The parliamentarian for the 61st General Conference Session was Todd MacFarlad. He was the legal expert responsible for maintaining the rules of order and proper procedures for all business meetings during the world session. He is also an attorney for the General Conference’s Office of General Counsel.
Todd MacFarland, parliamentarian for the General Conference Session.
The 61st General Conference Session concluded its business meetings on Thursday, June 9, 2022. On this day, a General Conference delegate raised a “point of order” regarding secret voting procedures and asked the parliamentarian, Todd MacFarland, the following question on the session floor and in front of all delegates during live-streaming. “Our voting system is anonymous, so how does it work?”
Tod MacFarland, the legal expert in charge of ensuring that proper procedures are followed, did not explain how the secret/anonymous voting system worked. His one and only response to the delegate was to “TRUST.”
In the video above, you can see how the delegate responded, “Okay,” and walked away. In the same video, you can see Pastor Geoffrey Gabriel Mbwama, vice-president of the General Conference and chairman of that business meeting, start smiling, possibly laughing, when the delegate was not given any explanation about how the secret/anonymous voting system worked, but was simply told to “trust.”
And, like a passive sheep, the delegate agreed, said “Okay,” and walked away. What a great shame. It is clear that these leaders do not feel the need to explain anything to anyone. According to these leaders, the sheeple’s job is to simply “trust” and not ask any questions because they don’t deserve answers about how they do things. In other words, the leadership is not accountable to the world church in general session, the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s highest authority. Certain men have become untouchable and a law unto themselves. That is why they are able to laugh.
What is the matter with our delegates? How can they allow themselves to be so easily dismissed, ignored, and silenced? Those leaders are supposed to serve us. They must answer to their constituents as well as the world church in general session. Why didn’t someone, anyone, speak up and say: “Your response is insufficient. How does this secret/anonymous voting system work? We have a right to be informed.”
Geoffrey Mbwana, Vice President of the General Conference and Chairman of the Thursday afternoon business meeting.
That didn’t happen. This is what happened. On the same day, another delegate from the South Asia-Pacific Division thanked the chairpersons who led the business meetings, and specifically the “parliamentarian” who “calmly and lovingly” guided the delegates. No, my brothers and sisters. Wake up. Jesus clearly said:
“For one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.” Matthew 23:8.
There is only one master, and it’s not the parliamentarian, and it’s not the chairman, and it’s not the president. It’s Jesus; and Jesus said we are all brethren, which means we are all on the same level. In fact, it is Romanism that: “exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God” (2 Thessalonians 2:4). It is Rome that has an exalted clergy that sits above the church in order to dominate and control it.
“Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD unto the shepherds; Woe be to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the flocks? Ye eat the fat, and ye clothe you with the wool, ye kill them that are fed: but ye feed not the flock.” Ezekiel 34:2-3.
How do these leaders clothe themselves? With wool. Where does the wool come from? It comes from the sheep. And when these leaders disrespect and dismiss the delegates, it shows that they are more concerned with the fleece (wool/money) than the flock. In times like these, we must recognize that Jesus is both a Lion and a Lamb. We must be as well.
“The Saviour is presented before John under the symbols of ‘the Lion of the tribe of Judah’ and of ‘a Lamb as it had been slain.’ Revelation 5:5, 6. These symbols represent the union of omnipotent power and self-sacrificing love. The Lion of Judah, so terrible to the rejectors of His grace, will be the Lamb of God to the obedient and faithful” (Acts of the Apostles, 589).
Don’t be the sheeple to leaders who only want to devour the flock by ripping the wool off their backs, including their skin. When it comes to those pastors, be a lion. However, be a lamb among the faithful and obedient. Praise the Lord that there are still some godly leaders who understand that they are called to be servants and whose purpose is to serve and feed the flock. God is raising up leaders who, like Christ, love the sheep and are willing to give their lives for them.
It is Friday, and all the business meetings have concluded. Today and tomorrow, we will hear reports on evangelism and other matters from the various divisions. They’re still talking about and praying for the Latter Rain, and this morning they sang, “Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me.” But do we realize that when the Latter Rain falls, it will work against human planning, control, Romanism, and kingly power?
“Unless those who can help in _____ are aroused to a sense of their duty, they will not recognize the work of God when the loud cry of the third angel shall be heard. When light goes forth to lighten the earth, instead of coming up to the help of the Lord, they will want to bind about His work to meet their narrow ideas. Let me tell you that the Lord will work in this last work in a manner very much out of the common order of things, and in a way that will be contrary to any human planning. There will be those among us who will always want to control the work of God, to dictate even what movements shall be made when the work goes forward under the direction of the angel who joins the third angel in the message to be given to the world. God will use ways and means by which it will be seen that He is taking the reins in His own hands. The workers will be surprised by the simple means that He will use to bring about and perfect His work of righteousness.—Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 300
God’s ways are not our ways, nor are God’s thoughts our thoughts. His methods and plans are not ours. Indeed, God is still attempting to shape us into His will through His Holy Spirit, as revealed in His word:
“Trust ye not in lying words, saying, The temple of the Lord, The temple of the Lord, The temple of the Lord are these … Behold ye trust in lying words that cannot profit … Thus saith the Lord; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm … Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is … These words of the Lord were read in my hearing, and I want that they should be read before the people.” (1888 Materials, p. 1289).
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This is so sad! We have been programmed by the government to wear masks, take a Covid test and the shot! Now the church is following in lock step. As goes the country, so goes the church. We have been told the shaking will come and the church will appear to fall, but it won’t. So we shouldn’t be surprised at what is taking place. All we can do is pray for them now, the decisions have been made.
Not to be nasty, but they will burn just as well as will Satan and his demons. It is saddening to see how this general conference has been handled, only allowing Ted Wilson to be voted as pres again and not allowing individual voting for others nor the ability to question anyone person. Set up is how I see it. Following along the guide lines of how the government is handling voting now days. On the other hand, sad as it may be, it does point completely to the fact that Jesus will be coming very soon as the apostacy and sin is filling the cup to the brim. Blessings and thank you for all the work you do.
Thank you for the candid truth
As the world turns so does the church turn.
This is looking & sounding more like what is going on at Congress these days.
Nobody from the Left can give a simple answer to anything they’re asked about.
Truly sad.
Brothers and sisters, I need help. We the people support these GC people with our tithes. Please help me, when do we stop? My wife and I have been faithful to our tithes and offerings for many, many years. I truly don’t like these people living off our hard earned money. I will always be a SDA, but very discouraged with this our leadership. Take our money and laugh at us. Wrong.
The tithe is to be used for those who actually do the work of God not those who do the work of Satan. Invest God’s money in God’s work . Support men n woman who are out there doing what God tells them to do . God still has faithful people . I think it’s a sin to help those who are helping Satan . Pray n invest in the Lord’s work .
I’ll be blunt. Then stop sending money to any church in the GC. You can see what they’re doing & how they act & how they schmooz with the ecumenicals. Who knows what they do with the money. Remember “The Great Hope”? It was a total travesty to trusting members who donated after Ted Wilson said they would print “The Great Controversy”. Find an independent ministry or ministries online or otherwise & support the ones you feel are a blessing to you. Ellen White supported some of the independent ministries. At least the independents won’t invest your money & lose it on the stock market, which happened where I live (they lost millions). I refuse to give them anything.
I stopped and left the church after thier abortion and gay stance. If you must only donate to the local church budget. Nothing else. But Jesus said come out of her. So we all must do what the spirit f God leads to-do but I will not support rebellion against God. So we started a small fellowship. And post online.
Brotherlance.com
Defund the General Conference, stop supporting an apostate structure and apostate leaders. Give your tithes and offerings to faithful evangelists, pastors, missionaries, or buy Great Controversy’s and pass them out everywhere you go.
Jerry I feel the same as you do I cannot tithe money to a conference that is in apostasy and not feel convicted, I love the Sda church but I believe God will do the cleansing of his people and will have a pure church to give the message. I also do not believe that a upside down cross in flames represents God’s true people it is a slap in the face, our God is so long suffering with us but soon that will end. Oh if men would wake from there sleep before your probation closes.
My opinion, don’t hold back your tithe. Your offerings you can put where you think they are best used. God will be the judge of all.
Maybe the only way we can effect change is thru our wallets BUT then as the person above says, we must trust God to be the judge and not try to change things by our human wisdom.
T = totalitarian
R = resources
U = used by
S = satan’s
T = trained
We have not seen the problem before us, it was made that the Roman Catholic church clergy lords their authority over the laity, we we have our version of clergy and laity divide, which never existed when the apostles were leaders of the early church not one of them were trained for office like the training of the Rabbis (which Christ forbade his disciples to be called in Matthew 23) and even Saul, trashed is Rabbinical education and changed his name to Paul to be a better representative of Christ. Back then all believers were treated as royal ministers of Christ as well as being loving members of the church of Christ, be one Tithe waged or not and we forget that Jesus who we saw we follow as Christians had no formal education, was home schooled and was only qualified for public ministry by two things, the reading of the scriptures and The Spirit of The Lord.
To conclude it is not be the might of the trained theologian or the use of technology which we have become use to over the internet and during this current crisis, nor is it by the power of the voting majority like it is at our conference sessions, these things work more in the favour of the powers that by than the church as a whole or in the manner which Christ himself would like it to be. Let there be a heaven sent revival among the people of God, let Christ have his way with his church around the world, let sacred history repeat itself and the leadership style of the early church be fully restored so that the baptism of spiritual gifts shall fall upon the church like the falling of heavy rain and we become closer to Christ and each other at the same time, so that each revived member will be as strong as the other, unlike the traditional SDAC where the clergy is stronger than the voting laity and they receive more of the royal treatment while the laity receive less of the royal treatment. Then the relationship to religion shall be replaced by the religion of relationships and such dear ones will live in answer to the prayer of Christ in John 17 and all shall be one as both The Father and The Son are united in love and purpose for the good of the church and the spreading of The gospel of Christ, until the end comes (Matthew 24: 14)
May such a day come much sooner rather than a little later according to the divine purpose for our daily lives and the clergy and laity divide be forever removed be one Tithe waged or not, may we be as the Priesthood of all believers where each one is seen as a royal minister of Christ as well as a loving member of the church of Christ and may we see the soon return of our Lord and Saviour together with all heaven with Him and the end of sin and selfishness, all wickedness and unrighteousness and the establishment of the everlasting kingdom of God and His Christ, Amen and amen, Jesus said…Behold I come quickly…so whenever he chooses to return he comes quickly…even so come Lord Jesus come, Amen.
My wife and I give out many of our books and magazines. The Great Controversy is #1. Thanks to all our brothers and sisters that provided feedback on my question on tithes. I love the SDA church. By the blessings of the Holy Spirit, Rita and I will serve this church of Jesus Christ until we die or are translated. I still have a problem supporting apostate SDA leaders. We are praying for the Holy Spirit to give us direction. I believe very soon we may be able to pay tithe to some of our self supporting ministries like Amazing Facts, etc., etc. Happy Sabbath to all and keep the faith.
Jesus commended and held up the widow who gave her last two mites into the temple treasury which was being administered by the very ones who were planning to murder Him.
If you pay “tithes” to ministries like Amazing Facts or Secrets Unsealed they will send it to the conference it from the area it came from, so it is no different than paying tithe directly thru the church you attend…
Tithe monies are to support the ministers who preach present truth, I would suggest Pastor Henriques of Prophesy Again/ Saved to Serve or Jose Rivera of 3 Angels Remnant Church (3ARC) / Patient Faith Ministries, I have included a link to his website, he preaches present truth https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBeb-jDg7fHQolZJBdkSDhA
On tithes and offerings. Yes the church(structure) has been backsliding, however apostasy finally comes when the Sabbath commandment is no longer kept or abandoned, which we know will happen according to prophecy and history with ancient israel. Until then we should continue to obey the Word of God in giving tithe and offering. So long as the church structure have not abandon the covenant, it is still Gods church even as bad as it may be. Let us not be reactionary but humble ourselves and seek the will of God
Actually if you break one you break them all. The church is already breaking others like not to murder. The allows a passive stance on it and let’s the advent hospitals do them on demand. Etc etc…
A little yeast infects the entire lump…
Amen. The conference stance on abortion is abomination. So is their stance on ecuminism. How can we knowingly support that?
We have to call sin by it’s right name. But you’re right, we need humility.
Be sober, be vigilant. As for our delegates (as it would appear), it appeared they bought the narrative of pressed for time and rushed along with the order of business. In haste but not understanding the urgency of the times. I thank God it’s almost over now, not just GCS2022 but this world of sorrows.
The time has come for the layman to finish the work, the planet is spinning out of control and morality is collapsing. This general conference has shown like the Israel of old that they care more for their positions than the forwarding of God’s work. In truth this started at the beginning of covid, but now it has been opened to be much worse than first noticed. For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Mark 8:36. We need to arouse the congregations to stand for God and not for men, call sin by it’s name and remind the leaders we stand for Christ alone and that they are required to answer to us for they are no greater than us in this church.
I agree. The congregations need to be awakened. God will lead us to do this where we are if we ask. I think this is the most pressing need. If words are spoken with love, others will listen. It has to start small, but God will multiply our efforts.
We are saved as individuals not in groups(GREAT CONTROVERSY page489-490) My hope is built on Christ alone.My hope is not on GC,Union,Mission or Division.Thats why Iworship the LORD GOD in Spirit and in Truth and my service to Him is Voluntary not forced.So as a people,we are not saved in bundles.Everyone willbe hold an accountable to God.Thats why people who are in positionsare in danger than those who are not.
Amen.
“you can see how the delegate responded, “Okay,” and walked away.” (first questioner of the vid above)
Yes, I noticed this. It stuck me odd that this person did not pursue ANY depth of response. He seem to be waiting for another que, as if he might have been a shill, asking a shill’s question, and getting a shill’s answer. I CANNOT imagine ANYONE allowing it to end there and not even asking the simple “And…”?
It was strange.