Seventh-day Adventist Yearbook for 2015 (no Credentialed ...

A Directory of the General Conference,World Divisions, Union and Local Conferences and Missions,

Educational Institutions, Food Industries, Healthcare Institutions, Media Centers, Publishing Houses and Periodicals, Radio and TV Stations, and Risk Management.

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Seventh-day Adventist Yearbook 2015Copyright 2015

The General Conference Corporation of Seventh-day AdventistsAll Rights Reserved

The Yearbook is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the organizations and institutionsassociated with the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The information here presented has been submitted by these organizationsand institutions through their respective division offices (union offices for the North American Division). No attempt is made bythe Office of Archives, Statistics, and Research to verify the accuracy of the information submitted.

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Contents

Preface and System CodesExplanation............................................................................4World Statistics for 2013 ...................................................................................................5Seventh-day Adventist YearbookPolicy...........................................................................5Fundamental Beliefs of Seventh-day Adventists..................................................................6Mission Statement of the Seventh-day Adventist Church ....................................................9Constitution and Bylaws..................................................................................................10General Conference Officers (1863 to present) ................................................................18MapWorld Time Zones ................................................................................................19MapWorld Divisions ....................................................................................................20General Conference ........................................................................................................21East-Central Africa DivisionECD ...................................................................................41Euro-Asia DivisionESD .................................................................................................75Inter-American DivisionIAD .........................................................................................93Inter-European DivisionEUD ......................................................................................161North American DivisionNAD ...................................................................................183

Postal Abbreviations...............................................................................................245Healthcare Corporations ....................................................................................... 246

Northern Asia-Pacific DivisionNSD ........................................................................... 251South American DivisionSAD ................................................................................... 265South Pacific DivisionSPD......................................................................................... 319Southern Africa-Indian Ocean DivisionSID.................................................................331Southern Asia DivisionSUD .......................................................................................357Southern Asia-Pacific Division SSD ............................................................................379Trans-European DivisionTED......................................................................................423West-Central Africa DivisionWAD .............................................................................441Fields Attached to the General Conference

Middle East and North Africa Union MissionMENA ............................................469Israel FieldIF .......................................................................................................473

Educational Institutions..................................................................................................475 Secondary Schools .................................................................................................538

Food Industries..............................................................................................................621Healthcare Institutions...................................................................................................625

Clinics and Dispensaries ........................................................................................653Health Education and Lifestyle Centers...................................................................663Nursing Homes and Retirement Centers.................................................................664Orphanages and Childrens Homes ........................................................................672

Media Centers ...............................................................................................................675Publishing Houses.........................................................................................................681

Periodicals .............................................................................................................693Radio and TV Stations ...................................................................................................709Risk Management ..........................................................................................................721Index of Institutional Employees Note ........................................................................723Directory of Credentialed Employees Note.................................................................723List of Countries With Their Organizational Locations ...................................................725Trademarks....................................................................................................................729General Index ...............................................................................................................731

3

Preface to the 2015 Edition

Scope and Purpose of the YearbookThe Seventh-day Adventist Church conducts its activities

through ecclesiastical organizations (such as local churches,local conferences and missions, unions, and the GeneralConference and its divisions) and a wide array of other entitiesand corporations established for specific functions alignedwith the Churchs beliefs, values and mission. The Seventh-day Adventist Yearbook (including the online version) is adirectory of the organizational units and institutions that com-prise the Seventh-day Adventist Church (Working Policy BA80 05). It presents information on ecclesiastical organizationsbeyond the local church (the General Conference and its divi-sions, union and local conferences and missions) and on insti-tutions that are owned, controlled or directed by these organi-zational units. All information in this Yearbook has been fur-nished by the organizations themselves and may havechanged since submission for this publication; in cases wherecurrent reports were not received, the most recent previousrecords have been retained or adjusted.

The Yearbook does not define church structure ordescribe legal relationships among church entities or any ofthe listed organizations, most of which are separate legalentities. It is a directory of the many and varied organiza-tions, other than local churches and congregations, localchurch-sponsored entities, and elementary schools, throughwhich the Seventh-day Adventist Church advances its mis-sion. No listed entity assumes any responsibility for the lia-bilities, debts, or alleged acts or omissions of any other list-ed entity simply because of its inclusion in this Yearbook.Persons with grievances or claims against a listed entitymust directly address such with the entity involved and notwith any other entity or organization.

In the division, union, and conference/mission sections,employees are listed as follows: ordained ministers holdingministerial credentials, persons holding administrative min-istries credentials, credentialed commissioned ministers, cre-dentialed commissioned teachers, and credentialed missionar-ies. The Directory of Credentialed Employees gives the namesand employing organization of these individuals, while institu-tional employees are listed separately in the Index ofInstitutional Employees; both of these are published in elec-tronic form only (CD-ROM), but not online.

The data that appears below has been summarized largelyfrom the 2015 Annual Statistical Report, while the figures forthe number of churches and for church membership through-out the Yearbook are drawn from official reports rendered forJune 30, 2014.

Denominational HistorySeventh-day Adventists are, doctrinally, heirs of the

Millerite Movement of the 1840s. Although the nameSeventh-day Adventist was chosen in 1860, the denomi-nation was not officially organized until May 21, 1863,when the movement included some 125 churches and3,500 members. Work was largely confined to NorthAmerica until 1874 when the Churchs first missionary, J.N. Andrews, was sent to Switzerland. The first non-Protestant Christian country entered was Russia, where anAdventist minister went in 1886. On October 20, 1890, theschooner Pitcairn was launched at San Francisco,California, and was soon engaged in carrying missionariesto the Pacific islands. Seventh-day Adventist workers firstentered non-Christian countries in 1894Gold Coast(Ghana), West Africa, and Matabeleland, South Africa. Thesame year saw missionaries entering South America, and in1896 there were representatives in Japan. The Church nowhas established work in 216 countries.

The publication and distribution of literature were majorfactors in the growth of the Advent Movement. TheAdventist Review and Sabbath Herald (now the AdventistReview), the general church paper, was launched in Paris,Maine in 1850; the Youths Instructor in Rochester, NewYork, in 1852; and the Signs of the Times in Oakland,California, in 1874. The first denominational publishinghouse at Battle Creek, Michigan, began operating in 1855and was duly incorporated in 1861 under the name ofSeventh-day Adventist Publishing Association.

The Health Reform Institute, later known as the BattleCreek Sanitarium, opened in 1866, and missionary societywork was organized on a state-wide basis in 1870. The firstof the Churchs worldwide network of schools was estab-lished in 1872, and 1877 saw the formation of state-wideSabbath school associations. In 1903, denominational head-quarters moved from Battle Creek, Michigan, toWashington, D.C., and in 1989 to its current location inSilver Spring, Maryland.

The distinctive Seventh-day Adventist message may besummarized as the everlasting gospel, the basic Christianmessage of salvation through faith in Christ, in the specialsetting of the threefold message of Revelation 14:6-12, thecall to worship the Creator, for the hour of his judgment iscome. This message is epitomized in the phrase, the com-mandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.

In this years edition, three types of codes have been included with each administrative field and institution; they appearunder the general heading System Codes at the end of each entitys Yearbook entry. These codes are used in denominationalinformation management systems. An example are the codes for the East-Central Africa Division: System Codes: EntityID, 20731;OrgMastID, AF1111; AdmFieldID, ECD.

4 SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST YEARBOOK, 2015

SYSTEM CODES Explanation

Seventh-day Adventist YearbookPolicy

(As voted by the Annual Council of the GeneralConference Executive Committee in Silver Spring,Maryland, United States of America, on October 16, 2013for inclusion in the General Conference Working Policy.)

BA 80 Seventh-day Adventist Yearbook

BA 80 05 Seventh-day Adventist YearbookTheGeneral Conference shall each year publish a directory ofthe organizational units and institutions that comprise theSeventh-day Adventist Church.BA 80 10 Content of the YearbookThe Seventh-day

Adventist Yearbook is primarily intended to identify themany and varied organizations, other than localchurches/congregations, through which the Churchadvances its mission. It shall include the following:

1. The current statement of Fundamental Beliefs ofSeventh-day Adventists (see FE6515).

2. All entities as follows:a. Denominational organizational units, i.e., the

General Conference and its divisions, all union confer-ences/missions, unions of churches, local conferences/mis-sions/fields, and any attached regions/stations.

b. All denominationally operated secondary and post-secondary institutions accredited by the AccreditingAssociation of Seventh-day Adventist Schools, Colleges, andUniversities (see FE 20 35, paragraph 8.)

c. All healthcare institutions whose governancemeets the criteria set out in the Plan of Operation for HealthCare Institutions (see FH 25 10)

d. Other institutions, services, organizations and cor-

porations that are wholly owned or controlled by denomi-national organizational units.

e. Other institutions and corporations with not lessthan a majority of their corporate membership, constituen-cy, or shareholders composed either of entities (or their des-ignated officers) described under paragraphs a. through d.above, or of persons who are directors, trustees, officers,employees, or members of executive committees or operat-ing boards of organizations described under paragraphs a.through d., above.

f. Other organizations, whose inclusion or exclusionfrom the Seventh-day Adventist Yearbook is under questionbecause of the types of activities involved, or because theydo not fit the specific terms of paragraphs a. through d.above, shall have the matter decided by the GeneralConference officers in consultation with the respective divi-sion officers and the Office of General Counsel.

3. Leadership personnel: officers, associate officers,departmental directors and associate departmental directorsof denominational organizational units, and all executiveofficers employed by institutions, services, and corporationslisted in the Seventh-day Adventist Yearbook.

4. All credentialed employees.BA 80 15 Data CollectionAll denominational entities

shall cooperate with the General Conference in collectinginformation for the Seventh-day Adventist Yearbook.Divisions, in consultation with the General Conference,shall be able to nominate information that shall not bemade publicly available.

5SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST YEARBOOKPOLICY

World Statistics for 2013(except as noted)

MEMBERSHIP AND EMPLOYEESChurches (June 30, 2014) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77,512Church Membership (June 30, 2014) . . . . . . . 18,200,235Baptisms and Professions of Faith . . . . . . . . . . . 1,091,222Ordained Ministers, Active. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18,846Total Employees, Active . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260,181

MISSION WORKCountries and Areas as Recognized

by the United Nations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237Countries/Areas in Which SDA Work is Established . . . 216Divisions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13Unions (conferences, missions, unions of churches) . . . 132Local Conferences, Missions, and Fields . . . . . . . . . . . 626International Deployment of Personnel . . . . . . . . . . . . 107Adventist Volunteer and Youth Service . . . . . . . . . . 1,097

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMSchools Operated by Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7,579Colleges and Universities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114Worker Training Institutes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44Secondary Schools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,050Primary Schools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5,371Total Enrollment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,807,687

FOOD INDUSTRIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21HEALTH MINISTRY (Incomplete Report)

Hospitals and Sanitariums . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173Clinics and Dispensaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294

Nursing Homes and Retirement Centers . . . . . . . . . . . 126Orphanages and Childrens Homes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34Outpatient Visits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18,052,715

HUMANITARIAN WORKCountries/Areas Where ADRA is Involved . . . more than 130Number of Projects Funded . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,007Number of Direct Beneficiaries . . . . . . . . . . . . 21,696,545Value of Assistance Provided. . . . . . . . . . . . $291,556,608

MEDIA CENTERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16PUBLISHING WORK

Publishing Houses and Branches. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63Languages and Dialects Used in Publications. . . . . . . . 366Languages and Dialects Used in Publications

and Oral Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 947Literature Evangelists, Credentialed and Licensed. . . . . . 5,864

CONTRIBUTIONSTitheWorld . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,396,813,329

North America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $948,724,511Sabbath School MissionsWorld . . . . . . . . . $70,812,141

North America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $21,099,913Ingathering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $9,394,607Total Tithe and OfferingsWorld. . . . . . . $3,354,863,946

North America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,449,265,970

SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST YEARBOOK, 20156

FUNDAMENTAL BELIEFSOF SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS

(As amended at the 58th session held in St. Louis,Missouri, June 29 to July 9, 2005.)

Seventh-day Adventists accept the Bible as their onlycreed and hold certain fundamental beliefs to be the teach-ing of the Holy Scriptures. These beliefs, as set forth here,constitute the churchs understanding and expression of theteaching of Scripture. Revision of these statements may beexpected at a General Conference session when the churchis led by the Holy Spirit to a fuller understanding of Bibletruth or finds better language in which to express the teach-ings of Gods Holy Word.

1. The Holy ScripturesThe Holy Scriptures, Old and New Testaments, are the

written Word of God, given by divine inspiration throughholy men of God who spoke and wrote as they were movedby the Holy Spirit. In this Word, God has committed to manthe knowledge necessary for salvation. The Holy Scripturesare the infallible revelation of His will. They are the stan-dard of character, the test of experience, the authoritativerevealer of doctrines, and the trustworthy record of Godsacts in history. (2 Peter 1:20, 21; 2 Tim. 3:16, 17; Ps.119:105; Prov. 30:5, 6; Isa. 8:20; John 17:17; 1 Thess. 2:13;Heb. 4:12.)

2. The TrinityThere is one God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, a unity of

three co-eternal Persons. God is immortal, all-powerful, all-knowing, above all, and ever present. He is infinite andbeyond human comprehension, yet known through His self-revelation. He is forever worthy of worship, adoration, andservice by the whole creation. (Deut. 6:4; Matt. 28:19; 2 Cor. 13:14; Eph. 4:4-6; 1 Peter 1:2; 1 Tim. 1:17; Rev. 14:7.)

3. The FatherGod the eternal Father is the Creator, Source, Sustainer,

and Sovereign of all creation. He is just and holy, mercifuland gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfastlove and faithfulness. The qualities and powers exhibited inthe Son and the Holy Spirit are also revelations of theFather. (Gen. 1:1; Rev. 4:11; 1 Cor. 15:28; John 3:16; 1John 4:8; 1 Tim. 1:17; Ex. 34:6, 7; John 14:9.)

4. The SonGod the eternal Son became incarnate in Jesus Christ.

Through Him all things were created, the character of Godis revealed, the salvation of humanity is accomplished, andthe world is judged. Forever truly God, He became alsotruly man, Jesus the Christ. He was conceived of the HolySpirit and born of the virgin Mary. He lived and experi-enced temptation as a human being, but perfectly exempli-fied the righteousness and love of God. By His miracles Hemanifested Gods power and was attested as Godspromised Messiah. He suffered and died voluntarily on thecross for our sins and in our place, was raised from thedead, and ascended to minister in the heavenly sanctuary inour behalf. He will come again in glory for the final deliver-ance of His people and the restoration of all things. (John1:1-3, 14; Col. 1:15-19; John 10:30; 14:9; Rom. 6:23; 2Cor. 5:17-19; John 5:22; Luke 1:35; Phil. 2:5-11; Heb. 2:9-18; 1 Cor. 15:3, 4; Heb. 8:1, 2; John 14:13.)

5. The Holy SpiritGod the eternal Spirit was active with the Father and the

Son in Creation, incarnation, and redemption. He inspiredthe writers of Scripture. He filled Christs life with power.He draws and convicts human beings; and those whorespond He renews and transforms into the image of God.Sent by the Father and the Son to be always with His chil-dren, He extends spiritual gifts to the church, empowers itto bear witness to Christ, and in harmony with theScriptures leads it into all truth. (Gen. 1:1, 2; Luke 1:35;

4:18; Acts 10:38; 2 Peter 1:21; 2 Cor. 3:18; Eph. 4:11, 12;Acts 1:8; John 14:16-18, 26; 15:26, 27; 16:7-13.)

6. CreationGod is Creator of all things, and has revealed in Scripture

the authentic account of His creative activity. In six days theLord made the heaven and the earth and all living thingsupon the earth, and rested on the seventh day of that firstweek. Thus He established the Sabbath as a perpetualmemorial of His completed creative work. The first manand woman were made in the image of God as the crown-ing work of Creation, given dominion over the world, andcharged with responsibility to care for it. When the worldwas finished it was very good, declaring the glory of God.(Gen. 1; 2; Ex. 20:8-11; Ps. 19:1-6; 33:6, 9; 104; Heb.11:3.)

7. The Nature of ManMan and woman were made in the image of God with

individuality, the power and freedom to think and to do.Though created free beings, each is an indivisible unity ofbody, mind, and spirit, dependent upon God for life andbreath and all else. When our first parents disobeyed God,they denied their dependence upon Him and fell from theirhigh position under God. The image of God in them wasmarred and they became subject to death. Their descen-dants share this fallen nature and its consequences. Theyare born with weaknesses and tendencies to evil. But Godin Christ reconciled the world to Himself and by His Spiritrestores in penitent mortals the image of their Maker.Created for the glory of God, they are called to love Himand one another, and to care for their environment. (Gen.1:26-28; 2:7; Ps. 8:4-8; Acts 17:24-28; Gen. 3; Ps. 51:5;Rom. 5:12-17; 2 Cor. 5:19, 20; Ps. 51:10; 1 John 4:7, 8, 11,20; Gen. 2:15.)

8. The Great ControversyAll humanity is now involved in a great controversy

between Christ and Satan regarding the character of God,His law, and His sovereignty over the universe. This conflictoriginated in heaven when a created being, endowed withfreedom of choice, in self-exaltation became Satan, Godsadversary, and led into rebellion a portion of the angels. Heintroduced the spirit of rebellion into this world when heled Adam and Eve into sin. This human sin resulted in thedistortion of the image of God in humanity, the disorderingof the created world, and its eventual devastation at thetime of the worldwide flood. Observed by the whole cre-ation, this world became the arena of the universal conflict,out of which the God of love will ultimately be vindicated.To assist His people in this controversy, Christ sends theHoly Spirit and the loyal angels to guide, protect, and sus-tain them in the way of salvation. (Rev. 12:4-9; Isa. 14:12-14; Eze. 28:12-18; Gen. 3; Rom. 1:19-32; 5:12-21; 8:19- 22;Gen. 6-8; 2 Peter 3:6; 1 Cor. 4:9; Heb. 1:14.)

9. The Life, Death, and Resurrection of ChristIn Christs life of perfect obedience to Gods will, His

suffering, death, and resurrection, God provided the onlymeans of atonement for human sin, so that those who byfaith accept this atonement may have eternal life, and thewhole creation may better understand the infinite and holylove of the Creator. This perfect atonement vindicates therighteousness of Gods law and the graciousness of Hischaracter; for it both condemns our sin and provides for ourforgiveness. The death of Christ is substitutionary and expia-tory, reconciling and transforming. The resurrection ofChrist proclaims Gods triumph over the forces of evil, andfor those who accept the atonement assures their final victo-ry over sin and death. It declares the Lordship of JesusChrist, before whom every knee in heaven and on earth willbow. (John 3:16; Isa. 53; 1 Peter 2:21, 22; 1 Cor. 15:3, 4,

20-22; 2 Cor. 5:14, 15, 19-21; Rom. 1:4; 3:25; 4:25; 8:3, 4;1 John 2:2; 4:10; Col. 2:15; Phil. 2:611.)

10. The Experience of SalvationIn infinite love and mercy God made Christ, who knew

no sin, to be sin for us, so that in Him we might be madethe righteousness of God. Led by the Holy Spirit we senseour need, acknowledge our sinfulness, repent of our trans-gressions, and exercise faith in Jesus as Lord and Christ, asSubstitute and Example. This faith which receives salvationcomes through the divine power of the Word and is the giftof Gods grace. Through Christ we are justified, adopted asGods sons and daughters, and delivered from the lordshipof sin. Through the Spirit we are born again and sanctified;the Spirit renews our minds, writes Gods law of love in ourhearts, and we are given the power to live a holy life.Abiding in Him we become partakers of the divine natureand have the assurance of salvation now and in the judg-ment. (2 Cor. 5:17-21; John 3:16; Gal. 1:4; 4:4-7; Titus 3:3-7; John 16:8; Gal. 3:13, 14; 1 Peter 2:21, 22; Rom. 10:17;Luke 17:5; Mark 9:23, 24; Eph. 2:5-10; Rom. 3:21-26; Col.1:13, 14; Rom. 8:14-17; Gal. 3:26; John 3:3-8; 1 Peter 1:23;Rom. 12:2; Heb. 8:7-12; Eze. 36:25-27; 2 Peter 1:3, 4;Rom. 8:1-4; 5:6-10.)

11. Growing in ChristBy His death on the cross Jesus triumphed over the

forces of evil. He who subjugated the demonic spirits dur-ing His earthly ministry has broken their power and madecertain their ultimate doom. Jesus victory gives us victoryover the evil forces that still seek to control us, as we walkwith Him in peace, joy, and assurance of His love. Now theHoly Spirit dwells within us and empowers us. Continuallycommitted to Jesus as our Saviour and Lord, we are set freefrom the burden of our past deeds. No longer do we live inthe darkness, fear of evil powers, ignorance, and meaning-lessness of our former way of life. In this new freedom inJesus, we are called to grow into the likeness of His charac-ter, communing with Him daily in prayer, feeding on HisWord, meditating on it and on His providence, singing Hispraises, gathering together for worship, and participating inthe mission of the Church. As we give ourselves in lovingservice to those around us and in witnessing to His salva-tion, His constant presence with us through the Spirit trans-forms every moment and every task into a spiritual experi-ence. (Ps 1:1, 2; 23:4; 77:11, 12; Col 1:13, 14; 2:6, 14, 15;Luke 10:17-20; Eph 5:19, 20; 6:12-18; 1 Thess 5:23; 2 Peter2:9; 3:18; 2 Cor. 3:17, 18; Phil 3:7-14; 1 Thess 5:16-18;Matt 20:25-28; John 20:21; Gal 5:22-25; Rom 8:38, 39; 1John 4:4; Heb 10:25.)

12. The ChurchThe church is the community of believers who confess

Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. In continuity with the peo-ple of God in Old Testament times, we are called out fromthe world; and we join together for worship, for fellowship,for instruction in the Word, for the celebration of the LordsSupper, for service to all mankind, and for the worldwideproclamation of the gospel. The church derives its authorityfrom Christ, who is the incarnate Word, and from theScriptures, which are the written Word. The church is Godsfamily; adopted by Him as children, its members live on thebasis of the new covenant. The church is the body of Christ,a community of faith of which Christ Himself is the Head.The church is the bride for whom Christ died that He mightsanctify and cleanse her. At His return in triumph, He willpresent her to Himself a glorious church, the faithful of allthe ages, the purchase of His blood, not having spot orwrinkle, but holy and without blemish. (Gen. 12:3; Acts7:38; Eph. 4:11-15; 3:8-11; Matt. 28:19, 20; 16:13-20;18:18; Eph. 2:19-22; 1:22, 23; 5:23-27; Col. 1:17, 18.)

13. The Remnant and Its MissionThe universal church is composed of all who truly

believe in Christ, but in the last days, a time of widespreadapostasy, a remnant has been called out to keep the com-mandments of God and the faith of Jesus. This remnantannounces the arrival of the judgment hour, proclaims sal-vation through Christ, and heralds the approach of His sec-ond advent. This proclamation is symbolized by the three

angels of Revelation 14; it coincides with the work of judg-ment in heaven and results in a work of repentance andreform on earth. Every believer is called to have a personalpart in this worldwide witness. (Rev. 12:17; 14:6-12; 18:1-4; 2 Cor. 5:10; Jude 3, 14; 1 Peter 1:16-19; 2 Peter 3:10-14;Rev. 21:1-14.)

14. Unity in the Body of ChristThe church is one body with many members, called

from every nation, kindred, tongue, and people. In Christwe are a new creation; distinctions of race, culture, learn-ing, and nationality, and differences between high and low,rich and poor, male and female, must not be divisiveamong us. We are all equal in Christ, who by one Spirit hasbonded us into one fellowship with Him and with oneanother; we are to serve and be served without partiality orreservation. Through the revelation of Jesus Christ in theScriptures we share the same faith and hope, and reach outin one witness to all. This unity has its source in the one-ness of the triune God, who has adopted us as His children.(Rom. 12:4, 5; 1 Cor. 12:12-14; Matt. 28:19, 20; Ps. 133:1;2 Cor. 5:16, 17; Acts 17:26, 27; Gal. 3:27, 29; Col. 3:1015; Eph. 4:14-16; 4:1-6; John 17:20-23.)

15. BaptismBy baptism we confess our faith in the death and resur-

rection of Jesus Christ, and testify of our death to sin and ofour purpose to walk in newness of life. Thus we acknowl-edge Christ as Lord and Saviour, become His people, andare received as members by His church. Baptism is a sym-bol of our union with Christ, the forgiveness of our sins, andour reception of the Holy Spirit. It is by immersion in waterand is contingent on an affirmation of faith in Jesus and evi-dence of repentance of sin. It follows instruction in the HolyScriptures and acceptance of their teachings. (Rom. 6:6;Col. 2:12, 13; Acts 16:30-33; 22:16; 2:38; Matt. 28:19, 20.)

16. The Lords SupperThe Lords Supper is a participation in the emblems of

the body and blood of Jesus as an expression of faith inHim, our Lord and Saviour. In this experience of commu-nion Christ is present to meet and strengthen His people. Aswe partake, we joyfully proclaim the Lords death until Hecomes again. Preparation for the Supper includes self-exam-ination, repentance, and confession. The Master ordainedthe service of foot- washing to signify renewed cleansing, toexpress a willingness to serve one another in Christlikehumility, and to unite our hearts in love. The communionservice is open to all believing Christians. (1 Cor. 10:16, 17; 11:23-30; Matt. 26:17-30; Rev. 3:20;John 6:48-63; 13:1-17.)

17. Spiritual Gifts and MinistriesGod bestows upon all members of His church in every

age spiritual gifts which each member is to employ in lov-ing ministry for the common good of the church and ofhumanity. Given by the agency of the Holy Spirit, whoapportions to each member as He wills, the gifts provide allabilities and ministries needed by the church to fulfill itsdivinely ordained functions. According to the Scriptures,these gifts include such ministries as faith, healing, prophe-cy, proclamation, teaching, administration, reconciliation,compassion, and self-sacrificing service and charity for thehelp and encouragement of people. Some members arecalled of God and endowed by the Spirit for functions rec-ognized by the church in pastoral, evangelistic, apostolic,and teaching ministries particularly needed to equip themembers for service, to build up the church to spiritualmaturity, and to foster unity of the faith and knowledge ofGod. When members employ these spiritual gifts as faithfulstewards of Gods varied grace, the church is protected fromthe destructive influence of false doctrine, grows with agrowth that is from God, and is built up in faith and love.(Rom. 12:4-8; 1 Cor. 12:9-11, 27, 28; Eph. 4:8, 11-16; Acts6:1-7; 1 Tim. 3:1-13; 1 Peter 4:10, 11.)

18. The Gift of ProphecyOne of the gifts of the Holy Spirit is prophecy. This gift is

an identifying mark of the remnant church and was mani-fested in the ministry of Ellen G. White. As the Lords mes-

FUNDAMENTAL BELIEFS 7

senger, her writings are a continuing and authoritativesource of truth which provide for the church comfort, guid-ance, instruction, and correction. They also make clear thatthe Bible is the standard by which all teaching and experi-ence must be tested. (Joel 2:28, 29; Acts 2:14-21; Heb. 1:1-3; Rev. 12:17; 19:10.)

19. The Law of GodThe great principles of Gods law are embodied in the

Ten Commandments and exemplified in the life of Christ.They express Gods love, will, and purposes concerninghuman conduct and relationships and are binding upon allpeople in every age. These precepts are the basis of Godscovenant with His people and the standard in Gods judg-ment. Through the agency of the Holy Spirit they point outsin and awaken a sense of need for a Saviour. Salvation isall of grace and not of works, but its fruitage is obedience tothe Commandments. This obedience develops Christiancharacter and results in a sense of well-being. It is an evi-dence of our love for the Lord and our concern for our fel-low men. The obedience of faith demonstrates the power ofChrist to transform lives, and therefore strengthens Christianwitness. (Ex. 20:1-17; Ps. 40:7, 8; Matt. 22:36-40; Deut.28:1-14; Matt. 5:17-20; Heb. 8:8-10; John 15:7-10; Eph.2:8-10; 1 John 5:3; Rom. 8:3, 4; Ps. 19:7-14.)

20. The SabbathThe beneficent Creator, after the six days of Creation,

rested on the seventh day and instituted the Sabbath for allpeople as a memorial of Creation. The fourth commandmentof Gods unchangeable law requires the observance of thisseventh-day Sabbath as the day of rest, worship, and min-istry in harmony with the teaching and practice of Jesus, theLord of the Sabbath. The Sabbath is a day of delightful com-munion with God and one another. It is a symbol of ourredemption in Christ, a sign of our sanctification, a token ofour allegiance, and a foretaste of our eternal future in Godskingdom. The Sabbath is Gods perpetual sign of His eternalcovenant between Him and His people. Joyful observanceof this holy time from evening to evening, sunset to sunset,is a celebration of Gods creative and redemptive acts. (Gen.2:1-3; Ex. 20:1-11; Luke 4:16; Isa. 56:5, 6; 58:13, 14; Matt.12:1-12; Ex. 31:13-17; Eze. 20:12, 20; Deut. 5:12-15; Heb.4:1-11; Lev. 23:32; Mark 1:32.)

21. StewardshipWe are Gods stewards, entrusted by Him with time and

opportunities, abilities and possessions, and the blessings ofthe earth and its resources. We are responsible to Him fortheir proper use. We acknowledge Gods ownership byfaithful service to Him and our fellow men, and by return-ing tithes and giving offerings for the proclamation of Hisgospel and the support and growth of His church.Stewardship is a privilege given to us by God for nurture inlove and the victory over selfishness and covetousness. Thesteward rejoices in the blessings that come to others as aresult of his faithfulness. (Gen. 1:26-28; 2:15; 1 Chron.29:14; Haggai 1:3-11; Mal. 3:8-12; 1 Cor. 9:9-14; Matt.23:23; 2 Cor. 8:1-15; Rom. 15:26, 27.)

22. Christian BehaviorWe are called to be a godly people who think, feel, and

act in harmony with the principles of heaven. For the Spiritto recreate in us the character of our Lord we involve our-selves only in those things which will produce Christlikepurity, health, and joy in our lives. This means that ouramusement and entertainment should meet the higheststandards of Christian taste and beauty. While recognizingcultural differences, our dress is to be simple, modest, andneat, befitting those whose true beauty does not consist ofoutward adornment but in the imperishable ornament of agentle and quiet spirit. It also means that because our bod-ies are the temples of the Holy Spirit, we are to care forthem intelligently. Along with adequate exercise and rest,we are to adopt the most healthful diet possible and abstainfrom the unclean foods identified in the Scriptures. Sincealcoholic beverages, tobacco, and the irresponsible use ofdrugs and narcotics are harmful to our bodies, we are toabstain from them as well. Instead, we are to engage inwhatever brings our thoughts and bodies into the discipline

of Christ, who desires our wholesomeness, joy, and good-ness. (Rom. 12:1, 2; 1 John 2:6; Eph. 5:1-21; Phil. 4:8; 2 Cor. 10:5; 6:14-7:1; 1 Peter 3:1-4; 1 Cor. 6:19, 20; 10:31;Lev. 11:1-47; 3 John 2.)

23. Marriage and the FamilyMarriage was divinely established in Eden and affirmed

by Jesus to be a lifelong union between a man and awoman in loving companionship. For the Christian a mar-riage commitment is to God as well as to the spouse, andshould be entered into only between partners who share acommon faith. Mutual love, honor, respect, and responsibil-ity are the fabric of this relationship, which is to reflect thelove, sanctity, closeness, and permanence of the relation-ship between Christ and His church. Regarding divorce,Jesus taught that the person who divorces a spouse, exceptfor fornication, and marries another, commits adultery.Although some family relationships may fall short of theideal, marriage partners who fully commit themselves toeach other in Christ may achieve loving unity through theguidance of the Spirit and the nurture of the church. Godblesses the family and intends that its members shall assisteach other toward complete maturity. Parents are to bringup their children to love and obey the Lord. By their exam-ple and their words they are to teach them that Christ is aloving disciplinarian, ever tender and caring, who wantsthem to become members of His body, the family of God.Increasing family closeness is one of the earmarks of thefinal gospel message. (Gen. 2:18-25; Matt. 19:3-9; John 2:1-11; 2 Cor. 6:14; Eph. 5:21-33; Matt. 5:31, 32; Mark 10:11,12; Luke 16:18; 1 Cor. 7:10, 11; Ex. 20:12; Eph. 6:1-4;Deut. 6:5-9; Prov. 22:6; Mal. 4:5, 6.)

24. Christs Ministry in the Heavenly SanctuaryThere is a sanctuary in heaven, the true tabernacle which

the Lord set up and not man. In it Christ ministers on ourbehalf, making available to believers the benefits of Hisatoning sacrifice offered once for all on the cross. He wasinaugurated as our great High Priest and began His interces-sory ministry at the time of His ascension. In 1844, at theend of the prophetic period of 2300 days, He entered thesecond and last phase of His atoning ministry. It is a workof investigative judgment which is part of the ultimate dis-position of all sin, typified by the cleansing of the ancientHebrew sanctuary on the Day of Atonement. In that typicalservice the sanctuary was cleansed with the blood of animalsacrifices, but the heavenly things are purified with the per-fect sacrifice of the blood of Jesus. The investigative judg-ment reveals to heavenly intelligences who among the deadare asleep in Christ and therefore, in Him, are deemed wor-thy to have part in the first resurrection. It also makes mani-fest who among the living are abiding in Christ, keeping thecommandments of God and the faith of Jesus, and in Him,therefore, are ready for translation into His everlasting king-dom. This judgment vindicates the justice of God in savingthose who believe in Jesus. It declares that those who haveremained loyal to God shall receive the kingdom. The com-pletion of this ministry of Christ will mark the close ofhuman probation before the Second Advent. (Heb. 8:1-5;4:14-16; 9:11-28; 10:19-22; 1:3; 2:16, 17; Dan. 7:9-27;8:13, 14; 9:24-27; Num. 14:34; Eze. 4:6; Lev. 16; Rev.14:6, 7; 20:12; 14:12; 22:12.)

25. The Second Coming of ChristThe second coming of Christ is the blessed hope of the

church, the grand climax of the gospel. The Saviours com-ing will be literal, personal, visible, and worldwide. WhenHe returns, the righteous dead will be resurrected, andtogether with the righteous living will be glorified and takento heaven, but the unrighteous will die. The almost com-plete fulfillment of most lines of prophecy, together with thepresent condition of the world, indicates that Christs com-ing is imminent. The time of that event has not beenrevealed, and we are therefore exhorted to be ready at alltimes. (Titus 2:13; Heb. 9:28; John 14:1-3; Acts 1:9-11; Matt.24:14; Rev. 1:7; Matt. 24:43, 44; 1 Thess. 4:13-18; 1 Cor.15:51-54; 2 Thess. 1:7-10; 2:8; Rev. 14:14-20; 19:11-21;Matt. 24; Mark 13; Luke 21; 2 Tim. 3:1-5; 1 Thess. 5:1-6.)


9MISSION STATEMENT

MISSION STATEMENTof the Seventh-day Adventist Church

(As amended by the Annual Council of the GeneralConference Executive Committee in Silver Spring,Maryland, United States of America, on October 13, 2014.)Our MissionThe mission of the Seventh-day Adventist

Church is to call all people to become disciples of JesusChrist, to proclaim the everlasting gospel embraced by thethree angels messages (Revelation 14:6-12), and to preparethe world for Christs soon return.Our MethodGuided by the Bible and the Holy Spirit,

Seventh-day Adventists pursue this mission through Christ-like living, communicating, discipling, teaching, healing,and serving.Our VisionIn harmony with Bible revelation, Seventh-

day Adventists see as the climax of Gods plan the restora-tion of all His creation to full harmony with His perfect willand righteousness.

Identity and Implementation of Our MissionOur IdentityThe Seventh-day Adventist Church sees

itself as the remnant Church of end-time Bible prophecy.Members of the Church, individually and collectively,understand their special role as ambassadors of Gods king-dom and messengers of the soon return of Jesus Christ.Seventh-day Adventists have enlisted as co-workers withGod in His mission of reclaiming the world from the powerand presence of evil, as part of the Great Controversybetween Christ and Satan.

Therefore, every aspect of a Church members life isinfluenced by the conviction that we live in the last daysdescribed in Bible prophecy and the return of Jesus Christ isimminent. Seventh-day Adventists are called by God to livein this world. Every action of the Christian life is done inthe name of Jesus and to advance His kingdom.Implementation of Our MissionSeventh-day

Adventists affirm the Bible as Gods infallible revelation ofHis will, accepting its authority in the life of the Church and

of each believer, and its foundational role for faith and doc-trine. Seventh-day Adventists believe that the Holy Spirit isthe power that transforms lives and equips people with abil-ities to advance Gods kingdom in this world.

Called by God, guided by the Bible, and empowered bythe Holy Spirit, Seventh-day Adventists, wherever we live inthe world, devote ourselves to:

1. Christ-Like LivingIllustrating the lordship of Jesus inour lives by moral, ethical, and social behaviors that areconsistent with the teachings and example of Jesus.

2. Christ-Like CommunicatingRealizing that all arecalled to active witness, we share through personal conver-sation, preaching, publishing, and the arts, the Bibles mes-sage about God and the hope and salvation offered throughthe life, ministry, atoning death, resurrection, and highpriestly ministry of Jesus Christ.

3. Christ-Like DisciplingAffirming the vital importanceof continued spiritual growth and development among allwho accept Jesus as Lord and Savior, we nurture andinstruct each other in righteous living, provide training foreffective witness, and encourage responsive obedience toGods will.

4. Christ-Like TeachingAcknowledging that develop-ment of mind and character is essential to Gods redemp-tive plan, we promote the growth of a mature understand-ing of and relationship to God, His Word, and the createduniverse.

5. Christ-Like HealingAffirming the biblical principlesof the well-being of the whole person, we make healthfulliving and the healing of the sick a priority and through ourministry to the poor and oppressed, cooperate with theCreator in His compassionate work of restoration.

6. Christ-Like ServingFollowing the example of Jesuswe commit ourselves to humble service, ministering to indi-viduals and populations most affected by poverty, tragedy,hopelessness, and disease.

26. Death and ResurrectionThe wages of sin is death. But God, who alone is immor-

tal, will grant eternal life to His redeemed. Until that daydeath is an unconscious state for all people. When Christ,who is our life, appears, the resurrected righteous and theliving righteous will be glorified and caught up to meet theirLord. The second resurrection, the resurrection of theunrighteous, will take place a thousand years later. (Rom.6:23; 1 Tim. 6:15, 16; Eccl. 9:5, 6; Ps. 146:3, 4; John11:11-14; Col. 3:4; 1 Cor. 15:51-54; 1 Thess. 4:13-17; John5:28, 29; Rev. 20:1-10.)

27. The Millennium and the End of SinThe millennium is the thousand-year reign of Christ with

His saints in heaven between the first and second resurrec-tions. During this time the wicked dead will be judged; theearth will be utterly desolate, without living human inhabi-tants, but occupied by Satan and his angels. At its close

Christ with His saints and the Holy City will descend fromheaven to earth. The unrighteous dead will then be resur-rected, and with Satan and his angels will surround the city;but fire from God will consume them and cleanse the earth.The universe will thus be freed of sin and sinners forever.(Rev. 20; 1 Cor. 6:2, 3; Jer. 4:23-26; Rev. 21:1-5; Mal. 4:1;Eze. 28:18, 19.)

28. The New EarthOn the new earth, in which righteousness dwells, God

will provide an eternal home for the redeemed and a per-fect environment for everlasting life, love, joy, and learningin His presence. For here God Himself will dwell with Hispeople, and suffering and death will have passed away. Thegreat controversy will be ended, and sin will be no more.All things, animate and inanimate, will declare that God islove; and He shall reign forever. Amen. (2 Peter 3:13; Isa.35; 65:1-25; Matt. 5:5; Rev. 21:1-7; 22:1-5; 11:15.)

(As revised at the 59th Session held in Atlanta, United Statesof America, June 24 to July 3, 2010.)

ARTICLE INAMEThis organization shall be known as the General

Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.

ARTICLE IIPURPOSEThe purpose of the General Conference is to teach all

nations the everlasting gospel of our Lord and Savior JesusChrist and the commandments of God.

ARTICLE IIIDIVISIONS OF THEGENERAL CONFERENCE

The General Conference conducts much of its workthrough its divisions, which in turn are comprised of unions inspecific areas of the world. Each division of the GeneralConference is authorized to carry out responsibilities in theterritory assigned to it. It shall act in full harmony with theGeneral Conference Constitution and Bylaws, the GeneralConference Working Policy, and actions of the ExecutiveCommittee.

(As revised at the 59th Session held in Atlanta, United Statesof America, June 24 to July 3, 2010.)

ARTICLE INAMEThis organization shall be known as the General

Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.

ARTICLE IIPURPOSEThe purpose of the General Conference is to teach all

nations the everlasting gospel of our Lord and Savior JesusChrist and the commandments of God.

ARTICLE IIIDIVISIONS OF THEGENERAL CONFERENCE

The General Conference conducts much of its workthrough its divisions, which in turn are comprised of unions inspecific areas of the world. Each division of the GeneralConference is authorized to carry out responsibilities in theterritory assigned to it. It shall act in full harmony with theGeneral Conference Constitution and Bylaws, the GeneralConference Working Policy, and actions of the ExecutiveCommittee.

In order to carry the authority of the General Conference,the actions of division committees shall, of necessity, be inharmony with and complementary to the decisions of theGeneral Conference in Session, and the actions of the GeneralConference Executive Committee between Sessions.

ARTICLE IVMEMBERSHIPSec. 1. The membership of the General Conference shall

consist of:a. All unions that have been or shall be properly organized

and accepted by vote of the General Conference in Session. b. All of the following entities that are directly attached to

the General Conference or to a division:1) Local conferences2) Local mission and functional equivalents thereof pro-

vided they have two or more officers and an executive com-mittee, observe a schedule of regular constituency meetingsand have been properly organized.

ARTICLE VGENERAL CONFERENCE SESSIONSSec. 1. The General Conference shall hold quinquennial

Sessions at such time and place as the General ConferenceExecutive Committee shall designate and announce by anotice published in the Adventist Review and AdventistWorld in three consecutive issues at least four months beforethe date for the opening of the Session. In case special worldconditions make it imperative to postpone the calling of theSession, the General Conference Executive Committee, in reg-ular or special council, shall have authority to make such post-

ponement, not to exceed two years, giving notice to all con-stituent organizations.Sec. 2. The General Conference Executive Committee

may call special sessions of the General Conference atsuch time and place as it considers proper, by means of anotice as provided for in Sec. 1., and the transactions ofsuch special sessions shall have the same force as those ofthe regular sessions.Sec. 3. At least one-third of the total delegates authorized

hereinafter under Sec. 5. of Article V, must be present at theopening meeting of any regular or specially called GeneralConference Session to constitute a quorum for the transactionof business. Once the Session is declared open, the delegatesremaining present shall constitute a quorum.Sec. 4. The election of officers and the voting on all mat-

ters of business shall be by viva-voce vote, or as designated bythe Chair, unless otherwise requested by a majority of the del-egates present.Sec. 5. The delegates to a General Conference Session

shall be designated as follows:a. Regular delegates.b. Delegates at large.c. In case of financial exigency or other major crisis within

the Church or in the international arena, the GeneralConference Executive Committee may take an action toreduce the maximum number of delegates to a particularGeneral Conference Session. Such reduction shall then beapplied to both regular delegates and delegates at large.Sec. 6. Regular delegates shall represent the General

Conferences member units as defined in Article IV, as fol-lows:

a. Delegates representing union conferences and union ofchurches conferences having division affiliation shall beappointed by the respective union executive committee.

b. Delegates representing union missions and union ofchurches missions having division affiliation shall be appoint-ed by the respective division executive committees in consul-tation with the organizations concerned.

c. Delegates representing conferences and missions havingunion conference affiliation shall be appointed by the respec-tive union conference executive committees in consultationwith the organizations concerned.

d. Delegates representing conferences and missions havingunion mission affiliation shall be appointed by the respectivedivision executive committees in consultation with the organi-zations concerned.

e. Delegates representing conferences and missions directlyattached to divisions shall be appointed by the respective divi-sion executive committees in consultation with the organiza-tions concerned.

f. Delegates representing division institutions, the numberof whom shall correspond to the number of division institu-tions within each division, shall be appointed by the respec-tive division executive committees in consultation with theorganizations concerned.

g. Delegates representing union conferences and union ofchurches conferences directly attached to the GeneralConference shall be appointed by the executive committee ofthe respective attached entity.

h. Delegates representing union missions, union of church-es missions, and local conferences and missions directlyattached to the General Conference shall be appointed by theGeneral Conference Executive Committee in consultationwith the organizations concerned.Sec. 7. Regular delegates shall be allotted on the following

basis:a. Each union conference shall be entitled to two delegates

other than its president (who is a delegate at large) withoutregard to membership size.

b. Each union mission shall be entitled to one delegateother than its president (who is a delegate at large) withoutregard to membership size.


CONSTITUTIONof the

General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists*

c. Each union of churches conference shall be entitled toone delegate other than its president (who is a delegate atlarge) without regard to membership size.

d. Each union of churches mission is represented by itspresident (who is a delegate at large).

e. Each local conference shall be entitled to two delegateswithout regard to membership size.

f. Each local mission* shall be entitled to one delegatewithout regard to membership size.

g. Each division shall be entitled to additional delegatesbased upon its membership as a proportion of the worldChurch membership. The total number of delegates from alldivisions under this provision shall not exceed 400. The result-ing quota of division delegates under this provision shall bedistributed first to the unions that are affiliated with that divi-sion, based on each unions proportion of the division mem-bership. Any unallocated delegate entitlements under thisprocess shall be allocated at the discretion of the divisionexecutive committee.

h. Unused quotas of regular delegates allocated to unionsand unions of churches may be reallocated by the divisions.Sec. 8. Delegates at large shall represent the GeneralConference, its institutions, divisions of the GeneralConference, and division institutions and shall be appointedon the following basis:

a. All members of the General Conference ExecutiveCommittee.

b. Associate directors/secretaries of General Conferencedepartments and associations.

c. Twenty delegates from General Conference appointedstaff. Such delegates shall be selected by the GeneralConference Executive Committee upon recommendation fromthe General Conference Administrative Committee.

d. Twenty delegates for each division.e. Each division shall be entitled to additional delegates cor-

responding to the number of division institutions within its ter-ritory.

f. Those representatives of the General Conference anddivision institutions and other entities, and those employees,field secretaries, laypersons, and pastors who are selected bythe Executive Committees of the General Conference and itsdivisions. The number of these delegates shall be 300.Sec. 9. Division administrations shall consult with unions

to ensure that the entire division delegation shall be com-prised of Seventh-day Adventists in regular standing, at least50 percent of whom shall be laypersons, pastors, teachers,and nonadministrative employees, of both genders, and repre-senting a range of age groups and nationalities. The majorityof the above 50 percent shall be laypersons. Delegate selec-tions from General Conference and division institutions, andthose selected under Sec. 8.d. above, shall not be required tosatisfy the quota for laity.Sec. 10. Credentials to sessions shall be issued by the

General Conference to those appointed in harmony with theprovisions of this article.Sec. 11. Calculations for all delegate allotments, as provid-

ed for in this article, shall be based upon:a. The membership as of December 31 of the second year

preceding the General Conference Session.b. The number of denominational entities eligible for inclu-

sion in determining quotas and which are in existence as ofDecember 31 of the second year preceding the GeneralConference Session.__________*It should be noted in this chapter that other terminology isused in some geographical areas for organizations units suchas fields, sections, regions, or delegations.

ARTICLE VIELECTIONSec. 1. The following shall be elected at each regular ses-

sion of the General Conference:a. A president, vice presidents, a secretary, an undersecre-

tary, associate secretaries, division secretaries, a treasurer, anundertreasurer, associate treasurers, division treasurers, gener-al field secretaries, a director and associate directors of theGeneral Conference Auditing Service, and a director/secretaryand associate director/secretary (directors/secretaries) of eachduly organized General Conference department and associa-tion as specified in Article X, Sec. 1. of the GeneralConference Bylaws.

b. A General Conference Auditing Service Board as pro-vided for in the General Conference Bylaws, Article VIII,Sec. 2. a.Sec. 2. The following shall be approved by vote of the

Executive Committee at a subsequent meeting, following rec-ommendations from the divisions:

Other persons to serve as members of the GeneralConference Executive Committee as provided for in ArticleVIII, Sec. 1. b.

ARTICLE VIIAPPOINTMENTThe following shall be appointed at the first Annual Council

of the Executive Committee following a regular session: adirector of Archives and Statistics, a director and associatedirectors of the Biblical Research Institute, a director andresearch scientists of the Geoscience Research Institute, edi-tors and associate editors for the principal denominationaljournals prepared at the General Conference, and any othernon-departmental positions which have been established andfilled by General Conference Executive Committee appoint-ment. This Annual Council shall also appoint the membershipof standing committees and various operating boards whichhave been established and filled by General ConferenceExecutive Committee appointment.

ARTICLE VIIIGENERAL CONFERENCEEXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Sec. 1. The Executive Committee of the GeneralConference shall consist of:

a. Ex Officio Members1) Those elected as provided for inArticle VI, Sec. 1. except the director and associate directors ofthe General Conference Auditing Service and the associatedirectors/ secretaries of General Conference departments andassociations.

2) Presidents of unions, past presidents of the GeneralConference holding credentials from the General Conference,the president-executive director of Adventist Developmentand Relief Agency International, the president of AdventistInternational Institute of Advanced Studies, the editor ofAdventist Review and Adventist World, the editor of AdultSabbath School Bible Study Guide, the president of AdventistRisk Management Incorporated, the president of AdventistUniversity of Africa, the president-executive director ofAdventist World Radio, the president of Andrews University,the director of Archives and Statistics, the director of BiblicalResearch Institute, the president of Christian Record ServicesIncorporated, the president and the board chair of Ellen GWhite Estate, the president of Hope Channel, the director ofGeoscience Research Institute, the president of GriggsUniversity and International Academy, the president of LomaLinda University Adventist Health Sciences Center, the editorof Ministry, the president of Oakwood University, the presi-dent of Pacific Press Publishing Association, and the presidentof Review and Herald Publishing Association.

b. Elected Members1) Three laypersons and one churchpastor from each division without regard to membership sizeup to 500,000 members. One additional church pastor orother frontline denominational employee for each additional500,000 members or major portion thereof. The above layper-sons, pastors, and other denominational employees shall beselected by each division executive committee from individu-als recommended by the union executive committees andshall be Seventh-day Adventists in regular standing.

2) No fewer than fifteen and no more than twenty addition-al members selected by the General Conference ExecutiveCommittee from denominational retirees and current employ-ees, including pastors, teachers, and other frontline employ-ees.

3) No fewer than fifteen and no more than twenty membersselected by the General Conference Executive Committeefrom laity including young adults.

ARTICLE IXOFFICERS AND THEIR DUTIESSec. 1. The officers of the General Conference shall be a

president, vice presidents, a secretary, an undersecretary, asso-ciate secretaries, a treasurer, an undertreasurer, and associatetreasurers. It is the duty of these officers, in consultation withone another, to carry forward the work according to plans andprograms voted by the General Conference in session andaccording to plans and policies agreed upon by the GeneralConference Executive Committee.

11CONSTITUTION

Sec. 2. Executive Officers: The president, secretary, andtreasurer are the executive officers, and shall carry forward thework in consultation with one another. Sec. 3. President: The president is the first officer of the

General Conference and shall report to the GeneralConference Executive Committee in consultation with the sec-retary and the treasurer. He or his designee shall preside at thesessions of the General Conference, act as chair of the GeneralConference Executive Committee, serve in the general inter-ests of the General Conference as the General ConferenceExecutive Committee shall determine, and perform such otherduties as usually pertain to such office. The GeneralConference president shall be an ordained minister of experi-ence.Sec. 4. Vice Presidents: Each vice president shall assist the

president in the general administrative work of the GeneralConference or preside over a division territory.Sec. 5. Secretary, undersecretary, and associate secretaries:

The secretary, in the performance of the executive responsibil-ities, shall report to the General Conference ExecutiveCommittee after consultation with the president. The secretaryshall be responsible for keeping the minutes of the proceed-ings of the General Conference Sessions and meetings of theGeneral Conference Executive Committee, for maintainingcorrespondence with church organizations, and for the perfor-mance of such other duties as usually pertain to such office.The undersecretary and associate secretaries shall assist thesecretary in this work.Sec. 6. Treasurer, undertreasurer, and associate treasurers:

The treasurer, in the performance of the executive responsibili-ties, shall report to the General Conference ExecutiveCommittee after consultation with the president. The treasurershall be responsible for providing financial leadership to theGeneral Conference which will include, but not be limited to,receiving, safeguarding, and disbursing all funds in harmonywith the actions of the General Conference ExecutiveCommittee, for providing financial information to the presi-dent and to the General Conference Executive Committee,and for the performance of such other duties as usually pertainto such office. The undertreasurer and associate treasurersshall assist the treasurer in this work.

ARTICLE XTERM OF OFFICESec. 1. All officers of the General Conference and those

whose election is provided for in Article VI, Sec 1. shall holdoffice from the time they are elected and, except for resigna-tion or other termination, shall serve until their reelection, oruntil their replacement is elected. A person who is not reelect-ed during a session does not thereby lose delegate status at thesession. Unless other arrangements are made in consultationwith administration, such individuals will be expected to fulfillduring the session itself any session-related responsibilitieswhich have been assigned to them. In situations where officialresponsibilities cannot be immediately transferred to a newlyelected individual, the officer whose term has expired may berequested by the newly elected officer, and approved by theGeneral Conference Administrative Committee, to carry limit-ed responsibilities, for a defined period of time until transitionarrangements have been completed. Their term of office,unless government requirements dictate otherwise, is not sub-ject to division retirement policies, which may determine spe-cific ages for mandatory retirements.Sec. 2. Members of the General Conference Executive

Committee provided for in Article VIII, Sec. 1. a. 2) shall servefor the period of time they hold the office that entitled them tomembership on the General Conference ExecutiveCommittee.Sec. 3. Members of the General Conference Executive

Committee provided for in Article VIII, Sec. 1. b. shall serve,except for resignation or other termination, from the time oftheir selection until their replacements are selected by a divi-sion executive committee.Sec. 4. Those persons who, by virtue of holding elected

position, have been members of the General ConferenceExecutive Committee at the beginning of the current sessionbut who have not been reelected shall be entitled to voice andvote at any General Conference Executive Committee con-vened during the session.Sec. 5. All those who are appointed to serve the GeneralConference as provided for in Article VII, or who are appoint-ed by the General Conference Executive Committee duringthe quinquennium, shall serve from the time they take up theirduties and, except for resignation or other termination, shallcontinue until their reelection/reappointment or theelection/appointment of their replacement at the first AnnualCouncil following the next regular session or until the positionis terminated by action of the General Conference ExecutiveCommittee.Sec. 6. Service as outlined in Sec. 1. to Sec. 5. above may

be terminated as provided for in General Conference Bylaws,Article XIII, Sec. 1.

ARTICLE XICORPORATIONSSec. 1. The establishment of corporations to serve the

General Conference shall be authorized by the GeneralConference Executive Committee.

Sec. 2. The General Conference Corporation of Seventh-dayAdventists is a legal entity formed to serve the GeneralConference in carrying out its purposes.

Sec. 3. At each regular General Conference Session, the del-egates shall elect the directors of the General ConferenceCorporation.

ARTICLE XIIBYLAWSAt any regular or special session of the General Conference,

the delegates may enact, amend, or repeal Bylaws by a two-thirds majority vote of the delegates present and voting. Suchactions may embrace any provision not inconsistent with theConstitution.

ARTICLE XIIIDISSOLUTIONIn the event of the dissolution of the General Conference,

any funds or assets remaining after all claims have been satis-fied shall be transferred to a Seventh-day Adventist tax-exemptreligious entity recommended by the General ConferenceExecutive Committee. The dissolution process shall be in har-mony with the requirements of all applicable federal and statelaws.

ARTICLE XIVAMENDMENTSThis Constitution or its Bylaws may be amended by a two-

thirds majority vote of the delegates present and voting at anysession provided that, if it is proposed to amend theConstitution at a special session of the General Conference,notice of such purpose shall be given in the call for that spe-cial session.


ARTICLE ITERRITORIAL ADMINISTRATIONSec. 1. The General Conference of Seventh-day

Adventists, hereinafter referred to as the General Conference,normally shall conduct its worldwide work through its divi-sions, each division to operate within a specified territory inharmony with General Conference policies.Sec. 2. The duly organized divisions are: East-Central

Africa Division, Euro-Africa Division, Euro-Asia Division, Inter-American Division, North American Division, Northern Asia-Pacific Division, South American Division, South PacificDivision, Southern Africa-Indian Ocean Division, SouthernAsia Division, Southern Asia-Pacific Division, Trans-EuropeanDivision, and West-Central Africa Division. The boundaries ofthese divisions shall be subject to adjustment at AnnualCouncils of the General Conference Executive Committee.Sec. 3. If a territorial adjustment is made at an Annual

Council, it shall be made only provided each division andother territory affected is represented at the council by at leastone of its officers, or in the case of an unorganized territory, bya senior church leader from that territory. An exception to therequirement of such representation shall be made in a condi-tion of emergency. In such a case, the General ConferenceExecutive Committee shall make whatever adjustments arenecessary for the conduct of the work in the territories affected.Sec. 4. Administrations of all organizations and institutions

within a divisions territory shall be responsible to their respec-tive executive committees/boards and operate in harmonywith division and General Conference Executive Committeeactions and policies. General Conference institutions andfields without divisional affiliation shall operate in harmonywith the General Conference Executive Committee and itspolicies.

ARTICLE IISESSION COMMITTEESSec. 1. At each regular Session of the General Conference,

such committees as may be found necessary, including the fol-lowing, shall be elected for the duration of the Session to con-sider items of business that may be referred to them and tobring their reports and recommendations to the Session:

a. Session Church Manual Committeeb. Session Constitution and Bylaws Committeec. Session Nominating Committeed. Session Steering CommitteeSec. 2. Church Manual Committee: The chair of the

Church Manual Committee shall be an officer of the GeneralConference.Sec. 3. Constitution and Bylaws Committee: The chair of

the Constitution and Bylaws Committee shall be an officer ofthe General Conference.Sec. 4. Nominating Committee: a. The membership of the

Nominating Committee shall consist of the following:1) Each division and each attached union shall be entitled

to select for membership on the Nominating Committee tenpercent of its delegation to the session, after excluding anydelegates at large employed by the General Conference or itsinstitutions.

2) Delegates at large who are excluded under 1) aboveshall be entitled to representation on the NominatingCommittee equal to eight percent of their total number.

b. The members of the Nominating Committee shall bechosen as follows:

1) Each division delegation and each delegation from aunion attached to the General Conference shall act as a unit inselecting members to which it is entitled. Excluded from thisprocess shall be any delegates at large currently employed bythe General Conference or its institutions.

2) The delegates at large currently employed by the GeneralConference or its institutions shall act as a unit in selectingmembers to which they are entitled.

3) The election of the above representatives on theNominating Committee shall be by the method of voting con-sidered by each delegation to be most convenient and effi-

cient, taking into consideration the size of the delegation andother circumstances.

c. Each group (named in Sec. 4. b. 1) and 2) above) shallselect its representatives on the Nominating Committee to rep-resent, as far as possible, the various geographical areas, orga-nizational segments, and types of activity of the territory.

d. Those chosen as members of the Nominating Committeemust be duly accredited delegates in attendance at theGeneral Conference Session.

e. Delegates holding elected positions under the provisionsof Article VI, Sec. 1. of the Constitution shall not be membersof the Nominating Committee.

f. No delegate shall nominate more than one person forelection to the Nominating Committee.

g. The Nominating Committee shall elect its own chair andsecretary under the temporary chair of the president of theGeneral Conference whose term is expiring.

h. The Nominating Committee shall limit its nominations tothose positions for which budgetary provision has been made.

i. In order to expedite the work of the NominatingCommittee, the representatives from each division shall beallowed a reasonable amount of time to meet and considerthe personnel needs of their respective divisions and to makerecommendations to the full Nominating Committee.Decisions of these groups shall not be binding on theNominating Committee as a whole, but shall be submitted asrecommendations which will be considered. Sec. 5. Steering Committee: The Steering Committee shall

be chaired by the General Conference President or hisdesignee. Membership of the Steering Committee shall be rec-ommended to the Session by the General ConferenceExecutive Committee. The Steering Committee shall meet asnecessary to:

a. Manage and monitor progress of the Session and its pro-grams,

b. Determine and amend, if necessary, the sequencing ofthe Sessions business agenda,

c. Serve as the referral point for any new business item notrelated to the approved Session agenda or any business itemthat the Session wishes to refer for further study, other thanitems that rightfully pertain to standing Session committees,

d. Report to the Session, as needed, regarding the process-ing of proposals that have been referred for its consideration.

ARTICLE IIIGENERAL CONFERENCE VICEPRESIDENTS AND DIVISION VICE PRESIDENTS

Sec. 1. General vice presidents of the General Conferenceshall be elected to assist the president with the general admin-istrative work of the General Conference. In addition a vicepresident shall be elected to serve as president of each divi-sion of the General Conference.Sec. 2. A general vice president of the General Conference

shall, in the absence of or at the discretion of the president,chair meetings of the General Conference ExecutiveCommittee.Sec. 3. The role of the general vice presidents of the

General Conference, in relationship to the divisions, is as fol-lows:

a. To serve as liaisons between the General Conferencepresident and the divisions.

b. To serve as administrative resource counselors.c. To strengthen the bond of the world Church.Sec. 4. The vice presidents of the General Conference

elected for the divisions shall serve as chairs of the divisionexecutive committees operating in their respective territories;shall have oversight of the work in those territories under thedirection of the division executive committees; and shall bedesignated within their respective division territories as presi-dents of the divisions over which they preside.Sec. 5. Vice presidents of the divisions may be appointed

by the division executive committees, as necessary, to assistthe division presidents in their administrative responsibilities.

13BYLAWS

BYLAWSof the

General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

ARTICLE IVGENERAL CONFERENCE UNDERSECRETARY AND ASSOCIATE SECRETARIESSec. 1. An undersecretary and associate secretaries shall

be elected to share with the secretary the responsibilities ofthe office. They shall perform such duties connected with theGeneral Conference Secretariat as may be assigned to themby the secretary or by the General Conference ExecutiveCommittee.Sec. 2. The secretary of the North American Division, by

virtue of election to that responsibility, shall also be an associ-ate secretary of the General Conference.Sec. 3. The role of the General Conference undersecretary

and associate secretaries, in relationship to the divisions,includes the following:

a. To serve as liaisons with division secretaries as assignedby the General Conference secretary.

b. To facilitate the processing of calls for interdivisionemployees.

c. To recruit interdivision employees to fill the needs of thedivisions.

d. To assist the divisions with personnel and policy matters

ARTICLE VGENERAL CONFERENCE UNDERTREASURER AND ASSOCIATE TREASURERSSec. 1. An undertreasurer and associate treasurers shall be

elected to share with the treasurer the work of the office. Theyshall perform such duties connected with the GeneralConference Treasury as may be assigned to them by the trea-surer or by the General Conference Executive Committee.They may be authorized by the General ConferenceAdministrative Committee to sign checks under the instructionof the treasurer.Sec. 2. The treasurer of the North American Division, by

virtue of election to that responsibility, shall also be an associ-ate treasurer of the General Conference. Sec. 3. The role of the General Conference undertreasurer

and associate treasurers, in relationship with the divisions,includes the following:

a. To provide financial counsel, information, and analysis.b. To assist in conducting financial surveys as requested.c. To respond to special requests submitted by the division

treasurers.d. To invest the assets of the divisions as requested by the

divisions.e. To assist in international banking arrangements.

ARTICLE VIDIVISION SECRETARIESSec. 1. A secretary shall be elected for each division to be

designated division secretary.Sec. 2. Each division secretary shall work according to

plans and programs voted by the General Conference in ses-sion and according to plans and policies agreed upon by thedivision executive committee. The secretary shall serve asvice-chair of the executive committee, and shall report to theexecutive committee after consultation with the president. Itshall be the duty of the secretary to keep the minutes of thedivision executive committee meetings, to collect informationand make such reports as may be required, and to do suchother work as usually pertains to this office.Sec. 3. Division executive committees may appoint associ-

ate and assistant secretaries as may be required to carry on thework.

ARTICLE VIIDIVISION TREASURERSSec. 1. A treasurer shall be elected for each division to be

designated division treasurer.Sec. 2. Each division treasurer shall work according to

plans and programs voted by the General Conference in ses-sion and according to plans and policies agreed upon by thedivision executive committee and shall report to the executivecommittee after consultation with the president. The treasurershall be responsible for providing financial leadership to thedivision which will include, but shall not be limited to, receiv-ing, safeguarding, and disbursing all funds in harmony withthe actions of the division executive committee, for remittingall required funds to the General Conference in harmony withGeneral Conference policy, and for providing financial infor-mation to the president and to the executive committee. Thetreasurer shall also be responsible for furnishing copies of thefinancial statements to the General Conference officers.Sec. 3. Division executive committees may appoint an

undertreasurer, associate treasurers, and assistant treasurers asmay be required to carry on the work.

ARTICLE VIIIAUDITING SERVICE AND AUDITSSec. 1. At each regular General Conference Session, the

General Conference shall elect a director of the GeneralConference Auditing Service, whose duties shall be to:

a. Administer the conduct of audits that the GeneralConference Auditing Service performs for organizations of theChurch throughout the world.

b. Monitor the overall audit program throughout thedenomination.

c. Recommend to the General Conference AdministrativeCommittee or division executive committee standards and/orguidelines for use by divisions in the endorsement of externalauditors that may be engaged within the division territory, and

d. Report to the General Conference Executive Committee,through the General Conference Auditing Service Board, onthe overall audit program in the Church and the trends/issuesthat appear in the global picture of financial and policy admin-istration.

Associate directors shall also be elected at each regularGeneral Conference Session. The director and associate direc-tors shall be recommended by the General ConferenceAuditing Service Board to the Session Nominating Committeeafter consultation with the administrations of the respectivedivisions.

References to service directors and associate service direc-tors elsewhere in these Bylaws shall not apply to the directorand associate directors of the General Conference AuditingService, except as provided for in Article XIII, Sec. 1.c.Sec. 2. a. At each regular General Conference Session, the

General Conference shall elect a General ConferenceAuditing Service Board which shall be constituted as follows:General Conference president, a General Conference vicepresident as subsequently assigned by the president, GeneralConference secretary, General Conference treasurer, directorof the General Conference Auditing Service, and one memberfrom each division who is not employed denominationally,chosen from among qualified Seventh-day Adventist auditorsand/or other knowledgeable professionals in related fields.The chair of the Board shall be a layperson selected by theBoard from among its members. The vice chair shall be thevice president of the General Conference who serves as amember of the Board. The secretary of the Board shall be thedirector of the General Conference Auditing Service.

b. A quorum of the General Conference Auditing ServiceBoard shall be 50 percent plus one, the majority of whomshall be nondenominationally employed members.Sec. 3. The General Conference Auditing Service, ever

sensitive to the country-specific regulations governing theaudits of denominational entities in a particular country,serves as the denominations preferred provider of auditingservices for world divisions; unions; conferences; missions;affiliated services, organizations, and institutions of theGeneral Conference and every other administrative level;Adventist Development and Relief Agency country andregional administrations and projects (not audited by externalauditors); and special funds. Exceptions to the above globalrequirements shall be by specific action of the GeneralConference Executive Committee.

ARTICLE IXGENERAL AND DIVISIONFIELD SECRETARIES

Sec. 1. The term general field secretary shall be used todesignate general field leaders elected to assist the officers incarrying the field responsibilities of the General Conference.Sec. 2. The general field secretaries shall work under the

direction of the General Conference Executive Committee andthe president, and be assigned either to field service or to spe-cial projects or responsibilities that are approved by theGeneral Conference Executive Committee.Sec. 3. The term division field secretary shall be used to

designate field leaders appointed by divisions. They may beappointed as necessary to serve in the divisions under thedirection of the president and their respective division execu-tive committees.

ARTICLE XDEPARTMENTS AND ASSOCIATIONSDIRECTORS/SECRETARIES, ASSOCIATES, AND ASSISTANTSSec. 1. Departmental and association directors/secretaries


and associate directors/secretaries shall be elected by theGeneral Conference Session and assistants shall be appointedas determined by the General Conference ExecutiveCommittee to serve the world Church through the MinisterialAssociation and the following departments: AdventistChaplaincy Ministries, Childrens Ministries, Communication,Education, Family Ministries, Health Ministries, Public Affairsand Religious Liberty, Publishing Ministries, Sabbath Schooland Personal Ministries, Stewardship Ministries, PlannedGiving and Trust Services, Womens Ministries, and YouthMinistries.

Should changes to the departmental structure of the GeneralConference be deemed necessary, such changes may beapproved and implemented by action of the GeneralConference Executive Committee in Annual Council and con-tinued, subject to ratification at the next General ConferenceSession. When additions or changes to department or associa-tion structures are implemented at times other than in connec-tion with a General Conference Session, the GeneralConference Executive Committee at an Annual Council shallalso address the staffing needs involved until the next GeneralConference Session.Sec. 2. The departmental, association, agency, and service

directors/secretaries shall work under the direction of the pres-ident and the General Conference Executive Committee.Departmental, association, agency, and service personnelshall function in an advisory capacity to the field.Sec. 3. The term associate director/secretary shall be

used to designate those persons who may be elected to associ-ate with the director/secretary of any General Conferencedepartment, association, agency, or service in carrying theresponsibilities of the office. Such persons, who shall workunder the direction of their respective departmental, associa-tion, agency, or service directors/secretaries, shall have therequisite experience, background, and expertise to facilitatetheir work in carrying out the functions assigned to them notonly at the General Conference headquarters but also t

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