Church Manual - General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

210 CHURCH MANUAL
just been presented Have you been baptized by immersion Are you in
good fellowship and enjoying one another’s confidence
If these questions are answered in the affirmative, the three are
declared to constitute the nucleus of the new church. Then one after
another the names on that list are called, and the person is asked the
foregoing questions; then a vote is taken among the nucleus to receive
the individual into church fellowship. Each person thus received becomes
a member of the church and is qualified to vote on the next name. Care
should be taken to see that full fellowship and brotherly love exist among
those received into membership. Should any difficulty arise in any case
over a question either of doctrine or of fellowship, action in such cases
should be deferred unless the matter can be adjusted kindly and tactfully
at the time.
When all have been received, the church is a complete entity and
ready for the election of officers. A nominating committee should be
chosen, with the officiating minister as chairman. This committee shall
bring in nominations to fill the various church offices. When these have
been elected, the elders should be ordained. After a brief outline of an
elder’s duties and the mutual responsibilities of members, the elders
should be called to the platform and invited to kneel while the officiating
ministers pray and lay hands upon them to signify that the church sets
them apart for this service. A similar but shorter dedication should take
place for the ordination of the deacons. When this has been done, the
church is fully organized and ready for service.
Before such a meeting closes, an action should be taken requesting
the local conference to receive the newly organized church into the
sisterhood of churches at the time of the next local conference/mission/
field session.
Care should be taken to see that all officers are fully instructed
concerning their duties. The church should have a communion set
provided, also the materials needed for the ordinance of foot-washing.
The treasurer, the clerk, and the other officers should be furnished with
the necessary record and receipt books. All such details should be given
careful attention, for the future prosperity of the church depends in a
large degree upon the care that is exercised in its organization and
instruction. When it can be arranged, the communion service should be
celebrated at the time the church is organized.
Uniting Churches
When it is advisable to unite two churches, the conference/mission/
field committee should take action recommending such a course. In a
duly called meeting, presided over by the conference/mission/field