Church member, membership: Conditions of

295. The privileges and conditions of membership in the Church are constitutional, and changes therein may be made only by constitutional enactment. The General Conference may at its own discretion establish categories of membership. Nothing shall be included in the membership ritual that is contrary to the following definitions, conditions, and privileges of membership. 297. The conditions of membership are:

(1) Confession of faith in Jesus Christ as evidenced by an inner witness of new birth through the Holy Spirit and a commitment to pursue holiness in all things.

(2) Christian baptism.

(3) Instruction in, acceptance of, and a commitment to abide by the Articles of Religion (210-250) which are summarized in 299, the Elementary Principles, and the authority of The Wesleyan Church in matters of church government.

(4) A commitment to live out the mission and vision of The Wesleyan Church through a discipling relationship within the local church.

553. Persons to be admitted to membership in The Wesleyan Church shall be those who meet the conditions set forth in the Constitution (297:1-4).

(1) Candidates for membership shall be examined by the local board of administration (782:8; 835-837), to determine whether they meet the requirements of the Constitution concerning their experience of regeneration, Christian baptism, their willingness to be instructed in and acceptance of the Articles of Religion, Elementary Principles, and the authority of The Discipline in matters of church government, and their willingness to enter into a membership and discipleship relationship with The Wesleyan Church through the local church.

(2) Candidates for membership who have satisfactorily passed the examination by the local board of administration, shall be voted upon by the local church conference unless the local church conference has delegated this responsibility to the local board of administration (567; 655:1). In either case, it shall require a majority vote of those present and voting to receive; and if objections are urged against the reception of a member, it shall require a two- thirds vote of those present and voting.

(3) Candidates for membership will be asked to affirm their commitment to their experience of regeneration, Christian baptism, their acceptance of the Articles of Religion, Elementary Principles, and the authority of The Wesleyan Church in matters of church government, and their willingness to continue a membership and discipleship accountability relationship with The Wesleyan Church.

(4) Persons who have been duly accepted for membership as explained in 553:2, should be received into membership in a public service, in which they shall make their confession and vows public, (5565), and be given the right hand of fellowship by the pastor or the representative of the pastor.