The Epic, Pt. 19

Dear Takoma Park Church Member:

The purpose of this letter is to inform you of issues that have arisen within the bosom of our church regarding its structure, administration, and the conduct of ministries.

Issues involving the Takoma Park Church structure and the Church Manual

During the summer of 2007 Pastor DeSilva requested the Potomac Conference to conduct a survey of the church’s outreach health. The Survey was conducted by Dr. Paul Borden, a Baptist consultant in church growth, Dr. Ray Pichette, and Pastor Glen Altermatt, both from the Potomac Conference. They prepared a Survey Report enumerating the “Strengths, Concerns and Prescriptions” for the Takoma Park Church. Notably, the Report observed that “this congregation has been disobedient to the command of Jesus Christ to ‘go and make disciples.’” Takoma Park’s “disobedience” is placed totally on the congregation and its organizational structure. The Report observed that “the current structure of our congregation inhibits growth and the accomplishment of a compelling mission and an exciting vision. Authority is separated from responsibility and no one is held accountable.”

The report went on to prescribe a remedy: “It is understood that if this report is accepted the congregation will adopt a staff led structure.” Unfortunately, those three words would put in place a totally new kind of structure which is contrary to Seventh-day Adventist church polity—notably, the eradication of the Church Board. Organizationally, the church would operate more like a “congregationally structured” local church, such as the Baptists have, rather than a “representative form” of church governance which is the Seventh-day Adventist form of church governance. This suggested change is contrary to the policies set forth in the Church Manual, the policies of the General Conference, and the North American Division.

In October, 2007 Pastor DeSilva presented the Survey Report to the church in a series of “Town halls.” Much discussion ensued. There was opposition, acquiescence, and support for the report’s conclusions. Some felt that Takoma Park should not stray from the Church Manual. Some thought because it was “recommended by the Conference” it should be accepted. Others felt that the Church Manual contains only guidelines—to be followed or changed as members decided. This is not the case. The survey team’s recommendations are not an official directive from the Potomac Conference. (It can never have the weight of an official conference endorsement because that would be contrary to the policies of the General Conference and the North American Division.) The Church Manual is much more than mere guidelines. It is binding on all Seventh-day Adventist Churches world-wide. The Church Manual is authoritative in every church in every country of the world. Yes, there may need to be some minor adaptations due to local circumstances but these are provided for through each world division’s published Church Manual Supplement. Regarding this particular issue before the Takoma Park Church, no such provision has been made by the North American Division. We are under solemn obligation to follow the Church Manual.

The basic underlying condition which brought divisiveness into the church is the one statement found near the conclusion of the Survey Report about how the Takoma Park church must decide about a “staff led church” and mission emphasis: “The church will vote on this report as a whole to accept or reject by Oct. 13, 2007.” The Report’s recommended two major changes are: (1) A shift toward emphasis in evangelism and (2) a radical shift in church structure. These two issues should NOT be linked together. One is excellent and the other wrong. Who would vote against the mission of the church? Thus some reasoned: “Since one is good, it must be acceptable to permit the other.” Not so. Separate the two issues. Mission, yes. Structural change, no! Structural change does not enhance Mission!

The Church Manual already outlines a form of structure for conducting the nurture and outreach of the local church. However, the new proposal has one major vital change which is contrary to the Church Manual. It does away with the Church Board! The basic internal governance of the local church is so altered that such changes ultimately lead to a form of Congregationalism, and/or the governance of the local church evolves into an environment where one person controls the operations of the local church. This is NOT the structural governance of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The Church Board represents the whole church and acts on behalf of the church between church Business Meetings. Only the church in a Business Session has higher authority than the Church Board. Pastor DeSilva’s proposal annuls and wipes out the Church Board. In its place is proposed two committees—two powerless bodies with high probability for conflict between them: (1) A Church Ministries “Board.” The word “board” used in the title is a misnomer. It is not an authentic board as per our denominational understanding. (We use the title “board” loosely i.e. such as “Board of Elders.” However, in our present context, due to the eradication of the Church Board, it takes on a very critical connotation. The Church Ministries Board has no financial authority whatsoever nor has it the authority of a “board” it portends to “partially” replace. In fact there are no specific Terms of Reference delineating its responsibilities, authority and accountability. Please remember: the church, in a Business Meeting, is the only body empowered to delegate responsibility, authority, and accountability. (The Church Board can also establish Terms of Reference for its sub-committees such as a Finance Committee.) Besides, this “board” is to be accountable to the Support & Accountability “Board.” (2) Support & Accountability “Board.” Again the word “board” is a misnomer. Generally speaking, boards are given specific assignments, authority and held accountable to the body which authorized the board. In the same proposal paper there is no mention of finances which are vital, yes, critical to the mission of the church. Who is responsible for finance?

The pity in all of this is the fact that the Church Manual already provides for all the functions, authority, and accountability needed for the efficient operation of our church so that it can carry out its mission. The Survey Team’s evaluation is that our present church structure is dysfunctional. If something is not used properly, of course, it can be dysfunctional. Church leadership should see to it that it is functional and seize the initiative to move ahead and utilize the structure already in place. Leadership must energetically take the lead in promoting and doing missional activities. Leadership should train, inspire and demonstrate how ministry should be done and do it. A new structure will not cause Takoma Park to become a growing mission—focused church. Rather it is leadership who leads by example that will make the difference.

The major fatal flaws in the proposal are: (1) Two committees, neither one of which is obligated to report to the church or is accountable to the church. (2) Both do not derive their authority from the membership. (3) Specific financial accountability is lacking. (4) These proposals are contrary to the Church Manual.

Under the present suggestive “church led structure,” it is conceivable that one person could control the finances and the ministries without ever consulting the church as a whole. Is this the way we want to go? One other observation, Pastor DeSilva bases his stance for having two “boards” on the premise that the Church, in a Business Meeting, did approve the recommendations (take all of it or reject all of it) of the Survey Report and, therefore, he has moved ahead by having new officers nominated and approved by the church. However, we see major flaws in the process leading to the approval action by the church in a Business Meeting.

Pastor DeSilva announced on Sabbath, November 17, 2007 that a Business Meeting would be held during the 11:00a.m. Worship Service the following Sabbath. No other “proper announcements” were made either through a letter or in the Bulletin as stipulated in the Church Manual (page 89). Business Meetings are generally not held during the Worship Hour for the simple reason it inhibits open discussion of the pros and cons of items on the agenda. Many members are ill at ease to discuss “business items” on Sabbath during the Worship Hour. Prior to the Worship Hour Business Meeting, “town hall meetings” were held. Discussion centered almost entirely on the “staff led structure.” Those present were mostly leadership personnel. Following the Town Hall Meetings came the announcement that the following Sabbath a final vote would be taken regarding the recommendations of the Survey Committee. The sequence of these events lacked due process as many members attending the Worship Service knew nothing about what had been discussed in the Town Hall Meetings. Not one question or comment was made. There was just a call to vote up or down. Consequently, many refrained from voting stating, “It was not clear what was to be voted.” There was no time for this new group to understand, think through what were the implications of such an action. Because of improper procedures that Church Business Meeting is considered by many to be null and void.

Seventh-day Adventists do not have “staff led churches” structured as the Baptists or any other denomination. We have a world-wide “representative structured” church. In the light of the discussions that have gone on over these issues the papers prepared by Pastor DeSilva which he has said repeatedly, publicly and privately, are the policies of the North American Division were given to Pastor Roscoe Howard, Secretary of the North American Division, for evaluation. The attached letter is his response. In light of his official observations we need to rescind the November 24, 2007 Business Meeting action.

A mission led church? YES! A staff led church? NO!! A representative led church board? YES!

As a member of Takoma Park Church we urge you join us to do the following:

1. Reflect on what has happened thus far.
2. Pray for enlightenment and wisdom to comprehend the issues.
3. Be certain you understand all the issues.
4. Voice your opposition concerning the direction in which the church is presently heading.
5. Be present at the April 27, 2008 Business Meeting and support a call for a vote to rescind the irregular action taken last November 24, 2007.

Yours for a missional church in harmony with the Church Manual,

[Nine Signatures]

Next: The Voice

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