Church Authority

Adventism is organized through a representative governance structure with four levels: local churches, local conferences, union conferences, and the General Conference (the world church body). The General Conference Session, meeting every five years with delegates from around the world, is the highest authority in the church. This representative structure is seen as consistent with New Testament patterns of collaborative church governance.

The General Conference has significant authority over doctrine and practice, as evidenced by its votes on women's ordination, tithe policy, and other matters. However, this authority has been contested in recent decades, with some divisions ordaining women as pastors against General Conference guidelines. Ellen G. White's writings are accorded a normative (though not canonical) status and are cited alongside Scripture in theological discussions.