Pastor Doug Batchelor

Q. If a person accepts Jesus, do they need to attend church to

be saved?

A. First, it’s important to note that there will be many people

in heaven who were not affiliated with any particular church or
denomination—or for some reason could not attend church regularly.
But one of the foremost principles of Christianity is that we are saved
into the body of Christ, which is another name for the church
(Ephesians 1:22, 23). In Acts 2, the Bible says, “The Lord added to the
church daily such as should be saved.” When you are baptized, you
become part of Christ’s body and enter into the church (1 Corinthians
12:20).

Perhaps we should also ask this question in another way: Why would a
person say he or she loves God but doesn’t wish to fellowship with His
people? One of the reasons God wants us in church is because it has
people with similar beliefs. It helps bolster our faith and makes us
accountable to one another. Even in churches where there are some
difficult people, it is the best environment to increase our capacity to
learn to love one another.

A person saying, “I believe in God and want to be baptized, but I don’t

want to go to church,” sounds to me like a man saying to his bride, “I
love you; I want to marry you—but I don’t want to live with you.” It’s
saying you want the benefits of marriage but not the relationship that
goes with it. Part of the Christian experience is having a relationship
with a fellowship of believers.

When someone lives as a hermit from society, he or she tends to

become eccentric. Isolating oneself from others begins to affect the
mind; the brain atrophies. You become socially inept. (Take it from a
recovering hermit.) In the same way, it’s important for Christians to be
social with fellow believers in corporate worship and gatherings to
avoid becoming spiritually eccentric and inept. Church is part of God’s
gift, so Christians should do their very best to find a biblical church in
which they can grow into mature members of God’s family. See also 1
Corinthians 12:12–14.

In John 13:35 Jesus says, “By this shall all men know that ye are my
disciples, if ye have love one to another.” He knew that the love and
unity of the church could be a powerful part of our witness to the world
in the last days. Conversely, the devil surely realizes that the world
would disbelieve by our division. He has been working toward that goal
since the beginning.

Think of the devil as a wolf stalking a lamb. He knows that as long as

the lamb is with the flock or close to the shepherd, the lamb is safe.
But if the wolf can chase and scatter the flock from the shepherd and
from one another, he can easily bring down a lamb that has strayed.
The devil wants to separate from the flock the lambs (baby Christians
who are more vulnerable) so he can destroy them.
As it says in Hebrews 10:25, we need to be firmly committed to
corporate worship and assembly-especially “so much more, as ye see
the day approaching.” Do you see the day of the Lord approaching?

Looking to come back to church?

View the 'Reclaim Your Faith' Program
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Home > Church and Worship

Why Should You Attend Church Meetings?

 Why should Christians attend worship
meetings of the local church? How important are worship, praise,
Bible study, teaching, and learning?
What influence does our example have on others, and what can we learn
from the example of Jesus and His apostles? What can we learn from Bible
teaching about priorities and devotion to serving God?
Click here to hear a related topic as a free mp3 recorded message.
Introduction:
Many New Testament passages describe local congregations of God's people conducting
regular meetings to worship God and study His word (Acts 20:7; 11:26; 1 Corinthians
11:17-34; chap. 14; Hebrews 10:25). These meetings are intended to provide blessings
and opportunities that benefit those who attend.
The purpose of this study is to discuss why each Christian should
urgently determine to attend whenever the local church meets.
Occasional emergencies may make it necessary for us to miss, but we should diligently
try to avoid such hindrances so we can be present, if at all possible.
Please consider these reasons why you need to attend all meetings of the local church:
Reason #1: To Worship and Praise God
God Wants Christians to Worship Him.
John 4:23,24 - God seeks worshipers to worship Him in spirit and in truth. He has
commanded five activities by which we ought to praise Him: prayer, singing, Bible study,
the Lord's Supper, and giving (Acts 2:42; 20:7; 11:26; 1 Corinthians 14:15; 16:2; 11:17-
34; Ephesians 5:19).
Revelation 19:5 - All God's servants ought to praise and worship Him. God intended, not
just for some of His people to worship Him, but all of them. (Romans 15:9-11)
The Bible clearly teaches that Christians should attend church meetings to accomplish
these purposes (Acts 11:26; 20:7; Hebrews 10:23-25; 1 Corinthians 14:1-40; 11:17-34).
Some of these activities (prayer, singing, and Bible study) should also be done at home
(Acts 17:11; 16:25; James 5:13; Deuteronomy 6:6-9; Psalm 1:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:17).
But the scriptures previously listed show that church meetings are also essential.
Private worship is not enough, and public worship is not enough. Both are required.
Christians Should Desire to Worship God.
We should attend worship assemblies, not only because God wants us to, but also
because we want to.
Matthew 22:37,38 - The greatest command is to love God with all our heart, soul, and
mind. We should love God above all because He sent His only begotten Son to die to
save us from eternal torment and offer us eternal life (Romans 5:6-8; 1 John 4:8-10,19;
John 3:16).
Some people think, "I don't have to come every time." But why would someone who
loves God want to do something else instead? If your child or loved one were sick or
hurt, would you say, "You can't prove I have to help them"? If you love them, don't
you want to help them? So, when you love God, you will want to worship Him.
Romans 1:21 - Failure to glorify God is ingratitude, and ingratitude is the first step into
apostasy. A person who could attend, but simply chooses not to do so, is simply showing
a lack of love and gratitude for what God has done. It is a sign of serious spiritual disease,
(2 Timothy 3:2).
Hebrews 13:15 - When people truly appreciate God's love, they want to express their
thankfulness in praise and worship. (See also Colossians 4:2; Psalm 100:4; Ephesians
1:5,6).
1 Peter 2:9 - God has chosen us to be His special people that we might proclaim His
praises. Giving honor and glory to God is the purpose of our salvation!
Psalms 1:2; 119:97-99; 122:1 (Joshua 1:8) - Righteous men desire to meditate on God's
law because they delight in it and love it. They honestly say, "I was glad when they said
to me, 'Let us go into the house of the Lord.'" This is the attitude we will all have when
we truly learn to love and appreciate God and His word. Is this your attitude?
Acceptable worship must come from a proper attitude. People who have this attitude will
not try to avoid worship; they will want to come at every opportunity the church
provides.
Reason #2: To Give and Receive Instruction
Each Christian Must Be Taught and Must Teach Others.
Matthew 5:6 - Faithful disciples will hunger and thirst after righteousness.
Hebrews 3:12,13 - To avoid falling away, we must encourage one another. Note that we
need this regularly, not just one hour per week. Some of this can be done outside church
meetings, but participating in church meetings is fundamental. When members neglect
the assemblies, they almost invariably also neglect to exhort others outside church
activities, and they usually also have other serious spiritual problems.
Hebrews 5:12 - Christians should become teachers of God's word. If we are not now able
to teach, we should be developing the ability. This is expected of all members, young or
old, babes in Christ or mature in the faith.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 - We should comfort and edify (build up) one another.
(See also 2 Timothy 2:2, 24-26; Acts 8:4; 17:11; Galatians 6:1; 1 Peter 2:2; Hosea 4:6.)
Local Churches Exist Specifically to Provide Times for Members to Learn
and Teach.
When the church provides these opportunities, all the members ought to attend and
participate in the teaching and learning.
1 Timothy 3:15 - The church is pillar and ground of the truth.
1 Corinthians 14:19,26,31,40 - The church conducts assemblies to teach and edify the
members.
Ephesians 4:15, 16 - Each member must work to build up the body. This is true
of all members and all church meetings. If all the members were as active as you are,
how effectively would the church be built up?
Hebrews 10:23-25 - In order to hold fast our hope and not fall away, we must exhort and
provoke one another to love and good works (cf. 3:12,13). To fulfill this duty, we should
attend regularly when the church meets.
Hebrews 13:17 - Elders watch on behalf of members' souls, guiding the flock so members
are fed (Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:1-3). Much of this instruction is done in meetings.
Members are responsible to obey and submit to the elders. We must cooperate with their
teaching efforts, which requires being present when the teaching is done.
The command to partake of the Lord's Supper on the first day of the week authorizes the
church to decide a time and place to meet. When the church has set a time and place, all
members ought to come so they can obey the command to partake.
In the same way, the church is authorized to provide meetings in which members can
teach and exhort one another. Since members need regular and frequent teaching, it
follows that churches are authorized to provide as many meetings as needed to
accomplish the necessary teaching, including mid-week meetings, gospel meetings, etc.
All the members then should come and be involved whenever the church meets.
Attendance and Bible study are to faithful discipleship what the ABC's are to reading.
You can know the ABC's without learning how to read, but you can never read without
knowing the ABC's. In the same way, disciples may attend church meetings and yet be
otherwise unfaithful, but none will ever be truly faithful if they are negligent in
attendance.
Reason #3: To Set a Good Example
Each Christian Should Be a Good Example to Others.
1 Timothy 4:12 - Be examples to believers in word, manner of life, love, faith, and purity.
You should attend the assemblies for your own benefit, but consider also the effect on
others if you do or do not attend. Surely new members and weak members need all the
teaching they can get. But such people often decide how often to come by observing
other members. If they imitate you, will their need for teaching be met? (Titus 2:7,8)
Matthew 5:16 - Let your light shine so men may glorify God because of your good
works. Does your example in attendance lead people to glorify God?
Matthew 18:6,7 - It is better to drown in the sea than to tempt others to fall away. If a
non-member or new member asked you whether or not they should attend church
meetings, would you tell them to attend or to do something else instead? You are
answering this question by your example. "Actions speak louder than words." How will
you feel at judgment if someone is lost because they imitated your negligence and fell
away? How much better to face judgment knowing you gave an example of faithfulness
in attendance?
If all people followed your example in attendance, would they learn the truth and receive
the encouragement they need to receive eternal life at the Judgment?
(See also 1 Peter 2:11,12; 3:15,16; Philippians 2:15,16.)
Christians Should Especially Be Good Examples to Children.
We should train our children to be what God wants them to be (Ephesians 6:4). Children
are greatly influenced by the example of their parents. "As is the mother, so is her
daughter" (Ezekiel 16:44), or "like father, like son." (See also Nehemiah 13:23,24; 2
Timothy 1:5.)
Many parents live the early years of their marriage in spiritual indifference. Later they
repent, but it is too late to save their children. How much better to give an example that
will properly encourage our children!
As the Twig Is Bent
A little girl with golden curls, her happy face aglow,
Said, "It's time for Bible class. Please, Daddy, won't you go?
They teach us there of Jesus' love, and how He died for all,
And how He wants to save the ones who listen to His call."
"Oh no", said Daddy, "not today. I've worked hard all week,
And I must have one day of rest. I'm going to the creek.
For there I can relax and rest, and fishing's fine they say.
So run along, don't bother me. We'll worship God some day."
Later on, when years have passed and Dad's life is almost through,
He finds the time to worship God, but what does daughter do?
She says, "Oh, Daddy, not today. I stayed up 'most all night,
And I've just got to have some sleep. Besides, I look a fright."
Then Daddy lifts a trembling hand to brush away his tears,
And hears that childhood voice again, distinctly through the years,
As a little girl with golden curls, her happy face aglow,
Said, "It's time for Bible class. Please, Daddy, won't you go?"
- Author unknown (adapted)
Reason #4: To Imitate Jesus and Other Faithful Disciples
1 Corinthians 11:1 - Christians Should Imitate Paul and Other Apostles.
Would Paul or other apostles deliberately neglect assemblies or fail to use opportunities
to teach (note Acts 11:26)? Are you imitating their example?
(See also Philippians 3:17; 4:9).
Hebrews 13:7 (6:12) - Christians Should Imitate Faithful Elders and
Preachers.
If an elder or preacher neglected church meetings when he could come, would you think
that elder was qualified for his office or that preacher was worthy of support? If you think
faithful elders and preachers are responsible to attend regularly, you should imitate them.
Consider members who are really strong and faithful in all areas of serving God: they
know the Bible, teach others, live pure lives, and have obedient children, etc. Can you
think of even one such person who neglects the assemblies when he could come? On the
other hand, when members habitually miss when they could come, are they generally
stronger members or weaker ones? Imitate those who are truly faithful!
1 Peter 2:21 - Christians Should Imitate Jesus.
By definition, a Christian is a disciple or follower of Jesus: one who is Christ-like (Acts
11:26; Galatians 2:20). Would Jesus ever neglect an opportunity to study with others or
to worship His Father? (Matthew 18:20; 4:23; 9:35; 13:54; 15:32; Luke 4:15,16; John
18:20; Mark 10:1)
Are you imitating the example of Jesus, His apostles, and other faithful Christians?
Reason #5: To Practice What We Know Is Right
There may be a few members who honestly do not know they should attend church
meetings. But deep in their heart, when they are really honest, most members know they
should come.
Do We Mean What We Sing and Pray?
Many of our songs emphasize the importance of worshiping God and studying His word.
Do you mean what you sing? We often pray, "Bring us back at the next appointed time."
Do you say "amen" to that prayer? If so, you must act accordingly or your words are
"vain repetitions" (Matthew 6:5-7; 15:8).
Do You Expect Other People to Attend All the Services?
Do you expect elders, preachers, and teachers to come? God is no respecter of persons
(Acts 10:34). There is no double standard. If one member is expected to attend all the
meetings, then all the members should do so. If one member may choose to stay home,
why can't all the members stay home?
What do we call a person who expects others to practice something that he himself will
not practice? A hypocrite! (Matthew 23:3,4; Romans 2:1-3,21,22)
Where Would You Want to Be If You Were to Die or Jesus Were to Return
While the Church Is Assembled?
Would you want to be with the saints, or would you want to be deliberately doing
something else, when you could have attended? Remember, Jesus knows everything we
do and will bring it all into judgment, regardless of whether or not we are committing the
act when He comes (2 Corinthians 5:10; Ecclesiastes 12:13,14; Revelation 20:12). We
never know when He may come nor when we will die, so we should live every moment
of our lives as faithfully as we would live our last day (1 Thessalonians 5:1-6; James
4:13,14).
Honestly now, don't we all know that we really should be here when the church meets?
Now consider James 4:17 - "Therefore to him who knows to do good and does not do it,
to him it is sin." (Galatians 6:10)
Reason #6: To Put God First in Our Lives
The Christian's Life Belongs, Not to Himself, but to God.
1 Corinthians 6:19,20 - Your body belongs to God, not to you, so you should glorify God
in your body. But glorifying God is the main purpose of worship assemblies. When
people realize that their bodies belong to God, they will use their bodies to worship Him.
Romans 12:1 - Christians should present their bodies as living sacrifices to serve God.
But worship is a major part of serving God. So when people have made their bodies a
sacrifice to God, they gladly worship Him. They will not allow personal pleasures to
interfere.
Matthew 16:24,25 - To be Jesus' disciples, we must deny ourselves. If we willingly give
our lives to God, we will receive eternal life. But if we try to keep our lives for ourselves,
we will lose them. So, instead of doing what we want with our lives, we should use the
opportunities the church gives us to worship and please God.
2 Corinthians 8:5 - The Macedonians gave their money generously because they first
gave themselves to the Lord. What is true of money is also true of our time, effort, etc. If
your whole life belongs to God, you surely cannot begrudge a few hours each week to
worship Him.
Matthew 6:33 - Christians Must Seek First God's Kingdom (Church) and
Righteousness.
Is one putting God first when, rather than attend worship assemblies, he prefers to go to a
ballgame or concert, watch TV, go fishing, or vacation?
Is one putting God first when he would rather spend time with friends, relatives, or
family instead of worshiping God? (See also Matthew 10:37-39.)
Is one putting God first when he misses assemblies to do schoolwork, attend school
functions, or make money, when he could arrange his schedule to worship God?
Is one putting God first when he misses assemblies because he is "sick'" or "lacks
transportation," but under the same circumstances he would find a way to work or to the
store?
This is the key issue to our whole study! The main reason people do not attend regularly,
when they could come, is that they have not set service to God as their main priority in
life! They want to use their time to please themselves. But when one views his life as
being totally sacrificed to God, he will immediately see that he should worship God
whenever the church is meeting, if he can possibly make arrangements to do so. He will
want to be there and will not even seriously consider missing.
Yes, there are emergency situations when "the ox is in the ditch" (Luke 14:5). But
shouldn't a Christian work diligently to overcome these problems? If the same old ox
keeps getting in the same old ditch, why not build a fence, fill the ditch, or sell the ox?
(Note the danger of neglect and drifting - Hebrews 6:11,12; 2:1-3.)
Reason #7: To Prepare Ourselves for Heaven
Revelation 5:11-14 - We may not know all about Heaven, but we do know that one of the
main activities there will be worship. Elders, angels, and all those who have washed their
robes white in the blood of the Lamb will be serving God night and day (Revelation 7:9-
15; 15:2-4; 19:4-8; etc.).
So one thing on earth that is much like Heaven is our public worship meetings. Surely
worship in heaven will be on a purer and grander scale. But if in this life you do not enjoy
praising God, if you begrudge the time spent in Bible study, if you would rather do
something other than meet with God's people, why would you expect to enjoy Heaven?
In fact, if that is your attitude, what reason do you have to expect that you would ever go
there? If our devotion to God is not strong enough to get us to church meetings, why
should we believe it is strong enough to get us to heaven?
People who truly love and appreciate God, will love and appreciate opportunities to
worship and serve Him. These are the people who will enjoy Heaven, and they are the
ones destined to go there!
Conclusion
The story is told of a young man who asked a friend what he should do to get his
girlfriend to agree to marry him. His friend replied, "It all depends on whether or not she
wants to marry you. If she doesn't want to, you can't make her. If she wants to, there's no
way you could prevent it!"
This only slightly exaggerates the case regarding worship. Whether or not one is regular
in attendance all depends on whether or not he is really dedicated to God. If he is not
dedicated, he will probably miss services. If he is really dedicated, he will want so much
to attend that you could hardly keep him away!
In evaluating your church attendance, here are some questions you should honestly ask
yourself:
1. Am I really putting God first - before my own desires, before my family, and before
everything else in life?
2. Am I genuinely sorry when I must miss - or would I really rather be doing something
else instead of going?
3. Would I honestly be fulfilling my duty to God as well by not going as I would be by
going?
4. If some "emergency" would keep me from attending, would the same circumstances
keep me from other activities that are of great importance to me?
5. Am I seeking to do as much as I can for the Lord, or am I just trying to "get by" with
minimal service?
6. If everyone else - including my family and loved ones - were to imitate my attendance,
would they please God and receive eternal life?
7. What would I think of an elder or preacher who attends as I do?
8. Is my practice in harmony with what I profess, sing, and pray?
9. What would I do if I knew this was my last day on earth - if I knew I would die or
Jesus would come today?
10. What would Jesus do if he were in the same circumstance I am in?
What is your conclusion about your attendance? Are you serving God faithfully? Do you
need to improve?
Note: To study more about the importance of attending church
meetings, please go to our Bible lessons web site and study our
courses about following Jesus. If you would like to study further
about related Bible topics, please see the links listed below.
(C) Copyright 2012, David E. Pratte
Local churches and individuals may, within limits, distribute this Bible study guide for
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The Importance of Bible Knowledge
How Can You Find & Identify Jesus' Church?
The Power of Prayer
The Proper Day for the Lord's Supper
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OFFICIAL STATEMENTS

DOCUMENTS
Sabbath Observance
Jul 09, 1990

Purpose and Perspective

The main objective of this document on Sabbath observance is to provide

counsel or guidelines to church members desiring a richer, more
meaningful experience in Sabbath keeping. It is hoped that this will provide
an impetus toward a real reform in Sabbath keeping on a worldwide basis.

Conscious of the fact that the worldwide worshiping community encounters

numerous problems in Sabbath observance arising from within a given
cultural and ideological context, an attempt has been made to take these
difficulties into consideration. It is not the intent of this document to
address every question pertaining to Sabbath keeping, but rather to present
Biblical principles and Spirit of Prophecy guidelines that will assist the
church members as they endeavor to follow the leading of the Lord.

It is hoped that the counsel given in the document will be helpful.

Ultimately, however, decisions made under critical circumstances must be
motivated by one's personal faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Sabbath - A Safeguard of Our Relationship With God

The Sabbath encompasses our entire relationship with God. It is an

indication of God's action on our behalf in the past, present, and future. The
Sabbath protects man's friendship with God and provides the time essential
for the development of that relationship. The Sabbath clarifies the
relationship between God and the human family, for it points to God as
Creator at a time when human beings would like to usurp God's position in
the universe.

In this age of materialism, the Sabbath points men and women to the
spiritual and to the personal. The consequences for forgetting the Sabbath
day to keep it holy are serious. It will lead to the distortion and eventual
destruction of a person's relationship with God.

When the Sabbath is kept, it is a witness to the rest that comes from
trusting God alone as our sustainer, as the basis of our salvation, and as the
ground of our hope in the future. As such, the Sabbath is a delight because
we have entered God's rest and have accepted the invitation to fellowship
with Him.

When God asks us to remember the Sabbath day He does so because He

wants us to remember Him.

Principles and Theology of Sabbath Observance

1) Nature and Purpose of the Sabbath. The origin of the Sabbath lies in
Creation when God rested from His work on the seventh day (Gen 1-3). The
Sabbath has significance as a perpetual sign of the everlasting covenant
between God and His people in order that they might know who it is that
created them (Ex 31-17) and sanctifies them (Ex 31:13; Ezek 20:12), and
that they might recognize Him as the Lord their God (Ezek 20:20).

2) Uniqueness of the Sabbath. The Sabbath is a special occasion for

worshiping God as Creator and Redeemer and as the Lord of Life with
whom the human family will be reunited at the second advent. The Sabbath
commandment forms the center of the moral law as the seal of God's
authority. Since it is a symbol of God's love relationship with His earthly
children, human beings are obliged to respect this gift in the sense that they
will do everything in their power to promote and engage in activities that
will help establish and enhance a lasting relationship with God. Thus His
people will engage only in those activities that are directed toward God and
their fellowmen and not in those that lean toward self-gratification or self-
interest.

3) Universality of the Sabbath. The universality of the Sabbath is rooted in

Creation. Thus its privileges and obligations are binding in all nations,
sectors, or classes. (See Ex 20:11; 23:12; Dent 5:13; Isa 56:1-8.) Sabbath
observance pertains to all members of the household including children and
extends even "to the stranger that is within thy gates" (Ex 20:10).
4) Time Frame of the Sabbath. Biblical Data: The Sabbath starts at the end
of the sixth day of the week and lasts one day, from evening to evening (Gen
1; Mark 1:32). This time coincides with the time of sunset. Wherever a clear
delineation of the time of sunset is difficult to ascertain, the Sabbath keeper
will begin the Sabbath at the end of the day as marked by the diminishing
light.

5) Principles Guiding Sabbath Observance. Although the Bible does not deal
directly with many of the specific questions we may have regarding Sabbath
observance in our day, it does provide us with general principles that are
applicable today. (See Ex 16:29; 20:8-11; 34:21; Isa 58:13; Neh 13:15-22.)

"The law forbids secular labor on the rest day of the Lord; the toil that gains
a livelihood must cease; no labor for worldly pleasure or profit is lawful
upon that day; but as God ceased His labor of creating, and rested upon the
Sabbath and blessed it, so man is to leave the occupations of his daily life,
and devote those sacred hours to healthful rest, to worship, and to holy
deeds."--The Desire of Ages, p 207

This concept, however, is not supportive of total inactivity. Both the Old and
New Testaments invite us to care for the needs and alleviate the sufferings
of others, for the Sabbath is a good day for all, particularly the lowly and
the oppressed (Ex 23:12; Matt 12:10-13; Mark 2:27; Luke 13:11-17; John
9:1-21).

Yet even good works on the Sabbath must not obscure the chief Biblical
characteristic of Sabbath observance, namely, rest (Gen 2:1-3). This
includes both physical (Ex 23:12) and spiritual rest in God (Matt 11:28). The
latter leads the Sabbath observer to seek the presence of, and communion
with God in worship (Isa 48:13), both in quiet meditation (Matt 12:1-8) and
in public worship (Jer 23:32, 2 Kings 4:23; 11:4-12; 1 Chron 23:30 ff; Isa
56:1-8). Its object is to recognize God as Creator and Redeemer (Gen 2:1-3;
Dent 5:12-15), and it is to be shared by the individual family and the larger
community (Isa 56:1-8).

6) Sabbath and the Authority of God's Word. Ellen White points out that the
Sabbath commandment is unique, for it contains the seal of God's law. It
alone "brings to view both the name and title of the Lawgiver. It declares
Him to be the Creator of the heavens and the earth, and thus shows His
claim to reverence and worship above all others. Aside from this precept,
there is nothing in the Decalogue to show by whose authority the law is
given."--The Great Controversy, p 452.

The Sabbath as a sign of the Creator points to His ownership and authority.
Meaningful Sabbath observance, therefore, indicates the acceptance of God
as Creator and Owner and acknowledges His authority over all creation,
including oneself. Sabbath observance is based on the authority of God's
Word. There is no other logical reason for it.

Human beings have the freedom to enter into a relationship with the
Creator of the universe as with a personal friend.

Sabbath keepers may have to face resistance at times because of their

commitment to God to keep the Sabbath holy. To those who do not
recognize God as their Creator, it seems arbitrary or inexplicable for
someone to cease from all work on the Sabbath day for merely religious
reasons. Meaningful Sabbath observance testifies to the fact that we have
chosen to obey God's commandment. We thus recognize that our life is now
lived in obedience to God's Word. The Sabbath will be a special test in the
end time. The believer will have to make a choice either to give allegiance
to God's Word or to human authority (Rev 14:7, 12).

Home and Family Life as Related to the Sabbath

1) Introduction. Home life is the cornerstone of proper Sabbath observance.

Only when individuals keep the Sabbath conscientiously in the home and
assume their assigned responsibilities as members of the family will the
Church as a whole reveal to the world the joys and privileges of God's holy
day.

2) Different Kinds of Homes. In the twentieth century there are various

kinds of homes, for example, the home in which there is a husband, wife,
and children; the home in which there is husband and wife and no children;
the home in which there is a single parent and children (where because of
death or divorce one parent must function in both maternal and paternal
roles); the home in which a person has never married or where death or
divorce has left one single, and no children are involved; or the home in
which one parent only is a member of the Church. In addressing the needs
and problems of these categories, it should be understood that some of the
principles and suggestions enunciated will apply to all groups and some will
be more specialized.

3) Two Sacred Institutions--The Home and the Sabbath. "In the beginning"
God placed a man and a woman in the Garden of Eden as their home. Also,
"in the beginning" God gave to human beings the Sabbath. These two
institutions, the home and the Sabbath, belong together. Both are gifts from
God. Therefore both are sacred, the latter strengthening and enriching in
its unique manner the bond of the former.

Close fellowship is an important element of the home. Close fellowship with

other human beings also is an important element of the Sabbath. It binds
families closer to God and binds the individual members closer to one
another. Viewed from this perspective, the importance of the Sabbath to the
home cannot be overestimated.

4) Responsibilities of Adults as Teachers. In choosing Abraham as the father

of the chosen people, God said, "I know him, that he will command his
children and his household after him" (Gen 18:19). It seems clear, then, that
an enormous responsibility has been given to adults in the home for the
spiritual- welfare of their children. By both precept and example, they must
provide the kind of structure and atmosphere that will make the Sabbath a
delight and such a vital part of Christian living that, long after leaving the
home, the children will continue the customs they were taught in childhood.

In harmony with the injunction, "Thou shalt teach them (God's

commandments) diligently unto thy children" (cf Dent 6:4-9), the adult
members of the family should teach their children to love God and keep His
commandments. They should teach them to be loyal to God and to follow
His directives.

From earliest infancy, children should be taught to participate in family

worship so that worship in the house of God will become an extension of a
family custom. Also from infancy, children should be taught the importance
of church attendance, that true Sabbath observance involves going to God's
house for worship and Bible study. Adults in the family should set the
example by attending services on Sabbath, providing a pattern that will be
seen as important when their children make decisions on what is of value in
life. Through discussions, as the children grow older and more mature, and
through Bible study, the children should be taught the meaning of the
Sabbath, its relationship to Christian living, and the enduring quality of the
Sabbath.

5) Preparation for the Sabbath. If the Sabbath is to be observed properly,

the entire week should be programmed in such a way that every member
will be ready to welcome God's holy day when it arrives. This means that
the adult family members will plan so that all household tasks--the buying
and preparing of food, the readying of clothes, and all the other necessities
of everyday life--will be completed before sundown Friday. The day of rest
should become the pivot around which the wheel of the entire week turns.
When Friday night approaches and sundown is near, adults and children
will be able to greet the Sabbath with tranquility of mind, with all
preparation finished, and with the home in readiness to spend the next 24
hours with God and with one another. Children can help achieve this by
carrying Sabbath preparation responsibilities commensurate with their
maturity. The way the family approaches the beginning of the Sabbath at
sundown on Friday night and the way Friday night is spent will set the stage
for receiving the blessings that the Lord has in store for the entire day
which follows.
6) Proper Sabbath Dress. Where there are children in the home, on Sabbath
morning as the family dresses for church, adults may, by precept and
example, teach children that one way to honor God is to appear in His house
in clean, representative clothing appropriate to the culture in which they
live.

7) Importance of Bible Study Hour. Where children do not have the

advantage of attending Adventist schools, the Sabbath School becomes the
most important means of religious instruction outside the home. The value
of this Bible study hour cannot be overestimated. Therefore, parents should
attend Sabbath morning services and do everything possible to take their
children with them.

8) Family Activities on the Sabbath. In most cultures the Sabbath noon

meal, when the family gathers around the dinner table in the home, is a
high point of the week. The spirit of sacred joy and fellowship, begun upon
arising and continued through the worship services at church, is intensified.
Free from the distractions of a secular atmosphere, the family can converse
on themes of mutual interest and maintain the spiritual mood of the day.

When the sacred nature of the Sabbath is understood, and a loving

relationship exists between parents and children, all will seek to prevent
intrusions into the holy hours by secular music, radio, and video and
television programs, and by newspapers, books, and magazines.

Sabbath afternoons, as far as possible, will be spent in family activities--

exploring nature; making missionary visits to shut-ins, the sick, or others in
need of encouragement; and attending meetings in the church. As the
children grow older, activities will enlarge to encompass other members of
their age group in the church, with the question always in mind, "Does this
activity cause me to understand better the true nature and sacredness of
the Sabbath?" Thus proper Sabbath observance in the home will have a
lasting influence for time and eternity.

Sabbath Observance and Recreational Activities

1) Introduction. Sabbath observance includes both worship and fellowship.

The invitation to enjoy both is open and generous. Sabbath worship directed
toward God usually takes place in a community of believers. The same
community provides fellowship. Both worship and fellowship offer unlimited
potential to praise God and to enrich the lives of Christians. When either
Sabbath worship or fellowship Is distorted or abused, both praise to God
and personal enrichment are threatened. As God's gift of Himself to us, the
Sabbath brings real joy in the Lord. It is an opportunity for believers to
recognize and reach their God-given potential. Thus, to the believer the
Sabbath is a delight.
2) Alien Factors to Sabbath Observance. The Sabbath can be intruded upon
easily by elements alien to its spirit. In the experience of worship and
fellowship the believer must ever be alert to alien factors which are
detrimental to one's realization of Sabbath sacredness. The sense of
Sabbath holiness is threatened particularly by the wrong kinds of fellowship
and activities. By contrast, the sacredness of the Sabbath is upheld when
the Creator remains the center of that holy day.

3) Culturally Conditioned Phenomena in Sabbath Observance. It is

important to understand that Christians render obedience to God and thus
observe the Sabbath at the place in history and culture where they live. It is
possible that both history and culture may falsely condition us and distort
our values. By appealing to culture we may be guilty of giving ourselves
license or excuse to indulge in sports and recreational activities that are
incompatible with Sabbath holiness. For example, intensive physical
exertion and various forms of tourism are out of harmony with true Sabbath
observance.

Any attempt to regulate Sabbath observance beyond Biblical principles by

developing lists of Sabbath prohibitions will be counterproductive to a
sound spiritual experience. The Christian will test his Sabbath experience
by principle. He knows that it is the main purpose of the Sabbath to
strengthen the bond of union between himself and God. Thus one's activities
guided by Biblical principles and contributing toward such a strengthening
are acceptable.

Inasmuch as no one can evaluate rightly the personal motives of others, a

Christian must be very careful not to criticize his brethren living in cultural
contexts other than his own who engage in Sabbath recreational activities
of which they approve.

While traveling, Adventist tourists should make every effort to observe the
Sabbath with their fellow believers in any given area. Respecting the
sacredness of the seventh day, it is recommended that Adventists avoid
using the day for a holiday set aside for sightseeing and secular activity.

Churches and Church Institutions

In establishing specific guidelines and policies for the corporate Church and
Church institutions, the Church is setting an example of Sabbath keeping
for the membership at large. It is the responsibility of the members to apply
true Sabbath keeping principles in their own lives. The Church can assist by
providing Sabbath keeping principles as found in the Bible and the Spirit of
Prophecy, but it cannot be conscience for the members.
1) Churches--Role of Church and Family in Sabbath Afternoon Activities.
The pastor and the local church leaders are entrusted with the
responsibility of providing carefully planned Sabbath activities for children,
youth, adults, and the elderly, and for families and singles, emphasizing the
importance of making the Sabbath a day of joy, worship, and rest. Church
activities should complement rather than replace family and home
activities.

2) Churches--Sabbath Music. Music has a powerful impact on a person

moods and emotions. Church leaders will select music and musicians that
will enhance the worshipful atmosphere of the Sabbath rest and the
person's relationship with God. Sabbath choir rehearsals should be avoided
during regularly scheduled Sabbath meetings.

3) Churches--Community Outreach. Although Christians may participate in

certain types of social work for students, youth, and the poor in inner cities
or in suburbs, they still will exert an exemplary influence of consistent
Sabbath keeping. When engaged in an extension school or special school for
children and youth, they will select subjects and classes that are different
from the ordinary secular subjects or classes for the week, including
activities that contribute to spiritual culture. Nature or neighborhood walks
may replace recesses; nature walks or field trips of minimal effort can
replace secular subjects and classes.

4) Churches--Ingathering. The general practice of Seventh-day Adventist

churches is to do Ingathering on days other than the Sabbath. Where there
is a practice to do Ingathering on Sabbath, the plan should be implemented
so as to bring spiritual benefits to all participants.

5) Churches--Fundraising on the Sabbath. The doctrine of Christian

stewardship is found throughout the Scriptures. The act of giving has a
definite place in the worship services. When appeals for funds are made,
they should be conducted in such a manner as to uphold the sacredness of
the service as well as of the Sabbath.

6) Churches--Sabbath Weddings. The marriage service is sacred and would

not in itself be out of harmony with the spirit of Sabbath keeping. However,
most weddings involve considerable work and almost inevitably a secular
atmosphere develops in preparing for them and in holding receptions. In
order that the spirit of the Sabbath not be lost, the holding of weddings on
the Sabbath should be discouraged.

7) Churches--Sabbath Funerals. In general, Adventists should try to avoid

Sabbath funerals. In some climates and under certain conditions, however,
it may be necessary to conduct funerals without delay, the Sabbath
notwithstanding. In such cases arrangements should be made in advance
with morticians and cemetery employees to perform their routine tasks for
the deceased in advance of the Sabbath day, thus reducing the labor and
commotion on the Sabbath. In some instances a memorial service could be
held on the Sabbath, and interment take place later.

8) Seventh-day Adventist Health-care Institutions. Adventist health care

institutions provide the only contact many people have with the Seventh-day
Adventist Church. Adventist hospitals are to be more than merely health-
care delivery systems. They have a unique opportunity to bear a Christian
witness 24 hours a day to the communities they serve. In addition, they
have the privilege of presenting the Sabbath message by example every
week. In healing the sick and loosing the bonds of the physically infirm,
even on the Sabbath, Christ set an example that we look to as the basis for
establishing and operating Adventist health-care institutions. Therefore, an
institution offering medical care to the public must be prepared to minister
to the needs of the sick and suffering without regard to hours or days.

This places a great responsibility on each institution to develop and

implement policies that reflect the example of Christ and apply the
principles of Sabbath observance as found in the Scriptures and taught by
the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Administrators have a special
responsibility to see that all departments maintain the true spirit of Sabbath
keeping by instituting appropriate Sabbath procedures and by guarding
against laxity in its observance.

The following applications of Sabbath observance principles are

recommended:

a. Provide emergency medical care willingly and cheerfully whenever

needed with high levels of excellence. However, neither Adventist
institutions nor physicians and dentists should provide the same office or
clinic services on the Sabbath as they do on weekdays.

b. Discontinue all routine activities that could be postponed. Usually this

means a complete closing of those facilities and departments not
immediately related to patient care, and the maintenance of a minimum
number of qualified people in other departments to handle emergencies.

c. Postpone elective diagnostic and therapeutic services. Decisions as to

what is necessary or of an emergency nature should be made by the
attending physician. If this privilege is abused, it should be dealt with by the
hospital administration. Nonadministrative institutional employees should
not become involved in making these decisions nor should they be obliged
to confront the attending physicians. Misunderstandings may be avoided by
making it clear in medical staff bylaws that only surgical, diagnostic, or
therapeutic procedures which are not postponable because of the condition
of the patient, will be done. A clear understanding with all who are
appointed to staff membership, at the time of appointment, will do much to
avoid misunderstandings and abuses.

Convenience and elective surgery should be discouraged or limited on

Fridays. Procedures thus scheduled allow the patient to be in the hospital
over the weekend and hence lose fewer days at work. However, this places
the first post-operative day, usually with the most intensive nursing care, on
the Sabbath.

d. Close administrative and business offices to routine business. Although it

may be necessary to admit or discharge patients on the Sabbath, it is
recommended that the rendering of bills and the collection of money be
avoided. Never should the keeping of the Sabbath be a source of irritation
to those we seek to serve and to save, but rather a hallmark of "the children
of light" (Eph 5:8; Acts of the Apostles, p 260).

e. Make the Sabbath a special day for patients, providing a memory of

Christian witnessing never to be forgotten. Meaningful Sabbath-keeping is
much easier to achieve in an institution that employs a predominantly
Adventist staff. Presenting the Sabbath in a proper light can be
accomplished by the believing workers employed in patient care, and may
well be a convicting influence in the lives of those not of our faith.

f. The direct care of the sick is a seven-day-a-week activity. Illness knows no

calendar. Nevertheless, when scheduling all personnel, health-care
institutions should take into consideration the sincere religious beliefs,
observances, and practices of each employee and prospective employee.
The institution should make reasonable accommodation for such religious
beliefs unless it is demonstrated that such accommodation would place an
undue hardship on its operation. It is recognized that the consciences of
individuals vary in regard to the propriety of Sabbath employment. Neither
the Church nor its institutions can act as the conscience for its employees.
Rather, reasonable accommodation should be made for individual
conscience.

g. Resist pressures for relaxing Seventh-day Adventist standards. Some

institutions have been pressured by the communities, the medical staffs,
and/or employees (where a majority is comprised of non-Adventists), to
abandon or weaken Sabbath keeping principles and practices so that the
Sabbath would be treated as any other day. In some cases, pressure has
been applied to maintain full services on the Sabbath and reduce them on
Sunday instead. Such action should be vigorously resisted. Compliance
would cause serious reexamination of the relationship of such an institution
to the Church.
h. Educate employees who are not Seventh-day Adventist concerning
Sabbath keeping principles practiced by the institution. Every non-
Adventist, at the time of employment at an Adventist health care institution,
should be made aware of Seventh-day Adventist principles, especially
institutional policies regarding the observance of the Sabbath. Though non-
Adventists may not believe as we do, they should know from the very
beginning how they are expected to fit into the institutional program to help
it reach its objectives.

i. Foster an attitude for continuing Christian witnessing by Adventist

employees. The only contact that many non-Adventist workers ever may
have with Seventh-day Adventists may be in the institution employing them.
Every relationship should be friendly, kind, and expressive of the love that
exemplified the life and work of the Great Physician. Compassion for the
sick, unselfish regard for our fellowman, an eagerness to serve, and
unstinted loyalty to God and the Church may well prove to be a savor of life
unto life. The keeping of the Sabbath is a privilege and an honor as well as a
duty. It should never become burdensome or obnoxious to those who keep it
or to those about us.

9) Sabbath Work in Non-Adventist Hospitals. While it is essential in medical

institutions that a minimum of labor be performed at all times in order to
maintain the welfare and comfort of the patients, Seventh-day Adventists
employed in non-denominational institutions where Sabbath hours bring no
relief from routine duties are under obligation to remember the principles
that regulate all Sabbath activities. In order to avoid situations where our
church members may be faced with problems of Sabbath keeping in non-
Adventist institutions, it is recommended that:

a. When Seventh-day Adventists accept employment in non-Seventh-day

Adventist hospitals, they make known their Sabbath keeping principles and
request a work schedule that will exempt them from Sabbath duties.

b. Where work schedules or other factors make this impossible, Adventists

should clearly identify the duties, if any, they can conscientiously perform
on the Sabbath and the frequency thereof.

c. Where the above accommodations cannot be arranged, members should

make loyalty to God's requirements paramount and abstain from routine
work.

10) Seventh-day Adventist Educational Institutions. Seventh-day Adventist

secondary boarding schools leave a major role in shaping the Sabbath
observance habits of future generations of members of the Church, and
Seventh-day Adventist colleges and universities do much to mold the
thinking of the Church's clergy and professional class. It is important,
therefore, that both the theory and practice of how to maximize the joyful
blessings of the Sabbath be as close as possible to the ideal in these
institutions.

Applications of this principle should include:

a. Adequate preparation for the Sabbath.

b. Demarcation of the beginning and ending of the Sabbath hours.

c. Appropriate school-home activities: worships, prayer bands, witness, etc.

d. Keeping necessary duties to a minimum, preferably entrusting them to

people who volunteer their service rather than to those who do the same
work for pay during the week.

e. Inspiring worship services, preferably modeling what is expected to

characterize such services in the churches of the school's constituency.

f. Adequate and varied activities on Sabbath afternoon.

g. Structuring of the weekly program so that the Sabbath will be a lingering

joy and the climax of the week, rather than a prelude to contrasting
activities on Saturday night.

1. Cafeteria Sales. School cafeterias are designed to serve students and

their visiting parents and bona fide guests; they should not be open to the
public on the Sabbath. To avoid unnecessary business transactions during
sacred time, each institution should make provision for payment outside of
the Sabbath hours.

2. Attendance of Faculty at Professional Meetings. In some countries,

Seventh-day Adventists are privileged to attend professional meetings in
order to keep abreast of current developments in their given field of
specialization. It may be tempting to justify attendance at these meetings on
the Sabbath. However, it is recommended that academic personnel join
fellow members in worship rather than fellow professionals at work.

3. Radio Stations. College radio stations can be a blessing to their

communities. To maximize the blessings, programming during the Sabbath
hours should reflect the philosophy of the Church. If fund-raising appeals
are made on the Sabbath, they should be conducted in such a way as to
uphold the sacredness of that day.

4. Promotional Trips. In order to maintain the worshipful nature of the

Sabbath, promotional tours should be planned in such a way as to minimize
travel on the Sabbath and to provide maximum time for worship with fellow
believers. The Sabbath hours should not be used for travel to provide a
Saturday night program.

5. Sabbath Observance in Education for the Ministry. Pastors have a large

responsibility for shaping the spiritual life of the Church by their personal
example. Therefore institutions training ministers and their spouses need to
help their trainees form a sound philosophy of Sabbath observance. Proper
guidance received at school can be instrumental in the experience of a
genuine renewal of the Sabbath joys in their own life as well as in the life of
their church.

6. Sabbath Examinations. Seventh-day Adventists who face required

examinations given on the Sabbath in non-Adventist schools or for
certification by professional governing boards face special problems. In
dealing with such situations we recommend that they arrange for
administration of the examinations on hours other than the Sabbath. The
Church should encourage its members in careful Sabbath observance and
where possible intercede with the appropriate authorities to provide for
both reverence for God's day and access to the examinations.

Secular Employment and Trade as Related to the Sabbath

1) Statement of Principle. The Biblical view of the Sabbath includes both a

divine and a human dimension (Matt 12:7). From the divine perspective the
Sabbath invites the believer to renew his commitment to God by desisting
from the daily work in order to worship God more freely and more fully (Ex
20:8-10; 31:15,16; Isa 58:13,14). From the human perspective, the Sabbath
summons the believer to celebrate God's creative and redemptive love by
showing mercy and concern toward others (Dent 5:12-15; Matt 12:12; Luke
13:12; John 5:17). Thus the Sabbath encompasses both cessation from
secular work for the purpose of honoring God and performing deeds of love
and kindness toward fellow beings.

2) Essential and Emergency Work. In order to uphold the sanctity of the

Sabbath, Seventh-day Adventists must make wise choices in matters of
employment, guided by a conscience enlightened by the Holy Spirit.
Experience has shown that there are hazards in choosing vocations which
will not allow them to worship their Creator on the Sabbath day free from
involvement in secular labor. This means that they will avoid types of
employment which, although essential for the function of a technologically
advanced society, may offer problems in Sabbath observance.

The Scriptures and the Spirit of Prophecy are explicit about our duties as
Christians to our fellowman, even on the Sabbath day. In the modern
context, many employed in occupations involved with the saving of life and
property are called upon to deal with emergencies. Arranging for regular
weekend work requiring the use of the Sabbath hours for gainful emergency
employment or accepting work only on weekends in emergency occupations
to augment the family budget is out of harmony with Sabbath keeping
principles given by Christ. Responding to emergency situations where life
and safety are at stake is quite different from earning one's livelihood by
routinely engaging in such occupations on the Sabbath which are often
accompanied by commercial, secular, or routine activities. (See Christ's
comments on rescuing oxen or sheep from ditches and helping people in
need. Matt 12:11; Luke 13:16.) Absenting one's self from God's house and
being denied fellowship with the believers on the Sabbath can have a
chilling effect on one's spiritual life.

Many employers in so-called essential service areas willingly make

accommodations for Sabbath keepers. Where such is not granted, members
should review carefully Biblical principles of Sabbath keeping and in that
light examine the type of activity, environment, requirements of the job, and
personal motives before committing themselves to working on the Sabbath.
They should ask of the Lord as did Paul on the Damascus road, "Lord, what
wilt thou have me to do?" When this attitude of faith prevails, we are
persuaded that the Lord will lead the believer to discern His will and supply
strength and wisdom to follow it.

3) Moral Decision Regarding Sabbath Observance. Sabbath privileges are

sometimes curtailed or denied by military, educational, political, or other
organizations. To prevent and/or alleviate these regrettable situations, the
following suggestions should be considered:

A competent church official, preferably the Public Affairs and Religious

Liberty director, should be appointed to keep abreast of developments that
could undermine freedom of worship on the Sabbath. When necessary, this
official will approach responsible authorities to intercede when an adverse
impact upon Seventh-day Adventists is present in any contemplated
measure or legislation. This course of action may prevent enactment of laws
that could curtail or deny Sabbath privileges.

Adventist members should be encouraged to stand by faith for the principle

of Sabbath keeping regardless of circumstances, resting in the assurance
that God will honor their commitment to Him.

Church members should offer spiritual, moral, and, if needed temporal help
to other members experiencing Sabbath problems. Such support will serve
to strengthen the commitment to the Lord not only of the individual member
facing Sabbath problems but also of the Church as a whole.

4) Purchase of Goods and Services on the Sabbath.

a. The Sabbath is designed to provide spiritual freedom and joy for every
person (Ex 20:8-11). As Christians, we must be supportive of this basic
human right granted to each individual by the Creator. As a general rule,
the purchasing of goods, eating out in restaurants, and paying for services
to be provided by others ought to be avoided because they are out of
harmony with the principle and practice of Sabbath keeping.

b. Furthermore, the above-mentioned commercial activities will turn the

mind away from the sacredness of the Sabbath. (See Neh 10:31; 13:15 ff.)
With proper planning adequate provisions can be made in advance for
foreseeable Sabbath needs.

5) Sabbath Travel. While Sabbath travel may be necessary for engaging in

Sabbath activities, one should not allow Sabbath travel to become a secular
function; therefore, preparation should be made in advance. Automobile
fuel and other needs should be cared for before the Sabbath begins. Travel
on commercial carriers for personal or business reasons should be avoided.

6) Treating a Specific Employment Problem. When a member of the Church

finds it necessary to resign from a position, or loses his job because of
Sabbath problems, and is reemployed by the denomination in similar work,
and where the new job, because of its essential nature, requires the
member to work on the Sabbath, the following suggestions are
recommended:

a. A careful explanation of the essential nature of the work will be given to

the member.

b. All efforts should be made by the organization to as certain that only the
essential aspects of the new job will be performed on the Sabbath.
Administrators should also explain to the new employee the religious
purposes and basic objectives of the employing organization.

c. A rotation schedule will be adopted in order that the member who can
conscientiously accept such work on the Sabbath may frequently be able to
enter into a fuller celebration of the Sabbath day.

7) Shift work. When a Seventh-day Adventist works for an employer where

Shift work is the rule, he may be requested to work on the Sabbath or a
portion thereof. Under such circumstances the member involved is
encouraged to consider the following:

a. The member should strive to be the best possible worker, a valuable

employee whom the employer cannot afford to lose.
 b. If a problem develops, the member should seek to resolve it by appealing
to the employer personally for an accommodation based on goodwill and
fairness.

c. The member should assist the employer by suggesting such

accommodations as:

1. Working a flexible schedule;

2. Taking a less desirable shift;

3. Trading shifts with another employee; or

4. Working on holidays.

8) If the employer resists an accommodation, the member should

immediately seek assistance from the pastor and from the Public Affairs and
Religious Liberty Department in countries where they are involved in such
activities.

The General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists Executive Committee at

the General Conference Session in Indianapolis, Indiana, on July 9, 1990,
voted to acknowledge receipt of the above document on Sabbath
observance.

OUR BELIEFS
Seventh-day Adventist beliefs are meant to permeate your whole life.
Growing out of scriptures that paint a compelling portrait of God, you are
invited to explore, experience and know the One who desires to make us
whole.

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byKelli Mahoney

Updated March 01, 2018

Fellowship is an important part of our faith. Coming together to support one another is
an experience that allows us to learn, gain strength, and show the world exactly what
God is.

Fellowship Gives Us a Picture of God

Each of us together shows all of God's graces to the world. No one is perfect. We all
sin, but each of us has a purpose here on Earth to show aspects of God to those
around us. Each of us has been given specific spiritual gifts. When we come together in
fellowship, it's like us as a whole demonstrating God. Think of it like a cake. You need
the flour, sugar, eggs, oil, and more to make a cake. The eggs will never be the flour.
None of them make up the cake alone. Yet together, all those ingredients make a
delicious cake. It is like that will fellowship. All of us together show the glory of God.
Romans 12:4-6 "For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these
members do not all have the same function, so in Christ, we though many, form one
body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to
the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance
with your faith." (NIV)
Fellowship Makes Us Stronger
No matter where we are in our faith, fellowship provides us with strength. Being around
other believers gives us the chance to learn and grow in our faith. It demonstrates to us
why we believe and sometimes is the excellent food for our souls. It's great to be out in
the world evangelizing to others, but it can easily make us hard and eat away at our
strength. When we deal with a hard-hearted world, it can become easy to fall into that
 hard-heartedness and question our beliefs. It's always good to spend some time in
fellowship so that we remember that God makes us strong.
Matthew 18:19-20 “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about
anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two
or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” (NIV)
Fellowship Provides Encouragement
We all have bad moments. Whether it's the loss of a loved one, a failed exam, money
problems, or even a crisis of faith, we can find ourselves down. If we go too low, it can
lead to anger and a feeling of disillusionment with God. Yet these low times are why
fellowship is important. Spending tie with other believers can often lift us up a little bit.
They help us to keep our eyes on God. God also works through them to provide us what
we need in darker times. Coming together with others can aid in our healing process
and give us the encouragement to move forward.
Hebrews 10:24-25 "Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and
good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but
encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing
near." (NLT)
Fellowship Reminds Us We're Not Alone
Coming together with other believers in worship and conversation helps to remind us
that we are not alone in this world. There are believers everywhere. It's amazing that no
matter where you are in the world when you meet another believer, it's like you
suddenly feel at home. That's why God made fellowship so important. He wanted us to
come together so that we always know we're not alone. Fellowship allows us to build
those lasting relationships so we're never by ourselves in the world.
1 Corinthians 12:21 "The eye can never say to the hand, 'I don’t need you.' The head
can’t say to the feet, 'I don’t need you.'" (NLT)
Fellowship Helps Us Grow
Coming together is a great way for each of us to grow in our faith. Reading our
Bibles and praying are great ways to get closer to God, but each of us has important
lessons to impart to one another. When we come together in fellowship, we teach each
other things. God gives us a gift of learning and growing when we come together in
fellowship we show each other how to live as God wants us to live, and how to walk in
His footsteps.
1 Corinthians 14:26 "Well, my brothers and sisters, let’s summarize. When you meet
together, one will sing, another will teach, another will tell some special revelation God
has given, one will speak in tongues, and another will interpret what is said. But
everything that is done must strengthen all of you." (NLT)
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