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The Board of General Superintendents (BGS)
The Board of General Superintendents (BGS) serves as one of the most important leadership bodies within the Church of the Nazarene, ensuring that the church stays united and focused on its mission. Their duties span across various vital areas of the church’s governance. Below are their responsibilities, grouped for clarity:
1. Missionary Leadership
- The BGS approves or rejects nominations for missionaries before they are sent out, ensuring alignment with the church’s mission. (Church Manual, Paragraph 317.3)
- They collaborate with the Global Missions director to recommend changes in assignments for geographical areas. (Paragraph 317.2)
- The board plans, preserves, and promotes the World Evangelism Fund, which supports global mission interests worldwide. (Paragraph 317.10)
2. Church Governance and Oversight
- The BGS ensures consistency in the interpretation of church laws and doctrine, providing guidance to pastors, districts, and ministries globally. (Paragraph 317.1)
- They oversee updates to the Church Manual after every General Assembly, releasing it in multiple languages. (Paragraph 323)
- They hold authority to interpret and make decisions about ecclesiastical policies and plans. (Paragraph 318)
3. Approving District and Local Initiatives
- Districts planning major changes, such as building new centers, must first seek written approval from the BGS. (Paragraph 319)
- They also have discretionary power in matters like ordaining divorced persons. (Paragraph 320)
4. Handling Vacancies
- If a vacancy occurs in the BGS between General Assembly sessions, the board decides whether to call for an election to fill the position. (Paragraph 316)
- They also fill vacancies in special commissions or committees during the interim of General Assemblies. (Paragraph 317.7)
5. Choosing Key Leaders
- The BGS serves as part of the Nominating Committee, bringing names to the General Board for the election of a general secretary and general treasurer. (Paragraph 317.4)
- They declare vacant the office of general secretary, general treasurer, or department director when necessary. (Paragraph 317.5)
6. Supporting Education
- The BGS appoints general superintendents to serve as advisers to institutions of higher education affiliated with the International Board of Education. (Paragraph 317.8)
- They arrange ministerial studies for those serving in roles of ministry, lay or credentialed. (Paragraph 317.9)
7. Crisis Management
- The BGS may declare a Phase 3 district in crisis, ensuring proper measures are taken to address challenges. (Paragraph 322)
- They also have the authority to declare vacant the office of a district superintendent under specific circumstances. (Paragraph 321)
8. Global Leadership
- The BGS provides supervision, guidance, and motivation for the general church, focusing on leadership and theology for all districts, agencies, and ministries worldwide. (Paragraph 317.1)
- They recommend changes in geographical assignments to enhance the church’s global mission strategy. (Paragraph 317.2)
9. Ecclesiastical Authority
- The BGS holds primary authority on ecclesiastical policies and advises the General Board and its committees on various matters. (Paragraph 317.3)
- They interpret the law and doctrine of the Church of the Nazarene, ensuring consistency and clarity. (Paragraph 318)
10. Promoting Unity and Mission
- Through their leadership, the BGS ensures that the church remains united, focused, and impactful in its mission to make Christlike disciples in the nations.
- They oversee the release of the revised Church Manual, ensuring it is effective in all appropriate languages. (Paragraph 323)
The Board of General Superintendents is an essential pillar of leadership within the Church of the Nazarene, ensuring that the church stays focused on its mission, united in its operations, and consistent in its teachings. Through their global oversight, missionary guidance, and governance, they help the church grow stronger and remain impactful worldwide.
