The church may appear as about to fall, but it does not fall. It remains, while the sinners in Zion will be sifted out--the chaff separated from the precious wheat. This is a terrible ordeal, but nevertheless it must take place.--2SM 380 (1886). {LDE 180.5}
Posted from NADministrial.com 10/15/2018
STATEMENT FROM THE NAD MINISTERIAL ASSOCIATION ON THE GC ANNUALCOUNCIL VOTE ON COMPLIANCE
Pastors, it is no doubt these are challenging times to be a spiritual leader, and even though it appears we are at a crossroad in the Seventh-day Adventist Church in North America, I’m still encouraged that we can stand on the promises of the Author and Finisher of our Faith. I’m encouraged because we can act as Micah declared, “to do justly, to love mercy and walk humbly with our God.” I’m also encouraged by your faithful witness to stand for the right though the heavens fall. If you are not encouraged, I just want you to know you do not walk alone. We stand with you and more importantly the Creator God of the Universe will empty heaven just for you. – Ivan Williams
Women Clergy, I know we all are feeling the after effects of yesterday’s meeting in Battle Creek. You are not alone - we are in this boxing ring together! Even though we may have been punched in the stomach yesterday, we are a resilient group – WE LOOK UP and find strength to get up! “In God I have put my trust; I will not fear what man can do unto me.” “I will cast my burden upon the Lord and He shall sustain me. He will never suffer the righteous to be moved.” We have important work to do, and by God’s grace we can confidently move forward knowing that we have been chosen and called by God. Continue to share your “girl power” with a younger daughter of the King and be intentional about mentoring and increasing our numbers – We will expand the Kingdom! -- Brenda Billingy
Pastors, There are millions of people in our cities, towns, and neighborhoods who need to experience the gospel through our lifestyle of compassion and our message of deliverance that sets them free today and offers them the hope of the second advent and the resurrection. This is not the time to walk away, we owe it to God who called us to ministry and to the people in desperate need of a Savior, to gather our courage and continue to share the transforming love of God and the compassion of Jesus in practical ways. Our unprecedented church planting movement and our missional awakening across our territory cannot be quenched. More than ever before, this is a time for all hands, feet, and hearts on deck, male and female, young and old, together sharing Jesus with actions and words in North America. – Jose Cortes Jr.
Husbands and Children of Women Clergy, I can only imagine what you as a husband or child of a woman who has dedicated her life to God’s service, must be feeling the day after the General Conference Annual Council confirmed such a grievous document. Though I believe that most Adventists within our division are deeply troubled by it, only God can understand the injury that has been afflicted on you by it and only He can heal the wounds that this may be causing you. Please know that you are being held up to God continually at this time in prayer. Dear friends, I believe that when “the church organization” appears to fail us, God will not. May the God of all comfort, comfort you in this present time. – Donna Jackson
Pastors, after yesterday’s GC council vote we don’t know what the future holds for the Seventh-day Adventist denomination. I’ve heard a variety of speculations. But in any future scenario, your pastoral leadership is needed now more than ever. Your people need a pastor. Your people need hope in Jesus. Your community needs to experience the grace of God. Don’t bolt. Instead, double down on your faith in Jesus. Dave Gemmell (Dave Gemmell is heavily involved with http://www.ifollowdiscipleship.org. Check it out HERE)
Everyone, even though we the women clergy, who are affected the most by this decision, have largely been left out of the conversation, I thank God for the men of principle who continue to be our voice. I thank God for the hundreds of Holy Spirit empowered women clergy, who against all odds, are having an ever-widening circle of pastoral impact. We at NAD Ministerial are committed to equipping and supporting them as our numbers grow. – Esther Knott
This is a very challenging time for the Seventh-day Adventist Church in North America. Actions taken at the 2018 General Conference Annual Council meeting in Battle Creek, Michigan, did not have the outcome for the church that we had strived toward. Many of us are dealing with fear, disappointment, and even anger. This voted document, which outlines a system of governance to address church entities perceived not in compliance with church policy, does not follow the biblical values proclaimed by the Protestant reformers and the founders of the Adventist Church. This document, as voted, has made centralized power possible, and seeks to create a hierarchical system of governance.
— North American Division Officers; updated 17:28, Oct. 15, 2018.
Webmaster note: Is it not ironic that the current leadership is simply attempting to support the vote the majority of Seventh Day Adventist members cast at the 2015 General Conference Session. It has nothing to do with “centralized power" but with support of the majority vote, as they should be doing!- for the third time brought to the GC for consideration, and a vote. Three times! Remember Korah and Miriam in their rebellions, folks!
Comment to the Columbia Union Oct 16, 2018: With all due respect to the leadership of the Columbia Union and NAD there are many, many faithful SDA's who prayed earnestly for our church leadership and believe it was God's leading with the vote on Sunday. Our church, like our country, is a democracy, and as the people vote so goes the church. If all the church entities had followed the vote of the world church there would have been no need for all the time and funds spent on this follow-up to the WO issue. I am the daughter of one of the early 'credentialed' female pastors and was very proud of what she accomplished as a female that male pastors would have difficulty doing. Her not being ordained did not hinder her in the least in working for God, and neither does it stand in the way of me or any other female who wants to work for Him. Please, humbly turn from your desire to work against the church, and put your focus and energy on how to best serve God and our churches/members/communities in a united and Christ-like manner.
The above comment submitted to the Columbia Union VISITOR magazine October 16, 2018 but still being held for review and evaluation before being published.
Twitter statement: We know many in the are disappointed in the vote at Annual Council to implement a new system of compliance over church entities around the world. We are too. (A Message From the Executive Officers of the Columbia Union Conference)
A MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE COLUMBIA UNION CONFERENCE
We know many in our union are disappointed in the vote at Annual Council to implement a new system of compliance over church entities around the world. We are too. And while we are a faithful and loyal part of God’s Church, we struggle to see His hand in this decision. Our concerns continue about the increasing centralization of authority at the General Conference and the resulting administrative overreach.
Many are asking what happens next. In two weeks, the Executive Committee of the North American Division will discuss and decide how to address this unfortunate development. In turn, the Columbia Union Executive Committee will meet mid-November to assess how we will approach this new reality.
Please be assured that this vote in no way changes the status or calling of women in ministry as pastors, elders or in any other leadership role. We greatly respect the partnership and contributions of the women serving on our unionwide ministry team.
Our union’s mission, values and priorities are clear and will continue to guide our decisions.
Please continue to pray for God’s guidance through these turbulent days.
Dave Weigley, President
Rob Vandeman, Executive Secretary
Emmanuel Asiedu, Treasurer
Common Sense
Some thought it was a big win for conservatives. Actually, it was a big win for common sense. What we Seventh-day Adventists request of the rebels—who are losing the sense of mission that was entrusted us—is to respect what was voted in GC Session, or resign from their administrative leadership. It’s unsustainable for a segment of an organization to defy decisions of the group and still remain part of the organization. The Seventh-day Adventist Church has a right to expect its adherents, who choose of their own free will to be members, to comply with the teachings and policies of the church family. People who can’t do that are free to start a new organization somewhere else that implements their beliefs. 
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The church may appear as about to fall, but it does not fall. It remains, while the sinners in Zion will be sifted out--the chaff separated from the precious wheat. This is a terrible ordeal, but nevertheless it must take place.--2SM 380 (1886). {LDE 180.5}