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University Policy Library

APPENDIX 1—Q

ORGANIZATION AND WORKING POLICY FOR THE ANDREWS UNIVERSITY INSTITUTE OF CHURCH MINISTRY

I Mission, Philosophy, and Purposes

The mission of the Institute of Church Ministry (ICM) is to share the church ministry and research expertise and resources of Andrews University with the Adventist church in North America, thus aiding denominational decision-makers and facilitating the church in the accomplishment of its goals. The work of ICM is based on the belief that the tools of social science and research can join with Biblical and theological insights in advancing the objectives of the church’s mission. The purpose of ICM is to provide resources for ministry in meeting the challenges of a variety of issues in the contemporary world. This mission and purpose of the Institute is carried out through research, publications, development of materials, leadership training, information processing, and consultation.

II History

The concept of the Institute of Church Ministry began in 1978 when the North American Division (NAD) of Seventh-day Adventists asked seminary professor, Des Cummings, Jr., to direct a study of church growth within the NAD. The need for empirical research in the field of church ministry became apparent, thus prompting the establishment of the Institute as a self-supporting entity at the November 1979 meeting of the Andrews University Board of Trustees. The Institute officially opened on January 1, 1980. Des Cummings, Jr. served as director until August 1984. Roger Dudley has served as director since then.

The Institute is located on the lower floor of the Seminary building. Beginning with one room, it has gradually expanded into a complex of four offices and a workroom. In 1984, the Institute entered into a sustaining relationship with the North American Division, which has become its major client-supporter.

III Organization

The Institute of Church Ministry is a self-funded entity housed in the SDA Theological Seminary as part of the Andrews University system of research institutes and centers and falls within the jurisdiction of the Provost and the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies and Research.

IV Administration

Section 1

The Institute of Church Ministry is administered by a Director who reports to the Dean of the SDA Theological Seminary for daily administrative purposes and to the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies and Research with respect to research conducted in accordance with policies of the Scholarly Research Council of the University.

Section 2

The Director of the Institute of Church Ministry has the following functions:

  1. Plan and administer the office, staff and various programs of the Institute of Church Ministry with the help of appropriate administrative and project assistance.
  2. Generate income for the Institute of Church Ministry and prepare a budget in consultation with the Dean of the SDA Theological Seminary, keeping in mind that the University will provide accounting and computing services.
  3. Take responsibility for budget implementation and budget monitoring.
  4. Liaise with the SDA Theological Seminary for office spaces and student labor arrangements.
  5. Maintain communication with the various organizational entities of the church with a view to being of service in existing and potential research projects.
  6. Disseminate and publish the research findings of the Institute of Church Ministry.
  7. Consult with the Dean of the SDA Theological Seminary before employing personnel for research projects or for the Institute of Church Ministry itself.
  8. Contracts with individuals and organizations for certain kinds of specialized services.
  9. Liaise with NAD administrative offices with respect to the North American Division Strategic Resource Center housed in the Institute of Church Ministry and serve as consultant to NAD administrative offices in general.
  10. Teach certain courses and/or serve on dissertation committees for the SDA Theological Seminary on a shared salary basis.
  11. Oversee the production and sale of materials developed by the Institute of Church Ministry.

V Dissolution of Institute of Church Ministry

In the event that the Institute of Church Ministry is dissolved, all its assets (except for restricted funds held in trust) and equipment shall revert to the SDA Theological Seminary.