Adventist Church Celebrates 100th Anniversary of General Conference Working Policy

The Seventh-day Adventist Church commemorated the 100th anniversary of the General Conference Working Policy during its Annual Council on October 12, 2026, at the General Conference headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland. The event featured historical reflections, a centennial celebration, and a focus on the policy’s role in guiding the church’s mission. A pocket pamphlet, which initially served as a guide for church leaders a century ago, was highlighted as a central symbol of the occasion.

The centennial celebration took place at the conclusion of a day filled with business meetings and reports. Church leaders reviewed the Working Policy’s evolution from its approval in 1926 to its current expanded form, with plans for a more accessible digital version. The event underscored the importance of policy in providing structure and clarity for the church’s mission.

An introductory video emphasized that “mission without policy becomes confusion,” noting that policy is not the mission itself but the framework that enables it. Rick McEdward, GC executive secretary, stated that the centennial celebration was about more than the document’s longevity. He highlighted the Working Policy as one of the foundational organizational documents, alongside the 28 Fundamental Beliefs and the Church Manual.

McEdward connected the need for policy to the biblical principle in 1 Corinthians 14:33, which states, “God is not the God of confusion, but the God of peace.” He explained that policy ensures an orderly approach to the church’s work, offering clarity, consistency, and fairness. He also noted that policy provides protection for the church as it grows, while emphasizing that policy itself does not perform the mission but supports it through organization and structure.

Myron Iseminger, former GC undersecretary, brought the history of the Working Policy to life by presenting an original copy approved 100 years ago. He noted that what began as a 63-page pamphlet has grown to 837 pages, reflecting the expansion of the worldwide church. Adventist membership increased from approximately 69,000 in 1901 to over 261,000 by 1926, prompting leaders, including then-president William A. Spicer, to compile key decisions and documents into a single reference.

The first Working Policy was officially approved during the 1926 Autumn Council in Battle Creek, Michigan. GC Policy and Projects manager Tami Boward described the Working Policy as a “living document” that continues to evolve with the church’s development. She highlighted new resources, including online access, as part of ongoing efforts to enhance accessibility and usability.

Source: Read the original report