Statement of Purpose

The Dakota District of the Wesleyan Church exists for the glory of God, by promoting the gospel of Jesus Christ, and the building of God's kingdom in the Dakota District and the world through:

1. Encouraging, serving, and guiding the ministry of local churches;

2. Promoting a church planting movement;

3. Leading and equipping our pastors for effective ministry.

Core Principles and Values

PRINCIPLES

BIBLICAL AUTHORITY: The Bible is the highest source of written authority for God's plan for His people; it reveals how to live out that plan, individually and corporately. Beliefs, practices, and priorities are to be anchored in clear biblical teachings.

CHRISTLIKENESS: Jesus Christ is the defining expression of God's will for all humankind. In Christ is found the highest and most practical meaning and the clearest example for holy living or godliness.  Christ is both example and strength as Wesleyans pursue integrity, excellence, faith, hope, and love.

DISCIPLE-MAKING: Making disciples is a clear mandate from Christ. This requires a strong focus on evangelism and training in spiritual growth and holy living. Done effectively, this will produce and promote growth and health in and among the churches.

VALUES

LOCAL CHURCH CENTERED: The District exists to serve and help plant local congregations. Local churches are the most fundamental and strategic points of evangelism and discipleship. The challenge of the District is to find the best ways to server and strengthen congregations.

SERVANT LEADERSHIP: Wesleyans respect leadership that is placed over them, realizing that the authority and effectiveness of spiritual leadership is not primarily bestowed, but earned and manifested by a loving and willing heart of obedience that serves God and mankind gladly. Wesleyans desire to be leaders in serving.

RESPECT: We respect those whom God and the Church have put in authority in the Church. We also love and respect each individual as a creation of God.

CULTURAL RELEVANCE: Wesleyans are called to serve the present age. The Church respects and builds on its past without becoming its slave. Wesleyans are "culture informed" for the sake of reaching people for Christ, but we are not "culture captives" in the sense of surrendering core values, beliefs, and behaviors.

TEAM SPIRIT: We affirm that we are connected and interdependent. Our churches and pastors are encouraged to have different personalities, styles, and emphases to best present Christ in their context, but we unite around our common core belief and purpose.