A compilation of administrative policies adopted for the purpose of guiding the conferences, churches, missions, and institutions in carrying on the many activities of the church’s work. Originating in 1926 as a digest of former General Conference actions, printed in leaflet form, it is now published, with two other basic documents, in a book called General Conference Working Policy , which is revised every year.
The contents of the policy book can be divided roughly into six general subjects: 1. Constitution and Bylaws; 2. General Administrative Policies; 3. Departmental Policies; 4. Interdivision Service Policies; 5. Financial Policies; and 6. Retirement Plan Policies. The provisions of the working policy are all adopted or amended at an Autumn Council of the General Conference Executive Committee in harmony with the changing needs of a growing and expanding work.
The working policy has contributed to unity of outlook, coordination of operations, and refinement of methods.