MEMBERSHIP
The Order of St Leonard is open to all Christians, whether independent churches or denominations, who actively seek to promote the development of strong Christian leadership and Unity.
Membership of the Order will provide access to resources, training and mentorship. Its leadership will guide members in upholding a strong, biblical lifestyle and will actively promote its endeavours in some of the most difficult areas of society.
The Vision of the Order
Isaiah 61 (NKJV) – to bring liberty to those who are bound – Spiritually, Emotionally, Physically, Socially, Psychologically and Financially.
Membership does not affect your affiliation to your current Church – indeed, the diversity of denominations is a defining factor in the development of the Order of St Leonard.
MEMBERSHIP CATEGORIES
Friends
Christians who share the desire to see unity among the vast range of Christian churches. They will be drawn by the Orders of daily prayer and bible reading/study. We are challenged to ‘pray without ceasing’. Friends will receive a discount of 20% on conferences and 10% on all shop purchases. They will also receive the OSL pin. No designation of OSL will be used. Friends will live by the Order’s values and doctrines.
Contribution: £25 per annum.
Brothers and Sisters
Brothers and Sisters are the Order’s symbolic offices reflecting the monastic ministry of those persons whose leadership role is based on a lifestyle of service to God, their church and its senior leaders and vision. They may be involved in a variety of ministries such as worship, children and youth, community, pastoral visiting or even Eldership. The office does not require ordination, but Brothers and Sisters will be affirmed by the Bishop Abbot and qualify to wear clerical garb of the Order as indicated in the section on Vestments, Liturgies and Practices. All Brothers and Sisters will need to fulfil the requirements of the Order and follow the code of conduct within their lives. Brothers and Sisters will receive 10% discount on shop purchases, be able to network both regionally, nationally, internationally with other Brothers and Sisters, share resources, be part of our global prayer strategy, to use the designation OSL. They will also receive the OSL pin.
Contribution: £50 per annum.
Members
Christians who are Lay or Ordained / Accredited. Those not Ordained/Accredited will qualify by holding appropriate positions within their church, denomination or group of churches. All members will need to fulfil the requirements of the Order and follow the code of conduct for their lives. Members look for oversight through their church group or denomination, although the Bishop and his team are always available for advice and help. Members will receive free registration to the Order’s Conferences, 10% discount on shop purchases, be able to network both regionally, nationally, internationally with other members/partners, share resources, be part of our global prayer strategy, to use the designation OSL. They will also receive the OSL pin.
Contribution: £75 per annum.
Partners
Partners receive all the benefits of the members, yet look to the Order for Accreditation or Consecration. This can be from independent churches or groups of churches who do not give valid accreditation or licensing. They also receive the opportunity to receive mentorship and/or training from the Bishop and his team. Members and partners can be part of a guild (section) for specific ministries such as worship, evangelism, pastoral, children and youth, community, administration etc. The word guild signifies certain specialised skills; this has been used for hundreds of years in this country. These guilds can establish their own conferences, workshops etc; guilds will have a section on the web for sharing. Partners will receive free admittance to the Order’s Conferences, 10% discount on shop purchases, be able to network both regionally, nationally, internationally with other members/partners, share resources, be part of our global prayer strategy, to use the designation OSL. They will also receive the OSL pin.
Contribution: £75 per annum.
Corporate Membership
Churches of any or no denomination or stream may join the Order. They will receive priority for six persons to take part in the activities of the Order and receive preference over non members at events. They will also enjoy the benefits of full membership. The insignia of OSL will not be used by its members unless they have personal membership.
Application will be accepted from Churches who wish to be recognised as Churches of the Order (Belonging to an existing denomination or independent Church) who: Agree to the Statement of Beliefs; Desire to become a church member of the Order of St. Leonard without severing any ties with their existing denomination or leadership; Wish to follow the overall aims and objectives of the Order
Contribution: an annual offering for the Order taken by the church nearest 6th November which commemorates St. Leonard’s day.