State of the Church May 2011

On May 3-4, 2011, the General Board of Administration of The Wesleyan Church held its 118th session. The General Superintendents, General Officers, Area Representatives from around North America, and Wesleyan educational institution presidents meet twice each year, once in the fall and once in the spring. At this spring meeting, Dr. Jo Anne Lyon, Board of General Superintendents Chair, gave the State of the Church address, titled “Jesus is Lord.”

Download State of the Church PDF Booklet

Pastoral Letter on Homosexuality

Sexual orientation and homosexual behavior are issues more and more pastors and local churches find themselves having to address directly, as a rising generation questions and debates social ethics and moral values in an atmosphere of increasing ambivalence and hostility toward evangelical Christian viewpoints. Therefore, the Board of General Superintendents recently released a Pastoral Letter on Homosexuality to respond to the need of Wesleyan leaders for guidance shaped by the Church’s high view of Scripture, as well as its unique theological, historical and practical perspectives. The 23-page document was written by Dr. Jerry Pence, in consultation with Drs. Jo Anne Lyon and Thomas Armiger. Their intention is to encourage Wesleyans to use balanced, biblical reflection as the basis for compassionate ministry to those who are or have been homosexual, as well as those whose lives are impacted by the decisions and actions of gay or lesbian friends, relatives or neighbors—all in pursuit of The Wesleyan Church’s mission to spread hope and holiness that transform lives.

Download Pastoral Letter on Homosexuality PDF

Give Us A Church

Urban Urgency Video

Roles of the Board of General Superintendents

As servant leaders, the role of General Superintendent is to equip and empower local churches and districts to fulfill the Great Commission in the spirit of the Great Commandment.

To accomplish this, The Board of General Superintendents:

• Provides spiritual and administrative leadership for The Wesleyan Church in all of its missions and ministries.
• Gives counsel to the worldwide work of The Wesleyan Church by serving on the International Board of The Wesleyan Church and by giving oversight to mission fields and national conferences in coordination with Global Partners, department of World Missions.
• Provides consultation to general Church offices, departments, and District Superintendents in their service to local churches.
• Gives counsel to district units which appoint pastors and ministers, and plan programs and ministries serving the local churches.
• Joins the districts in ordaining ministers who will serve as pastors, staff members, and evangelists of local churches.
• Provides, upon request, personal ministry to local churches and districts through consultation services, or by offering training clinics, retreats, and workshops.
• Speaks for revival services, Bible conferences, church dedications, ministerial gatherings, and other services, seeking to encourage and equip the local church for ministry.