Trans-European Adventists reaffirm existing guidelines for ordained, commissioned ministers

Nov. 21, 2011 Becici, Montenegro

Miroslav Pujic/ANN staff

The Executive Committee of the Seventh-day Adventist Church's Trans-European Division (TED) last week approved a motion granting administrative unions permission to manage the matter of parity between ordained and commissioned ministers within existing policy and previously voted guidelines.

The move follows a decision by the denomination's worldwide Executive Committee to decline a request from the North American Division to allow commissioned ministers to serve as presidents of local administrative conferences.

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A resolution to ordain women was discussed at General Conference of 1881. No action was taken. During that time Ellen White was alive, and in many instances she has no clear message from the Lord in this issue. Are there additional light that we expect that was not given in her time?

In her shortest vision recorded about the hairnet that the girl who took it, Ellen White was given a vision in seconds. Maybe it sounds insignificant, but the Lord showed her. But why not the issue of women's ordination to the gospel ministry? It's worth to think about why.

Let us pray for our leaders that the Lord will guide the church in unity. We expect that the Commission on Theology of Ordination from different parts of the world can help the church crystallize the issue.

Posted by Jemuel Toledanes on 2011-12-01 08:11:00

Amen Cabrina if only others would look at the blessed role God gave women the same way. You are spot on about clear teaching from the Word of God and SOP on this matter.

Posted by John Allen on 2011-11-29 05:37:00

Another step forward for the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Posted by Daniel Masela on 2011-11-28 20:56:00

I re-read Galatians this week and it seems clear (to me) that the apostle Paul was not ordained by ceremony.

Posted by Susanna Trigo on 2011-11-26 22:09:00

I simply do not see how you can equate being a female with being a homosexual..The (underground) church in China is a close to being the apostolic church as history has seen yet they are not hamstrung by this issue; both ordained men and ordained women are doing the job of spreading the gospel and God is blessing.

I'd like to take that bet, by the way!

Posted by Susanna Trigo on 2011-11-26 22:06:00

As a Woman, it saddens me that we do not find it honorable to be who God has called us to be. He has given Women such an awesome responsibility in rearing children and teaching younger Women in instructions of Righteousness. (Titus 2:3-5;1 Timothy 2:9-15;Gen 3:16;1 Peter 3:1-7). There is such a turning away from God's establish role of Women in this day that it makes me cringe at the very thought of us flat out telling God that He does not know what our role in society should be. People tell me all the time how God really uses me and such. That's fine, but to allow anyone to put me somewhere that God's written word does not condone would be sacrilege. We do not value ourselves and our given reponsibilities in the same light that God does. I am honored and satisfied with where God has placed me and to allow society and this demoralized teaching to infringe upon what I have found as credible in the Word of God and SOP is an abomination. Why can't us Women be strong and walk upright and circumspect in who God has called us to be instead of trying to do as Satan did in the garden? Do we really not see ourselves usurping the authority God has given us? Could it be in these last days that Satan is using the same tactics he used in the garden of bringing Eve from under the authority of her husband and God saw fit to put her back under her husband? How can we not see that Satan is trying to exalt Women on an equal plain with Men when God has placed a distinction between the two? Even Christ chose 12 Men as disciples. Not one Woman was chosen. Even the 12 tribes we led by Men. Not one Woman is named as one of the 12 tribes of Israel. Women, study to show yourself approved unto God 2 Timothy 2:15. Let us take pride in how God views us. Let us be an example and not be persuaded by these evil teachings that do not have any basis from the Scriptures or SOP.

Posted by Cabrina Bolden on 2011-11-26 21:05:00

Is it biblical that pastors have to be married?

Posted by JD on 2011-11-26 03:24:00

Furthermore, is biblical that ordained ministers or pastors have to be married?

Posted by JD on 2011-11-26 03:21:00

E G White's calling or responsibility was higher than a male pastor. She was a female leader of men and women. She was the Leader of the church. She was in close commune with God and angels and she received instructions directly from God. Ordained pastors of today, are they closer to God than E G White, the female.

What make ordained men so special that God can only used them or men to church ministries and church leadership?

Posted by JD on 2011-11-26 03:12:00

TED and NAD will stop at nothing in pursuit of this agenda despite the absence of biblical support for women pastors. The question that begs an answer is whats next. I can bet million dollars on this....its acceptance of homosexual ministers in our ranks.

Posted by Zomuhlaba Musiyiwa on 2011-11-25 18:05:00

Does culture usurp plain teachings from the Word of God or SOP? From Genesis to Revelation God speaks of the roles given to the family and the Church. In 1st Timothy 2 Paul refers back to the garden of Eden and to the Words of God. The blurring of sexual distinctions undermines the foundation of families. The first churches that pushed for female ordination are now pushing for LGBT ordination.

Ellen White is clear in her writings on this matter... "Those who enter the missionary field should be men and women who walk and talk with God.

Those who stand as ministers in the sacred desk should be MEN of blameless reputation. 5T 598. The primary object of our college is to afford young MEN the opportunity to study for the ministry and prepare young persons of BOTH SEXES to become workers in the various BRANCHES of the cause. 5T Page 60.

We as a Church adhere to the Word of God for teachings on the Sabbath, state of the dead and hell. How can use tradition over Gods Word on this issue while we claim others are doing the same for their agenda?

I think Ellen Whites refusal of ordination shows how women can and do play an important role in the church. I blame us men for not standing up and leading out in the home and church as God directed. It is more important to be Biblically correct rather then politically correct as we enter these last days of earths history.

"Those who have yielded step by step to worldly demands, and conformed to worldly customs, will then yield to the powers that be, rather than subject themselves to derision, insult, threatened imprisonment, and death" Prophets and kings P 188

Posted by John Allen on 2011-11-25 15:34:00

I am very interested in this story, as I was one of several pastors questioning a decision that said we had agreed with our leadership decision to go ahead with such undertakings on our behalf. We were finding it difficult to recall any such discussion and were saddened that such decisions were taken without proper and prayerful discussions with the conference workers.

It is extremely important to dialogue with the foot soldiers. We are the ones who must face the onslaught of attacks and questions including accusations of missing the point.

I believe we are focusing on too much self satisfactions. The ministry is not about posts and positions, but about serving. It is about Jesus. We have more important things to do than to focus on divisive things to divide us. Come on TED, lets talk, according to Dr Paulsen. Lets dialogue or we will find we are in a boat that leaks.

SAT

Posted by SAT on 2011-11-24 00:38:00

Very cleverly done. No mention that TED's working policies are at variance with what was voted at Fall Council. I support TED. and NAD. I think the GC has it wrong.

Posted by Harlen Miller on 2011-11-23 19:31:00

Thank you for the story. I am attempting to locate "TED’s Guidelines for Commissioned Pastors as voted in the TED Executive Committee in 2009" but without success. Where can that document be obtained online? Appreciate your assistance. Blessings - Samantha

Posted by Samantha on 2011-11-23 01:22:00

Trans-Europe

A membership of about 81,000 members in a population of about 205 million.

Countries
Aland Islands, Albania, Bahrain, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Channel Islands, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Egypt, Estonia, Faeroe Islands, Finland,Greece, Greenland, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Isle of Man, Latvia, Lithuania, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Serbia, Slovenia, Sweden, Macedonia, and the United Kingdom.

Trans-European Adventists reaffirm existing guidelines for ordained, commissioned ministers

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