The 27th General Conference of the
Evangelical Methodist Church
Arlington, Texas
74. CALL TO ORDER. Dr. Williamson called the conference to order at 3:30 p.m. Rev. Coulston made announcements. The chair called for the report of the Board of Ministerial Relations.
75. BOARD OF MINISTERIAL RELATIONS. Rev. Chester Kwiat gave the report of the Board of Ministerial Relations.
Handbook for Ministerial Relations. It was moved and seconded to adopt the Handbook for Boards of Ministerial Relations.
76. BOARD OF MINISTERIAL EDUCATION & ADVANCED STUDIES. The chair called for the report of the Board of Ministerial Education & Advanced Studies, Rev. Michael Brown, chairman. Changes to the report included:
Ministerial Loans: College/Bible College Students: $2,500 per year
Theological Seminary Students: $3,500 per year
Grants: Summer/Short Term Interns: $2,500 per session
Long Term/Six Month Interns: $2,000 per session
The report was received with appreciation.
77. MISSION REPRESENTATIVES. Dr. Williamson called on Ernie and Anna Smith to report on their ministry with World Gospel Mission. Rev. Grant Nealis reported on behalf of OMS International and his ministry.
78. DISCIPLINE REVISION. Rev. Leroy VanVerth gave the report of Memorials from the districts and General Council requiring they lay overnight for consideration.
Southern District
MEMORIAL #1 was moved and seconded.
District and General Conferences shall not initiate civil lawsuits against local churches.
The motion received a necessary 2/3’s vote to be held overnight for consideration on Thursday.
MEMORIAL #2 was moved and seconded.
General Conference is hereby memorialized to rewrite paragraph 677 indicating that the status of an Elder in good standing who transfers out of the EMC, can he, once approved by the receiving District Board of Ministerial Relations, return as an Elder with full conference membership as a ‘Traveling Preacher’?
The motion received a necessary 2/3’s vote to be held overnight for consideration on Thursday.
(Suggested wording) Add to the end of par. 677: Upon recommendation of the District Board of Ministerial Relations, an Elder who transfers from the EMC in good ministerial standing and seeks to unite with the EMC in full ministerial connection is exempt from the ‘Elder in Transit’.
Mid-States District
MEMORIAL #3 was moved and seconded.
That: “The Mid-States Conference memorialize the General Conference to include a Discipline modification allowing a simplified local church structure for smaller congregations upon the recommendation of the superintendents and the pastor.”
The motion received a necessary 2/3’s vote to be held overnight for consideration on Thursday.
The motion received a necessary 2/3’s vote to be held overnight for consideration on Thursday.
Southern District
MEMORIAL #5 was moved and seconded.
The General Council, at regularly scheduled meetings, may by a two-thirds vote, expel or disaffiliate a congregation, at the request of the associated district, meeting in regular or special session.
The motion received a necessary 2/3’s vote to be held overnight for consideration on Thursday.
79. MISSION REPRESENTATIVES. Dr. Williamson called on Bill and Lydia Allshouse to share their ministry with WGM. Point of Personal Privilege. Rev. Michael expressed his appreciation for the ministry of the Allhouses and also the needs for the evening offering.
80. HEALTH INSURANCE AND RETIREMENT. Debate continued (from Session 5, #42) on the proposal from the Department of Health Insurance & Retirement (Report Booklet page 125).
Move for the Question. It was moved and seconded to Call for the Question. Approved.
Question. The motion to adopt the proposed pension program was approved.
Motion. It was moved and seconded to authorize the General Council upon a recommendation of the Department of Health Insurance and Retirement to approve all additions and changes to the pension plan.
81. STATISITICIAN. Rev. John Hardman gave the report of the General Conference Statistician. The report was received with appreciation.
82. ADJOURNMENT. Dr. Williamson adjourned the session at 4:35 p.m. with a moment of prayer.