Section: The District Advisory Board

To develop and annually review a written, comprehensive plan that is in harmony with Manual directives to guide its efforts in providing a timely, compassionate, and informed response to members of the clergy involved in conduct unbecoming a minister, to their families, and to any congregation involved. (538.20, 539–539.13)

To incorporate, where civil law permits and when authorized by the district assembly. After incorporation, as above provided, the District Advisory Board shall have power, on its own resolution, to purchase, own, sell, exchange, mortgage, deed in trust, hypothecate, lease, and convey any property, real and personal, as may be necessary or convenient for the purpose of the corporation. The district superintendent and the secretary of the District Advisory Board, or other persons authorized by the District Advisory Board, incorporated or not incorporated, shall execute and sign all conveyances on real estate, mortgages, releases of mortgages, contracts, and other legal documents of the District Advisory Board. (206)

When a District Advisory Board incorporates, the Articles of Incorporation, bylaws, or comparable legal documentation will provide that the corporation is governed by the provisions of the Manual of the Church of the Nazarene. They will include such provisions as shall be recommended by the general superintendent in jurisdiction to ensure that upon dissolution or attempt to leave the Church of the Nazarene, the assets of the corporation will not be diverted from the Church of the Nazarene. Once the district’s incorporation has been approved by the Board of General Superintendents, upon recommendation of the general superintendent in jurisdiction, the proposed Articles of Incorporation shall be sent to the General Secretary’s office for review and filing and they shall include provisions similar to those in paragraph 102.4. (225.6)

In areas where the civil law does not permit such incorporation, then the district assembly may elect the District Advisory Board as district trustee with power, on its own resolution, to purchase, own, sell, exchange, mortgage, deed in trust, hypothecate, lease, and convey any property, real and personal, as may be necessary or convenient for the purpose of carrying on its work in the district. (102.6, 106.2, 225.6)

The District Advisory Board, in areas where it is possible for local churches to incorporate, shall, with the advice of competent legal counsel, provide pattern incorporation forms adequate for the areas of its district. This pattern incorporation form shall always include the provisions set forth in paragraphs 102–102.5.

To serve in an advisory capacity to the district superintendent in his or her supervision of all the departments, boards, and committees of the district.

In order to encourage a healthy superintendency and the strong spiritual life of the district superintendent, the District Advisory Board, in consultation with the general superintendent in jurisdiction, should provide a sabbatical leave for the district superintendent during or after each seventh consecutive year of service to the district. During the sabbatical, the district superintendent’s salary and benefits will continue in full. The district superintendent shall work with the District Advisory Board to develop a proposal for the sabbatical including duration, personal development plan, and a plan to care for essential duties during the sabbatical period.

To submit to the Board of General Superintendents any plans proposed for the creation of a district center. Such plans shall require the approval in writing of the Board of General Superintendents before they are put in operation. (319)

To recommend the granting of an initial license, or renewal of a license for the licensed minister serving as pastor. (532.5)

To approve or disapprove requests from local churches to operate Christian childcare/school (birth through secondary) ministries. At the discretion of the district superintendent and the District Advisory Board, a District Christian Childcare/Schools (birth through secondary) Committee may be established. Its function shall be to recommend policy, procedures, and philosophy to the District Advisory Board for application in the local church childcare/school (birth through secondary), and to help establish, support, and monitor such childcare/schools (birth through secondary). (151, 211.14, 517)