Executive Secretary

Thank you for visiting our website. My work here is to ensure the smooth operation of the South Atlantic Conference and its entities. I also see that the South Atlantic Conference local churches abide by their respective constitutions and bylaws. I look forward to seeing you join our fold as we continue to serve the Lord with gladness.

EXECUTIVE SECRETARY 
The Executive Conference Secretary Philosophy
It is appropriate that the Seventh-day Adventist church which believes in a God of order should have in its administrative structure the secretariat which is mandated to supervise the areas of administrative functions that have direct impact on policy, record keeping and personnel. It was Moses who was directed by Divine instruction to pattern heavenly example (Ex. 25:8,9: Heb. 9:24). It was Ellen White who was given a vision of the heavenly ranks marching in order and was admonished to call the church’s attention to God’s love or organization.
The Godhead is perfect in all that it does whether in deed, purpose or organization. We are to follow the instruction of Paul to “reach toward the mark.” Thus the addition of the secretary to our conference structure is a move in the right direction; and has strengthened the conference administration’s ability to manage the varying tasks expected.
The officers of the conference are: President, Secretary and Treasurer.
Philosophy
It is appropriate that the Seventh-day Adventist church which believes in a God of order should have in its administrative structure the secretariat which is mandated to supervise the areas of administrative functions that have direct impact on policy, record keeping and personnel. It was Moses who was directed by Divine instruction to pattern heavenly example (Ex. 25:8,9: Heb. 9:24). It was Ellen White who was given a vision of the heavenly ranks marching in order and was admonished to call the church’s attention to God’s love or organization.
The Godhead is perfect in all that it does whether in deed, purpose or organization. We are to follow the instruction of Paul to “reach toward the mark.” Thus the addition of the secretary to our conference structure is a move in the right direction; and has strengthened the conference administration’s ability to manage the varying tasks expected.
The officers of the conference are: President, Secretary and Treasurer. In many local conferences/missions the office of Secretary and Treasurer are one. The office of Secretary began to enlarge as one separate function as it became increasingly evident that the administrative functions of the Secretary were increasing. The general term “secretary” for the office under discussion is descriptive but not always clear. The term does highlight the record keeping implementation role that is a part of the role of the conference Secretary. The term does not adequately address some of the other duties increasingly associated with the office that are more vice presidential.
The Holy Scriptures are themselves an indication of God’s plan to keep the record. Throughout Holy Writ there is the mention of human functionaries who were the record keepers of the ancient people of God--priests, scribes and recorders. More importantly, the New Testament enjoins the people of God “that all things should be done decently and in order.” 1 Cor. 14:14.
The genius of the office of Secretary relationally lies in the fact that as an elected person, the Secretary is technically an equal with the President and Treasurer and thus has direct access to the office personnel and to the field. But realistically the Secretary of the conference must understand the President as chief executive officer. Some constitutions clarify this in the field where the Secretary functions, others do not. In those areas where the job description with reference to minutes, statistics, and retirements are constitutionally mandated, the Secretary carries out his/her assignment, but must always do so with a consciousness as to his/her part in the whole and with a purpose to strengthen the hands of his/her fellow officers by keeping them informed.
In some fields where there is a vice president for administration, the role of the Secretary is more defined and should be addressed accordingly.
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