Introduction to Legislative Powers

Article 5

This article, in our series on the GMC Constitution, will serve as an introduction into the importance of separation of powers, the idea of federalism in the church, and the critical role of legislative power in articulating and manifesting doctrinal integrity within the ministry and spiritual life of our churches. We will examine how the structure of the constitution and statutory principles guide legislative power in expressing doctrinal integrity. This discussion also aims to illuminate how legislative frameworks support a living experience of doctrine in our faith communities.

When the United States constitution was being drafted, one of the core questions the founders wrestled with was how to write a document that avoided the pitfalls which had plagued governments throughout human history. The first tool the founders implemented was their understanding of the biblical worldview of sin and grace. They knew that humans were, on the one hand, not to be trusted because of original sin, and, on the other hand, endowed with (preventative) grace from their creator which enabled them to self-govern. As Federalist Paper no. 55 states, “As there is a degree of depravity in mankind which requires a certain degree of circumspection and distrust, so there are other qualities in human nature which justify a certain portion of esteem and confidence.”

The second tool at their disposal was a study of human history. The founders recognized one key flaw that inevitably led to the downfall of governments. This flaw was the merging of what we call the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial powers into one person or body of persons. Whether it was the Athenian Assembly or the Egyptian god-kings, when these powers were grouped together, it inevitably was destructive and led to either anarchy or tyranny. The answer in the US constitution to both the problem of human sin and combined powers was to have a separation of powers into different branches of government with checks and balances within those branches. In the same way, the Convening Conference of the GMC is faced with the same kinds of problems in crafting their own form of government.

The concept of sin as a fundamental human condition underscores the inherent imperfection and propensity for self-interest in human nature, even within the church, necessitating a system of checks and balances within government. By separating the legislative, executive, and judicial functions, this system acknowledges that no single group or individual should hold absolute power, as the potential for misuse or corruption is always present. The legislative branch is tasked with creating policies, laws, and funding, reflecting the collective will of the people, but its power is limited by the executive, which enforces these laws, and the judiciary, which interprets their meaning and ensures they are applied justly. This structure is designed to mitigate the risks of human fallibility, ensuring that power is distributed and that each branch can hold the others accountable, preventing tyranny and promoting justice.

The legislative branch of our church plays a crucial role in the governance and administration of the church's affairs. Here are some of the primary functions typically associated with the legislative branch of a church:

1. Policy Making

   1. Doctrine and Theology: Establishing and approving statements of faith, doctrinal standards, and theological positions.

   2. Social Issues: Addressing and taking stances on social, ethical, and moral issues relevant to the congregation and wider community.

   3. Church Governance: Creating and amending bylaws, constitutions, and other governing documents that outline how the church operates.

2. Funding and Budgeting

   1. Budget Approval: Reviewing, amending, and approving the church's budget, which includes allocation of funds for various ministries, programs, and operational expenses.

   2. Financial Oversight: Establishing financial policies and practices to ensure transparency, accountability, and stewardship of resources.

   3. Fundraising Initiatives: Approving fundraising campaigns and initiatives to support church activities and missions.

3. Approval and Election of Personnel

   1. Leadership Elections: Electing or appointing key leaders, such as bishops, pastors, elders, deacons, and other church officers.

   2. Personnel Policies: Establishing policies related to the hiring, training, evaluation, and dismissal of church staff and volunteers.

   3. Committee Appointments: Appointing members to various committees, boards, and task forces that oversee specific areas of church life.

4. Program Development and Oversight

   1. Mission and Outreach: Developing and supporting mission projects, outreach programs, and community service initiatives.

   2. Education and Discipleship: Establishing educational programs, Sunday school curricula, and other discipleship efforts.

   3. Worship and Liturgy: Setting guidelines for worship practices, liturgical styles, and sacramental rites.

5. Legal and Ethical Responsibilities

   1. Compliance: Ensuring compliance with legal requirements, such as tax laws, employment regulations, and child protection policies.

   2. Ethical Standards: Promoting and upholding ethical standards within the church community and leadership.

   3. Conflict Resolution: Establishing procedures for resolving conflicts and disputes within the church.

6. Vision and Strategic Planning

   1. Vision Setting: Defining the church's mission, vision, and strategic priorities for growth and development.

   2. Long-term Planning: Developing long-term plans and initiatives to address the needs and goals of the congregation and community.

   3. Adaptation and Change: Responding to changing circumstances and needs by adapting church policies and practices.

Photo by Will Francis on Unsplash

In addition to the separation of power horizontally into three branches of government,  the constitution the GMC delegates will consider in Costa Rica will also include a separation of powers vertically under the principle of federalism. Federalism balances the need for the autonomy of local legislative powers, such as the church council, charge conference, and annual conference, within the unifying authority of the denomination held at the general conference. This allows these bodies to address specific increasingly localized contexts while adhering to overarching denominational standards and principles. This system ensures that diverse regional interests are respected within a cohesive denominational vision. 

All these complex legislative responsibilities and powers will need to be discerned and approved by the delegates as they gather in Costa Rica to adopt the Book of Doctrine and Discipline for the Global Methodist Church. Fortunately, they will not be starting from scratch, as the wisdom of many has contributed to the preparation of the draft Book of Doctrine and Discipline. This excellent work provides a strong foundation for the GMC to address these legislative responsibilities within the limited time at the General Conference. The draft document offers a solid framework for the new denomination to express a living doctrinal witness grounded in life in the Spirit.

Regarding the Constitution of the GMC, the delegates will face several key decisions on how legislative power will be distributed and exercised. In terms of federalism, they will need to discern what constitutional bodies should be established to ensure a system of unifying authority that begins with the General Conference and extends to the most contextual spiritual expressions in local churches. Will there be regions? Will the annual conference serve as the fundamental legislative body of the GMC? What role will districts and/or circuits play? In considering the separation of legislative, executive, and judicial powers, the delegates must also define the roles and authority of bishops, pastors, and the judiciary within the GMC. Too much power at the top or too much bureaucracy in the middle risks stifling the local church's vibrancy, while insufficient structure could threaten denominational unity and a coherent doctrinal expression to share the gospel globally.

The legislative organization of the GMC should not be seen merely as an exercise in administrative power and organization.   Instead, the General Conference in Costa Rica should strive to realize John Wesley’s vision: 

"I continue to dream and pray about a revival of holiness in our day that moves forth in mission and creates authentic community in which each person can be unleashed through the empowerment of the Spirit to fulfill God's creational intentions."