CSP Downloads
The final report of the General Council is in the download section of the website. Click on the front page ‘downloads’ in the same box as the GS Journal. This PDF is the material mailed to all the churches and credential holders. Included is a Power Point presentation of the CSP. One format is in 2007 office and the second is in 2003 office. Please observe the note section under each slide that can be used in your presentation to the local church.
I believe we have overcome xenophobia that we are all subject to when an organization commits itself to change. For the EMC we are realizing the CSP returns us to our founders’ original vision of the congregational and connectional sacred relationships among the ministers and local churches. Combining this with two years of prayer for renewal and ‘Fresh Wind’ places each local church in a position of renewal and revival.A unique aspect of these changes is the accountability for holy living and spiritual growth among the clergy. Some pastors do not want accountability with ‘equals’ and choose to be a part of an association of independent churches. I believe the laity will appreciate the fact their pastor is in an accountability relationship to keep himself pure and holy before the Lord with other pastors. It protects the local church from abuse and will preserve their pastor’s ministry in these increasing wicked last days before the coming of Christ. The accountability is built into this one conference model.I hope you will read the documents and pray. My hope as one who firmly believes in the congregational aspects of our organization is that the one conference model will be passed at the General Conference and sent to each local church for the final ratification vote. In light of my travels in our conferences this spring, I believe if all the local churches could attend the Conference the vote would be overwhelmingly positive.
