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INTRODUCTION

SECRETARIAT is one of three administrative units of the General Conference, the other two being Presidential and Treasury.  The work of Secretariat revolves around three broad areas of responsibility:

  • Provides support, promotion, and strategic input for the mission program of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, including selection and appointment of international service employees and volunteer personnel for all calls between divisions.
  • Writes and preserves agendas and minutes of major General Conference administrative committees.  Associated with this responsibility is coordinating the development and review of General Conference Working Policy as well as those of the Seventh-day Adventist Church Manual.
  • Serves as the administrative liaison office for the General Conference to all world divisions.
Executive Secretary

OUR MISSION

To provide administrative leadership and strategic direction to the church in making disciples to reach the unreached.

OUR METHODS

  • Identifying mission priorities for the conference
  • Promoting the 6 “M’s” Initiative
  • Promoting awareness of and enthusiasm for mission to the unreached.
  • Developing a comprehensive mission enterprise following Christ’s method.
  • Supporting sound administration and fostering good governance.

SIX M’s INITIATIVES

MISSION

URBAN CENTER OF INFLUENCE

A Centre of Influence in the Seventh-day Adventist Church is a strategic initiative designed to engage and serve local communities by addressing their physical, mental, social and spiritual needs. These centres are typically located in urban or underserved areas. They are intended to act as bridgess between the church and the community, reflecting Christs’s method of ministry by meeting people’s needs and forming meaningful relationships. The concept is insipred by Jesus’ ministry, as described  in the Bible, where He mingled with people, met their needs, and invited them to follow Him (e.g, Matthew 9:35-38, John 13:34-35). By function as hubs for service and outreach, Centres of Influence reflect the Adverntist commitment to following Christ’s example of compassionate ministry while sharing the message of hope and salvation.

MISSIONARIES

GLOBAL MISSION PIONEERS

Global Mission Pioneers are lay members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church who dedicate themselves to establishing new congregations in unentered areas, often in challenging or unreached regions. This initiative is part of the broader Global Mission program, which was launched by the Adventist Church in 1990 to fulfil the gospel commission (Matthew 28:19-20) by reaching people groups who have not yet heard the Adventist message. Since its inception, the Global Mission Pioneers program has significantly contributed to the growth of the Adventist Church, especially in previously unentered regions. Thousands of churches and groups have been established worldwide through their efforts, bringing hope and the Adventist message to millions.

 

MANAGEMENT

NURTURE & RETENTION

Statistics and data have shown us that, as Adventists, we have numerous methods of winning souls for Christ. However, we face a significant challenge with retention. Studies indicate that we lose about 50% of the members we receive. Many of these losses are due to relational reasons rather than doctrinal differences. In response, we encourage churches to be intentional in ensuring that our members are counted and actively engaged in evangelism. Strong connections within the church, meaningful fellowship, and a sense of belonging are vital in retaining members and fostering spiritual growth. Churches must be proactive in creating environments where members feel valued and are motivated to share the gospel with others, ensuring that the cycle of soul-winning and retention remains strong.


PROTECTION OF PERSONAL INFORMATION (POPI ACT)

Compliance with the POPI Act is essential for protecting our members’ privacy and personal information. This legislation ensures that personal data is collected, stored, and processed responsibly, safeguarding individuals from misuse of their information. By adhering to these requirements, our churches demonstrate integrity, accountability, and respect for the rights of our members. Implementing POPI Act compliance protects the church from potential legal consequences and builds trust among our members and the broader community.

CHURCH CLERK TRAINING

Training will equip church clerks and administrators with the knowledge and tools to manage personal data following the law. This term, we aim to ensure that all church clerks are adequately trained to take minutes effectively and fulfil their other key responsibilities. These include maintaining accurate church membership records, preparing regular statistical reports, handling correspondence, and assisting with church elections and administrative processes. By equipping our church clerks with the necessary skills and knowledge, we enhance the efficiency and accuracy of church operations, ensuring that our administrative processes align with the church’s mission.

 

MEMBERSHIP

7ME APPLICATION

The 7me Application is a mobile and web platform designed to enhance spiritual growth, facilitate connection, and provide resources for members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. It is part of the church’s ongoing effort to leverage technology for mission and member engagement. The 7me app seeks to strengthen the spiritual life of members, foster a sense of community, and streamline church administration. By bringing members closer to their local church and the global Adventist mission.

ADVENTIST CHURCH MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (ACMS)

The ACMS is an essential tool for effective church management. It allows churches to maintain accurate membership records, streamline administrative processes, and access real-time data for decision-making. Being on the ACMS ensures that churches are connected to the broader conference, union, and division systems, enabling seamless communication and collaboration. Ensuring that all churches use the ACMS effectively enhances accountability, transparency, and efficiency in managing our membership and fulfilling our mission. To facilitate this transition and maintain the system’s integrity, church clerks and leaders will receive training and support.

MEDIA

DIGITAL MEDIA & TECHNOLOGY

Digital media and technology empower the Secretariat to enhance communication, streamline data management, and expand mission outreach. Tools like ACMS ensure accurate membership records, while social media and email platforms facilitate broader engagement and updates. Virtual training and real-time communication tools provide essential support for missionaries and church leaders. High-quality digital content and targeted outreach enable the church to reach unentered areas and diverse audiences effectively. Additionally, digital archives and online platforms preserve organizational knowledge and provide accessible training to staff and members.

 

 

MORE INITIATIVES

GEOLOCATION

We are encouraging every church to register itself on Google Maps to improve visibility and accessibility for both members and newcomers. Being listed on Google Maps is essential in today’s digital age, as it allows people to find your church location easily, see contact information, and access directions. It also enhances the church’s online presence, increasing outreach opportunities and enabling more people to engage with your church. Registering on Google Maps ensures that your church is visible in local search results, which is especially important for outreach and mission work.

CC MEDIA & DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY CONVENTION

As technology advances, we must seize every opportunity to use it for mission purposes. This September, we wish to launch our first Media and Digital Technology Convention. This convention will bring Adventist believers together to grapple with challenges and dream of innovative ways to leverage digital technology for the mission God has entrusted to the Seventh-day Adventist Church. This initiative will revolutionize evangelism in the digital age!

The exact details on the date and venue of the Convention will be shared soon. Stay tuned! We look forward to celebrating this milestone with you. Together, let us embrace the Church’s DIGITAL STRATEGY FOR MISSION and redefine the future of evangelism in a rapidly evolving digital world.

NEWSLETTER

We are thrilled to announce the launch of the Cape Conference Newsletter (CCN), a dedicated publication for the members of the Cape Conference (CC). The newsletter aims to share recent communications and provide solid, biblically-based, and inspiring content relevant to church leaders and members. The first edition will launch in March, with plans for quarterly publications sent directly to all church members. It will also be made accessible on the Cape Conference website and distributed through our social media platforms. This initiative seeks to keep members informed, inspired, and connected to the mission and activities of the conference.

 

CAPE CONFERENCE WHATSAPP COMMUNITY

Our WhatsApp community aims to share conference events and announcements, Host various groups, including: Health enthusiasts, Business networking, Prayer and devotionals, Community service initiatives. Join us today. Let’s start a vibrant CC community!

Scan the QR code now!

CHURCH CLERK / SECRETARY

  • The role of the church clerk is to minister to the congregation by documenting and maintaining the church records.
  • You will work closely with the pastor and other church officers and members.
  • You will keep accurate minutes of the church board and business meetings and regularly submit information regarding your church to the conference.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  1. As a church clerk/secretary, you are expected to take the minutes of church board and business meetings.
  2. The Church Clerk is crucial in maintaining accurate and up-to-date records of the church’s membership and activities. One of their key responsibilities is to ensure that every baptism is appropriately documented and entered into the ACMS (Adventist Church Management System).
  3. The Church Clerk is also responsible for managing membership transfers in and out of the local church. When a member requests a transfer to another church, the church clerk drafts and sends the appropriate letters to facilitate the transfer.
  4. It is sometimes necessary to review the membership list and remove those who have not attended for many years (usually at least 5+ years).
  5. In small churches with no church secretary, the church clerk/secretary may assume the responsibility of the weekly church bulletin. However, if it is more convenient, this duty may be delegated to someone with typing and/or computer skills.
  6. One of the responsibilities the church clerk/secretary may have is to produce a church directory.
  7. The church clerk/secretary should keep a list of all committees appointed by the church.

COMMUNICATION SECRETARY

  • As Director and/or Team member, your objective is to raise public awareness of our church—its members, mission, and message;
  • Work to get church activities and events noted in the media;
  • And help to get the church’s views included in the news adequately and accurately.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  1. Report church activities to local radio, television, and newspapers by submitting news releases and public service announcements, arranging for interviews, writing letters to the editor on matters of concern to the church, writing or assigning feature stories or columns, arranging for photo coverage of congregational activities or events, and serving as a source of information for public media representatives.
  2. Look for opportunities, story ideas, and current issues that concern your church and community.
  3. Seek to become personally acquainted with newspaper editors, broadcast assignment editors, religion reporters, and community relations personnel.
  4. Develop initial contacts with press kits, nurture contacts with phone calls, and follow up contacts with hand-written note cards.
  5. It’s vital to keep church members informed about upcoming activities and share church news with conference communication directors and the larger Adventist family.
  6. You are part of a global network of Adventist communicators, helping the Seventh-day Adventist Church stay connected. By sending articles and photos to your conference communication director, you share your news with members around the world and record the church’s history.
  7. A newsletter is a great way to connect a church family. Newsletters keep members aware of events, programs, and church news. They also provide a way to reach members who haven’t attended church for a while. Don’t forget to include your conference communication director on your mailing or email list.
  8. It’s vital to keep church members informed about upcoming activities and equally important to share church news with conference communication directors and the larger Adventist family.
  9. 09 A church website provides many opportunities for communicating with members and reaching the community. A church without a website does not exist for many people. Visitors want to know how to find your church when Sabbath school and church start, what activities are available for their children, and what to expect, and members want to know the latest news and events.

POPIA INFORMATION OFFICER

  • The one responsible of church’s compliance with the POPI Act for the protecting our member’s privacy and personal information.
  • POPIA is an important legislation that aims to protect the privacy and personal information of individuals in South Africa. By understanding the key concepts and requirements of POPIA, you can ensure that your church complies with the legislation and safeguards the personal information of your members.