¶4.1 Purpose. The purpose of the Bethel Methodist Church is to know and understand God. (Luke 10:42, Jeremiah 9:23-24) Our compelling objective is to make Him known and understood. This progressive realization of our purpose compels us to:

1. Seek to establish and maintain ourselves as a “message centered people with a God-centered message.”

2. Make Him known and understood through personal and corporate witness, Christian Mission, Christian Education and Church Extension.

¶4.2 Church Government. The Bethel Methodist Church is both congregational and connectional. It is congregational in two ways:

1. As to property rights:

a. Property rights are vested, with respect to ownership and maintenance, in the local church and held in trust to the local church by the trustees of the local church.

b. The General Conference may make provision for the holding of property, other than the above, when mission money or general funds are involved.

2. As to calling a pastor:

a. The choice of pastor is vested with the local church for its final authority, subject to the Discipline of the Bethel Methodist Church.

It is connectional in that the entire church operates under the Constitution and By-Laws enacted by the General Conference in the Discipline of the Bethel Methodist Church. All local churches that affiliate with the Bethel Methodist Church shall operate under the Discipline.

¶4.3 Ministry. The Constitution provides for one ministerial ordination; that of elder. There shall be preparatory positions prior to ordination. The General Conference shall provide the qualifications, duties, powers and privileges of elders and preparatory positions.

¶4.4 General Leadership. Leadership shall be elected to supervise the work of the church. There shall be a:

1. General Superintendent.

2. Director of Administration.

3. Director of Finance. (This position shall be elected as needed.)