For many years there has been a process by which conflicts in our Fellowship can be resolved. These are summarised in an open letter from Pastor Mitchell to all Fellowship churches. The letter below, from Pastor Nigel Brown, sets out how this works in the British Fellowship.
Dear Pastor,
For many years there has been a process whereby conflicts in our Fellowship can be resolved. These are summarised by an open letter from Pastor Mitchell to all Fellowship churches that should be displayed prominently on your notice board.
This letter is to set in place a structure whereby the issues of relationship conflict or abuse involving pastors and their congregations, pastors and their fellow pastors, and any conflict between pastors and leadership in the British Fellowship can be resolved.
In the local church, if a member has a grievance to be heard against a pastor, Matthew 18:15–20 would be the procedure:
- To meet alone with the pastor and seek a resolution.
- If there is no resolution, then they should request a hearing before the Church Council with the pastor present.
- If the issue is still not resolved, then a written request can be made to his mother church pastor or Pastor Brown.
- Pastor Brown and/or the mother church pastor or a delegated area leader will meet with the pastor, the Church Council and the party in conflict, in order to resolve the conflict.
In case of a problem between a pastor and another pastor, or a pastor and his mother church pastor, a written request can be made to Pastor Brown to delegate one or two Area Leaders to meet with the pastors in conflict and resolve the issue, and/or to meet with them himself to achieve resolution.
Pastor Brown remains in submission to his pastors, Pastor Wayman Mitchell and Pastor Tom Payne, and to his local church council for local matters. Should the need arise on a higher level, a Board of Elders can be summoned to bring him any advice, correction or discipline.
The board is made up of Joe Campbell, Mark Aulson, Kevin Foley, Tom Payne, Harold Warner, Richard Rubi and Paul Stephens. These men have the authority to resolve any conflicts that may affect our Fellowship on an international level. They can convene a meeting with any of the International Leaders to resolve disputes, and set in order matters to ensure an ongoing flow of our ministry.
In the UK, under the direction of Pastor Brown, an executive made up of current British Leaders has the authority to summon any UK Fellowship pastor who is in doctrinal error or moral indiscretion, or whose conduct is causing disruption in the British Fellowship. Their decisions on the local British level will be binding and final.
It is important that you post this letter, as well as the letter from Pastor Mitchell, in your church where members of the congregation may see it and understand the issues.
Sincerely,
Pastor Nigel Brown
21 February 2015