Retired Church Workers Jonas Arrais General Conference Ministerial Association 2015 – 2020

Church Manual “Retired employees deserve honor and consideration for helping build up God’s church.” (Chapter 4)

Spirit of Prophecy “The Lord would have our people understand that the pioneers in this work deserve all that our institutions can do for them. God calls upon us to understand that those who have grown old in His service deserve our love, our honor, our deepest respect.” ( Gospel Workers, 430)

Ministerial Association The Ministerial Association, who has overseen the academic curriculums of our Seminaries and the development of theology students, advised and evaluated those desiring to go into ministry, offered support and empowered ordained ministers and their families, has also included in its activities the provision of support and follow up to retired ministers.

Considering: They have dedicated many years helping to build the cause of God.

Considering: They still may perform different responsibilities at the local church.

Considering: Many of them live isolated without proper ministerial support.

Considering: They can still offer contributions to the church.

Considering: They are still pastors, although not in an active role.

Honorary Credentials. Retired church workers, members of the Seventh Day Adventist Church, may receive Honorary Credentials, corresponding to the ones they had during active service.

The credentials are renewed by a vote of the conference in session. The possession of out-of-date or expired credentials does not authorize him to function in any of the offices of a minister. In such case he has no more authority or standing than any other lay member in the church. (Chapter 4) Church Manual

Duties of the Division Ministerial Secretary He should advise the Ministerial Secretaries of the Union Conference offices to develop a ministry to assist retirees. He may designate, whenever possible, a retired minister to coordinate such activity.

 Prepare support and orientation material to retirees and send it to the Ministerial Secretary of the Union Conferences.  Support events and programs accomplished by retirees in the division fields.  Publish the retiree’s name in the local newsletter and forward a congratulatory letter and certificated of appreciation to the retiree.

Duties of the Union Conference Ministerial Secretary. Distribute honorary credentials to each retiree. Promote regular meetings with the retirees. Encourage a rotational representation of retirees at the Administrative Committees.

Develop a newsletter or bulletin to retirees. Distribute Ministerial magazines to all retirees. Encourage the creation of a club or association of retirees. Establish a budged to promote events and activities to retirees. Appoint a church retiree to assist in the coordination of these projects.

Duties of the Conference/Mission Ministerial Secretary. Pay homage to church workers at their retirement. Promote regular visitation to church retirees. Create paid or voluntary job opportunities to retirees. Promote regular meetings with the retirees.

Medallion for Retirees

Starting well, doing well, and finishing well.

The Blessed Problem

“And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20)