Church Board Cannot Remove Members—The board may recommend to a business meeting the removal of members, but under no circumstance does the board have the right to take final action, except to record removal at death or at the member’s request. (See pp. 55, 66, 81-82.) action. Except in the case of the death of members, the clerk can remove a name from the records only after a vote of the church in a business meeting.

Adventist Possibility Ministries

The Adventist Possibility Ministries initiative was established to extend the compassionate and inclusive ministry of Jesus and seeks to inspire, equip, and mobilize those with special needs and those who are deaf.  These opportunities are defined as deafness, blindness, physical mobility limitations, and mental/social development.  It also includes ministry for orphans and vulnerable children, widows and widowers, and caregivers.  The goal is to foster understanding with the exploration of ministry possibilities for those with special needs and the Deaf.

All are in search of wholeness. All are gifted, needed, and treasured. All are created in the image of God with an inherent dignity regardless of any limitation they may have. This global initiative encompasses a ministry for those with special needs and the Deaf, along with seeking opportunities to minister with them. While some disadvantages may be present, greater emphasis is placed upon their possibilities. This educational mission of the Church strategically gives focus to three main values: awareness of needs; acceptance of the individuals who are deaf or who have special needs; and the development of specific action plans to be implemented to provide opportunities for these individuals to find purpose and fulfillment in life and ministry.

The following statement by Ellen G. White underscores the importance of this work, “I saw that it is in the providence of God that widows and orphans, the blind, the Deaf, the lame, and persons afflicted in a variety of ways, have been placed in close Christian relationship to His church; it is to prove His people and develop their true character. Angels of God are watching to see how we treat these persons who need our sympathy, love, and disinterested benevolence. This is God’s test of our character.”—3T 511.

The Deaf as a Unique Culture—The Deaf are internationally recognized as having their own set of social beliefs, behaviors, art, history, literary traditions, values, and languages just as other cultures. While they are often considered as having “special needs,” the Church recognizes their deafness as more of a cultural characteristic than of a disability.

Adventist Possibility Ministries Leader—It is recommended that the board appoint a local possibility ministries leader.While it is preferable for the leader to have direct experience or education with possibility ministries, it is not mandatory.It is best if the leadership for this ministry is chosen from within the groups they represent.  While working together with other leaders, it is critical that planning be done by the groups themselves. This is done so they may serve God and community as expressed in the mission statement of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. It is imperative for the leader to be compassionate, and to serve with an approach that fosters empowerment and participation.

Adventist Possibility Ministries Committee—The church board should establish a committee for possibility ministries to encourage members with special needs and to learn how to effectively communicate with them. It should create witnessing programs, recommend how to make church facilities more accessible, help solve transportation programs, and recommend ways to assist in the discovery of roles or ministries that bring a sense of meaning and fulfillment. The committee is chaired by the possibility ministries leader(s). If not serving as the chairperson, the pastor should be an ex officio member.

Resources—For possibility ministries resources, see Notes #9, pp. 175.