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FMCUSA Position Paper Provides
Guidance for Living Above Board
The Apostle Peter said, “Live such good lives among the
pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may
see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us” (1
Peter 2:12). Paul reminded Timothy, “Now the overseer is to be
above reproach” (1 Timothy 3:2a).
“Above Board” is the third position paper of the Free
Methodist Church – USA, endorsed by the Board of Bishops to
offer guidance and direction to the church.
Historically, the Free Methodist Church rejected the
practices of “the oath-bound lodge” and declined to
admit into membership any person who took such oaths
of secrecy. “Above Board” seeks to apply the heart of our
founding convictions to today’s practices of gathering and
participating in community through means such as social
media.
The heart of the matter, and the message of this paper, is
to unite our Free Methodist family in living above reproach:
inculpable, blameless, not open to rebuke.
The church has always had a need for leaders to be people
who hold confidences as a sacred trust. Today is no different.
Holy confidentiality is a cornerstone of fruitful ministry.
However, with the advent of social media has come the
opportunity to form online private and secret groups. While
the group as a format is not the issue, the heart of what takes
place in the group is.
The Board of Bishops would like to thank Bishop Emeritus
Matthew A. Thomas for his authorship of this document, which
our bishops recommend for guidance to our leaders, churches
and members.
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