Resolution # - BOA	Discipline Paragraphs	Topic
4	4300 – 4320	Nomination of BOA
7	4500 - 4580	FM World Missions
21	7110	Care of Victims
22	6420	Unhealthy Churches
36	6440	Marketplace Partnership
38	5070	Vibrant Conferences
39	5330 – 5430	Pastoral Preparation
46	4030	Ministerial Delegates
47	4040	Lay Delegates
48	4150	Retirement of Bishops
50	3311	Marriage
World Conf. Referendum	115 / 119	Sanctification
Actions by GC
10	4100 – 4200	Bishops
7	4530	FM World Missions
49	3221	Immigration

List of Changes to Discipline – with

Resolution #

2011年憲章增修條文一覽表

 

Entire Sanctification 全然成聖

¶119        Sanctification is that saving work of God beginning with new life in Christ whereby the Holy Spirit renews His people after the likeness of God, changing them through crisis and process, from one degree of glory to another, and conforming them to the image of Christ.

 

                As believers surrender to God in faith and die to self through full consecration, the Holy Spirit fills them with love and purifies them from sin.  This sanctifying relationship with God remedies the divided mind, redirects the heart to God, and empowers believers to please and serve God in their daily lives.

 

                Thus, God sets His people free to love Him with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love their neighbor as themselves.

 

         成聖是　神的救贖工作，藉由在基督裡的新生命，聖靈會更新祂的百姓，使他們像　神，又藉由危機及過程改變百姓，使他們榮上加榮，日益有基督的樣式。

 

                當信徒透過全然奉獻，在信心中向神降服並對自己死，聖靈就會以愛充滿他，並潔淨其一切的罪惡。與　神的成聖關係能奪回人心，使其歸主，並使信徒得著能力在每日生活中討　神喜悅並服事主。

 

                因此，神使祂的百姓得自由，能夠盡心、盡性、盡意、盡力愛神，並且愛人如己。

 

                Entire sanctification is that work of the Holy Spirit, subsequent to regeneration, by which the fully consecrated believers, upon exercise of faith in the atoning blood of Christ, are cleansed in that moment from all inward sin and empowered for service.  The resulting relationship is attested by the witness of the Holy Spirit and is maintained by faith and obedience. Entire sanctification enables believers to love God with all their hearts, souls, strength, and minds, and their neighbor as themselves, and it prepares them for greater growth in grace.

 

 

¶3221     Immigration移民

Issues surrounding immigrants and refugees in the United States are complex.  They require solutions that halt criminal activity, provide access for legal documentation, and serve the needs of all persons, loved and created by God, who have come to the United States under a variety of circumstances.  As we work to provide actions that minister to all immigrants and refugees we do so with basic underlying convictions:

 

美國的移民與難民議題十分複雜，需尋求方法來停止犯罪活動、提供管道以取得合法文件，並服事各種情況下來到美國的人，因他們都是神所創造並深愛的人。當我們透過行動工作來服事所有移民與難民時，我們持有的基本信念如下：

 

1.      We commit to the Biblical principle of caring for the foreigners among us regardless of racial or ethnic background, country of origin, or legal status.

2.      We commit to acting redemptively with love rather than fear, and to reach out to meet needs as we see them.

3.      We commit to identifying intolerance and working to end it, as well as ending any personal inclinations to refer to individuals in less than loving terms.

4.      Where there is a conflict, it is our duty to oppose all unjust and harsh laws and to see, to change them.

5.      We commit to responding to this crisis in terms of the Great Commission, seeking to reach the lost whoever they may be; ministering to all, caring for all, and showing God’s grace to all people.

 

1.      我們願意堅守聖經原則，照顧我們當中的外國人，無論其種族、國家、法律地位為何。

2.      我們願意以愛而非恐懼來帶出救贖果效，並在發現需要時提供協助。

3.      我們願意找出並終止排斥異己的行為，並停止任何人以缺乏愛的方式稱呼他人。

4.      當有衝突時，我們有責任去阻止一切不平等及嚴苛的法律，並試圖改變法律。

5.      我們願意以大使命來回應這些危機，持續尋求失喪的人，無論他們位於何處，並服事、關心所有人，向他們展現神的恩典。

 

                Worth of Persons

                We are committed to the worth of all humans regardless of gender, race, color, or any other distinctions (Acts 10:34-35) and will respect them as persons made in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27) and redeemed by Christ’s death and resurrection.

 

                The Old Testament law commands such respect (Deuteronomy 5:11-21). Jesus summarized this law as love for God and neighbor (Matthew 22:36-40). He ministered to all without distinction and His death on the cross was for all (John 3:16; Romans 5:8).

 

                We are therefore pledged to active concern whenever human beings are demeaned, abused, depersonalized, enslaved or subjected to demonic forces in the world, whether by individuals or institutions (Galatians 3:28; Mark 2:27;  1 Timothy 1:8-10). We are committed to give meaning and significance to every person by God’s help. Remembering our tendency to be prejudicial, as Christians we must grow in awareness of the rights and needs of others.

 

3311        The Christian and Marriage 基督徒與婚姻

D.     Divorce  離婚

      Although God intends and wills that marriage vows be honored for life, some marriages fail even within the fellowship of God’s people.  When marriages fail and partners divorce they have violated God’s intention for marriage and often one or both have violated their vows to love and cherish the other.  Such violations, whatever their reason, constitute rebellion against God’s plan for their lives and results in personal brokenness.  After a divorce both partners need the healing that comes only from repentance and renewed faith in God.  The church must stand ready to be agents of this healing work in their lives.

 

      雖然神的心意及意思是要夫妻一生堅守婚姻誓言，但信徒團契中的婚姻也有破碎之時。當婚姻失敗而夫妻離婚時，即違反神對婚姻的心意，且多數時候其中一方或雙方都已破壞要珍愛對方的誓言。不論原因為何，違反誓言即是反抗　神對他們生命的計畫，且這會帶來個人的創傷。離婚之後，雙方都需獲得醫治，而醫治只能從悔改並更新對神的信心而來。教會必須預備好，成為他們生命中醫治工作的中介。

 

      A divorce may result from a variety of sinful acts, attitudes, and responses. Sexual infidelity, abandonment, and patterns of abusive behavior that threaten spouse and children are the most commonly identified sins destructive of marriages.  Other sins, however, also sometimes lead to divorce such as selfishness, anger, fear, obsessive preoccupation, and careless neglect.  The hardness of heart that drives partners to divorce may trace back to many different manifestations of sin.

 

      各樣犯罪行為、態度，及回應都可能導致離婚。外遇、遺棄，及對配偶與孩子的反覆暴力行為，則是破壞婚姻的主要罪行。不過，有時其他的罪也會導致離婚，例如自私、憤怒、恐懼、狂熱癮癖，及疏於照顧家庭。人心剛硬而導致離婚的情形，可以追溯至各樣的罪。

 

      When questioned about marriage and divorce, Jesus stressed three principles.  First, he cites the intent from the beginning that no marriage would fail.  Second, he identifies “hardness of heart” as the ultimate marriage killer—because either it causes destructive behavior or refuses the grace that can heal and reconcile.  And, third, he refuses to support the common assumption that in some cases one partner has a right (i.e., enjoys freedom) simply to walk away.  Whatever the particulars, Jesus offered grace that heals and empowers people to live according to God’s plan—to move from their sin to a life that pleases God.

 

      當問及關於婚姻與離婚時，耶穌強調三個原則。第一，祂強調起初的心意是沒有婚姻會落入失敗。第二，祂指出「硬心」是婚姻的終極殺手，因為硬心會導致毀滅行為，亦會拒絕能帶來醫治與復合的恩典。第三，祂不支持世人普遍的想法，亦即在某些情況下，其中一方有權利（例如享受自由的權利）就此離開配偶。不管遇到何種情形，耶穌都賜予恩典與醫治，並賜人能力得以依照　神的計畫生活，使人離開罪惡，過一個討　神喜悅的生活。

 

      When one marriage partner is a Christian and the other a nonbeliever, we believe that the Christian may not for that reason divorce the unbelieving mate (1 Corinthians 7:12-13), because Christian love may redeem the unbeliever and unite the home in Christ (1 Corinthians 7:16).

 

      When a marriage is violated by sexual infidelity, the partners are encouraged to work for restoration of the union. Where reconciliation is impossible, a divorce may be allowed as inevitable (Matthew 5:32; 19:9).

 

      Desertion is the abandoning of a marriage without just cause. We believe that a person denies the faith when he/she deserts a spouse deliberately and for an extended period of time. When the desertion leads subsequently to divorce, the deserted partner is no longer bound by the marriage (1 Corinthians 7:15).

 

      Where reconciliation is impossible in a troubled marriage, we acknowledge that divorce may be unavoidable (Matthew 5:32; 19:9). When marriages break down completely, we recognize that, in the words of Jesus, “hardness of heart” is implicit on one or both sides of the union (Matthew 19:3-8; Mark 10:5-9).

 

      Though the Scriptures allow divorce on the grounds of adultery (Matthew 5:32) and desertion (1 Corinthians 7:10-16), they do not mandate divorce and we advise counsel with church leaders to seek other alternatives. One of these may be for both to live celibately.

 

E.   Care after Divorce, Singleness and Remarriage　

      When a marriage fails, the church seeks to restore people from the trauma of their divorce by inviting its members into a process of restoration (see paragraphs 7110-7130).  Godly counsel will help people understand what happened in their marriage; specifically, where they contributed to the failure and how they have been wounded by it.  Sinful relational patterns will be exposed, forsaken, and replaced with Spirit-directed and Christ-centered patterns.  The damage to children, the larger families, and their witness to Christ will also be acknowledged and where possible restitution will be made.

 

E.   Care after Divorce, Singleness and Remarriage  給予離婚、單身、再婚者之關懷

      婚姻結束後，教會當邀請會友進入恢復程序，協助會友從離婚的創傷中恢復。（請見本憲章第7110到第7130條）。屬　神的協談能幫助人釐清婚姻問題，特别是自身造成的問題，以及自己受到的傷害。過程能讓人看清並離棄罪惡的相處模式，取而代之的，是由聖靈引導並以基督為中心的模式。過程中也會認識到對孩子、家族，及信仰見證的傷害，進而可以在適當之處做補償。

 

      Persons who have suffered the trauma of divorce must exercise extreme caution when considering remarriage.  Unless they have experienced healing and restoration from their failure in marriage they will likely fail again.  In some cases, wisdom will insist upon remaining single and free to live in devotion only to Christ.

 

      曾經歷離婚傷痛的人欲再婚時，必須慎重考慮。除非他們曾在婚姻失敗後經歷醫治與復原，不然容易再度失敗。在一些案例中，維持單身，唯獨奉獻自己給基督將是明智之舉。

 

      One who has been divorced shall not by that fact alone be denied the privileges and responsibilities of a future marriage in the Lord.  The grace that brings correction, conviction, repentance, faith, healing, and restoration can make all things new, even for a Christian whose sin may have broken a marriage.  When grace restores the brother or sister who has failed, the plan God has for human well-being reopens, even the possibility of remarriage.

 

      教會不能單因一人曾離婚，便拒絕其未來在主內結婚的權利與責任。帶來改正、定罪、悔改、信心、醫治，及復原的恩典能更新一切，即便對一位因犯罪而使婚姻破碎的基督徒而言，亦是如此。當恩典使曾經失敗的弟兄姐妹得到復原，　神對人生命的計畫便再度展現，再婚也成為可能。

 

F.   Refusal of Counsel

      When a member divorces a spouse or remarries without seeking the counsel or following the guidance of the pastor or the membership care committee, the committee shall review the case and recommend appropriate action to the local board of administration.  Corrective action shall include removal from leadership, and may include suspension, or expulsion from membership.

 

F.   Refusal of Counsel拒絕輔導

      當會友沒有尋求輔導，或未跟從牧師或會友關懷委員會的指引即離婚或再婚，關懷委員會需檢討個案，並向執事委員會提議適當行動。改正的方式包括除去其領導職位、中止或開除會籍。

 

E. Recovery after Divorce

      Divorce always produces trauma. It is the breaking of a covenant, thus violating God’s intention for faithfulness in marriage (Malachi 2:13-16). For this reason divorced persons should be helped to understand and remedy the causes for the divorce. They should seek pastoral counsel. Professional counsel may also be necessary. If unhealthy patterns of relating exist, the marriage partners must be helped to replace them with new attitudes and behaviors that are  Christlike (Colossians 3:1-15). Repentance and forgiveness are crucial to recovery. The goals of the process are personal healing and restoration to wholesome participation within the church. The church must extend its concern to family and others affected by the divorce.

 

F. Remarriage after a Divorce

      A divorced member or one who is considering marriage to a divorced person must come under the authority, counsel and guidance of the church.

 

      Persons who have been involved in divorce while in a state of unbelief shall not for that reason alone be barred from becoming members, even though they remarry. Similarly, believers are not prohibited from marrying a person who was divorced while an unbeliever. A member of the church divorced from an adulterous spouse or deserted by an unbelieving mate, after attempts at forgiveness and reconciliation have been rejected, may remarry (Matthew 5:31-32; 19:3-11; 1 Corinthians 7:15).

 

Ministerial Delegates 傳道代表

¶4030

B.   The ministerial delegates shall be elected by the ministers of the provisional annual or annual conference by ballot. Delegates may be nominated by the nominating committee if the annual conference so chooses, not precluding nominations from the floor. They shall present at least two nominations for each ministerial position. They shall present at least one more nominee than available delegate positions.  Using the nominees, both delegates and reserve delegates shall be elected by ballot. Candidates shall be elders and at the time of their election, as also at the time of the general conference, shall be members of the annual conference that elected them. When a ministerial delegate leaves the conference from which he/she is elected prior to the time of the general conference by accepting an appointment to serve another conference, he/she shall be automatically disqualified as a delegate.

 

      傳道代表應由年議會或臨時年議會的傳道人用投票的方式產生。這些代表候選人可經年議會的同意由提名委員會來提名，但也可在選舉時當場來提名，所提名的候選人應至少比當選名額多出一位。無論是正式的代表或是候補的代表，都應以投票方式來選出。無論是正式的代表或是候補的代表，都應以投票方式來選出。候選人在被選舉時必須是正牧，同時在總議會開會時也是選出他們的那個年議會的會員。當一個傳道代表在開總議會之前，離開選舉他(她)的年議會，而接受了另一個年議會的事工時，他(她)就自動的喪失了代表原年議會的資格。

 

Lay Delegates 信徒代表

¶4040

A.  Each annual conference and provisional annual conference shall be entitled to the same number of lay as ministerial delegates in the general conference.

 

B.   Lay delegates to the general conference shall be elected by ballot of the lay delegates of the provisional annual or annual conference they are to represent. Delegates may be nominated by the nominating committee, if the conference so chooses, not precluding nominations from the floor. They shall present at least two nominations for each lay delegate position.  They shall present at least one more nominee than available delegate positions.  Using the nominees, both delegates and reserve delegates shall be elected by ballot. They must at the time of election and at the time of the general conference be members of the church in full relation within the bounds of the conference which elects them.

 

      參與總議會的信徒代表應由他們所代表的年議會，或臨時年議會以選票的方式選出。代表可經年議會的同意，由提名委員會提名，但也可在選舉時，當場來提名，所提名的候選人應至少比當選名額多出一位。正式信徒代表和候補信徒代表，是從提名的候選人中，以選票選出。他們在被選舉時，以及在總議會開會期間，必須仍是選出他們的年議會的教會正式會員。

 

 

Bishops 監督

¶4100     

                Bishops are the overseers of the church.  They lead the church to fulfill its mission which requires them to be holy examples with skill and experience to provide that oversight.  They must understand the nature and purpose of the church.  They must also be able to communicate clearly the gospel, the church’s mission and the vision of the Free Methodist Church; possess a well cultivated understanding of other cultures; and, identify, develop, and lead godly, competent leaders.  Each bishop shall be amenable to the general conference for the discharge of his/her official duties and shall be responsible for his/her conduct to the annual conference to which he/she belongs.

 

                監督是教會的督導，他們負責領導教會來完成教會的使命，因此監督必須聖潔，並有相應的能力與經驗來督導教會。他們必須暸解教會的本質與設立的目的，並能清楚傳達福音信息、教會使命，及循理會的異象。他們亦必須對其他文化有良好的認識，並能辨識、引導，及帶領敬虔和有能力的領袖。每一個監督，要向總議會負責總會所賦予他（她）的任務，他（她）要向所屬的年議會負責他（她）的行為。

 

Each bishop shall be amenable to the general conference for the discharge of his/her official duties and shall be responsible for his/her conduct to the annual conference to which he/she belongs

 

The Nomination and Election of Bishops 監督的提名與選舉

¶4110

A.    The general conference shall elect by ballot two or more traveling elders as bishops to serve as the pastoral overseers of various areas of the denomination who shall constitute the Board of Bishops. These are to be persons who exhibit exemplary character and leadership qualities, and who embody deep commitment to the mission, doctrine and theology of the Free Methodist Church. The term of office of bishops shall begin at 30 days after the close of the general conference session at which they are elected. They shall remain in office for the years of the interim between general conferences and, unless the general conference decides upon a lesser number of bishops, until others shall be elected in their places.

 

A. 總議會應用投票選舉的方式，選出兩位以上的巡迴正牧（traveling elders）作為監督，以牧養看管各個地區的循理會，並組成監督團。這些人需具有模範之品德和領導統禦的素質，並深深委身於循理會的教義、神學、使命。監督職位的任期在他們被選出的那次的總議會結束後三十天開始。除非總議會決定減少監督數目，否則監督須在總議會休會期間，擔任工作，直到其他的監督被選舉出來取代他們的位置為止。

 

B.   The nomination and election process shall be as follows:

1.   Call to Prayer:  During the year prior to general conference, the Board of Bishops and the Board of Administration shall call the church to prayer, specifically focused on the election of bishops.

2.   Search Committee:  A search committee will be formed by the FMCNA FMC-USA Board of Administration each quadrennium to prayerfully seek out qualified candidates and receive nominations from annual conferences.  Members of the search committee must be spiritually mature.  Some of them must also have experience in developing or searching for candidates of significant positions of leadership.  The search committee must include at least one lay and one clergy member from the Board of Administration.  Consideration shall be given to ethnic, gender, cultural and geographical representation across the breadth of the FMCNA FMC-USA.

 

2. 尋找委員會：美國循理會的執行委員會可成立一個任期四年的尋找委員會。他們在禱告中尋找夠資格的候選人，或接受總議會推薦的人才。尋找委員會的成員必須是靈命成熟的人。他們之間需要有培養或尋找重要的領袖的經驗。尋找委員會必須包含一位信徒和一位執行委員會裏的牧職人員。要從種族，性別，文化，地區，及能否代表整個美國循理會的角度來思考。

 

                          

3.       Candidate Qualifications:  The nominees should have fruitful leadership experience related to the spiritual life and leadership responsibilities noted in Par. 4100 and 4120.  Ethnic, gender, cultural and geographical considerations shall be given due attention in selecting nominees for bishop.  Potential candidates must grant their permission to proceed through the nomination process.  Nominations from annual conferences to the search committee must be accompanied by supporting rationale on a form designed and provided by the search committee.  Sitting bishops, having already been previously qualified, who are willing to continue to serve, will be placed on the ballot with the other nominees.

 

3.   候選人的資格：監督候選人應有與屬靈生命和領袖責任相關的豐厚領導經驗（如本憲章第4100條與第4120條所提）。在選提監督候選人的時候要考慮人種，文化，地理環境等因素。可能被提名的候選人應答應參與提名的程式。由年議會推薦給尋找委員會的提名需要按尋找委員會所設計，提供的表格說明支援推薦的理由。已經通過資格的在職的監督，若願繼續事奉，將可和其他被推薦的人一起列在選票上。

 

4.   Procedures:  The refined list of nominees, with supporting rationale, will be forwarded to the board of administration of the FMCNA FMC-USA.  The board of administration may ask the search committee to consider (an) additional nominee(s). The total number of nominees for bishops forwarded to the board of administration will exceed by at least two the number of bishops currently serving. The General Conference secretary shall compile the nominee information in standardized format and distribute, by paper or electronic means, to all delegates no later than thirty days prior to the opening of general conference. The ballots for election of bishops shall consist of the names of these nominees and the incumbent bishops who are willing to continue to serve.

 

4.  程序：要將修正後的推薦名單，加上支持他們的理由，送到美國循理會的執行委員會。送到北美循理會的執行委員會可以要求尋找委員會考慮增加被推薦的人選。送到北美循理會的執行委員會的監督推薦人數要比現任的監督人數至少多出二名。總議會的書記要把推薦名單及資料按標準表格編排，然後一書面或電子郵件的方式，在總議會開會三十天前，寄給所有的代表。

 

5.  Lead Bishop:  Following the election of the bishops, the bishops search committee shall convene to name a lead bishop and bring its recommendation to the General Conference for its affirmation prior to the conclusion of the General Conference.

 

5. 監督團主席：選出監督之後，監督尋找委員會應召開會議，指定一位監督擔任監督團主席，並在總議會結束前推薦給總議會，以獲得同意。

 

C.  In the event of a vacancy on the Board of Bishops during the interim between sessions of the general conference, the preceding general conference shall fill the vacancy with an election held by paper or electronic ballot. Existing rules for the election of bishops by the general conference shall apply.

 

The Role of a Bishop:  Conceptual

The Role of a Bishop:  監督的角色

¶4120      To assist the bishops in directing the church, these leadership priorities are set forth.

 

                為幫助監督引導教會，我們訂定了下列實際領導時的優先次序。

 

A. Regarding Self and Family, the bishop shall:

1.   feed his/her soul (heart, mind, spirit), diligently attending to the means of grace;

2.   love his/her spouse and family, maintaining a household of faith; and

3.   fulfill his/her vows as a baptized disciple and elder called to leadership.

 

A．   關於自己和家庭，監督應：

1.           餵養他（她）的靈魂（身、心、靈），勤奮的培養屬靈的恩賜。

2.           熱愛他（她）的配偶和家庭，保持一個有信心的家庭。

3.           實踐他（她）身為受洗門徒，及被召作領袖為正牧的誓約。

 

B.  Regarding the General Church, the bishop shall:

1.    lead in   word, sacrament and order.  The task of the “word” applies to bishops in two regards, to teach the apostolic gospel and to protect the church from error.  Regarding “sacrament” (and worship) the church gives praise to God, pleads with Him for mercy and receives the grace God mediates to His people.  Bishops lead the church in its adoration and petition of God and in upholding the sacredness of the Lord’s Supper and baptism as means of grace.  Regarding “order,” bishops lead the church by articulating its mission and vision.  Thus, bishops must have a deep commitment to the church’s mission, insight into the complexities of human nature and skill at guiding others;

2.      cast the vision of the Free Methodist Church and inspire its leaders, members and attendees to advance the vision, live according to Kingdom values, love God and serve him sacrificially and faithfully;

3.   encourage every church to be a healthy biblical community of holy people, multiplying disciples, leaders, groups and churches.

 

 

B. 關於總會教會，監督應：

1.       在　神話語、聖禮、次序上引導教會。監督在　神話語的事奉上共有兩種，就是教導使徒所傳的福音、及保護教會不落入錯誤之中。在聖禮（崇拜）方面，教會向　神獻上讚美，請求祂的憐憫，接受祂賜給祂的百姓的恩典。監督帶領教會敬拜，祈求並主理聖餐及洗禮以表徵　神的恩典。在次序方面，監督清楚說明教會的使命和異象，來引導教會，所以監督必須對教會的使命有深刻的委身，對人性的複雜有深刻的體驗，並有引導他人的技巧。

2.       帶出循理會的異象，啟發領袖、會友、會眾擴展異象，依　神國的價值生活，並奉獻自己，全心愛主，忠心委身事奉主。

3.      鼓勵各教會成為合乎聖經的健康團體。不斷繁衍產生門徒、領袖、小組、教會。

 

C. Regarding Annual Conferences.  The bishop shall or delegate his/her authority to:

1.  multiply godly, competent leaders, who disciple and equip others;

2.   train, ordain, transfer, cite, suspend pastors and leaders as need and circumstances require;

3.  serve with executive authority as the conference president;

4.  disciple superintendents and conference leaders to:

a.  grow spiritually and develop professionally in their calling,

b.  identify, recruit, equip, deploy and encourage godly, competent leaders,

c.   encourage and equip pastors and leaders to achieve missional priorities,

d. develop growth strategies,

e.  maintain our Wesleyan and Free Methodist distinctives.

5.   serve as chair of the ministerial appointments committees of his/her assigned conferences (see Par. 5220);

6.   form new provisional and annual conferences as the needs of the work demand, subject to approval of the general conference board of administration;

7.   decide all questions of law at annual conferences, subject to the appeal to the general conference.  A bishop’s decision upon a point of law arising in annual conference session shall be the rule unless reversed by the general conference.

C. 關於年議會，監督應授權年議會達成：

1.      培育聖潔，有能力，能訓練裝備別人的領袖。

2.      依據需求及當時需要來訓練、按立、轉調、傳訊牧者和領袖，或停止其事奉。

3.      監督主持年議會，展現執行權力。

4.      訓練會長與會議領袖：

a.  在靈裡成長並在呼召上有專業的成長。

b.  辨認、招募、裝備、分派、鼓勵、有能力，敬畏　神的領袖。

c.   鼓勵和裝備牧者與領袖，以達成使命上的目標。

d. 發展成長策略。

e.  維護衛斯理宗與循理會的獨特觀點。

5.      在所託付的教區內（見¶5220），當任教牧派職委員會的主席。

6.      在總議會執行委員會的同意下，按事工的需要來成立新的臨時年議會或年議會。

7.      決定一切年議會法律上的問題，並把申訴交由總議會處理。監督在年議會中對法規的決定，將視為議決法令，直到總議會提出修正為止。

 

A.  All elders have responsibilities in Word, sacrament and order. Bishops are elders who are called to be pastors of the church at large. As such, for the health of the church, their duties in each of these areas are expanded by the responsibility of general oversight.

 

B.   Word. The task of the Word applies to the bishop in two regards, to teach the apostolic gospel and to protect the church from error. The first concerns such things as preaching, making official statements to the church and the public at large, overseeing the preparation of tools for evangelism and discipleship and training for the ordained ministry. The second refers to the protection of the church from heresy or from trends that obscure the gospel. Thus the bishop must be theologically orthodox and an able preacher of the gospel.

C.   Sacrament. In worship the church gives praise to God, pleads with Him for mercy and receives the grace God mediates to His people. The bishop leads the church in its adoration and petition of God and in upholding the sacredness of the Lord’s Supper and baptism as a means of grace. We extend the sacramental scope of the bishop’s tasks to deep personal piety and intercession for the church and the world. Thus, bishops must be persons whose souls are nourished by public and private devotion and who can lead congregations into the renewing presence of Almighty God.

 

D.  Order. Bishops lead the church by articulating its vision. Thus, bishops must have a deep commitment to the church’s mission, insight into the complexities of human nature and skill at guiding others. As apostolic leaders of the church-at-large, bishops give oversight to the pastoral care of each local church. They oversee the ordained ministry. Bishops, on behalf of the church, set apart those persons whom the church has determined are called of God and competent to feed the sheep. This enables the general ministry of the church to practice the Great Commandment and fulfill the Great Commission. Bishops, together with superintendents, give oversight to the ordained ministry through appointment, guidance and discipline.

 

The Role of a Bishop:  Practical

¶4130       In each generation and culture, the applications of foundational concepts may vary. To assist the bishops in directing the church, these practical leadership priorities are set forth.

 

A.  Regarding Self and Family, the bishop shall:

1.   feed his/her soul (heart, mind, spirit), diligently attending to the means of grace;

2.   love his/her spouse and family, maintaining a household of faith; and

3.   fulfill his/her vows as a baptized disciple and elder called to leadership.

 

 

B.   Regarding the Church at Large, the bishop shall:

1.   multiply godly, competent leaders, who disciple and equip others; and

2.   encourage every church to be a healthy church with Spirit-filled leaders, working a plan to fulfill the biblical mission (our Expected Outcomes).

 

C.   Regarding Annual Conferences. Accepting mutual responsibility for the mission to make Christ known and to develop whole people through forgiveness and holiness, the bishop shall:

1.   ordain those called to and approved for Elder’s Orders;

2.   teach and guide regarding denominational priorities;

3.   oversee the organizational health of the annual conference, as the conference president; and

4.   disciple each superintendent to:

a.  identify, recruit, equip, deploy and encourage godly, competent leaders by:

    1.     encouraging faith-driven ministry;

    2.     guiding leaders to be wise innovators;

    3.     facilitating change so that healthy process

             is the norm; and

    4.     supporting godly, competent risk-takers.

b. encourage and equip conference leaders in crucial priorities, such as:

    1.     convert and membership growth;

    2.     making disciples who make disciples;

    3.     networking;

    4.     church planting;

    5.     cell-based ministries; and

    6.     Free Methodist missionary enterprises.

c.  influence all churches to be Wesleyan in:

    1.     ethos (see Distinctive Principles, pages 6-8);

    2.     doctrine (see Articles of Religion, ¶101-130); and

    3.     practice (see The Christian Journey, ¶3000-3420).

 

D.  Regarding Local Churches. In partnership with superintendents and others the bishop shall develop and nurture Spirit-filled leaders, who equip believers to minister, resulting in a healthy biblical community of holy people multiplying disciples, leaders, groups and churches.

 

Additional Duties of Bishops

¶4140

A.  Each bishop shall:

1.   assist superintendents in personal and professional development through periodic training, giving special training for newly elected superintendents;

2.   serve as chair of the ministerial appointments committees of his/her assigned area (see ¶5220);

3.   transfer a minister from one conference to another with the consent of the minister and of the conference to which transferred, provided that no minister shall be transferred to another conference without a certificate of good standing and general acceptability, given by the ministerial education and guidance board or the annual conference;

4.   cite a conference appointee to show cause (see ¶7130);

5.   suspend conference appointees (see ¶7130);

6.   form new annual conferences in the interim between general conferences, as the needs of the work demand, subject to the approval of the general conference. No new conference shall be formed without the consent of the conferences whose territory is affected, nor without the consent of two-thirds of the members of the board of administration. No new conference shall be organized with less than ten ministers in full membership and six hundred lay members within its bounds, with exceptions to be approved by the board of administration upon recommendation of the Board of Bishops. In the event an annual conference no longer meets these minimum standards, the assigned bishop, in consultation with conference board of administration and the Board of Bishops, shall submit recommendations for change to the board of administration; and

7.   assist the area fellowships or the approved equivalent group in the development of national leadership to achieve the disciplinary standards for new general conferences.

8. decide all questions of law at annual conferences, subject to an appeal to the general conference. A bishop’s decision upon a point of law arising in annual conference session shall be the rule until reversed by the general conference. Also, when a bishop is requested by an annual conference of which he/she is president to rule upon a point of law not arising in conference proceedings, the request shall be in writing giving full explanation of the circumstances, including statements by the opposition, if there be any. The bishop, upon ruling, shall immediately appeal to the other bishops, and with the agreement of the majority of the bishops in writing, the ruling shall be binding, until reversed by the general conference. All documents shall be presented, along with the ruling, for the review of the general conference.

 

B.   Nothing in ¶4140.A.6 shall prevent the organization of annual conferences of mission origin out of provisional annual conferences, the areas of which may extend over the boundaries of other conferences, when such other conferences have approved and all other requirements for annual conference status have been met. For a provisional annual conference of mission origin to become an annual conference, there must be no less than five national elders and four hundred adult lay members.

 

Retirement of Bishops  監督的退休

¶4150

A.  A bishop shall may retire:

 

A. 監督在下列的條件下可退休：

 

1. following his/her sixty-second birthday if the bishop so chooses; or

2. at any time because of failing health. Disability status shall be determined by the board of administration upon recommendation from either the human resources department or the board of administration benefits committee, based upon medical evidence.

B.   When a bishop, or former bishop, retires he/she shall be given the title of bishop emeritus.  Such shall be granted by the FMCNA FMC-USA Board of Administration, provided he/she has given honorable and distinguished service to the church as bishop for a minimum of six years.

 

B. 監督或退休後的監督，只要在某教區擔任監督達6年以上的時間，並有傑出且可尊敬的事奉，美國循理會的執行委員會便可給予榮譽監督的名銜。

 

C.  The title of ‘Bishop Emeritus’ may, due to extenuating circumstances as verified by the conference MEG Board, be reviewed and/or adjusted by the FMCNA FMC-USA Board of Administration.

                                          

C.  榮譽監督的名銜在特殊的情況若經教育與輔導委員會的證實，美國循理會的執行委員會可重新評估，調整這名銜。

 

Board of Bishops  監督團

¶4200      They  shall convene immediately following the general conference in which they are elected to determine their roles and titles on the Board of Bishops other than the role and title, “Lead Bishop,” and their assignments for fulfilling their duties and responsibilities as articulated in par. 4120.  They shall assume responsibility for the fruitfulness and vitality of the annual conferences and shall recommend to the General Conference Board of Administration changes in an annual conference’s status resulting in merger, closure or realignment.

 

                監督團應在所選出他們的總議會結束後召開會議，決定其成員除擔任監督團主席之外應承擔的角色和職稱，以及為達第4120條所列責任和義務所需完成的任務。監督團應該為年議會的結果及生命力負起責任，並應向總議會執行委員會建議年議會是否應合併、結束，或重組。

 

without violating the non-negotiables. The Board of Bishops shall:

 

A.  practice healthy biblical community as a board by speaking the truth in love;

 

B.   organize as a board to oversee all conferences, presiding at the general and annual conference meetings;

 

C.   assign themselves to the several areas and arrange conference schedules so that no annual conference has a non-bishop presiding officer for two successive years;

 

D.  receive from the presiding officer of an annual conference a comprehensive written report of all the administrative proceedings which arose in the conference;

 

E.   administer the annual conferences of mission origin of the North American General Conference. The bishop, in consultation with the conferences and the area director, shall designate the presiding officer for the conference; and

 

F.   have authority to initiate and recommend corrective measures to the general board of administration and the affected conference, when a conference falls below 600 lay members, has less than ten ministers in conference membership, or shows continuous loss.

 

Board of Administration  執行委員會

 

The Nomination and Election of the Board of Administration

¶4300

A.  The general conference shall elect a board of administration, determine its powers, and prescribe the qualifications of its members and manner of their selection. The board shall be comprised of:

1.   all the U.S. bishops;

2.   sufficient additional elders to give a total of twelve clergy (equal representation from each U.S. bishop’s area – Eastern, Central and Western);

3.   twelve lay members (equal representation from each U.S. bishop’s area);

4.   two representatives (two elder and two lay members in rotation) from conferences of mission origin; and

5.4 honorary members to include president of Women’s Ministries International, executive director of Men’s Ministries International, president of Association of Human Services Ministries, president of Association of Free Methodist Educational Institutions, president of Free Methodist Foundation, president or director of the FMC-USA Infuse, endorsing agent of Free Methodist chaplains, and denominational executive directors.

 

2.另外加上足夠的正牧形成十二人的聖職團隊（要能均衡的代表美國的每一個教區 – 東部、中部，及西部）。

3. 十二位信徒（要能均衡的代表美國的每一個教區）。

4. 榮譽會員包含國際婦女宣教部主席、國際弟兄宣教部執行主任、人群服務宣教協會主席、循理會教育學院協會主席、循理會基金會主席、美國循理會Infuse青年事工主席或主任、循理會教誨師認證單位，和循理會執行主任。 

 

B.   Each annual conference may, if it desires, submit up to two clergy and two lay nominees for election to the board of administration. Such a nominee shall:

1.   be widely known in the community, church and conference as a follower of Christ in word, wisdom, attitude and deed;

2    have exercised leadership gifts in the demonstrated keen interest in the mission of the Free Methodist Church;

3.   have provided quality leadership in both the local church and conference;  served on at least one local church and one conference board;

4.   have served, or be serving, as a delegate to or leader of an annual conference, or be an ordained elder in the conference;

5.   have demonstrated strong ability to engage in a meaningful way on matters of mission and vision of the church – locally and globally; and   in dialog and listen reflectively; and

6.   have demonstrated commitment to attend and positively participate in scheduled meetings.

B.     若是願意，每一個年議會可以推薦兩名傳道和兩 名信徒參選加入執行委員會。候選人應：

 

1.      是在所住的社區，教會和議會裡是為眾人所認識，在言語、智慧、態度、行為上都表現出是基督的跟從者。

2.      在循理會教會展現領導恩賜。

3.      在地方教會和年議會都展現良好的領導能力。

4.      曾經擔任或正在擔任年議會的代表或領袖，或者是已被年議會按立的正牧。

5.      顯明擅長透過有意義的方式參與教會本地及全球的使命與異象。

6.      委身於出席並正面的參與所安排的會議。

 

C.  Submission of such nominees must be completed by the nominating annual conference no later than sixty days prior to the general conference, and must be submitted on the provided nomination form, including biographical data. A one-paragraph introduction from the conference may be attached to the nominating form.

 

C. 候選人的名單應在總議會開會六十天之前，由提出名單的年議會完成，按所提供的提名表格填送，並附一份個人簡歷，年議會若是願意，可在提名表格上附上一段介紹函。

 

      Nomination forms from each U.S. bishop’s area will be sent to the general conference delegates from that area no later than thirty days prior to the general conference. The forms will also be distributed prior to balloting for election of the board of administration.

 

每一個美國教區的提名表要在總議會開會三十天前，寄給該區的總議會代表。這些提名表應在選舉執行委員會委員之前，分發出去。

 

      The delegates from each bishop’s area will meet caucus during general conference as a regular part of the agenda with a current bishop serving as chair of the caucus for the purpose of nominating its representatives to the next board of administration. During that meeting,  Prior to general conference, and again during the caucus the nomination forms will be distributed to all delegates within the respective caucus area and the candidates introduced. and each nominee will be introduced by the assigned bishop. The general conference delegates from each bishop’s area shall select their nominees by ballot from the nominee slate and present them to the general conference for election to the board of administration.

 

在總議會開會期間，應召開會議，並由一位現任監督擔任教區小組主席，以提名下一屆的執行委員會的候選人。在總議會之前，及在小組中，提名表格會分發給相應小組的代表，並會介紹候選人。來自每一教區的總議會代表，應以票選方式從候選人名單中選出要推薦的候選人，再呈送總議會，俾便進行執行委員會委員的選舉。

 

      A maximum of one lay member and one elder may be elected from a given annual conference.  A majority of the board of administration members shall be delegates to the general conference electing them.

 

執行委員會的委員多數應被選出成為總議會的代表。

 

 

Free Methodist World Missions  循理會的世界宣教部

 

¶4500+   The Free Methodist Church joyfully accepts responsibility to obey the Great Commission of Christ (Matthew 28:18-20). Missionaries are sent into all the world to evangelize and make disciples, to build them together in His church (1 Peter 2:5; Ephesians 2:20-22), and to engage in ministries of compassion and human development in the name of Christ. The Free Methodist Church initiates new Free Methodist ministry and serves in  partnership with the international church in evangelization and church planting.  Free Methodist World Missions shall carry the gospel into areas where no Free Methodist ministry exists and serve in partnership with the national church in evangelization and church planting. Free Methodist World Missions will defines its mission field globally, including the United States of America.  Since the missional task is at the heart of the church, Free Methodist World Missions is not an auxiliary of the church but a facilitator and enabler of the church; seeking synergies, communicating and teaching, and advocating for global and local missions.

 

循理會喜樂的順服基督的大使命(馬太廿八18～20)接受應有的責任。派遣宣教士到世界各地去傳福音、造就門徒、共同建立祂的教會(彼得前書二5；以弗所書 二20～22)，並奉基督的名加入發展人權、有愛心的宣教工作。循理會亦會開啟新的循理會事工，並與國際教會合作傳福音及建立教會。循理會世界宣教部定義其事奉工場為包含美國在內的全球事奉工場。由於宣教事工為教會的核心，因此循理會世界宣教部並非附屬於教會，而是教會的引領與推動者；持續尋求合作、溝通，及教導，並提倡全球與本地福音事工。

 

Missions Committee  宣教委員會

¶4520+  

A.  The board of administration shall elect may appoint a missions committee of up to twelve members to serve the unique interests of Free Methodist World Missions.  If appointed the board of administration shall determine its authority and responsibilities. All members, including the chair, shall be elected with nominations from the nominating committee. The Canadian General Conference shall have a representative on the missions committee, if appointed. Terms of service shall be for the interim of general conference.

 

A.    執行委員會可指派一個宣教委員會，來服務循理會世界宣教部的獨特需求。若有提名人選，執行委員會應訂定人選的權力與職責，且加拿大的總議會應有一位代表為宣教委員會的委員。

 

B.   In consultation with the executive director of World Missions, the missions committee shall:

1.   recommend policy regarding World Missions to the board of administration;

2.   review the World Missions budget, and send a recommendation to the budget and finance committee of the board of administration;

3.   consult with the executive director regarding World Missions vision and strategy and their implementation;

4.   advise missions leadership with the intent of increasing ownership and giving within the Free Methodist Church of North America;

5.   review developments in World Missions.

 

C.   The Board of Bishops will consult with the missions committee chair and the board of administration chair regarding the board of bishops’ recommendations in the selection and/or termination of the executive director of World Missions.

 

Free Methodist World Missions Executives Operations  循理會世界宣教部行政

¶4530+  

A.  Area Directors and the Board of Bishops are responsible for all missions work under FMC-USA oversight, regardless of the developmental stage of the church in each country.

B.   Free Methodist World Missions personnel shall be employed under the leadership of the Board of Bishops.

C.  The Board of Bishops, in consultation with the area directors and the executive director of administration and finance, will oversee the annual submission of a balanced budget for Free Methodist World Missions to the board of administration.

 

A.  The executive director of Free Methodist World Missions shall be employed by the Board of Bishops.

 

B.   In consultation with the Board of Bishops and the chairs of the missions committee and the board of administration, the executive director of Free Methodist World Missions shall appoint overseas area directors.

 

C.   The executive director shall develop and have on file job descriptions for mission directors, including area directors.

 

 

A.  不論各國教會的發展階段為何，地區主任和監督團在美國循理會的監督下，負責所有的宣教事工。

B.   循理會世界宣教部的人員應在監督團的領導下聘用。

C.  監督團在諮詢地區主任及財務和管理執行主任後，負責監督向行政委員會提交的循理會世界宣教部年度平衡預算。

 

Missions Executive Leadership Team  宣教執行主任的領導團隊

¶4540+  

A.  The Missions Executive Leadership Team is composed of a board of bishops designee, area directors and additional FMWM leadership as determined by the Board of Bishops. includes the executive director of World Missions, on site directors and overseas area directors/coordinators.

 

A. 宣教執行主任的領導團隊包含監督團指定的人選、地區主任、其他由監督團選定的循理會世界宣教部領袖。

 

B.   The team shall oversee all missionary work originating in the Free Methodist Church – USA General Conference.  They shall, under the leadership of the executive director, oversee all missionary work originating in the United States and the United Kingdom that is directed toward peoples outside of those countries, except for areas which the board of administration may assign elsewhere.

 

B.     團隊要督導所有循理會教會 – 美國總議會開始的海外宣教工作。

 

C.  Regarding general oversight, the team shall:

1.   recommend policy, strategy, funding, and goals;

2.   recommend partnerships and affiliations;

3. serve the church in developing and teaching a healthy missiology; and

4.   serve as an internal advisory board regarding country and area issues.      

      devise methods and programs for funding that portion of the United Ministries for Christ that pertains to Free Methodist World Missions;

2.   be responsible for receiving and appropriating all monies allocated for foreign missions to the purpose for which they have been contributed or budgeted;

3.   prepare the annual budget in consultation with the missions committee, the operating committee and the budget and finance committee;

4.   review and approve a call for funds for special projects; and

5.   review and approve loan applications from overseas churches to the Free Methodist Loan Fund. The missions administration will co-sign the loans, assuring repayment, and be responsible for collecting payments from the churches with outstanding loans.

 

C.     關於督導工作，團隊應：

1.      在政策、策略、募款，及目標上提供建議。

2.      推薦夥伴及關聯機構。

3.      協助教會發展與教導健全的宣教學。

4.      就國際及地區議題擔任內部的諮詢委員會。

 

D.  Regarding field operations, the team shall:

1.   recruit, appoint, license and commission candidates for missionary service;

2.   appoint all short-term Volunteers In Service Abroad (VISA) personnel.

3.   decide the status of missionaries not on their field of assignment for other than a normal home ministry assignment.

 

D.    關於宣教工場行政，團隊應：

1.       召聘、指派、發照、委任適當人員來做宣教的事奉。

2.      指派短期志願到海外事奉的人員。

E.   Regarding expansion of ministries, the team shall:

1.   encourage and aid church planting outside the United Kingdom and the United States among all population groups, in cooperation with a national church, whenever possible; and

2.   recognize that in areas not presently served by the Free Methodist Church, new work shall first be a mission district under the jurisdiction of Free Methodist World Missions or of another general conference before being established as a provisional annual or annual conference.

 

E.     關於事工擴展，團隊應：

 

1.   鼓勵並協助在不同的人群種族當中植堂。若是可行，可和當地的教會合作。

2.   知道在目前還沒有循理會的地區，新的工作必須先是循理會世界宣教部下的一個宣教區，然後才能成為一個臨時的或正式的年議會。

 

F.   The team shall function as the ministerial education and guidance board for mission districts under its jurisdiction.  The Missions Executive Leadership Team shall approve all candidates for ordination in mission districts under its jurisdiction.

 

F.      團隊應在其所管轄的宣教區內擔任教育與輔導委員會。

 

 

¶4545   G.  Trustees and property  法人和財產

A.  Titles to land purchased for missions and institutions under the direction of Free Methodist World Missions shall be in the name of Free Methodist World Missions or deeded to trustees elected or approved by the General Missionary Board. Trustees may be missionaries, nationals, or both.

B.  Such trustees shall hold the property for the benefit and use of Free Methodist World Missions of the Free Methodist Church of North America. Where property cannot be titled or held in trust for Free Methodist World Missions, it shall be held for the benefit and use of the Free Methodist Church and its institutions in those countries.

C.  Any sale or disposal of property or use of funds from the sale of such property shall be with the approval and consent of the area director in consultation with the bishop of record of the Free Methodist Church – USA, and ratified by the board of administration. Missions Executive Leadership Team on behalf of Free Methodist World Missions of the Free Methodist Church, in consultation with the assigned bishop of the Free Methodist Church of North America, and ratified by the board of administration.

 

C.  任何財產的出售或處理或是財產出售後基金的運用，應得到地區主任的同意與核准，在這之前，宣教部執行領袖團隊應需諮詢美國循理會的監督團負責帳務的監督，並得到執行委員會的許可。

 

D.  Whenever possible the tenure of the trustees shall be subject to Free Methodist World Missions and in all cases to the laws and regulations of the country where the property is located.

 

Mission Districts  宣教區

¶4550+   When, in the judgment of the area director and the Board of Bishops, a church in formation reaches appropriate developmental markers, it may be organized as a mission district.

A.  A mission district may be approved as a provisional annual conference by the Free Methodist World Missions executive director and area director, in consultation with the assigned bishop, by adopting in principle the Book of Discipline of the Free Methodist Church of North America together with a constitution adapted to local culture and circumstances.

B.   Membership in a provisional annual conference does not cancel membership in an annual conference. Members of annual conferences serving in a provisional annual conference shall, within two years, become members of that provisional annual conference.

 

                若地區主任與監督團認為成長中的教會已達到一定的發展階段，即可成立一個宣教區。

 

Provisional Annual Conferences of Mission Origin  宣教地區的臨時年議會

¶4560+  

 

A.The normal minimum for the organization of a provisional annual conference is five ministers in full membership and three hundred lay members within its bounds.

B.  All provisional annual conferences of mission origin shall be under the jurisdiction of the Board of Bishops and the overseeing area director except where provisional annual conference have been organized from an existing annual conference, in which case they shall be administered by the bishop of the originating annual conference.

C.  The Board of Bishops, upon the recommendation of the area director, approves the formation of a provisional annual conference from a mission district, it having adopted in principle the Book of Discipline of the Free Methodist Church – USA and having filed the appropriate governmental registration documents (constitution), adapted to local culture and circumstances.

 

A.  臨時年議會的正常組成，最少要包括五位為正式會員的傳道人，以及三百位隸屬於該臨時年議會下的信徒。

B. 所有宣教地區的臨時年議會都要接受監督團與負責督導的地區主任管轄。若一個臨時年議會是從一個已經存在的年議會所組成，則應受原來年議會的監督管轄。

C.   監督團在地區主任的建議下，可同意組成宣教地區的臨時年議會。該宣教區原則上接受美國循理會教規守則且自己又有一份適用於本土文化習慣的憲章，並已向政府呈送規定的文件（憲章）。

 

 

A.  All provisional annual conferences of mission origin shall be under the jurisdiction of Free Methodist World Missions, through its Missions Executive Leadership Team, except where provisional annual conferences have been organized from an existing annual conference, in which case they shall be administered by the bishop of the originating annual conference. Copies of their constitutions and bylaws may, when adopted by the General Conference of the Free Methodist Church of North America, be secured from the executive director of World Missions.

 

B.   The conferences so recognized are noted in the Yearbook.

 

Annual Conferences of Mission Origin  宣教區的年議會

¶4570+  

A.  When a provisional annual conference has made marked advancement in national leadership, evangelistic outreach, self-government and self-support, and has reached the stage where it is able to operate satisfactorily under the Book of Discipline of the Free Methodist Church -- USA of North America, and has a constitution that has been approved by the general conference, or its board of administration, it shall be recommended to the assigned bishop of record or the president of the conference to be organized into an annual conference as outlined in ¶4140.A.6, and B.

B.   The normal minimum for the organization of an annual conference is ten ministers in full membership and six hundred lay members within its bounds.

 

B.C. Any changes in constitutions of annual conferences of mission origin shall be considered by the executive director, bishop of record and area director and assigned bishop with legal counsel for recommendation to the board of administration or general conference for approval.

C.  An annual conference of mission origin may submit requests for personnel and finances through the area director of World Missions.

 

A. 當一個臨時的年議會在其國內的領導地位有了足夠的進步，對能外傳福音，對內可以自管、自助，並能夠在美國循理會的憲章與教規守則下達到滿意的運轉。同時擁有總議會或執行委員會所核准的憲章，就應向地區監督或年議會主席推薦將之按¶4140.A.6，和B.重整為年議會。

B. 年議會的正常組成，最少要包括十位為正式會員的傳道人，以及六百位隸屬於該年議會下的信徒。

C. 任何有關宣教區的年議會的憲章變動應由管理帳務的監督、地區主任，與法律顧問來推薦給執行委員會或總議會核准。

 

 

Provisional General or General Conferences of Mission Origin 

宣教區的總議會或臨時總議會

¶4580+

A.  Requirements for forming a provisional general conference are found in ¶221 and those for a general conference in ¶222.

B. To prepare for a new provisional general conference, the assigned bishop of record shall form a provisional general conference task force of the superintendents, lay representatives from the participating annual conferences and the area director to prepare a provisional general conference proposal. It shall be presented to the participating annual conferences for adoption in principle.

C.     The governing body of a provisional general conference shall be composed of the suffragan bishop(s) and an equal number of lay and ministerial delegates elected by the participating annual conferences. The number of delegates shall be recommended by the assigned bishop of record in consultation with the provisional general conference task force and be approved by the Free Methodist Church -- USA of North America Board of Administration.

 

 

D.     The Free Methodist Church of North America Board of Administration of the Free Methodist Church – USA shall elect an elder(s), a national citizen(s) of the provisional general conference country, as a suffragan bishop(s) from the nominee(s) presented by the annual conferences or the provisional general conference. A suffragan bishop is a bishop of a provisional general conference and serves under the supervision and counsel of the Board of Bishops.

E.   The suffragan bishop(s) shall provide a written annual report to the Board of Bishops of the FMCNA—USA.  The suffragan bishop(s) shall be a member(s) of the Board of Bishops of the Free Methodist Church of North America and shall report annually to the provisional general conference board of administration.

F.   The provisional general conference shall have powers and duties conferred upon it by the Free Methodist Church -- USA of North America General Conference and as set forth in its Book of Discipline and/or its constitution, including:

G.     A provisional general conference, once formed, will move to general conference status within four years, unless an extension is granted by the Free Methodist Church – USA of North America General Conference Board of Administration.

 

A.  成立臨時總議會和總議會的條件分別記載在 ¶221和¶222條款中。

B.   為了要成立一個新的臨時總議會，管理帳務的監督要從參與的年議會中找出會長、信徒代表、地區主任成立一個臨時總議會的工作小組，來預備一份臨時總議會的建議書，並向參與的總議會報告，作為原則上被接納的簡報。

 

C.   臨時總議會的管理團隊應由一位或多位代議監督和相同數目的信徒、傳道代表所組成，成員要由參與的年議會來選出。代表的人數應在臨時總議會的工作團隊的指導下，由管理帳務的監督推薦，經美國循理會執行委員會同意後成立。

 

D.  美國循理會執行委員會應從年議會或臨時總議會推薦的候選人中選一位或多位正牧，是臨時總議會所在地的本國公民為代議監督。代議監督是臨時總議會的監督，受監督團的管理與指導。

E.   代議監督應每年向美國循理會的監督團提交書面報告。

 

F.    臨時總議會有美國循理會總議會所賦予的權力與責任，正如教規守則及其憲章所規定的。包含：

 

G.  一旦臨時總議會成立之後，可在四年內成立正式的總議會，否則要獲得美國循理會總議會的執行委員會的許可才可延期

 

Free Methodist Foundation  循理會的基金會

 

¶4600+   The board of administration approves Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of the Free Methodist Foundation which govern the business and affairs of the foundation. These documents provide that the:

 

A.  Free Methodist Foundation is a separate religious and charitable corporation formed to establish, promote, fund, extend and maintain the Christian faith according to the tenets of, and for the exclusive benefit and support of, the Free Methodist Church – USA; of North America;

 

A.    循理會的基金會是一個獨立的非營利性的宗教的法人團體，是按著美國循理會的教義及專門為了循理會的益處，支持循理會而設立，為建立、推廣、資助、拓展，保持基督徒的信心。

 

 

Chaplains  教誨師

 

¶4700

A.  The Free Methodist Church -- USA of North America provides ministry to persons in special situations beyond the local church, such as in the military, prisons, institutions and law enforcement agencies, through ordained ministers who are chaplains.

A.  美國循理會透過已按立的牧師而服事教會以外的特殊工作，包括軍隊、監獄、院校和法律執行機關，這些傳道者稱為教誨師。

 

B.   Ecclesiastical chaplain endorsement procedures and guidelines of the Free Methodist Church – USA of North America are established and approved by the Board of Bishops and the board of administration. Endorsement procedures are printed in the Guidelines for Ecclesiastical Chaplain Credentials.

 

B.   核准福音教誨師之程序和美國循理會會指導原則，都是由監督團和總執行委員會所設立並批准，核准的程序印於「教誨師輔導手冊」內。

 

C.  All ordained ministers wishing to serve as Free Methodist chaplains in the military, Veterans Affairs or civilian institutions must be approved by the Board of Bishops and credentialed by the Free Methodist Church Chaplain Endorsing Agent.

 

D.  All credentialed chaplains shall be appointed to denominational service. No non-credentialed ordained minister shall be appointed as chaplain by any annual conference.

 

E.   The Free Methodist Church – USA of North America recognizes the association of chaplains, whose name is The Free Methodist Chaplains Association -- USA of North America, together with its constitution and duly elected officers.

 

E.   美國循理會認同教誨師協會事工以及其憲章和所選出的職員，並正式名為美國循理會教誨師協會。

 

 

 

Denominational Institutions  循理會的院校

¶4810+   The Free Methodist Church – USA of North America recognizes as denominational institutions those colleges and universities whose commitments are consistent with the history, theology, mission and character of the Free Methodist Church.

 

美國循理會認可那些理念和循理會的歷史、神學、使命、特性一致的大學、專校為循理會的院校。

 

A.  Leadership Commitments

1.   The president shall be a member of the Free Methodist Church who actively seeks to create a Free Methodist presence in the life and leadership of the institution.

2.   The chief academic officer shall be a member of the Free Methodist Church, or one who is in both conviction and spirit committed to Wesleyan theology and perspectives.

 

B.   Mission Commitments

1.   The Free Methodist educational institutions shall have articles of incorporation, bylaws or other appropriate governance documents which:

a. identify the college or university as a private institution of evangelical higher education affiliated with the Free Methodist Church of North America;

b. define the relationship of the institution to the churches and conferences of the Free Methodist Church – USA of North America; and,

c.  specify Free Methodist Church – USA of North America representation in the governing board.

 

b.  定義這院校與美國循理會地方教會和議會的關係。

c.   說明在院校的董事會內有美國循理會的代表。

2.   The Free Methodist educational institutions shall have a Wesleyan statement of faith consistent with Free Methodist Church of North America doctrine which boards of trustees and executive leaders agree shall guide the policies of the institution.

3.   The Free Methodist educational institutions shall have a mission statement which includes an institutional priority to serve as an educational resource for the advancement of Christianity through the church.

4.   The Free Methodist educational institutions shall have a statement of lifestyle expectations for the campus community, which is consistent with the principles and practices of the Book of Discipline of the Free Methodist Church – USA of North America.

 

4. 美國循理會的教育院校應有一份與美國循理會憲章教規守則的原則與實踐(principles and practices) 一致的校園生活期望告白。

 

Affiliated Institutions  附屬院校

¶4820+  

A.  Other institutions of higher education may apply to the board of administration for endorsement as affiliated institutions. The minimal expectations for this relationship shall be that:

1.   the institution shall have Free Methodist representation on the board of trustees, administration and faculty; and

2.   provision shall be made for instruction in Free Methodist curricula of concern: i.e. Free Methodist history, doctrine, polity, mission and vision.

3.   All instruction shall be in harmony with and conformity to the teachings of the Scriptures and the Free Methodist Articles of Religion.

4.   The task of nurturing a Free Methodist presence on the campus, by welcoming Free Methodist clergy, educators, leaders and innovators to speak at chapel, colloquia and special events shall be assigned.

 

B.   Based upon an application to the Free Methodist Church – USA’s of North America’s Board of Administration in the year prior to general conference, an institution of higher education, which meets these criteria may be endorsed as an affiliated institution.

 

B. 任何高等教育機構， 只要合乎上述條件，可在總議會開會前一年向美國循理會的執行委員會提出申請，成為一個附屬院校。

 

 

Organizational Structure  組織結構

¶5070      In consultation with the assigned bishop of record, the annual conference may organize itself in ways that more consistently choose any organizational structure which appropriately reflect the operational values and desired outcomes of the Free Methodist Church.  Organizational structures and function shall be reviewed periodically to insure missional priorities and to assess the conference in light of the benchmarks of conference vitality established by the Board of Bishops and National Oversight Team.  When such assessment reveals failure or decline, the conference shall seek help in formulating appropriate strategic responses.

 

在帳務監督的輔導下，年議會可採用合適的組織架構，適宜地反映事工價值，及達成循理會的預期果效，且應定期審查組織架構與功能，評估是否有達到監督團及全國督導團隊為年議會設立的運作標準。若評估顯示年議會表現失敗或落後，年議會應尋求協助，以制訂合適的回應策略。

 

Local Ministerial Candidate

¶5330      A local ministerial candidate is a member of the Free Methodist Church who is seriously considering a call to the ordained ministry as an elder. full-time Christian ministry. Local ministerial candidate status provides the opportunity to explore the perceived call to ministry with the pastor in the context of the local church. The requirements and responsibilities of a local ministerial candidate are found in ¶6500.

 

地方試會員是循理會的正式會友，他認真考慮按牧聖職之呼召。地方試會員的身份提供一個機會讓他和牧者藉地方教會事奉，來瞭解他所蒙受傳道人的呼召（見¶6500）。

 

Conference Ministerial Candidate  年議會試會員

¶5340

A.  A conference ministerial candidate is a member of the Free Methodist Church who has been received by an annual conference in preparation for ordained ministry.

 

B.   The conference ministerial candidate shall:

1.   be a local ministerial candidate;

2.   be thoroughly acquainted with the history and conversant with the polity of the Free Methodist Church, normally as provided in an approved course of study;  have completed History and Polity of the Free Methodist Church (knowledge of this subject required for the Apollos Model);

2. 徹底暸解與熟悉循理教會的體制和發展史（通常可由正規的課程中獲得）。

 

3.   have completed application for ministry appointment;

4.   be interviewed, certified and recommended by the ministerial education and guidance board and received by the annual conference upon satisfactory response to the questions (see ¶8710);

5.   be under the guidance of the conference superintendent and an assigned coach/mentor;

5.接受年議會會長及指定的輔導／導師的指導。

 

6.   maintain membership in a local Free Methodist church;

7.   maintain relationship as a conference ministerial candidate by annual recommendation of the ministerial education and guidance board.

 

C.  A candidate who has been involved in a divorce, annulment or dissolution of marriage shall not be admitted to the conference as a conference ministerial candidate or in full membership until approved by the ministerial education and guidance board, the conference superintendent and the assigned bishop. This shall also apply to a candidate whose spouse has been divorced. Divorce prior to conversion shall not in itself bar a candidate from consideration for conference membership.

 

D.  The ministerial education and guidance board shall examine potential conference ministerial candidates by considering the qualifications for pastoral ministry (see Par. 5310), with special reference to the following:

 

D.  教育與輔導委員會應考量教牧人員的資格（見¶5310）來檢驗有潛力的試會員候選人，並特別參考下列條件︰

 

1.     Is the candidate holy and loving in all personal relationships?

2.     Has the candidate gifts as well as graces for the ministry?

3.     Does the candidate have good judgment, adequate discernment of the things of God, and a proper understanding of salvation by faith?

4.     Is the candidate able to speak effectively?

5.     Does the candidate present the gospel with doctrinal integrity?

6.     Are people convinced of sin and converted to God by the candidate’s preaching and witness?

 

E.   A conference ministerial candidate shall be interviewed annually, allowing three years to complete both education and ministry experience requirements  the course of study required for ordination and conference membership. If the educational requirements are course of study is not completed in that time, status as a conference ministerial candidate may be continued only upon recommendation of the ministerial education and guidance board.

 

E.      年議會試會員每年應面談一次，為按牧和年議會會籍需要，須於3年內完成教育與事奉經驗的要求。如果教育要求未克及時完成，只有依據教育與輔導委員會的建議，方能維持他試會員的資格。

 

F.   When a conference ministerial candidate is under appointment to a church as pastor-in-charge, he/she is considered “clergy” (to maintain a lay/clergy balance) when serving on committees and boards. In all other matters he/she is considered a “lay person.”

 

G.  A conference ministerial candidate appointed by a ministerial appointments committee to have charge of a society or with the superintendent’s approval may administer the sacraments of baptism and the Lord’s Supper and solemnize marriages in that place, if civil law permits.

 

Elder’s Orders  正牧的按立

 

¶5400         

A.  A minister may be received into membership, elected to elder’s orders and be reported as having a seat in the annual conference after having been employed in pastoral work three successive years subsequent to reception as a conference ministerial candidate, having satisfactorily completed the educational requirements for ordination required course of study (see ¶5410-5440) and having given satisfactory answers to conference membership questions (see ¶8720).

 

A.     試會員受聘後，連續三年參與牧會工作之後，且順利完成必修之課程(見¶5410-5440)並對年議會會員的問題提出滿意的答案(見¶ 8720)可被接納成為年議會會員，被選為正牧候選人，在年議會有一個席位。

 

B.   Election to elder’s orders constitutes the acknowledgement of the annual conference that the person so elected has met all the biblical (1 Timothy 3, Titus 1) and ecclesiastical requirements to serve as an overseer in the church. Only an ordained elder may serve as a ministerial delegate to General Conference, a conference superintendent or a bishop.

 

C.  The elder shall administer baptism and the Lord’s Supper, solemnize marriages, and lead in divine worship. When appointed to a society, an elder shall perform the responsibilities of a pastor.  minister.

 

C.     正牧的職責是：施洗、主持聖餐、主持婚禮儀式等所有的崇拜聖典，當他被派職牧區時，需履行牧師的責任。

 

Seminary Model    神學院模式

¶5410+   To qualify for elder’s orders using this model, one shall:

                           

A.  be a conference ministerial candidate or ordained deacon;

 

B.   have completed a guided process of ecclesial education and spiritual formation with the help of an approved coach/mentor relationship.

1.    The ministerial education and guidance board shall assign the coach/mentor who shall guide the candidate through the process.

2.    The process shall include:  assessment of educational and spiritual formation needs, convenantal agreement to address areas of need or concern through approved means, periodic review of progress, recommendation of coach/mentor, and successful interview by the ministerial education and guidance board.  be a graduate of an approved John Wesley Seminary Foundation school or other accredited seminary with an M.Div. or equivalent degree, or have met the minimum educational requirements (see ¶5510.B);

B.  已在輔導／導師關係的協助下，循序完成教會教育與建立靈命。

1.    教育與輔導委員會應指派輔導／導師在過程中引導候選人。

2.   過程應包括：評估教育與靈命形成的需求、透過約定好且獲許可的方式回應需求或疑慮、定期檢視進度、推薦輔導／導師，以及與教育與輔導委員會面談成功。

 

C.  The conference ministerial candidate in consultation with the ministerial education and guidance board and a coach/mentor may meet educational requirements through graduation from an approved John Wesley Seminary Foundation school or other accredited seminary, with an M.Div. or equivalent degree, or have met the  minimum educational requirements (see ¶5510.B);

C.  年議會正牧候選人經取得約翰‧衛斯理基金會下的神學院或其他神學院之道碩或同等學歷之畢業學歷，或經完成學歷規定之最低修業課程(見¶5510.B)，且與教育與輔導委員會及輔導／導師協商後，可符合必修課程之要求。

 

D.  have completed three years of full-time pastoral experience under conference appointment after becoming a conference ministerial candidate;

 

D.E    be interviewed, certified and recommended by the ministerial education and guidance board to elder’s orders; and

 

E    .F.be approved by the annual conference and be ordained by the presiding bishop or appointee.

 

College Model 學院模式

¶5420+   To qualify for elder’s orders using this model, one shall:

 

A.  be a conference ministerial candidate or ordained deacon;

 

B.   have completed a guided process of ecclesial education and spiritual formation with the help of an approved coach/mentor relationship.

 

1.  The ministerial education and guidance board shall assign the coach/mentor who shall guide the candidate through the process.

2.  The process shall include: assessment of educational and spiritual formation need, covenantal agreement to address areas of need or concern through approved means, periodic review of progress, recommendation of coach/mentor, and successful interview by the ministerial education and guidance board.

 

B. 已在輔導／導師關係的引導及協助下，循序完成教會教育及建立靈命。

1.  教育與輔導委員會應指派輔導／導師在過程中引導候選人。

2.  過程應包括：評估教育與靈命形成的需求、透過約定好且獲許可的方式回應需求或疑慮、定期檢視進度、推薦輔導／導師，以及與教育與輔導委員會面談成功。

 

C.  The conference ministerial candidate in consultation with the ministerial education and guidance board and a coach/mentor may meet educational requirements through graduation from be a graduate of an approved Association of Free Methodist Educational Institutions school or other accredited college, with a bachelor’s degree and a major in religion or have completed approved courses in:  Inductive Bible Study, 2 semester credits; Introduction to Christian Doctrine, 2 credits; Biblical studies, 10 credits; Systematic Theology, 7 credits; Wesleyan Theology, 3 credits; Pastoral Studies, 7 credits; Homiletics, 3 credits;

 

C. 年議會正牧候選人經循理會教育學院協會學校或其他被認可的學院畢業，擁有學士學位，主修宗教學，或已完成下列課程：聖經歸纳法查經，2學期學分；基督教教義簡介，2學分；聖經研究，10學分；系統神學，7學分；衛斯理神學，3學分；教牧研究，7學分；釋經學，3學分，且在與教育與輔導委員會及輔導／導師協商後，可符合必修課程之要求。

 

CD.have completed three years of full-time pastoral experience under conference appointment after becoming a conference ministerial candidate;

 

DE.be interviewed, certified and recommended by the ministerial education and guidance board to elder’s orders; and

 

EF.    be approved by the annual conference and ordained by the presiding bishop or appointee.

 

JT-XT (J-Term – Extended Studies) Model 延伸制模式

¶5430+   To qualify for elder’s orders using this model, one shall:

 

A.    be a conference ministerial candidate or ordained deacon;

B.     have completed a guided process of ecclesial educational and spiritual formation with the help of an approved coach/mentor relationship.

1.  The ministerial education and guidance board shall assign the coach/mentor who shall guide the candidate through the process.

2.  The process shall include:  assessment of educational and spiritual formation need, covenantal agreement to address areas of need or concern through approved means, periodic review of progress, recommendation of coach/mentor, and successful interview by the ministerial education and guidance board.

B.     已在輔導／導師關係的引導及協助下，循序完成教會教育及建立靈命。

1. 教育與輔導委員會應指派輔導／導師在過程中引導候選人。

2. 過程應包括：評估教育與靈命形成的需求、透過約定好且獲許可的方式回應需求或疑慮、定期檢視進度、推薦輔導／導師，以及與教育與輔導委員會面談成功。

 

BC.The conference ministerial candidate in consultation with the ministerial education and guidance board and a coach/mentor may meet educational requirements through completion  of     have completed approved courses:  Inductive Bible Study, 2 semester credits; Introduction to Christian Doctrine, 2 credits; Biblical Studies, 8 credits; Systematic Theology, 3 credits; Wesleyan Theology, 3 credits; Homiletics, 3 credits; Pastoral Care, 2 credits; Church Administration/Team Building, 2 credits; Spiritual Formation, 2 credits; Leadership/Growth, 4 credits 2 credits; Church Growth, 2 credits; elective courses, 3 credits;

 

C. 年議會正牧候選人經完成認可的課程︰聖經歸纳法查經，2學期學分；基督教教義簡介，2學分；聖經研究，8學分；系統神學，3學分；衛斯理神學，3學分；釋經學，3學分；教牧關懷，2學分；教會行政與團隊的建立，2學分；靈命形成，2學分；領導/增長，4學分；選修課程，3學分，且在與教育與輔導委員會及輔導／導師協商後，可符合必修課程之要求。

 

CD.have completed three years of full-time pastoral experience under conference appointment after becoming a conference ministerial candidate;

 

DE.be interviewed, certified and recommended by the ministerial education and guidance board to elder’s orders; and

 

EF.    be approved by the annual conference and ordained by the presiding bishop or appointee.

 

Divorce and Remarriage    離婚或再婚

¶5650      A clergy ministerial member of a conference who divorces or is divorced by his/her spouse shall enter into the care of the ministerial education and guidance board which shall design for the member a process of healing and restoration as appropriate for the circumstances.  That clergy member may not remarry while the former spouse lives until the ministerial education and guidance board determines that it is appropriate according to biblical guidelines in consultation with the assigned bishop.  descriptors regarding the destruction of the marriage covenant and hardness of heart or irreversible conditions exist allowing for remarriage; and the assigned bishop and the conference superintendent review and confirm the determination.  A clergy person minister who refuses to enter into such a process   who marries contrary to these guidelines shall not be reappointed by the annual conference.  This provision shall also apply to a minister whose spouse has been divorced from a mate who still lives.

 

一位牧職人員在個人或配偶的要求下離婚後，應在教育輔導委員會的關懷下，進入為其制定的的醫治與恢復過程。該牧職人員不得再婚，除非監督團與當地監督協商後，認為符合聖經原則的引導，才可再結婚。牧職人員如違反以上規定而再婚者，不得再接受年議會委派。這條憲章同時適用於牧者配偶是離婚者，而其前任配偶仍活著者。

 

 

Raising of Funds  募款

¶6440

 

C.     The church may support community-wide efforts to raise funds for worthwhile projects so long as the fund-raising effort does not benefit the Free Methodist Church, and is consistent with the ethics of our faith and membership covenant.

 

C.       教會應為支援社區事工努力，為值得的策略募款，但募款活動要與我們信仰倫理和會友的誓言一致。

 

D.  The church may develop initiatives of its own, or strategic partnerships with others, engaged in educational, commercial or charitable endeavors which provide healthy connection with the community and world.  Such initiatives may tangibly benefit the church and its ministries financially so long as the church acts within the tenets of the Book of Discipline and in conformity with local, state and federal laws.

D. 教會可以主動提出倡議，或與他人成為策略夥伴，參與可與社區和世界建立健全的關係之教育、商業，或慈善事業。該事業可予以教會在財務上獲得實質利益，唯教會須依據教規守則行事，並遵循地方、國家，及聯邦法律。

 

DE.   All fund appeals to be made by local churches outside of their annual conference must first be cleared by the administrative committee of the conference(s) into whose area the appeal is to be sent.

 

Biblical Principles  聖經的原則

¶7110     The Bible describes specific behaviors which guide us in creating and maintaining a healthy biblical community. These include:

 

I.   When a person is caught in sin, it is our responsibility to restore them gently and with all humility, aware that we also can be tempted (Galatians 6:1-3), and that we seek to counsel and guide toward healing those who have been harmed by the sin of another (1 Peter 5:10; Luke 10:33).

I. 當一個人犯罪被確定後，我們有責任，用溫柔的心，把他挽回過來。又當自己小心，恐怕也被引誘 (加拉太書6:1-3）。我們也尋求去輔導因他人犯罪而受傷者，並引領他們獲得醫治（彼得前書5:10；路加福音10:33）。