Stories & Commentaries

Statement from the North American Division on Baptism at Chico Seventh-day Adventist Church

February 13, 2017 | Silver Spring, MD | North American Division

“I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life” (John 8:12, KJV).

The North American Division of the Seventh-day Adventist Church believes that all people, no matter their sex, race, or gender identity or orientation are called into a lasting relationship with Jesus Christ. As imitators of Jesus we welcome all people, inviting them into our faith communities and sacrificially serving them. Followers of Jesus, regardless of their views on human sexuality, treat people with dignity and respect, and extend hospitality and grace to all.

The North American Division affirms the Seventh-Day Adventist Church Manual, which explains the criteria for becoming a member. “Individuals desiring membership are expected to affirm and commit to the Seventh-day Adventist Fundamental Beliefs and the responsibilities and practices of membership. This includes holding to a biblical view on human sexuality. Principles and criteria relative to membership are to be applied with fairness, consistency, and an attitude of love.”*

In the summer of 2016, a baptism was performed by a retired denominational employee, and the baptized person was voted into membership at the Chico Seventh-day Adventist Church. This person was part of a same-sex couple who had been married in a ceremony elsewhere two years earlier. Northern California Conference administrators did not learn of the baptism until afterward, and the conference administration has met with the pastor to work through the situation. The North American Division has full confidence in the leadership of the Northern California Conference in addressing this issue.

While defining the requirements for church membership, the North American Division Statement on Human Sexuality also affirms the role that the church must play in reaching out to today’s rapidly changing society: “In today’s world where there are divergent perspectives regarding human sexuality, God uses His church to work out His divine purpose of bringing salvation to all people. Therefore, the church must provide freedom and protection from social marginalization (Gal. 6:1) and must point people to Christ (Matt. 22:36-40) for forgiveness, redemption, and a new life (Rom. 8:4-14; Eph. 4:13).”

* North American Division Statement on Human Sexuality, November 2, 2015, by the North American Division Executive Committee.

2024 NAD Year-End Meeting Video and News Coverage

Welcome to the video stream and news coverage from the 2024 North American Division Year-End Meeting! Once the NAD Year-End Meeting begins on Nov. 1, 2024, you can watch below — and check out links to written news coverage and YEM reports as they become available.

Preparing for Pentecost: NAD President G. Alexander Bryant’s 2024 NAD Year-End Meeting Report is a Call to Higher Service

The 2024 North American Division Year-End Meeting began at 1 p.m. on November 1 at the NAD headquarters in Columbia, Maryland, following a two-day administrators’ conference — the first in 10 years — at the same location. One hundred and fifty executive committee members (of 302) gathered for day one of business meetings where, until Monday, November 3, they will receive reports, vote on business items, strategize, and fellowship with fellow Adventist church leaders and friends.

Faith, Determination, and Divine Power

On Nov, 2, 2024, in a powerful sermon in which attendees actively participated with voiced responses and hearty “Amens,” G. Alexander Bryant, president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in North America (NAD), delivered a message of hope, resilience, and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit.

Sabbath Worship at Year-End Meeting: A Sacred Pause

For attendees at the North American Division (NAD) Year-End Meeting, the Sabbath arrived as a welcome sacred pause, offering divine rest amid the intensive days of church business. All who gathered enjoyed worship, praise, and fellowship through three avenues: Sabbath School, worship service, and afternoon concert.

NAD Year-End Meeting Vespers: An Upper Room Experience

This year’s Friday evening vespers program during the North American Division Year-End Meeting delivered a unique and spirit-filled experience. It began with an agape feast followed by an upper room biblical dramatization, congregational singing, special prayer time, ordinance of humility, and communion.