Wiki: Wesley's Parish (WP)

[Sophia7]

This wiki will contain the forum-specific rules that the members of Wesley's Parish decide on. WP members, please discuss and add rules and edit as necessary. Also see the discussion thread here (http://www.christianforums.com/t5669674-lets-talk-about-the-new-vision-for-cf.html).

Welcome to Wesley's Parish!

Rules of Wesley’s Parish (http://foru.ms/f365-wesleys-parish-methodist-nazarene.html) (the WP congregational forum).

1. Everyone is welcome to post socially, and people who are not full members may ask questions. A sub-forum is provided for non-Wesleyans who wish to debate points of Wesleyan, or any other, theology and praxis. No person may use Wesley’s Parish for proselytizing, period. Wesley’s Parish members will be allowed to defend the teachings and practices of their faith through the parish forum. All persons are asked to remember John Wesley’s “General Rules” which enjoin one to give evidence of their salvation by:
First – “by doing no harm, by avoiding evil in every kind.” In other words, coarse language, ad hominem arguments, personal attacks, and incendiary comments have no place within the parish.
Secondly – “by doing good, by being, in every kind, merciful after their power, as they have opportunity, doing good of every possible sort, and, as far as possible, to all men.” In other words, when in doubt, give people the benefit of the doubt. Use “build-ups” rather than “put-downs” in one’s conversation. Heed Paul’s advice to practice hospitality, live in harmony with one another, and “as far as it depends on you, to live at peace with everyone” (Romans 12:18).
Thirdly – “by attending upon all the ordinances of God. Such are, the public worship of God; the ministry of the word, either read or expounded; the supper of the Lord; family and private prayer; searching the Scriptures; and fasting or abstinence.” While it is beyond the prevue of Wesley’s Parish to monitor individual behavior apart from that which actually takes place within this parish, we nonetheless encourage all persons to avail themselves of all the means of grace which Wesley identifies in these his General Rules. All other general rules of Christian Forums are in force in Wesley’s Parish as well.

2. Generally full members will be members of a denomination which is in concert with the historic teachings of John and Charles Wesley. The following list includes those that are recognized at the present time:

The United Methodist Church
Who we are (http://www.umc.org/site/c.lwL4KnN1LtH/b.1355347/k.2F4F/Our_Church.htm)
What we believe (http://archives.umc.org/interior.asp?mid=1648)

The Church of the Nazarene
Who we are (http://www.nazarene.org/ministries/administration/visitorcenter/about/display.aspx)
What we believe (http://www.nazarene.org/ministries/administration/visitorcenter/beliefs/display.aspx)

The Free Methodist Church of North America
Who we are (http://www.freemethodistchurch.org/Sections/About%20Us/Basic%20Info/FAQs/What%27s%20A%20Free%20Methodist.htm)
What we believe (http://www.freemethodistchurch.org/Sections/About%20Us/Beliefs/Doctrines/Doctrines%20Menu%20page.htm)

The Wesleyan Church
Who we are (http://www.wesleyan.org/ME2/dirmod.asp?sid=5D665BEB18CA469B8EC3798EF2E3612D&nm=About+Us&type=Publishing&mod=Publications%3A%3AArticle&mid=8F3A7027421841978F18BE895F87F791&tier=4&id=B9FC838185E74372B60A077AFA1D0324)
What we believe (http://www.wesleyan.org/ME2/dirmod.asp?sid=5B7EE5C4A5BA407D93A6AF61EF94B471&nm=Spiritual+Helps&type=Publishing&mod=Publications%3A%3AArticle&mid=8F3A7027421841978F18BE895F87F791&tier=4&id=5464710074024B8BA82C3E55BD140EF8)

The Methodist Church of Great Britian
Who we are (http://www.methodist.org.uk/index.cfm?fuseaction=welcome.content&cmid=9)
What we believe (http://www.methodist.org.uk/index.cfm?fuseaction=opentogod.content&cmid=1360)

The African Methodist Episcopal Church
Who we are (http://www.ame-church.com/about-us/)
What we believe (http://www.ame-church.com/about-us/beliefs.php)

Church of Christ in Christian Union
Who we are (http://www.cccuhq.org/content/view/13/26/)
What we believe (http://www.cccuhq.org/content/view/57/90/)

The Christian Methodist Episcopal Church
Who we are (http://www.c-m-e.org)
What we believe (http://www.c-m-e.org/core/methodistbeliefs.htm)

The Evangelical Methodist Church
Who we are (http://www.emchurch.org/exponent/index.php?section=1)
What we believe (http://www.emchurch.org/exponent/index.php?section=103)

The Evangelical Missionary Church of Canada
Who we are (http://www.emcc.ca/default.asp?id=4)
What we believe (http://www.emcc.ca/default.asp?id=6)


We recognize that this is not an exhaustive list of all those denominations, let alone all individuals, who hold to the historic Wesleyan perspectives on theology and the practice of Christian faith. We also recognize that not all members of these denomination may themselves personally hold Wesleyan beliefs. Thus, in a spirit of openness, we invite any and all who are members of any of these above named denominations or who claim to hold to the beliefs found in the teachings of John Wesley to participate as a full-member of Wesley’s Parish.

Those individuals who are Wesleyan without belonging to an historically Wesleyan denomination, will however have find that they are able to affirm the “What we believe” positions of at least one of the above named denominations. Upon registering such affirmation with the WP community, all such individuals will be accepted as full-members of the Parish. Denominations can be added to the above list if nominated and approved by a ¾ agreement of all voting WP members in a public poll. (Said poll shall be open for a period of 2 weeks from date of first posting by a WP moderator.)

It is asked that full members either display through their icons (either outwardly exposed or identifying themselves as Wesleyan in some way when a cursor hovers over the faith icon) or put something identifying themselves as Wesleyan somewhere such as in their signature line in order to help the moderators of the forum.

3. Subforum:
While we welcome non-WP members seeking a greater understanding of our beliefs and practice this must be confined to the sub-forum. Non-WP members who wish to debate with us our beliefs and practice must confine those debates to the sub-forum. Threads that seek to undermine the beliefs and practices of historic Wesleyan beliefs and praxis are not permitted anywhere except in the sub-forum. All those who break these rules shall be dealt with in accordance with the decision of WP moderators and, at their discretion, may be banned from the entire Parish, including the sub-forum.

[Redheadedstepchild]

Ok, I added the info from the "Welcome to Wesley's Parish" sticky, but ammended the info about debates.

[Redheadedstepchild]

posting links to the denominational belief statements here. We can move them to the Wiki if that's what everyone decides.
I've added EMC and CME to the list. If anyone can find the actual beliefs for the Methodist Church of Great Britain please post!

African Methodist Episcopal Church (http://www.ame-church.com/about-us/beliefs.php)

Christian Methodist Episcopal Church (http://www.c-m-e.org/core/methodistbeliefs.htm)

Church of Christ in Christian Union (http://www.cccuhq.org/content/view/57/90/)

Church of the Nazarene (http://www.nazarene.org/ministries/administration/visitorcenter/beliefs/display.aspx)

Evangelical Methodist Church (http://www.emchurch.org/exponent/index.php?section=103)

Evangelical Missionary Church of Canada (http://www.emcc.ca/default.asp?id=6)

Free Methodist Church of North America (http://www.freemethodistchurch.org/Sections/About%20Us/Beliefs/Doctrines/Doctrines%20Menu%20page.htm)

Methodist Church of Great Britain (http://www.methodist.org.uk/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.index)

United Methodist Church (http://archives.umc.org/interior.asp?mid=1648)

Wesleyan Church (http://www.wesleyan.org/ME2/dirmod.asp?sid=5B7EE5C4A5BA407D93A6AF61EF94B471&nm=Spiritual+Helps&type=Publishing&mod=Publications%3A%3AArticle&mid=8F3A7027421841978F18BE895F87F791&tier=4&id=5464710074024B8BA82C3E55BD140EF8)

[zoziw]

Could we include the Evangelical Missionary Church of Canada on that list?

Statement of Faith (http://www.emcc.ca/default.asp?id=6)

Some Wesleyan highlights from our Statement of Faith include:



Our Fall
Through the transgression of Adam, mankind is fallen from original righteousness(1), suffers under sin's curse, and, apart from the grace of God, is not only entirely destitute of holiness, but is inclined continually to evil(2), and, unless born again, "cannot see the kingdom of God"(3). We, in our own strength, without divine grace, cannot do good works pleasing and acceptable to God.
As persons we are free moral agents and are responsible for our eternal destiny. Under the influence and empowering of the Holy Spirit and due to the prevenient grace of God we are enabled to exercise our wills to accept God's will and gift(4).
(1) Gen. 6:5. (2) Rom. 3:10,18,23; Eph. 2:1-3. (3) John 3:3-7. (4) Rom. 2:4.


Our Redemption God has provided redemption for all persons through the mediatorial work of Christ(1) who voluntarily offered Himself on Calvary as a perfect sacrifice for sin(2), the just suffering for the unjust, bearing sin's curse and tasting death for every person3.
(1) Acts 4:12; I Tim. 2:5-6. (2) John 10:17-18. (3) Titus 2:11-14; Heb. 2:9 .


Sanctification and Filling with the Holy Spirit
Sanctification is defined as the work of God in making believers holy and renewing them in the image of God(1). It is the will of God that each believer should be cleansed from sin and filled with the Holy Spirit(2) and sanctified. Sanctification involves separation from sin and full dedication(3) to the will of God. God in turn bestows power for holy living and effective service(4). Sanctification is both a crisis, as the regenerated believer initially surrenders to the will of God and appropriates the fullness of the Holy Spirit, and a progressive pilgrimage of continual consecration(5) and growth in character and Christ-likeness.
The filling of a believer with the Holy Spirit is evidenced by love out of a pure heart(6) and by the fruit of the Spirit(7). It is this believer's privilege to live, by faith, a Spirit-filled, Spirit-gifted, and Spirit-led life of victory over sin.
(1) Acts 15:8-9; Rom. 6:19,22. (2) Rom. 8:5-11. (3) Rom. 12:1-2. (4) Rom. 8:1-4,9-11. (5) John 17:17-19; Heb. 12:14. (6) Rom. 5:5. (7) II Cor. 7:1; Gal. 5:22-23.
Security of the Believer Through the declaration of Scripture and the testimony of the Holy Spirit the obedient believer can be certain of forgiveness, salvation, a continuing walk with Christ, and the promise of resurrection life(1). The Scriptures do, however, warn against failing to abide in Christ, being hardened by sin, or being overcome by the world(2). To allow the Devil such a foothold is to open oneself to the temptation to consciously reject Christ, abandon one's faith, and ultimately be lost.
(1) John 15:1-6; I Cor. 10:12-13. (2) Rom. 10:9-10; I Cor. 10:1-13.

[RadicallyTransformedMom]

zoziw, i know nothing about your church, is it considered wesleyan? if so, then i see no reason we can't include it, but put it in our discussion thread for all to see would you please?

[RadicallyTransformedMom]

i changed the wording a little to make it a bit more clear.

[Redheadedstepchild]

We need to come to a consensus here about our rules, and then we can vote. So...

Do you want to have a debate subforum?

Do we need any other rules?

Do you want to have a belief statement?

Are there any other needs?



Yes, I am in favor of a debate subforum.
I am not sure we need any other rules.
I would like a brief belief statement.
I can't think of anything else.

[Redheadedstepchild]

i changed the wording a little to make it a bit more clear.
Oh, that sounds much better. Can the non-Wesleyans debate in the subforum though?

[zoziw]

zoziw, i know nothing about your church, is it considered wesleyan?

Yes, but like many churches in Canada we have had to merge with other denominations in order to establish enough members to support a reasonable level of infrastructure.

Before 1993 there were two churches:

In western Canada we had the Evangelical Church of Canada which was a Wesleyan church.

In eastern Canada we had the Missionary Church of Canada which was anabaptist.

In order to create a stronger presence across the country we merged to form the Evangelical Missionary Church of Canada.

The Missionary Church adopted a largely Wesleyan theology, however, the Evangelical Church had to accept the anabaptist baptismal beliefs.

This is just a reality that churches face in Canada. Methodism pretty much vanished from Canada in 1925 when the Methodist Church joined with the Presbyterian Church and several others to form The United Church of Canada, which has since jettison much of Wesley's theology in favour of liberal theology.

Here is how the Evangelical Missionary Church considers itself:

When the Evangelical Church in Canada and the Missionary Church of Canada merged in 1993 each brought to the union its special emphases and strengths. The ECC contributed their evangelistic fervour and emphasis on the Spirit's sanctifying power that characterized John Wesley's early Methodist teaching. The Missionary Church, which originated in the revival movements that swept North America in the latter half for the 19th century, brought to the union its missionary zeal as well as the annabaptist concepts of community, brotherhood and believer's baptism which were distinguishig marks of the M.C.'s Mennonite background.The merged denomination remains committed to the Scriptures as the source of Christian doctrine and standards of holy living.

[herev]

as a united methodist, my main concern is that we are welcoming to all. I can understand the no debate by NON wesleyans, but we need to be different--as we say it in the UMC, open hearts, open minds, open doors.

[Redheadedstepchild]

Thank you GraceSeeker for putting this together!!!!!:clap: :bow:

Well, I tried to post in wiki, but I guess I can't till I get to 100 posts. So, I guess I'll just take up space here.

It has been suggested by some that we do need some sort of statement. While I don't see the same need for it that others do, I am willing to contribute to the discussion if that is what is truly desired. Thus allow me to suggest the following for consideration. I think it is Wesleyan in character. While I doubt anything will be accept with unanimity, it might, nonetheless, be something around which we can find a great deal of concurance. I have constructed it using as a template many of the different denomination links provided in the wiki space, however it is not the statement of any one particular denomination. Thus, I must take full responsibility for its content, whether it is useful for our purposes or not.




A PROPSOED STATEMENT OF FAITH FOR THE WESLEY'S PARISH COMMUNITY

The Holy Trinity
We affirm the existence of the one Eternal God who has revealed Himself as Father, Son and Holy Spirit, three distinct Persons, mysteriously united as one being in the Godhead which the Church historically has described as the Holy Trinity.

God The Father
We affirm that the first Person of the Holy Trinity, God the Father, is the Eternal One and reigns supremely. He has provided a covenant through which His creatures can be redeemed and through which His creation will be liberated from evil and brought to final righteousness at the end of the age.

God The Son
We affirm that the second Person of the Holy Trinity, the Eternal Son, became incarnate as Mary's virgin-born Child, Jesus of Nazareth, the Christ. In His unique Person, He revealed to us both the fullness of deity and the fullness of humanity. By His life, suffering, death, resurrection and ascension He provided the only way of salvation. His sacrifice on the cross once for all was to reconcile the Holy God and sinners, was an atoning sacrifice for the whole of humanity, and thereby provides the only way of access to the Father.
Now He intercedes as High Priest before the Father, awaiting the day when He will return to judge every person, living and dead, and to consummate His Kingdom.

God The Holy Spirit
We affirm that the third Person of the Holy Trinity, the Holy Spirit, was active from the beginning in creation, revelation and redemption. It was through His anointing that prophets received the Word of God, priests became intermediaries between God and His people, and kings were given ruling authority. The Spirit's presence and power, measured in the Old Testament, were found without measure in Jesus of Nazareth, the Anointed. The Spirit convicts and woos the lost, gives new birth to the penitent and abides in the believer, perfecting holiness and empowering the Church to carry out Christ's mission in the world. He came to indwell His Church at Pentecost, enabling believers to yield fruit and endowing them with spiritual gifts according to His will. He bears witness to Christ and guides God's people into His truth. He inspired the Holy Scriptures, God's written Word, and continues to illuminate His people concerning His will and truth. His guidance is always in harmony with Christ and the truth as given in the Holy Scriptures.

Humanity
We affirm that man and woman are fashioned in the image of God and are different from all of God's other creatures. God intends that we should glorify Him and enjoy Him forever. Since the Fall of Adam the corruption of sin has pervaded every person and extended into social relationships, societal systems, and all creation. This corruption is so pervasive that we are not capable, apart from the grace of God, of positive response to God's offer of redemption. However, we also affirm that the prevenient, or preparing grace of God can be found in this world, the action of God calling people to himself. Only through the justifying, regenerating and sanctifying work of the Triune God can we be easily conformed to the image of Christ, and restored to the relationships which God has intended for us.

The Holy Scriptures
We affirm as the only written Word of God the Old and New Testaments. These Holy Scriptures contain all that is necessary for our knowledge of God's holy and sovereign will, of Jesus Christ the only Redeemer, of our salvation, and of our growth in grace. They are to be received through the Holy Spirit as the guide and final authority for the faith and conduct of individuals and the doctrines and life of the Church. Whatever is not clearly revealed in, or plainly established as truth by, the Holy Scriptures cannot be required as an article of faith nor be taught as essential to salvation. Anything contrary to the teachings of the Holy Scriptures is contrary to the purposes of God and must, therefore, be opposed. The authority of Scripture derives from the fact that God, through His Spirit, inspired the authors, causing them to perceive God's truth and record it. Though these Holy Scriptures have been preserved during the long process of transmission through copyists and translators imperfectly, we nonetheless hold them to have been preserved with sufficient reliability as to still be trusted as supremely authoritative for the Church's teaching, preaching, witness, identifying error, correcting the erring, and training believers for ministry in and through the Church.

Salvation
We affirm that God offers salvation to a sinful humanity and a lost world through Jesus Christ. By His death on the cross the sinless Son propitiated the holy wrath of the Father, a righteous anger occasioned by sin. No other satisfaction for sin is necessary; none other can atone. By His resurrection from the dead, the glorified Son raises us to newness of life. When we appropriate by faith God's atoning work in Jesus Christ we are forgiven, justified, regenerated by His Holy Spirit, and adopted into the family of God. By His grace He sanctifies His children, purifying their hearts by faith, renewing them in the image of God, and enabling them to love God and neighbor with whole heart. The fullness of God's great salvation will come with the return of Christ. This cosmic event will signal the resurrection of the saved to eternal life and the lost to eternal damnation, the liberation of creation from the Adamic curse, God's final victory over every power and dominion, and the establishment of the new heaven and the new earth.
Through the declaration of Scripture and the testimony of the Holy Spirit, the obedient believer can be certain of forgiveness, salvation, a continuing walk with Christ, and the promise of resurrection life. The Scriptures do, however, warn against failing to abide in Christ, being hardened by sin, or being overcome by the world. To allow such an approach to the praxis of one’s faith is to open oneself to the temptation to consciously reject Christ, abandon one's faith, and ultimately be lost. On the other hand, those who allow for the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit in their lives are, through His grace, enabled to love God with all their hearts, souls, strength, and minds, and their neighbor as themselves, and thus prepared for greater growth in grace.

The Church
We affirm that the Church of Jesus Christ is the community of all true believers under His sovereign Lordship. This Church, the Body of Christ, is one because it shares one Lord, one faith, one baptism. It is holy because it belongs to God and is set apart for His purposes in the world. It is apostolic because it partakes of the authority granted to the apostles by Christ Himself. It is universal because it includes all believers, both living and dead, in every nation, regardless of denominational affiliation. Its authenticity is to be found wherever the pure Word of God is preached and taught; wherever the Sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion are celebrated in obedience to Christ's command; wherever the gifts of the Holy Spirit upbuild the body and bring spiritual growth; wherever the Spirit of God creates a loving, caring fellowship, and a faithfulness in witness and service to the world; and wherever discipline is administered with love under the guidance of the Word of God. The Church, as the Bride of Christ, will ultimately be joined with her Lord in triumphant glory.

Ethics
We affirm that we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works. These works are the loving expressions of gratitude by the believer for the new life received in Christ. They do not earn one's salvation nor are they a substitute for God's work of redemption. Rather, they are the result of regeneration and are manifest in the believer as evidence of a living faith.
God's law for all human life, personal and social, is expressed in two divine commands: Love the Lord God with all your heart, and love your neighbor as yourself. These commands reveal what is best for persons in their relationship with God, others, and society. They set forth the principles of human duty in both individual and social action.
God has called us to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with Him. In the Scriptures are found the standards and principles that guide the believer in this walk. These ethical imperatives, willingly accepted by the believer, enable us to be a part of God's purpose in the world. Moreover, in this we are called to an obedience that does not stop short of our willingness to suffer for righteousness' sake, even unto death.
Our life in Christ includes an unstinting devotion to deeds of kindness and mercy and a wholehearted participation in collective efforts to alleviate need and suffering. The believer will work for honesty, justice and equity in human affairs, all of which witness to inherent rights and a basic dignity common to all persons created in the image of God. Such contemporary issues as racism, housing, welfare, education, capitalism, hunger, crime, sexism, family relationships, aging, sexuality, drugs and alcohol, abortion, leisure, pornography, terrorism and related issues call for prayerful consideration, thoughtful analysis and appropriate action from Christians, and must always be a matter of concern to the Church. Thus, we remember that faith without works is dead.

[Redheadedstepchild]

Added Evangelical Missionary Church of Canada to the list.

[Redheadedstepchild]

Here's the link Humblet found: Distinctive Wesleyan Emphases (http://archives.umc.org/interior.asp?mid=1812)

Anybody want to post a summary?? (my skills are limited to coping and pasting!)

[RadicallyTransformedMom]

Oh, that sounds much better. Can the non-Wesleyans debate in the subforum though?
yes, but this isnt the subforum. If and when we decide to open a subforum we will have to make rules for it also..atleast i think.

And who changed the wording back to the way it was?

[Redheadedstepchild]

yes, but this isnt the subforum. If and when we decide to open a subforum we will have to make rules for it also..atleast i think.

And who changed the wording back to the way it was?
I don't know, I was wondering the same thing. I thought maybe you had? I really did like how you worded it.

[Redheadedstepchild]

OK, the history says that I made the change, but I honestly don't know how that happened. :scratch: I'll fix it.

Edit: Ok, for some reason it was using an older change as the current page instead of the newer change that you made. So no one changed it.

[zoziw]

Added Evangelical Missionary Church of Canada to the list.

Thank you! :)

[Diane_Windsor]

You might want to define the term "Wesleyan".

:)

[Redheadedstepchild]

You might want to define the term "Wesleyan".

:)
*nods*...if you have a definition please post it. :)

[Redheadedstepchild]

Here's the link Humblet found: Distinctive Wesleyan Emphases (http://archives.umc.org/interior.asp?mid=1812)

Anybody want to post a summary?? (my skills are limited to coping and pasting!)
Okaaaaaaaay, copying and pasting parts of the article:

Grace pervades our understanding of Christian faith and life. By grace we mean the undeserved, unmerited, and loving action of God in human existence through the ever-present Holy Spirit. While the grace of God is undivided, it precedes salvation as "prevenient grace," continues in "justifying grace," and is brought to fruition in "sanctifying grace."

Prevenient Grace—We acknowledge God's prevenient grace, the divine love that surrounds all humanity and precedes any and all of our conscious impulses. This grace prompts our first wish to please God, our first glimmer of understanding concerning God's will, and our "first slight transient conviction" of having sinned against God.

Justification and Assurance—We believe God reaches out to the repentant believer in justifying grace with accepting and pardoning love. Wesleyan theology stresses that a decisive change in the human heart can and does occur under the prompting of grace and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. In justification we are, through faith, forgiven our sin and restored to God's favor. This righting of relationships by God through Christ calls forth our faith and trust as we experience regeneration, by which we are made new creatures in Christ.

Sanctification and Perfection—We hold that the wonder of God's acceptance and pardon does not end God's saving work, which continues to nurture our growth in grace. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we are enabled to increase in the knowledge and love of God and in love for our neighbor. New birth is the first step in this process of sanctification. Sanctifying grace draws us toward the gift of Christian perfection, which Wesley described as a heart "habitually filled with the love of God and neighbor" and as "having the mind of Christ and walking as he walked."

Faith and Good Works—We see God's grace and human activity working together in the relationship of faith and good works. God's grace calls forth human response and discipline. Faith is the only response essential for salvation. However, the General Rules remind us that salvation evidences itself in good works. For Wesley, even repentance should be accompanied by "fruits meet for repentance," or works of piety and mercy. Both faith and good works belong within an all-encompassing theology of grace, since they stem from God's gracious love "shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit."

From The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church - 2004

[Redheadedstepchild]

You might want to define the term "Wesleyan".

:)
From GraceSeeker:

Wesleyan (adjective)

1. A person who adheres to the basic theological positions preached as part of the Wesleyan revival that occurred in England in the mid-1700s.

2. A follower of the tenets taught by John Wesley.

3. Of or pertaining to the Wesleys (John and Charles).

4. A member of the Wesleyan Church.

[Redheadedstepchild]

Edited the rules to reflect GraceSeeker's draft.:)

(and TY GraceSeeker for your hard work!!!!)

[Redheadedstepchild]

Added CME, EMC, and EMCC to the draft. I also edited the site for UMC beliefs. What do you guys think about it????

[Redheadedstepchild]

Here is the draft proposed by GraceSeeker with edited links and additional churches mentioned earlier. Please discuss so that we can make needed changes!


Welcome to Wesley's Parish!

Rules of Wesley’s Parish (http://www.christianforums.com/f365) (the WP congregational forum).

1. Everyone is welcome to post socially, and people who are not full members may ask questions. A sub-forum is provided for non-Wesleyans who wish to debate points of Wesleyan, or any other, theology and praxis. No person may use Wesley’s Parish for proselytizing, period. Wesley’s Parish members will be allowed to defend the teachings and practices of their faith through the parish forum. All persons are asked to remember John Wesley’s “General Rules” which enjoin one to give evidence of their salvation by:[/COLOR]
First – “by doing no harm, by avoiding evil in every kind.” In other words, coarse language, ad hominem arguments, personal attacks, and incendiary comments have no place within the parish.
Secondly – “by doing good, by being, in every kind, merciful after their power, as they have opportunity, doing good of every possible sort, and, as far as possible, to all men.” In other words, when in doubt, give people the benefit of the doubt. Use “build-ups” rather than “put-downs” in one’s conversation. Heed Paul’s advice to practice hospitality, live in harmony with one another, and “as far as it depends on you, to live at peace with everyone” (Romans 12:18).
Thirdly – “by attending upon all the ordinances of God. Such are, the public worship of God; the ministry of the word, either read or expounded; the supper of the Lord; family and private prayer; searching the Scriptures; and fasting or abstinence.” While it is beyond the prevue of Wesley’s Parish to monitor individual behavior apart from that which actually takes place within this parish, we nonetheless encourage all persons to avail themselves of all the means of grace which Wesley identifies in these his General Rules. All other general rules of Christian Forums are in force in Wesley’s Parish as well.

2. Generally full members will be members of a denomination which is in concert with the historic teachings of John and Charles Wesley. The following list includes those that are recognized at the present time:

The United Methodist Church
Who we are (http://www.umc.org/site/c.lwL4KnN1LtH/b.1355347/k.2F4F/Our_Church.htm)
What we believe (http://archives.umc.org/interior.asp?mid=1648)

The Church of the Nazerene
Who we are (http://www.nazarene.org/ministries/administration/visitorcenter/about/display.aspx)
What we believe (http://www.nazarene.org/ministries/administration/visitorcenter/beliefs/display.aspx)

The Free Methodist Church of North America
Who we are (http://www.freemethodistchurch.org/Sections/About%20Us/Basic%20Info/FAQs/What%27s%20A%20Free%20Methodist.htm)
What we believe (http://www.freemethodistchurch.org/Sections/About%20Us/Beliefs/Doctrines/Doctrines%20Menu%20page.htm)

The Wesleyan Church
Who we are (http://www.wesleyan.org/ME2/dirmod.asp?sid=5D665BEB18CA469B8EC3798EF2E3612D&nm=About+Us&type=Publishing&mod=Publications%3A%3AArticle&mid=8F3A7027421841978F18BE895F87F791&tier=4&id=B9FC838185E74372B60A077AFA1D0324)
What we believe (http://www.wesleyan.org/ME2/dirmod.asp?sid=5B7EE5C4A5BA407D93A6AF61EF94B471&nm=Spiritual+Helps&type=Publishing&mod=Publications%3A%3AArticle&mid=8F3A7027421841978F18BE895F87F791&tier=4&id=5464710074024B8BA82C3E55BD140EF8)

The Methodist Church of Great Britian
Who we are (http://www.methodist.org.uk/index.cfm?fuseaction=welcome.content&cmid=9)
What we believe (http://www.methodist.org.uk/index.cfm?fuseaction=opentogod.content&cmid=1360)

The African Methodist Episcopal Church
Who we are (http://www.ame-church.com/about-us/)
What we believe (http://www.ame-church.com/about-us/beliefs.php)

Church of Christ in Christian Union
Who we are (http://www.cccuhq.org/content/view/13/26/)
What we believe (http://www.cccuhq.org/content/view/57/90/)

The Christian Methodist Episcopal Church
Who we are (http://www.c-m-e.org)
What we believe (http://www.c-m-e.org/core/methodistbeliefs.htm)

The Evangelical Methodist Church
Who we are (http://www.emchurch.org/exponent/index.php?section=1)
What we believe (http://www.emchurch.org/exponent/index.php?section=103)

The Evangelical Missionary Church of Canada
Who we are (http://www.emcc.ca/default.asp?id=4)
What we believe (http://www.emcc.ca/default.asp?id=6)


We recognize that this is not an exhaustive list of all those denominations, let alone all individuals, who hold to the historic Wesleyan perspectives on theology and the practice of Christian faith. We also recognize that not all members of these denomination may themselves personally hold Wesleyan beliefs. Thus, in a spirit of openness, we invite any and all who are members of any of these above named denominations or who claim to hold to the beliefs found in the teachings of John Wesley to participate as a full-member of Wesley’s Parish.

Those individuals who are Wesleyan without belonging to an historically Wesleyan denomination, will however have find that they are able to affirm the “What we believe” positions of at least one of the above named denominations. Upon registering such affirmation with the WP community, all such individuals will be accepted as full-members of the Parish. Denominations can be added to the above list if nominated and approved by a ¾ agreement of all voting WP members in a public poll. (Said poll shall be open for a period of 2 weeks from date of first posting by a WP moderator.)

It is asked that full members either display through their icons (either outwardly exposed or identifying themselves as Wesleyan in some way when a cursor hovers over the faith icon) or put something identifying themselves as Wesleyan somewhere such as in their signature line in order to help the moderators of the forum.

3. Subforum:
While we welcome non-WP members seeking a greater understanding of our beliefs and practice this must be confined to the sub-forum. Non-WP members who wish to debate with us our beliefs and practice must confine those debates to the sub-forum. Threads that seek to undermine the beliefs and practices of historic Wesleyan beliefs and praxis are not permitted anywhere except in the sub-forum. All those who break these rules shall be dealt with in accordance with the decision of WP moderators and, at their discretion, may be banned from the entire Parish, including the sub-forum.

[cristianna]

WOW... that's really good. Excellent work everyone!

[RadicallyTransformedMom]

Do you want to have a debate subforum? YES

Do we need any other rules? NO

Do you want to have a belief statement? Well, i think a stickied belief statement in our forum would be good, i dont know if we need it in our rules or not

Are there any other needs? no

[RadicallyTransformedMom]

i like MOST of GraceSeekers draft. Can we put it up in the wiki? then any of us that would like to change anything or tweak it a bit...can do so. kwim??

[Redheadedstepchild]

Well, I originally put it in the Wiki but there was a request to move it so that people could discuss it first. LOL!!

It sounds like what we need to do is discuss each part of it and then go back to the WP forum with polls.

I'd like to start a poll about the subforum for debate since it does appear that we have some consensus, but I guess first we need to talk about who can vote.

[Sophia7]

Well, I originally put it in the Wiki but there was a request to move it so that people could discuss it first. LOL!!

It sounds like what we need to do is discuss each part of it and then go back to the WP forum with polls.

I'd like to start a poll about the subforum for debate since it does appear that we have some consensus, but I guess first we need to talk about who can vote.

I don't think you would need to have a poll for each point that's added, especially if there seems to be a consensus on most of it. I would suggest doing a poll on anything that there's a lot of controversy over, which so far seems not to be the case. If most people are agreeing to GraceSeeker's proposals, I wouldn't see a problem with adding them to the wiki.

[Redheadedstepchild]

*grin* Ok then!

[Redheadedstepchild]

i like MOST of GraceSeekers draft. Can we put it up in the wiki? then any of us that would like to change anything or tweak it a bit...can do so. kwim??
It's in the Wiki...did you want to edit it?

I'm guessing people like what's there. No one has said otherwise.

One other thing...and maybe this isn't the place to talk about it, but do we need to talk about who votes, and about electing mods when their time runs out? I happen to like our mods, but it might be a good idea to have a plan in place.

[Sophia7]

One other thing...and maybe this isn't the place to talk about it, but do we need to talk about who votes, and about electing mods when their time runs out? I happen to like our mods, but it might be a good idea to have a plan in place.

You could maybe make a new thread to discuss that. It's a good idea. Some election stuff will be covered under the general CF policies, but you will need some specific guidelines for your own forum because each congregational forum will be responsible for nominating and voting in their own forum mods, so you could start thinking about people that you think would do a good job. There's a thread in WP that was started by A New Dawn called Leader Recognition Thread (http://www.christianforums.com/t5679004-leader-recognition-thread.html) that I think she posted for that purpose. I just bumped it up to the top so that people could find it more easily.

I guess you'll also have to decide if you want all Wesleyan mods in your forum (and keep in mind that finding enough mods to staff the congregational forums with only people of their own denominations can be difficult), who's allowed to vote, whether they need to have a certain number of posts to vote, etc.

Current staff will remain until the end of 2007 at least (unless they quit as many have), but I think you will also be able to bring on new mods as soon as all the details are worked out with the application process and everything.

[RadicallyTransformedMom]

have we completed this wiki or are we still making changes? what did we decide about the subforum for debating?

[Redheadedstepchild]

I have no idea.

Sophia, what are we supposed to be doing? What happens if we do nothing?

[Sophia7]

Sorry it's taken me a while to reply. I'm on vacation right now and have limited Internet access. What you will probably need to do next is make a poll in WP if you think the wiki is complete. Post the contents of the wiki there and ask people to vote yes or no to approve it. Once the rules are approved, we can post a rules sticky in WP. You could maybe start another poll, also, to take a vote on having a debate sub-forum. The rules for that would have to be discussed as well, but they could be added later.

[Sophia7]

If you think that more discussion is necessary and that it will take more time to finalize the rules, what we could do is post what you have currently in the wiki as a temporary rules sticky, pending final approval (kind of like what they are doing with the general CF rules). The rules could still change if the wiki is edited, but we would at least have some temporary guidelines in place to work with when reports come in. If you think the wiki is ready now, I would suggest taking an approval vote.

[Redheadedstepchild]

Edited the link for WP in the Wiki - the link pointed to the Lutheran forum (which, BTW, has a lovely logo).

Am going to WP to start a poll on whether or not to have the sub forum.