CU NEWSNOTES – GENERAL COUNCIL

FOR GENERAL COUNCIL INFORMATION YOU MAY CONTACT

Executive Officer Jim Eschenbrenner at jimesch@gmail.com

or 641-799-0010

New mailing address: 13975 247th Street, Delta, IA 52550

———————————

——-GENERAL COUNCIL  EXECUTIVE COUNCIL will meet June 8-9, 2012 at Flack Memorial CU Church, Excelsior Springs, MO.

———————————– 

GENERAL COUNCIL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL  MET AT SHILOH CU CHURCH IN JUNE, 2011. 

(See information on GEN. CO. – 2010 – page)

GENERAL COUNCIL ACTIONS/RESULTS    JUNE 2010 SESSION

BY-LAWS APPROVED IN ACTION OF THE GENERAL COUNCIL IN SESSION JUNE 8-10, 2010

By-Law Change #1-  

In 2007, the General Council voted to suspend the National boards for CUMF, CUE and Extension to assess for three years the significance of a permanent decision to remove those entities. Analysis indicates that the suspension has had little or no impact on the effective ministry of local churches. Therefore, the Executive Board MOVES that the CUMF, CUE and Extension Boards and all references to those boards be removed from the By-laws allowing local councils to organize these ministry areas according to need.

By-Law Change #2 – Again, this was requested in 2007.

The Executive Board MOVES that the following be added to Pp.35, p.12, of Section B: Membership of General Council Session:

“Every missionary who is a member in good standing of a Christian Union Church shall be recognized as a voting member of the General Council. Every state council in Christian Union may be represented in the General Council by their duly elected Council President during his term in office.”

By-Law Change #3 (replacing Paragraphs 59 B and C of the CU Directory)

It shall be the duty of the Governing Board to maintain and operate a Christian Union Bible College for the training of Christian workers. They shall be responsible for developing buildings, curriculum, faculty, tuition, and room and board costs.

It shall be the duty of the Governing Board to prepare a study course for those entering the ministry. And to study and recommend means and methods and help carry through plans for establishing and conducting schools within The Christian Union for the training of Christian workers.

The Council voted to suspend the function of the Christian Union Publishing Board for this triennium. The functions of this board will be assumed by the Executive Board.

The Christian Union General Mission Board announced a Triennium Project to fund radio stations, portable radios, wells and recorded scriptures on record players for Africa.

The Executive Officer pesented a proposal to form a National Examination and Ordination Board. A Committee composed of Chuck Whitmire, Scott Anderson, Doug Sharp, Mike Polo and Ed Grant was named to study the proposal and present it for a decision at the next General Council.

Neal Reid, President of the Ohio Council, extended an invitation from the Ohio Council to host the 2013 General Council.

OFFICERS ELECTED WERE:

EXECUTIVE BOARD:

President: Marion Hunerdosse, 816-781-5044 mln922@sbcglobal.net

Vice President: Randy Spacht, 317-885-4926 rspacht@onemissionsociety.org

Secretary: Jim Eschenbrenner, 641-799-0010 jimesch@gmail.com

Treasurer: Neal Skiles, 740-281-7050 nealskiles@roadrunner.com

Assistant Secretary: Randy Mitchell, 816-589-2115 randallbmitchell@sbcglobal.net

MISSION BOARD:

President: Donald Callison, 816-587-7264 dcallison@avmi.org

Vice President: John Fordyce, 660-425-6775 jfordyce@grundyec.net

Secretary: Charlene Bloomfield, 419-533-5568 charlene@shilohcu.org

Member: Danetta Newland, 740-775-9675 danettanewland@wmconnect.com

The General Council Treasurer handles the Mission funds.

GOVERNING BOARD OF THE CHRISTIAN UNION BIBLE COLLEGE:

President: Leon D. Bevins, 740-820-8843

Member: Linda Ballentine, 937-981-2616

No appointments were oFfered for other board positions. Since then the Executive Board is accepting resumes for board positions.

CHRISTIAN UNION WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP BOARD:

President: Naomi R. Fuchs, 812-587-5088 don_naru@yahoo.com

Vice President: Linda Campbell, 816-630-1642 locspix@yahoo.com

Secretary: Dorthy Claytor, 765-525-6242

Treasurer: Glenda Marshall, 660-876-5500 stranch2002@gmail.com

Assistant Secretary: Anita Whitmire, 419-533-0063 pastorck@shilohcu.org

JUDICIARY BOARD:

Member: Norman Goodman, 816-470-2027 nbgoodman@aol.com

No appointments were made to this board at this council.

Proposal for National Examination & Ordination Board

June 2010

Christian Union, from its inception until the present, has been structured around the limitations imposed by the distance which separates our local churches. Thus, each state council has convened its own board for the administration and supervision of credentials for ministry personnel. These EXAMINATION & ORDINATION boards have developed varying degrees of requirements for certificates, license and ordination much of which was undocumented and that criteria has been subject to many changes and challenges.

Advancements in communication and the ease of travel now make it possible to have a denomination wide policy administered by Godly men to standardize guidelines, relieve local pressure when dealing with problems, and more effectively apply Scripture to the task of granting credentials for ministry. This will most certainly result in raising the quality of ministry in local churches, credibility for the process of examination and ordination, granting credentials and establishing respect for those credentials.

Therefore, the General Council Executive Board advances this proposal to establish a National EXAMINATION & ORDINATION Board:

1. The five (5) initial National EXAMINATION & ORDINATION Board Members will be nominated by the General Council Executive Board in consultation with the State Council Presidents. Nominees will meet all the Biblical requirements as outlined in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1, having been ordained for at least 7 years and having the respect of both the clergy and laity. The initial National EXAMINATION & ORDINATION Board members would be affirmed at the triennial General Council in 2013.

2. Board members’ terms will be for six (6) years and staggered and no member will serve for more than twelve (12) years in succession. At the Executive Council immediately preceding the triennial General Council, or at another time set and agreed upon, the EXAMINATION & ORDINATION Board members will prayerfully and thoughtfully consider their role as leaders and appraise one another. If a member resigns or ceases to function, the current members will prayerfully evaluate and select an individual to fill the position and present them to the General Council for affirmation.

3. The National EXAMINATION & ORDINATION Board will meet each year preceding Executive Council, or, in the years of the triennial General Council, preceding General Council. Expenses for travel, lodging and meals will be paid by State Councils and pro-rated based on the number of participating member churches.

4. The National EXAMINATION & ORDINATION Board will organize themselves following each triennial General Council, selecting a chair, a vice-chair and a secretary who will serve for the next three years.

5. The initial EXAMINATION & ORDINATION Board will have the responsibility of using the frame work that follows in determining the final criteria for Licensing and Ordination.

6. Individual State Councils will form Credential Committees which will be authorized to issue Certificate of Ministry and will meet with and recommend individuals for license and ordination. Churches and councils sponsoring candidates for license and ordination will be expected to pay their travel expenses to meet with the National EXAMINATION & ORDINATION Board.

Pastors, Elders, Preachers, Bishops

In the New Testament, the terms “pastor,” “bishop,” and “elder” are used interchangeably, indicating that there was little distinction in the early church. The one exception to this seems to be with the office of bishop. It would appear that, as the churches in each city grew, multiple congregations and meeting places were required. This necessitated a plurality of elders, and one senior pastor (probably the “bishop”) to manage things.

It is clear, however, by these names that a pastor is to shepherd (the actual meaning of “pastor”) and lead the church. And senior pastors in larger churches have an even greater responsibility of oversight.

PROPER MOTIVES
Membership in Christian Union is based on the principle of cooperative fellowship. A cooperative fellowship provides certain benefits and invokes responsibilities upon its members.

This working relationship can be described in terms of “voluntary cooperation.” By “voluntary,” it is meant that a commitment is voluntarily made on the part of individual members for the benefits that come from working together in a common effort.

By “cooperation,” it is meant that to the best of each member’s ability, he or she will comply with and support the decisions of the body which set forth and define the duties and responsibilities incumbent upon each member of the fellowship.

Hence, “voluntary cooperation” means that when a person of his or her own free will decides to become a member of Christian Union, his or her cooperation is committed to the fellowship and is no longer optional.

Every applicant ought to feel that the organization of Christian Union is the fellowship into which God has called them. They are to be one with these people and adhere to the same tenets of faith, principles, purposes and practices as those they now join. They must be committed to the fellowship, willing to not only share in its privilege and blessing, but to cooperate with its ministries. They must be guided by, and when necessary, accept the discipline and direction of its leadership.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
The following qualifications pertain to all applicants for ministerial recognition:

1. Testimony of having experienced the new birth (John 3:5).
2. A member in good standing of a Christian Union Church
3. Must be engaged in a ministry that qualifies for a ministerial credential.
4. Clear evidence of a divine call to ministry, evidenced by a personal conviction, confirmed by the work of the Spirit and the testimony of fellow ministers.
5. A life above reproach and becoming to a minister of the gospel (I Timothy 4:12).
6. A thorough understanding of and agreement with the doctrinal position of Christian Union as contained in the Christian Union Directory.
7. A satisfactory working knowledge of the principles, practices and purposes of Christian Union through a study of the History of Christian Union and a Directory Course.
8. An active loyalty to the constitutional agreement by:
   • a cooperative spirit;
   • a readiness to seek and receive the counsel of older mature Christians and people in positions of authority; and,
   • actively supporting the General Council’s Cooperative Budget Plan.

The same spiritual qualifications shall be expected of the spouse of those seeking credentials. The Christian lifestyle of the spouse shall be compatible with the standards of the ministry. 

CREDENTIALS AND DIVORCE OR REMARRIAGE

We believe it is possible to maintain biblical standards for ministry and marriage, while at the same time offering a compassionate response to those who are called into ministry yet have a divorce and remarriage in their background. Perhaps these circumstances occurred before a person came to Christ. Perhaps one entered into a marriage based upon fraudulent or deceptive circumstances, or a divorce occurred due to adultery or abandonment by a former spouse. In any case, these are painful circumstances that should not necessarily disqualify an individual from fulfilling God’s call upon their life.

The National Examination and Ordination Board welcomes the opportunity to help applicants explore the possibilities of pursuing God’s call. We will treat each application with the utmost respect and confidentiality. We will afford each individual the dignity of listening to their story and will serve them gladly in the process. When the situation and circumstances qualify, we will move forward to facilitate the credentialing process.  

REQUIREMENTS FOR INDIVIDUALS NOT SERVING IN A CHRISTIAN UNION MINISTRY

While we do not normally offer credentials to ministers who are not serving in Christian Union, the National Examination and Ordination Board may approve an exception from time to time. Individuals who are serving non-ordaining bodies may be granted credentials through Christian Union upon meeting the general requirements as set forth (with the possible exception of membership in a local Christian Union Church).

In addition they are required to: (1) report on their status annually in writing to the National Examination and Ordination Board; (2) maintain an accountable relationship with a Christian Union Mentor Pastor; (3) attend a State, or General Council least once every other year. Those already credentialed in Christian Union who move to non-Christian Union ministries and wish to retain their credentials must fulfill the same requirements. Should they fail to do so, they will be requested to surrender their credentials.

STEPS TO RECEIVING YOUR CREDENTIAL

1. Submit a letter to the local Credential Committee outlining the reasons the applicant desires a ministerial credential or certificate.
2. Submit a letter of recommendation from the local church where the applicant is serving indicating support of the applicant’s ministry and recognition of the applicant’s gifts of ministry.
3. Receive an application and related paperwork from the local Credential Committee.
4. Once we receive your application, associated paperwork, Background Check Release Form, and $150.00 application fee, you will be contacted by the EXAMINATION & ORDINATION Board Secretary via email to schedule your written exam and answer any questions you may have about the next steps in the credential process. We will also provide you with a Synopsis that serves as a study guide to help you prepare you the written exam.
5. The EXAMINATION & ORDINATION Board Secretary or someone he appoints, will conduct the necessary background and credit checks.
6. After you have successfully completed the exam, under the supervision of the local Credential Committee, the EXAMINATION & ORDINATION Board Secretary will contact you to arrange an interview date.
7. Once you have completed your interview, the EXAMINATION & ORDINATION Board will make a determination regarding your credential. You will be notified in a letter and given the results of their decision within 4-6 weeks.

CREDENTIAL LEVELS AND QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION: All applicants must meet the appropriate educational requirements for the level of credential that is sought. In addition, continuing education is expected of those holding credentials. (This criteria has yet to be determined)

CERTIFICATE OF MINISTRY: Those who indicate God’s call to ministry manifest a desire to enter the ministry by engaging in Christian work and, who devote a part of his or her time to Christian service may be recognized as Certified Ministers. They shall preach at least 12 times a year or be actively engaged in some aspect of ministry, except in cases of ill health or infirmity. Whenever possible are to remain under the guidance of a Pastor (to whom they are not related) who will be asked to submit an Annual Ministry Report (form to be provided) in which case this Certificate does not require annual renewal.

LICENSE TO PREACH: Those who exhibit clear evidence of a call to ministry and practical experience in preaching, together with an evident purpose to devote one’s life to preaching, are eligible for a License to Preach. They shall preach at least 15 times a year, except in cases of ill health or infirmity. For the first two years those holding this credential must remain under the guidance of a Mentor Pastor and submit Quarterly Ministry Reports (form to be provided). This credential will be renewed on an annual basis although an extended License may be granted at the discretion of the EXAMINATION & ORDINATION Board. This credential can lead to Ordination however, even if Ordination is not pursued, continuing education will be expected.

SPECIALIZED LICENSE: Those with an evident purpose to devote time to a specialized ministry such as Christian Education and Discipleship, Music and Fine Arts, Children’s or Youth Ministry, or other full-time ministries are eligible for a Specialized License. For the first two years those holding this credential must remain under the guidance of a Mentor Pastor and submit Quarterly Ministry Reports (form to be provided). This credential will be renewed on an annual basis although an extended License may be granted at the discretion of the EXAMINATION & ORDINATION Board. This credential can lead to Ordination however, even if Ordination is not pursued, continuing education will be expected.

ORDINATION: Qualifications for Ordination are outlined in the New Testament scriptures (I Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:7-9). They shall be persons of mature Christian experience who are qualified and able to undertake the responsibilities of the full ministry. In addition:

• Applicants must be twenty-three (23) years of age or older.
• Applicants must be a member of Christian Union for no less than two (2) years prior to ordination.
• Applicants must possess a License to Preach or Specialized License credential at least two (2) consecutive years and been engaged in active work as a pastor, evangelist or other recognized ministry for at least two (2) consecutive years immediately prior to submitting an application.
• Ordination Credentials are not subject to annual review, however, continuing education is a requirement except in cases of ill health or infirmity.  (Criteria to be determined)

Credentials of those Retiring from Active Ministry

Those retiring from active ministry at 60 years of age or older, or those who are permanently disabled, may retain their ministerial credential so long as they shall be found living and teaching in accordance with the Holy Scriptures and remain under the authority of Christian Union.

Transfer of Credentials

 An evangelical minister seeking transfer of credentials to Christian Union shall meet the same qualifications and follow the same procedure as set forth herein, except that he need not go through the licensing procedure if he is already ordained. The applicant shall seek to supply a letter of recommendation from some official or board of his previous affiliation. He must be a member of a Christian Union Church and must have served one year with Christian Union before the transfer of credentials can be completed. An applicant not serving a Christian Union Church as pastor and wishing to transfer his credentials must be a member in good standing of a local Christian Union Church for at least one year.

Suspension, Revocation, and Restoration of Credentials

Details yet to be worked out

 

 

 

Special Appeals Committee

We recognize that circumstances and situations may occur when an applicant for credentials disagrees with the decision of the National Examination & Ordination Board. In those instances, the applicant may appeal to the President of the General Council who will select and convene a committee of thee (3) pastors who meet all the qualifications for serving on the National Examination & Ordination Board but who are not currently serving nor related to the applicant, nor having any conflict of interest with the other principals. This Special Appeals Committee will examine all the evidence and, if they choose, interview individuals. They shall conclude their fact finding and issue a decision within ninety (90) days of the appeal request unless there are extenuating circumstances, in which case they shall notify all parties concerned. Decisions rendered by the Special Appeals Committee are final and cannot be appealed any further.

 

Mentor Pastors

We recognize that academics are limited in preparing a pastor for the many diverse challenges and opportunities he will face in caring for a congregation. Therefore, we propose the establishment of Mentor Pastors. The Examination & Ordination Board will be responsible for recognizing and appointing these Mentors based on this criteria:

Qualifications

1. Has held Ordination Credentials for no less than seven (7) years.
2. Participates in Continuing Education program.
3. Successfully served churches which have grown both numerically and spiritually
4. Has a heart for assisting new pastors no matter what their age or background
5. Fully supports the General Council initiative that in order to have healthy churches we must have healthy pastors.
6. Be willing to commit to meeting face-to-face, one-on-one with the pastors under their care no less than six (6) times per year for at least two (2) years.
7. Communicate by phone, email, or text message on a systematic basis – quite often to begin with and tapering off to once per month near the end of the two years.

Responsibilities

1. Cover process of message planning and preparation.
2. Discuss the objective of the public worship of God.
3. Help establish effective administrative routines
4. Assist in the development of a written plan for helping couples prepare for marriage.
5. Practical help in counseling and spiritual direction
6. Assist in the development of skills to handle crisis in people’s lives
7. Assist in establishing skills for helping families grieve and conducting funerals
8. Read and discuss significant books
9. Prepare and submit a Quarterly Mentor’s Report (form will be supplied)

National Examination & Ordination Board

The National Examination and Ordination Board has full authority to determine and administer the criteria for Licensing and Ordaining individuals for the ministry of the Gospel. This includes the authority to examine, interview and conduct investigations including, but not limited to background and credit checks, in order to determine candidates eligibility, character, calling to ministry, Biblical knowledge, and doctrinal understanding. Ultimately, the National Examination and Ordination Board is responsible to uphold the Biblical requirements and expectations of those who respond to the high and holy calling of Pastor.

Responsibilities

1. Vigilantly practice self-control, self-discipline and self-sacrifice in relationships, ministry and lifestyle in order to live Christ-like lives that are above reproach.
2. Prayerfully and graciously hold one another accountable and annual evaluate one’s self and each other to determine if continuing to serve is in the best interest of both the individual and the Board.
3. Organize following each triennial General Council, selecting a chair, a vice-chair and a secretary who will serve for the next three years.
4. If a member resigns or ceases to function, the current members will prayerfully evaluate and select an individual to fill the position and present them to the General Council for affirmation.
5. Prayerfully and thoughtfully study God’s Word for insight and grace in applying Biblical Principles to the process of Licensing and Ordination of those in ministry.
6. Determine and adjust the educational requirements as may be necessary.
7. Receive Background and Credit checks from local Credential Committees.
8. Create and adjust as necessary the applications for both License and Ordination.
9. Create and adjust as necessary the exam for Ordination and work with local Credential Committees to administer the exam.

10.  Determine, adjust and implement a process for transferring and/or recognizing credentials from those who come to Christian Union from other denominations

11.  Determine the questions to be asked in oral interviews.

12.  Receive reports from Mentor Pastors and those applying for License.

13.  Maintain appropriate records, both original and duplicates and electronic where possible, for an accurate record of each individual who has applied for and received credentials.

14.  Issue official documents confirming both License and Ordination.

15.  Work with local Credential Committees and E & O Board members to conduct services in local churches recognizing those who are licensed for the first time and all Ordinations.

16.  When ethical, doctrinal, or moral charges are submitted conduct a thorough investigation to determine the validity of those claims holding hearings when required. Develop criteria and due process to suspend, revoke and restore credentials as may be necessary.

17.  Plan opportunities for continuing education for those holding credentials

18.  Hold at least one annual face-to-face meeting prior to each General Council and conduct conference calls and/or video conferencing as may be appropriate.

Credential Committees

Credential Committees will consist of no less than five (5) individuals who have held either License or Ordination Credentials for a minimum of five (5) years and are currently members in good standing of a Christian Union Church. Councils will have the responsibility of forming Credential Committees by election or appointment or deferring to another Credential Committee from a nearby Council. Credential Committees have the authority to issue Certificates of Ministry to qualified individuals and, when appropriate, recommend candidates to the National Examination and Ordination Board for License or Ordination.  Credential Committees work with the National Examination and Ordination Board (NEOB) to uphold the Biblical requirements and expectations of those who respond to the holy calling of Pastor.

CERTIFICATE OF MINISTRY: Those who indicate God’s call to ministry manifest a desire to enter the ministry by engaging in Christian work and, who devote a part of his or her time to Christian service may be recognized as Certified Ministers. They shall preach at least 12 times a year or be actively engaged in some aspect of ministry, except in cases of ill health or infirmity. Whenever possible are to remain under the guidance of a Pastor (to whom they are not related) who will be asked to submit an Annual Ministry Report (form to be provided) in which case this Certificate does not require annual renewal.

Responsibilities

1. Vigilantly practice self-control, self-discipline and self-sacrifice in relationships, ministry and lifestyle in order to live Christ-like lives that are above reproach.
2. Prayerfully and thoughtfully study God’s Word for insight and grace in applying Biblical Principles to the process granting Certificates of Ministry.
3. Determine and adjust the requirements for certification as may be necessary.
4. Develop criteria and due process to suspend, revoke and restore a Certificate of Ministry as may be necessary.
5. Maintain appropriate records, both original and duplicates and electronic where possible, for an accurate record of each individual who has applied for and received credentials.
6. Communicate on a quarterly basis with the Secretary of the NEOB.

Responsibilities under the direction of the National Examination & Ordination Board

1. Provide information and application forms to candidates for License and Ordination and collect application fees where appropriate.
2. Assist applicants in preparing for the written exams and Administer the written exams under the direction of the NEOB.
3. Partner with the National Examination & Ordination Board (NEOB) in conducting background and credit checks.
4. Partner with the NEOB in planning services in local churches where Licenses are presented for the first time and Ordination is celebrated.
5. Receive reports from Mentor Pastors and those applying for License.
6. Assist the NEOB in conducting a thorough investigation when ethical, doctrinal, or moral charges are submitted against anyone holding valid credentials.
7. Partner with the NEOB in helping those from outside Christian Union apply for CU Credentials.
8. Partner with the NEOB in planning and presenting opportunities for continuing education.