Why does the Seventh-day Adventist Church have a Church Manual? God is a God of order as evidenced in His works of creation and redemption. Consequently, order belongs to the essence of His church. Order is achieved through principles and regulations that guide the Church in its internal operations and in the fulfillment of its mission to the world. In order for it to be a successful ecclesiastical organization at the service of the Lord and humanity, it needs order, rule, and discipline. Scripture affirms that “all things be done decently and in order” (1 Cor. 14:40).
Ellen G. White pointed out such needs in 1875: “The church of Christ is in constant peril. Satan is seeking to destroy the people of God, and one man’s mind, one man’s judgment, is not sufficient to be trusted. Christ would have His followers brought together in church capacity, observing order, having rules and discipline, and all subject one to another, esteeming others better than themselves.”—3T 445.
This resource is a must for every:
- Church Library
- Pastor
- Church secretary
- Lay persons involved in church leadership
The Church Manual describes the operations and functions of local churches and their relationship to denominational structures in which they hold membership. The Church Manual defines the relationship that exists between the local congregation and the conference or other entities of the Seventh-day Adventist church.
It also expresses the church’s understanding of Christian life and church governance and discipline based on biblical principles and the authority of the duly assembled General Conference Sessions. The principles, based on Holy Scriptures and underscored by the Spirit of Prophecy, are to be followed in all matters pertaining to the administration and operation of local churches.
The content of each chapter is of worldwide value and is applicable to every church organisation, congregation, and member.
Why a Church Manual
- Authority and Function of the Church Manual
- Making Changes
- Where to Get Advice
- Terms Used in the Church Manual
Church of the Living God
- No Wall of Partition
- Supreme Object of Christ’s Regard
- Complete in Christ
Organization and Authority
- Biblical Basis for Organization
- Importance of Organization
- Missionary Purposes of Organization
- The New Testament Model
- Church Organization Today
- Outline of Denominational Organization
- Role of Institutions
- Authority in the Early Church
- General Conference the Highest Authority
Pastors and Other Church Employees
- A Divinely Appointed Ministry
- Credentials and Licenses
Organizing, Uniting, and Dissolving Churches and Companies
- Organizing a Church
- Organizing a Company
- Uniting Churches
- Dissolving or Expelling a Church
- Care of Members, Records, and Funds
Making Disciples
- What is a Disciple?
- Growth of a Disciple
- Practical Steps
- Love, The Defining Mark of a Disciple
Membership
- Baptism
- Baptismal Vow and Commitment
- Rebaptism
- Profession of Faith
- Transferring Members
Discipline
- General Principles
- Reasons for Discipline
- Process of Discipline
Local Church Officers and Organizations
- General Qualifications
- Term of Office
- Elders
- Church Leaders
- Deacons
- Deaconesses
- Clerk
- Treasurer
- Interest Coordinator
- Departments and Other Organizations
- Adventist Possibility Ministries
- Children’s Ministries
- Communication
- Education
- Family Ministries
- Health Ministries
- Music
- Public Affairs and Religious Liberty
- Publishing Ministries
- Sabbath School and Personal Ministries
- Spirit of Prophecy Writings
- Stewardship Ministries
- Women’s Ministries
- Adventist Youth Ministries
- Induction Service
Elections
- Nominating Committee and the Election Process
- Delegates to Local Conference Session
Services and Other Meetings
- General Principles
- Place of Music in Worship
- Pulpit Not a Forum
- Importance of Maintaining Unity
- Sabbath School and Worship Services
- Communion Service
- Prayer Meeting
- Business Meetings
- Church Board and Its Meetings
- Finance Committee
- School Board Meetings
- Home and School Association Meetings
- Youth Meetings
Finance
- Stewardship
- Tithe
- Offerings
- General Financial Counsel
Standards of Christian Living
- High Calling of God in Christ Jesus
- Bible Study and Prayer
- Community Relationships
- Sabbathkeeping
- Reverence in the Place of Worship
- Health and Temperance
- Dress
- Simplicity
- Modern Media
- Recreation and Entertainment
- Music
- Conclusion
Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage
- Social Relationships
- Chaperonage
- Courtship
- Premarital Education/Counseling
- Marriage
- Divorce
- Church’s Position on Divorce and Remarriage
- Local Church Ministry for Families
Fundamental Beliefs of Seventh-day Adventists
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