Purpose.----1. There shall be a General Board of Discipleship, the
purpose of which is found within the expression of the total mission of the
Church outlined in the objectives of mission. Its primary
purpose...
2. The board shall use it resources to enhance the meaning of
membership, as defined in ¶¶ 211-215, which emphasizes
the importance of the identification of church membership with discipleship to
Jesus Christ. The board shall work with persons and through
structures, such as districts and Annual Conferences, to lead and assist local
churches in becoming communities of growing Christians, celebrating and
communicating the redeeming and reconciling love of God as revealed in Jesus
Christ to persons of every age, racial and ethnic background, and social
condition, and to advocate and encourage the development of new
congregations. The board shall seek to enable congregations to
carry out their primary task and shall provide resources which support growth
in Christian discipleship. In doing its work, the board shall listen to the
needs and requests of the Church, conduct research, design and produce
resources, offer training, and deliver resources. All of this is to support
congregations in their primary task of reaching out and receiving all who will
respond, encouraging people in their relationship with God and inviting them to
commitment to God's love made known in Jesus Christ, providing opportunities
for them to be nurtured and formed in the Christian faith, and supporting them
to live lovingly and justly in the power of the Holy Spirit as faithful
disciples. The board, through all activities, shall lead and assist
congregations in becoming inclusive communities of growing Christians,
celebrating and communicating to persons of every age, racial and ethnic
background, and social condition the redeeming and reconciling love of God as
revealed in Jesus Christ.
3. [Delete.]
General Conference Webmaster: Susan Brumbaugh
PETS Creator: John Brawn
Petition Text: 21397-DI-1201-D
1996 United Methodist General Conference