Part V
ORGANIZATION
AND ADMINISTRATION
Chapter One
THE LOCAL CHURCH
Section I. The Church and Pastoral Charge
201. A local church is a community of true believers under the Lordship of Christ. It is the redemptive fellowship in which the Word of God is preached by persons divinely called, and the Sacraments are duly administered according to Christ's own appointment. Under the discipline of the Holy Spirit the church exists for the maintenance of worship, the edification of believers, and the redemption of the world.
General Conference Webmaster: Susan Brumbaugh
PETS Creator: John Brawn
1992 Book of Discipline: ¶ 201
1996 United Methodist General Conference