The Epic, Pt. 62

As the Group was preparing for the executive committee meeting we received two new letters from General Conference personnel reinforcing our position. The first of these letters is included below. The second will be included in the next chapter of the Epic.

May 20, 2009

To Whom It May Concern,

I have been requested to respond to the question as to whether the Seventh-day Adventist Church Manual is to be considered “authoritative” in regard to local church governance or if it is meant to serve as “a guideline.” The answer to this question is answered in the Church Manual and can be seen in the following excerpts:

“The 2000 General Conference Session authorized the reclassification of some existing Church Manual material and approved the process for making modifications to such. The content of this Church Manual, as it is presented in chapters and sections within chapters, is divided into two types of material. The main content of each chapter is of worldwide value and applicable to every church. Recognizing the need for some variations, additional material which is explanatory in nature appears as Notes at the end of some chapters and is given as guidance. The Notes have subheadings which correspond to chapter subheadings and correlate to specific page numbers.” (p.xxi)

“The content of the Church Manual is the expression of the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s understanding of Christian life and church governance and discipline based on biblical principles. It expresses the authority of a duly assembled General Conference session. God has ordained that the representatives of His church from all parts of the earth, when assembled in a General Conference, shall have authority.” (p.2)

The General Conference Working Policy (2008-2009) reinforces the same concept.

“BA 15 05 Standards and Practices—The standards and practices of the church are based upon the principles set forth in the Church Manual, published by the General Conference. These principles are to be followed in all matters pertaining to the administration of local churches both within the church and in its relationship to higher levels of organization. No attempt should be made by any employee to set up standards of membership or to make, or attempt to enforce, rules or regulations for the church which have not been adopted by the general body of believers and which are not set forth in the Church Manual.”

It seems clear that the Seventh-day Adventist Church understands the Church Manual to be authoritative in matters of governance. Acceptable variances are located within the Notes section. Authoritative is understood to be more than guidelines by the way any change or alteration in governance is approached. The recognized time and manner for change(s) to be made is at a General Conference Session. It is appropriate for a constituent level of the Church, using the defined process, to make recommendations for change. The process for change is outlined in both the Church Manual (p.xxi) and the General Conference Working Policy BA 15 10).

In light of the above context we also find the following:

“Churches should look to the local conference for advice pertaining to the operating of the church or on questions arising from the Church Manual. If mutual understanding or agreement is not reached, the matter should be referred to the union for clarification.” (p.xxii)

In closing, the representative form of governance is found at all constituent levels of the Church with each level having the responsibility of supporting the decisions voted by the General Conference in session.

I trust this is helpful as we work together to foster both unity and mission for the advancement of God’s work.

Sincerely,

Larry R Evans, D.Min.
Undersecretary
General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

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