On July 7, 2025, at the 62nd General Conference (GC) Session in St. Louis, delegates voted to amend Church Manual Chapter 10, “Nominating Committee and the Election Process,” to clarify the distinct role and responsibilities of a church’s nominating committee. 

The committee’s primary function is to recommend individuals for service, not to elect them. The amendment also specifies that the pastor, who chairs the committee, works with the treasurer to determine the eligibility of nominees for church office. 

The motion read:

“To amend the Church Manual, Chapter 10, Elections, pages 116-120, Nominating Committee and the Election Process, as found in the Session agenda (item 405).”

However, concerns surrounding the addition of the faithful return of tithes as a prerequisite for holding church office prompted delegates to issue the following amendment to the motion. 

“To amend the motion, Nominating Committee and the Election Process - Church Manual Amendment, by removing the additions on page 51, lines 2-5 (item 405).” 

After extended debate among delegates, the proposed amendment ultimately did not pass, prompting a vote on the original motion.

The motion passed 1,148 to 349.

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