2016 Wesleyan Discipline:2610–2625

A. Established National/Regional Conferences

2610. A mission unit may be advanced to the status of an established national/regional conference by the authority of the North American General Conference (2016 Wesleyan Discipline:6515:2; 2016 Wesleyan Discipline:6745:11) when it meets the following requirements:

(1) An effective church organization on the local, district, and/or national/regional levels.

(2) Effective programs for the nurture and training of members, new converts, children, young people, and lay workers.

(3) An effective program for ministerial training.

(4) Evidence of responsible stewardship of life and possessions, including the proper management of funds and the provision for the support of its own pastors, workers and officers.

(5) A defined and operational program of evangelism, church planting, and cross-cultural mission outreach.

(6) The existence of a property-holding body, or more than one such body, if required by local laws.

(7) Agreement to adhere to the Essentials of The Wesleyan Church.

(8) A discipline as approved by the General Board.

(9) A recommendation for such status from the Executive Director of Global Partners.

(10) Authorization for such status from the North American General Conference (cf. 2016 Wesleyan Discipline:6515:2; 2016 Wesleyan Discipline:6745:11).

(11) Approval of such status by The International Conference (2016 Wesleyan Discipline:6745:11).

2615. An established national/regional conference has “defined autonomy,” the right to manage its own internal governance which includes revising its discipline as long as it does not violate the Essentials. An established national/regional conference remains in relationship with the North American General Conference and the General Superintendent has a continuing role as mentor/coach and participation in the established national/regional conference.

B. General Conferences

2620. An established national/regional conference may be advanced to the status of a general conference by The International Conference of The Wesleyan Church, upon authorization by the North American General Conference (2016 Wesleyan Discipline:1590:10; 2016 Wesleyan Discipline:6745:10; cf. 2016 Wesleyan Discipline:6515:2i).

2625. A General Conference is a body which has full authority over the Church in its assigned territory, in keeping with the provisions of The International Conference of The Wesleyan Church. A General Conference has the right to manage its own internal governance, including revising its discipline, as long as it does not violate the Essentials.