Untitled Document

The church recognizes that it is the prerogative of the individual to make the final decision relative to the choice of a marriage partner. However, it is the hope of the church that, if the member chooses a marriage partner who is not a member of the church, the couple will realize and appreciate that the Seventh-day Adventist minister, who has covenanted to uphold the principles outlined above, should not be expected to perform such a marriage. If an individual does enter into such a marriage, the church is to demonstrate love and concern with the purpose of encouraging the couple toward complete unity in Christ. (For further information on the subject of marriage, see Chapter 15, Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage.)

401-05GS BAPTISMAL VOWS AND BAPTISM – CHURCH

MANUAL AMENDMENT

VOTED, To amend the Church Manual, Chapter 6, Church Membership, page 32 and 33, Baptismal Vow and Baptism, to read as follows

Baptismal Vow and Baptism

Baptismal Vow —Candidates for baptism or those being received into fellowship by profession of faith shall affirm their acceptance of the doctrinal beliefs of the Seventh‑day Adventist Church in the presence of the church or other properly appointed body. (See p. 31.) The minister or elder should address the following questions to the candidate(s), whose reply may be by verbal assent or by raising the hand.

Vow

1. Do you believe there is one God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, a unity of three coeternal Persons?

2. Do you accept the death of Jesus Christ on Calvary as the atoning sacrifice for your sins and believe that by God’s grace through faith in His shed blood you are saved from sin and its penalty?

3. Do you accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and personal Savior believing that God, in Christ, has forgiven your sins and given you a new heart, and do you renounce the sinful ways of the world?

4. Do you accept by faith the righteousness of Christ, your Intercessor in the heavenly sanctuary, and accept His promise of transforming grace and power to live a loving, Christ‑centered life in your home and before the world?

5. Do you believe that the Bible is God’s inspired Word, the only rule of faith and practice for the Christian? Do you covenant to spend time regularly in prayer and Bible study?

6. Do you accept the Ten Commandments as a transcript of the character of God and a revelation of His will? Is it your purpose by the power of the indwelling Christ to keep this law, including the fourth commandment, which requires the observance of the seventh day of the week as the Sabbath of the Lord and the memorial of Creation?

7. Do you look forward to the soon coming of Jesus and the blessed hope when “this mortal shall . . . put on immortality”? As you prepare to meet the Lord, will you witness to His loving salvation by using your talents in personal soul-winning endeavor to help others to be ready for His glorious appearing?

8. Do you accept the biblical teaching of spiritual gifts and believe that the gift of prophecy is one of the identifying marks of the remnant church?

9. Do you believe in church organization? Is it your purpose to worship God and to support the church through your tithes and offerings and by your personal effort and influence?

10. Do you believe that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit; and will you honor God by caring for it, avoiding the use of that which is harmful; abstaining from all unclean foods; from the use, manufacture, or sale of alcoholic beverages; the use, manufacture, or sale of tobacco in any of its forms for human consumption; and from the misuse of or trafficking in narcotics or other drugs?

11. Do you know and understand the fundamental Bible principles as taught by the Seventh‑day Adventist Church? Do you purpose, by the grace of God, to fulfill His will by ordering your life in harmony with these principles?

12. Do you accept the New Testament teaching of baptism by immersion and desire to be so baptized as a public expression of faith in Christ and His forgiveness of your sins?

13. Do you accept and believe that the Seventh‑day Adventist Church is the remnant church of Bible prophecy and that people of every nation, race, and language are invited and accepted into its fellowship? Do you desire to be a member of this local congregation of the world church?

Vow (Alternative)

1. Do you accept Jesus Christ as your personal Savior and Lord, and do you desire to live your life in a saving relationship with Him?

2. Do you accept the teachings of the Bible as expressed in the Statement of Fundamental Beliefs of the Seventh-day Adventist Church and do you pledge by God’s grace to live your life in harmony with these teachings?

3. Do you desire to be baptized as a public expression of your belief in Jesus Christ, to be accepted into the fellowship of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, and to support the Church and its mission as a faithful steward by your personal influence, tithes and offerings, and a life of service?

402-05GS ALTERNATIVE METHOD FOR MEMBERSHIP TRANSFER

(CHURCH MEMBERSHIP) – CHURCH MANUAL ADDITION

VOTED, To add a new section to the Church Manual, Alternative Method for Membership Transfer, to Chapter 6, Church Membership, following Clerk to Prepare Letter, on page 36, to read as follows:

Alternative Method for Membership Transfer—A division may approve alternative methods for transferring members from one church to another within the division but when members request transfers to a church in another division, the above “Method of Granting Letters of Transfer” must be followed.

404-05GS REBAPTISM - CHURCH MANUAL AMENDMENT

VOTED, To amend the Church Manual, Chapter 6, Church Membership, page 42, Rebaptism, to read as follows:

Rebaptism

Rebaptism is specifically mentioned in only one biblical passage (Acts 19:1-7), where the apostle Paul endorsed it for a group of about 12 believers. Their previous baptism had been that of John, which was a baptism of repentance. In addition to repentance, Christian baptism is associated with a clear understanding of and personal commitment to the gospel and the teachings of Jesus and a reception of the Holy Spirit. With this increased understanding and commitment, it was acceptable for them to be rebaptized.

Individuals From Other Christian Communions—On biblical grounds, individuals from other Christian communions who have embraced the Seventh-day Adventist message and who have previously been baptized by immersion, may request rebaptism. The following examples suggest that rebaptism may not be required. Evidently the instance of Acts 19 was a special one, for Apollos is reported to have received John’s baptism (Acts 18:25), and there is no record that he was rebaptized. Apparently some of the apostles themselves received John’s baptism (John 1:35-40), but there is no record of subsequent baptism.

On the basis of acceptance of significant new truths, Ellen G White supports rebaptism as the Spirit leads the new believer to request it. This follows the developmental pattern of Acts 19. Individuals who have previously experienced believer baptism should evaluate their new religious experience and determine whether rebaptism may be desirable. There is to be no urging. “This [rebaptism] is a subject which each individual must conscientiously take his position upon in the fear of God. This subject should be carefully presented in the spirit of tenderness and love. Then the duty of urging belongs to no one but God; give God a chance to work with His Holy Spirit upon the minds, so that the individual will be perfectly convinced and satisfied in regard to this advanced step.”—Evangelism, p. 373.

Apostasy and Rebaptism—Although apostasy clearly existed in the apostolic church (e.g. Heb. 6:4-6), Scripture does not address the question of rebaptism. Ellen G. White supports rebaptism when members have fallen away in apostasy and have lived in such a manner that the faith and principles of the church have been publicly violated. Then they should, in case of reconversion and application for church membership, enter the church as in the beginning, by baptism. (See Evangelism, pp 189, 197.)

“The Lord calls for a decided reformation. And when a soul is truly reconverted, let him be rebaptized. Let him renew his covenant with God, and God will renew His covenant with him.”—Evangelism, p. 375. Clearly what is referred to here is not a recurring spiritual revival in a believer’s experience, but a radical change in life.

Inappropriate Rebaptism—On the basis of biblical teaching and the guidance of

Ellen G White, rebaptism should occur only in special circumstances and should be relatively rare. To administer it repeatedly, or on an emotional basis, lessens the meaning of baptism and represents a misunderstanding of the gravity and significance which Scripture assigns to it. A church member whose spiritual experience has become cold needs a spirit of repentance which leads to revival and reformation. This experience will be followed by participation in the ordinance of foot-washing and the Lord’s Supper to signify renewed cleansing and fellowship in the Body of Christ. Therefore, rebaptism is not necessary.

Properly applied, baptism becomes the avenue of induction into the church. Baptism is fundamentally the pledge of entrance into Christ’s saving covenant, intended to be permanent, and should be treated as a joyful and solemn welcome to the family of God.

407-05GS DUTIES OF DEACONS, THE - CHURCH MANUAL

AMENDMENT

VOTED, To amend the Church Manual, Chapter 7, Church Officers and Their Duties, page 55, The Duties of Deacons, to read as follows:

The Duties of Deacons—The work of the deacons involves a wide range of practical services for the church including:

1. Assistance at Services and Meetings - No change

2. Visitation of Members - No change

3. Preparation for Baptismal Services - No change

4. Assistance at the Communion Service—At the celebration of the ordinance of foot-washing, the deacons or deaconesses provide everything that is needed for the service, such as: towels, basins, water (at a comfortable temperature as the occasion may require), buckets, et cetera. After the service they should see that the vessels and linen used are washed and returned to their proper place.

Following the Lord’s Supper, great care should be exercised in disposing of any bread or wine left over after all have partaken of these emblems. Any remaining wine that was blessed is to be respectfully poured out. Any remaining bread that was blessed should be buried, burned, or respectfully disposed of in another appropriate manner but in no event returned to common usage.

5. The Care of the Sick and the Poor - No change

Care and Maintenance of Church Property - No change

411-05GS CONDUCTING THE COMMUNION SERVICE - CHURCH

MANUAL AMENDMENT

VOTED, To amend the Church Manual, Chapter 8, The Services and Meetings of the Church, page 76, Conducting the Communion Service, to read as follows:

Conducting the Communion Service—Length of Service - No change

Preliminaries—The introductory portion - No change

Foot-washing—Each church should - No change

Bread and Wine - No change

Celebration—The service may close with a musical feature or congregational singing followed by dismissal. However it closes, it should end on a high note. Communion should always be a solemn experience but never a somber one. Wrongs have been righted, sins have been forgiven, and faith has been reaffirmed; it is a time for celebration. Let the music be bright and joyous.

An offering for the poor is often taken as the congregation leaves. After the service the deacons and deaconesses clear the table, collect glasses, and respectfully dispose of any bread or wine left over by pouring out the wine and burying, burning, or disposing of the bread in another appropriate manner but in no event returning it to common usage.

408-05GS PLACE OF MUSIC IN WORSHIP - CHURCH MANUAL

AMENDMENT

VOTED, To amend the Church Manual, Chapter 8, The Services and Meetings of the Church, page 71, Place of Music in Worship, Membership of Church Choirs, to read as follows:

Providers of Church Music—Sacred music is an important part of public worship. The church needs to exercise care in the selecting of choir members and other musicians who will rightly represent the principles of the church. Choir members and other musicians occupy a conspicuous place in the services of the church. Their musical ability is only one of the qualifications they should have. It is preferable that they be members of the church, or the Sabbath School, or the Adventist Youth Society and in their personal appearance and manner of dress set an example in modesty and decorum. Consecrated individuals with exemplary characters, appropriately attired, provide a positive influence when involved in the musical features of the services. Any plan concerning the wearing of choir robes is optional on the part of the church.

Churches may choose to have multiple choirs. The organization of children’s choirs is to be encouraged as an effective means of spiritual nurture, bonding to the church family, and outreach.

410-05GS SELECTING CHOIR LEADERS - CHURCH MANUAL

AMENDMENT

VOTED, To amend the Church Manual, Chapter 8, The Services and Meetings of the Church, page 71, Selecting Choir Leaders, to read as follows:

Selecting Choir Leaders—Great care - No change

Choir leaders should work in close collaboration with the pastor or church elder in order that the special musical selections harmonize with the theme of the sermon. The choir leader is under the direction of the pastor or elders of the church and does not work independently of them. The choir leader should counsel with them, not only as to the music to be rendered, but also concerning the selection of singers and musicians. The choir leader is not an ex officio member of the church board.

415-05GS PERSONAL MINISTRIES DEPARTMENT, THE -

CHURCH MANUAL AMENDMENT

VOTED, To amend the Church Manual, Chapter 9, Auxiliary Organizations of the Church and Their Officers, pages 93 to 95, The Personal Ministries Department, to read as follows:

The Personal Ministries Department

The Personal Ministries Department provides resources and trains church members to unite their efforts with the ministry and church officers in the final proclamation of the gospel of salvation in Christ. The aim of the department is to enlist every member in active soul‑winning service for God.

Personal Ministries Council—The Personal Ministries Council guides the outreach (missionary) efforts of the local church and works under the direction of the church board. The council should meet at least once each month. This council shall consist of the following: Personal Ministries leader (chairperson), Personal Ministries secretary, pastor, an elder, church treasurer, Dorcas Society leader, Dorcas Society secretary, Adventist Men’s organization leader, Interest coordinator, Health Ministries leader, Communication secretary, Sabbath School superintendent, Youth leader, coordinator for Ministry to People with Disabilities, Children’s Ministries coordinator, Women’s Ministries leader, director of Community Services center or Community Services leader, Bible School coordinator, and other members as deemed necessary. The Personal Ministries Council may assign subcommittees for specialized tasks as deemed necessary. All subcommittees report to the Personal Ministries Council. (See Notes, #1, p. 125.)

Personal Ministries Leader—The Personal Ministries leader is elected by the church to lead in training and directing the church in active outreach (missionary) service and is chairperson of the Personal Ministries Council. The Personal Ministries leader may need assistants who would coordinate the Bible Correspondence School, Bible Evangelism, literature distribution, Ingathering, small group ministries, member training, and other means to enhance soul winning. It is the leader’s duty to present to the church, in the monthly Sabbath Personal Ministries service and in the church business meetings, a report on the total outreach (missionary) activities of the church.

Personal Ministries Secretary—No change

Community Services/Dorcas Society—No change

Community Services Center—Where a church operates a Community Services Center, the Personal Ministries Council is the governing committee of the center. The director of the center is appointed by the Personal Ministries Council and is a member of the council. (See Notes, #4, p. 125.)

Adventist Men—Adventist Men is another subsidiary group within the Personal Ministries Department. (See Notes, #3, p. 124.)

Ministry to People with Disabilities—No change

Bible School Coordinator—The Bible School coordinator is elected to organize and coordinate the church’s Bible School outreach ministry to the local community. The Bible School coordinator should work in close cooperation with the pastor, the Church Interest coordinator and the Personal Ministries leader. (See Notes p. 125.)

419-05GS PUBLISHING MINISTRIES DEPARTMENT -

CHURCH MANUAL ADDITION

VOTED, To add to the Church Manual, Chapter 9, Auxiliary Organizations of the Church and their Officers, page 122, Publishing Ministries Department, which reads as follows:

Publishing Ministries Department

The Publishing Ministries Department is organized to coordinate and promote literature evangelism in the local church under the supervision of the Publishing Ministries Council and the appropriate publishing organization for the territory. It assists the local church departments in the promotion, sale, and distribution of subscription magazines and other missionary literature. The department works with the pastor and departments of the church in planning for systematic ways to involve the church membership in accomplishing these objectives.

“There are many places in which the voice of the minister cannot be heard, places which can be reached only by our publications,—the books, papers, and tracts filled with the Bible truths that the people need.”—Colporteur Ministry, p. 4.

Publishing Ministries Council—The Publishing Ministries Council is appointed by the church board and works under its direction. It shall be chaired by the Publishing Ministries coordinator. The pastor, Personal Ministries leader, and Personal Ministries secretary serve as ex officio members. Committee members shall be chosen based on their interest and experience in literature evangelism. (See Notes #29, p. 124.)

Publishing Ministries Coordinator—The Publishing Ministries coordinator is elected by the church to provide leadership in literature evangelism activities of the church. (See Notes #30, p. 125.)

416-05GS SABBATH SCHOOL DEPARMENT, THE - CHURCH

MANUAL AMENDMENT

VOTED, To amend the Church Manual, Chapter 9, Auxiliary Organizations of the Church, page 98, The Sabbath School Department, The Pianist and/or Organist, to read as follows:

The Pianist and/or Organist—In Sabbath Schools which use pianists and/or organists, such musicians are appointed by the Sabbath School Council.

422-05GS NOMINATING COMMITTEE - CHURCH MANUAL

AMENDMENT

VOTED, To amend the Church Manual, Chapter 11, The Church Election, pages 143 to 146, Nominating Committee, to read as follows:

Nominating Committee - No change

When the Nominating Committee Is Appointed - No change

How the Nominating Committee Is Appointed - No change

Who Should be Members of the Nominating Committee - No change

Work of the Nominating Committee—As soon as possible after its election, the nominating committee should be called together by the one chosen to act as chairperson. With earnest prayer for guidance the committee should begin its work of preparing a list of names to submit to the church for officers and assistants comprised of members in regular standing on the roll of the church making the appointments. These will be placed in nomination for office and presented to the church at a Sabbath service or at a specially called business meeting of the church. In making their selections, the committee may counsel with others who are well informed. This committee does not nominate either the pastor or the assistant pastor(s). These appointments are made by the executive committee of the conference/mission/field.

The church nominating committee deals with the following:

Elder(s)

Deacon(s)

Deaconess(es)

Clerk

Treasurer

Assistant treasurer(s)

Children’s Ministries coordinator

Church chorister or song leader

Church organist or pianist

Education secretary

Family Ministries leader(s)

Women’s Ministries leader

Ministry to People with Disabilities coordinator

Personal Ministries leader

Personal Ministries secretary

Bible School coordinator

Publishing Ministries coordinator

Interest coordinator

Community Services director

Sabbath School superintendent(s)

Sabbath School assistant superintendent(s)

Sabbath School secretary

Sabbath School assistant secretary

Sabbath School division leaders, including leaders for the adult and extension divisions

Sabbath School Investment secretary

Vacation Bible School director

Home and School Association leader

Home and School Association secretary-treasurer

Dorcas Society leader

Dorcas Society secretary-treasurer

Adventist Junior Youth Society leader

Adventist Junior Youth assistant leader(s)

Adventist Youth Society leader

Adventist Youth Society associate leader

Adventist Youth Society sponsor

Adventist Youth Society secretary‑treasurer

Adventist Youth Society assistant secretary‑treasurer

Adventist Youth Society music director

Adventist Youth Society pianist or organist

Pathfinder Club director

Pathfinder Club deputy director

Adventurer Club director

Religious Liberty leader

Communication secretary or Communication Committee

Health Ministries leader

Stewardship leader

Church board

Church school board

Such other leadership personnel as the church may deem advisable, except Sabbath School teachers who shall be appointed by the Sabbath School Council and approved by the church board.

413-05GS CHURCH BOARD AND ITS MEETINGS, THE -

CHURCH MANUAL AMENDMENT

VOTED, To amend the Church Manual, Chapter 8, The Services and Meetings of the Church, page 81, The Church Board and Its Meetings, to read as follows:

The Church Board and Its Meetings

Definition and Function - No change

Membership—The following church officers should be included in the church board membership:

Elder(s)

Head deacon

Head deaconess

Treasurer

Clerk

Personal Ministries leader

Personal Ministries secretary

Adventist Men’s Coordinator

Publishing Ministries coordinator

Bible School coordinator

Community Services and/or Dorcas leader

Sabbath School superintendent

Family Ministries leader

Women’s Ministries leader

Children’s Ministries coordinator

Education secretary

Home and School Association leader

Adventist Youth Society leader

Pathfinder Club director

Adventurer Club director

Interest coordinator

Communication Committee chairperson or Communication secretary

Health Ministries leader

Stewardship leader

Religious Liberty leader

In many cases two or more of these offices are carried by one individual. Additional members of the board may be elected by the church if desired. The minister appointed by the local field to serve the church as its pastor is always a member of the church board.

Officers - No change

Meetings - No change

Work of the Board - No change

Committees of the Board - No change

414-05GS PERSONAL MINISTRIES DEPARTMENT, THE -

CHURCH MANUAL AMENDMENT

VOTED, To amend the Church Manual, Chapter 9, Auxiliary Organizations of the Church and Their Officers, pages 93 to 95, The Personal Ministries Department, to read as follows:

The Personal Ministries Department

Personal Ministries Council—The Personal Ministries Council guides the outreach (missionary) efforts of the local church and works under the direction of the church board. The council should meet at least once each month. This council shall consist of the following: Personal Ministries leader (chairperson), Personal Ministries secretary, Publishing Ministries coordinator, pastor, an elder, church treasurer, Dorcas Society leader, Dorcas Society secretary, Adventist Men’s organization leader, Interest coordinator, Health Ministries leader, Communication secretary, Sabbath School superintendent, Youth leader, coordinator for Ministry to People with Disabilities, Children’s Ministries coordinator, Women’s Ministries leader, director of Community Services center or Community Services leader, and other members as deemed necessary. The Personal Ministries Council may assign subcommittees for specialized tasks as deemed necessary. All subcommittees report to the Personal Ministries Council. (See Notes, #1, p. 123.)

Personal Ministries Leader—The Personal Ministries leader is elected by the church to lead in training and directing the church in active outreach (missionary) service and is chairperson of the Personal Ministries Council. It is the leader’s duty to present to the church, in the monthly Sabbath Personal Ministries service and in the church business meetings, a report on the total outreach (missionary) activities of the church.

Personal Ministries Secretary—The Personal Ministries secretary is elected by the church and serves as the representative of the Adventist Book Center for all departments of the church. The secretary works closely with the Personal Ministries leader in developing the outreach (missionary) programs of the church. (See Notes, #2, p. 124.)

Community Services/Dorcas Society - No change

Adventist Men - No change

Community Services Center - No change

Ministry to People with Disabilities - No change

417-05GS DEPARTMENT OF WOMEN’S MINISTRIES,

OBJECTIVES - CHURCH MANUAL AMENDMENT

VOTED, To amend the Church Manual, Chapter 9, Auxiliary Organization of the Church, page 118, Department of Women’s Ministries, Objectives, to read as follows:

Department of Women’s Ministries

The Department of Women’s Ministries exists to uphold, encourage, and challenge Seventh-day Adventist women in their daily walk as disciples of Jesus Christ and as members of His world church. The mission of Women’s Ministries is, in the larger sense, common to all Christians—that of uplifting Christ in the church and in the world.

Objectives—This ministry seeks to:

1. Foster spiritual growth - No change

2. Affirm that women are of inestimable worth by virtue of their creation and redemption, equip them for service in the church, and offer women’s perspectives on church issues.

3. Minister to the broad spectrum of women’s needs across the life span, with due regard for multicultural and multiethnic perspectives.

4. Liaise and cooperate - No change

5. Build goodwill among women in the world church that encourages bonds of friendship, mutual support, and the creative exchange of ideas and information.

6. Mentor and encourage - No change

7. Find ways and means - No change

Lowell C Cooper, Chairman

Douglas Clayville, Secretary

Larry R Evans, Actions Editor

Janet C Upson, Recording Secretary