Evangelical Fellowship of West Ohio Purpose

Evangelical Fellowship of West Ohio

Last updated Thursday March 15, 2007

********** What is the Evangelical Fellowship of West Ohio? *********

The Evangelical fellowship of West Ohio (EFWO) is a movement of laity and clergy in the West Ohio Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church who are committed to making disciples of Jesus Christ, and who encourage the church to uphold the Wesleyan standards of doctrine and practice. The standards are: the Articles of Religion, the Confession, Wesley's Fifty-two Standard Sermons, Old Testament and New Testament Explanatory Notes, and the General Rules (2000 Book of Discipline, Paragraphs 16, 19, and 101). Membership is comprised of any United Methodist in the West Ohio Annual Conference who wishes to add his or her voice to such a movement.

We actively encourage United Methodists to participate in the vision of the West Ohio Annual Conference that states, "Every congregation is a healthy, growing, spiritually vital, risk-taking center for making and equipping disciples of Jesus for the purpose of transforming the world." These are worked out through the Core Process of Passionate Worship, Radical Hospitality, Faith-Forming Relationships, and Risk-Taking Mission and Service.

********** Why an EFWO? *********

All too often two distinct dimensions of Christian discipleship have been separated. These two dimensions are Evangelism and Social Action. Yet, both are vitally important to the Christian faith and life, as well as to the Church's witness and ministry.

Those persons emphasizing an evangelical expression of Christian discipleship have rightly sought to confront the world with the Gospel in such a winsome way that persons are brought to a faith commitment to Jesus Christ. Those persons emphasizing the necessity of social action have been correct in their insistence that God loves the world and is seeking to transform all parts of human life and society through the power of His Kingdom. To emphasize either to the exclusion of the other is contrary to the very nature of the Gospel.

We believe that the Holy Spirit is working today to bring these two integral dimensions of Christian discipleship into the balance expressed in the Scriptures. We wish to cooperate with this work of the Spirit.

********** What Is the Purpose of EFWO? **********

To affirm United Methodism's commitment to Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, to the historic Christian faith, the Wesleyan doctrinal standards and the Holy Scriptures as authoritative for faith and life under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

To demonstrate the relevance and validity of Scriptural Christianity for our day.

To emphasize the priority in the mission of the Church to lead persons to a saving relationship with Christ, which will result in personal spiritual growth, and responsible actions for social justice.

To challenge all United Methodists to make a more radical commitment of our lives to Christ, and to work to eliminate those factors which oppress our fellow human beings and hinder them form fulfilling their full scriptural potential in God's kingdom.

********** What are the Goals of EFWO? **********

To encourage unity among United Methodists who have committed themselves to evangelical Christianity.

To reflect to the world that within the United Methodist Church there is a vital evangelical witness as well as freedom and opportunity to serve Christ fully.

To seek creative new strategies by which lay persons and pastors within United Methodism can work for Scriptural renewal.

To mobilize United Methodists for responsible involvement in the decision making structures of the church at the local, district, conference, national and Episcopal levels.

To encourage and work with all evangelical Christian movements and organizations within or outside the United Methodist church in their concern to bring new life in Christ.

To build bridges of loving understanding fellowship with all members of the United Methodist Church, making perfect love our standard, both to God and other people, and refusing to degrade others while disagreeing.

To allow the Holy Spirit to work Christ's purpose in our lives and in our churches.

To create a fellowship of prayer where urgent concerns without the Church can be supported through intercessory prayer.

To encourage our Evangelical Fellowship Network Task Force in its effort to provide a network of support and encouragement for evangelical United Methodist seminarians and recent graduates.

********** A Concluding Note **********

We are aware that in a pluralistic church our commitment to an evangelical expression of Christian faith may lead us into debate and disagreement. Our intention is to stand firm when our conscience demands that we do so. However, we seek in all we do to preserve the highest standards of respect and love for others. Our motto in matters relating to faith in Christ is, "In necessary things, unity; in doubtful things, liberty; in all things, charity."

********** EFWO Board of Directors **********

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