On July 7, 2025, at the 62nd General Conference Session in St. Louis, delegates voted to add a new section on membership records to the Church Manual in an effort to encourage local churches to promote disciple-making environments. 

This section will be separate from the existing one dealing with the transfer of members from one church to another. 

The amendment provides more detail on why churches should regularly review their membership lists through a lens of compassion, aiming to reconnect with members and encourage their return, a process known as “redemptive membership review.”

Gerson P. Santos, associate secretary of the GC, presented the report to delegates, reading through additions, including lines four through five on page 53:

“A healthy church develops a nurturing plan that equips every member to be involved in disciple-making using their talents and spiritual gifts.” 

The motion read:

“To add a new section, Membership Record, to the Church Manual, Chapter 7, Membership, following Transferring Members, on page 61, as found in Session agenda (item 406).”

The motion passed with a show of voting cards. 

For more coverage of the 2025 General Conference Session, including live updates, interviews, and delegate stories, visit adventist.news and follow ANN on social media.