The Presbyterian elder position was kept but the work was divided with the Methodist tradition of trustee and stewards. The United Church elder directs the minister, the trustee looks after church buildings and property, and the stewards

Heritage from Mcthodism: Evangelical zeal, concern for human redemption, warmth of Christian fellowship, testimony of spiritual experience, ministry of sacred song.

Heritage from Presbyterianism: The regard for dignity in Worship, educa— tion for all people, authority of

scripture, and the church as the body of Christ.

Heritage from Congregational:

Liberty in prophesying, love of spiritual freedom, awareness of the creative power of the Holy Spirit, and clear witness for civic justice.

are in charge of finances (refer to chapter six, The Volunteer). The United Church is a strong believer in committees. The United Church prides itself on strong self- sufficient congregations who are vocal in setting national church policy. The nation- al and conference courts are centralized as was the Methodist tradition.

The belief of the United Church of Canada is based on an acceptance of the traditional Christian beliefs with space for personal interpretation of ordained minis- ters and the laity.

Membership is not related to the spe- cific acceptance of a catechism or creed, but to a general acceptance of the central truths presented in the gospel. The Bible is regarded as the wholly adequate guide or resource for the person who wants to understand Christian faith and life.63

46 LOT 16 UNITED CHURCH AND ITS PEOPLE