SDA Structure

[Gregory Matthews]

I consider the article listed below to be of great value in understanding how the SDA denomination operates and how the structure that we have developed fits into the religious world at large. 

Denis Fortin posits that the Protestant denominations have general followed three types of organizational structure:

1) Episcopal:   Anglican, Lutheran & United Methodist are examples.

2) Presbyterian:  Presbyterian Reformed

3) Congregational:  Baptist, Pentecostal, United church of Christ.

From there, Fortin suggests that we as SDAs do not easily fit into one of the above models.  Instead, he suggests that our SDA structure has aspects/elements of each of the three groups that I have listed above.  But, at the same time, we lack some of the elements of each model.

In the Episcopal model, three levels of ordination exist: deacons, priests (Presbyters) and bishops.  The bishop is placed in charge of a group of congregations, is responsible for their spiritual are and assigns the priest.  As a regional supervisor, the  bishop is responsible for the adherence of the congregations to the "true faith."   

In the Presbyterian model, local congregations are administered by a council of elders.  A group of congregations are united in a synod (presbytery).  The primary congregational leader is the elected elder, who is the ruling elder.  The pastor is the teaching elder, and may or may not be the ruling elder.  Power in the organizational structure flows up from the congregations and not down form the top.

In the Congregational model,  the focus is on the autonomy of the local congregation. These congregations generally have two (2) levels of ministry: the deacon and the elder--which include the pastor.  In this model the congregation itself makes all decisions, to include doctrine  and whether or not to associate with other levels of church structure.

The SDA Hybrid model:  The congregation model is reflected in the authority of the local congregation ins membership, discipline and local mission.  In addition, it has considerable freedom as to the content and time of its services.

The presbyterian model is reflected in the conference which governs a group of regional congregations and appoints the pastor.

The episcopal model of the United Methodist church most closely reflects the hierarchical structure of the SDA Church that goes up to the General Conference.  In this structure, the local conference is similar to a diocese and the President to a bishop.  Included is the fact elected denominational leaders can serve for unlimited terms, and a major factor the development of a creed or statement of fundamental beliefs  (The so-called 28.).  Included in this  is the idea that God speaks through the voice of the  church as expressed by the meeting of its highest council (The GC meeting in  session.). 

NOTE:  It must be granted that in all of these three aspects, there are elements that are not included in the SDA constructs--e.g. apostolic succession is not present and neither is the authority of the highest leader.

  

NOTE:  I have only listed a few brief elements of the Fortin article.    For full value, read the article.

 

Denis Fortin, "Church "Governance in Times of Conflict."  Adventist Today, Winter 2018, Pages 4-7. 

[rudywoofs (Pam)]

the SDA church sounds to me that it would fall primarily into the Episcopal mode.... not surprising, as (if I'm not mistaken), the SDA church evolved out of the Methodist Episcopalian mindset of Ellen White and others..