Seventh-day Adventist Yearbook for 2015

763 Pages·2015·21.91 MB·English

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 2015
Copyright ©2015
The General Conference Corporation of Seventh-day Adventists®
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Cover designed by Regina Reaves Hayden
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Contents
Preface and System Codes—Explanation............................................................................4
World Statistics for 2013...................................................................................................5
Seventh-day Adventist Yearbook—Policy...........................................................................5
Fundamental Beliefs of Seventh-day Adventists..................................................................6
Mission Statement of the Seventh-day Adventist Church....................................................9
Constitution and Bylaws..................................................................................................10
General Conference Officers (1863 to present)................................................................18
Map—World Time Zones................................................................................................19
Map—World Divisions....................................................................................................20
General Conference........................................................................................................21
East-Central Africa Division—ECD...................................................................................41
Euro-Asia Division—ESD.................................................................................................75
Inter-American Division—IAD.........................................................................................93
Inter-European Division—EUD......................................................................................161
North American Division—NAD...................................................................................183
Postal Abbreviations...............................................................................................245
Healthcare Corporations.......................................................................................246
Northern Asia-Pacific Division—NSD...........................................................................251
South American Division—SAD...................................................................................265
South Pacific Division—SPD.........................................................................................319
Southern Africa-Indian Ocean Division—SID.................................................................331
Southern Asia Division—SUD.......................................................................................357
Southern Asia-Pacific Division —SSD............................................................................379
Trans-European Division—TED......................................................................................423
West-Central Africa Division—WAD.............................................................................441
Fields Attached to the General Conference
Middle East and North Africa Union Mission—MENA............................................469
Israel Field—IF.......................................................................................................473
Educational Institutions..................................................................................................475
Secondary Schools.................................................................................................538
Food Industries..............................................................................................................621
Healthcare Institutions...................................................................................................625
Clinics and Dispensaries........................................................................................653
Health Education and Lifestyle Centers...................................................................663
Nursing Homes and Retirement Centers.................................................................664
Orphanages and Children’s Homes........................................................................672
Media Centers...............................................................................................................675
Publishing Houses.........................................................................................................681
Periodicals.............................................................................................................693
Radio and TV Stations...................................................................................................709
Risk Management..........................................................................................................721
Index of Institutional Employees – Note........................................................................723
Directory of Credentialed Employees – Note.................................................................723
List of Countries With Their Organizational Locations...................................................725
Trademarks....................................................................................................................729
General Index...............................................................................................................731
3
4 SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST YEARBOOK, 2015
Preface to the 2015 Edition
Scope and Purpose of the Yearbook Denominational History
The Seventh-day Adventist Church conducts its activities Seventh-day Adventists are, doctrinally, heirs of the
through ecclesiastical organizations (such as local churches, Millerite Movement of the 1840s. Although the name
local conferences and missions, unions, and the General “Seventh-day Adventist” was chosen in 1860, the denomi-
Conference and its divisions) and a wide array of other entities nation was not officially organized until May 21, 1863,
and corporations established for specific functions aligned when the movement included some 125 churches and
with the Church’s beliefs, values and mission. The Seventh- 3,500 members. Work was largely confined to North
day AdventistYearbook (including the online version)is “a America until 1874 when the Church’s first missionary, J.
directory of the organizational units and institutions that com- N. Andrews, was sent to Switzerland. The first non-
prise the Seventh-day Adventist Church” (Working PolicyBA Protestant Christian country entered was Russia, where an
80 05). It presents information on ecclesiastical organizations
Adventist minister went in 1886. On October 20, 1890, the
beyond the local church (the General Conference and its divi-
schooner Pitcairn was launched at San Francisco,
sions, union and local conferences and missions) and on insti-
California, and was soon engaged in carrying missionaries
tutions that are owned, controlled or directed by these organi-
zational units. All information in this Yearbookhas been fur- to the Pacific islands. Seventh-day Adventist workers first
nished by the organizations themselves and may have entered non-Christian countries in 1894—Gold Coast
changed since submission for this publication; in cases where (Ghana), West Africa, and Matabeleland, South Africa. The
current reports were not received, the most recent previous same year saw missionaries entering South America, and in
records have been retained or adjusted. 1896 there were representatives in Japan. The Church now
The Yearbook does not define church structure or has established work in 216 countries.
describe legal relationships among church entities or any of The publication and distribution of literature were major
the listed organizations, most of which are separate legal factors in the growth of the Advent Movement. The
entities. It is a directory of the many and varied organiza- Adventist Review and Sabbath Herald(now the Adventist
tions, other than local churches and congregations, local Review), thegeneral church paper, was launched in Paris,
church-sponsored entities, and elementary schools, through Maine in 1850; theYouth’s Instructor in Rochester, New
which the Seventh-day Adventist Church advances its mis- York, in 1852; and the Signs of the Times in Oakland,
sion.No listed entity assumes any responsibility for the lia- California, in 1874. The first denominational publishing
bilities, debts, or alleged acts or omissions of any other list- house at Battle Creek, Michigan, began operating in 1855
ed entity simply because of its inclusion in this Yearbook. and was duly incorporated in 1861 under the name of
Persons with grievances or claims against a listed entity Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association.
must directly address such with the entity involved and not The Health Reform Institute, later known as the Battle
with any other entity or organization. Creek Sanitarium, opened in 1866, and missionary society
In the division, union, and conference/mission sections, work was organized on a state-wide basis in 1870. The first
employees are listed as follows: ordained ministers holding
of the Church’s worldwide network of schools was estab-
ministerial credentials, persons holding administrative min-
lished in 1872, and 1877 saw the formation of state-wide
istries credentials, credentialed commissioned ministers, cre-
Sabbath school associations. In 1903, denominational head-
dentialed commissioned teachers, and credentialed missionar-
ies. The Directory of Credentialed Employees gives the names quarters moved from Battle Creek, Michigan, to
and employing organization of these individuals, while institu- Washington, D.C., and in 1989 to its current location in
tional employees are listed separately in the Index of Silver Spring, Maryland.
Institutional Employees; both of these are published in elec- The distinctive Seventh-day Adventist message may be
tronic form only (CD-ROM), but not online. summarized as “the everlasting gospel,” the basic Christian
The data that appears below has been summarized largely message of salvation through faith in Christ, in the special
from the 2015 Annual Statistical Report, while the figures for setting of the threefold message of Revelation 14:6-12, the
the number of churches and for church membership through- call to worship the Creator, “for the hour of his judgment is
out the Yearbookare drawn from official reports rendered for come.” This message is epitomized in the phrase, “the com-
June 30, 2014. mandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.”
SYSTEM CODES — Explanation
In this year’s edition, three types of codes have been included with each administrative field and institution; they appear
under the general heading “System Codes” at the end of each entity’s Yearbook entry. These codes are used in denominational
information management systems. An example are the codes for the East-Central Africa Division: System Codes: EntityID, 20731;
OrgMastID, AF1111; AdmFieldID, ECD.
SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST YEARBOOK—POLICY 5
World Statistics for 2013
(except as noted)
MEMBERSHIP AND EMPLOYEES Nursing Homes and Retirement Centers. . . . . . . . . . . 126
Churches (June 30, 2014). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77,512 Orphanages and Children’s Homes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Church Membership (June 30, 2014) . . . . . . . 18,200,235 Outpatient Visits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18,052,715
Baptisms and Professions of Faith. . . . . . . . . . . 1,091,222
Ordained Ministers, Active. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18,846 HUMANITARIAN WORK
Total Employees, Active. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260,181 Countries/Areas Where ADRA is Involved. . . more than 130
MISSION WORK Number of Projects Funded. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,007
Countries and Areas as Recognized Number of Direct Beneficiaries. . . . . . . . . . . . 21,696,545
by the United Nations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237 Value of Assistance Provided. . . . . . . . . . . . $291,556,608
Countries/Areas in Which SDA Work is Established . . . 216 MEDIA CENTERS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Divisions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Unions(conferences, missions, unions of churches). . . 132 PUBLISHING WORK
Local Conferences, Missions, and Fields. . . . . . . . . . . 626 Publishing Houses and Branches. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
International Deployment of Personnel. . . . . . . . . . . . 107 Languages and Dialects Used in Publications. . . . . . . . 366
Adventist Volunteer and Youth Service . . . . . . . . . . 1,097 Languages and Dialects Used in Publications
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM and Oral Work. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 947
Schools Operated by Church. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7,579 Literature Evangelists, Credentialed and Licensed. . . . . . 5,864
Colleges and Universities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Worker Training Institutes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 CONTRIBUTIONS
Secondary Schools. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,050 Tithe—World. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,396,813,329
Primary Schools. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5,371 North America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $948,724,511
Total Enrollment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,807,687 Sabbath School Missions—World. . . . . . . . . $70,812,141
FOOD INDUSTRIES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 North America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $21,099,913
HEALTH MINISTRY(Incomplete Report) Ingathering. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $9,394,607
Hospitals and Sanitariums. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173 Total Tithe and Offerings—World. . . . . . . $3,354,863,946
Clinics and Dispensaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294 North America. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,449,265,970
Seventh-day Adventist Yearbook—Policy
(As voted by the Annual Council of the General porations that are wholly owned or controlled by denomi-
Conference Executive Committee in Silver Spring, national organizational units.
Maryland, United States of America, on October 16, 2013 e. Other institutions and corporations with not less
for inclusion in the General Conference Working Policy.) than a majority of their corporate membership, constituen-
cy, or shareholders composed either of entities (or their des-
BA 80 Seventh-day Adventist Yearbook ignated officers) described under paragraphs a. through d.
above, or of persons who are directors, trustees, officers,
BA 80 05 Seventh-day Adventist Yearbook—The
employees, or members of executive committees or operat-
General Conference shall each year publish a directory of
the organizational units and institutions that comprise the ing boards of organizations described under paragraphs a.
Seventh-day Adventist Church. through d., above.
BA 80 10 Content of the Yearbook—The Seventh-day f. Other organizations, whose inclusion or exclusion
Adventist Yearbook is primarily intended to identify the from the Seventh-day Adventist Yearbookis under question
many and varied organizations, other than local because of the types of activities involved, or because they
churches/congregations, through which the Church do not fit the specific terms of paragraphs a. through d.
advances its mission. It shall include the following: above, shall have the matter decided by the General
1. The current statement of Fundamental Beliefs of Conference officers in consultation with the respective divi-
Seventh-day Adventists (see FE 65 15). sion officers and the Office of General Counsel.
2. All entities as follows: 3. Leadership personnel: officers, associate officers,
a. Denominational organizational units, i.e., the departmental directors and associate departmental directors
General Conference and its divisions, all union confer- of denominational organizational units, and all executive
ences/missions, unions of churches, local conferences/mis-
officers employed by institutions, services, and corporations
sions/fields, and any attached regions/stations.
listed in the Seventh-day Adventist Yearbook.
b. All denominationally operated secondary and post-
secondary institutions accredited by the Accrediting 4. All credentialed employees.
Association of Seventh-day Adventist Schools, Colleges, and BA 80 15 Data Collection—All denominational entities
Universities (see FE 20 35, paragraph 8.) shall cooperate with the General Conference in collecting
c. All healthcare institutions whose governance information for the Seventh-day Adventist Yearbook.
meets the criteria set out in the Plan of Operation for Health Divisions, in consultation with the General Conference,
Care Institutions (see FH 25 10) shall be able to nominate information that shall not be
d. Other institutions, services, organizations and cor- made publicly available.
6 SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST YEARBOOK, 2015
FUNDAMENTAL BELIEFS
OF SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS
(As amended at the 58th session held in St. Louis, 4:18; Acts 10:38; 2 Peter 1:21; 2 Cor. 3:18; Eph. 4:11, 12;
Missouri, June 29 to July 9, 2005.) Acts 1:8; John 14:16-18, 26; 15:26, 27; 16:7-13.)
Seventh-day Adventists accept the Bible as their only
creed and hold certain fundamental beliefs to be the teach- 6. Creation
ing of the Holy Scriptures. These beliefs, as set forth here, God is Creator of all things, and has revealed in Scripture
constitute the church’s understanding and expression of the the authentic account of His creative activity. In six days the
teaching of Scripture. Revision of these statements may be Lord made “the heaven and the earth” and all living things
expected at a General Conference session when the church upon the earth, and rested on the seventh day of that first
is led by the Holy Spirit to a fuller understanding of Bible week. Thus He established the Sabbath as a perpetual
truth or finds better language in which to express the teach- memorial of His completed creative work. The first man
ings of God’s Holy Word. and woman were made in the image of God as the crown-
ing work of Creation, given dominion over the world, and
1. The Holy Scriptures
charged with responsibility to care for it. When the world
The Holy Scriptures, Old and New Testaments, are the was finished it was “very good,” declaring the glory of God.
written Word of God, given by divine inspiration through (Gen. 1; 2; Ex. 20:8-11; Ps. 19:1-6; 33:6, 9; 104; Heb.
holy men of God who spoke and wrote as they were moved 11:3.)
by the Holy Spirit. In this Word, God has committed to man
the knowledge necessary for salvation. The Holy Scriptures 7. The Nature of Man
are the infallible revelation of His will. They are the stan- Man and woman were made in the image of God with
dard of character, the test of experience, the authoritative individuality, the power and freedom to think and to do.
revealer of doctrines, and the trustworthy record of God’s Though created free beings, each is an indivisible unity of
acts in history. (2 Peter 1:20, 21; 2 Tim. 3:16, 17; Ps. body, mind, and spirit, dependent upon God for life and
119:105; Prov. 30:5, 6; Isa. 8:20; John 17:17; 1 Thess. 2:13; breath and all else. When our first parents disobeyed God,
Heb. 4:12.) they denied their dependence upon Him and fell from their
high position under God. The image of God in them was
2. The Trinity
marred and they became subject to death. Their descen-
There is one God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, a unity of dants share this fallen nature and its consequences. They
three co-eternal Persons. God is immortal, all-powerful, all- are born with weaknesses and tendencies to evil. But God
knowing, above all, and ever present. He is infinite and in Christ reconciled the world to Himself and by His Spirit
beyond human comprehension, yet known through His self- restores in penitent mortals the image of their Maker.
revelation. He is forever worthy of worship, adoration, and Created for the glory of God, they are called to love Him
service by the whole creation. (Deut. 6:4; Matt. 28:19; and one another, and to care for their environment. (Gen.
2 Cor. 13:14; Eph. 4:4-6; 1 Peter 1:2; 1 Tim. 1:17; Rev. 14:7.) 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,
3. The Father 20; Gen. 2:15.)
God the eternal Father is the Creator, Source, Sustainer,
and Sovereign of all creation. He is just and holy, merciful 8. The Great Controversy
and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast All humanity is now involved in a great controversy
love and faithfulness. The qualities and powers exhibited in between Christ and Satan regarding the character of God,
the Son and the Holy Spirit are also revelations of the His law, and His sovereignty over the universe. This conflict
Father. (Gen. 1:1; Rev. 4:11; 1 Cor. 15:28; John 3:16; 1 originated in heaven when a created being, endowed with
John 4:8; 1 Tim. 1:17; Ex. 34:6, 7; John 14:9.) freedom of choice, in self-exaltation became Satan, God’s
adversary, and led into rebellion a portion of the angels. He
4. The Son introduced the spirit of rebellion into this world when he
God the eternal Son became incarnate in Jesus Christ. led Adam and Eve into sin. This human sin resulted in the
Through Him all things were created, the character of God distortion of the image of God in humanity, the disordering
is revealed, the salvation of humanity is accomplished, and of the created world, and its eventual devastation at the
the world is judged. Forever truly God, He became also time of the worldwide flood. Observed by the whole cre-
truly man, Jesus the Christ. He was conceived of the Holy ation, this world became the arena of the universal conflict,
Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He lived and experi- out of which the God of love will ultimately be vindicated.
enced temptation as a human being, but perfectly exempli- To assist His people in this controversy, Christ sends the
fied the righteousness and love of God. By His miracles He Holy Spirit and the loyal angels to guide, protect, and sus-
manifested God’s power and was attested as God’s tain them in the way of salvation. (Rev. 12:4-9; Isa. 14:12-
promised Messiah. He suffered and died voluntarily on the 14; Eze. 28:12-18; Gen. 3; Rom. 1:19-32; 5:12-21; 8:19- 22;
cross for our sins and in our place, was raised from the Gen. 6-8; 2 Peter 3:6; 1 Cor. 4:9; Heb. 1:14.)
dead, and ascended to minister in the heavenly sanctuary in
our behalf. He will come again in glory for the final deliver- 9. The Life, Death, and Resurrection of Christ
ance of His people and the restoration of all things. (John In Christ’s life of perfect obedience to God’s will, His
1:1-3, 14; Col. 1:15-19; John 10:30; 14:9; Rom. 6:23; 2 suffering, death, and resurrection, God provided the only
Cor. 5:17-19; John 5:22; Luke 1:35; Phil. 2:5-11; Heb. 2:9- means of atonement for human sin, so that those who by
18; 1 Cor. 15:3, 4; Heb. 8:1, 2; John 14:13.) faith accept this atonement may have eternal life, and the
whole creation may better understand the infinite and holy
5. The Holy Spirit love of the Creator. This perfect atonement vindicates the
God the eternal Spirit was active with the Father and the righteousness of God’s law and the graciousness of His
Son in Creation, incarnation, and redemption. He inspired character; for it both condemns our sin and provides for our
the writers of Scripture. He filled Christ’s life with power. forgiveness. The death of Christ is substitutionary and expia-
He draws and convicts human beings; and those who tory, reconciling and transforming. The resurrection of
respond He renews and transforms into the image of God. Christ proclaims God’s triumph over the forces of evil, and
Sent by the Father and the Son to be always with His chil- for those who accept the atonement assures their final victo-
dren, He extends spiritual gifts to the church, empowers it ry over sin and death. It declares the Lordship of Jesus
to bear witness to Christ, and in harmony with the Christ, before whom every knee in heaven and on earth will
Scriptures leads it into all truth. (Gen. 1:1, 2; Luke 1:35; bow. (John 3:16; Isa. 53; 1 Peter 2:21, 22; 1 Cor. 15:3, 4,
FUNDAMENTAL BELIEFS 7
20-22; 2 Cor. 5:14, 15, 19-21; Rom. 1:4; 3:25; 4:25; 8:3, 4; angels of Revelation 14; it coincides with the work of judg-
1 John 2:2; 4:10; Col. 2:15; Phil. 2:611.) ment in heaven and results in a work of repentance and
reform on earth. Every believer is called to have a personal
10. The Experience of Salvation part in this worldwide witness. (Rev. 12:17; 14:6-12; 18:1-
In infinite love and mercy God made Christ, who knew 4; 2 Cor. 5:10; Jude 3, 14; 1 Peter 1:16-19; 2 Peter 3:10-14;
no sin, to be sin for us, so that in Him we might be made Rev. 21:1-14.)
the righteousness of God. Led by the Holy Spirit we sense
14. Unity in the Body of Christ
our need, acknowledge our sinfulness, repent of our trans-
gressions, and exercise faith in Jesus as Lord and Christ, as The church is one body with many members, called
Substitute and Example. This faith which receives salvation from every nation, kindred, tongue, and people. In Christ
comes through the divine power of the Word and is the gift we are a new creation; distinctions of race, culture, learn-
of God’s grace. Through Christ we are justified, adopted as ing, and nationality, and differences between high and low,
God’s sons and daughters, and delivered from the lordship rich and poor, male and female, must not be divisive
of sin. Through the Spirit we are born again and sanctified; among us. We are all equal in Christ, who by one Spirit has
the Spirit renews our minds, writes God’s law of love in our bonded us into one fellowship with Him and with one
hearts, and we are given the power to live a holy life. another; we are to serve and be served without partiality or
Abiding in Him we become partakers of the divine nature reservation. Through the revelation of Jesus Christ in the
and have the assurance of salvation now and in the judg- Scriptures we share the same faith and hope, and reach out
ment. (2 Cor. 5:17-21; John 3:16; Gal. 1:4; 4:4-7; Titus 3:3- in one witness to all. This unity has its source in the one-
7; John 16:8; Gal. 3:13, 14; 1 Peter 2:21, 22; Rom. 10:17; ness of the triune God, who has adopted us as His children.
Luke 17:5; Mark 9:23, 24; Eph. 2:5-10; Rom. 3:21-26; Col. (Rom. 12:4, 5; 1 Cor. 12:12-14; Matt. 28:19, 20; Ps. 133:1;
1:13, 14; Rom. 8:14-17; Gal. 3:26; John 3:3-8; 1 Peter 1:23; 2 Cor. 5:16, 17; Acts 17:26, 27; Gal. 3:27, 29; Col. 3:10
Rom. 12:2; Heb. 8:7-12; Eze. 36:25-27; 2 Peter 1:3, 4; 15; Eph. 4:14-16; 4:1-6; John 17:20-23.)
Rom. 8:1-4; 5:6-10.)
15. Baptism
11. Growing in Christ By baptism we confess our faith in the death and resur-
By His death on the cross Jesus triumphed over the rection of Jesus Christ, and testify of our death to sin and of
forces of evil. He who subjugated the demonic spirits dur- our purpose to walk in newness of life. Thus we acknowl-
ing His earthly ministry has broken their power and made edge Christ as Lord and Saviour, become His people, and
certain their ultimate doom. Jesus’ victory gives us victory are received as members by His church. Baptism is a sym-
over the evil forces that still seek to control us, as we walk bol of our union with Christ, the forgiveness of our sins, and
with Him in peace, joy, and assurance of His love. Now the our reception of the Holy Spirit. It is by immersion in water
Holy Spirit dwells within us and empowers us. Continually and is contingent on an affirmation of faith in Jesus and evi-
committed to Jesus as our Saviour and Lord, we are set free dence of repentance of sin. It follows instruction in the Holy
from the burden of our past deeds. No longer do we live in Scriptures and acceptance of their teachings. (Rom. 6:6;
the darkness, fear of evil powers, ignorance, and meaning- Col. 2:12, 13; Acts 16:30-33; 22:16; 2:38; Matt. 28:19, 20.)
lessness of our former way of life. In this new freedom in
Jesus, we are called to grow into the likeness of His charac- 16. The Lord’s Supper
ter, communing with Him daily in prayer, feeding on His The Lord’s Supper is a participation in the emblems of
Word, meditating on it and on His providence, singing His the body and blood of Jesus as an expression of faith in
praises, gathering together for worship, and participating in Him, our Lord and Saviour. In this experience of commu-
the mission of the Church. As we give ourselves in loving nion Christ is present to meet and strengthen His people. As
service to those around us and in witnessing to His salva- we partake, we joyfully proclaim the Lord’s death until He
tion, His constant presence with us through the Spirit trans- comes again. Preparation for the Supper includes self-exam-
forms every moment and every task into a spiritual experi- ination, repentance, and confession. The Master ordained
ence. (Ps 1:1, 2; 23:4; 77:11, 12; Col 1:13, 14; 2:6, 14, 15; the service of foot- washing to signify renewed cleansing, to
Luke 10:17-20; Eph 5:19, 20; 6:12-18; 1 Thess 5:23; 2 Peter express a willingness to serve one another in Christlike
2:9; 3:18; 2 Cor. 3:17, 18; Phil 3:7-14; 1 Thess 5:16-18; humility, and to unite our hearts in love. The communion
Matt 20:25-28; John 20:21; Gal 5:22-25; Rom 8:38, 39; 1 service is open to all believing Christians.
John 4:4; Heb 10:25.) (1 Cor. 10:16, 17; 11:23-30; Matt. 26:17-30; Rev. 3:20;
John 6:48-63; 13:1-17.)
12. The Church
The church is the community of believers who confess 17. Spiritual Gifts and Ministries
Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. In continuity with the peo- God bestows upon all members of His church in every
ple of God in Old Testament times, we are called out from age spiritual gifts which each member is to employ in lov-
the world; and we join together for worship, for fellowship, ing ministry for the common good of the church and of
for instruction in the Word, for the celebration of the Lord’s humanity. Given by the agency of the Holy Spirit, who
Supper, for service to all mankind, and for the worldwide apportions to each member as He wills, the gifts provide all
proclamation of the gospel. The church derives its authority abilities and ministries needed by the church to fulfill its
from Christ, who is the incarnate Word, and from the divinely ordained functions. According to the Scriptures,
Scriptures, which are the written Word. The church is God’s these gifts include such ministries as faith, healing, prophe-
family; adopted by Him as children, its members live on the cy, proclamation, teaching, administration, reconciliation,
basis of the new covenant. The church is the body of Christ, compassion, and self-sacrificing service and charity for the
a community of faith of which Christ Himself is the Head. help and encouragement of people. Some members are
The church is the bride for whom Christ died that He might called of God and endowed by the Spirit for functions rec-
sanctify and cleanse her. At His return in triumph, He will ognized by the church in pastoral, evangelistic, apostolic,
present her to Himself a glorious church, the faithful of all and teaching ministries particularly needed to equip the
the ages, the purchase of His blood, not having spot or members for service, to build up the church to spiritual
wrinkle, but holy and without blemish. (Gen. 12:3; Acts maturity, and to foster unity of the faith and knowledge of
7:38; Eph. 4:11-15; 3:8-11; Matt. 28:19, 20; 16:13-20; God. When members employ these spiritual gifts as faithful
18:18; Eph. 2:19-22; 1:22, 23; 5:23-27; Col. 1:17, 18.) stewards of God’s varied grace, the church is protected from
the destructive influence of false doctrine, grows with a
13. The Remnant and Its Mission growth that is from God, and is built up in faith and love.
The universal church is composed of all who truly (Rom. 12:4-8; 1 Cor. 12:9-11, 27, 28; Eph. 4:8, 11-16; Acts
believe in Christ, but in the last days, a time of widespread 6:1-7; 1 Tim. 3:1-13; 1 Peter 4:10, 11.)
apostasy, a remnant has been called out to keep the com-
mandments of God and the faith of Jesus. This remnant 18. The Gift of Prophecy
announces the arrival of the judgment hour, proclaims sal- One of the gifts of the Holy Spirit is prophecy. This gift is
vation through Christ, and heralds the approach of His sec- an identifying mark of the remnant church and was mani-
ond advent. This proclamation is symbolized by the three fested in the ministry of Ellen G. White. As the Lord’s mes-
8 SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST YEARBOOK, 2015
senger, her writings are a continuing and authoritative of Christ, who desires our wholesomeness, joy, and good-
source of truth which provide for the church comfort, guid- ness. (Rom. 12:1, 2; 1 John 2:6; Eph. 5:1-21; Phil. 4:8;
ance, instruction, and correction. They also make clear that 2 Cor. 10:5; 6:14-7:1; 1 Peter 3:1-4; 1 Cor. 6:19, 20; 10:31;
the Bible is the standard by which all teaching and experi- Lev. 11:1-47; 3 John 2.)
ence must be tested. (Joel 2:28, 29; Acts 2:14-21; Heb. 1:1-
3; Rev. 12:17; 19:10.) 23. Marriage and the Family
Marriage was divinely established in Eden and affirmed
19. The Law of God
by Jesus to be a lifelong union between a man and a
The great principles of God’s law are embodied in the woman in loving companionship. For the Christian a mar-
Ten Commandments and exemplified in the life of Christ. riage commitment is to God as well as to the spouse, and
They express God’s love, will, and purposes concerning should be entered into only between partners who share a
human conduct and relationships and are binding upon all common faith. Mutual love, honor, respect, and responsibil-
people in every age. These precepts are the basis of God’s ity are the fabric of this relationship, which is to reflect the
covenant with His people and the standard in God’s judg- love, sanctity, closeness, and permanence of the relation-
ment. Through the agency of the Holy Spirit they point out ship between Christ and His church. Regarding divorce,
sin and awaken a sense of need for a Saviour. Salvation is Jesus taught that the person who divorces a spouse, except
all of grace and not of works, but its fruitage is obedience to
for fornication, and marries another, commits adultery.
the Commandments. This obedience develops Christian
Although some family relationships may fall short of the
character and results in a sense of well-being. It is an evi-
ideal, marriage partners who fully commit themselves to
dence of our love for the Lord and our concern for our fel-
each other in Christ may achieve loving unity through the
low men. The obedience of faith demonstrates the power of
guidance of the Spirit and the nurture of the church. God
Christ to transform lives, and therefore strengthens Christian
blesses the family and intends that its members shall assist
witness. (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. each other toward complete maturity. Parents are to bring
2:8-10; 1 John 5:3; Rom. 8:3, 4; Ps. 19:7-14.) up their children to love and obey the Lord. By their exam-
ple and their words they are to teach them that Christ is a
20. The Sabbath loving disciplinarian, ever tender and caring, who wants
The beneficent Creator, after the six days of Creation, them to become members of His body, the family of God.
rested on the seventh day and instituted the Sabbath for all Increasing family closeness is one of the earmarks of the
people as a memorial of Creation. The fourth commandment final gospel message. (Gen. 2:18-25; Matt. 19:3-9; John 2:1-
of God’s unchangeable law requires the observance of this 11; 2 Cor. 6:14; Eph. 5:21-33; Matt. 5:31, 32; Mark 10:11,
seventh-day Sabbath as the day of rest, worship, and min- 12; Luke 16:18; 1 Cor. 7:10, 11; Ex. 20:12; Eph. 6:1-4;
istry in harmony with the teaching and practice of Jesus, the Deut. 6:5-9; Prov. 22:6; Mal. 4:5, 6.)
Lord of the Sabbath. The Sabbath is a day of delightful com-
24. Christ’s Ministry in the Heavenly Sanctuary
munion with God and one another. It is a symbol of our
redemption in Christ, a sign of our sanctification, a token of There is a sanctuary in heaven, the true tabernacle which
our allegiance, and a foretaste of our eternal future in God’s the Lord set up and not man. In it Christ ministers on our
kingdom. The Sabbath is God’s perpetual sign of His eternal behalf, making available to believers the benefits of His
covenant between Him and His people. Joyful observance atoning sacrifice offered once for all on the cross. He was
of this holy time from evening to evening, sunset to sunset, inaugurated as our great High Priest and began His interces-
is a celebration of God’s creative and redemptive acts. (Gen. sory ministry at the time of His ascension. In 1844, at the
2:1-3; Ex. 20:1-11; Luke 4:16; Isa. 56:5, 6; 58:13, 14; Matt. end of the prophetic period of 2300 days, He entered the
12:1-12; Ex. 31:13-17; Eze. 20:12, 20; Deut. 5:12-15; Heb. second and last phase of His atoning ministry. It is a work
4:1-11; Lev. 23:32; Mark 1:32.) of investigative judgment which is part of the ultimate dis-
position of all sin, typified by the cleansing of the ancient
21. Stewardship
Hebrew sanctuary on the Day of Atonement. In that typical
We are God’s stewards, entrusted by Him with time and service the sanctuary was cleansed with the blood of animal
opportunities, abilities and possessions, and the blessings of sacrifices, but the heavenly things are purified with the per-
the earth and its resources. We are responsible to Him for fect sacrifice of the blood of Jesus. The investigative judg-
their proper use. We acknowledge God’s ownership by ment reveals to heavenly intelligences who among the dead
faithful service to Him and our fellow men, and by return- are asleep in Christ and therefore, in Him, are deemed wor-
ing tithes and giving offerings for the proclamation of His thy to have part in the first resurrection. It also makes mani-
gospel and the support and growth of His church. fest who among the living are abiding in Christ, keeping the
Stewardship is a privilege given to us by God for nurture in commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, and in Him,
love and the victory over selfishness and covetousness. The therefore, are ready for translation into His everlasting king-
steward rejoices in the blessings that come to others as a dom. This judgment vindicates the justice of God in saving
result of his faithfulness. (Gen. 1:26-28; 2:15; 1 Chron. those who believe in Jesus. It declares that those who have
29:14; Haggai 1:3-11; Mal. 3:8-12; 1 Cor. 9:9-14; Matt.
remained loyal to God shall receive the kingdom. The com-
23:23; 2 Cor. 8:1-15; Rom. 15:26, 27.)
pletion of this ministry of Christ will mark the close of
22. Christian Behavior human 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;
We are called to be a godly people who think, feel, and 8:13, 14; 9:24-27; Num. 14:34; Eze. 4:6; Lev. 16; Rev.
act in harmony with the principles of heaven. For the Spirit
14:6, 7; 20:12; 14:12; 22:12.)
to recreate in us the character of our Lord we involve our-
selves only in those things which will produce Christlike 25. The Second Coming of Christ
purity, health, and joy in our lives. This means that our
amusement and entertainment should meet the highest The second coming of Christ is the blessed hope of the
standards of Christian taste and beauty. While recognizing church, the grand climax of the gospel. The Saviour’s com-
cultural differences, our dress is to be simple, modest, and ing will be literal, personal, visible, and worldwide. When
neat, befitting those whose true beauty does not consist of He returns, the righteous dead will be resurrected, and
outward adornment but in the imperishable ornament of a together with the righteous living will be glorified and taken
gentle and quiet spirit. It also means that because our bod- to heaven, but the unrighteous will die. The almost com-
ies are the temples of the Holy Spirit, we are to care for plete fulfillment of most lines of prophecy, together with the
them intelligently. Along with adequate exercise and rest, present condition of the world, indicates that Christ’s com-
we are to adopt the most healthful diet possible and abstain ing is imminent. The time of that event has not been
from the unclean foods identified in the Scriptures. Since revealed, and we are therefore exhorted to be ready at all
alcoholic beverages, tobacco, and the irresponsible use of times. (Titus 2:13; Heb. 9:28; John 14:1-3; Acts 1:9-11; Matt.
drugs and narcotics are harmful to our bodies, we are to 24:14; Rev. 1:7; Matt. 24:43, 44; 1 Thess. 4:13-18; 1 Cor.
abstain from them as well. Instead, we are to engage in 15:51-54; 2 Thess. 1:7-10; 2:8; Rev. 14:14-20; 19:11-21;
whatever brings our thoughts and bodies into the discipline Matt. 24; Mark 13; Luke 21; 2 Tim. 3:1-5; 1 Thess. 5:1-6.)
MISSION STATEMENT 9
26. Death and Resurrection Christ with His saints and the Holy City will descend from
The wages of sin is death. But God, who alone is immor- heaven to earth. The unrighteous dead will then be resur-
tal, will grant eternal life to His redeemed. Until that day rected, and with Satan and his angels will surround the city;
death is an unconscious state for all people. When Christ, but fire from God will consume them and cleanse the earth.
who is our life, appears, the resurrected righteous and the The universe will thus be freed of sin and sinners forever.
living righteous will be glorified and caught up to meet their (Rev. 20; 1 Cor. 6:2, 3; Jer. 4:23-26; Rev. 21:1-5; Mal. 4:1;
Lord. The second resurrection, the resurrection of the Eze. 28:18, 19.)
unrighteous, will take place a thousand years later. (Rom.
28. The New Earth
6:23; 1 Tim. 6:15, 16; Eccl. 9:5, 6; Ps. 146:3, 4; John
11:11-14; Col. 3:4; 1 Cor. 15:51-54; 1 Thess. 4:13-17; John On the new earth, in which righteousness dwells, God
5:28, 29; Rev. 20:1-10.) will provide an eternal home for the redeemed and a per-
fect environment for everlasting life, love, joy, and learning
27. The Millennium and the End of Sin in His presence. For here God Himself will dwell with His
The millennium is the thousand-year reign of Christ with people, and suffering and death will have passed away. The
His saints in heaven between the first and second resurrec- great controversy will be ended, and sin will be no more.
tions. During this time the wicked dead will be judged; the All things, animate and inanimate, will declare that God is
earth will be utterly desolate, without living human inhabi- love; and He shall reign forever. Amen. (2 Peter 3:13; Isa.
tants, but occupied by Satan and his angels. At its close 35; 65:1-25; Matt. 5:5; Rev. 21:1-7; 22:1-5; 11:15.)
MISSION STATEMENT
of the Seventh-day Adventist Church
(As amended by the Annual Council of the General of each believer, and its foundational role for faith and doc-
Conference Executive Committee in Silver Spring, trine. Seventh-day Adventists believe that the Holy Spirit is
Maryland, United States of America, on October 13, 2014.) the power that transforms lives and equips people with abil-
Our Mission—The mission of the Seventh-day Adventist ities to advance God’s kingdom in this world.
Church is to call all people to become disciples of Jesus Called by God, guided by the Bible, and empowered by
Christ, to proclaim the everlasting gospel embraced by the the Holy Spirit, Seventh-day Adventists, wherever we live in
three angels’ messages (Revelation 14:6-12), and to prepare the world, devote ourselves to:
the world for Christ’s soon return. 1. Christ-Like Living—Illustrating the lordship of Jesus in
Our Method—Guided by the Bible and the Holy Spirit, our lives by moral, ethical, and social behaviors that are
Seventh-day Adventists pursue this mission through Christ- consistent with the teachings and example of Jesus.
like living, communicating, discipling, teaching, healing, 2. Christ-Like Communicating—Realizing that all are
and serving. called to active witness, we share through personal conver-
Our Vision—In harmony with Bible revelation, Seventh- sation, preaching, publishing, and the arts, the Bible’s mes-
day Adventists see as the climax of God’s plan the restora- sage about God and the hope and salvation offered through
tion of all His creation to full harmony with His perfect will the life, ministry, atoning death, resurrection, and high
and righteousness. priestly ministry of Jesus Christ.
3. Christ-Like Discipling—Affirming the vital importance
Identity and Implementation of Our Mission of continued spiritual growth and development among all
Our Identity—The Seventh-day Adventist Church sees who accept Jesus as Lord and Savior, we nurture and
itself as the remnant Church of end-time Bible prophecy. instruct each other in righteous living, provide training for
Members of the Church, individually and collectively, effective witness, and encourage responsive obedience to
understand their special role as ambassadors of God’s king- God’s will.
dom and messengers of the soon return of Jesus Christ. 4. Christ-Like Teaching—Acknowledging that develop-
Seventh-day Adventists have enlisted as co-workers with ment of mind and character is essential to God’s redemp-
God in His mission of reclaiming the world from the power tive plan, we promote the growth of a mature understand-
and presence of evil, as part of the Great Controversy ing of and relationship to God, His Word, and the created
between Christ and Satan. universe.
Therefore, every aspect of a Church member’s life is 5. Christ-Like Healing—Affirming the biblical principles
influenced by the conviction that we live in the last days of the well-being of the whole person, we make healthful
described in Bible prophecy and the return of Jesus Christ is living and the healing of the sick a priority and through our
imminent. Seventh-day Adventists are called by God to live ministry to the poor and oppressed, cooperate with the
in this world. Every action of the Christian life is done “in Creator in His compassionate work of restoration.
the name of Jesus” and to advance His kingdom. 6. Christ-Like Serving—Following the example of Jesus
Implementation of Our Mission—Seventh-day we commit ourselves to humble service, ministering to indi-
Adventists affirm the Bible as God’s infallible revelation of viduals and populations most affected by poverty, tragedy,
His will, accepting its authority in the life of the Church and hopelessness, and disease.
10 SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST YEARBOOK, 2015
CONSTITUTION
of the
General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists*
(As revised at the 59th Session held in Atlanta, United States ponement, not to exceed two years, giving notice to all con-
of America, June 24 to July 3, 2010.) stituent organizations.
Sec. 2. The General Conference Executive Committee
ARTICLE I—NAME may call special sessions of the General Conference at
This organization shall be known as the General such time and place as it considers proper, by means of a
Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. notice as provided for in Sec. 1., and the transactions of
such special sessions shall have the same force as those of
ARTICLE II—PURPOSE the regular sessions.
The purpose of the General Conference is to teach all Sec. 3. At least one-third of the total delegates authorized
nations the everlasting gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus hereinafter under Sec. 5. of Article V, must be present at the
Christ and the commandments of God. opening meeting of any regular or specially called General
Conference Session to constitute a quorum for the transaction
ARTICLE III—DIVISIONS OF THE of business. Once the Session is declared open, the delegates
GENERAL CONFERENCE remaining present shall constitute a quorum.
The General Conference conducts much of its work Sec. 4. The election of officers and the voting on all mat-
through its divisions, which in turn are comprised of unions in ters of business shall be by viva-vocevote, or as designated by
specific areas of the world. Each division of the General the Chair, unless otherwise requested by a majority of the del-
Conference is authorized to carry out responsibilities in the egates present.
territory assigned to it. It shall act in full harmony with the Sec. 5. The delegates to a General Conference Session
General Conference Constitution and Bylaws, the General shall be designated as follows:
Conference Working Policy,and actions of the Executive a.Regular delegates.
Committee. b.Delegates at large.
(As revised at the 59th Session held in Atlanta, United States c.In case of financial exigency or other major crisis within
of America, June 24 to July 3, 2010.) the Church or in the international arena, the General
Conference Executive Committee may take an action to
ARTICLE I—NAME
reduce the maximum number of delegates to a particular
This organization shall be known as the General
General Conference Session. Such reduction shall then be
Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.
applied to both regular delegates and delegates at large.
ARTICLE II—PURPOSE Sec. 6. Regular delegates shall represent the General
The purpose of the General Conference is to teach all Conference’s member units as defined in Article IV, as fol-
nations the everlasting gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus lows:
Christ and the commandments of God. a.Delegates representing union conferences and union of
churches conferences having division affiliation shall be
ARTICLE III—DIVISIONS OF THE appointed by the respective union executive committee.
GENERAL CONFERENCE b.Delegates representing union missions and union of
The General Conference conducts much of its work churches missions having division affiliation shall be appoint-
through its divisions, which in turn are comprised of unions in ed by the respective division executive committees in consul-
specific areas of the world. Each division of the General tation with the organizations concerned.
Conference is authorized to carry out responsibilities in the c.Delegates representing conferences and missions having
territory assigned to it. It shall act in full harmony with the union conference affiliation shall be appointed by the respec-
General Conference Constitution and Bylaws, the General tive union conference executive committees in consultation
Conference Working Policy,and actions of the Executive with the organizations concerned.
Committee. d.Delegates representing conferences and missions having
In order to carry the authority of the General Conference, union mission affiliation shall be appointed by the respective
the actions of division committees shall, of necessity, be in division executive committees in consultation with the organi-
harmony with and complementary to the decisions of the zations concerned.
General Conference in Session, and the actions of the General e.Delegates representing conferences and missions directly
Conference Executive Committee between Sessions. attached to divisions shall be appointed by the respective divi-
sion executive committees in consultation with the organiza-
ARTICLE IV—MEMBERSHIP tions concerned.
Sec. 1. The membership of the General Conference shall f. Delegates representing division institutions, the number
consist of: of whom shall correspond to the number of division institu-
a.All unions that have been or shall be properly organized tions within each division, shall be appointed by the respec-
and accepted by vote of the General Conference in Session. tive division executive committees in consultation with the
b.All of the following entities that are directly attached to organizations concerned.
the General Conference or to a division: g.Delegates representing union conferences and union of
1) Local conferences churches conferences directly attached to the General
2) Local mission and functional equivalents thereof pro- Conference shall be appointed by the executive committee of
vided they have two or more officers and an executive com- the respective attached entity.
mittee, observe a schedule of regular constituency meetings h.Delegates representing union missions, union of church-
and have been properly organized. es missions, and local conferences and missions directly
attached to the General Conference shall be appointed by the
ARTICLE V—GENERAL CONFERENCE SESSIONS General Conference Executive Committee in consultation
Sec. 1. The General Conference shall hold quinquennial with the organizations concerned.
Sessions at such time and place as the General Conference Sec. 7. Regular delegates shall be allotted on the following
Executive Committee shall designate and announce by a basis:
notice published in the Adventist Reviewand Adventist a.Each union conference shall be entitled to two delegates
Worldin three consecutive issues at least four months before other than its president (who is a delegate at large) without
the date for the opening of the Session. In case special world regard to membership size.
conditions make it imperative to postpone the calling of the b.Each union mission shall be entitled to one delegate
Session, the General Conference Executive Committee, in reg- other than its president (who is a delegate at large) without
ular or special council, shall have authority to make such post- regard to membership size.