“The Fat Lady Rides Again: Thoughts on the Current General Conference” – George Knight
Date: 3 June 2006
Speaker: Dr. George Knight
Position: Professor of Church History, SDA Theological Seminary, Andrews University
Topic: “The Fat Lady Rides Again: Thoughts on the Current General Conference”
Initiative Toward Restructuring the Church”
Venue: Chan Shun Hall
Attendance: 224
Presentation: SDA Church is the most heavily organized church in the world (we have 4 levels, RCs, 2). He reviewed organization issues in the 1850s-60s (“ Babylon ” complex & what Bible allows), 1880s-‘90s (“kingly power,” Jones & “Christian anarchy”), and 1901-1903 (slow transportation, independent legal institutions, debates over unions & departments), then gave historical contexts for several EGW statements re: organization. Two GC commissions are studying how to implement “flexible organization” and “unions of churches” without expensive local conferences & unions some regions can’t afford. Focus is on unity, mission, flexibility, & restructuring tithe program.
Michiana Adventist Forum 