The Full Story
A Trustee or high level administrator has a fiduciary responsibility to the institute they serve. One cannot be beholden to outside interests, especially ones that conflict with Being a Minister and Beholden to Church doctrine is a Major Conflict of Interest, When total loyalty is demanded
Church Doctrine is Universal. Although there is some leeway, There is a world-wide organization and three publications that direct ministries.
-- All the below references can be found here: Seventh Day Adventist Minister's Handbook See Yellow notes
"The challenge. — At His ascension Jesus gave to His church the assignment to “go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15). To His small group of followers the work must have seemed an impossible assignment until they understood His plan for its fulfillment. The work must be accomplished, not by
our own individual will and prowess, but by the Holy Spirit working through us. In this plan no hierarchy exists, for everyone is a minister performing some ministry for which they have been specially gifted." (107108 | SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST® MINISTER’S HANDBOOK)
-- Seventh Day Adventist Minister's Handbook See Yellow notes
Page 79: Three Manuals: Do these contain directives, beliefs, policies that in anyway contradict the mission, policies, practices of Pacifica?
"it is natural and necessary that some form of agreed-upon structure must and does occur. In order to guide this structure, the Seventh-day Adventist denomination has established policies and procedures for the harmonious operation of the church as institution. Three primary publications address these procedures: the Church Manual, the General Conference Working Policy, and the Minister’s Handbook.
CHURCH MANUAL
The Church Manual provides policies for denominational operation. Established and revised by the General Conference in session, the Church Manual serves as the authoritative voice of the church on matters of organization and operation and can be changed only by the General Conference in session. Pastors are responsible for the application of its policies in churches. “When, in a General Conference, the judgment of the brethren assembled from all parts of the field is exercised, private independence and private judgment must not be stubbornly maintained, but surrendered” (Testimonies,"
This is not even about religion — this is about an outside influence — a government body essentially. (p.. 78)
CHURCH LEADERSHIP REMAINS THE DULY CONSTITUTED AUTHORITY OF THE CHURCH
​
“Never should a laborer regard as a virtue the persistent maintenance of his position of independence, contrary to the decision of the general body” (Testimonies, vol. 9, p. 260). An Adventist pastor may make an individual choice in accepting church employment. However, upon becoming an employee and leader in the church, the pastor accepts certain obligations to the church body.
1. Trust leadership. While church leadership cannot be described as perfect, it remains as the duly constituted authority in the church. While dialogue on variations in opinion is both permissible and good, when decisions are reached it becomes the responsibility of the pastor to support leadership. “Let us cherish a spirit of confidence in
RELATIONSHIP TO CHURCH ORGANIZATION | 53
the wisdom of our brethren” (Testimonies to Ministers, p. 500).
2. Consult leadership. Counsel with leadership before you enter into any activity that makes inroads on time normally meant for regular ministry. It may be helpful to get advice before buying or building a house, enrolling in an academic study program, or inviting
guests to speak in the church. (P. 53)
​ADVENTIST MISSION
Purpose. — The Adventist Mission Department (AMD) seeks to establish an Adventist presence in all people groups where presently none exists, with the goal to reach the unreached with hope. AMD
