It has been said that the "affilated member" is no longer in existance as of the 1996 General Conference. Question: If is true, why ae we still using the concept or has it just been replaced with another concept?

-- Anonymous, November 25, 2002

Answers

Bro Smith Page 67 of the Doctrine and Discipline-2000 "Affiliated Membership Members of the local church, residing elsewhere for an extended period, may upon application be enrolled as "Affiliated Members" of tha African Methodist Episcopal Church located in the vicinity of their current residence. Such membership shall entitle them to the priveleges of taht church: its pastoral oversight, participation in all active services, and the right to hold office. Membership, however, of these persons shall be counted and reported only in the membership of their home church."

I believe this type of membership was known as Watch Care. Someone will correct me if I am wrong in this.

God Bless Bob McCain

-- Anonymous, November 25, 2002

Bro. Bob, I think the discipline for the last 20 years has referred to them as affiliated members. I cannot address what the term was before 1976.

"Watch Care" was a term especially heard around St. Paul, given the vibrant and active college ministries and witness. We had so many watch care members at one point they seemed to outnumber full members. There may be a listing still on the old computer in the finance room , if it's still around.

"Affiliated" includes watch care, along with members of the Annual Conference, who affiliate at a local charge.

-- Anonymous, November 27, 2002