PROTOCOL FOR CHURCH ELDERS AND OTHER CHURCH LEADERS

PROTOCOL FOR CHURCH ELDERS AND OTHER CHURCH LEADERS
By Dr James Daniel, Vice President, IAD

Why should Church leaders be interested in protocol
Why should Church leaders be interested in protocol? Isn’t protocol a subject that belongs to the arena of diplomacy, royalty and inter- governmental relations? No, the arena is wider than that. It is a means by which people of all cultures and leadership can relate to each other. INTRODUCTION

“Protocol is a system of rules that explain the correct conduct and procedures to be followed in formal situations.”1 There are other definitions, such as: (b) “Preferred, correct codes of conduct”2; (c) “official, procedural rules of conduct in state or diplomatic contexts;”3 and (d) “The social codes and skills of kind conduct and deference to others”4 DEFINITION

WHAT’S IN IT FOR CHURCH LEADERS?
Protocol as “the social codes and skills of kind conduct and deference to others” is an art which every Church leader should learn to be an effective and respected leader, capable of relating to all leaders and members of the Church and to leaders of communities and nations. WHAT’S IN IT FOR CHURCH LEADERS?

Bible Based Principles
Many principles of protocol are rooted in Scripture: Deference: “In humility value others above yourselves” (Philippians 2:3 NIV). System of authority: “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities . . .” (Romans 13:1 NIV; see also Titus 3:1). Bible Based Principles

Respect for Church leaders: (a) Ministers -- “Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work” (1 Thessalonians 5:12, 13 NIV); (b) Elders -- “The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching” (1 Timothy 5:17 NIV). Bible Based Principles

Respect for national and community leaders: “Jesus said, ‘Give back to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's’” (Mark 12:17NIV). “Honor the king” (1 Peter 2:17 KJV). Bible Based Principles

Respect for all: “Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor” (1 Peter 2:17 NIV). “Give to everyone what you owe them if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor” (Romans 13:7 NIV). “Stand up in the presence of the aged (seniority), show respect for the elderly and revere your God” (Leviticus 19:32 NIV). Bible Based Principles

Order/Decorum: “God is not a God of disorder but of peace everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way” (1 Corinthians 14:33, 40 NIV). Bible Based Principles

Rank: The Bible recognizes rank or standing among persons. It teaches its adherents to respect the authorities of the state and community; and organizational/institutional leaders (Romans 13:1-7; 1 Thessalonians 5:12, 13; 1 Peter 2:17). The ground at the foot of the cross of Jesus is level, but all do not carry the same weight of responsibility (“From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded.” Luke 12:48 NIV). Bible Based Principles

RELATING TO NATIONAL AND COMMUNITY OFFICIALS
The Church in the world must relate courteously to government and community leaders (Romans 13:1-7). The Adventist Church Manual states that “at times it is acceptable for government officials or civic leaders to address a congregation.”5 It is not uncommon for a local church, or an institution, or for leaders at the organizational level to invite national and community leaders to functions/occasions; and neither is it uncommon for such officials, of their own accord, to attend Adventist church services or events. RELATING TO NATIONAL AND COMMUNITY OFFICIALS

We should know the official, procedural rules of conduct that apply to national and community leaders; and be aware of the courtesies that church leaders are expected to extend to them. RELATING TO NATIONAL AND COMMUNITY OFFICIALS

Practices of protocol may vary in different places/cultures; titles of officials and the manner of addressing them may differ. It is therefore important to be aware of the protocol practices in your country and/or community. RELATING TO NATIONAL AND COMMUNITY OFFICIALS

Know their Names and Official Titles: God does not delight in confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33, 40). To invite or welcome officials appropriately, we must know their names, official titles and portfolio. RELATING TO NATIONAL AND COMMUNITY OFFICIALS

The head of a department of government in the Westminster model (in member countries of the British Commonwealth) is called Minister (e.g.: Minister of Education); in the American model of government he/she is called Secretary (e.g.: Secretary of Education). RELATING TO NATIONAL AND COMMUNITY OFFICIALS

Generally, in a Republic, the leader of the nation is called “President;” in the Westminster model the head of state of an independent nation is called “Governor General” and the head of government is called “Prime Minister.” RELATING TO NATIONAL AND COMMUNITY OFFICIALS

Generally, in a Republic, the leader of the nation is called “President;” in the Westminster model the head of state of an independent nation is called “Governor General” and the head of government is called “Prime Minister.” If you cannot remember the name of someone you met before, introduce yourself. RELATING TO NATIONAL AND COMMUNITY OFFICIALS

Know How to Address Officials: Addressing a national/community leader in his/her official capacity is very important (even if the person is your friend or acquaintance). RELATING TO NATIONAL AND COMMUNITY OFFICIALS

President of the country: When addressing him/her directly: Mr./Madam President; Sir/Madam. When speaking about him/her: The President. RELATING TO NATIONAL AND COMMUNITY OFFICIALS

Ambassadors Addressing directly: Mr./Madam Ambassador; Honorable Name Speaking about: Ambassador Name; or Honorable Name; His/Her Excellency___ An official who is knighted (British) “Sir First Name (generally); or Dame First Name (woman). A Barron/Baroness: “Lord/Lady Surname.” RELATING TO NATIONAL AND COMMUNITY OFFICIALS

The Spouse of the President: Mrs._____; Her Excellency _____ of one Knighted (British): “Lady Surname” of an ambassador or Parliamentarian: “Mr./Mrs. Surname.” In some French- speaking countries, the wife of an ambassador may be referred to as ‘Madam Ambassador.6 RELATING TO NATIONAL AND COMMUNITY OFFICIALS

Writing Letters to Officials Where available, use the letterhead of your organization. Include the full name and title of the official. You may start the body of the letter with ‘Dear Sir; or Dear Madam’ or by using the name and title of the official (e.g.: Dear Senator Fernandez). State your message succinctly and clearly. You may end with one of the following phrases: ‘Yours faithfully;’ or, ‘Respectfully.’ Do not forget to end the letter with your full name and title. RELATING TO NATIONAL AND COMMUNITY OFFICIALS

RECEIVING / WELCOMING OFFICIALS- DIGNITARIES
“In protocol, the art/act of meeting or receiving people is effectively the cementing of relationships.”7 RECEIVING / WELCOMING OFFICIALS- DIGNITARIES

Pre-visit Planning If an official is invited or if it is known that an official will be attending a function of the Church or an institution, there are a few matters to consider, including: Know his/her official name and title. Correct names and titles are important. The highest ranking representative of the Church or institution present at the occasion, should meet and welcome the official on her/his arrival; (not simply the ushers). It is possible that the official may be delayed. Therefore, secure a contact number for the assistant to the official to inquire of the delay and the estimated length of the delay.8 RECEIVING / WELCOMING OFFICIALS- DIGNITARIES

Seating of Officials: Proper Seating Arrangements. Inquire of the number of persons in the official party and plan for their welcome and seating. Reserve the seat(s): Do not be found asking persons to vacate their seats to accommodate the official guests. Seating Order of Precedence. Precedence is concerned with the formal order by which officials/dignitaries are addressed, seated, or ushered into/out of a venue. Popes in past years determined the precedence among potentates: Pope, Emperor, King.9 RECEIVING / WELCOMING OFFICIALS- DIGNITARIES

Punctual Start to the Worship Service or Programme. Immediately upon the arrival of the head of the nation (or government) the program begins. The audience should be seated before the arrival of the official. Being seated provides control of the crowd. Before feeding the people, Jesus created order by asking them to sit, (Matt 14:19). The audience should stand when it is respectful to do so. RECEIVING / WELCOMING OFFICIALS- DIGNITARIES

National Anthem The anthem is played for significant national events/celebrations; and on the arrival of the person who is the head of state. Know the norm of your country. RECEIVING / WELCOMING OFFICIALS- DIGNITARIES

Flag Protocol The flag of a nation or an organization must be appropriately positioned and well displayed. An incorrect display of a country’s flag may result in protest by the country’s representative(s). Ambassadors have refused to mount the platform because their flags were incorrectly displayed -- such as having the wrong end up. RECEIVING / WELCOMING OFFICIALS- DIGNITARIES

Flag Protocol A tattered or torn flag is an embarrassment. Flags are usually displayed in alphabetical order; except for the host country flag and that of the organization. When used on a speaker's platform, the flag should be displayed behind the speaker; and to the speaker’s right.10 RECEIVING / WELCOMING OFFICIALS- DIGNITARIES

PRECEDENCE IN THE ADVENTIST CHURCH
The General Conference is the highest authority in the Adventist Church. The organizational constituent levels are: Local Church, Local Conference/Mission, Union of Churches, Union Conference, General Conference.11 It is said that there is no rank in the leadership at the organizational level of the Church: There are three officers -- President, Secretary, Treasurer. However, the Adventist Church Manual identifies the president as the principal officer.12 PRECEDENCE IN THE ADVENTIST CHURCH

The office of Vice President follows the three officers. A Vice- President assists the president.13 PRECEDENCE IN THE ADVENTIST CHURCH

At the local Church level: The Pastor/senior pastor is the ranking officer in the local church.14 The local elder/leader is second in rank as assistant to the pastor. PRECEDENCE IN THE ADVENTIST CHURCH

At the College/University and Publishing House levels: The President of the institution is the ranking officer. PRECEDENCE IN THE ADVENTIST CHURCH

Deference Shown to Leaders The Bible requires that the protocol practice of deference (respect) be shown to leaders (1 Thessalonians 5:12, 13; see also 1 Timothy 5:17); and the Adventist Church Manual highlights the need to show respect to “pastors and officers.”15 PRECEDENCE IN THE ADVENTIST CHURCH

Deference must be shown to the organizational leaders of the Church: Their presence should be recognized at Church services or functions. They should be invited to participate in leading the worship service -- from the platform. (They may choose to decline.) They should be ushered in and out of the sanctuary or venue of official functions. PRECEDENCE IN THE ADVENTIST CHURCH

Cooperation It is required of pastor, elders, and all local church officers to “cooperate with conference officers and departmental directors in carrying out approved plans.”16 Regard all correspondence from the conference office as important. Foster the global mission work of the Church. PRECEDENCE IN THE ADVENTIST CHURCH

Protocol promotes order
Protocol promotes order. Therefore, personal likes and dislikes must not be considered. The office is being honored, not the person per se. PLATFORM PROTOCOL

PLATFORM PROTOCOL Platform Seating
In seating persons on a platform, place the first/ranking officer or platform member at the right of the principal speaker; the second ranking platform member at the left of the principal speaker; the third ranking platform member at the second right; the fourth ranking platform member at the second left; the fifth ranking platform member at the third right, etc. This order should be observed always for seating, introductions, etc. However, cultural norms and common sense may dictate adjustments. PLATFORM PROTOCOL

PLATFORM PROTOCOL Relating to Preachers/Keynote Speakers
Officially, speakers should be given advance written information: Time, date, place of meeting. Time allotted for presentation. If fees are required for making a presentation, a complete understanding should be reached at the time of making the arrangements. PLATFORM PROTOCOL

PLATFORM PROTOCOL Relating to Preachers/Keynote Speakers
Clearly indicate the manner of dress for the occasion (formal, informal or casual). Note: (a) It is never courteous to keep a speaker waiting. (b) It is discourteous to invite one to speak and then “abandon” your guest. PLATFORM PROTOCOL

PLATFORM PROTOCOL Introduction of the Speaker
A person known to the audience is presented; a person not well known is introduced. The purpose of an introduction is to acquaint the audience with the speaker’s background, qualifications, and the subject to be presented. The introduction should be brief. Do not give the speech yourself. Be factual; it should not be overdone. Put both the speaker and the audience at ease. Mention the speaker’s name at the end of the introduction. PLATFORM PROTOCOL

Etiquette is “the customs or rules governing behavior regarded as correct or acceptable in social or official life.”17 It is a vital part of protocol. The Bible instructs us that when we attend a function each one does not rush to the high table but take a lower seat and wait to be elevated (Luke 14:8-10). ETIQUETTE

ETIQUETTE Dinning Seating. A seating plan should be worked out:18
The guest of honor is seated to the right of the Chief host. Spouses are seated to the left of their husbands when possible. Other officials are seated in the official order of precedence/hierarchy. Men and women should be alternated at the table when possible. ETIQUETTE

Table Manners. Cutlery. It is usual to begin by using the cutlery farthest from the plate. Buffet meal. Do not take several of one item when there are many persons in the line who are not yet served. ETIQUETTE

The Seventh-day Adventist Church is an established international organization that executes its functions based on order, respect for authority and formal procedures. To be courteous, respectful and to show deference to leaders within and without the Church, are characteristics of what it means to be Christian. God’s people must be extraordinary and Christian. CONCLUSION

“Protocol.” In Merriam Webster Learner’s Dictionary.” Retrieved from
Sandra Boswell, Protocol Matters: Cultivating Graces in Christian Homes and Schools, (Moscow, Idaho: Cannon Press, 2006), p. 3. Boswell, Protocol Matters: Cultivating Graces in Christian Homes and Schools, p. 3. Boswell, Protocol Matters: Cultivating Graces in Christian Homes and Schools, p. XI. Seventh-day Adventist Church Manual, (19th Edition, Updated 2016), p Retrieved from adventist-church-manual_2015_updated.pdf Protocol for the Modern Diplomat. (2013, July). Retrieved from Lawrence Olufemi Obisakin, Protocol for Life: Guidelines on Diplomatic, Official and Social Manners, (Ibadan, Nigeria: Spectrum Books Limited, 2007. Mary Jane McCaffree Pauline Innis, & Richard M. Sand, The Complete Handbook of Diplomatic, Official and social Usage, (Dallas, Texas: Durban House Publishing Co., Inc., 2002). Sir Ivor Roberts, ed., Satow’s Guide to Diplomatic Practice, (6th edition, Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2009). References

General Flag Display. Retrieved from http://www. aflag
Seventh-day Adventist Church Manual (19th Edition, Updated 2016), Chapter 3, pp ; (See also Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 3, p. 492). Seventh-day Adventist Church Manual (19th Edition, Updated 2016), Chapter 4, p. 31. By-Laws of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. In, the General Conference Working Policy ( ). Nampa, Idaho: Pacific Press Publishing Association. Seventh-day Adventist Church Manual (19th Edition, Updated 2016), Chapter 8, p. 70. Seventh-day Adventist Church Manual (19th Edition, Updated 2016), Chapter 8, p Seventh-day Adventist Church Manual (19th Edition, Updated 2016), Chapter 8, p. 76. British Dictionary. Retrieved from Lawrence Olufemi Obisakin, Protocol for Life: Guidelines on Diplomatic, Official and Social Manners. References

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