BY WILLIAM G. JOHNSSON

One of the major items of business at a General Conference session is the election of leaders. The process Adventists have developed over the years in itself reflects the character of our church.

The first person elected is the world church leader, the president of the General Conference. He is not a pope; he is elected for a five-year term, and not by a small group, but by the entire body of 2,000 delegates representing the world fellowship.

His name is brought to the floor for vote as a recommendation of the nominating committee. That committee, numbering 174, is made up of delegates elected by caucuses of the 12 geographical divisions of the worldwide church. The number of committee members from each division is determined by the church membership of that division. Thus, the North American Division, although it still provides the largest financial strength to the world church, has only 16 members on the nominating committee.

Once the world president is elected, he gives considerable time to the work of the nominating committee as he suggests personnel he would like to have on his team at the General Conference (headquarters) level. His recommendations are discussed and usually—but not necessarily—accepted by the committee. And the full body of 2,000 delegates has the final say.

For division-level appointments, the nominating committee is guided, but not bound by, the recommendations from the division caucuses. Again, the full body has the final vote.

The process overall is fair and democratic. But it is not ideal: for instance, delegates in the full body at times are called upon to vote on names concerning whom they have little or no knowledge. So they go by trust. Trust is the glue of grace.

This week inevitably brings elation to some, disappointment to others. The elective process can have a brutally harsh impact—in office today, out of office tomorrow. I wish we could find a way to show appreciation to those who have borne the burden and heat of the day.

Is there a better way? Given the complexities of our church and the very frailty of our humanity, probably not.