2016 Wesleyan Discipline: D. Theology and Philosophy of Ministerial Restoration

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D. Theology and Philosophy of Ministerial Restoration

2006. Based on the teaching of scripture, reason, tradition, and experience, The Wesleyan Church holds a high view of the power, extent, and depth of the love of God toward those who have sinned or failed in other ways. Restoration relates to the reestablishment of one’s relationship with God, self, and others. Restoration also relates to the credentialed ministry when a minister has voluntarily withdrawn from ministry, or has been removed by reason of guilt, judicial process, disciplinary action, or other reasons. The call to ministry is confirmed and sanctioned by the Church (Discipline 2016 Wesleyan Discipline:3003). Consequently, the Church has established guidelines and principles for how ministers conduct themselves in life and ministry. Those guidelines and principles apply to the lifespan of the minister, from initial credentialing through retired service. The following core biblical principles orient and moor all aspects of the restoration process:

2008. Biblical Principles

1. Respectful. All people are infused with intrinsic worth and dignity apart from anything they do (good or bad) since they have been created freely by God as a direct expression of His love. Therefore, all aspects of the restoration process will respect the intrinsic dignity of all concerned, including the offending minister, victims, and congregants. This calls for utmost respect in maintaining high standards of confidentiality on a “need to know” basis regarding all aspects of the restoration process and contents of any proceedings.
2. Redemptive. The moral and spiritual responsibility of the church in the world is to extend God’s call of grace, hope, holiness, and love in Christ to all people. Therefore, all aspects of the restoration process, including any disciplinary action, are ultimately designed to draw all people involved (offenders and those negatively affected) back into the fold of God and fellowship of believers when possible. Spiritual leaders leading the restoration process will need to reflect deeply on their own motives to ensure they are prompted solely by the love and holiness of Christ. In addition, every effort must be made to provide for the healing of marriages, family relationships, and congregations.
3. Righteous. The responsibility of the Church must include justice for those negatively affected as well as the offenders. The spouse and other family members of an offender, and the welfare of the congregation will become major concerns of the restoring body. The Church must be sensitive and responsive to the spiritual, psychological and economic needs of all who have been adversely affected by the offender’s actions. It is important that the reality of their pain and the wrongfulness of the abuse be acknowledged.
4. Restorative. The primary objective of restoration is to help offenders and those negatively affected experience healing, interpersonal forgiveness and reconciliation, and to assist offenders in restoring their spiritual relationship with God. The church will be prepared to offer the spiritual, psychological, and mediation resources necessary for assisting in restoration. When possible and appropriate, due consideration will be given to the restoration of ministry credentials for those who have been removed. The restorative process is to be understood as developmental in nature, assisting in the moral and spiritual growth and maturity of the offending minister over time. Therefore, the process must not be rushed nor should expectations for the restoration of credentials be raised prematurely.
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