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From "The Discipline of the Wesleyan Church--2008"

Article 3. Covenant Membership Commitments

260. To be identified with an organized church is the blessed privilege

and sacred duty of all who are saved from their sins and are seeking

completeness in Christ Jesus. From the Church’s beginnings in the New

Testament age, it has been understood that such identification involves

putting off the old patterns of conduct and putting on the mind of Christ. In

maintaining this Christian concept of a transformed life, The Wesleyan

Church intends to relate timeless biblical principles to the conditions of

contemporary society in such a way as to respect the integrity of the individual

believer, yet maintain the purity of the Church and the effectiveness of its

witness. This is done in the conviction that there is validity in the concept of

the collective Christian conscience as illuminated and guided by the Holy

Spirit. The following items (265) represent historic, ethical and practical

standards of The Wesleyan Church. While it is hoped that our people will

earnestly seek the aid of the Spirit in cultivating a sensitivity to evil which

transcends the mere letter of the law, it is expected that those entering into

Covenant Membership shall follow carefully and conscientiously these guides

and helps to holy living. Disregard of the principles embraced in these

Covenant Membership Commitments subjects a member to Church discipline

(268).

265. Those admitted to Covenant Membership in our churches commit

themselves to demonstrate their life in Christ in such ways as:

265:1 BASIC PRINCIPLES

Toward God

(1) To reverence the name of God and to honor the Lord’s Day by

divine worship and spiritual edification, participating in those activities which

contribute to the moral and spiritual purposes of this day.

Gen. 2:3; Ex. 20:3, 7–11; Deut. 5:11–15; Isa. 58:13–14; Mark

2:27; Acts 20:7; Heb. 4:9.

(2) To seek only the leading of the Holy Spirit and to abstain from all forms

of spiritism, such as the occult, witchcraft, astrology and other similar practices.

Lev. 19:31; 20:6; Deut. 18:10–14; Acts 19:18–19; Gal. 5:19–20.

Toward Self

(3) To exercise faithful stewardship through the wise use of their time

and material resources, practicing careful self-discipline in order to further the

mission of Christ’s church (remembering the principle of tithing which is

basic to the New Testament standard of stewardship) and to demonstrate

compassion to those in need.

Prov. 3:9; Mal. 3:10; Matt. 25:34–40; Acts 20:35; 1 Cor. 16:2;

2 Cor. 9:7; Eph. 5:16; Col. 3:17; James 2:15–16; 1 John 3:17.

(4) To demonstrate a positive social witness by abstaining from all

forms of gambling and by abstaining from using or trafficking (production,

sale or purchase)* in any substances destructive to their physical, mental and

spiritual health, such as alcoholic beverages, tobacco and drugs (other than

proper medical purposes of drugs); and by refraining from membership in

secret societies and lodges which are oath bound, believing that the quasireligious

nature of such organizations divides the Christian’s loyalty, their

secret nature contravenes the Christian’s open witness and the secret nature of

their oaths is repugnant to the Christian conscience.

Ex. 20:17; Rom. 14:21; 1 Cor. 6:12. Gambling violates the

principle of Christian stewardship and the tenth commandment,

is harmful to the individual in that it is emotionally addictive, is a

poor example to others, and pollutes the moral climate of society.

*See 6805 in Appendix B.

CONSTITUTION 265:6

Prov. 20:1; Rom. 6:12; 14:21; 1 Cor. 6:12–20; 10:23; 2 Cor.

7:1; Eph. 5:18; 1 Thess. 5:22. Christians are to regard their bodies

as temples of the Holy Spirit. While no “thing” of itself is sinful, the

Christian should avoid the use of anything which would not help

build the fellowship of the church, would not help the believers to

realize their full potential in Christ, or which would enslave them.

In the light of the scientific knowledge of our day concerning the

actual and potential harm of these substances, total abstinence is

more in keeping with these biblical principles than is moderation.

Ex. 20:3; Matt. 5:34–36; John 18:20; Acts 4:12; James 5:12.

These prohibitions do not restrict membership in labor, civic

or other organizations which do not contradict loyalty to

Christ and the Church. When in these relationships Christian

principles are violated, members shall be dealt with because of

such violations and not because of the membership itself.

Toward Family

(5) To follow the teachings of the Scriptures regarding marriage and

divorce. We affirm that sexual relationships outside of marriage and sexual

relationships between persons of the same sex are immoral and sinful. We further

affirm that heterosexual monogamy is God’s plan for marriage, and we regard

sexual sin of the spouse, such as adultery, homosexual behavior, bestiality or

incest, as the only biblical grounds for considering divorce, and then only when

appropriate counseling has failed to restore the relationship.

Ex. 20:14, 17; 22:19; Lev. 20:10–16; Matt. 5:32; 19:19; Mark

10:11–12; Luke 16:18.

(6) To preserve the sanctity of the home by honoring Christ in every phase

of family life and by demonstrating Christlike love (always avoiding spousal or

child abuse), and by living peacefully with one another, thereby encouraging the

nurture and education of the children in the Christian faith so as to bring

them early to the saving knowledge of Christ.

Prov. 22:6; Mark 10:9; Eph. 5:28; 6:4.

265:7 BASIC PRINCIPLES

Toward The Church

(7) To work together for the advancement of God’s kingdom and for

the mutual edification of fellow believers in holiness, knowledge and love; to

walk together in Christian fellowship by giving and receiving counsel with

gentleness and affection; by praying for each other; by helping each other in

sickness and distress; and by demonstrating love, purity and courtesy to all.

Rom. 15:1–2; Eph. 4; 1 Thess. 5.

(8) To grow in the knowledge, love and grace of God by participating

in public worship, the ministry of the Word of God, the Lord’s Supper, family

and personal devotions and fasting.

Mark 2:18–20; Acts 13:2–3; 14:23; Rom. 12:12; 1 Cor.

11:23–28; Eph. 6:18; Phil. 4:6; 1 Tim. 2:1–2; 2 Tim. 3:16–17;

Heb. 10:25; 1 Peter 2:2; 2 Peter 3:18.

(9) To preserve the fellowship and witness of the Church with reference to

the use of languages. The Wesleyan Church believes in the miraculous use of

languages and the interpretation of languages in its biblical and historical setting.

But it is contrary to the Word of God to teach that speaking in an unknown tongue

or the gift of tongues is the evidence of the baptism of the Holy Spirit or of that

entire sanctification which the baptism accomplishes; therefore, only a language

readily understood by the congregation is to be used in public worship. The

Wesleyan Church believes that the use of an ecstatic prayer language has no clear

scriptural sanction, or any pattern of established historical usage in the Church;

therefore, the use of such a prayer language shall not be promoted among us.

Acts 8:14–17; 1 Cor. 12:1–14:40; Gal. 5:22–24.

Toward Others

(10) To do good as much as is possible to all people as God gives opportunity,

especially to those in the body of Christ; by giving food to the hungry, by

clothing the destitute, by visiting or helping those who are sick or in prison;

by instructing, correcting or encouraging them in love.

Matt. 25:31–46; Eph. 5:11; 1 Thess. 5:14; Heb. 3:13; 10:23–25.

CONSTITUTION 278

(11) To respect the inherent individual rights of all persons, regardless of

race, color or sex.

1 Cor. 8:13; 12:13; Gal. 3:28; 1 Tim. 5:21.

(12) To live honestly, be just in all dealings and faithful in all

commitments.

Eccl. 5:4–5; Rom. 12:17; Phil. 4:8–9; 1 Peter 2:12.

268. These are the Covenant Membership Commitments of our Church.

We believe all these to be consistent with the principles of Christ as taught in

the Word of God, which is the only and sufficient rule both of our faith and

practice. If any among us do not observe them, and/or habitually break any of

them, we will admonish such persons in love with the hope of restoring them

to lives of harmony with the above Covenant Membership Commitments. If

such efforts of restoration continue to prove fruitless, official action should be

taken toward termination of said persons’ church membership. However, the

church members are encouraged to continue efforts toward the spiritual

restoration of these persons.

Matt. 18:15–17; 1 Cor. 5:6–7, 9–13; 2 Cor. 2:5–7; 5:18–20;

6:14–18; Gal. 6:1–10; Eph. 4:25–32; Titus 3:10–11.

Article 4. Elementary Principles

270. Christ is the only Head of the Church, and the Word of God the

only rule of faith and conduct.

272. No person who loves the Lord Jesus Christ, and obeys the gospel

of God our Savior, ought to be deprived of church membership.

274. Every person has an inalienable right to private judgment in

matters of religion, and an equal right to express personal opinions in any way

which will not violate the laws of God or the rights of others.

276. All church trials should be conducted on gospel principles only;

and no minister or member should be excommunicated except for

immorality, the propagation of unchristian doctrines, or for neglect of duties

enjoined by the Word of God.

278. The pastoral or ministerial office and duties are of divine appointment,

and all ordained ministers in the church of God are equal; but ministers are

278 BASIC PRINCIPLES

forbidden to be lords over God’s heritage, or to have dominion over the faith

of the saints.

280. The Church has a right to form and enforce such rules and

regulations only as are in accordance with the Holy Scriptures, and may be

necessary or have a tendency to carry into effect the great system of practical

Christianity.

282. Whatever power may be necessary to the formation of rules and

regulations is inherent in the ministers and members of the Church; but so

much of that power may be delegated from time to time, upon a plan of

representation, as they may judge necessary and proper.

284. It is the duty of all ministers and members of the Church to

maintain godliness and oppose all moral evil.

286. It is obligatory upon ministers of the gospel to be faithful in the

discharge of their pastoral and ministerial duties, and it is also obligatory upon the

members to esteem ministers highly for their works’ sake, and to render them a

righteous compensation for their labors.

Chapter 5

SPECIAL DIRECTIONS

400. The special directions are expressions by which The Wesleyan

Church seeks to bear witness to contemporary society concerning the

Christian life and character required by its Articles of Religion and Covenant

Membership Commitments. While they may or may not be covenant

membership commitments, they are official admonitions to the members,

ministers and officials of The Wesleyan Church, and provide guidelines for

bearing public testimony on the issues discussed.

The Holy Spirit gives wisdom and guidance to believers as they seek to

discern personal boundaries for holy living. The Scriptures illustrate that

personal conscience varies among individuals on matters for which direct

commands of God are not given and that what God requires as a matter of

obedience for one person He may not require of all. Therefore, relying on His

help through prayer, Bible study, godly counsel and thoughtful reflection, all

believers should develop “personal convictions” to aid them in conforming to

God’s will as they relate to and involve themselves in their culture as witnesses

for Christ. Such private opinions apply only to one’s own conduct. Legalism

is the attempt to impose one’s personal convictions upon others as if they are

conditions for salvation or universal standards for holiness.

Issues arise periodically that require serious deliberation by the Church as

a community of believers regarding its collective witness for Christ in society.

Just as He does for individuals, the Holy Spirit also instructs the Church in

discerning and applying biblical principles to its corporate response to current

culture. Out of these prayerful deliberations, “collective conscience” statements

are born. These statements are believed to be important enough that they

should be a part of the identity of the Church and should characterize the

lifestyle of those who are a part of our specific “family” within the larger Body

of Christ. These statements are not implied to be conditions for salvation, and

as such become legalistic and judgmental. Rather they reflect commonly held

values of our Church that are voluntarily accepted in order to make a positive

statement to society; to protect the wellbeing and integrity of each person; to

bring transformation to culture; and to be a safe haven for those seeking refuge

from the damages inflicted upon them by an abusive and godless society. By

speaking collectively, the Church also seeks to provide examples for and

encourage young disciples, recent converts, new members and its friends in

400 BASIC PRINCIPLES

conforming to Christ’s likeness in areas of personal conscience not yet

informed by personal study and understanding of biblical principles.

These statements of collective conscience do not speak to every issue and

must periodically be amended to speak redemptively to important emerging

issues affecting the church and society.

A. Christian Social Concern

410. The Wesleyan Church seeks recognition by the society which

surrounds it of the authority of Almighty God, and the authority of the Lord

Jesus Christ, in civil, political and temporal as well as spiritual matters, and

the transformation of that society into the image of Christ insofar as is

possible in this present age. It believes that such a transformation of society

shall primarily be accomplished by the divine transformation through faith in

Christ of the individuals who compose society, but that Christians ought also

to manifest social concern in every manner that is in keeping with their

Christian testimony. To this end:

(1) Equal Rights. The Wesleyan Church upholds the right of all

individuals to equal opportunity politically, economically and religiously, and

pledges itself to an active effort to bring about the possession of dignity and

happiness by all people everywhere (cf. 220; 265:10, 11; 360:3d).

(2) Peace. The Wesleyan Church, knowing that war results in great

suffering for the bodies, minds and souls of men and women, staggering

economic loss with its legacy of debt for future generations, and the

unleashing of the baser passions of life, urges that persons and nations seek by

every legitimate means to avoid armed conflict among the peoples and nations

of the world. The Wesleyan Church also urges that holy people everywhere

pray earnestly for those in authority, so that peace may prevail (1 Tim. 2:2),

and for the quick return of the Prince of Peace.

(3) Military Service. The Wesleyan Church teaches respect for properly

constituted civil authority and the proper loyalty to one’s country. It recognizes

the responsibility of the individual to answer the call of government and to

enter into military service. However, there are those within the fellowship of

The Wesleyan Church who believe that military service is contrary to the

teaching of the New Testament and that their consciences are violated by being

compelled to take part in such. The Wesleyan Church will therefore lend moral

support to any member who asks and claims exemption by legal processes from

military service as a sincere conscientious objector and who asks to serve one’s

country as a noncombatant.

SPECIAL DIRECTIONS 410:5

(4) Care of the Body and Substance Abuse. The Bible teaches the

sanctity of the human body as the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians

6:19–20). Christians should avoid the use of anything which would damage

the body, destroy the family, harm society (1 Corinthians 10:23–24),

undermine the fellowship of the church, hinder reaching full potential in

Christ, enslave the will (1 Corinthians 6:12), inhibit evangelism (1

Corinthians 9:19–23), breach the Lord’s command to love God supremely

and to love one’s neighbor as oneself (Deuteronomy 6:5; Leviticus 19:18;

Matthew 22:37–39), or become a stumbling block to the young in age or

faith (Matthew18:6; 1 Corinthians 8:9, 13; 10:32–33). The Wesleyan Church

encourages its members to practice self-discipline and temperance in matters

of proper eating, exercise and rest. We oppose the production, sale, purchase

and use of alcoholic beverages, tobacco, narcotics and other harmful drugs,

unless for mechanical, chemical or medicinal purposes (cf. 265:4). The

unprescribed use of hallucinogens, stimulants and depressants, and the misuse

and abuse of regularly prescribed medicines should be prohibited; only on

competent medical advice and under medical supervision should such drugs

be used. The consequences to society stemming from substance abuse are of

major concern because of their unarguably negative impact on the spiritual

character and nature of individuals and the welfare of society. These include

the creation of barriers to conversion, family dysfunction and breakdown,

poverty, disease and death, increased violence and crime, the incalculable loss

to national economies, and the destruction of the individual caught by the

power of addiction. In light of the overwhelming evidence of damage to

society and the spiritual health of the individual by the abuse of such

substances, we believe that even where their use may be legalized, we choose

total abstinence as our appropriate response (i.e., voluntarily refraining from

and totally avoiding the use of something in all unnecessary circumstances as

determined by the individual Christian’s conscience in submission to the

lordship of Christ and the admonitions of the Church). Such abstinence is a

willing act of self-discipline, an acceptance of group accountability, and never

a test of salvation or an evidence of superior spirituality.

(5) Human Sexuality. The Wesleyan Church abhors the trend to

ignore God’s laws of chastity and purity, and vigorously opposes public

acceptance of sexual promiscuity and all factors and practices which promote

it. The Wesleyan Church maintains a biblical view of human sexuality which

makes the sexual experience, within the framework of marriage, a gift of God

to be enjoyed as communion of a man and woman, as well as for the purpose

of procreation. Sexual relationships outside of marriage and sexual

410:5 BASIC PRINCIPLES

relationships between persons of the same sex are immoral and sinful. The

depth of the sinfulness of homosexual practice is recognized, and yet we

believe the grace of God sufficient to overcome both the practice of such

activity and the perversion leading to its practice.

(6) Divorce and Remarriage. On the basis of a careful study of the

Scriptures, and in keeping with its Covenant Membership Commitments

(265:5), The Wesleyan Church teaches the following with reference to divorce

and remarriage after divorce:

(a) To obtain a divorce on other than scriptural grounds is a sin

against God and humanity. Such putting asunder of what God has

joined is a direct and deliberate act of disobedience against both the

Law and the Gospel. It separates one from God and subjects a member

to Church discipline (5115; 5120).

(b) However, recognizing the fallen state of humanity, divorce has

been recognized in the Scriptures as a valid and permanent dissolution

of marriage with all its rights and responsibilities. Divorce is not

reversible. There is no way to “restore” a dissolved marriage. The

divorced (unmarried) status can be changed only by a new marriage to

the same person or another person. No divorced and remarried person

has two spouses, only a former spouse and a present spouse, as in

Deuteronomy 24:1–4 and 1 Corinthians 7.

consequences, is not “unpardonable.” A redeemed sinner or reclaimed

backslider is “free” to marry “in the Lord” or to remain unmarried, a

eunuch for the kingdom of God’s sake. The one exception to this

freedom of choice is mentioned by the Apostle Paul. It is a believer who

disobeys the commandment of God and puts away a believing spouse.

That person must remain unmarried to leave room for reconciliation to

the spouse (1 Corinthians 7).

(d) The right to remarry in no way excuses the sin of divorce. It

only implies that the Church must forgive and restore those whom the

Lord forgives and restores. Neither penance nor penalty remain to the

truly penitent and restored sinner, or backslider, whatever the traumatic

consequences of the sin may be.

(7) The Lord’s Day. God prescribed that one day a week be set aside

for the spiritual, mental and physical well being of humankind (Genesis

2:2–3; Deuteronomy 5:12–14). The Wesleyan Church encourages its

members to observe the Lord’s Day in an appropriate manner (Romans

14:4–6; cf. 265:1).

SPECIAL DIRECTIONS 410:12

(8) Religion in Public Life. The Wesleyan Church, believing that it is

possible to allow recognition of God and the invoking of His aid in public

functions without violating the personal rights and freedoms granted in many

nations, advocates the enactment of suitable legislation by legislative bodies at

all levels of government which will strengthen provision for the free exercise

of religion in public life and allow reference to, or the invoking of the aid of

God by individuals serving, writing, speaking, leading or contributing to any

public function. The Wesleyan Church further affirms its belief in the public

school’s duty to recognize the historical and ongoing contribution of the

Judeo-Christian tradition to world cultures and modern life. The Wesleyan

Church verifies the Bible is an appropriate book for reading in public schools

and the right of students to pray as desired.

(9) Public School. The Wesleyan Church supports the right and

responsibility of parents to determine what is appropriate education for their

children, testing the education their children are receiving in accordance with

biblical principles and striving for excellence in the education provided for all

children. We maintain the right of our members to seek exemption from

participation by their children in all matters that are contrary to scriptural

doctrines and principles as expressed in the Articles of Religion, Covenant

Membership Commitments, Elementary Principles or Special Directions of

our Church, without prejudice to academic standing.

(10) Judicial Oaths. The Wesleyan Church reserves for its members the

right to affirm the truth in testimony before the civil and criminal courts

rather than to engage in a judicial oath.

(11) Abortion. The Wesleyan Church seeks to recognize and preserve

the sanctity of human life from conception to natural death and, thus, is

opposed to the use of induced abortion. However, it recognizes that there may

be rare pregnancies where there are grave medical conditions threatening the

life of the mother, which could raise a serious question about taking the life

of the unborn child. In such a case, a decision should be made only after very

prayerful consideration following medical and spiritual counseling. The

Wesleyan Church encourages its members to become informed about the

abortion issue and to become actively involved locally and nationally in the

preparation and passage of appropriate legislation guaranteeing protection of

life under law to unborn children.

(12) Use of Time and Entertainments. The Wesleyan Church believes

that its members should exercise responsible stewardship of their time for

worship, work, rest, personal leisure, and service to others. Special care should be

given to honoring Christ in one’s choices and pursuit of entertainments. This will

410:12 BASIC PRINCIPLES

include refusing to patronize and to carefully regulate the use in the home of

activities, media and communication where they feature the cheapening of

human life, the gratuitiously violent, the use of immoral or profane language

and the sexually explicit and pornographic. Members should avoid

involvement with activities that tend to be addictive or conducive to gambling

(i.e., risking one’s assets or property on the outcome of legal or illegal games

of chance, including government-sponsored lotteries). We believe gambling

violates the principle of Christian stewardship (i.e., trusting God’s provision

for us, as exemplified in Matthew 6:25–34) and the tenth commandment

which forbids coveting (Deuteronomy 5:21); is harmful to the individual in

that it is emotionally addictive; can be a poor example to others of how to

manage the resources of God or trust in God’s provision; appeals to greed;

endangers families; lowers socio-economic standards and self esteem;

engenders false hope; and is exploitative in that it takes advantage of the

misplaced hopes, compulsions or poor judgment of others. We believe that

total abstinence is the best Christian response to gambling in all its forms.

(13) Modesty in Attire. The Wesleyan Church believes that our people

should provide clear testimony to Christian purity and modesty by properly

clothing the body and by dressing with Christian simplicity.

B. Christian Worship and Fellowship

420. Rites and Ceremonies of Churches. True religion does not consist

in any ritual observances such as forms or ceremonies, even of the most

excellent kind, be they ever so decent and significant, ever so expressive of

inward things. The religion of Christ rises infinitely higher and lies infinitely

deeper than all these. Let no one conceive that rites and ceremonies have any

intrinsic worth, or that true worship cannot subsist without them. Therefore,

it is not necessary that rites and ceremonies should in all places be the same

or exactly alike, for they have always been different and may be changed

according to the diversities of countries, times and customs, provided that

nothing be ordained against God’s Word.

Acts 15:10, 28–29; Rom. 14:2–6, 15, 17, 21; 1 Cor. 1:10;

12:25; 14:26; 2 Cor. 13:11; Gal. 5:1, 13; Col. 2:16–17; 2

Thess. 3:6, 14; 1 Tim. 1:4, 6; 1 Peter 2:16.

430. Healing. The truth that Jesus is both able and willing to heal the

body as well as the human soul, whenever such healing is for His glory, is

SPECIAL DIRECTIONS 450

clearly set forth in God’s Word and attested by the experience of many of His

people at the present day. Prayer for healing according to the pattern set forth

in the Scriptures shall be encouraged.

Matt. 10:8; Luke 9:2; 10:9; Acts 4:10, 14; 1 Cor. 12:9, 28;

James 5:14–16.

440. Christian Liberty. Christ, through His death on the cross, has

freed His followers from sin and from bondage to the law. Christians are

“called unto liberty” (Gal. 5:13 KJV), and are not under the law as a means of

salvation. They are rather exhorted, “Stand fast therefore in the liberty

wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke

of bondage” (Gal. 5:1 KJV).

This liberty, however, is not to be construed as license (Gal. 5:13).

Rather, love for Christ constrains the Christian to live righteously and holily

as God demands. By the Spirit of God, His laws are written on the heart

(Heb. 8:10). So Christians resist evil and cleave to the good, not in order to

be saved, but because they have been saved.

Within the bounds of Christian liberty, there will be differences of

opinion. In such cases, the believer seeks to avoid offending other believers.

The stronger one is mindful of the opinions of the one with the weaker

conscience (1 Cor. 8 and 10), and is careful not to put a stumbling block in

another’s way (1 Cor. 10:24; Gal 5:13). On the other hand, the weak does not

criticize the strong (1 Cor. 10:29–30), for the conscience of the weak may

need instruction.

The recognition and exercise of that liberty which Christ affords will

glorify God and promote the unity of the Church.

450. Christian Unity. The Wesleyan Church, having originated

through merger between those of like precious faith, is fully committed to

that true Christian unity which is based on scriptural truth and the fellowship

of the Spirit, and deplores the separation or division of Christians over

peripheral and nonessential matters. While The Wesleyan Church opposes the

building of one all-inclusive ecclesiastical organization which regards neither

scriptural doctrine nor practice, it welcomes fellowship with those who are

committed to the same doctrines and standards of holy living, and

cooperation across denominational lines with those who hold the cardinal

doctrines of the Christian religion revealed in the Bible.

460 BASIC PRINCIPLES

C. Christian Stewardship

460.Meaning of Stewardship. The Scriptures teach that God is the owner

of all persons and all things, that people are His stewards of both life and

possessions, that God’s ownership and one’s stewardship ought to be

acknowledged, and that every person shall be held personally accountable to God

for the exercise of their stewardship (cf. 265:3). God, as a God of system and

order in all of His ways, has established a system of giving which acknowledges

His ownership and humankind’s stewardship. To this end all His children should

faithfully tithe and present offerings for the support of the gospel.

465. Storehouse Tithing. Storehouse tithing is a scriptural and practical

performance of faithfully and regularly placing the tithe into that church to

which the member belongs. Therefore, the financing of the church shall be based

on the plan of storehouse tithing, and The Wesleyan Church shall be regarded

by all its people as the storehouse. All who are a part of The Wesleyan Church

are urged to contribute faithfully one-tenth of all their increase as a minimum

financial obligation to the Lord and freewill offerings in addition as God has

prospered them.

Gen. 14:20; 28:22; Lev. 27:30–32; Deut. 14:22; Prov.

3:9–10; 11:24–25; Mal. 3:10–11; Matt. 23:23; Acts 4:34–35;

6:1–3; 1 Cor. 16:2; 2 Cor. 8:13–14; Heb. 7:1–2, 6, 9.

470. Methods of Fund Raising. In the light of the scriptural teaching

concerning the giving of tithes and offerings (cf. 465) for the support of the

gospel, and for the erection of church buildings, no Wesleyan church should

engage in any method of fund raising which would detract from these principles,

hinder the gospel message, sully the name of the Church, discriminate against the

poor, or misdirect the people’s energies from promoting the gospel.

475. Wills, Bequests and Annuities. It is essential in the exercise of

Christian stewardship that careful thought be given as to what shall be done

with one’s estate after death. Civil laws often do not provide for the

distribution of an estate in such a way as to glorify God. Each Christian

should give careful attention to the preparation of a last will and testament in

a careful and legal manner, and The Wesleyan Church and its various

ministries through the local church, the district, world missions, extension

and evangelism, education and benevolences are recommended for

consideration. The General Superintendents’ office is prepared to assist in

these matters (1920:13; 4240; 4940).