Churches considering affiliation with The Wesleyan Church (TWC) often look closely at its mission, doctrine and calling. But for some congregations, especially those coming from traditions where property questions have been painful or costly, the trust clause is a barrier.
At the 15th General Conference, delegates adopted Memorial 828: Amend Trust Clause, authored by the Mountain Plains District and District Superintendent Billy Wilson, creating a new pathway for churches entering The Wesleyan Church with property they already own. Instead, it allows formerly non-Wesleyan churches entering TWC, with district board of administration approval, to retain ownership of preexisting property in their own name while still aligning with TWC’s doctrine, mission and polity.
While churches might be highly aligned with Wesleyan mission and values, Wilson said, “After about the fourth conversation I had with churches exploring affiliation with The Wesleyan Church, I realized the trust clause had become the one insurmountable obstacle in their minds.”
Many of these churches had recently come out of the United Methodist Church and had worked hard to retain or purchase their property. Understandably, they were hesitant to immediately place that property under another trust clause.”
Wilson said the memorial addresses that concern directly.
The memorial also amends Discipline paragraph 4790, but “does not affect existing Wesleyan churches or any future property acquired after a church joins The Wesleyan Church,” Wilson said. “It applies only to property already owned by a formerly non-Wesleyan church before affiliation. The memorial still preserves accountability, district oversight, and agreement regarding any future transfer or sale of that property.”
With the adoption of Memorial 828, districts now have a clearer way forward for aligned churches without property concerns overshadowing shared mission.
“I hope this allows districts to keep the focus on mission and partnership,” Wilson said. “There are churches already aligned with Wesleyan mission that could become stronger and more effective while also strengthening the denomination.”
For Wilson, the General Conference action is worth celebrating because it reflects confidence in The Wesleyan Church and generosity toward congregations discerning whether to join that future.
“I’m most celebrating that The Wesleyan Church so believes in its future that we assume other healthy churches will be attracted to it,” Wilson said, “and that we are doing all we can to create a welcoming pathway.”
Rev. Ethan Linder is the pastor of discipleship at College Wesleyan Church in Marion, Indiana.
