The General Conference Administrative Committee voted a set of guidelines to be used in the creation of Biblical Research Committees in the divisions. The need for the guidelines surfaced as several divisions expressed the desire to have their own BRC in order to address issues that are to some extent peculiar to the life of the church in their respective territories. Such committees would also contribute to the exchange of ideas among theologians within the division as they address theological and doctrinal issues and challenges faced by the church in their areas of the world. As the church continues to grow, it is important for church leaders to provide room for serious theological discussion that will strengthen the unity of the church and that will contribute to the fulfillment of its mission. We should not ignore the fact that church growth can bring with it diversity of views in different areas of the life and thinking of the church. The guidelines seek not only to provide room for the interaction of theologians and administrators, but also to create awareness of the fact that such interaction and conversation should take place, having in mind the interests and concerns of the world church. In other words, the guidelines attempt to contribute to the formation of BRCs that will work in union and dialogue with the world church and never in isolation from it. Each committee should constantly be in touch with the world church as it addresses topics of peculiar interest to the church within a particular division. This is indispensable as we intentionally work for the unity of the global church as it accomplishes the mission entrusted to it by our beloved Savior. The guidelines are offered to the ecclesiastical leaders with the intention of contributing to building up God’s end-time remnant people.

VOTED, To approve the following to serve as a guide for divisions that are planning to create a Biblical Research Committee.

I. Objectives of a Biblical Research Committee (BRC)

1. Study and prepare materials addressing biblical, doctrinal/theological, and ethical issues of relevance to the church within the division.

2. Evaluate materials of doctrinal and theological content that will be used by the church throughout the division.

3. Prepare responses that will address issues raised from outside and from inside the church which challenge the message and mission of the church.

4. Coordinate activities that will build up Christian fellowship among Adventist theologians and religion teachers in the Division and that will contribute to strengthening their personal commitment to the message and mission of the church.

5. Work closely with the Biblical Research Institute (BRI) and the Biblical Research Institute Committee (BRICOM) to ensure that in its work BRC is able to integrate the global vision of the message and mission of the world church.

6. Address issues of faith and science from within the Division in conjunction with the Faith and Science Council of the General Conference.

II. Membership

The members of BRC, its terms of reference, and the chairperson and secretary will be determined by the Division. It is recommended that the group be between 12-20 persons. This will provide a critical mass for meaningful discussions.

• Officers of the division are members ex-officio.

• Ministerial Secretary/Director

• Educational Director

• Religion professors from the colleges and universities of the division (one or two from each school)

• Director of BRI or designee

• Associate Director of BRI who functions as Recording Secretary of BRICOM

• Two representatives from other divisions

• Other members of BRI as invitees

• Ellen G. White Research Center Director

III. Terms of Reference