Delegates Vote to Amend Church Manual Sections on Pastor Credentials and Delegate Allotment Calculations

Delegates at the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s General Conference Session voted on several amendments to the Church Manual, Bylaws, and Constitution during the fifth, sixth, and seventh business meetings on July 6 and 7, 2025, in St. Louis, Missouri. These discussions marked the beginning of a series of sessions aimed at revising and updating key church documents.

On July 6, delegates approved an amendment to the Church Manual concerning the credentials and licenses of pastors and other employees. The change was intended to remove redundant information, according to church leaders. Another amendment revised the wording of a suggestion that each division prepare a Supplement to the Church Manual to include region-specific items. The language was adjusted to “may” to reflect that this remains a recommendation rather than a requirement.

The Church Manual Committee proposed nonsubstantive editorial changes to the main content of the Church Manual for review by the Annual Council of the General Conference Executive Committee. If the Annual Council determines by a one-third vote that an editorial change alters the meaning of a passage, the change must be reconsidered at the General Conference Session. At the final Annual Council of a five-year term, the General Conference Executive Committee reviews all changes to notes and coordinates them. A new edition of the Church Manual is published after every General Conference Session, and the most recent edition is recommended for use.

Another motion addressed the structure of a school board, specifying that the principal of the school is generally appointed secretary of the board. A final motion on the Church Manual dealt with the nominating committee and election process. It clarified that the nominating committee “recommends names to the church and is not responsible to elect individuals to serve.” It also outlined the role of the pastor/chair of the nominating committee and treasurer in assessing the eligibility of nominees for church office.

Delegates also discussed a motion regarding the calculation of delegate allotments for the General Conference Session based on the number of members in a particular region. The motion proposed adding one full year—from the second to the third year preceding the event. The rationale was that it now takes more than a year in some places to apply for and receive a visa to travel to the United States. Leaders explained that this adjustment aims to provide divisions and their delegates with more time to prepare for the session.

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