No attempt should be made to set up standards of membership or to make, or attempt to enforce, rules or regulations for local church operations that are contrary to these decisions, adopted by the General Conference in Session and that are set forth in this Church Manual (pp. 17-18).
Read moreResisting Church Authority Abuse 4: Limitations on Pastoral Authority
Representative governance on the congregational level is a necessity; having a pastor is a luxury. Even so, a godly pastor who empowers and equips the membership is an important asset to a congregation.
Read moreThe Gaithersburg Congregation Sends an Open Letter To The Potomac Conference
Observing our steadfastness in inviting Pastor Bohr, Pastor Baca determined that the church elders would no longer be recognized as official elders. He then determined the same for our church board which had been elected in accordance with the church manual. Such authority does not reside in a pastor.
Read moreResisting Church Authority Abuse 3: Church Member Voice
Some feel that they have no practical voice in the operation of the church. But you may have much more influence than you have thought.
Read moreResisting Church Authority Abuse (Part 1)
The Church Manual actually codifies several ways in which powers and authorities in the Church are limited exactly because authority in the church rests in the membership, not in power-grasping bullies.
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