1-
31.2, 203.23, 301.1-1.3
Eligibility, 301.4-1.5
District representation, 301.1-1.3
Duties and powers, 31.9, 305
Approves:
General Assembly program,
304.2
Withdrawal of local churches,
104.4
Determines:
District assembly powers and
duties, 30
District boundaries, 30, 200
General Court of Appeals jurisdiction,
31.8
Elects:
General Assembly officers,
300.2
General Board, 305.6, 331-32
General Court of Appeals,
305.7, 510
General superintendents,
305.2, 306
384 INDEX
General superintendents,
emeritus relationship, 305.3
General superintendents, retired
relationship, 305.4-5.5
General superintendents,
when, 31.5
Presiding officers, when, 31.6
Receives:
Assembly journals, 203.26,
217.7
Meetings, 302-3
Minutes, 325.8
Organization and procedure, 31.4,
31.6-31.7, 300.1-301, 307.2,
325.1, 327
Powers, limitation of, 28.2, 31.9
Quorum required, 31.4
Resolutions and petitions, 305.1,
902.8
Rules of order, 31.7, 327
General Board of the Church of the
Nazarene
Determines:
World Evangelism Fund, 317.12,
334.7-34.8
Elects:
Department directors, 334.20
General secretary, 334.14
General treasurer, 334.14
Nazarene Publishing House
president, 334.17
Fills vacancies, 324.2, 334.22
Fixes salaries:
Department directors, 334.21
Nazarene Publishing House
president, 334.21
Incorporated, 330
Meetings, 334.4-34.5
Members, 305.6, 330-30.1, 331-32
Organization and procedure,
307.2, 330.2-30.3, 334.3
Receives reports, 329.5, 334.12-
34.13
Region representation, 331.2,
332.1
Vacancies, 333-33.1
General Boards (corporations)
Nazarene Publishing House,
317.9, 334.16, 337
Pensions Board, 336-36.1
General Rules (see Covenant of
Christian Character, The)
General secretary
Amenability, 324.3
Assistants, 327.1
Duties, 31.3, 217.3, 316-16.1, 325-
27, 513
Election, 324
Ex-officio member of:
General Assembly, 301, 324.1
General Assembly Arrangements
Committee, 304
General Christian Action Committee,
338
Ex-officio secretary of General
Board, 330.2
Vacancy, 317.5, 324.2, 334.22
General superintendent
Amenability, 307.11-7.13
Constitution on, 28
Duties and powers, district, 33.4
Election of district superintendent,
203.12-3.13
Fills vacancy in district superintendency,
207-7.2, 307.6-7.7
Issues certificates, commissions,
and licenses, 427.6, 430.1,
433.6
Presides at district assemblies,
307.4
Sets time for district assembly,
202
Duties and powers, general
Ordains ministers, 307.3, 433.5
Presides at General Assembly,
31.6, 300.1, 307.2
Presides at General Board meetings,
307.2, 334.3
Serves on Board of General Superintendents,
see General
Superintendents, Board of
Duties and powers, local
Assists in pastoral relations,
307.5
Hears appeals, 117
Organizes local churches, 100
Presides at annual and special
meetings, 113.5, 307.9
Duties and powers, other
Supervises entire church, 307.1
Election, 31.5, 305.2, 306
Emeritus relationship, 301, 305.3,
314-14.1
INDEX 385
Ex-officio member of the General
Assembly, 301, 306.2
Restricted from holding other offices,
306.1, 307.10
Retired relationship, 301, 305.4-
5.5, 314-14.1
Vacancy, 31.5, 307.13, 316-16.1
General Superintendents, Board of
Announces constitutional changes,
32
Appoints and/or fills vacancies:
Corporations, 317.9
General Assembly Arrangements
Committee, 304
General Assembly Commission,
302
General Court of Appeals, 317.6
General secretary’s assistants,
327.1
General superintendents to departments
of General
Board, 317.10
General superintendents to educational
institutions, 317.10
Approves:
District center plans, 319
General Board and department
work, 317.3
General Board elections, 334-
34.1
Global NYI Council appointments,
810
Independent church activities of
ministers, 433.1, 433.11
Removals
Department directors, 317.5
General secretary, 317.5
General superintendents,
307.13
General treasurer, 317.5
Nazarene Publishing House
president, 317.5
World missionary appointments,
317.3
Arranges:
Course of study, 317.11
General Assembly place and
time, 302-3
General Assembly program,
304.2
Authorization, 315
Disorganize, may
District, 242
Local churches, 106.1
Duties, 317-22
Hears appeals, 117
Interprets law, doctrine, and Manual,
318
Jurisdictions, 315, 317.1
Membership, 31.5
Miscellaneous duties, 323
Nominations
Assists in:
Department directors, 334.20
General secretary, 317.4
General treasurer, 317.4
Nazarene Publishing House
president, 334.17
Organization, 315
Presides at General Assembly,
300.1
Supervises:
Committees, 317.3
General Board, 317.3
International Church, 317.1
World missionary work, 317.3
Vacancy, 316
General treasurer
Amenability, 328.2
Duties, 155.3, 304, 329-29.7,
334.13
Election, 328
Ex-officio member of General Assembly,
301, 328.1
Ex-officio treasurer of General
Board, 330.3
Vacancy, 317.5, 334.22
Genetic engineering, 36
Giving, planned and deferred, 38.4
Global Ministry Plan, see NYI
God-Called Evangelist, Committee
on Interests of, 339
God, doctrine of
Act of, 11, 13
Church of, 23
Eternal, 1
Father, 1-2
Judgment, 21-22
Judicial act, 9
Son, 1-2
Sovereignty, 1
Spirit, 1-3, 8, 13, 15, 24
Unity, 1, 26.1
Triune
386 INDEX
Article of Faith, 1
Will of, 4
Gospel Workers church, page 22
Gossip, 27.2
Government, church, 28
Grace, prevenient
Article of Faith, 7
Grace of God, 7-12
See Growth in grace
Growth in grace, 14
See Grace of God
Guaranty of rights, see Judicial Administration
Guilt for sin, 8-9
Headquarters Financial office,
Director, 301, 334.14
Funds, 329.2
Healing, see Divine healing
Heart purity, 13
Hephzibah Faith Missionary Association,
page 21
Herald of Holiness editor, see Holiness
Today
Higher Education
Church and college/university, 380
Constitutions, educational institutions,
384
Education commissioner, 383
Educational Mission Statement,
380.1
Establishment of new institution,
380.2
International Board of Education,
382
Functions, 382.1-82.7
International Higher Education
Council, 381
Historic Sites and Landmarks,
902.10
History, Church of the Nazarene
Custodian of historical records,
326.1
Name change, page 20
Statement, pages 14-24
See Pentecostal Church of the
Nazarene
HIV/AIDS, 903.15
Holiness, see Sanctification, entire
Holiness Christian Church (Pennsylvania
Conference), page 20
Holiness Church of Christ, pages 17-
18
Holiness ethic, 33.2-33.3
Holiness Evangel, The, page 18
Holiness Today editor
Ex-officio member of General Assembly,
301
Vacancy, 317.5
Holy living, guidelines for, 33.2-33.3
Holy Scriptures, see Scriptures, the
Holy
Holy Spirit, the, doctrine of
Article of Faith, 3
Baptism with, 5.1, 13, 903.9
Bears witness, 12-13, 26.7
Convicts of sin, 3
Leadings of, 24
Regenerates, 3
Sanctifies, 3
Third Person of Trinity, 3
Triune God, 1, 26.1
Home, Christian, 35
Home Department, 812, Article I,
Section 1(b)
Homosexuality, see Human sexuality
Human cloning, 36
Human life, sanctity of, 36
Human sexuality, 37
Illegal votes, see Voting
Impenitence, final, 26.4
Incorporation
District Advisory Board, 222.5-
22.7
General corporations, see General
Boards (corporations)
Local churches, 102-2.6
Indonesia Nazarene Theological College
(Indonesia), 901.5
Inspiration of the Scriptures, see
Scriptures, the Holy
Installation service, 805
Internet, 34.1
International Course of Study Advisory
Committee, 340, 424.1,
424.5
International Holiness Mission, page
21
Institut Biblique Nazareen (Côte
d’Ivoire), 901.5
Instituto Biblico Nazareno
(Guatemala), 901.5
Instituto Biblico Nazareno (Peru),
901.5
INDEX 387
Japan Christian Junior College
(Japan), 901.5
Japan Nazarene Theological Seminary
(Japan), 901.5
Jesus Christ, doctrine of, see Christ,
doctrine of
Journal, district assembly, 205-5.6
Judgment
Article of Faith, 21
Final, 22, 26.8
Future, 21
Judicial Administration
Layperson
Appeal, 31.9, 504.1
Discipline, 413.16, 504
Guaranty of rights, 515-15.6
Investigating Committee,
413.16, 504
Procedure, 413.16, 504, 508, 515-
15.6
Trial, 31.9, 504
Minister
Appeal, 31.9, 506, 508
Credentials, (filed, removed, resigned,
surrendered), 325.5
Discipline, 434.5-34.6, 505.5,
505.7
Guaranty of rights, 515-15.6
Procedure, 505-8, 515-15.6
Trial, 31.9, 222.4, 505-7
Junior programs, see Children’s ministries
director
Justification, 12
Article of Faith, 9
Korea Nazarene University (Korea),
901.5
Lay minister, see Minister, lay
Lay missionaries, delegates to district
assembly, 201
Lay representation, see various
boards, committees, district assembly
members, and General
Assembly members
Laymen’s Holiness Association, page
21
Licensed minister, see Minister, licensed
Liquor, 34.5, 903.13-3.14
Literature, secular, 27.2, 34.1
Local church, see Church, local
Local church in crisis, see Church,
local, pastoral relations
Local Ministry Plan, see NYI
Local NMI, see NMI, local
Local NYI, see NYI, local
Lodges, see Oath-bound secret orders
Lord’s Day, 27.2, 338.4
Lord’s Supper
Administered by whom, 413.4,
413.11, 427.7, 428.2, 429.1
Article of Faith, 17
Elements, 138.7
Partakers, 17, 27.1(7)
Ritual, 802
Who may partake, 802
Lotteries, 34.2
Loving God, 27.1
Luzon Nazarene Bible College
(Philippines), 901.5
Magazines, see Literature, secular
Manual, 110.4, 413.12
Editing Committee, 902.5
Interpretation, 318
Marriage and divorce, 35-35.4, 320,
338.2, 803
Marriage and family life, 237.4
Means of grace, 27.1
Melanesia Nazarene Bible College
(Papua New Guinea), 901.5
Members, church
Associate members, 108-8.1,
203.24
Class for, 110.4
Discipline and/or removal, 500
Duty to report, 109.1-9.2
Full members, 25, 107-7.2, 110.8
Members of church-type missions,
status of, 107.2
Ministerial applicants, 417
Moving, 109.1, 413.20
Reception of, 107.1, 801
Requirements, responsibilities,
and prohibitions, 26-27, 33-
39, 156-57
Rights and privileges, 26, 801
Ritual, 801
Transfer, 111
Voting, 107, 113.1-13.2, 115, 122,
123
Membership Committee, Church, see
Church Membership Committee,
Evangelism and
Merging groups, pages 16-22
388 INDEX
MidAmerica Nazarene University
(U.S.A.), 901.5
Minister
Call, divine, 400, 412, 426.1, 427.1
Lay, 402-2.8
Licensed, 427-27.9
Background checks, 427.1
Basis for P&B aid, 433.3
Called of God, 400, 412, 427.1
Course of study, 424.3-24.6,
427.1-27.4
Discipline, 427.9, 434.4-34.7,
434.9
Licensed, how, 427.1-27.5
Membership, church, 112-12.1,
225, 417, 419, 427.8
Membership, district, 201, 427.2,
427.7-27.8, 433.4, 433.13,
435
Ordained, how, 427.4, 428.3,
429.3
Deacon, 428-28.4
Elder, 429-29.3
Requirements, 203.3, 427.1,
427.3
Rights and powers, 413.11,
427.7
Transfer, 203.8-3.9, 223, 228.9-
28.10, 432-32.2
Local, 113.8, 129.12-29.13, 426.1-
26.7, 813.6
Ordained, 428-29.3
Basis for P&B aid, 433.3
Called of God
Deacon, 400, 428
Elder, 400, 412, 429
Credentials, 325.5, 430.1, 433.6-
33.7, 434-34.9, 435.1-35.8
Discipline, see Court of Appeals,
General
Membership, church, 112-12.1,
225, 417, 419, 433.8-33.11
Membership, district, 201, 430-
30.2, 433.9-33.10, 433.13
Order of ministry, 428.1, 429.1
Ordination, 203.6, 428-29.3,
433.5-33.6
Recognition of orders, 203.7,
430-30.2
Regulations, general, 433-33.15
Requirements, 203.3, 203.6
Rights and powers, 428.2, 429.1,
433.12
Transfer, 203.8-3.9, 223, 228.9-
28.10, 432-32.2
Jurisdiction, 435.1
Qualifications, 401
Retired, 203.27, 228.8, 431-31.1
Minister of Christian education, 160-
60.1, 409
Minister of music, 160-60.1, 410, 814
See Associates, paid
Ministerial benevolence, see Pension
Boards
Ministerial Credentials Board, District
Duties, 228-28.10, 426.6, 427.4
Election, 203.15, 226
Membership, 226
Organization, 227
Vacancies, 212, 226.1
Ministerial Studies Board, District
Duties, 230-31.4, 426.4, 432.1
Election, 203.16
Membership, 203.16, 229
Organization, 230
Vacancies, 212, 229.1
Ministering to the needy, 27.1
Ministry, see Minister
Mission area directors, see District
Mission specials (approved), 154.1
Missionary, see World Mission Department
Missionary societies, see Nazarene
Missions International (NMI)
Mount Vernon Nazarene University
(U.S.A.), 901.5
Movies, 34.1, 338.4
Music director, see Associates, paid,
and Minister of music
Music, minister of, see Minister of
music
National Boards of Administration,
343
Nazarene Bible College (U.S.A.),
901.5
Nazarene Church, see Church
Nazarene College of Education
(Swaziland), 901.5
Nazarene College of Nursing (Swaziland),
901.5
Nazarene College of Theology
(Swaziland), 901.5
INDEX 389
Nazarene Messenger, The, page 19
Nazarene Missions International
District, 240-40.2
Amenability, 240-40.1
Constitution, 240.1, 811
Convention, 811, Article VI, Section
2
Council, 811, Article V, Section 2
Membership, 213.1, 240, 811,
Article IV
Organization, 240, 811, Article
III
President, 201, 203.13, 240.2,
811, Article V, Section 2
General
Constitution, 811
Convention, 342.4, 811, Article
VI, Section 3
Delegates to, 811, Article VI,
Section 3
Council, 342-42.4, 811, Article V,
Section 3
Duties, 342.2-42.4
Funds, 154-55.3, 329.2
Membership, 811, Article IV
President, 301, 342.4, 811, Article
V, Section 3
Relationship to World Mission
Committee, 342.1-42.2
Representation on General
Board, 331.5, 332.4, 342.3,
811, Article V, Section 3
Vacancy, 811, Article V, Section 3
Local, 153-55.3
Amenability, 153.1
Chapters, 811, Article III
Constitution, 811
Finances, 129.23, 154-55.3, 811,
Article VII, Section 1
Meetings, 811, Article VI, Section
1
Membership, 811, Article IV
Nominations, 153.2, 414, 811,
Article V, Section 1
Officers, 811, Article V, Section 1
Organization, 153-53.2, 811, Article
III
Pastor’s relation to, 414
President, 113.8, 127, 153.2,
201, 811, Article V, Section 1
Nazarene Nursing College (Papua
New Guinea), 901.5
Nazarene Nurses Training College
(India), 901.5
Nazarene Publishing House, 337-
37.6
See President, Nazarene Publishing
House
Nazarene schools (birth through secondary),
152-52.1, 208.13
Nazarene Theological College (Australia),
901.5
Nazarene Theological College (Republic
of South Africa), 901.5
Nazarene Theological College—Manchester
(England), 901.5
Nazarene Theological College of
Central Africa (Malawi), 901.5
Nazarene Theological Seminary
(U.S.A.), 901.5
Board of Trustees, 305.8
President, member of General Assembly,
301
Nazarene World Mission Society, see
Nazarene Missions International
Nazarene Youth International
District, 239-39.4
Charter, 239.1, 810
Convention, 239.4, 810, District
Ministry Plan, Article IV,
Section 3
Membership, 213.1, 239, 810,
District Ministry Plan, Article
I, Section 1
Ministry Plan, 239.1, 810
Organization and council, 810,
District Ministry Plan, Article
I, Sections 1-2, Article
III, Section 1
President, 201, 203.13, 239.3-
39.4, 810, District Ministry
Plan, Article II, Sections 1-3
Youth pastor, 810, District Ministry
Plan, Article II, Section
4
Global, 341-41.5
Charter, 810
Convention, 341.1, 810, Global
Ministry Plan, Article IV,
Section 3
Delegates to, 341.1, 810, Global
Ministry Plan, Article IV,
Section 3
390 INDEX
Council, 810, Global Ministry
Plan, Article III
Funds, 329.2
Membership, 341, 810, Global
Ministry Plan, Article I,
Section 1
Ministry Plan, 341, 810
President, 810, Global Ministry
Plan, Article II
Representation on General
Board, 331.4, 332.3, 341.4,
810, Global Ministry Plan,
Article II, Section 3
Local, 150-50.4
Charter, 810
Divisions, 150.3, 810
Finances, 129.23
Meetings, 810, Local Ministry
Plan, Article IV
Membership, 810, Local Ministry
Plan, Article I, Section
1
Ministry Plan, 150.1, 810
Nominations, 151, 414, 810, Local
Ministry Plan, Article II,
Section 2
Officers, 810, Local Ministry
Plan, Article II, Sections 1-2
Organization, 151.4, 810, Local
Ministry Plan, Article I
President, 113.8, 127, 151-51.5,
201, 810, Local Ministry
Plan, Article II
Purpose, 150.2, 810, Local Ministry
Plan, Article I, Section
2
Regional, 810
Council, 810, Regional Ministry
Plan, Article III
Meetings, 810, Regional Ministry
Plan, Article IV
Membership, 810, Regional Ministry
Plan, Article I, Section
1
Ministry Plan, 810
Nominations, 810, Regional
Ministry Plan, Article II,
Section 2
Officers, 810, Regional Ministry
Plan, Article II
Organization, 810, Regional
Ministry Plan, Article I
President, 810, Regional Ministry
Plan, Article II
New birth, 10, 26.7
New Testament, see Scriptures, the
Holy
NewStarts, see church-type missions
Nigeria Nazarene Theological College
(Nigeria), 901.5
Nominating Committee
District, 202.1
Local, 113.9
Northwest Nazarene University
(U.S.A.), 901.5
Oath-bound secret orders, 34.3,
338.4
Old Testament, see Scriptures, the
Holy
Olivet Nazarene University (U.S.A.),
901.5
Ordained minister, see Minister, ordained
Ordination, theology of, 401.6
Organ donation, 903.1
Original sin, 13, 26.3
Article of Faith, 5
Pastor
Amenability, 203.3, 418
Appointment, when, 115
Call to church, 115-24
Acceptance of, 115.1
Duration, 118, 122
Review, church/pastoral
Regular, 122
Special, 123
Termination, 119, 122
Called of God, 412
Church membership, 419
Copastors, 120-20.1
Confidentiality, 433.14
Duties and powers, 33.4, 35.2, 107-
7.1, 108-8.1, 113.5, 113.8,
113.14, 121, 127-28, 130,
145.1, 150-51, 150.3, 151.5,
160.1-60.3, 160.5, 203.3,
401-1.6, 412-19, 504
Lifelong learning, 129.9-29.10,
424.6, 433.15
Moving expenses, 115.4
Planning session, 121
President of local church, 102.3,
113.5, 413.23
Recommends
INDEX 391
Assigned minister’s certificate,
129.13
Deaconess’ license, 129.15, 406
Lay minister’s certificate,
129.12, 402.2, 402.4
Local minister’s license, 129.12,
426.1, 426.3
Minister’s license, 129.14
Records, access to, 413.23
Relation to district superintendent,
416
Resignation of, 119-19.1
Sabbatical leave, 129.10
Salary, 115.4-15.5, 129.8-29.9
Pastoral arrangements, 115-19, 122-
124.1
See also Pastor, call to church
Pastoral associates, 129.27, 160-60.8,
420
Pensions Board (U.S.A.), 334.15
Conditions for aid, 205.6, 336.1,
433.3
Duties, 334.12, 336-36.2
Pentecostal Church of Scotland, page
21
Pentecostal Church of the Nazarene,
page 20
First General Assembly, pages 19-
20
Name change, page 20
Name chosen, page 20
Second General Assembly, page 20
See History, Church of the Nazarene
Perfection, Christian, 13
Pilot Point, Texas, page 20
Pledges, see Finances
Plenary inspiration of the Scriptures,
4, 26.2
Point Loma Nazarene University
(U.S.A.), 901.5
Polity, 28
Pornography, 903.10
Prayer, 18, 35, 35.3
Preacher, licensed, see Minister, licensed
Preacher, local, see Minister, local
Preamble to church Constitution,
page 26
President, Nazarene Publishing
House, 317.5, 334.17, 334.21,
337
President of local church, 102.3,
113.5, 413.23
Primitive New Testament Church,
25
Principles, biblical, 33.1
Probationers, see Members, church,
associate members
Procedure, judicial, see Judicial Administration
Procedure, parliamentary, see Rules
of order
Profanity, 27.2
Prohibition and temperance, 34.2-
34.5, 338.1, 338.3-38.4
Property agreements, see Real estate
Punishment, eternal, 22, 26.4, 26.8
Quarreling, 27.2
Questionnaire for Ordination, 430,
435.3
Quorum, General Assembly, 31.4
Racial discrimination, 903.2
Radio, 34.1
Real estate, 102-4.3, 106.1-6.3, 106.5,
143.1, 204, 334.1
Reception of church members, see
Members, church, reception of
Recognition of orders, see Minister,
ordained
Regeneration, 7, 12-13, 26.5
Article of Faith, 10
Regional advisory council, see Councils,
regional
Regional Course of Study Advisory
Committee, 344.6-44.7
Regional director, 344.4
Regional Ministry Plan, see NYI
Regions, see Church regions
Release from membership, see
Church, local membership
Religious education, see Sunday
School Ministries
Repentance
Article of Faith, 8
Necessary for salvation, 26.5
Of church member, 504
Of minister, 505.5
Representative form of government,
28
Responsibility to the poor, 903.4
Restoration of credentials, 435.1-
35.2, 435.6-35.8
Restoration of membership
392 INDEX
Deacon, 435.1
Elder, 435.1
Resurrection
Articles of Faith, 19-20
Of the dead, 26.8
Of Jesus Christ, 2
Retired minister, 431, 433
Revival, the Wesleyan, pages 14-15
Reynolds, Hiram F., pages 17, 20
Ritual
Baptism, 800
Church dedications, 806
Funeral, 804
Installation of officers, 805
Lord’s Supper, 802
Marriage ceremony, 803
Reception of church members, 801
Rules
General, see Covenant of Christian
Character, The
Special, see Covenant of Christian
Conduct, The
Rules of order, 40, 113, 203, 300.3
Rules of order, General Assembly, see
General Assembly, rules of order
Sabbath observance, see Lord’s Day
Sacraments, see Lord’s Supper
Salary of pastor, see Pastor, salary
Salvation, 6
Sanctification, entire, Preamble,
page 26; 7, 26.6-26.7, 39, 113.10,
127, 145, 146
Article of Faith, 13-14
Related to growth in grace, 14
Schools
Bible, 145.1
Childcare, 152-52.1
Christian, 152-52.1
Scottish Bible Society, 902.3
Scriptures, the Holy, 26.2, 27.1, 34.5
Article of Faith, 4
Second coming of Christ, 19, 26.8
Secret societies, see Oath-bound secret
orders
Secretary, church board, see Secretary,
local church
Secretary, district, see District secretary
Secretary of district assembly, see
District secretary
Secretary, general, see General secretary
Secretary of General Assembly, see
General secretary
Secretary of General Board, 330.2
Secretary, local church board
Duties, 113.6, 113.8, 119.1, 128,
135-35.7
Election, 128, 129.19
Seminaire Theologique Nazareen
d’Haiti (Haiti), 901.5
Seminario Biblico Nazareno (Chile),
901.5
Seminario Nazareno de las Americas
(Costa Rica), 901.5
Seminario Nazareno Dominicano
(Dominican Republic), 901.5
Seminario Nazareno em Mozambique
(Mozambique), 901.5
Seminario Nazareno Mexicano, A.C.
(México), 901.5
Seminario Teologico Nazareno
(Peru), 901.5
Seminario Teologico Nazareno
Cubano (Cuba), 901.5
Seminario Teologico Nazareno de
Bolivia (Bolivia), 901.5
Seminario Teologico Nazareno de
Guatemala (Guatemala), 901.5
Seminario Teologico Nazareno Del
Cono Sur (Argentina), 901.5
Seminario Teologico Nazareno
Sudamericano (Ecuador), 901.5
Separation of church and state,
903.6
Sexuality, human, 37
Sin, 5-8, 26.5
Original, see Original sin
Slander, 27.2
Solicitation of funds, see Finances,
appeals
Song evangelist, 422-22.1
Qualifications, 422
Report, annual, 203.3
Songs, 27.2
South Asia Nazarene Bible College
(India), 901.5
South Pacific Nazarene Theological
College (Fiji Islands), 901.5
Southeast Asia Nazarene Bible College
(Thailand), 901.5
Southern Nazarene University
(U.S.A.), 901.5
INDEX 393
Special Rules, see Covenant of
Christian Conduct, The
Stem cell research, human embryonic,
36
Stewards, Board of
Duties, 138, 140
Vacancy, 139
Stewardship, rules on, 38-38.4
Committee, local, 140
Storehouse tithing, see Tithing
Substance abuse, 903.12
Suicide, physician assisted, see Euthanasia
Sunday, see Lord’s Day
Sunday School
Administration and supervision,
145.1, 812, Article VI
Age-group councils, 147
Age-group directors
Adult director, 147-47.9, 149-
49.1
Children’s director, 147-47.9,
148-48.2
Youth director, see NYI, 150-
51.5
Attendance, 812, Article II
Bylaws, 145.4, 146.2, 812
Classes and departments, 812, Article
III
Constitution, see Bylaws
Conventions, 812, Article VII
Enrollment, 812, Article I
Finances, 129.23
Membership, 812, Article I
Nominations, 414
Objectives, 145.1-45.2
Officers, 145-45.8, 147-49.1, 812,
Article V
Organized by, 145.1
Outreach, 812, Article I
Pastor’s relation to, 145.1, 414
Purpose, 812, Introduction
School year defined, 145.10
Superintendent
Duties, 113.8, 146.1-46.6
Election, 39, 113.10, 146
Ex-officio membership, 127, 146
Teachers, 413.10, 812, Article IV
Vacancy, 146, 812, Article IV, Sections
2-3
Sunday School Ministries Board
District
Chairperson, 201, 203.13, 238.1-
38.3
Councils
Adult Ministries, 237.4
Children’s Ministries, 237.3
Election, 203.20
Meetings and conventions,
237.1, 237.5, 237.13-37.14
Membership, 237
Organization, 237-37.4, 237.8
Vacancies, 212, 237
Local
Adult ministries director, 145.6,
147-47.9
Children’s ministries director,
145.6, 147-47.9
Duties, 145-45.10
Education Committee, 145
Election, 113.10, 132, 145
Meetings, 145.10
Membership, 145
Organization of, 145
Superintendent, 127, 146-46.6,
237.7
Vacancies, 145
Sunday School Ministries Department
Director, 301, 334.20
Funds, 329.2
Superintendency, district and general,
see District superintendent
and/or General superintendent
Supply pastor, 129.5, 129.9, 209, 421,
426.6
Support of the church, 38-38.4
Swearing, 27.2
Taiwan Nazarene Theological College
(Taiwan, Republic of China),
901.5
Television, 34.1, 338.4
Temperance, 34.5, 338.1, 903.13
Thanksgiving Offering, 155.2
Theater, 34.1, 338.4
Tithing, 38.1
Title to district property, see District
property, also see Real estate
Title to local church property, see
Church, local, property, title to
Tobacco, 34.5, 338.1, 903.14
Transfer, ministers, see Minister, licensed,
and Minister, ordained
394 INDEX
Treasurer, district, see District treasurer
Treasurer, general, see General treasurer
Treasurer, local church
Accounts audited, 129.23
Duties, 113.8, 136-36.6
Election, 128, 129.20
Trevecca Nazarene University
(U.S.A.), 901.5
Trial, church member, see Judicial
Administration, layperson
Trial, minister, see Judicial Administration,
minister
Trinity, 1, 26.1
Triune God, 1, 26.1
Trustees, Board of
Duties, 102-2.1, 143
Election, 113.10, 127, 141-42.1
Restrictions on, 104-4.3, 106-6.3,
156
Vacancy, 144
United Bible Societies, 902.3
Universal Bible Sunday, 902.3
Universities, see Colleges/Universities
USACanada MissionEvangelism
Department
Director, 301, 334.20
Funds, 329.2
Vacancies, see specific office, committee,
or board
Vacation Bible Schools, 145.1, 237.3
Visayan Nazarene Bible College
(Philippines), 901.5
Voting
Absentee, 113.2
Age requirement, 107, 113.1
War and military service, 903.7
Witness of the Spirit, 12-13, 26.7
Witnessing, 27.1
Word of God, see Scriptures, the
Holy
World Mission Department
Director, 301, 334.20
Funds, 329.2
NMI general director, 342.2
Representation in General Assembly,
31.1
Supervision, 317.1-17.2
Worldliness, 27.2, 34.1, 338.4
Worship, 27.1
Youth ministries director
District, 237.1, 237.7
Local, 147-47.9
Youth work director, paid, see Associates,
paid
Zone facilitators, see District
INDEX 395