Affiliation
The Free Methodist Church welcomes inquiries from followers of Jesus who are tired of traveling alone and are looking for earnest companions in the way of Christ.
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The Free Methodist Church welcomes inquiries from independent congregations who wish the explore the benefits of affiliating.
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A. Congregations established outside of Free Methodist
sponsorship and wishing to become part of the denomination
may enter as affiliate congregations.
B. Authority to Recognize. A conference superintendent,
with the concurrence of the conference administrative
committee, may receive a congregation in an affiliate
relationship when:
1. the members of the congregation have received
adequate orientation to the doctrine, organization,
and mission of the Free Methodist Church;
2. a document of affiliation has been signed by the
governing board of the congregation, the superintendent,
and representatives of the conference,
affirming the Articles of Religion and the mission
statement of the Free Methodist Church and describing
mutual responsibilities; and
3. the members have given public joint assent to the
document of affiliation and questions for church
membership.
C. Accountability and Responsibility. The pastor and
board of the affiliate church shall meet periodically (at
least twice a year) with the conference superintendent
or designated liaison to review and strengthen the connectional
relationship and shall participate in conference
fellowship, mentoring and reporting procedures.
The pastor and board shall consult with the ministerial
appointments committee of the conference regarding
any proposed changes in pastoral leadership during
affiliate status.
D. Membership. An affiliate congregation may receive
members in all relationships and report them in the
same manner as societies.
E. Financial Matters.
1. An affiliate congregation is encouraged to contribute
generously to conference and denominational
ministries as the first step towards full participation
in these responsibilities.
2. Staff members are eligible but not required to
participate in the denominational pension program
during affiliate status if an alternate retirement
plan is already in effect.
3. An affiliate congregation which owns real property
need not incorporate the trust clause of ¶6400.D
into its deed until recognition as a society occurs.
Denominational assistance for capital improvement
shall be in the form of loans repayable if the
church chooses not to become a Free Methodist
society.
F. Local Organization. The governing board of an affiliate
congregation shall be guided by the Book of Discipline
and the mission of the Free Methodist Church in
its decisions and the development of new ministries
but may retain its existing bylaws until recognition as
a society occurs.
G. Duration. The normal duration of this relationship shall
not exceed three years from the adoption of the document
of affiliation. At the end of this period the congregation
would become a society, terminate the affiliate
relationship or request the conference to grant
an extension of time for clarification and development
of denominational relationships.
H. Conference Relationship. An affiliated congregation
shall be represented in the annual conference by an
honorary delegate who shall have a voice but no vote.
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