How will churches, bishops, clergy and laity be held accountable to the shared beliefs of the GMC?

The Global Methodist Church is clear and unambiguous in its doctrine and unity around the authority of Scripture, the classical confessions of the Christian faith as articulated in the Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds, and in the historic Christian ethical standards that derive from them. Clergy and laity at every level will be expected to warmly embrace these hallmarks of the faith. For the sake of its mission and the unity of the church, it is crucial that its leaders will be responsible for holding one another, its clergy, and its laity accountable to them.

The Transitional Book of Doctrines and Discipline (Part 8) provides extensive means of accountability at all levels. For example, there are no guaranteed appointments for clergy by the annual conference, so local churches will have more responsibility and authority in collaborating with their pastors on doctrinal matters. Tenure for Bishops will be eight years, although an additional four years may be allowed as an exception. The TBODD includes very specific accountability mechanisms for holding Bishops accountable to not only one another, but more specifically to the laity while serving the episcopal office.