Policy Letter regarding Local Congregational Sponsorship

To: All platoon commanders

From: Brigade Commander

Date: 04-01-2025

Re: Local church sponsorship

CC: Company, Battalion, and Brigade Command Staff

Dear leaders,

There seems to be some confusion on the relationship between the sponsorship of the local church and the MCC platoons composed of their members. Let this communication serve to clear up any issues that might be circulating regarding this matter. The local church is the sole custodian and steward of membership of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. (i.e.- Even the president of the General Conference holds membership in the local church.)

The Seventh-day Adventist Medical Cadet Corps is an authorized ministry of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. It functions from the local level, through the local conference to the General Conference Headquarters.

Its relationship with the local church is as a ministry of the Church but NOT as a department of said Church. A local platoon or squad functioning outside of the local church may not demand financial support, secure office space, or sit on its Church Board. While the local church at its own discretion may give support in these areas, as a privilege, not a right. The platoon is required however, to share its monthly report with the local pastor, elders and risk management officer. Every cadet must remain in good and regular standing with the church of their membership.

What if the Local Church desires to sponsor a local MCC Platoon? The Local Church begins its involvement with MCC when it is requested to by interested members to sponsor a local platoon or squad of the Medical Cadet Corps in the same manner as it would a pathfinder club, adventurer club, Bible bowl team or sports team. A sponsoring church is defined as being a fully organized congregation within the conference that is willing to sponsor a team. The team may be specific to that congregation, meaning composed completely of members from said congregation or as an area organization, meaning members come from a variety of other sister-congregation. In either case the sponsoring congregation has the responsibility to:

1. Confirm selected officers

2. Maintain the integrity and discipline of the Seventh-day Adventist Church among the members of the unit

3. Receive regular reports and briefings on all MCC activities

4. Approve all activities requiring risk management

Sponsorship is a formal process with the local conference leadership, as this is a formal ministry of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. However, unless said sponsoring church expressly desires or deems fit, they have no financial responsibility for the Medical Cadet Corps. Furthermore, the vote of the church in business session to grant them, church board membership, storage/office space, and other amenities. A sponsoring congregation simply provides space for meetings. Once approved, the unit is reportable duality to the local church administration as well as the conference administration. Statistically, all MCC activities are accredited to the sponsoring church regardless of the various church memberships within the unit. I trust that this clears up any questions and issues that may be arising in the field at this time.

Thank you

The General