“If there were no church discipline and government, the church would go to fragments; it could not hold together as a body.” 3T 428

Since neglect of church discipline will allow the church to go to fragments, shouldn’t we obey Bible teaching about church discipline? If we love the church as Christ does, will we not be willing to carry it out, even at great personal sacrifice? Church discipline is actually a Bible doctrine which is affirmed in the Church Manual. But there is no more neglected teaching among us today.

What are the reasons for church discipline? In the Seventh-day Adventist church there are at least 3 levels of authority: The Bible, the writings of Ellen White, and church authority. Parts I and II document unresolved issues within God’s beloved church. But just now, I want focus on church authority—the Church Manual. Please read carefully and thoughtfully:

The Church Manual is Authoritative

“The standards and practices of the Church are based upon the principles of the Holy Scriptures. These principles, underscored by the Spirit of Prophecy, are set forth in this Church Manual. They are to be followed in all matters pertaining to the administration and operation of local churches. The Church Manual also defines the relationship that exists between the local congregation and the conference or other entities of Seventh-day Adventist denominational organization. No attempt should be made to set up standards of membership or to make, or attempt to enforce, rules or regulations for local church operations that are contrary to these decisions adopted by the General Conference in Session and that are set forth in this Church Manual.” [Emphasis mine.] Church Manual, 2015, p. 16

General Conference Session is the very highest level of church authority within our structure. That is where membership parameters are established. Local churches bearing the name Seventh-day Adventist do not have the right to set their own membership parameters. Neither do conferences, unions, and divisions.

In my years in the Northern California Conference [NCC], administration seldom, if ever, emphasized the authority of the Church Manual. Unity in diversity was a prevalent theme. Part I and Part II of this series show the fruit of this neglect.

Church Manual Requirements For Baptism/Membership Mandate Agreement With our Beliefs and Practices as Outlined in the Manual.

“Thorough Instruction and Public Examination Before Baptism— Candidates individually or in a baptismal class should be instructed from the Scriptures regarding the Church’s fundamental beliefs and practices and the responsibilities of membership. A pastor should satisfy the church by a public examination that candidates are well instructed, are committed to taking this important step, and by practice and conduct demonstrate a willing acceptance of Church doctrines and the principles of conduct which are the outward expression of those doctrines, for “by their fruits you will know them” (Matt. 7:20).

If public examination is impractical, then candidates should be examined by the board or a committee appointed by the board, such as the board of elders, whose report then should be given to the church before the baptism. “The test of discipleship is not brought to bear as closely as it should be upon those who present themselves for baptism. It should be understood whether they are simply taking the name of Seventh-day Adventists, or whether they are taking their stand on the Lord’s side, to come out from the world and be separate, and touch not the unclean thing. Before baptism there should be a thorough inquiry as to the experience of the candidates. Let this inquiry be made, not in a cold and distant way, but kindly, tenderly, pointing the new converts to the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world. Bring the requirements of the gospel to bear upon the candidates for baptism.”—6T 95, 96. [Emphasis mine.] Church Manual, 2015, p. 44

Should less care be taken in screening ministers and teachers than in screening members?

When I interviewed for a ministerial position in the NCC, I was not even asked if I believed all the fundamentals. I was not asked what I believed about salvation and the gospel. I was asked if I was liberal or conservative—because NCC had both types of churches.

In 2010 I introduced a resolution at NCC Constituency meeting to correct this problem. It was fought by fellow ministers and defeated. After that point, NCC administration made it clear that they ask ministerial candidates if they believe all the fundamental doctrines.

But does such a cursory approach adequately reflect the care required to accept members? [see above quote from the Church Manual] What happened to the screening process before Ginger Harwood, Dan Wysong, Jon Henderson Chanda Nunes and Wayne Gungle were ordained or employed?

What questions are allowed in screening process when we hire new teachers? In my last district, NCC Associate Educational Superintendent, Wayne Gungle, used rules from the business world, which precluded the asking of important spiritual questions of the candidates.

Where is the official policy within the NCC for what questions can be asked of teachers? Head Education Superintendent Albert Miller promised me a copy but later denied me. He can’t deny you. You should know.

The First Reason for Discipline of Members is Denial of our Biblical Beliefs

“Reasons for Discipline

The reasons for which members shall be subject to discipline are: 1. Denial of faith in the fundamentals of the gospel and in the fundamental beliefs of the Church or teaching doctrines contrary to the same. 2. Violation of the law of God, such as worship of idols, murder, stealing, profanity, gambling, Sabbathbreaking, and willful and habitual falsehood. 3. Violation of the commandment of the law of God, which reads, “You shall not commit adultery” (Ex. 20:14, Matt. 5:27-28), as it relates to the marriage institution and the Christian home, biblical standards of moral conduct, and any act of sexual intimacy outside of a marriage relationship and/or non-consensual acts of sexual conduct within a marriage, whether those acts are legal or illegal. Such acts include but are not limited to child sexual abuse, including abuse of the vulnerable. Marriage is defined as a public, lawfully binding, monogamous, heterosexual relationship between one man and one woman. 4. Fornication, which includes among other issues, promiscuity, homosexual activity, incest, sodomy, and bestiality. 5. The production, use, or distribution of pornographic material. 6. Remarriage of a divorced person, except the spouse who has remained faithful to the marriage vow in a divorce for adultery or for sexual perversions. 7. Physical violence, including violence within the family. 8. Fraud or willful misrepresentation in business. 9. Disorderly conduct which brings reproach upon the church. 10. Adherence to or taking part in a divisive or disloyal movement or organization. (See p. 59.) 11. Persistent refusal to recognize properly constituted church authority or to submit to the order and discipline of the church. 12. The use, manufacture, or sale of alcoholic beverages. 13. The use, manufacture, or sale of tobacco in any of its forms for human consumption. 14. The use or manufacture of illicit drugs or the use, misuse, or sale of narcotics or drugs without appropriate medical cause and license.” [emphasis mine] Church Manul 2015, p. 61ff

I emphasized the 1st test of fellowship—denial of faith in the gospel and our fundamental beliefs—because traditionally we hardly ever discipline for doctrinal disbelief. Should this be? Not if we carry the name Seventh-day Adventist.

For example, Dr. Webster of La Sierra University correctly outlined to NCC ministers 4 different gospels within Adventism. But the Bible teaches a singular gospel—the everlasting gospel [Revelation 14:6]. Same with our fundamental beliefs.

So how did we get to the point we have 4 gospels within the church? We have neglected Church Manual disciplinary guidelines for years on the gospel. Pluralism, tolerance of gospel diversity, paved the way for current compromise regarding sexual morality. In particular, the Fordian gospel is prevalent among us and how many of us are actually promoting the salient features of the everlasting gospel found in the 3 Angel’s messages?[1]

How is Discipline to be Carried Out?

The Church Manual says that the first step is to place the erring one under a vote of censure “to enable the church to express disapproval” and “to impress offending members with the need” to change. Please notice that censure is very visible: Censure

“ . . . terminates an erring member’s election or appointment to all offices and removes the privilege of election while it is in effect. Members under censure have no right to participate by voice or by vote in the affairs of the church or lead church activities, such as teaching a Sabbath School class.” [Emphasis mine.]

I refer now to examples which are documented in Parts I & II:

While claiming to discipline Wysong, NCC Administration did not remove him from leadership of the Chico church even though he believed, contrary to the church, that married lesbians needed to be included in membership. Not only this, as lead pastor, he did nothing in the next two years to correct the wrong he had allowed. I guess in NCC ministers are exempt from the rules that apply to members—removal from “all offices” and leadership and teaching activities?

The Pacific Union Committee, including the NCC president, declined to discipline Ginger Harwood by removing her credentials and annulling her ordination. Furthermore, she was elected in 2018 as a delegate to both the NCC organizing committee and constituency meeting—and permitted to serve by NCC and PUC administration. And locally, Harwood remains an elected elder and SS teacher at Chico. Who are the people at Chico who still support Harwood and her stance? Apparently they are still in power. All this ignores our official disciplinary guidelines per above which are to be followed by all Seventh-day Adventist churches. [Read Parts I & II].

As late as 2018, the married lesbian couple were still church members. Do they still hold membership within the Seventh-day Adventist church today? I asked Ed Farguson, assistant to NCC president, this question on Feb. 1, 2021, and he did not even know the answer.

Pastor Jon Henderson is still employed by the NCC. Do we even know if his beliefs have changed since Adam and Steve? We should know. The Constituency Meeting is the highest authority in the NCC, not the administration.

And then there is Chanda Nunes and her promotions by NCC administration despite her public statement of disbelief in the gospel. And Wayne Gungle’s belief in gay marriage and disbelief in church discipline and the gospel. And NCC Head Educational Superintendent, Albert Miller, and his support of Gungle. And NCC President Marc Woodson’s support of Miller.[2]

So, is the NCC a viable part of the Seventh-day Adventist Church? We live in a free country, thank God. So, all of the above named people are free to believe anything they want. But shouldn’t those who are leaders carry out discipline according to Seventh-day Adventist guidelines? If that is too hard, shouldn’t they step down or be removed? And, ethically, shouldn’t all who no longer believe actually leave the church if they can’t be helped back to belief?

And what about the test of fellowship,

“Persistent refusal to recognize properly constituted church authority or to submit to the order and discipline of the church.”

If the NCC constituency does not correct outstanding issues, why not withdraw from the Seventh-day Adventist church? This is what some people are asking themselves.

What is the use of having a Church Manual if we do not unitedly believe it and follow it? What is the use of having a world church structure, if we do not unitedly respect what it votes?

Our church system is broken. I feel I have exhausted appeals to higher levels of authority. So I am appealing to the entire constituency of this church. Jesus said, tell it to the church.

What can you do? First engage in self-examination in light of scripture and Ellen White. Put any idol away. Pray for a deeper level of repentance that leads to spiritual victory.

Share this series of articles with others, especially those who will be delegates to the NCC constituency meeting Sept. 25.
Remind delegates that they are the highest authority in the NCC, not administration. Constituency elects administration. They are responsible before God for what they vote.
Think of good questions to ask any prospective leaders. Know what they believe. Know how they have promoted our official beliefs before electing them for another term.
Last of all, please pray for all of us, that we will love the Lord our God supremely, that we will put His honor, His word, and His interests first, above our human friendships and above conference leadership when necessary. Otherwise, we are idolaters.
Pray that we will all be ready to go home without one person missing.