Article 13

Affirmation: We affirm that God has appointed elders to serve as shepherds and overseers over congregations. We affirm that this is a position of privilege and also responsibility. We affirm that God’s intention is that under the teaching and oversight of faithful shepherds, congregations would flourish spiritually and be safeguarded on their earthly pilgrimage. We affirm that as such elders possess delegated authority to counsel and care for their flocks in accordance with the scriptures.

Denial: We deny that any one pastor holds the spiritual destiny of any Christian. We deny that God binds an individual christian’s progress and joy in the faith to any one spiritual leader. We further deny that christians owe unmitigated loyalty and reverence to their pastor or else suffer God’s curse.