2016 Wesleyan Discipline:Discipline, consequences of being under: Reason for

305. Church membership may be terminated only by one or more of the following (2016 Wesleyan Discipline:585):

(1) Voluntary withdrawal.

(2) Joining another religious body or a secret order.

(3) Expulsion after proper hearing and conviction.

(4) Persistent neglect of church relationship as defined by The Discipline.

(5) Death.

585. Membership in The Wesleyan Church may be terminated only by one or more of the following (2016 Wesleyan Discipline:305):

(1) Voluntary withdrawal (see also 2016 Wesleyan Discipline:553:3).

(2) Joining another religious body or joining a secret order.

(3) Expulsion after proper hearing and conviction (2016 Wesleyan Discipline:5023:5).

(4) Persistent neglect of church relationship as defined in 2016 Wesleyan Discipline:600-605.

(5) Death.

600. When any member moves away from the church in which membership is held, and does not leave a forwarding address, or fails to report spiritual standing or to send financial support, or to transfer membership to the nearest Wesleyan church, after one year the member may be dropped from the roll provided that every reasonable effort has been made to contact the member and notify the member of such an intention. The member’s name shall be dropped upon the recommendation of the local board of administration and the majority vote of the local church conference, unless the local church conference shall have delegated full responsibility in such matters to the local board of administration. The secretary shall enter opposite the member’s name the date of the vote, and Discontinued by vote. 605. When any member fails to attend the services of the church where membership is held for one year without a reason deemed justifiable by the local board of administration, or to support the church financially, as able, the pastor and local board of administration shall seek to restore the member to active fellowship, but if unable to do so, the member’s name may be dropped upon recommendation of the local board of administration and the majority vote of the local church conference, unless the local church conference shall have delegated full responsibility in such matters to the local board of administration. The secretary shall enter opposite the member’s name the date of the vote, and Discontinued by vote for persistent neglect. If a member chooses not to participate in the annual reaffirmation of membership commitment, such action shall constitute neglect and shall be cause for removal.