North Central Conference

Denominational Vision

A healthy, biblical community of holy people multiplying disciples, leaders, groups and churches.

FMCNA Vision for Local Church

Every church a healthy church with Spirit-filled leadership working a plan to fulfill our profile of a healthy church.

FMCNA Vision for Conferences

Every conference creating an environment that equips and supports the church and its leaders to fulfill our profile of a healthy church.

Worshiping God Wholly Discipled Actively Multiplying Zealously

Evangelistic

Globally Engaged. Advocating Justice. Intentionally

Purposeful. Prayer Saturated.

His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and

authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our

Lord. Ephesians 3:10,11

Bringing Jesus to the North Central United Statesthrough growing and planting healthy congregations

advanced by boldy apostolic leadersworking synergistically together.

Bringing Jesus to the North Central United States ◦ Reorient churches toward the community. ◦ Equip congregations to understand and meet community

needs. ◦ Promote institutional conference ministries that assist the

poor and marginalized.  Through growing and planting healthy

congregations ◦ Planting New Churches. ◦ Growing Healthy Churches. 

Advanced by boldly apostolic leaders ◦ Structure for leadership multiplication. ◦ Train and support boldly apostolic leadership. 

Working synergistically together. ◦ Create strategic virtual connections. ◦ Maximize time together. ◦ Depend upon God. The real synergy happens here! 

VISION ORDAINED LEADERSHIP

Bringing Jesus to the North Central United States through Growing & Planting Health Congregations Advanced by Boldly Apostolic Leaders working Synergistically Together.

Bold Apostolic Leadership Development

Word. Order. Worship. Soul Winning. Navigating Change. Discipling Leaders. Community Involved. Church Networked.

Elders Lay Leaders

Paul Bundschuh (IL) Don Jamerson (IL) Jim McGaffey (chair)

(IA) Tim Ward (IA)

Stephanie Brown, Scty (IA)

Richard Wilson (MO)

Elders Lay Leaders

Pam Braman (MN) Dave Dwyer (MN) Steven Ware, Chair

(MN)

April Grubb (SD) Jamie Morison (MN) Todd Suchecki, Scty

(MN)

Elders Lay Leaders

Pat Coakley (IL) Greg Marsh (WI) Randy Waller, Chair

(IL)

Doug Hobbie (IL) Phil Owsley (WI) Mike VanDan, Scty

(WI)

Someone already leading.

Someone indicating an undetected or unfulfilled calling.

Folks from outside FMC who would fit better with us.

Folks who merit a second chance.

Folks engaged in a clear “sweet spot”

Unique or challenging but uncultivated or disempowered vision.

Annual interviews – 3 years to complete course of study.

Holy & loving in all relationships Gifts and graces for ministry Good judgment and discernment. Good communication skills Presents gospel with doctrinal integrity

Evidence of conversions and disciples

Minimum Requirements:LMC. Wesleyan Theology, History & Polity FMC. Approved by MEG, AC, Bishop

Annual approval of character.

Coursework or Equivalency◦Inductive Bible Study (2)◦Christian Doctrine (2)◦Biblical Studies (10)◦Systematic Theology (7)◦Wesleyan Theology (3)◦Pastoral Theology (7)◦Homiletics (3)

Minimum Requirements:CMC with 3 Years Experience.M.Div or equivalent.Approved by MEG, AC, Bishop.

Annual approval of character.

Coursework or Equivalency◦Inductive Bible Study (2)◦Christian Doctrine (2)◦Biblical Studies (10)◦Systematic Theology (7)◦Wesleyan Theology (3)◦Pastoral Theology (7)◦Homiletics (3)

Seminary, College, JT/XL, Apollos

Minimum Requirements:CMC with 3 Years Experience.M.Div or equivalent.Approved by MEG, AC, Bishop.

Orthopraxy (Practice) Orthodoxy (Doctrine)

Vital spiritual life Emotional stability Spiritual productivity Avoids blaming others

or speaking ill of them Embraces community Works well with others Personal integrity Wholesome family

Motivated lifelong learner

Maturing scholarship Harmonious with FM

Doctrinal positions Harmonious with FMC

polity and government Communicate whole

salvation creatively

Wesleyan Theology◦ We believe that a Wesleyan understanding of

salvation is consistent with Biblical revelation and the experience of believers. Key issues include: Unlimited atonement (all may be saved). Grace that can be resisted by free moral agents. Salvation that is reflected by continued obedience

and faith. Radical grace that brings freedom from the guilt of

past sin, and can release one from the self-centeredness with which we are born, so that we may become self-sacrificing servants who love God and others deeply (entire sanctification).

Ordination and Gender◦ We belief that the Biblical ideal shows how the Spirit

gives spiritual gifts and callings to God’s children without reference to gender, that God can and does call both women and men to the ordained ministry.

Episcopal Structure◦ We believe that the Biblical model describes elders

serving under authority of overseers in the context of the Body of Christ. Free Methodists elders are appointed to servant-lead particular communities and congregations, and are accountable to other elders and overseers.

Baptism◦ Free Methodists believe that the means of

baptism are flexible, and that Christian adults and parents or guardians of every child to be baptized should have the choice of immersion, sprinkling, or pouring. We also believe that Christian parents or guardians of every child should have the choice of infant baptism or infant dedication. While we do believe baptism is a means of grace, we do not believe it is the means of salvation.

“My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.”. . . No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. “Make level paths for your feet,” so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed. Heb.12.5-13

REASONS FOR DISCIPLINE

pattern of behavior of speaking and acting out of selfish ambition (Philippians 2:3).

breakdown of communication which causes divisions (2 Corinthians 12:20).

lack of wisdom and/or competence that brings leadership effectiveness into question.

unhealthy personal habits which clearly contribute to a lack of fruitfulness in life and ministry.

teachings contrary to our Articles of Religion or Covenant. pattern of a lack of submission to an overseer, elder or

church body or when there is a pattern by an overseer, elder or church body toward a person under their care that reveals a lack of reverence to Christ (Eph.5.21).

accusation and evidence of a long standing pattern of sin and breach of our ethical covenant.

Private Counsel: The first step in restoring order usually begins with private confidential counsel. The overseer shall address the problem and call the person to deal truthfully with the issue(s) and follow Jesus with his/her whole heart, including sincere repentance.

MEG Counsel: When a person is discovered in their sin by others, or in situations when private counsel has not been effective in stopping the sin, the MEG or the overseer and representative(s) from the respective board shall address the problem and call the person to deal truthfully with the issue(s) and follow Jesus with his/her whole heart, including sincere repentance.

Covenant of Restoration: If private counsel has been resisted or ineffective, or MEG counsel has been required due to the discovery of sin in the elder’s life, the MEGB/MCC shall establish a “Covenant of restoration”

Suspension from Ministry/Membership: The MEG may suspend a person from ministerial appointment and/or membership when they fail to complete the Covenant of Restoration. The goal is always restoration with God, others, and potentially ministry.

Immediate Suspension from Ministry: When an overseer becomes aware of the following cases, he/she shall immediately suspend an elder/member until the MEG can be convened: ◦ a) When the elder is accused of sin by at least two witnesses or has confessed to sin

that reveals a long-standing brokenness in his/her life and relationships of such seriousness that it dictates the necessity of a healing process for the church, all persons involved and their families.

◦ b) When an elder is teaching doctrine that is contrary to our Articles of Religion.

RMEG CHAIR RMEG SECRETARY

Convene and chair RMEG meetings.

Ensure individuals needing interviews or MEG coaching, discipline receive these.

Represent on the SMEG.

Carefully maintain and appropriately file written minutes of each RMEG meeting.

Work with Chair to communicate with members and interviewees.

Represent on the SMEG.

RMEG CHAIR RMEG SECRETARY

Convene and chair RMEG meetings.

Ensure individuals needing interviews or MEG coaching, discipline receive these.

Represent on the SMEG.

Carefully maintain and appropriately file written minutes of each RMEG meeting.

Work with Chair to communicate with members and interviewees.

Represent on the SMEG.