Summary
of the “rules” of my denomination (The
Wesleyan Church)
(Click here for
the full
original wording used to summarize
into this list)
The 36 MEMBERSHIP
COMMITMENTS
(“Covenant Members
are expected to commit to these)
1.
Honor God’s name.
2.
Honor the Lord’s day by going to church .
3.
Honor the Lord’s day by avoiding detracting activities.
4.
Total abstinence from the occult, witchcraft, & astrology.
5.
Give to the church (“remembering” the idea of tithing).
6.
Give to the needy.
7.
Total abstinence from gambling.
8.
Total abstinence from production, sale or purchase of tobacco.
9.
Total abstinence from production, sale or purchase of alcohol.
10.
Total abstinence from production, sale or purchase of
non-prescription drugs.
11.
Total abstinence from joining secret societies.
12.
Total abstinence from sex outside of marriage.
13.
Total abstinence from divorce for any reason other than
adultery, homosexual behavior, bestiality or incest.
14.
Total abstinence from child abuse.
15.
Total abstinence from spouse abuse.
16.
Live peacefully with others at home.
17.
Nurture children in the home in order to bring them early to
Christ.
18.
Work together with others at church.
19.
Walk in Christian fellowship with other Christians at church
with gentleness and affection.
20.
Pray for others at church.
21.
Help others at church in sickness and distress.
22.
Demonstrate love, purity and courtesy to everyone.
23.
Attend public worship.
24.
Participate in the Lord’s supper
25.
Have family devotions.
26.
Have personal devotions.
27.
Practice fasting.
28.
Total abstinence from teaching that tongues is a sign of baptism
of Holy Ghost.
29.
Total abstinence from speaking in tongues in public worship
30.
Total abstinence from promoting a private prayer language of
tongues.
31.
Give food to hungry people.
32.
Give clothing to the destitute.
33.
Visit people who are sick.
34.
Visit people in prison.
35.
Respect individual rights regardless of race, color or sex.
36.
Be honest and just in all of life’s dealings.
SPECIAL DIRECTIONS
(Admonitions to members but not
commitments)
1.
Equal rights.
We believe there should be equal rights and opportunities for all
individuals politically, economically and religiously.
2.
Peace. We take all legitimate means to avoid war
& every means to seek peace.
3.
Military Service. If a member thinks military Service is
contrary to the teaching of the New Testament we will support that person.
4.
Substance Abuse. We’re opposed to production, sale,
purchase and use of alcoholic beverages, tobacco, narcotics and other harmful
drugs.
5. Human Sexuality. We support
chastity and purity and vigorously oppose sexual promiscuity. Sex is for enjoyment and procreation in a
marriage. Homosexual practice is sinful
but we believe God can deliver a person form the practice and the inclination.
6. Divorce and
Remarriage. We accept divorce on
Scriptural grounds but once a person is divorced no marriage remains and it is
not the unpardonable sin.
7. Merchandising
on the Lord's Day. We think merchandising on the Lord's Day should be
illegal
8. Religion in
Public Life. We believe prayer in government activities or in schools
should be permitted.
9. Public School
Activities. We don’t think schools should be teaching dancing and maintin the
rights of our members to seek exemption.
10. Judicial Oaths. We reserve
the right for our members to refuse to “swear” in court but rather “affirm.”
11. Abortion. We oppose
abortion except in rare pregnancies where the life of the mother is threatened
but even then only after prayerful counsel. We encourage our people to get
involved in the anti-abortion movement.
12. Use of Leisure
Time. We are carefully
regulate what we read, listen to and watch on TV, refuse to participate in
social dancing or go to the movies that feature the cheap, the violent or the
sensual and pornographic. We also
refuse to engage in playing games which tend to be addictive or conducive to
gambling.
13. Modesty in
Attire. We urge our people to dress modestly.
Summary by Keith Drury
January 15, 2005