Charge to Incoming Conference President
Dear Brother in Christ: In the providence of God, you have been elected President of the ________ Regional Conference of the Bible Methodist Connection of Churches. Your brothers and sisters have thus invested you with a position of great honor, indicating their confidence in your godliness of life, maturity of judgment, and commitment to the church. Remember, however, that this honor is also a solemn and sacred responsibility, demanding steadfast purpose, arduous labor, and continual sacrifice. Only God can enable you to fulfill the charge which is now laid upon you.
In the decisions of office, may He give you wisdom. In the rigors of labor, may He give you strength. In the setting of an example, may He give you consistency. In the administration of discipline, may He give you patience. In the agony of failure, may He give you comfort. In the elation of success, may He give you humility. Never forget that as an overseer in the church of Christ, which He has loved even to the shedding of His own blood, that you “must be blameless as the steward of God, not self-willed, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; a lover of hospitality; a lover of good men; sober, just, holy, temperate, holding fast the faithful word.” (Titus 1:7-9)
Do you now accept the office of President of the ________ Regional Conference of the Bible Methodist Connection of Churches, believing that you are truly called to this work and ministry according to the will of God?
ANSWER: I do, the Lord being my helper.
Do you embrace the Holy Scriptures as the absolute and authoritative Word of God; and submitting yourself to its direction, do you promise to pursue a gentle, loving, and holy life, following the example of Our Lord Jesus Christ, and in all things serving as an example of good works, as a leader in His Church?
ANSWER: I do, as He shall assist and strengthen me.
Will you in the exercise of your office steadfastly uphold and administer the Discipline of the Bible Methodist Connections of Churches, and to the best of your ability, maintain the peace, purity, and prosperity of the church, treating those committed to your charge with kindness, integrity, and grace?
ANSWER: I will do so with the help of the Lord.
Now, Dear Brother, may the Holy Spirit strengthen you to keep these vows, which you have made before God and before us; and may He also fill you with wisdom and with grace that the work of God placed under your direction shall advance in every way to His glory. In the name of the Father, and the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.