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Top Leaders of World Church Reelected
By a unanimous vote of delegates to the church’s 58th General Conference
Session in St. Louis, Missouri, Pastor Jan Paulsen, 70, was reelected July 1,
2005, as world president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
“It is a privilege to serve the Lord and the Church in
the leadership role that you have asked me to fulfill. It is an honor, and I
want to express appreciation for the trust you placed in me. And I will do my
very best to serve the Lord and His church,” Paulsen said immediately after
the vote.
The Norwegian-born Paulsen, church president since
1999, has more than 40 years of service as a Seventh-day Adventist Church
pastor, missionary, educator and church executive. He is an ordained minister
and has served his church in many areas, beginning in the West Norwegian
Adventist church area. He has been a pastor, a Bible teacher in Ghana, teacher
and principal in Nigeria, teacher and principal of Newbold College in England,
and general secretary and education director of the Trans-European region,
headquartered in England. In 1983, Paulsen became president of that region,
and was elected as general vice president of the General Conference in 1995, a
position he held until he became world church president.
He earned a doctor in theology degree from Tubingen University in Germany. In
addition to numerous articles and papers, Dr. Paulsen is the author of several
books including “Let Your Life So Shine” and “When the Spirit Descends.”
Pastor Matthew Bediako and Pastor Robert Lemon were
re-elected unanimously as secretary and treasurer, respectively, of the
Seventh-day Adventist Church at the 58th General Conference Session. The
president, Pastor Jan Paulsen, expressed his appreciation to the delegates for
choosing the two men to serve as officers of the General Conference. He said
further, “Pastor Bediako has served with distinction for the past five years,
and will continue to do so.”
In his response, Bediako said he thanked God for
leading him during the “past five years.” He also expressed appreciation to
the delegates for their prayers and requested that they continue to pray for
him.
Paulsen said that Pastor Lemon had the “heart of a
minister” and was “one of the finest financial professionals that we have.”
Pastor Lemon felt that it was a humbling experience for him to have been asked
to serve on the leadership team of the General Conference.
The Seventh-day Adventist Church has 14.3 million baptized members in more
than 200 countries and territories around the world. A total of 25 million
persons worldwide attend Adventist worship services each week. - Source:
Adventist News Network
A WOMAN ELECTED GENERAL VICE PRESIDENT OF GENERAL
CONFERENCE It was an historic vote on Sunday, July 3, 2005, when
Seventh-day Adventists elected a woman as general vice president of the world
church. Dr. Ella Louise Smith Simmons, an Afro-American, is the first woman to
fill this position. A highly qualified professional educator, she recently
served as provost/vice president at La Sierra University, in California.
Before that she was vice president of academic affairs at Oakwood College in
Huntsville, Alabama. Both schools are operated by the Adventist Church.
Simmons has a doctorate in education from the University of Louisville.
Her election came on the heels of a presentation by
newly reelected church President, Jan Paulsen, on characteristics essential to
Adventist leadership. During the interaction period, one of the questions he
fielded from members of the delegation related to the promotion of women to
top levels of church leadership.
In another development Pastor Pardon Kandanga Mwansa,
president of the church’s Southern Africa-Indian Ocean region, was also
elected as a general vice president of the world church; and Evangelist Mark
Finley was elected vice president for Global Evangelism.
The following incumbents were returned as general vice presidents: Lowell C.
Cooper, King-Yi Eugene Hsu, Gerry D. Karst, Armando Miranda, Michael L. Ryan
and Ted N.C. Wilson.
The session also elected 13 regional presidents: Geoffrey G. Mbwana,
East-Central Africa; Ulrich W. Frikart, Euro-Africa; Arthur A. Stele,
Euro-Asia; Israel Leito, Inter-America; Don C. Schneider, North America;
Jairyong Lee, Northern Asia-Pacific; Ruy H. Nagel, South America; Laurie J.
Evans, South Pacific; Paul S. Ratsara, southern Africa-Indian Ocean; D. Ronald
Watts, Southern Asia; Alberto C. Gulfan Jr., Southern Asia-Pacific; Bertil A.
Wiklander, Trans-European Division, and Luka T. Daniel, West-Central Africa.
Source: Adventist News Network
ADDITIONAL FUNDAMENTAL BELIEF VOTED
Growing In Christ
At the 58th General Conference Session in St. Louis, Missouri, the following
addition to the statement of Fundamental Beliefs was voted on July 4, 2005:
By His cross Jesus triumphed over the forces of evil.
He who subjugated the demonic spirits during His earthly ministry has broken
their power and made certain their ultimate doom. Jesus’ victory gives us
victory over the evil forces that still seek to control us, as we walk with
Him in peace, joy, and assurance of His love. Now the Holy Spirit dwells
within us and empowers us. Continually committed to Jesus as our Savior and
Lord, we are set free from the burden of our past deeds. No longer do we live
in the darkness, fear of evil powers, ignorance, and meaninglessness of our
former way of life. In this new freedom in Jesus, we are called to grow into
the likeness of His character, communing with Him daily in prayer, feeding on
His word, meditating on it and on His providence, singing His praises,
gathering together for worship, and participating in the mission of the
Church. As we give ourselves in loving service to those around us and in
witnessing to His salvation, His constant presence with us through the Spirit
sanctifies every moment and every task. (Ps 1:1,2; 23:4: 77:11, 12; Col 1:13,
14; 2:6, 14, 15; Luke 10:17-20; Eph 5:19, 20; 6: 12-18; 1 Thess 5:23; 2 Peter
2:9; 3:18; 2 Cor. 3:17, 18; Phil 3:7-14; 1 Thess 5:16-18; Matt 20:25-28; John
20:21; Gal 5:22-25; Rom 8:38, 39; 1 John 4:4; Heb. 10:25.)
Source: Adventist News Network
PAULSEN SAYS ADVENTIST LEADERS SHOULD HAVE HUMILITY,
INTEGRITY AND VISION Speaking on the topic “The Character and
Personality of Adventist Leadership,” Dr. Jan Paulsen, newly reelected
president of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, declared that
“humility, integrity and vision are essential traits for all Adventist
leaders. He was the keynote speaker for the beginning of a series of five
topics on leadership. The church leaders felt that the series of seminars
would “help the next generation of leaders who may not have traditional
backgrounds in leadership remain true” to the traditional immutable values of
the church.
During a discussion of his topic, Paulsen admitted that
women were underrepresented in the Adventist church, but he indicated that
that will change. Indeed, the election of a woman to the position of general
vice president of the General Conference is evidence that efforts are being
made to do better.
Paulsen stated that leadership skills do not develop
overnight. He felt that the initial leadership training should be the
responsibility of the local church. His concern that young people be involved
in the work of the church and that they be prepared for leadership was
reflected in these statements: “There is no Biblical requirement that says you
have to be 50 before you become a [lay leader].” “Christ’s original disciples
were not chosen when they were approaching retirement.”
Until recently, the standards for leadership in the church were influenced by
the United States where the pioneers of the Adventist Church had their roots.
But the increasing non-American membership dictates that changes be made to
consider the various cultures. However, culture and local traditions must not
change our faith and our moral values. Our common policies, and fundamental
beliefs should keep us on course.
Source: Adventist News Network
ADVERTISEMENT FOR THE POSITION OF PRINCIPAL OF
BAHAMAS ACADEMY OF SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS Applications from
qualified persons are being accepted for the following positions at Bahamas
Academy of Seventh-day Adventists.
1. Principal
2. Vice Principal
The person selected for the position of principal should possess the following
qualifications:
1. Be an active member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
2. Hold at least a Bachelor’s Degree, but a Master’s Degree is preferred.
3. Have at least five years teaching experience in the elementary/secondary
school.
4. Have at least three years of administrative experience.
5. Possess effective communication skills with the ability to work
collaboratively with students, staff, parents and the school board.
6. Have the ability to create a safe, orderly school with discipline and
security.
7. Posses educational leadership and supervisory skills.
The principal will be expected to perform the following duties:
1. Plan, implement and evaluate instructional programs.
2. Conduct ongoing assessments and modification of the instructional program
based on formative and summative assessment data.
3. Assume spiritual leadership in the school.
4. Exhibit positive exemplary interpersonal skills.
5. Inform staff of policies and procedures so that expectations for
performance are understood.
6. Encourage professional growth for staff development.
7. Communicate the vision and mission of the school to staff, parents,
students, community and church members.
8. Organize, manage and evaluate the school as it relates to staffing, school
plant facilities and equipment within budgetary constraints.
9. Implement performance evaluation process of all staff members.
10. Promote administrative procedures that are consistent with the union,
conference, and school board policy.
The vice principal will be expected to assist the principal in the performance
of the duties listed above. The application should be accompanied by the
following:
a. Cover letter describing your present position.
b. Updated resume.
c. Three references (include one from your recent employer).
d. Police record.
e. Proof of credentials.
f. Recent photo of self (2" x 2").
g. Medical certificate (completed by a Physician).
NB: All applications or norminations (locally) should be submitted to:
The Chairman, Search Committee, P.O.Box N 356, Nassau, Bahamas. Fax:
1-242-341-4088. The deadline for receipt of application is July 31, 2005, or
until the position is filled.
Application forms may be picked up at the Bahamas Conference of Seventh-day
Adventists Office on Harrold Road, or on our website (sdaeducation@coralwave.com).
The Committee reserves the right to reject the application of any or all
applicants.
Search Committee
Adventist Response to Gays and
Lesbians Seminar
This seminar will be held on July 17, 2005, 7:30 p.m. at Centreville Church
for all church leaders and interested members
Bahamas Academy Summer School for Grades 7 - 11 began on
Monday, July 4th and ends on July 22nd. Plan to enroll your child for classes
in Math, English, Sewing, Cooking, or Woodwork.
Single Adults Seminar This will be held on
Sunday, July 31, from 3:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Interested persons who are 30
years and older should see Kimberly Bryan at the Conference office regarding
registration and the cost of attendance.
Admiral’s Crafts Admiral Forbes is
hosting a Miniature Boat Building Camp at the Breath of Life Church grounds on
Marshall Road, July 4 to 29, 2005. For details on cost of camp and
registration, please call 364-1613.
Adventist Book Centre
The Adventist Book Centre’s hours during daylight saving time are:
Monday to Thursday 8:00 a.m. -6:00 p.m.
Friday 8:00 a.m. -3:00 p.m.
Sunday 8:00 a.m. -1:00 p.m.
Hour of Gospel Music at Mary Ingraham Home The Hour of Gospel
Music at the Mary Ingraham Home continues on a weekly basis at 6:00 p.m. to
7:00 p.m. The schedule for today, July 9th , will be the Berea Church.. Next
week, July 16th, music will be provided by Bethany Church..
Youth Ministries
The Pathfinder Band is one of the four bands invited to perform at the
Independence Celebrations on July 9th at 8:00 p.m. on Clifford Park. Some
Pathfinders will participate in a special drill display..
S.D.A. Basketball League continues tonight at 8:30 at Bahamas Academy Gym. It
is important that all teams that have entered be present to play.
Youth Ministries
We need YOUth! The gospel clarion call is being sounded once again! July 30 to
August 6, 2005, there will be a crusade like no other. The “Come Alive With
Jesus Youth Crusade” will be held at the Hillview Church nightly - except
Mondays. We need YOUTH! Persons who can sing in the choir please join us at
the Gym at 4:30 p.m. today for rehearsal. Other interested persons are asked
to contact the Youth Director or the AY Coordinator to indicate the areas in
which you can help. No reasonable offer refused!! Won’t you be enlisted as a
volunteer?
All Theology/Ministerial students are asked to register with Sis. McPhee at
the Conference office.
Path to Life Camp Path to Life Camp will be held July 18 to
30th. Contact Sis. Eforma Coakley or Sherry Thompson at the Living Faith
Church.
Acklins For Christ Gospel Crusade Pastor R. I .Hanna and his
brother-in-law, Brother Orthniel Darling, accompanied by their wives, will
conduct an Evangelistic Crusade in Lovely Bay, Acklins, July 1 - 24, 2005.
Their aim is to build up the believers’ faith, add to their number and
organize them into a permanent company or church in the area.
Both Pastor Hanna and Brother Darling are from Acklins and have a burden to
see the church established on that island. Please pray for God’s blessings
upon their efforts. Other members of the Hanna family will be joining them in
Acklins immediately after General Conference Session.
Seraphic Sounds Presents an evening of sacred music, a benefit concert
in aid of the Bahamas Children’s Emergency Hostel, featuring Allison M. Mason
and guest artists Richa Sands, Keson Tinker and Friends 4 Life Chorale, on
Saturday, July 23, 2005 at 8:00 p.m. at Christ Church Cathedral, George
Street, Nassau, Bahamas.
Sun sets today at
8:03 p.m.
Sun sets next Sabbath at 8:04 p.m.
