Why Does God Call for a General Conference?Back in 1873, at the General Conference session held by the Seventh-day Adventists that year, an idea was presented that one man was to be their visible denominational leader, as Moses was the visible leader of the Hebrews. The presentation was printed in pamphlet form and widely circulated. James White, however, became instrumental in refuting such a position by publishing a series of three editorials uplifting Christ as the only head of the church, quoting Matthew 23:8, “One is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.”

The Spirit of Prophecy concurs. “In the work of the Lord for these last days there should be no Jerusalem centers, no kingly power. And the work in the different countries is not to be bound by contracts to the work centering in Battle Creek, for this is not God’s plan. Brethren are to counsel together, for we are just as much under the control of God in one part of His vineyard as in another. Brethren are to be one in heart and soul, even as Christ and the Father are one. Teach this, practice this, that we may be one in Christ in God, all working to build up one another.”1

An early pioneer of the Advent movement, John Loughborough, echoed these sentiments:

“It is a source of encouragement to know that these different organizations [mentioned in the 1906 denominational yearbook] in various countries and nationalities are all united in the promulgation of the one great cause of truth, and the salvation of men. Not in the mere formal machinery of organization do we trust, but in God, the author of order and organization. With His blessing upon the united and harmonious action of His workers we may realize how good and pleasant it is for brethren to be united, to dwell together in unity, and to have ‘all things done decently and in order.’ ”2

Likewise, the unity found in the SDA Reform Movement is similarly based on the Bible and Spirit of Prophecy guidelines for church organization in these last days. Thus, the Lord calls us to meet together periodically in general conference capacity.

This year, 2015, marked the 22nd delegation session of the SDA Reform Movement. It was an uplifting event, crowned by glorious Spiritual Meetings held on September 10–13 in Salem, Virginia, that were live-streamed around the globe. The theme of the conference was “Christ Is All, and in All,” centered on the merits of our all-sufficient Saviour.

In this issue of the Reformation Herald, you will find news updates from the delegation session followed by a brief sampling of some of the spiritual messages presented at the conference. Additional messages from this event will be brought in future issues. In the meantime, please check out our website also at gcsession.sdarm.org to learn more.