1. Purpose. As local Mennonite congregations of PNMC, we commit to unitedly and effectively promote the teachings and ministry of Christ and His Church under the leading of the Holy Spirit and in harmony with the Word of God.
2. Statement of Faith. We accept and commend the Holy Scriptures as the basis for discerning our faith and practice as God’s people. We further accept and commend to our congregations the Confession of Faith in a Mennonite Perspective as updated from time to time, as a statement of faith and practice, which expresses the uniqueness of our own Christian heritage.
3. Vision and Mission. God calls us to be followers of Jesus Christ and, by the power of the Holy Spirit, to grow as communities of grace, joy, and peace, so that God’s healing and hope flow through us to the world. The mission of PNMC affirms four areas of focus involving the PNMC congregations and their members:
a. Promote personal spiritual development.
b. Nurture healthy congregations.
c. Make strong connections throughout Pacific Northwest Mennonite Conference.
d. Call each other to fulfill God’s purpose for the world.
4. Responsibilities. The area conference, of which PNMC is one of the area conferences, is the basic membership unit of Mennonite Church USA, and through it the Member Congregations of the area conference also are members of Mennonite Church USA. In this role, PNMC has certain responsibilities and duties to Mennonite Church USA and the PNMC Member Congregations. These responsibilities and duties include:
a. Support congregations in nurturing the spiritual growth of their members and persons in their communities, by identifying, sharing and/or developing resources that can be utilized by the congregation in this mission.
b. Provide counsel, encouragement and resources to help create and maintain healthy congregations.
c. Ensure and promote regular member meetings, other gatherings and activities, and communication resources for effective involvement of all congregations and their members in the life of PNMC, and to strengthen relationships among congregations, PNMC, and Mennonite Church USA.
d. Coordinate opportunities for discernment, mutual accountability, and consultation among congregations on issues of faith and life, including the peaceful resolution of conflict.
e. Serve as a resource and coordination structure for conference-wide activities, including passion-based ministries.
f. Develop strong, local pastoral leadership through education, encouragement, support, accountability and credentialing, including validating, recording, and transferring ministerial credentials.
g. Provide resources, guidelines and services to assist with ministerial placement which matches the needs of congregations with gifts of pastors.
h. Determine the criteria and establish processes for congregations to become members of PNMC, including procedures for withdrawal and dismissal, taking into account the common vision, commitments, and membership guidelines of Mennonite Church USA.
i. Appoint delegates to the Mennonite Church USA Delegate Assembly and to the Mennonite Church USA Constituency Leaders Council to provide a link of communication for matters of mutual concern and for effective church wide decision-making.
5. Membership List. PNMC shall maintain a permanent record containing the names and addresses of all Member Congregations, promptly supplying written copies of the same to the Executive Director of Mennonite Church USA along with continuously updating the record for changes.
6. Communication with Constituents. PNMC will endeavor to communicate with its Member Congregations regarding meeting notices, official business, news, etc. This communication may be by U.S. mail, email or other electronic communication approved by the Board, utilizing in each case the last address provided to the PNMC office by the recipient. For official notices, such communication is deemed received when transmitted, if electronic, or three (3) days after it is mailed.
