What does EGW write about...
Adventistische Schriften über: "Duties of the church committee according to the church ordinance"
Answer
The church committee and the church as a whole are empowered by God to maintain order and discipline among God's people and to resolve questions concerning the purity and growth of the church. The duties include regulating financial matters, providing for the needs of staff, and deciding on membership in cases of unchristian behavior. It is emphasized that those responsible must be closely connected to God in order to make righteous decisions in accordance with Christ.
Responsibility for Order and Discipline
The church was given the authority to act in place of Christ. It is God's instrument for maintaining order and discipline among His people. The Lord has delegated to it the power to resolve all questions concerning its flourishing, its purity, and its order. It bears the responsibility to exclude from its community those who are unworthy and who would bring shame to the truth through their unchristian behavior.
Financial Matters and Provision
In this assembly our financial matters were amicably settled, and the property of the association was transferred into the hands of the committee.
One or more of the brethren in general should be empowered to act as a committee, to know what is needed, and to meet those needs without restriction, so that he [the worker] in his absence knows that his family suffers no lack.
Spiritual Attitude of the Council Members
Those who form our committees must sit daily at Christ's feet and learn in His school to be gentle and truly humble... The trustees should always be aware that they are under the divine eye, and act with the constant awareness that, as limited humans, they tend to make planning errors unless they are closely connected to God.
Organization and Convening of Conferences
Resolved: That our correspondence committee be empowered to convene another general conference at any time and place they deem appropriate.
Relieving Preachers from Business Matters
Binding a preacher to a place by giving him oversight of business matters related to the work of the church is not conducive to his spirituality. Doing so does not align with the biblical plan as presented in the sixth chapter of Acts.
- Church purity and order
- Responsibility of the church committee
- Biblical leadership of the church
Original Sources (English)
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