91-275

• GENERAL CONFERENCE COMMITTEE

August 1, 1991, 10:00 a.m.

MEMBERS PRESENT

M A Bediako (Ch), Larry R Colburn (Sec), C E Aeschlimann,

Karl H Bahr, Harold W Baptiste, W Floyd Bresee, C D Brooks,
S Peter Campbell, D E Crane, D F Gilbert, Charles J Griffin,
Murray E Joiner, Israel Leito, Rose M Otis, S H Parker,
Humberto M Rasi, Rowena R Rick, Gary M Ross, F G Thomas, M A Tyner,
Mario Veloso, Myron K Widmer, K H Wood, F Donald Yost, Samuel Young.

Prayer was offered by Humberto M Rasi.

DEVOTIONAL
When we want guidance, the best place to go is to the Word, stated
Mario Veloso. John 1:6 says, "There was a man sent from God, whose
name was John." This verse clearly expresses the identity of this man.
The Greek text makes it clear that John's relationship with God was a
very intimate one. As you read further, you find that he also had a

• very intimate relationship with the Son.

The political and religious leaders sent representatives to ask

John who he was. As leaders they should have known who he was, but
they chose to send someone to ask. These leaders completely forgot
that John the Baptist was the son of a priest with authority to be a
teacher so they should have known the answer to their question. What
they really wanted to know was if what he was teaching was right. They
did not want to pose this question, however, because they wanted to
cast doubt on John's authority.
When they asked if he was the Christ or Elias, he indicated he was
not! He said, "I am one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the
way of the Lord." He stated he was the voice, not the Word. The voice
must be closely related to the Word but never take the place of the
Word. There are some in the church today who try to use the power they
do not have to present their ideas as the content of the gospel. We
must know our identity.

John knew exactly what he was there for--he was putting things
straight. At this point in time we should be engaged in putting
everything straight in our hearts and in our lives so we will be
prepared to meet our Lord. Then we will be able to be a true witness
as John was.

•
 91-277
GCC — August 1, 1991

MEMBERS:

MITTLEIDER, K J, Chairman GC Vice President

Gilbert, D F, Vice-Chairman GC Treasurer
Bahr, Karl H, Secretary Session Manager
de Leon, Linda M, Recording Sec Assistant Session Manager

Bresee, W Floyd Chairman, Ministerial Presession

Subcommittee/Chairman, Platform
Subcommittee
Burton, Shirley A Chairman, Communication Subcommittee
Crumley, G H Chairman, Seating and Ushering
Subcommittee
Folkenberg, Robert S President, General Conference
Halonen, Anna-Liisa* Liaison from the TED
Jacobs, B E Assistant to the GC President
Koeweiden, Paula* Chairman, Special Services
Subcommittee
Leito, Israel Chairman, Music Subcommittee
Nielsen, Bent* Chairman, Food Service Subcommittee
Otis, Rose M Chairman, Women's Meeting

•
Thomas, F G Chairman, Secretariat Services
Subcommittee
Thompson, G Ralph Chairman, Programming Subcommittee
Chairman, Design Subcommittee
Ytreberg, F Martin Associate Session Manager/Chairman,
Technical Services Subcommittee

*Nonresident member of SPC. Travel to Washington is not anticipated.

NADCOM/GCO/GCC to FGT

DALE, ROBERT L--NAD PUBLIC AFFAIRS AND RELIGIOUS LIBERTY

DIRECTOR - ELECTION

VOTED, To elect Robert L Dale as Director of the Public Affairs

and Religious Liberty Department, North American Division. (This is in
addition to the responsibilities he already carries.)

CA/GCC to SEC

COMMITTEE ON APPOINTEES
VOTED, To approve the following report of the Committee on
Appointees:

•
 91-279
GCC - August 1, 1991

Public Affairs and Religious Liberty

Tyner, Mitchell A Inter-American Division,

Aug 12-15, 1991 to be part of a
special group from the IAD who
will meet with the President of
Honduras.
2. SPECIALS

Armer, Eric Middle East Union, January and

(Retiree) February 1992 to conduct
stewardship seminars. Travel
will be paid by the Middle East
Union.
3. CANCELLATIONS

Johns, Warren L Eastern Africa Division,

Sept 8-14, 1991. (See GCC
91-153, Apr 13, 1991.)

• ADCOM/GCC to FGT

GENERAL CALLS CANCFJ.FD

VOTED, To cancel the call for Ronald E Ruskjer to serve as

Associate Professor of Management and Marketing at Andrews University.
He declined.

RMS/PER/ADCOM/GCC to FGT

PERSONNEL COMMIllbE (GCC-S)--MEMBERSHIP ADJUSTMENT

VOTED, To adjust the membership of the Personnel Committee (GCC-S)--as

follows:

Add Trimarchi, John

Adjourned.

M A Bediako, Chairman
Larry R Colburn, Secretary
Fay Welter, Recording Secretary

• 7d Nwpc____
 91-281

GENERAL CONFERENCE COMMITTEE

August 8, 1991, 10:00 a.m.

MEMBERS PRESENT

K J Mittleider (Ch), Larry R Colburn (Sec), Roy Adams,

C E Aeschlimann, R E Appenzeller, Karl H Bahr, Harold W Baptiste,
B B Beach, John M Fowler, D F Gilbert, Charles J Griffin,
Warren L Johns, W G Johnsson, R J Kloosterhuis, J Lynn Martell,
M J Murray, W L Murrill, S H Parker, Gary B Patterson, Humberto M Rasi,
G E Rice, Rowena R Rick, D E Robinson, Calvin Smith, John M Stephenson,
Elizabeth A Sterndale, F G Thomas, M A Tyner, Mario Veloso,
A S Whiting, Myron K Widmer, K H Wood, F Donald Yost.

DEVOTIONAL

In Pilgrim's Progress John Bunyan tells the story about the man
with the muckrake. The muckraker was a specialist in garbage and gave
his whole attention to straw, sticks, and dust. Above his head stood a
bright being with a celestial crown in his hand, but the muckraker had
looked down for so long that he could not or would not look up. He
missed the crown. Bunyan says, "This describes people who consider
heaven only a fable and things here on the earth the only real things."

K J Mittleider then referred to the parable of the Pharisee and

the publican found in Luke 18:9-14. The Pharisee aptly described his
own condition--he did no harm to others; he followed the golden rule;
he was even a faithful tithe payer! Many who call themselves
Christians today are not half as good as the Pharisee, yet he was far
from the kingdom. He was infected with the most incurable of all
diseases--spiritual pride.

The publican went to the temple to pray as did the Pharisee, but
what a contrast! Though he stood afar off, he was near to God. In his
humility he prayed a prayer that God will always answer. "God be
merciful to me a sinner."
The Pharisee was proud that he was good; the publican knew he was
not good and admitted his need for forgiveness. God grant that we may
see our need for forgiveness and that we may be willing to accept the
crown that is offered to us.

PRAYER REQUESTS

Prayer was again requested for the evangelistic meetings taking

•
place in Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union as well as in Thailand;
for the budgeting process going on here at the General Conference; for
God to bless our people so the tithe will increase; for the young
 91-283
GCC - August 8, 1991

Releases
Burton, Michael Ray from call as Matron, Ishaka Adv Hosp, Uganda
(EAD) Declined
Gotzinger, Gotz (EUD) from call as Physician/Pediatric Specialist,
Blantyre Adv Hosp, Malawi (EAD) Work Permit Denied

Permanent Returns
Duroe, Linwood Miles (son, John Duroe, Dept Director, Pakistan Un)
(TED) to NAD, Education, eff May 87
McKenzie, Roland L, Principal--Change eff date voted Mar 14, 91
from Jun 91 to Aug 91

TRE/GCC to DER

CITIBANK, NEW YORK--BANK SIGNATURES

VOTED, To authorize Citibank, New York to recognize any one of

the following signatures: Donald F Gilbert, Donald E Robinson,
Anna-Liisa Halonen, or Peter Hinks to sign and make any changes and
order for the payment of money for account number 408-10062643 which is
in the name of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists -
Trans-European Division. Prior authorizations for this account are
hereby annulled and canceled.

ADCOM/GCC to MAB

INTERDIVISION TRAVEL

VOTED, To approve the following interdivision travel:

1. GENERAL CONFERENCE STAFF

ADRA

de Leon, Hugo Trans-European Division and

Middle East Union, Aug 11-22,
1991 to audit ADRA accounts.

Church Ministries

Swanson, Gary B Far Eastern Division and South

Pacific Division, Aug 26-
Sept 26, 1991 to attend the
International Commission for
the Prevention of Alcoholism
and Drug Dependency (ICPA)
Congress and to conduct
workshops in writing skills at
i
• 91-285
3. OTHER DENOMINATIONAL WORKERS
Loma Linda University
Hart, Richard H
Jacobsen, Wayne K
North American Division
Clark, Doug
(Walla Walla College)
Cornforth, C Fred (IV)
Scheresky, Edward
(Idaho Conference)
Fowler, John W
(Kentucky-Tenn Conference)
Matsunami, Kojiro
(Hawaiian Conference)
Maxon, Ben
(Upper Columbia Conference)
•
GCC - August 8, 1991
Far Eastern Division,
Oct 7-13, 1991 to participate
in the Medical/Dental Seminar
in Phuket, Thailand. Travel
will be paid by the Adventist
Health Services/Asia.
USSR Division, Aug 8-Sept 2,
1991 to determine how to assist
with the needs of the SDA
churches in the USSR. Travel
will be paid by Walla Walla
College.
USSR Division, Oct 1-16, 1991
to determine the needs of
the SDA churches in selected
cities within the USSR. Travel
will be paid by the Idaho
Conference.
South Pacific Division,
Feb 10-March 7, 1992 to be a
guest speaker at the division-
sponsored Workers' Meetings.
Travel will be paid by the
South Pacific Division.
Far Eastern Division,
Sept 29-Oct 5, 1991 to be the
guest speaker for the Week of
Prayer at the Hiroshima Saniku
Gakuin Academy. Travel will be
paid by the Far Eastern
Division.
South Pacific Division,
Feb 10-22, 1992 to participate
in a division-sponsored
workers' meeting. Travel will
be paid by the South Pacific
Division.
 91-287
GCC - August 8, 1991

Harms, Ruth Travel will be the

Harms, Sherilyn responsibility of the Upper
Johnson, Louis Columbia Conference.
Marsh, Glyn
Marsh, Rachel
Neil, Sherrice
Patzer, Jere Jr
Patzer, Troy
Wagner, Cheryl
Wagner, Edward
Wagner, Jonathan
(Laypersons)

Constantinescu, Laura USSR Division, Aug 8-Sept 2,

Golusha, Tamalyn 1991 to determine how best to
Springer, David assist in meeting the needs of
Witzel, Larry selected SDA churches in the
(Students) USSR. Travel will be paid by
Walla Walla College.

Ford, Herbert South Pacific Division,

(Retiree) Aug 5-11, 1991 to assist the
medical/dental team going to
Pitcairn Island. Travel will
be at personal expense.
Irvine, Ian Trans-European Division,
(ADRA Consultant) Sept 9-12, 1991 to conduct a
feasibility study on baby food
in Albania. Travel will be
paid by the Trans-European
Division.

Peters, Warren Far Eastern Division,

(Layperson) Oct 7-13, 1991 to assist in the
Medical/Dental Seminar in
Phuket, Thailand. Travel will
be paid by the Adventist Health
Services/Asia.

5. CANCELLATIONS

Segovia, Agripino C Middle East Union,

Nov 22-Dec 20, 1991.
(See GCC 91-261, July 18,
1991.)

•
• 91-289

GENERAL CONFERENCE COMMITTEE

August 15, 1991, 10:20 a.m.

MEMBERS PRESENT

R J Kloosterhuis (Ch), F G Thomas (Sec), C E Aeschlimann,

M J Allen, Karl H Bahr, Harold W Baptiste, B B Beach, D E Crane,
Karen Flowers, R M Flowers, D F Gilbert, Charles J Griffin,
R R Hegstad, Eugene Hsu, Warren L Johns, W G Johnsson,
David E Johnston, J Lynn Martell, W L Murrill, Gary B Patterson,
Humberto M Rasi, Rowena R Rick, D E Robinson, Michael L Ryan,
W C Scales Jr, Walter Scragg, A C Segovia, Calvin Smith,
John M Stephenson, G Ralph Thompson, Alan W White, Ted N C Wilson,
K H Wood, Samuel Young, F Martin Ytreberg.

PRAYER REQUESTS
Prayer was requested for the continued unification process going
on in South Africa with plans to merge the two unions in January 1992;
for the ongoing budget process at the General Conference; for
missionaries Allen and Airlie Fowler of Canada and Pertti and Leila

•
Sormunen of Sweden who were involved in a head-on collision in Botswana
with Airlie Fowler sustaining serious injuries; for the civil unrest in
Madagascar; and for the meetings being held by C D Brooks in Brooklyn,
New York and James H Zachary in the Soviet Union.
Prayer was offered by J Lynn Martell and W C Scales Jr.

REPORTS

D E Robinson reported that almost all of the budget teams have met
and a report will be made to the General Conference Officers on
August 20. From information received this morning from Rowena R Rick,
it appears that the 1992 Budget will comply with the operating cap.

Charles R Taylor gave a brief report on the financial contribution

of the North American Division to the worldwide work.

MINUTES of the meeting held August 8, 1991 were approved.

•
 91-291

• GCC - August 15, 1991

Week of Prayer at Montemorelos

University. Travel will be
paid by the Inter-American
Division.

North American Division

Dennis, Gary USSR Division, Oct 1-16, 1991

(Idaho Conference)
to prepare for an evangelistic
meeting to be held in
Makhachkala, Soviet Union.
Travel will be paid by the
Idaho Conference.

Hayden, Melvyn South Pacific Division,

(Allegheny East Conference)
Sept 1-Oct 6, 1991 to speak at
the Australian and New Zealand
camp meetings and regional
meetings. Travel
will be paid by the South
Pacific Division.

• Kovacs, Dan
Mavrakos, Tony
(Potomac Conference)
Euro-Africa Division,
Jan 15-Feb 28, 1992 to conduct
an evangelistic campaign in
Kosice, Czechoslovakia. Travel
will be paid by the Potomac
Conference.

McKey, Francis USSR Division, Aug 26-Sept 27,

(Upper Columbia Conference) 1992 to assist in conducting
meetings for the USSR Division.
Travel will be paid by the
North Pacific Union Conference.

3. SPECIALS

Bietz, Duane USSR Division, Aug 31-Sept 10,

(Layperson) 1991 to assist in conducting
meetings for the USSR Division.
Travel will be paid by the
North Pacific Union Conference.

Harty, Linda USSR Division, Aug 20-30, 1991

Harty, Stewart to videotape Health Expo in
(Quiet Hour) Archangelsk, Soviet Union.
Travel will be paid by the

• Quiet Hour.
 91-293
GCC - August 15, 1991

Adjourned.

R J Kloosterhuis, Chairman
F G Thomas, Secretary
Rowena J Moore, Recording Secretary

•
 91-295

GENERAL CONFERENCE COMMIttEE

August 22, 1991, 10:00 a.m.

MEMBERS PRESENT

M A Bediako (Ch), Larry R Colburn (Sec), C E Aeschlimann,

M J Allen, R E Appenzeller, B B Beach, E E Carman, Karen Flowers,
R M Flowers, Reo Ganson, P A Gordon, Eugene Hsu, Warren L Johns,
David E Johnston, Israel Leito, K J Mittleider, W L Murrill,
Leo Ranzolin, Humberto M Rasi, G W Reid, Gary M Ross, Calvin Smith,
Virginia Smith, John M Stephenson, M A Tyner, Alan W White, K H Wood,
F Donald Yost, Samuel Young, James H Zachary.

DEVOTIONAL
Eugene Hsu, former President of the South China Island Union
Mission (SCIUM) and now serving as Executive Secretary of the Eastern
Ade Committee, presented the devotional message. There are close to
1,000 workers in the SCIUM, including institutional employees, but the
membership is small. Financially they are doing well with a 10
percent increase in tithe every year, and they own many valuable
pieces of property. All of this, however, does not help to move the
work forward. There is slow growth in membership with only about 300
baptisms each year. This suggests that something besides institutions,
employees, finances, etc, brings about a strong church.

China presents quite a contrast. There has been no church

organization, no institutions, very few paid workers, and few church
properties for many years; but every year there are thousands of
baptisms! According to a conservative estimate, church membership has
increased from 20,000 in 1951 to 75,000 today.

In the early church described in Acts 1 and 2 there was tremendous

growth--3,000 in a day! This was the result of the work of the Holy
Spirit, the members' close communion with God and with each other, and
love and unity in the church.

Milton Lee reported that he attended a Friday night meeting in

Shanghai in a church that seated 1,500. The place was packed with
young people. He found it especially moving when they bore witness to
what Christ had done for them. When he attended church in Klan, there
was an overflow crowd. Though the Sabbath services were supposed to
run from 8:30 to 10:00 a.m., many people arrived at seven o'clock in
order to have a seat; and they did not want to leave when the service
was over. More people worship on Sabbath than on Sunday in that city.

•
Zechariah 4:6 says, "Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit,
saith the Lord of hosts."
•

91-297
GCC - August 22, 1991

received an assignment for jury duty that was to last until the final
day of the meetings! This atheist now is convinced that there is a God
who hears and answers prayers.

One night a woman came to the meeting weeping. She had been
trying to find her missing son and had called all of her relatives,
checked every hospital, and had even visited the morgue to no avail.
Prayer was offered for her that night. After the meeting she went to a
public telephone to check with one more relative. While she was
speaking on the telephone, someone came up behind her and gave her a
big hug. It was her missing son!' Both she and her son were baptized
later. On the day of her baptism she looked back at the long line of
candidates and discovered her worst enemy in line. Later they were
reconciled and she rejoiced that her worst enemy was now her sister in
Christ.

Before the meetings began one of the pastors went to see the
manager of a sports complex to see if he could rent the arena that
seated over 4,000. The manager told him he was foolish and wasting
his money because no one would come. There were only about 300 church
members in the city. The pastor rented the arena anyway.
Approximately 3,500 people attended most of the meetings, 263 were
baptized, and 1,000 signed a decision card requesting baptism. These
will be carefully followed up. Prayer was requested for the 700 home
Bible study groups that are being formed. The brethren are working
toward a greater harvest of souls this coming November 1, and Zachary
will return in November to conduct a final baptism. He thanked the
Lord for the privilege of working with a people so willing to respond
to God's call.

MINUTES of the meeting held August 15, 1991 were approved.

CA/GCC to SEC

COMMITTEE ON APPOINTEES

VOTED, To approve the following report of the Committee on

Appointees:

Appointments
Wahlen, Clinton Lloyd (No Calif Conf)--Professor, Theological
Subjects, Zaokski Theological Seminary (SRD)

Calls and Transfers Between Divisions

• Music Teacher (SAD)--Rescind call of IAD for Colombia Adv U voted

Dec 5, 90, SAD unable to fill call
 91-299
GCC - August 22, 1991

Coordinating Board meeting and

to take other publishing
assignments.

Risk Management Services

Harter, Esther Inter-American Division,

Mastrapa, Hector Sept 3-6, 1991 to participate
in a Risk Management Seminar.

Trust Services

White, Alan W Inter-American Division,

Sept 25-Oct 7, 1991 to conduct
Trust Services Seminars.

2. OTHER DENOMINATIONAL WORKERS

EasterbrOok, William W Far Eastern Division,
(Loma Linda University) Sept 16-18, 1991 to conduct a
seminar on health care
administration at the Adventist
Health Services/Asia
Presidents' Council. Travel
will be paid by AHS/A.

3. SPECIALS
Christensen, Victor R Southern Asia Division, Oct 10-
(Layperson) Nov 8, 1991 to conduct audits.
He is replacing Robert W Cash.
(See GCC 91-29, Jan 24, 1991.)
Travel will be paid by the
General Conference Auditing
Service.

4. ADJUSTMENTS
Neslund, Thomas R Far Eastern Division,
Aug 23-Sept 12, 1991 instead
of dates previously voted
(Sept 1-12, 1991). (See
GCC 91-73, Mar 14, 1991.)

Vail, Wayne R Eastern Africa Division and

Euro-Africa Division, Nov 10-
Dec 24, 1991 instead of dates

• previously voted (Oct 6-Nov 15,

1991). (See GCC 91-290,
Aug 15, 1991); Inter-American
 91-301

GENERAL CONFERENCE COMMITTEE

August 29, 1991, 10:00 a.m.

MEMBERS PRESENT

R S Folkenberg (Ch), Ted N C Wilson (Sec), C E Aeschlimann,

M J Allen, Karl H Bahr, Rosa T Banks, Harold W Baptiste, R E Barron,
M A Bediako, S Peter Campbell, G Tom Carter, R W Coon, G H Crumley,
E R Gane, Reo Ganson, P A Gordon, Charles J Griffin, R R Hegstad,
Eugene Hsu, Warren L Johns, W G Johnsson, David E Johnston,
Murray,E Joiner, Herbert Kiesler, Israel Leito, Gordon Madgwick,
M J Murray, W L Murrill, J David Newman, R E Osborn, Gary B Patterson,
G L Plubell, Humberto M Rasi, G W Reid, G E Rice, D E Robinson,
W C Scales Jr, Calvin Smith, Virginia Smith, John M Stephenson,
Elizabeth A Sterndale, Michael H Stevenson, 0 A Troy, M A Tyner,
J C Viers, Alan W White, A S Whiting, K H Wood, F Donald Yost,
F Martin Ytreberg.

DEVOTIONAL

•
Murray E Joiner presented the devotional message. Flight 401
left Detroit and headed for Miami, Florida. The pilot and flight crew
were so preoccupied with a 75-cent, malfunctioning bulb that they
allowed the jet to lose altitude and crash in the everglades. This
incident illustrates the folly of emphasizing minor issues and allowing
the major ones to go unattended.

The Adventist Church has been embroiled in debate, conflict, and

controversy for over 103 years concerning victory versus defeat of the
1888 message, the prefall versus the postfall nature of Christ, and
justification versus sanctification as the contribution of the 1888
revival of Christ's righteousness. Scores of articles, monographs,
tapes, and conferences produced in the intervening years have so
bombarded our minds that at the moment uncertainty has filled the
hearts of all too many.

The "Sadventists" are depressed and do not know the joy of

salvation; the "Madventists" are willing to fight to the death over
the definition of perfection or the nature of Christ. In the meantime
our children are being confused and losing their way, and our neighbors
are dying before they hear the good news of a soon-coming Savior.

We need to allow Christ to reproduce Himself in our hearts so that

more and more we will reflect His likeness. Then with hearts filled
with love, we can take time for our children and neighbors; and the

•
work of God can be finished. Prayer was offered by R R Hegstad.
 91-303

•
GCC — August 29, 1991

which ensures the essential mission of the Church while providing for
the possible reduction of programs and staff in a systematic and
nondiscriminatory manner.

POLICY

Current economic conditions exist which mandate a reduction in

overall operating expenses. In order to accomplish this reduction, the
General Conference has developed an internal plan to, first, closely
examine the nonpersonnel—related expenses of the GC and reduce costs in
this area. Second, programs and functions which the GC performs for
the worldwide mission of the Church will also be carefully scrutinized.
Departmental programs and services are to be evaluated on the premise
that to dissolve, severely limit, or reduce them would/would not
adversely affect the essential, or core, value of the Church's mission.

Upon completion of departmental program evaluation, services and

personnel functions will be examined. It is recognized that it may be
necessary to implement a reduction in work force (RIF) in order to meet
the imposed financial limitations. A RIF is defined as a permanent
termination of employment without reasonable expectations of rehire in
the relatively near future. Should this be necessary, then specific
selection criteria will be followed.

Affected employees will be notified through a specific

notification process. They will be assisted during this transition
period by Personnel Administration which will work directly with
employees (relative to understanding of benefit(s) continuation,
"inplacement" and outplacement programs) until termination takes place
at the specified date.

(A copy of the complete amended document is on file with the

official copy of the minutes.)

2. To authorize Personnel Administration and Officers to

function on the basis of the 1991 Reduction in Work Force policy.

3. To request Personnel Administration to prepare a version of

this document to be presented to the General Conference Committee for
approval and for inclusion in the General Conference Employee
Handbook.

BSC/GCO/GCC to DER

BUDGET STEERING COMMITTEE--REPORT, 1992 BUDGET

•
VOTED, To approve the recommendations of the Budget Steering
Committee and the General Conference Officers for the 1992 General
Conference budget. Budgetary adjustments have been made by all cost
 91-305
GCC — August 29, 1991

18. Christian Leadership Seminars--Partial reduction in

secretarial support personnel.

19. General Field Secretary—No reduction in the budget.

20. Presidential—Eliminate one budget for which no budgetary

provision was made in the 1991 budget.

21. TRIPS East — —Eliminate one and a half budgets.

22. TRIPS West--Eliminate one half budget.

23. Administrative and General--Reductions will include two

subsidized budgets and a part—time secretarial budget. Details are to
be negotiated.

24. Treasury—Eliminate three budgets.

25. TRIPS Drivers—Eliminate one budget.

26. Secretariat — —Eliminate two and a half budgets.

•
27. Archives and Statistics — —Eliminate one budget or provide
equivalent savings from operations.

28. Women's Ministries—No reduction in the budget.

29. Ministerial Association--No reduction in staff. Certain

internal adjustments will effect some savings.

30. Health and Temperance--No reduction in staff.

31. Biblical Research Institute--No reduction in staff. Certain

internal adjustments will effect some savings.

32. Global Mission—No impact on the budget.

33. MIS/ISS--Possible elimination of one budget.

34. Church Ministries--Eliminate two budgets.

35. Publishing—No reduction in staff.

36. Adventist Review—No reduction in staff at present. Certain

internal adjustments will effect some savings.

37. Geoscience Research Institute--No reduction in staff.

•
Certain internal adjustments will effect some savings.
 91-307
GCC - August 29, 1991

Rotman, Pablo (SAD) from call as Theology Teacher, Venezuela

Vocational Institute, Venezuela (IAD) Call Withheld
van Rhenen, Willem from call as Physician/General Practice,
Masanga Hosp, Sierra Leone (AID) Declined

Permanent Returns
Concha, Rene Valentin, Laboratory Director, Adv Hosp of Haiti
(IAD) to SAD, Health, eff Aug 91
Hunt, Loren Philip, Nursing Consultant, AHS/Asia, Singapore, (FED)
to NAD, Family Considerations, eff Nov 91
Schroeder, Rita, Nursing Director, Adv Hosp of Haiti (IAD) to NAD,
Education, eff Jan 92
Simnett-Pratt, Judith Ann, Matron, Masanga Leprosy Hosp, Sierra
Leone (AID) to NAD, Education, eff Aug 91

THE/GCC to DER
EXCHANGE RATES

VOTED, To approve the following adjustments to fixed rates of

exchange, effective September 1, 1991:
Local Currency US $ Per Local
Division/Union Symbol Units Per US $ Currency Units

Africa-Indian Ocean CFA 285.00 0.003333

Eastern Africa
Zimbabwe ZWD 3.88 0.303030

Euro-Africa
France FFR 5.90 0.166667
Switzerland SFR 1.50 0.645161

Far Eastern
Singapore S$ 1.72 0.571429

Middle East
Cyprus CYL 0.48 2.040816

North American
Canada C$ 1.14 0.869565

South Africa R 2.87 0.349650

South American
Brazil BRZ 485.00 0.002500

•

Global Centre for Islamic Studies
Schantz, Borge
Presidential
Folkenberg, Robert S
Public Affairs and Religious Liberty
Hegstad, Roland R
2. OTHER DENOMINATIONAL WORKERS
Andrews University
Knight, David A
Oosterwal, Gottfried
Touchard, Wolfhard
• Travel will be paid by the
91-309
GCC - August 29, 1991
Union. Travel will be paid
from a private donation.
Eastern Africa Division,
Sept 1-Oct 1, 1991 to teach at
Solusi College. Travel will be
paid by Solusi College.
Trans-European Division,
Aug 29-Sept 1, 1991 to speak
at the London Day of
Fellowship.
Eastern Africa Division,
Sept 8-27, 1991 to participate
in the All Africa Religious
Liberty Congress and to attend
the World Public Affairs and
Religious Liberty Advisory in
Nairobi, Kenya.
Inter-American Division,
June 10-17, 1992 to conduct a
seminar for dormitory deans at
Antillian Adventist College.
Travel will be paid by the
Antillian Adventist College.
South African Union Conference
and Southern Union Mission,
April 1992 to conduct seminars
on human relations.
South American Division,
Aug 26-Sept 8, 1991 to
consult with the Inca Union
University as they commence
working on their library.
South American Division.
 91-311
GCC - August 29, 1991

visit the Trans-Tasman Union

Conference, and to participate
in the Yarrahappini Blind Camp
en route to Annual Council in
Perth. Travel will be paid by
Christian Record Services,
Incorporated.
Johnson, Gaylen Trans-European Division,
Johnson, Hazel Oct 23-Nov 25, 1991 to assist
(Laypersons) David D Dennis in an
evangelistic campaign in
Yugoslavia. Travel will be at
personal expense.
LaRondelle, Hans South Pacific Division,
(Retiree) Feb 24-Mar 7, 1992 to speak at
division workers' meetings.
Travel will be paid by the
South Pacific Division.
Peters, Donald Far Eastern Division,
(Retiree) Oct 7-13, 1991 to assist in

• the Medical-Dental Seminar to

be held in Phuket, Thailand.
Travel will be paid by the
AHS/Asia.
Van Pelt, Nancy Inter-American Division,
(Layperson) Sept 22-26, 1991 to conduct a
Compleat Courtship Seminar/
Workshop at Caribbean Union
College. Travel will be paid
by Caribbean Union College.

CM/ADCOM/GCC to FGT

SABBATH SCHOOL LESSONS - -ADULT COMMITTEE (GCC-S)—

MEMBERSHIP ADJUSTMENT

VOTED, To adjust the membership of the Sabbath School Lessons--

Adult Committee (GCC-S) as follows:

Add Proctor, Stoy, Resident Reading Committee

•
 91-313
GCC - August 29, 1991

CAA/ADCOM/GCC to FGT

ALLOWANCES AND ADJUSTMENTS (GCC-S) —CHAIRMAN PRO TEM -

APPOINTMENT

VOTED, To appoint W Dean Rogers as Chairman pro tem for the

Allowances and Adjustments Committee (GCC -S) to serve while the regular
chairpersons are attending Annual Council in Perth, Australia. (Term
of service: September 18, 1991 through October 18, 1991.)

ADCOM/GCC to FGT

WHITE, ALAN W—FURLOUGH

VOTED, To approve a regular two-month furlough for Alan W and

Nancy White to Australia, South Pacific Division, from December 9, 1991
through February 8, 1992.

SpProph/GCC to SY

SPIRIT OF PROPHECY BOOK SUBSIDIES

VOTED, To approve the following request for a subsidy for the

printing of Spirit of Prophecy Books:
Div Title Language Pages Copies Subsidy
/ED Ministry of Healing Norwegian 450 3,000 $4,320

Adjourned.

R S Folkenberg, Chairman
Ted N C Wilson, Secretary
Fay Welter, Recording Secretary

-2? egliti-o----
7Sert/M

•
•
General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

REDUCTION IN WORK FORCE

Proposed Policy
August 29, 1991

STATEMENT OF PHILOSOPHY

The General Conference (GC) recognizes the need to respond

• positively to changing financial capabilities throughout the world

field. The world headquarters must have operational an orderly
plan which ensures the essential mission of the church while
providing for the possible reduction of programs and staff in a
systematic and non-discriminatory manner.

POLICY

Current economic conditions exist which mandate a reduction in

overall operating expenses. In order to accomplish this reduction,
the General Conference has developed an internal plan to, first,
closely examine the non-personnel related expenses of the GC and
reduce costs in this area. Second, programs and functions which
the GC performs for the world-wide mission of the church will also
be carefully scrutinized. Departmental programs and services are
to be evaluated on the premise that to dissolve, severely limit or
reduce them would/would not adversely affect the essential, or
core, value of the Church's mission.
Upon completion of departmental program evaluation, services and
personnel functions will be examined. It is recognized that it may

•
be necessary to implement a Reduction in Work Force (RIF) in order
to meet the imposed financial limitations. A RIF is defined as a
• permanent termination of employment without reasonable expectations
of re-hire in the relatively near future. Should this be necessary
then specific selection criteria will be followed.
Affected employees will be notified through a specific notification
process. They will be assisted during this transition period by
Personnel Administration which will work directly with employees
(relative to understanding of benefit(s) continuation,
"in"placement and outplacement programs) until termination takes
place at the specified date.

•
• I. SELECTION CRITERIA

Unbiased selection criteria will be applied during the RIF and will
be based on:

1. Identification of Essential (Core) Programs/Functions and

Tasks - It is determined that to substantially reduce or eliminate
this program/function/task would adversely affect the mission of
the General Conference and the respective department.

2. Identification of Non-Essential Functions and Tasks - It

is determined that to substantially reduce or eliminate this
program/function/task would not seriously affect the mission of the
General Conference and the respective department.
a. An employee who presently occupies a position which
is being eliminated is at risk for continuing employment.

3. Identification of Individuals with Essential Skills -

• Individuals are identified within the respective departments as

having the essential skills and breadth of knowledge required to
perform the remaining program/functions and/or tasks.
a. Job Performance - Employees are evaluated based on
their level of performance in addition to their skills. If updated
performance evaluations are not available to the department a
current evaluation should be performed and documented on all
personnel in similar positions within the department. This
evaluation must be performed prior to RIF selection. Other
contemporaneous job performance documentation (i.e. letters of
commendation/complaint, critical incident reports, etc.) may be
acceptable.

4. Length of Service - Length of service will only be used as

a selection criteria when all other factors are equal. Should this
be the case, the following criteria, in order of descending
relevance, should be considered:
a. Extent of experience in relevant skill area to
perform the essential task;
b. Length of service at the General Conference;

•
c. Length of total denominational service.
• II. REDUCTION IN WORK FORCE ALTERNATIVES

Prior to actual implementation of a RIF, department heads are

encouraged to consider other alternatives relative to staff
reductions such as:

• Voluntary Early Retirement - An individual 62 years of

age with a minimum of 35 years of denominational service may retire
and receive reduced benefits as outlined in NAD Working Policy Z
20.

• Voluntary Normal Retirement - Normal retirement age is

65. An individual may retire at that time and be entitled to
receive full benefits (based on years of service) as outlined in
NAD Working Policy Z 20.

• • Job Sharing - The responsibilities of one full-time

position are shared by two part-time employees. This approach
requires dedicated team-effort to be successful.

• Normal Attrition - Once a position becomes vacant due to

retirement, resignation, etc. the position is not automatically
filled without a thorough evaluation of the needs of the respective
department in which it is located.

• On-Goina Monitoring of Floater/Temporary Assistance - The

request for on-call, temporary help is carefully monitored and
controlled in order to reduce any unnecessary departmental expense.

•
 III. PROCEDURE FOR IMPLEMENTING AND
111 COMMUNICATING REDUCTION IN WORK FORCE

Steps:
1. General Conference Officers (GCO) appoint Budget Review
Committees which are assigned to evaluate each departmental cost
center and recommend reductions in expenses where appropriate.

2. Budget Review Committees meet with assigned departments

and develop expense reduction recommendations. These
recommendations are submitted to Budget Steering Committee for
analysis.

3. Budget Steering Committee recommendations are referred to

GCO for discussion. (General Conference Committee (GCC) may also
be presented with the overall workforce reduction plan and proposed
organizational restructuring.) Any additional changes made by
either committee are referred to the respective Officers for
discussion/implementation within their respective area(s) of

• authority.

4. The Officers meet with respective department heads to

review departmental expense reductions.

5. Based on redesigned programs, department directors,

working closely with Personnel Administration, follow the
established selection criteria in staffing reductions with the
exception of elected personnel. Status of elected personnel will
be referred to Annual Council, 1991, for final determination.

6. Affected salaried individuals appointed by the General

Conference Committee (GCC) will be informed that their employment
status will be referred to GCC for appropriate action.

7. Personnel Administration performs an Adverse Impact

Analysis (excluding elected personnel information); this data is
then reviewed by legal counsel and forwarded on to GC Personnel
Committee for final approval.

•
8. Department Directors and Personnel Administration assist
in the employee notification process. Personnel Administration

5
• immediately begins assistance for displaced employees.

9. Departmental meetings are conducted by department

directors in order to clearly communicate to staff recent
departmental actions and to outline future goals of department.

10. Presidential informs GC staff (through a general staff

meeting) of future organizational goals, etc.

11. Administration continues to dialogue frequently with staff

on future plans and developments which maintains clear lines of
communication in order to alleviate misunderstandings and
misinformation.

•
• IV. EMPLOYEE NOTIFICATION PROCESS

Open channels of communication must be present among the general

staff, affected employees and administration at all times. The
overall acceptance and support of the organization's restructuring
program rests heavily with the manner in which information and
facts are presented to employees during the entire process. It is
critical that roles and responsibilities are clearly defined for
all parties in order to reduce possible misunderstandings occurring
through misinformation.

A. Role of Administration During RIF and Notification Process

(Note: This process was discussed thoroughly in Section III)

• B. Role of Department Director/Immediate Supervisor During RIF and

Notification Process

1. Once the decision has been made as to the respective

positions which will be affected by the departmental
reorganization, it is the responsibility of the Department Director
to speak with each affected employee within his/her area of
responsibility.
Affected elected personnel will be informed that the recommendation
pertaining to their employment status will be referred to Annual
Council (October, 1991) for final determination.

a. INTERVIEW #1 - INFORMING THE EMPLOYEE OF POSITION

ELIMINATION.

•
Whether the position is to be reduced or eliminated, the employee
should receive the "news" in a direct but sensitive manner by the

7
• Department Director.
considered:

*
The following guidelines should be

Choose a day (generally speaking, try to avoid

Friday since the Sabbath is fast approaching) that is compatible to
both schedules. Remember that the meeting content should be
planned well in advance so that the time spent together will
require no more than 30 minutes. Prolonged discussion at this
point generally does not produce overly positive results.

• Select an area to hold the interview where

interruptions will not be possible. Inasmuch as the employee may
react emotionally it is wise to plan for this in advance.

• Update the employee on the organization's need

to look at restructuring and explain in a concise manner how that
need is affecting your particular department and, specifically,
this particular employee's position.

• Prepare for emotional reactions. It is

•
reasonable to expect that each employee will react in a unique
manner. Practice a few Don'ts at this time:

--DON'T argue with the employee

--DON'T allow your compassion and regret

to "cloud" the issues; make certain that the employee hears exactly
what you intend for him/her to hear--not what he/she wants to
extrapolate from your discussion.

--DON'T make statements that you cannot

back up with pertinent and factual documentation.

--DON'T make any promises that you can't

keep. It's critical that you don't make promises that the
organization cannot meet, either.

• Inform the employee that Personnel

Administration is ready to immediately assist them during this
period of transition. Urge the employee to contact Personnel
Administration as soon as possible .
• * Tell the employee he/she may request a review
of his/her separation should the employee inquire. Tell the
individual he/she may request a grievance hearing and refer him/her
to GC Employee Handbook policy 240.40, p. 27. Advise employee to
follow the outlined steps.

• Refer the employee to Personnel Administration

for an explanation of benefits continuation during this period of
transition.

• Close the meeting with prayer if possible.

However, do not force the employee to comply. Again, be especially
sensitive to employee's emotional level at all times.

b. INTERVIEW #2 - SEPARATION/TERMINATION MEETING

This interview will take place for those individuals who have not
secured other employment (either in-house or outside the complex)

•
by November 1, 1991. This interview should be conducted by the
Department Director with the Director/Assistant Personnel Director
also present. The following guidelines should be considered:

• Express your regret that other employment has

not been secured as of this date (November 1, 1991) and that you
are now informing the employee that his/her official 60 day
employment termination notification is given.

• Inform the employee that he/she is expected to

continue their present work duties but that they will be given
leave (not to exceed 8 1/2 hrs. per week) in order to seek other
employment. Inform them that they must work closely with Personnel
Administration in this regard.

• Explain to the employee that he/she may be

eligible for a termination settlement (per NAD Working Policy) and
urge them to contact Personnel Administration for further details.
The employee should also be informed that a full explanation of
available benefits will be made available to them by Personnel
Administration. (They may already have taken advantage of this
service after the first interview. However, it is good to offer

• this service again.)

• * Attempt to respond to any reasonable comments
or questions raised by the employee during the course of the
meeting. However, do not force the employee to respond to your
statements in any way if they are uncomfortable in doing so.

• Try, at the conclusion of the meeting, to

ascertain that the employee understands exactly what has happened
and what their responsibility is during the next 60 days.

• Close the meeting with prayer if possible.

However do not force the employee to comply if they are
uncomfortable or overwrought.

C. Role of Personnel Administration During IUF and Notification Process

1. Personnel Administration will be involved in the

organizational restructuring process from the early stages. It
will participate in the Budget Steering Committee in order to offer

•
counsel in the strategic planning area especially as well as
technical expertise.

2. Personnel Administration will work closely with

Department Directors during the initial stage of restructure as
they follow the established selection criteria in staffing
reduction recommendations.

3. It will be the responsibility of Personnel Administration

to perform an Adverse Impact Analysis.

4. Personnel Administration will present the names of

employees (excluding elected personnel) affected by the
organizational restructuring to the to GC Personnel Committee for
final approval before the separation process is finalized.
Following Interview #1, Personnel Administration will meet with
affected employees to explain the procedure for assisting displaced
individuals. Questions relating to benefits during the transition
period will also be addressed as well as a summary of benefits

• available in the event individuals are not placed and termination

10
• of employment actually occurs.
Interview #2 will be conducted jointly by the respective Department
Director and the Personnel Director/Assistant Personnel Director.

5. It will be the responsibility of Personnel Administration

to monitor the progress of placement of transition employees--
whether the placement is within the General Conference or through
outplacement services.

6. For those employees seeking employment outside the

complex, it is the responsibility of Personnel Administration to
communicate benefits, etc. before termination takes place.

7. An Exit Procedure and Interview will be conducted with

employee(s) by Personnel Administration at the time of actual
separation. The employee will be informed as to what articles of
General Conference property are to be returned, accounts cleared,

•
etc.

• 11
 V. PROCEDURE FOR ASSISTING DISPLACED
411 EMPLOYEES

Personnel Administration will assist employees affected by position

reduction in obtaining other employment. This will be done in
either of two ways:

In-House placement through a Placement Pool Program

Placement outside the organization through
Outplacement Services

A. Procedure for Hourly Placement Pool Employees

1. All openings for hourly positions will be posted as usual

with clearly defined position qualifications. First preference

• will be given to placement pool employees who are equally

qualified with other in-house applicant(s). (Should it not be
possible to fill the position with placement pool employees,
employees who have been in their present position for at least one
year will be eligible. Only at this time will those employees with
less time in-grade be considered.)

2. If applicants appear to be equally qualified and possess

equal relevant experience than length of service at the General
Conference will be considered. Total denominational service will
be considered only if all of the above factors are equal.

3. The Department Director and the immediate Supervisor, in

counsel with Personnel Administration, will agree on a
recommendation to the Personnel Committee.

4. Should individuals within the placement pool fail to be

placed prior to November 1, 1991, these individuals will then
receive official employment termination notification (60 days

•
prior) and will be informed that their separation of employment
with the General Conference becomes effective December 31, 1991.

12
• They will then be urged to become involved in Outplacement
Services. However, they will continue to be considered for any
opening within the General Conference for which they are qualified
up until their actual employment termination date of December 31.

B. Procedure for Salaried Placement Pool Employees

1. Salaried positions 153% and below are posted within the

General Conference. Salaried employees who are affected by the RIF
will work directly with Personnel Administration for possible
placement.

2. When a salaried position becomes available Personnel

Administration will evaluate the position requirements and
recommend to the Department Director those salaried individuals
currently within the placement pool possessing the necessary
qualifications. Should several applicants possess apparently equal

•
qualifications, total service at the General Conference will be
taken into consideration. Total denominational service will be
considered only if all of the above factors are equal.

3. The Department Director and the immediate supervisor, in

counsel with Personnel Administration, will agree on a
recommendation to the General Conference Officers.

C. Outplacement Services

1. Should an employee decline transition into the placement

pool or remain unplaced as of November 1, 1991, the following
outplacement services will be made available to him/her through
Personnel Administration:

a. Resume Preparation

• b. Letter(s) of Introduction

13
• c.
d.
e.
Career Counseling
Personal Counseling (relating to RIF)
Message Center
f. Computer Skills Updating

2. Personnel Administration will define benefits available

to separating hourly employees as follows:

a. Accrued Vacation/PTO - Payment will be made directly

to the employee for accrued, but unused, vacation/PTO. This
payment will be made at the time of the issuance of the final pay
check.

b. Termination Settlement - Payment will be made

directly to the employee for a termination settlement, per NAD
Working Policy X40, after execution of general release.

• c. Emergency Health Care - Emergency health care

benefits continue for a period of up to 60 days for employee and
eligible dependents or until health care coverage is available
through the new employer, whichever comes first.

d. Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) - Option

available to continue AD&D program on personal basis.

e. Tax Sheltered Annuity Program (TSA) - Option may be

available to continue TSA on personal basis ONLY if individual
transfers to another non-profit organization. Failure to do this
will result in freezing of contributions at current level.

f. Survivors Assistance Fund for Employees (SAFE) -

Option unavailable to continue SAFE program on personal basis.

g. Long-Term Disability (LTD) Program - Option

unavailable to continue LTD program on personal basis.

h. Survivor Benefit Program - Option unavailable to

• continue Survivor Benefit coverage on personal basis.

14
• i. Maryland Unemployment Compensation Fund - Option
unavailable to participate in Maryland Unemployment Compensation
program.

j. Dependent Tuition Assistance - Any assistance which

the General Conference has prepaid for current quarter/semester
will not require reimbursement by the employee.

k. Unamortized Moving Assistance - Any unamortized

relocation assistance which the General Conference has prepaid for
the employee will not require reimbursement by the employee.

1. Pre-Retirement Supplementary Annuity Plan -

Employees with at least 20 years of denominational service and who
are 55 years of age or older may be invited to participate in a
pre-retirement supplementary annuity plan. The employee is
protected from potential loss of retirement benefits by purchase of
an annuity designed to supplement their payments from the
denominational retirement program.
This option would only be considered for persons who do not obtain

•
another denominational position and the annuity payments will be
discontinued if the person later re-enters denominational
employment.

** 3. Personnel Administration will define benefits available

to separating salaried employees as follows:

(Note: Benefits a-1 available as listed in hourly section

above)

m. Excess Auto Insurance Reimbursement - Any assistance

which the General Conference has prepaid for current auto policy
year (or portion thereof) will not require reimbursement by the
employee.

n. Mortgage Loan(s) Assistance - The employee will be

asked to work directly with General Conference Treasury on the
timeframe for terminating any loans.

• o. Unamortized Educational Assistance for Employees -

Any unamortized employee educational assistance (i.e. MBA, JD,
15
 PhD., etc.) which the General Conference has prepaid on behalf of
• the employee will not require reimbursement by the employee.

** Note: It is recommended that the employment termination

settlement and benefits for elected/appointed personnel involved in
the 1991 RIF be applied in the same manner as those in similar
situations during the 1990 reorganization following General
Conference session.
Following the 1991 restructuring and RIF program, however, the
standard pre-employment termination notification and settlement
policy, as defined in the January 1, 1992 Reduction in Work Force
policy, will be followed.

• 16