On July 6, during the first business session of the morning, Gerson P. Santos, General Conference (GC) associate secretary, introduced the first proposed amendment to the Church Manual. Delegates reviewed an amendment to Chapter 4, “Pastors and Other Church Employees,” specifically the section: “A Divinely Appointed Ministry” (pages 33-35).

This amendment expresses the vital work of pastors in training the local church leadership in the mission and work of the church.

Since the proposed amendment is three pages long, Santos provided a summary. A lengthy discussion ensued as delegates expressed suggestions, concerns, and questions pertaining to the proposed amendment. 

One vote was taken during the discussion on a motion presented by GC delegate-at-large Seth Woruba, to allow pastors, as they ordain elders, to also give the elders the authority to baptize. The motion was voted down, 1,040 to 558. 

After numerous suggestions and additional input to the amended section, Audrey Andersson, GC vice president and chair of the morning’s business proceedings, proposed to send the amendment back to the Church Manual Committee for further review.

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