1. Ministerial Association of the General Conference
ELDER’S TRAINING SEMINAR
Based on the Elder’s Handbook
Ministerial Association of the General Conference

2. Relationship with Conference/ Mission
Chapter 3 – Part 7

3. Support for Conference/Mission
Local elders have no official authority outside
their own church except as they may be chosen
by their congregation as delegate to special
gatherings.
The local church exists by vote of the sisterhood
of churches in the local conference/mission.

4. Support for Conference/Mission
Church growth comes from
the local church.
Church finance is generated
almost exclusively in the local
congregation.

5. Support for Conference/Mission
Conferences/missions have responsibility for all church work in the area, but their success is almost completely dependent on the loyal support of local leadership.
Trust your conference/mission leaders, support them and consult them.

6. Support for Conference/Mission
The Church Manual is the most significant policy book of the denomination. The standards and practices of the church are based upon the principles set forth it.
No attempt should be made by anyone to set up standards of membership or to make, or attempt to enforce, rule or regulations for the church which have not been adopted by the general body of believers and which are not set forth in the Church Manual.

7. Support for Conference/Mission
Protects the congregation by denying the pulpit to anyone claiming to be a minister, but whose license has expired or been revoked.
Provides training and resources to assist the local church in their outreach.

8. Support for Conference/Mission
Your conference/mission supports your local church by providing its pastor.
In each local conference or mission there are persons especially equipped to provide training and resources to assist the local churches in their outreach.

9. Support for Conference/Mission
Every elder should have a current edition of the Church Manual available to them
The Elder’s Handbook is written with the presupposition that you have access to a Church Manual and overall knowledge of the ministry each department and church leader performs.

10. Support for Conference/Mission
The Elder’s Handbook will not repeat in details the Church Manual’s instruction to church leaders and departments.
The Ministerial Association is responsible for supporting pastors in order to provide appropriate training for church leaders.