Our Roots, Pt. 13

Organization —No. 11 (Review and Herald, April 11, 1907)

The first message that came to our people through the spirit of prophecy regarding organization declared plainly that disorganization was Satan's method of distracting and tearing down that which God designed to build up, and that if our people would unite on God's plan of organization as they should, "separating bars would be broken into fragments," "hearts would flow together," and that "there would be power and strength in the ranks of Sabbath-keepers far exceeding anything" they had "yet witnessed."

This message closed the controversy with many. They believed that through this message God set the seal of his approval upon thorough organization among the remnant people. Elder J. N. Andrews, who had exercised great caution regarding a step that involved such far-reaching consequences, wrote as follows: —

I am sensible that I have not wisdom to propose a plan of action, and it has been my hope that the brethren chosen for this purpose at the last conference at Battle Creek would present through the REVIEW a well-matured plan for the action of the church. So far as I know, in this Western country the brethren are waiting for such a plan. For myself I would say that it is doubtless essential to the well-being of every church that they be set in order by the selection of such officers as the New Testament brings to view; and wherever meeting-houses are owned, that there such legal organization should exist as will enable the brethren to hold their places of worship. I am also decidedly in favor of concerted action, and hence would heartily approve of the regular monthly meetings of as many churches as can thus come together; and of State conferences to assemble annually or semiannually, that the united strength of the people of God may be brought to bear upon the work that is to be done. I have confidence to believe that this work is under the superintendence of the Most High, and that in answer to the united prayer of his people he will guide it in the right channel.— Review and Herald, Vol. XVIII, page 124.

This article was followed by one from Elder B. F. Snook, in which he said:—

That there is need of more strict and systematic organization, none who are alive to the interests and wants of the cause can deny. God's people, above all others, need the strictest organization. This, too, he has provided them with. Then why should we not avail ourselves of it? ... Good organization is an effectual shield against confusion, while disorganization is the very means which engenders it. Dear brethren, let us be a unit on this great and important question. It is one on which the success of the cause much depends; and it seems to me that an action in this direction should be made immediately. Then let us not stand back and throw all this burden upon Brother White, as we have done too much heretofore.— Id., page 132.

Elder Rufus Baker came to the front with the following counsel: —

The necessity of order in the church must be apparent to all who have given the subject an impartial investigation, from the fact that we have entered the perils of the last days, and are living in a time when Satan is trying with all his power to overthrow the message of the third angel, by bringing confusion and distraction among the people of God. . . .

Past experience also justifies us in this position; for it is a fact that those churches prosper best which have organized under the order of the New Testament. The fanatical spirit which arose in Wisconsin last winter, originated, and did its greatest work, among those who were opposed to order. If we may be permitted to learn from experience, it truly seems as if we should try to close this door of the enemy. Wisdom is justified of her children.

I sincerely hope that the time may soon come when the subject of organization will be more fully entered into, and carried out through all the various branches of the church of Christ. A stormy future is before us. Satan is mustering his forces for the great battle. Therefore we do well to prepare ourselves for the attack. I confidently believe that the Lord is stirring up his faithful children to the subject of more thorough organization.— Id., page 142.

Next came definite action. A council was called at Battle Creek, Oct. 5, 1861. The brethren who attended this council boldly launched both church and conference organization. In the published proceedings we find the following: —

1. The first business presented was the organization of churches. Brother Loughborough said: I consider it proper and necessary to consider here the organization of churches, as the subject has been agitated among us, especially for the last six months; and in order to bring the matter before the meeting, I move that we consider the proper manner of organizing churches. Seconded by Brother White. Carried. Brother White then presented the following resolution: —

Resolved, That this Conference recommend the following church covenant: We, the undersigned, hereby associate ourselves together as a church, taking the name Seventh-day Adventists, covenanting to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus Christ. Seconded by Brother Hull. Adopted. . . .

2. The next question being in regard to the proper manner of organizing churches, after some remarks by different individuals, the following resolution was presented by Brother White: —

Resolved, That we refer this subject to the ministers present, instructing them to hold a Bible class on it, and write an address to the brethren, to be published in the REVIEW. Unanimously adopted.— Id., page 148.

The ministers to whom the second resolution referred the question of "the proper manner of organizing churches," immediately issued an address of instruction to the believers, on the following points: "First, manner of organizing a church; second, officers and their duties; third, the reception of members; and fourth, letters of commendation."

The resolutions given above were never rescinded. They, with the address on organization that followed, settled the question with this people as to whether they would organize themselves into churches. And they also clearly enunciated the principles underlying the New Testament church organization, and definitely outlined the form, methods of procedure, etc.

The Council of Oct. 15, 1861, did more than to settle the question of organizing the believers into churches; it settled the question of organizing the churches into conferences. Here is the record: —

3. Organization of Conferences: On this subject the following resolutions were presented by Brother White: —

Resolved, That we recommend to the churches in the State of Michigan to unite in one conference, with the name of The Michigan Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. Adopted.

Resolved, That the conference be composed of ministers and delegates from the churches. Adopted.

By Brother Loughborough: —

Resolved, That the officers of this conference consist of a Chairman, Clerk, and a standing committee of three. Adopted.

Resolved, That our present Chairman and Clerk act as officers of this conference for the coming year. Adopted.

By Brother White: —

Resolved, That John N. Loughborough, Moses Hull, and M. E. Cornell be the Conference Committee. Adopted.

Resolved, That the first session of the Michigan State Conference of Seventh-day Adventists be held at Monterey, Mich., Oct. 5-8, 1862. Adopted.

4. Ministers' papers: On this subject the following was presented by Brother Cornell: —

Resolved, That our ministers' papers consist of a certificate of ordination, also credentials to be signed by the Chairman and Clerk of the conference, which credentials shall be renewed annually. Adopted.

By Brother Hull: —

Resolved, That this conference give credentials to the ministers of this State who are in good standing. Adopted.—Id., page 148.

This was the first conference ever organized by Seventh-day Adventists. As will be seen by a glance at the resolutions, they define the territory, name the organization, locate the source of responsibility, authority, and power of the organization, provide for the administrative officers, and arrange for the selection of its accredited ministers. The resolution which locates the source of the responsibility, authority, and power of the conference places it in the church, or, more properly, the people. This is directly the opposite of the organization of the papacy, which places these prerogatives in the officials.

Next: "The Proper Manner of Organizing Churches"