EASTERN DISTRICT CONFERENCE

Transcription

1 EASTERN DISTRICT CONFERENCE OF MENNONITE CHURCH USA CONSTITUTION This revision of the Eastern District Conference Constitution was adopted on November 2, 2002 at Deep Run Mennonite Church West, Perkasie, PA.

2 CONSTITUTION OF EASTERN DISTRICT CONFERENCE OF MENNONITE CHURCH USA ARTICLE I. NAME The name of this fellowship of Mennonite congregations is Eastern District Conference (EDC), which is a member conference of Mennonite Church USA (MC USA). ARTICLE II. PURPOSE The purpose of Eastern District Conference (EDC) is to nurture and build accountability among member congregations as they live by the Great Commandment (Matthew 22:37-38), and carry out the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20). Some of the ways we strive to accomplish this are by: Developing missional congregations. Partnering with churches to plant new congregations. Providing resources to develop healthy congregations. Nurturing fellowship between member congregations. Managing ministerial credentials of member congregations. ARTICLE III. STATEMENT OF FAITH We desire to be a people of God characterized by a commitment to Biblical foundations (1 Corinthians 3:11) and to Anabaptist perspectives. Membership signifies a mutual commitment to build on the true foundation, Jesus Christ, and assumes accountability to God and toward one another. As members of Mennonite Church USA, we accept and uphold the statement of faith as addressed in the Confession of Faith in a Mennonite Perspective. ARTICLE IV. MEMBERSHIP AND REPRESENTATION Section 1, Membership: The Eastern District Conference is composed of those congregations that are members at the time of the adoption of this constitution. A. Any congregation desiring to join and willing to accept this constitution may make written application for membership in the Conference to the Conference Secretary at least 60 days before the regular session of the Conference. This application shall be referred to the Conference Administrative Board for formal presentation to the Conference Assembly with the congregations being notified thereof at least 30 days prior to the next regular session. Acceptance into membership shall be by a two-thirds majority of the votes cast. B. Dismissal of any member congregation of Eastern District Conference may take place at any Conference assembly or special session, (see Article XII, Meetings), by a two-thirds majority of the votes cast, following proper notification procedures as spelled out in the above paragraph. After any such disciplinary dismissal, the Conference Administrative Board and the dismissed congregation may appoint liaisons for continued dialog. C. Withdrawal of any member congregation from Eastern District Conference may take place after a proper congregational decision and notification thereof to the Conference Administrative Board. Revised EDC Constitution 1

3 Section 2, Representation at Conference Assemblies: A. Every congregation belonging to the Conference shall be entitled to representation in the Conference assemblies by three (3) or more delegates as determined by its membership size. Congregations with more than sixty (60) members will be entitled to another delegate for each twenty (20) members or fraction thereof. Each delegate may cast only one vote. [There shall be no proxy votes.] B. Ministers of the Conference whose names appear on Conference lists, and all Conference committee members who are not delegates, shall have the right of discussion by virtue of their office. However, the right to vote is restricted to delegates. C. Proper delegate certificates shall be sent to all congregations by the Conference Secretary. Those certificates should be returned to the Conference Secretary designating all delegates before or by the opening session of the assembly. ARTICLE V. THE CONGREGATION 1. The local congregation is a body of persons who through faith have acknowledged Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, and gather together for worship, fellowship, and building up of the body of Christ. 2. Congregations of the Eastern District Conference automatically derive and attain their membership in Mennonite Church USA through their membership in the Conference. ARTICLE VI. RELATION OF THE CONFERENCE TO THE CONGREGATIONS The Conference is an advisory body to the congregations and is available for counsel in their lives and work, and serves as a means help them achieve their corporate efforts. It does this in part through providing for the training and credentialing of congregational pastors/leaders and providing critical mass to deliver services to its member congregation. It also gives leadership for networking among congregations, especially for fellowship and mission endeavors, and connecting congregations and churchwide parts. ARTICLE VII. OFFICERS Section 1, Officers of Conference: The officers of this Conference shall be a Moderator, Moderatorelect, a Secretary, and a Treasurer. Section 2, Election of Officers: The officers of Conference shall be elected at the Fall Assembly. The election of officers shall be prior to all other elections and shall be by ballot. Election shall be by a majority of all votes cast. In the event that no candidate for a position has been presented, any nomination by the floor shall be taken under advisement by the Gift Discernment Committee for recommendation and appointment by the Conference Administrative Board until election at the next Conference assembly. Section 3, Terms of Office: The Moderator and the Moderator-elect shall be elected for a two-year term. At the expiration of the term of the Moderator, the Moderator-elect shall become Moderator. The Secretary and the Treasurer shall be elected on alternate years from those of the Moderator and Moderator-elect for two-year terms. They shall not be eligible for the same office for more than three consecutive terms. Revised EDC Constitution 2

4 All officers shall take office at the close of the Conference Assembly at which elected and shall remain in office until their successors are selected. Section 4, Duties of Officers: A. The Moderator shall preside over all meetings of the Conference, the Executive Board, and Conference Administrative Board. He/she shall be an exofficio member of all committees. The Moderator shall perform such duties as usually devolve upon the office. B. The Moderator-elect shall perform the duties of the Moderator upon the request of the Moderator, or in the absence of the Moderator. At the conclusion of the term of the Moderator, the Moderatorelect shall become Moderator. C. The Secretary shall be responsible for making and preserving correct minutes of all proceedings of the Conference assemblies, the Executive Board, and the Conference Administrative Board. He/she is also charged with maintaining statistical records for the Conference; and overseeing the publishing of yearly reports of the committees and boards prior to the Fall Conference assembly, as well as a directory and resolutions following the Fall Conference assembly. D. The Treasurer shall have charge of all funds belonging to the Conference and shall disburse the same in accordance with the Conference budget. The Treasurer shall render a monthly report to the Executive Board and/or the Conference Administrative Board and a full and itemized annual report to the Conference. Funds for committees shall be disbursed upon proper authorization by the Conference Administrative Board. ARTICLE VIII. CONFERENCE BOARDS AND COMMITTEES No more than three persons, and not to exceed 50% of any board/committee membership, from one congregation may serve on any one committee at the same time. Unless specified otherwise, no one may serve on any board or committee for more than three consecutive terms. The following shall be the boards and committees of Eastern District Conference: 1. THE EXECUTIVE BOARD Section 1, Members: The Executive Board shall consist of the Moderator, Moderator-elect, Secretary, Treasurer and one Member-at-large. The Conference Minister shall be an ex-officio member of this board. The Member-at-large is chosen by the other members of this Board for a two-year term, running concurrently with the terms of the Moderator and Moderator-elect. He or she may not serve more than three consecutive terms. Section 2, Duties: A. The Executive Board shall have responsibility for the overall operation of the Conference, with primary responsibility for polity, vision, conference interaction, conference communications, and assembly planning. It will normally meet monthly. B. Subcommittees shall relate to the Executive Board: 1) Communications subcommittee. The conference Secretary shall be a member of this committee. This committee shall be responsible for providing unified communications to the churches of the Conference, including publication and distribution of materials. Revised EDC Constitution 3

5 2) Business and Finance subcommittee. The conference Treasurer shall be its chair. It shall be responsible for budget preparation and the administration of Conference funds. It makes recommendations to the Conference Administrative Board. 2. THE CONFERENCE ADMINISTRATIVE BOARD Section 1, Members: The Conference Administrative Board shall consist of the Executive Board and the chairs of each of the standing committees. The Conference Minister shall be an ex-officio member of this board. The standing committees shall consist of: Ministerial Leadership Mission Peace and Justice Congregational Life Gifts Discernment Section 2, Duties: A. The Conference Administrative Board shall meet at least quarterly and as occasion may require to consider and act upon such matters as may call for consideration and action between Conference assemblies. B. It shall be responsible for hiring of staff, e.g. Conference Minister. C. It shall fill vacancies in elective positions, and such persons shall serve until the next regular assembly of the Conference, or until a successor is elected or appointed. D. It shall appoint the members of the committees with the counsel of the Gifts Discernment Committee and the elected committee chair. E. It shall appoint the necessary temporary committees (see ARTICLE X) at least 60 days prior to each Conference assembly. F. This Board shall be responsible for the business administration of the Eastern District Conference, including its properties, funds, and investments. G. As the legal representative of the Conference, this Board shall have the authority to convey and hold deeds, and title to real and personal property in the name of and for the Conference, to receive bequests and donations of real and personal property, and to administer the property and proceeds there from according to the directions of the donors and/or the resolutions of the Conference. H. It shall have the authority to borrow money, mortgage, or purchase, sell, lease, or otherwise dispose of any real estate. For such purposes, any and all legal documents shall be executed by the Moderator, or Moderator-elect, and the Secretary or Treasurer, and the corporate seal shall be attached thereto. When the interests of any other committee or board are involved in transactions mentioned in this subsection, that committee or board shall initiate or approve the transaction prior to any action by the Conference Administrative Board. I. This Board shall, after consultation with the various standing committees, compile the budget that shall be presented to the Conference Fall assembly. It shall be responsible for promoting this budget in the Conference through literature, stewardship education, and such other means as it may deem necessary. Revised EDC Constitution 4

6 J. This Board shall appoint a custodian of all legal papers and securities belonging to the Conference that are in current use. This custodian may be a member of this Board or selected from the Conference membership. 3. MINISTERIAL LEADERSHIP COMMITTEE Section 1, Members: The Ministerial Leadership Committee shall consist of the Chair (elected by the Conference Assembly), the Conference Moderator, three or more members (appointed by the Conference Administrative Board for three-year staggered terms) and the Conference Minister (exofficio). The chairperson is a fully participating member on the Conference Administrative Board. Members of this committee may serve for no more than two (2) three-year terms. Section 2, Duties: Ministerial Leadership Committee duties shall include but are not limited to: A. Managing the ministerial credential files. B. Interviewing new persons prior to granting ministerial credentials. C. Reviewing and updating guidelines such as, educational growth plans, new minister mentoring, and ethical standards for ministerial transitions. D. Providing counsel to the Conference Minister for his/her role in the Conference. E. Taking steps to confront and possibly discipline a minister s credentials if he or she violates ethical standards of ministerial conduct as defined by approved polity standards of Mennonite Church USA. F. Providing opportunities for fellowship and consultation for the credentialed ministers of the conference. 4. MISSION COMMITTEE Section 1, Members: The Mission Committee shall consist of a minimum of five (5) persons. The chairperson shall be elected by Conference and may serve for no more than three (3) two-year consecutive terms. He/she is a fully participating member on the Conference Administrative Board. The remaining members shall be appointed by the Conference Administrative Board on the recommendation of the Mission Committee chair and the Gifts Discernment Committee, and may serve for no more than three staggered consecutive two-year terms. Section 2, Duties: Mission Committee duties shall include but are not limited to: A. Coordinate mission efforts among the EDC and related MC USA entities to promote the Great Commission of Jesus Christ. B. Sponsor and support educational and missional activities for all ages that promote personal, Christ-centered, life-changing, social transformation. C. Sponsor on-going fund raising efforts for mission. D. Monitor the stewardship of missional funds by advising the Conference Administrative Board on the use of these funds. 5. PEACE AND JUSTICE COMMITTEE Section 1, Members: The Peace and Justice Committee shall consist of a minimum of five persons from EDC and the Committee is encouraged to seek members from other area conferences affiliated with MC USA. The chairperson shall be elected by Conference and may serve for no more than three two-year consecutive terms. He/she is a fully participating member of the Conference Revised EDC Constitution 5

7 Administrative Board. The remaining members shall be appointed by the Conference Administrative Board, on the recommendation of the Peace and Justice Committee chair and the Gifts Discernment Committee, and may serve for no more than three staggered consecutive twoyear terms. Section 2, Duties: Peace and Justice Committee duties shall include but are not limited to the responsibility of leading EDC s programs in the broad areas of peace, relief, voluntary service, mutual aid, and social concerns, following the example and teachings of Jesus in the way of peace and justice for all people. 6. CONGREGATIONAL LIFE COMMITTEE Section 1, Members: The Congregational Life Committee shall consist of a minimum of five (5) persons. The chairperson shall be elected by Conference and may serve for no more than three two-year consecutive terms. He/she is a fully participating member of the Conference Administrative Board. The remaining members shall be appointed by the Conference Administrative Board, on the recommendation of the Congregational Life Committee chair and the Gifts Discernment Committee, and may serve for no more than three staggered consecutive twoyear terms. Section 2, Duties: The Congregational Life Committee shall support congregations by suggesting Anabaptist-friendly curriculum for all ages of persons. There may be occasional opportunities to promote or provide programming for families, children, youth, and senior citizens. This committee will provide connection to MC USA offices of youth and young adult ministries. The Congregational Life Committee may provide resource and connection for Mennonite Women and Mennonite Men groups, both within the conference and between area conferences of MC USA. In general, this committee shall be a resource for Christian education, stewardship, fellowship, spirituality, etc., to Eastern District Conference congregations. 7. GIFTS DISCERNMENT COMMITTEE Section 1, Members: The Gifts Discernment Committee shall consist of a minimum of five (5) persons. The chairperson shall be elected by Conference and may serve for no more than three two-year consecutive terms. He/she is a fully participating member of the Conference Administrative Board. The remaining members shall be appointed by the Conference Administrative Board on the recommendation of the Gifts Discernment chairperson and serve for no more than three consecutive two-year terms. Section 2, Duties: Gifts Discernment Committee duties shall include but are not limited to: A. Maintaining lists and profiles of persons who are interested in and/or qualified for serving on the committees, subcommittees, institutional boards, and various endeavors of Eastern District Conference and Mennonite Church USA through communication with the congregations of the Conference. B. It shall also be the responsibility of this committee to submit a slate of candidates for Conference positions to the Conference Administrative Board at least 75 days before the date of the assembly at which elections are to take place. Revised EDC Constitution 6

8 ARTICLE IX. RELATED INSTITUTIONS Eastern District Conference is involved and maintains a relationship, but is not limited to, the following institutions: 1. FREDERICK LIVNG Section 1, Approval of Members of Board of Directors: The Board of Directors of Frederick Living (aka Frederick Mennonite Community) is composed of a minimum of nine and a maximum of fifteen members. A majority shall be approved by the Eastern District Conference at a regular session from the persons submitted by Frederick Living in accordance with its bylaws. Each member approved shall be for a term of three years. Section 2, Duties: The Board of Directors shall be responsible for the care, maintenance, operation, and development of Frederick Living in accordance with the bylaws, rules and regulations of the Frederick Living. 2. CAMP MEN-O-LAN Section 1, Election of Board of Directors and Term: The Board of Directors of Camp Men-O-Lan is composed of thirteen members. In accordance with the bylaws of Camp Men-O-Lan, seven members shall be elected by the Eastern District Conference. Conference assemblies will therefore elect at least two members each fall for three-year terms. These members may not serve more than three consecutive terms. Section 2, Duties: The Board of Directors shall be responsible for the programs, care, maintenance, development and use of Camp Men-O-Lan according to the rules and bylaws of Camp Men-O-Lan. 3. CROSSROADS COMMUNITY CENTER Section 1, Number and Selection: The Crossroads Community Center Board shall consist of nine members with three year terms. Two shall be elected by the Eastern District Conference at a regular assembly for a term of three years and one with financial experience to be appointed by the Conference Administrative Board. One member shall be appointed each year by the Missions Committee, Peace and Justice Committee, and Second Mennonite Church. The Crossroads Community Board shall appoint three members at large, living in the community, if at all possible. Section 2, Duties: The Board shall organize itself including the election of a treasurer who shall be responsible for all funds including those received from the Conference Treasurer and present an annual report to Conference. The board shall be responsible for administering the program of the Center. 4. GERMANTOWN MENNONITE HISTORIC TRUST In accordance with the Constitution and Bylaws of the Germantown Mennonite Historic Trust, members are to be elected by the Eastern District Conference at a regular assembly to the Board of Directors of the Trust. 5. BLUFFTON COLLEGE Three Trustees shall be elected by the Eastern District Conference at a regular session to the Board of Trustees of Bluffton College in accordance with the college Constitution and Bylaws. These Trustees shall represent the Conference at the meeting at the Board of Trustees and represent the college in the Conference and its constituent congregations. Revised EDC Constitution 7

9 6. MENNONITE DISASTER SERVICE The Mennonite Disaster Service is an Inter-Mennonite Agency organized to take action in the event of disasters. It operates under the auspices of the Mennonite Central Committee. Four members of Region I Council of the Mennonite Disaster Service shall be appointed by the Administrative Board. Each year, two (2) members shall be appointed to two-year terms. There is no limit to the number of terms an individual may serve. 7. MENNONITE HISTORIANS OF EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA Section 1, Number and Term: The Mennonite Historians of Eastern Pennsylvania (MHEP) is an Inter-Mennonite organization having been established in 1974, with open membership and a Board of Directors of eleven persons, two of whom shall be appointed by the Eastern District Conference Administrative Board. The members shall be appointed to two-year terms and shall be eligible for reappointment for four (4) consecutive terms. Section 2, Duties: MHEP shall preserve and perpetuate the local and broader Anabaptist Mennonite heritage in order to encourage a greater appreciation for its fundamentals as well as to promote a timely contemporary Christian witness. 8. ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS Eastern District Conference has a developing relationship with the following Mennonite Elementary and High Schools. Persons from Eastern District Conference Congregations serve in various capacities with the following schools including as teachers, volunteers, and as board members. As a District Conference, Eastern District Conference s role is one of offering support and encouragement to the mission of these schools and to encourage families of our congregations to consider these educational resources for their students. Pennview Christian School Quakertown Christian School Christopher Dock Mennonite High School Philadelphia Mennonite High School 9. COMMUNITY HOME SERVICES Eastern District Conference shall appoint a representative to the Community Home Services Board. The member shall be appointed for a two-year term and shall be eligible for reappointment for four (4) consecutive terms. ARTICLE X. TEMPORARY AND APPOINTED COMMITTEES Section 1, Credentials Committee: The Credentials Committee shall consist of three persons appointed by the Conference Administrative Board. This committee shall pass upon all credentials of delegates at Conference assemblies and sessions and shall provide each official delegate with a ballot pad. It shall also recommend persons for complimentary floor privileges to Conference sessions. Section 2, Auditing Committee: The Auditing Committee shall consist of three persons appointed by the Conference Administrative Board. This committee shall audit the accounts of all officers, standing committees, and Crossroads Community Center and give a report of their findings to Conference. Section 3, Tellers Committees: These committees shall be appointed by the Moderator for each Conference Assembly and session, with the number to be determined by the Moderator. Revised EDC Constitution 8

10 Section 1, Semi-Annual Conference Assemblies: ARTICLE XI. MEETINGS A. The Eastern District Conference shall hold two regular assemblies each year. One will be held in the Fall (October or November) while the other will be in the Spring (April or May). B. The Fall Conference Assembly will approve the Conference budget for the following fiscal year, which runs from February 1 through January 31. Conference elections shall normally be held at this assembly. Written reports of the various officers, boards, committees, institutions, and auxiliaries of their work will also be presented to this Conference assembly. These reports shall be sent to the Conference Secretary in time to be included in the Eastern District Conference Report Book. C. The Spring Assembly will include worship, inspiration and any business, etc., deemed helpful for the Conference. D. Each congregation may elect or appoint three (3) delegates. Congregations with more than sixty (60) members will be entitled to another delegate for each twenty (20) members or fraction thereof. Each delegate may only cast one vote. There are no proxy votes. E. A quorum at any regularly announced session of Conference is a majority of all the delegates of the Conference. F. All meetings shall be conducted in accordance with accepted parliamentary procedure, using Roberts Rules of Order as a guideline. Section 2, Special Sessions: Special business meetings of Conference may be called by the Conference Administrative Board at such time and place as it may specify or upon a request signed by the council of any congregation belonging to the Conference and at least ten (10) other persons from five (5) different congregations who were delegates to the previous Conference Assembly. It shall be obligatory upon the Moderator to call a special meeting within sixty (60) days after such a request is presented to any member of the Conference Administrative Board. Section 3, Additional Meetings: Additional meetings may be planned and announced by the Conference Administrative Board for the purpose of discussing common concerns and of providing inspiration. While no action may be taken at these meetings that is binding upon the Conference, recommendations may be made to the committees, boards, or next Conference assembly. Section 4, Voting on Major Concerns: Voting on major concerns or issues affecting our churches can be taken by a roll call vote of the congregations present at Conference. Each congregation shall be allowed to specify the number of votes cast by its delegates either for or against. ARTICLE XII. AMENDMENTS This Constitution may be amended by a two-thirds vote at any regular Conference assembly or special session of Conference. Proposals for amendments may be made by any congregation or standing committee of the Conference Administrative Board. Proposed amendments shall be presented to the congregations at least sixty (60) days before the meeting of Conference at which action is to be taken upon them. Revisions adopted by conference delegates, May 7, 2007 Revised EDC Constitution 9

11 ARTICLES OF AMENDMENT DOMESTIC CORPORATION EXHIBIT A 1. The name of the corporation is: Eastern District Conference of Mennonite Church USA 2. The address of the corporation s current registered office in this Commonwealth is: 569 Yoder Road, Harleysville, Pennsylvania, Montgomery County 3. The purposes of the corporation are as follows: The purpose of Eastern District Conference of Mennonite Church USA is to nurture and build accountability among member congregations as they live by the Great Commandment (Matthew 22:18-20), and carry out the Great Commission (Matthew 22:37-38). The Corporation is organized, and shall be operated exclusively for charitable, religious, educational and scientific purposes, including, for such purposes, making distributions to organizations that qualify as exempt organizations under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States internal revenue law) (the Code ). The Corporation shall have all of the general rights, privileges, and powers conferred upon corporations created by the Pennsylvania Nonprofit Corporation Law of 1988, but shall be limited to the exercise of only such powers as are in furtherance of the purposes expressly provided for in these Articles of Incorporation and as are in furtherance of activities permitted to be carried on by a corporation exempt from Federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and a corporation, contributions to which are deductible under Section 170(c)(2) of the Code. No part of the net earnings of the Corporation will inure to the benefit of, or be distributable to its members, trustees, officers, or other private persons, except that the Corporation shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of its stated purposes. No substantial part of the activities of the Corporation shall be the carrying on of propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, and the Corporation shall not participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing or distribution of statements) any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Articles of Incorporation,, the Corporation shall not carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried on (a) by an organization exempt from Federal income tax under Section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code; or (b) by an organization, contributions to which are deductible under Section 170(c)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code. The assets of the Corporation are irrevocably dedicated to charitable and religious purposes, and upon dissolution of the Corporation or winding up of its affairs, its assets shall be distributed to the Corporation s successor, if any, provided that such successor is then qualified as an exempt organization under the provisions of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding Revised EDC Constitution 10

12 section of any future Federal tax code. In the event there is no such successor organization, or the successor organization is not then qualified as an exempt organization, then the assets shall be distributed to Mennonite Church USA if said organization is then qualified as an exempt organization under the provisions of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future Federal tax code, or if said organization is not so qualified, to such charitable and religious purposes which would then qualify under Section 501(c)(3) of the of the Internal Revenue Code, or shall be distributed by a court of competent jurisdiction exclusively for such purposes to such organization as said court shall determine that is organized and operated for charitable and religious purposes. Amendment approved by EDC delegates, Nov. 12, 2011, wlt Revised EDC Constitution 11

13 Summary Statement Confession of Faith in a Mennonite Perspective 1. We believe that God exists and is pleased with all who draw near by faith. We worship the one holy and loving God who is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit eternally. God has created all things visible and invisible, has brought salvation and new life to humanity through Jesus Christ, and continues to sustain the church and all things until the end of the age. 2. We believe Jesus Christ, the Word of God become flesh. He is the Savior of the world, who has delivered us from the dominion of sin and reconciled us to God by his death on the cross. He was declared to be Son of God by his resurrection from the dead. He is the head of the church, the exalted Lord, the Lamb who was slain, coming again to reign with God in glory. 3. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the eternal Spirit of God, who dwelled in Jesus Christ, who empowers the church, who is the source of our life in Christ, and who is poured out on those who believe as the guarantee of redemption. 4. We believe that all Scripture is inspired by God through the Holy Spirit for instruction in salvation and training in righteousness. We accept the Scriptures as the Word of God and as the fully reliable and trustworthy standard for Christian faith and life. Led by the Holy Spirit in the church, we interpret Scripture in harmony with Jesus Christ. 5. We believe that God has created the heavens and the earth and all that is in them, and that God preserves and renews what has been made. All creation has its source outside itself and belongs to the Creator. The world has been created good because God is good and provides all that is needed for life. 6. We believe that God has created human beings in the divine image. God formed them from the dust of the earth and gave them a special dignity among all the works of creation. Human beings have been made for relationship with God, to live in peace with each other, and to take care of the rest of creation. 7. We confess that, beginning with Adam and Eve, humanity has disobeyed God, given way to the tempter, and chosen to sin. All have fallen short of the Creator s intent, marred the image of God in which they were created, disrupted order in the world, and limited their love for others. Because of sin, humanity has been given over to the enslaving powers of evil and death. 8. We believe that, through Jesus Christ, God offers salvation from sin and a new way of life. We receive God s salvation when we repent and accept Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. In Christ, we are reconciled with God and brought into the reconciling community. We place our faith in God that, by the same power that raised Christ from the dead, we may be saved from sin to follow Christ and to know the fullness of salvation. 9. We believe that the church is the assembly of those who have accepted God s offer of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. It is the new community of disciples sent into the world to proclaim the reign of God and to provide a foretaste of the church s glorious hope. It is the new society established and sustained by the Holy Spirit. 10. We believe that the mission of the church is to proclaim and to be a sign of the kingdom of God. Christ has commissioned the church to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them, and teaching them to observe all things he has commanded. Revised EDC Constitution 12

14 11. We believe that the baptism of believers with water is a sign of their cleansing from sin. Baptism is also a pledge before the church of their covenant with God to walk in the way of Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit. Believers are baptized into Christ and his body by the Spirit, water, and blood. 12. We believe that the Lord s Supper is a sign by which the church thankfully remembers the new covenant which Jesus established by his death. In this communion meal, the church renews its covenant with God and with each other and participates in the life and death of Jesus Christ, until he comes. 13. We believe that in washing the feet of his disciples, Jesus calls us to serve one another in love as he did. Thus we acknowledge our frequent need of cleansing, renew our willingness to let go of pride and worldly power, and offer our lives in humble service and sacrificial love. 14. We practice discipline in the church as a sign of God s offer of transforming grace. Discipline is intended to liberate erring brothers and sisters from sin, and to restore them to a right relationship with God and to fellowship in the church. The practice of discipline gives integrity to the church s witness to the world. 15. We believe that ministry is a continuation of the work of Christ, who gives gifts through the Holy Spirit to all believers and empowers them for service in the church and in the world. We also believe that God calls particular persons in the church to specific leadership ministries and offices. All who minister are accountable to God and to the community of faith. 16. We believe that the church of Jesus Christ is one body with many members, ordered in such a way that, through the one Spirit, believers may be built together spiritually into a dwelling place for God. 17. We believe that Jesus Christ calls us to discipleship, to take up our cross and follow him. Through the gift of God s saving grace, we are empowered to be disciples of Jesus, filled with his Spirit, following his teachings and his path through suffering to new life. As we are faithful to his way, we become conformed to Christ and separated from the evil in the world. 18. We believe that to be a disciple of Jesus is to know life in the Spirit. As the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ takes shape in us, we grow in the image of Christ and in our relationship with God. The Holy Spirit is active in individual and in communal worship, leading us deeper into the experience of God. 19. We believe that God intends human life to begin in families and to be blessed through families. Even more, God desires all people to become part of the church, God s family. As single and married members of the church family give and receive nurture and healing, families can grow toward the wholeness that God intends. We are called to chastity and to loving faithfulness in marriage. 20. We commit ourselves to tell the truth, to give a simple yes or no, and to avoid the swearing of oaths. 21. We believe that everything belongs to God, who calls the church to live in faithful stewardship of all that God has entrusted to us, and to participate now in the rest and justice which God has promised. 22. We believe that peace is the will of God. God created the world in peace, and God s peace is most fully revealed in Jesus Christ, who is our peace and the peace of the whole world. Led by the Holy Spirit, we follow Christ in the way of peace, doing justice, bringing reconciliation, and practicing nonresistance, even in the face of violence and warfare. Revised EDC Constitution 13

15 23. We believe that the church is God s holy nation, called to give full allegiance to Christ its head and to witness to every nation, government, and society about God s saving love. 24. We place our hope in the reign of God and its fulfillment in the day when Christ will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead. He will gather his church, which is already living under the reign of God. We await God s final victory, the end of this present age of struggle, the resurrection of the dead, and a new heaven and a new earth. There the people of God will reign with Christ in justice, righteousness, and peace for ever and ever. Confession of Faith in a Mennonite Perspective: A Summary Statement. Copyright 1995 by Herald Press, Scotdale, PA Used by permission. Revised EDC Constitution 14