Standards for Church Leadership and Personal Conduct

Non-Seventh-day Adventists should not be given leadership or responsible roles in such organizations because the irreligious or unconsecrated can easily mold the society to suit the plans of SatanCT 541.3. While we should not shut ourselves up or be content simply because we have the truth, we must be careful with whom we connect in labor7MR 181.1+1.

The Danger of Unconsecrated Influences

Allowing those who do not share the faith to hold responsible positions within church organizations often leads to a positive evilCT 541.3. Even when rules and regulations are in place to check deleterious influences, the adversary finds ready access through those he has controlled in the pastCT 541.3. Over time, these associations can lead to the following outcomes:

• Degeneration of Purpose: Exercises and meetings may degenerate into theatrical performances and "cheap nonsense" that gratify the carnal mind rather than strengthening the intellect or moralsCT 541.3.

• Creation of Disunion: Men who refuse to be converted and follow Bible principles will often use their capabilities to set up their own ideas and lead souls away from the true path7MR 194.2.

• Spiritual Blindness: Linking up with those who are unable to appreciate the "pearl of great price" can pervert the conscience and hinder the discernment of precious truths7MR 181.1.

The Standard of Leadership

Church activities and societies must be controlled by wisdom from God to remain beneficialCT 541.3. The Lord requires faithful, pure, and holy workers who have felt the need for the sanctifying grace of His SpiritRH November 18, 1909, par. 19. True greatness is found in character and true goodness, rather than in position or worldly credentialsGW92 258.1.

Working for Others vs. Working With Others

While we should not primarily labor for our own people but rather for those who have not yet had the light of truth, there is a distinct difference between seeking to save the lost and inviting them to lead church groups9MR 20.1+1.

• The Mission: We are to urge the worth of the human soul upon those who do not understand its valueEv 461.2.

• The Warning: Whoever is determined to depart from the faith or remains unimpressible cannot be helped by reasoning, and it is not best to link up with them in the Lord's work7MR 181.1+1.

We are instructed to be sincere, earnest Christians, looking ever to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith Hebrews 12:2Ev 645.4. When choosing those to work with children and youth, we must remember that a well-ordered and well-disciplined Christian family or group is the greatest influence to recommend Christianity to the world1SAT 77.1. Therefore, let everyone be careful with whom they connect, for truth is no truth to those who do not obey it7MR 181.1.

A Seventh-day Adventist woman who persists in wearing showy jewelry and ornaments should not be appointed to leadership positions such as Adventurer club leader or Sabbath school teacher because such a display of vanity is contrary to the express declarations of Scripture and misrepresents the character of ChristLS88 250.1+2.

The Standard for Leadership and Teaching

Those who are chosen to lead and teach must be examples of the truth in both character and appearance9MR 138.3+1.

• Spiritual Qualifications: Teachers and leaders must be thorough Bible students who have a deep Christian experience and have the precepts of heaven written upon their heartEv 475.1+1.

• Influence of Example: A teacher's influence is powerful; if they are found in pride or following the fashions of the world, they cannot lead the young into safe paths or save them from ruinCSW 123.1+2.

• The Responsibility of the Church: It is the duty of the church to see that those who are provided as teachers are consecrated and manifest the spirit of the MasterEv 475.1+1.

Biblical Instruction on Adornment

The Word of God provides explicit directions regarding the dress and adornment of those professing godliness2SM 478.1+1.

• Inward vs. Outward: True beauty is not found in the wearing of gold, pearls, or costly array, but in the "hidden man of the heart" and the ornament of a "meek and quiet spirit" 1 Peter 3:3-4+1.

• A Species of Idolatry: The ornamentation of the person with jewels is a species of idolatry that reveals a heart destitute of inward adornment and a lack of spiritualityBTS May 1, 1908, par. 4+1.

• Self-Denial as Duty: Self-denial in dress is a part of Christian duty, and abstaining from jewelry of every kind is in keeping with the faith we professBEcho September 19, 1898, par. 6+1.

Music and the Worship of God

Playing an instrument or singing in the church is a sacred act of worship that requires a consecrated lifeMRQI 25.2+1.

• Solemnity in Service: Anything strange, eccentric, or focused on display attracts attention to the individual and destroys the serious, solemn impression that should result from sacred musicMRQI 25.2.

• Divine Credentials: Those who participate in the service of God should bear the divine credentials of love and self-denial, showing they are true followers of the SaviourGCB July 1, 1900, Art. A, par. 10+1.

The Danger of Worldly Conformity

When those in the church ape the fashions of the world, it dampens the joy of others and acts as a barrier to the work of the Holy Spirit1T 20.2+1.

• Misleading the Youth: A love for dress and display in those who have put on Christ by baptism is a reproach to the cause of God and grieves the SaviourT24 48.1.

• Blocking the Way: Means spent on jewelry and needless ornaments are stolen from the Lord's treasury—money that could be used to support missions and save soulsMH 287.4+2.

• A Call to Reformation: There is a decided need for reformation in every branch of the work, and the members of the church are called to put away their pride and lay off their ornamentsCSW 161.1+1.

The Lord desires his people to be a plain distinction from the world, representing the truth as being of the highest value2SM 478.1+2. While we are to be kind and tender toward the erring, we must not lower the standard of ministerial or teaching qualifications by accepting a half-hearted or world-loving serviceGW 140.2+2.