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You may have heard the term “Board of General Superintendents” and wondered: What exactly is it? How does it function? And why is it significant in the Church of the Nazarene?
In this second journal of our four-part series, we will explore the Board of General Superintendents (BGS), its responsibilities, and its crucial role in the leadership of the Church of the Nazarene.
The Role of the Board of General Superintendents
The Board of General Superintendents (BGS) is the highest governing body of the Church of the Nazarene. It consists of the elected General Superintendents, who collectively provide leadership and oversight for the global church. According to the Church of the Nazarene Manual:
“The general superintendents shall organize as a board and arrange for and assign to the members work over which they shall have special jurisdiction.” (Manual, 315)
This means that while each General Superintendent has specific duties, they work together as a unified board to lead the church.
Key Responsibilities of the Board of General Superintendents
1. Supervision and Guidance
The BGS provides spiritual leadership, guidance, and motivation to ensure the church remains faithful to its mission.
“Provide supervision, guidance, and motivation for the general church, with appropriate attention to leadership and theology for all districts, agencies, and ministries of the global Church of the Nazarene.” (Manual, 317.1)
This means they oversee not only local churches but also regional, national, and international church operations.
2. Ecclesiastical Authority
The BGS holds the highest authority regarding church policies, plans, and theological matters.
“Have primary authority with regard to ecclesiastical policies and plans, and to advise the General Board, its committees, and all boards of the Church of the Nazarene on other matters.” (Manual, 317.3)
They also approve or disapprove nominations for missionaries, ensuring that those who serve meet the church’s requirements.
3. Election and Appointment of Church Leaders
The BGS plays a significant role in selecting key church leaders, including the General Secretary and General Treasurer.
“Serve together with the General Board Executive Committee as a Nominating Committee, to bring one or more names to the General Board for election of a general secretary and a general treasurer.” (Manual, 317.4)
In cases where leadership positions become vacant, the BGS has the authority to fill these roles to ensure the smooth functioning of the church.
4. Missionary and Financial Oversight
A critical responsibility of the BGS is managing the World Evangelism Fund, which supports the church’s global mission efforts.
“Plan, preserve, and promote the World Evangelism Fund, which is the lifeline of global mission interests.” (Manual, 317.10)
By overseeing mission funding, they ensure that churches worldwide have the resources needed for evangelism and outreach.
5. Interpretation of Church Law and Doctrine
The BGS serves as the highest authority for interpreting the Church of the Nazarene Manual.
“The Board of General Superintendents shall be the authority for interpretation of law and doctrine of the Church of the Nazarene, and meaning and force of provisions of the Manual, subject to an appeal to the General Assembly.” (Manual, 318)
This ensures doctrinal consistency and legal clarity across the global church.
Handling Leadership Vacancies and Crises
Filling Vacancies
If a General Superintendent steps down before the next General Assembly, the BGS decides whether to hold an election.
“If a vacancy occurs in the Board of General Superintendents, in the interim of sessions of the General Assembly, the question of calling for an election to fill the vacancy shall be decided by the Board of General Superintendents.” (Manual, 316)
They also have the authority to remove church leaders for just cause.
Declaring a District in Crisis
If a district experiences significant challenges, the BGS can declare it in crisis, allowing special measures to be taken.
“The Board of General Superintendents may approve that a Phase 3 district be declared in crisis.” (Manual, 322)
This authority ensures that struggling church regions receive the necessary support and restructuring.
Why Does This Matter?
The Board of General Superintendents plays a vital role in maintaining the unity, doctrine, and mission of the Church of the Nazarene. They ensure that leadership transitions are handled smoothly, theological teachings remain consistent, and global mission efforts receive proper funding.
By understanding the role of the BGS, we can better appreciate how the Church of the Nazarene functions as a worldwide body of believers.
What’s Next?
In the next journal, we will explore 10 Interesting Facts About the Board of General Superintendents—insights that may surprise you!
Stay tuned for the third part of this series!
