Education in NCC
[The following is a response to the letter from Hedwig Wharton in the Sept. 2004 issue regarding the Northern California Conference constituency vote not to require churches to join a school constituency.]
The Northern California Conference has a long history of support for Christian education. We have 29 elementary schools, four junior academies, and 12 senior academies. Due in part to the vast geography of the conference that finds many of our churches significantly removed from a local school, approximately one-third of our churches are not currently part of a school constituency. However, because of the growing financial challenges to local schools and churches, discussion has been generated on the subject of mandating church participation on the local level.
At the recent Northern California Conference constituency meeting, a proposal was made for all churches to be required, rather than encouraged, to join a local school constituency. After much discussion, the delegates determined that to vote such a requirement based on the current proposal would create more division and separation in the conference. The motion, therefore, did not pass.
At the same time, the delegates voiced their continued desire to maintain a strong Christian education presence in the Northern California Conference. All of our churches belong to the constituency of our boarding school, Rio Lindo Adventist Academy, and support it through their giving.
NCC Administration
Focused Community Ministry
I read with interest and excitement [Tom] Mostert’s preliminary suggestions about the refocusing of local ministry [Oct. 2004]. I concur 100 percent with his assessment that the time has come to review the ways in which we conduct ministry. I also understand that this particular article is necessarily a "first volley," intended to broach the subject and stimulate thoughtful and prayerful discussion, with details to follow. This is healthy. However, I hope that Union leadership will take the discussion to its logical conclusion and explore an overarching revision of the utilization of financial assets as well as local church buildings and personnel. Great start, Pastor Mostert. Full speed ahead!
Jerry L. Cox
Modesto, Calif.
Missing Members
I am a faithful reader of the Recorder as well as the Adventist Review. Recently, my interest in these publications became heightened due to the various articles addressing the “missing” members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. As someone who definitely is a “missing” member, perhaps it is time to enlighten those who are not.
Let me share the most recent incident which confirms my “missing” status. In April of this year, Franklin Graham conducted a crusade. I felt compelled to answer the alter call. I listed my local Adventist church, where my official membership is held, as the church I would like to contact me. In the weeks that followed, I received numerous calls from members of various local church groups, and at least three calls from members of the Graham crusade. Each time I was asked if anyone from my church of choice had called me, and sadly, my answer was always no.
Fast forward five months to the week of Sept. 20, and lo and behold, I receive a call from the pastor stating he was following-up on information he received after the Franklin Graham Festival. Five months.
Is it really such a mystery that members are missing from the church? I used to be an active member—I taught in the children’s division, assisted with church functions, worked for schools and summer camps, etc. Yet, in all the many years I have been missing, no one has come looking. The church cannot address its missing members unless it is actively seeking them.
Furthermore, the church will not succeed in its evangelical efforts until it is able to sustain its members. Unfortunately, more and more long-time members are missing, and those recently baptized into the faith are not nurtured and are quickly becoming members of the continually growing “missing” population. Please come and find me.
Anonymous
Via e-mail
