CGCM Conference & council 1946
GENERAL CONFERENCE Convened at the Lone Tree Church, Galva, Kansas November 11-15, 1946
Moderator: F. H. Wenger Asst. Moderator: Isaac Toews Secretary: Reuben KO,ehn Asst. Secretary: P. G. Hiebert
1. What Constitutes a General Conference Question?
Any question of general proportion which concerns or involves the faith, unity, and welfare of the Church at large constitutes a General Conference question.
2. Conference Delegates
Ministers and deacons are recognized as delegates in General
Conference and General Council, and congregations without a minister or deacon may choose a layman to be their representative at such meetings.
3. Mission
The Mission Board gave a report, reviewing its activities more or less from its beginning, revealing a definite general progress. The report was accepted as given. In view of the above-given report and the need to further expand the work, the following resolution was passed upon:
We empower the Mission Board to set a budget in advance according to needs; to be raised by various methods, such as gifts, donations, freewill offerings, or any other scriptural method.
4. Mission Board and Workers' Policy
A. Qualifications of workers:
1. Fundamentally and morally sound.
2. Burden of souls.
3. Cooperative.
4. Approval of home ministers, congregation, and district mission
board.
B. Cooperation of mission board and workers in:
1. Selecting fields.
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2. Going into fields.
3. Making mission trips to be paid by the mission board.
C. Mission board and workers, with additional help as the board may deem necessary, shall determine allowances or salaries as conditions may require.
5. Conscription
We reaffirm our attitude on military conscription as stated in our Confession of Faith and agree to register the same with the proper authorities.
6. War Materials
We consider it inconsistent with our nonresistant principles to purchase certain outstanding war materials, unless changed in appearance and converted for civilian use.
7. Church Enterprise
We do not consider it offensive for the Church to own and operate a nonprofiteering enterprise, if operated for the welfare of the Church and the spreading of the gospel.
8. Incorporating
The question of incorporating business enterprises and churches was discussed from various angles and decided to leave it for the present without solution and refer to Art. 4 of the 1939 Conference Council: "Agreed, to leave incorporating of churches to each or any part of a district."
9. Percentage Plan
We recognize the percentage plan, where a certain percent of one's income is laid aside for the Lord's cause, as scriptural, as well as other methods of gathering and collecting. 2 Cor. 8:12-14.
10. Mennonite Union Aid
Conference of November 1939 asked that we promote a mutual aid
plan.
In Conference of November 1942 a committee was chosen to study
the aid plan and to present a workable plan to the next Conference.
In the 1944 General Church Council, the Mennonite Union Aid was
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presented and its officials granted permission to operate, subject to the approval of the next General Conference.
The 1946 Conference adopts the Mennonite Union Aid and empowers its committee to continue operation; to call an annual meeting in which officers are elected; and revise its regulations, laws, and bylaws according to changing needs, both spiritual and material. Becoming a member is optional.
We believe that by the adoption of the Mennonite Union Aid a valuable service is rendered in behalf of the Church and removes any reason for brethren insuring in worldly insurance companies.
But concerning liability insurance, we believe, that because of prevailing conditions and various laws of different states, we submit this question to the individual.
11. The Relationship of the Old and the New Testaments
We recognize a definite relationship between the Old and New Testaments. The code of laws in the Old Testament (known as the Law) "was added because of transgressions" (Gal. 3:19). It consists of three codes-(1) Moral Laws: matters of right and wrong pertaining to our conduct toward each other and our duty to God. (2) Civil Laws: such as apply to matters of government, the camp, and march of the children of Israel. (3) Ceremonial Laws: matters of worship as the tabernacle and offerings typifying Christ. The civil and ceremonial Laws (being mostly types and shadows) were fulfilled and ended in Christ and His kingdom. Col. 2: 1317. But the moral code of God's Law is embodied in the New Testament, and is given its full ministration in its application, under grace, through the Spirit of the gospel-rather than having been annulled. Matt. 5:17-19.
By this perfect rule (Ps. 19:7) now written in our hearts (Jer. 31:33) we can judge between the true knowledge of God and the destructive nature of sin; it serves to, and points out, the absolute necessity of the atonement as the only means by which transgressors can be reconciled to God.
The Law is a system of "instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works" (2 Tim. 3: 16-17); it teaches the difference between moral good and evil; it ascertains the truth of that which should be done and left undone, thus having in view purity and holiness and the glory of God.
"The law is spiritual" (Rom. 7:14), and by the Spirit and grace of God in Christ is loved and obeyed. "0 how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day" (Ps. 119:97). "Whosoever committeth sin
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transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law" (1 John 3:4). "Forever, 0 Lord, thy word is settled in heaven" (Ps. 119:89).
12. Funds for Mennonite Refugees
After the MCC reported the need of funds to remove Mennonite refugees from Europe to Paraguay, it was resolved we raise our allotted funds by the present MCC setup.
13. Marriages of Near Kin
We discourage marriages of near kin.
14. To the City Trend
This movement was discussed with great concern, and it was discouraged. It was suggested that the Colonization Board and other committees help in locating settlements suitable for Christian homes.
15. Exhibitions and Judges
We consider it inconsistent with our faith to be a judge in worldly exhibitions of livestock and the like, also the producing of products for such purposes.
16. Child Training
We believe that many of the present difficulties in disciplining members is the result of laxity in child training; therefore, we resolve that ministers teach with greater zeal and emphasize proper child training, and that parents assume their responsibility of bringing up their children in the fear and admonition of the Lord. Provo 22:6; Eph. 6:4.
17. Modesty in Dress
Article 17 of 1896 General Conference was reaffirmed. A resolution was passed to the effect that we teach with emphasis scriptural modesty in dress for both men and women, considering adornment in dress and following worldly fashions contrary to Scripture, therefore sinful. (Refer to Art. 15, 1959 Conference.)
18. Wearing of Beard and Cut of Hair
Article 17 of 1896 General Conference was reaffirmed. We believe
the Scriptures teach the wearing of the beard by law of creation (Gen. 1:31) and by moral law (Lev. 19:27) and confirmed by Christ (Matt.
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5:17-20). Thus to shave or mar the beard is not in keeping with the Word of God. But we believe order and discretion should be practiced according to wisdom and sound teaching, both in wearing the beard and the cut of hair. 1 Cor. 11:14; 14:40.
Resolved, That brethren living inconsistently in such things as using tobacco, intoxicating liquors as a beverage, the shaving or marring of the beard, failing to act according to the Scripture in behalf of excommunicated members, dressing contrary to Bible teachings, etc., should be admonished according to the teaching of the Scriptures; and can
not be used in responsible positions. Rom. 16:17-18; 2 Thess. 3:6, 14-15. (Refer to Art. 12, 1950 Conference.)
19. Institutions
A. Mercy Hospital
In Art. 4, General Church Council of 1944, we read, "The council permitted the directors of Mercy Hospital to operate said hospital under present plan until next General Conference, when same plan shall be considered agreeable to conditions, with the privilege that the present plan may be amended where necessary, including its incorporation into a separate unit not to involve any other Church property. (Later: In a special meeting on January 2, 1945, it was resolved to incorporate it as 'Mercy Hospital, Moundridge, Kansas.')"
At the 1946 Conference a report on Mercy Hospital, Moundridge, Kansas, was given by Brothers Jesse Johnson and Albert Koehn. The report was accepted as given. Resolved, We permit the Mercy Hospital Board to operate under the supervision of the Western District Charitable Institutions Board, which will be subject to General Conference. Said board to be elected by Western District.
B. Linden Home
A report on Linden Home of Swalwell, Alberta, was given by Bra. D. D. Toews. The report was accepted as given.
Resolved, The Linden Home Board of Directors are to operate under the supervision of a Northern District Charitable Institutions Board, which will be subject to General Conference. Said board to be elected by Northern District.
C. Montezuma Charitable Institution
With sincere appreciation this Conference grants the Montezuma and surrounding congregations permission to erect a charitable institution.
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20. Church Periodicals
A. Messenger of Truth
Reuben J. Koehn, Goltry, Oklahoma, and John A. Koehn, Livingston, California, were reaffirmed as Editor and Assistant Editor for the Messenger of Truth, respectively.
B. Botschafter der Wahrheit
Jacob T. Wiebe, Ste. Anne, Manitoba, was reaffirmed as Editor.
Upon recommendation of the Editor, Frank Wiebe, Steinbach,
Manitoba, was chosen by Conference as Assistant Editor, replacing the aged J. B. Toews. Agreed Botschafter subscription price will be raised from 80 cents to $1.00 per annum.
C. The Echoes
Born of CPS needs, The Echoes was accepted by Conference as a continuing Church news publication. P. G. Hiebert, Hillsboro, Kansas, was reaffirmed as Editor, and Jonas B. Koehn, Galva, Kansas, was chosen Assistant Editor.
D. Children's Echo
The Editor of the Children's Echo, Aaron 1. Toews, Morris, Manitoba, is permitted and encouraged to continue his publication on a sound Christian basis, subject to General Conference.
E. Sunday school quarterlies
F. C. Fricke was reaffirmed as editor for the Junior and Senior
quarterlies. F. H. Wenger was reaffirmed as editor for the Primary quarterlies.
21. Bible Course
Resolved, We find or compile a suitable Bible course for group or
individual study.
For this purpose a committee of three brethren was chosen-Aaron Wiebe, Ste. Anne, Manitoba; Frank P. Wiebe, Steinbach, Manitoba; and A. 1. Toews, Morris, Manitoba-who upon completion of said course will present it to the Historical and Doctrinal Writing and Proving Committee for approval.
22. Hymn Book
A report of the work was given by the executive committee. The report was accepted as given and the present committee was reaffirmed to conclude the work given them. (Refer to Art. 18, 1956 Conference.)
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23. Mennonite Encyclopedia (Lexicon)
Resolved, We empower our Historical and Doctrinal Writing and Proving Committee to meet the request of the Mennonite Lexicon or Encyclopedia compilers in so far as deemed advisable, with the privi-lege to call for help if needed. P. G. Hiebert, Hillsboro, Kansas, was chosen as our representative on the Mennonite Lexicon Editorial Council.
24. Church Headquarters
We acknowledge the following places as our Church headquarters for the present: Messenger of Truth, Goltry, Oklahoma, for the United States; and Botschafter der Wahrheit, Steinbach, Manitoba, for Canada. These names to be registered at proper offices as needs arise.
25. Method and General Procedure of Choosing and Ordaining a Minister
A. We believe and teach that whoever wishes to unite with the Church of God must, according to the Scriptures, be born again Oohn 3:1-6), and have a heartfelt experience and knowledge of salvation through repentance toward God, and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ Oohn 3: 16-18), upon which we receive remission of sins through the atoning blood of Christ; water baptism being administered upon the confession of this faith.
B. All such regenerated brethren are taught to labor in whatever gifts or talents God may have given him, and to be faithful in all things. Therefore, in whomsoever the gifts of the ministry appear, or are man-ifest-such brethren are encouraged particularly by the elders to pre-pare themselves by study and reading and whatever may be in accord with such a call (1 Tim. 4:12-16).
C. After such brethren have proven their ability and worth in the different activities of the Church by faithful services and intelligent practice, the need being apparent for such service, the Church then is called into council and, if united to hold an election, the elder with two or three other elders being present (Art. 2, 1939 Conference) then shall conduct an election in which the whole membership of the congrega-tion participates after reading and appropriately commenting upon Scriptures, such as 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9. Following a prayer
for guidance an election (as a rule by ballot) is held, with the unity of the Church required.
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D. The brother receiving the needed votes is then examined as to soundness in faith and practice, as well as the qualifications required in the Scriptures, in particular such passages as 1 Timothy 3: 1-7 and Titus 1:5-9. Upon satisfactorily meeting such requirements, being found blameless, the brother is then ordained by an elder by the lay-ing on of hands and prayer in the presence of the congregation and whoever wishes to attend. Thus he becomes a duly ordained minister, beginning his labor in the Christian ministry, for which he is hereafter recognized, trusting in divine increase of grace and ability.
E. We appreciate an ample education, but do not necessarily require such learning as an absolutely essential qualification; but con-sider an infilling of the Holy Ghost of utmost importance and vital to success in the gospel ministry to which he is called.
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