P

MASTER GUIDE PORTFOLIO

Prepared by the North American Division Youth and Young Adult Ministries Department
Tracy Wood, Director
Armando Miranda, Associate Director
Vandeon Griffin, Associate Director

Available from AdventSource

5120 Prescott Avenue
Lincoln, NE 68506
[Link]
© 2024 North American Division Corporation of Seventh-day Adventists.

This publication may be copied for use in the local club, church or conference. No part of this publication may
be reproduced and sold or transmitted, in any form or by any means electronic, photocopied, recorded, or
otherwise, without the prior written permission of the copyright holder unless noted.

Printed in the United States of America

ISBN # 1-978-1-62909-821-0
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 Introduction
2 Master Guide Ministry
5 Master Guide Candidate Information
7 Master Guide Requirements
9 Adventurer Club Basic Staff Certification
10 Pathfinder Club Basic Staff Certification
11 Introduction to Youth Ministry Certification
13 Section I Leadership Identity & Growth (Wisdom)
19 Section II Lifestyle Development (Stature)
23 Section III Spiritual Growth (Favor with God)
49 Section IV Community Development (Favor with Man)
51 Section V Documentation
53 Glossary
55 Appendix
 INTRODUCTION

The Master Guide Curriculum is the most recognized youth leadership program in the Seventh-day Adventist
Church. This curriculum provides a worldwide standard of training that gives leaders of junior youth the
core skills, resources, and knowledge they need to serve across the world. It is important for participants to
complete these requirements with commitment and integrity.

This program follows the holistic growth model described in Luke 2:52: “And Jesus grew in wisdom and
stature, and in favor with God and man.”

“True education means more than pursuing a certain course of study. It has to do with the whole person, and
with the whole period of existence possible to human beings. It is the harmonious development of the physical
[Stature], the mental [Wisdom], and the spiritual [Favor with God] powers. It prepares the student for the joy
of service [Favor with Man] in this world and for the higher joy of wider service in the world to come.” (White,
E.G., True Education, 13)

Through a balance of mental, physical, spiritual, and social growth, you may live more abundantly and lead
more effectively. Training workshops are essential to introducing an area of knowledge, and hands-on field
experience is also invaluable. The Master Guide is called to be an agent of salvation and service; part of the
solution, no matter the situation; a tool in God’s hands to support the advancement of the church and His
mission.

AUDIENCE/PARTICIPANTS
The certification is intended for baptized members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church 16 years of age and
older.

SHARE SECTION
Share what you are learning! Include evidence (picture, written summary, link, etc.) in your Portfolio.
• Write three inspirational cards and give them to a friend that does not attend church.

• Post three of your favorite quotes (with brief commentary) on social media or a personal blog. Record a
video or podcast summarizing three ideas you learned and post it online.

• Discuss with a group three concepts you can apply to evangelism. Present a devotional to your club or
youth group.

• Share in another creative way approved by your Conference.

Introduction 1
 MASTER GUIDE MINISTRY

MISSION
To empower leaders through effective training
and equipping and deploying them for service.

VISION
To see all young people saved.

DEFINITION
The Master Guide Ministry is a development and mentoring program
for youth leadership within the Seventh-day Adventist Church,
serving the entire community.

PURPOSE
Develop Christ-like leaders to disciple children, youth and young adults.

PLEDGE
(Salute for the Pledge by placing the palm of your right hand over your heart)
"Loving the Lord Jesus, I promise to take an active part
in Adventurers, Pathfinders and Youth Ministries,
doing what I can to finish the work of the gospel in all the world".

LAW
(Sworn in as you repeat the Law)
“The Master Guide Law calls me to: be an example in Word,
Conduct, Love, Spirit, Faith, and Purity.” (Based on 1 Timothy 4:12)

ADVENTIST YOUTH AIM

(Do not salute for the Aim)
"The Advent Message to all the World in My Generation."

ADVENTIST YOUTH MOTTO

(Do not salute for the Motto)
"The Love of Christ Compels Me”.

2 Master Guide Portfolio

Introduction 3
4 Master Guide Portfolio
 MASTER GUIDE CANDIDATE INFORMATION

Name:

Address:

Email:

Contact Number:

Church Name:

Club Name:

Club Position:

Mentor:

Mentor Email:

Mentor Phone Number:

Introduction 5
6 Master Guide Portfolio
 MASTER GUIDE REQUIREMENTS

PREREQUISITES
1. Be a baptized member, in regular standing, of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Evidence: Provide a copy of the baptismal certificate or complete the church statement below.

Dear Leaders, this letter is written to certify

(Name of Conference)

that is a member of the

(Name of Master Guide Candidate)

attends our church and joined

(Name of Local Church)

our congregation by means of .

(Baptism / Profession of faith / Transfer)

Signed: Date:
(Church Clerk/Membership Clerk)

2. Have a written recommendation letter from your local church pastor, elder or church clerk stating that you
are a baptized member in regular standing. Include this letter in your portfolio.
Evidence: Provide a church statement signed by the pastor, head elder or designated conference representative.
(Sample below)

Dear Leaders, this letter is written to attest to the

(Name of Conference)

character of whom I have known for over years.

(Name of Master Guide Candidate) # of years

has been an active member of our church

(Name of Candidate)

participating in youth ministries, club ministries, leadership activities, and attends services with frequency.

is a role model for those seeking a more

(Name of Master Guide Candidate)

active and rewarding relationship with God. We are happy to recommend him/her for consideration as

a Master Guide candidate, and pleased that they are interested in learning more about God, the Seventh-

day Adventist church’s history, and our doctrines. We support them taking this step in developing their

leadership potential.

Signed: Date:
(Pastor or Head Elder)

Master Guide Requirements 7

3. Be at least 16 years of age to start the Master Guide Leadership course and at least 18 years of age at
completion. Evidence: Provide a copy of your ID or Birth Certificate

I provided documented proof of age by presenting my and this was confirmed

(birth certificate / driver’s license / passport)

by my mentor, .
(Printed name of Mentor/Instructor)

Signed: Date:
(Master Guide Mentor/Instructor)

4. Be currently approved by your conference’s child protection screening verification. If under 18 years of age,
you do not have to complete a background check, but you must be supervised by an adult when working with
minors.
5. With your mentor, prayerfully discuss what it means to be a Master Guide and why
you want to become a Master Guide. Include a written one-page report or a two- Your progress as a
minute video in your Portfolio. candidate is under
the supervision of
6. For one of the following, attend the eight seminars, and receive the your Conference.
Certification: 1). Adventurer Club Basic Staff; 2). Pathfinder Club Basic
Staff; or 3). Introduction to Youth Ministry (see the three following pages).

8 Master Guide Portfolio

 ADVENTURER CLUB
BASIC STAFF CERTIFICATION

REQUIREMENTS DATE COMPLETED

1. Adventurer Club Ministry: Its Purpose, History & Relationship to the Date:
Church–ADV 001

2. Introduction to Adventurer Club Organization—ADV 002 Date:

3. Introduction to Programming & Planning— ADV 003 Date:

4. Special Programs—ADV 004 Date:

5. Adventurer Club Curriculum—ADV 005 Date:

6. Adventurer Stars, Chips & Awards—ADV 006 Date:

7. Developmental Growth and Introduction to Effective Teaching

Date:
Methods for PreK through 4th grade—PYSO 103

8. Introduction to Child Safety Issues, Medical and Risk Management—

MEDI 100 Date:

Required Field Work:

Add to the Master Guide portfolio the handouts and personal notes of the workshops you attend.
I completed the Adventurer Club Basic Staff Certification on .
Date of Completion

Signed: Date:
(Master Guide Candidate)

Signed: Date:
(Master Guide Mentor/Instructor)

Master Guide Requirements 9

 PATHFINDER CLUB
BASIC STAFF CERTIFICATION

REQUIREMENTS DATE COMPLETED

1. Pathfinder Club Ministry: Its Purpose, History & Relationship to the Date:
Church–PFAD 001

2. Introduction to Pathfinder Club Organization—PFAD 002 Date:

3. Introduction to Programming & Planning— PFAD 003 Date:

4. Introduction to Pathfinder Club Outreach—PFAD 004 Date:

5. Introduction to Pathfinder Basic Drill—PFAD 005 Date:

6. Developmental Growth Ages 10 -14—PYSO 104 Date:

7. Introduction to Teaching Skills—EDUC 001

Date:

8. Introduction to Child Safety Issues, Medical and Risk Management—

MEDI 100 Date:

Required Field Work:

Add to the Master Guide portfolio the handouts and personal notes of the workshops you attend.
I completed the Pathfinder Club Basic Staff Certification on .
Date of Completion

Signed: Date:
(Master Guide Candidate)

Signed: Date:
(Master Guide Mentor/Instructor)

10 Master Guide Portfolio

 INTRODUCTION TO
YOUTH MINISTRY CERTIFICATION

REQUIREMENTS DATE COMPLETED

1. Introduction to Youth Ministry–YMAD 001 Date:

2. Stages of Youth Development—PYSO 115 Date:

3. Principles of Specialized Youth Ministry—YMAD 005 Date:

4. Leadership: Youth Leader as Spiritual Leader, Mentor, and Friend— Date:

LEAD 186

5. Mentoring: Owning and Empowering in Youth Ministry— Date:

LEAD 140

6. Developing a Purpose Driven Model for Youth Ministry in your Local

Church—LEAD 186 Date:

7. Spiritual Gifts, Service, Evangelism and More—LEAD 140

Date:

8. Digital Ministry Maximizing Opportunities Offered by Social Media

While Circumventing It's Hazards—YMAD 002 Date:

Required Field Work:

Add to the Master Guide portfolio the handouts and personal notes of the workshops you attend.
I completed the Introduction to Youth Ministry Certification on .
Date of Completion

Signed: Date:
(Master Guide Candidate)

Signed: Date:
(Master Guide Mentor/Instructor)

Master Guide Requirements 11

Reviewing Conference Master Guide Committee Use ONLY
I have reviewed the Prerequisites Section of the candidate’s Portfolio and have found that he/she has
completed the requirements for this certification.

Training Completion Date:

Reviewer's Name:

Reviewer's Contact Phone Number:

Reviewer's Email:

Reviewing Instructions:
In the event the candidate has not met all the requirements as outlined for the Prerequisites Section the
Conference Master Guide Committee designee should return the Portfolio to the participant along with a
written explanation outlining what additional work and/or documentation must be provided or completed in
order to fulfill the requirements for this section.

Reviewing Master Guide Disclaimer:

Completion of this training curriculum does not guarantee the bearers overall qualifications to lead, nor does it
give a guarantee of ability, aptitude or placement. It simply marks a completion of a training curriculum.

Comments:

Signed: Date:

12 Master Guide Portfolio

 SECTION I
LEADERSHIP IDENTITY & GROWTH (WISDOM)

1. Complete each of the following Conference approved leadership training workshops. Each workshop
should be 75-minutes long.
SIGNATURE DATE

a. Vision. Mission. Motivation

b. Christian Leadership

c. Discipline & Discipleship

d. Child & Youth Evangelism

e. Creating Effective Worships

f. Communication: Theory & Practice

g. Education: Theory & Practice

h. Resources for Creative Instruction

2. Read or listen to the book Education

by Ellen White and do two Share
Section options (see page 1).
3. Read or listen to a book about Christian Leadership selected by your Conference and do two Share Section
options (see page 1).
a. Book

b. Share Section

i. Option 1
ii. Option 2

4. For each of the following, complete a survey/inventory and complete one Share Section (see page 1).:
a. Spiritual Gifts
b. Temperaments
c. Share Section Option

Section I Leadership Identity & Growth 13

 Spiritual Gifts or Temperament Inventory Summary

My personality type is: I will use this information to help me,

I completed the Spiritual Gift Survey paper on

Date of Completion

or I completed the Temperament Inventory workshop on

Date of Completion

Signed: Date:
(Master Guide Candidate)

Signed: Date:
(Master Guide Mentor/Instructor)

5. Staff requirement For one year, complete one of the following:

SIGNATURE DATE
a. Coach an Adventurer Bible
Game (ABG) team through
Conference level;
b. Coach a Bible Bowl/Pathfinder
Bible Experience (PBE) team
through the Division level;
c. Be an active staff member of an
Adventurer or Pathfinder Club; or
d. Teach a Kindergarten, Primary,
Junior, Earliteen or Youth
Sabbath School.
6. Complete each of the following:
a. Attend at least 75% of all
staff meetings.
b. Teach three Adventurer awards
or two Pathfinder honors.
c. Have or earn the Christian
Storytelling honor.

14 Master Guide Portfolio

 HONOR OR AWARD 1
Name of Honor or Award:

Date(s) taught: Number Taught: Ages Taught:

Signed: Date:
(Master Guide Candidate)

Signed: Date:
(Master Guide Mentor/Instructor)

HONOR OR AWARD 2
Name of Honor or Award:

Date(s) taught: Number Taught: Ages Taught:

Signed: Date:
(Master Guide Candidate)

Signed: Date:
(Master Guide Mentor/Instructor)

HONOR OR AWARD 3
Name of Honor or Award:

Date(s) taught: Number Taught: Ages Taught:

Signed: Date:
(Master Guide Candidate)

Signed: Date:
(Master Guide Mentor/Instructor)

7. Enhance your knowledge of Church Heritage by:

a. Earning the Adventist Heritage Honor if not previously earned.
I completed all of the requirements of the Adventist Heritage Honor on
Date of Completion

Signed: Date:
(Master Guide Candidate)

Signed: Date:
(Master Guide Mentor/Instructor)

b. Reading a book about Seventh-day Adventist Youth Ministry such as:

i. The Pathfinder Story by Robert Holbrook.
ii. Another book that is approved by your conference Youth, Adventurer or Pathfinder
Director or their designated Master Guide representative.

Section I Leadership Identity & Growth 15

 I read/listened to the book by .
Title Author

This book was read from until .

Date Started Date Finished
Signed: Date:
(Master Guide Candidate)

Signed: Date:
(Master Guide Mentor/Instructor)

16 Master Guide Portfolio

Reviewing Conference Master Guide Committee Use ONLY
I have reviewed Section I of the candidate’s Portfolio and have found that he/she has completed the
requirements for this certification.

Reviewer's Completion Date:

Reviewer's Name:

Reviewer's Contact Phone Number:

Reviewer's Email:

Reviewing Instructions:
In the event the candidate has not met all the requirements as outlined for Section II the Conference Master
Guide Committee designee should return the Portfolio to the participant along with a written explanation
outlining what additional work and/or documentation must be provided or completed in order to fulfill the
requirements for this section.

Reviewing Master Guide Disclaimer:

Completion of this training curriculum does not guarantee the bearers overall qualifications to lead, nor does it
give a guarantee of ability, aptitude or placement. It simply marks a completion of a training curriculum.
Comments:

Signed: Date:

Section I Leadership Identity & Growth 17

NOTES

18 Master Guide Portfolio

 SECTION II
LIFESTYLE DEVELOPMENT (STATURE)

1. Choose one of the following and record your progress:

SIGNATURE DATE
a. Have, earn or teach the
Physical Fitness honor.
b. Have, earn or teach the
Sportsman Master award.
c. Complete a three-month
physical fitness program
recommended by your doctor.

2. Have, earn or teach each of the following honors:

a. Basic Water Safety

b. Camp Safety

c. Camping Skills I

d. Camping Skills II

e. Temperance

3. Have, earn or teach three of the following honors:

a. Backpacking

b. Basic Rescue

c. Camping Skills III

d. Camping Skills IV

e. Drilling & Marching

f. Ecology

g. Fire Building & Camp Cookery

h. Knot Tying

Section II Lifestyle Development 19

 i. Nutrition

j. Orienteering

4. Hold a current Red Cross First Aid

& CPR certificate or its equivalent.

20 Master Guide Portfolio

Reviewing Conference Master Guide Committee Use ONLY
I have reviewed Section II of the candidate’s Portfolio and have found that he/she has completed the
requirements for this certification.

Reviewer's Completion Date:

Reviewer's Name:

Reviewer's Contact Phone Number:

Reviewer's Email:

REVIEWING INSTRUCTIONS:
In the event the candidate has not met all the requirements as outlined for Section II the Conference Master
Guide Committee designee should return the Portfolio to the participant along with a written explanation
outlining what additional work and/or documentation must be provided or completed in order to fulfill the
requirements for this section.

REVIEWING MASTER GUIDE DISCLAIMER:

Completion of this training curriculum does not guarantee the bearers overall qualifications to lead, nor does it
give a guarantee of ability, aptitude or placement. It simply marks a completion of a training curriculum.
Comments:

Signed: Date:

Section II Lifestyle Development 21

NOTES

22 Master Guide Portfolio

 SECTION III
SPIRITUAL GROWTH (FAVOR WITH GOD)

1. Choose one of the following and do two Share Section options (see page 1).:

SIGNATURE DATE
a. Read or listen to the Four Gospels
and The Desire of Ages or
Humble Hero by Ellen G. White.
b. Read or listen to the Encounter
Plan, Series 1: Christ the Way.

c. Share Option 1

d. Share Option 2

2. Keep a devotional journal for one month, summarizing what you learn in your devotional time and
outlining how you are growing in your faith.

Devotional Journal
DAY 1 Date: Material Read:

A reflection on today’s reading

My prayer focus for today

Section III Spiritual Growth 23

DAY 2 Date: Material Read:

A reflection on today’s reading

My prayer focus for today

DAY 3 Date: Material Read:

A reflection on today’s reading

My prayer focus for today

DAY 4 Date: Material Read:

A reflection on today’s reading

My prayer focus for today

24 Master Guide Portfolio

DAY 5 Date: Material Read:

A reflection on today’s reading

My prayer focus for today

DAY 6 Date: Material Read:

A reflection on today’s reading

My prayer focus for today

DAY 7 Date: Material Read:

A reflection on today’s reading

My prayer focus for today

Section III Spiritual Growth 25

DAY 8 Date: Material Read:

A reflection on today’s reading

My prayer focus for today

DAY 9 Date: Material Read:

A reflection on today’s reading

My prayer focus for today

DAY 10 Date: Material Read:

A reflection on today’s reading

My prayer focus for today

26 Master Guide Portfolio

DAY 11 Date: Material Read:

A reflection on today’s reading

My prayer focus for today

DAY 12 Date: Material Read:

A reflection on today’s reading

My prayer focus for today

DAY 13 Date: Material Read:

A reflection on today’s reading

My prayer focus for today

Section III Spiritual Growth 27

DAY 14 Date: Material Read:

A reflection on today’s reading

My prayer focus for today

DAY 15 Date: Material Read:

A reflection on today’s reading

My prayer focus for today

DAY 16 Date: Material Read:

A reflection on today’s reading

My prayer focus for today

28 Master Guide Portfolio

DAY 17 Date: Material Read:

A reflection on today’s reading

My prayer focus for today

DAY 18 Date: Material Read:

A reflection on today’s reading

My prayer focus for today

DAY 19 Date: Material Read:

A reflection on today’s reading

My prayer focus for today

Section III Spiritual Growth 29

DAY 20 Date: Material Read:

A reflection on today’s reading

My prayer focus for today

DAY 21 Date: Material Read:

A reflection on today’s reading

My prayer focus for today

DAY 22 Date: Material Read:

A reflection on today’s reading

My prayer focus for today

30 Master Guide Portfolio

DAY 23 Date: Material Read:

A reflection on today’s reading

My prayer focus for today

DAY 24 Date: Material Read:

A reflection on today’s reading

My prayer focus for today

DAY 25 Date: Material Read:

A reflection on today’s reading

My prayer focus for today

Section III Spiritual Growth 31

DAY 26 Date: Material Read:

A reflection on today’s reading

My prayer focus for today

DAY 27 Date: Material Read:

A reflection on today’s reading

My prayer focus for today

DAY 28 Date: Material Read:

A reflection on today’s reading

My prayer focus for today

32 Master Guide Portfolio

3. Read or listen to the book Steps to Christ by Ellen G. White and do two Share Section options
(see page 1).
SIGNATURE DATE

a. Share Option 1

b. Share Option 2

4. Write a one-paragraph personal reflection on each of the 28 Fundamental Beliefs.

The goal of this exercise is to help each candidate have a better understanding of what we believe and as a
result be able to share their faith with others in their ministry. In order to assist candidates in obtaining a
more than just personal growth while working on this requirement, candidates need to capture each belief.

FUNDAMENTAL BELIEF #1: Holy Scriptures The The Fundamentals Beliefs of the
Holy Scriptures, Old and New Testaments, are the written Word Seventh-day Adventists can be read
of God, given by divine inspiration. The inspired authors spoke be- low; however, you can also read
and wrote as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. In the book Seventh-day Adventist
this Word, God has committed to humanity the knowledge Believe by the General Conference, or
What We Believe for Teens by Seth
necessary for salvation. The Holy Scriptures are the supreme,
Pierce. Books can be purchased from
authoritative, and the infallible revelation of His will. They are
the Adventist Book Center or
the standard of character, the test of experience, the definitive AdventSource.
revealer of doctrines, and the trustworthy record of God’s acts in
history. (Ps. 119:105; Prov. 30:5, 6; Isa. 8:20; John 17:17; 1 These beliefs constitute the church's
understanding and expression of the
Thess. 2:13; 2 Tim. 3:16, 17; Heb. 4:12; 2 Peter 1:20, 21.)
teaching of Scripture.

FUNDAMENTAL BELIEF #2: Trinity

There is one God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, a unity of three coeternal Persons. God is immortal, all-powerful, all-
knowing, above all, and ever present. He is infinite and beyond human comprehension, yet known through His self-
revelation. God, who is love, is forever worthy of worship, adoration, and service by the whole creation. (Gen. 1:26;
Deut. 6:4; Isa. 6:8; Matt. 28:19; John 3:16 2 Cor. 1:21, 22; 13:14; Eph. 4:4-6; 1 Peter 1:2.)

Section III Spiritual Growth 33

FUNDAMENTAL BELIEF#3: Father
God the eternal Father is the Creator, Source, Sustainer, and Sovereign of all creation. He is just and holy, merciful and
gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness. The qualities and powers exhibited in the Son
and the Holy Spirit are also those of the Father. (Gen. 1:1; Deut. 4:35; Ps. 110:1, 4; John 3:16; 14:9; 1 Cor. 15:28; 1
Tim. 1:17; 1 John 4:8; Rev. 4:11.)

FUNDAMENTAL BELIEF #4: Son

God the eternal Son became incarnate in Jesus Christ. Through Him all things were created, the character of God is
revealed, the salvation of humanity is accomplished, and the world is judged. Forever truly God, He became also truly
human, Jesus the Christ. He was conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He lived and experienced
temptation as a human being, but perfectly exemplified the righteousness and love of God. By His miracles He manifested
God’s power and was attested as God’s promised Messiah. He suffered and died voluntarily on the cross for our sins
and in our place, was raised from the dead, and ascended to heaven to minister in the heavenly sanctuary in our behalf.
He will come again in glory for the final deliverance of His people and the restoration of all things. (Isa. 53:4-6; Dan.
9:25-27; Luke 1:35; John 1:1-3, 14; 5:22; 10:30; 14:1–3, 9, 13; Rom. 6:23; 1 Cor. 15:3, 4; 2 Cor. 3:18; 5:17-19; Phil.
2:5–11; Col. 1:15-19; Heb. 2:9-18; 8:1, 2.)

FUNDAMENTAL BELIEF #5: Holy Spirit

God the eternal Spirit was active with the Father and the Son in Creation, incarnation, and redemption. He is as much
a person as are the Father and the Son. He inspired the writers of Scripture. He filled Christ’s life with power. He draws
and convicts human beings; and those who respond He renews and transforms into the image of God. Sent by the Father
and the Son to be always with His children, He extends spiritual gifts to the church, empowers it to bear witness to
Christ, and in harmony with the Scriptures leads it into all truth. (Gen. 1:1, 2; 2 Sam. 23:2; Ps. 51:11; Isa. 61:1; Luke
1:35; 4:18; John 14:16-18, 26; 15:26; 16:7-13; Acts 1:8; 5:3; 10:38; Rom. 5:5; 1 Cor. 12:7-11; 2 Cor. 3:18; 2 Peter 1:21.)

34 Master Guide Portfolio

FUNDAMENTAL BELIEF #6: Creation
God has revealed in Scripture the authentic and historical account of His creative activity. He created the universe,
and in a recent six-day creation the Lord made “the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them” and rested
on the seventh day. Thus He established the Sabbath as a perpetual memorial of the work He performed and
completed during six literal days that together with the Sabbath constituted the same unit of time that we call a week
today. The first man and woman were made in the image of God as the crowning work of Creation, given dominion
over the world, and charged with responsibility to care for it. When the world was finished it was “very good,”
declaring the glory of God. (Gen. 1-2; 5; 11; Exod. 20:8-11; Ps. 19:1–6; 33:6, 9; 104; Isa. 45:12, 18; Acts 17:24; Col.
1:16; Heb. 1:2; 11:3; Rev. 10:6; 14:7.)

FUNDAMENTAL BELIEF #7: Nature of Man

Man and woman were made in the image of God with individuality, the power and freedom to think and to do. Though
created free beings, each is an indivisible unity of body, mind, and spirit, dependent upon God for life and breath
and all else. When our first parents disobeyed God, they denied their dependence upon Him and fell from their
high position. The image of God in them was marred and they became subject to death. Their descendants share
this fallen nature and its consequences. They are born with weaknesses and tendencies to evil. But God in Christ
reconciled the world to Himself and by His Spirit restores in penitent mortals the image of their Maker. Created for
the glory of God, they are called to love Him and one another, and to care for their environment. (Gen. 1:26-28;
2:7, 15; 3; Ps. 8:4-8; 51:5, 10; 58:3; Jer. 17:9; Acts 17:24-28; Rom. 5:12-17; 2 Cor. 5:19, 20; Eph. 2:3; 1 Thess. 5:23;
1 John 3:4; 4:7, 8, 11, 20.)

Section III Spiritual Growth 35

FUNDAMENTAL BELIEF #8: Great Controversy
All humanity is now involved in a great controversy between Christ and Satan regarding the character of God, His law,
and His sovereignty over the universe. This conflict originated in heaven when a created being, endowed with freedom
of choice, in self-exaltation became Satan, God’s adversary, and led into rebellion a portion of the angels. He
introduced the spirit of rebellion into this world when he led Adam and Eve into sin. This human sin resulted in the
distortion of the image of God in humanity, the disordering of the created world, and its eventual devastation at the
time of the global flood, as presented in the historical account of Genesis 1-11. Observed by the whole creation, this
world became the arena of the universal conflict, out of which the God of love will ultimately be vindicated. To assist
His people in this controversy, Christ sends the Holy Spirit and the loyal angels to guide, protect, and sustain them in
the way of salvation. (Gen. 3; 6-8; Job 1:6-12; Isa. 14:12-14; Ezek. 28:12-18; Rom. 1:19-32; 3:4; 5:12-21; 8:19-22; 1 Cor.
4:9; Heb. 1:14; 1 Peter 5:8; 2 Peter 3:6; Rev. 12:4-9.)

FUNDAMENTAL BELIEF #9: Life, Death, and the Resurrection of Christ

In Christ’s life of perfect obedience to God’s will, His suffering, death, and resurrection, God provided the only means
of atonement for human sin, so that those who by faith accept this atonement may have eternal life, and the whole
creation may better understand the infinite and holy love of the Creator. This perfect atonement vindicates the
righteousness of God’s law and the graciousness of His character; for it both condemns our sin and provides for our
forgiveness. The death of Christ is substitutionary and expiatory, reconciling and transforming. The bodily
resurrection of Christ proclaims God’s triumph over the forces of evil, and for those who accept the atonement assures
their final victory over sin and death. It declares the Lordship of Jesus Christ, before whom every knee in heaven and
on earth will bow. (Gen. 3:15; Ps. 22:1; Isa. 53; John 3:16; 14:30; Rom. 1:4; 3:25; 4:25; 8:3, 4; 1 Cor. 15:3, 4, 20-22; 2
Cor. 5:14, 15, 19-21; Phil. 2:6-11; Col. 2:15; 1 Peter 2:21, 22; 1 John 2:2; 4:10.)

36 Master Guide Portfolio

FUNDAMENTAL BELIEF #10: Experience of Salvation
In infinite love and mercy God made Christ, who knew no sin, to be sin for us, so that in Him we might be made the
righteousness of God. Led by the Holy Spirit we sense our need, acknowledge our sinfulness, repent of our
transgressions, and exercise faith in Jesus as Saviour and Lord, Substitute and Example. This saving faith comes through
the divine power of the Word and is the gift of God’s grace. Through Christ we are justified, adopted as God’s sons
and daughters, and delivered from the lordship of sin. Through the Spirit we are born again and sanctified; the Spirit
renews our minds, writes God’s law of love in our hearts, and we are given the power to live a holy life. Abiding in
Him we become partakers of the divine nature and have the assurance of salvation now and in the judgment. (Gen.
3:15; Isa. 45:22; 53; Jer. 31:31-34; Ezek. 33:11; 36:25-27; Hab. 2:4; Mark 9:23, 24; John 3:3-8, 16; 16:8; Rom. 3:21-
26; 8:1-4, 14-17; 5:6-10; 10:17; 12:2; 2 Cor. 5:17-21; Gal. 1:4; 3:13, 14, 26; 4:4-7; Eph. 2:4-10; Col. 1:13, 14; Titus
3:3-7; Heb. 8:7-12; 1 Peter 1:23; 2:21, 22; 2 Peter 1:3, 4; Rev. 13:8.)

FUNDAMENTAL BELIEF #11: Growing in Christ

By His death on the cross Jesus triumphed over the forces of evil. He who subjugated the demonic spirits during His
earthly ministry has broken their power and made certain their ultimate doom. Jesus’ victory gives us victory over the
evil forces that still seek to control us, as we walk with Him in peace, joy, and assurance of His love. Now the Holy
Spirit dwells within us and empowers us. Continually committed to Jesus as our Saviour and Lord, we are set free
from the burden of our past deeds. No longer do we live in the darkness, fear of evil powers, ignorance, and
meaninglessness of our former way of life. In this new freedom in Jesus, we are called to grow into the likeness of His
character, communing with Him daily in prayer, feeding on His Word, meditating on it and on His providence, singing
His praises, gathering together for worship, and participating in the mission of the Church. We are also called to
follow Christ’s example by compassionately ministering to the physical, mental, social, emotional, and spiritual
needs of humanity. As we give ourselves in loving service to those around us and in witnessing to His salvation, His
constant presence with us through the Spirit transforms every moment and every task into a spiritual experience. (1
Chron. 29:11; Ps. 1:1, 2; 23:4; 77:11, 12; Matt. 20:25-28; 25:31-46; Luke 10:17-20; John 20:21; Rom. 8:38, 39; 2 Cor.
3:17, 18; Gal. 5:22-25; Eph. 5:19, 20; 6:12-18; Phil. 3:7-14; Col. 1:13, 14; 2:6, 14, 15; 1 Thess. 5:16-18, 23; Heb.
10:25; James 1:27; 2 Peter 2:9; 3:18; 1 John 4:4.)

Section III Spiritual Growth 37

FUNDAMENTAL BELIEF #12: Church
The church is the community of believers who confess Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. In continuity with the people
of God in Old Testament times, we are called out from the world; and we join together for worship, for fellowship, for
instruction in the Word, for the celebration of the Lord’s Supper, for service to humanity, and for the worldwide
proclamation of the gospel. The church derives its authority from Christ, who is the incarnate Word revealed in the
Scriptures. The church is God’s family; adopted by Him as children, its members live on the basis of the new covenant.
The church is the body of Christ, a community of faith of which Christ Himself is the Head. The church is the bride
for whom Christ died that He might sanctify and cleanse her. At His return in triumph, He will present her to Himself
a glorious church, the faithful of all the ages, the purchase of His blood, not having spot or wrinkle, but holy and
without blemish. (Gen. 12:1-3; Exod. 19:3-7; Matt. 16:13-20; 18:18; 28:19, 20; Acts 2:38-42; 7:38; 1 Cor. 1:2; Eph. 1:22,
23; 2:19-22; 3:8-11; 5:23-27; Col. 1:17, 18; 1 Peter 2:9.)

FUNDAMENTAL BELIEF #13: Remnant and Its Mission

The universal church is composed of all who truly believe in Christ, but in the last days, a time of widespread apostasy,
a remnant has been called out to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. This remnant announces the
arrival of the judgment hour, proclaims salvation through Christ, and heralds the approach of His second advent.
This proclamation is symbolized by the three angels of Revelation 14; it coincides with the work of judgment in heaven
and results in a work of repentance and reform on earth. Every believer is called to have a personal part in this
worldwide witness. (Dan. 7:9-14; Isa. 1:9; 11:11; Jer. 23:3; Mic. 2:12; 2 Cor. 5:10; 1 Peter 1:16-19; 4:17; 2 Peter 3:10-
14; Jude 3, 14; Rev. 12:17; 14:6-12; 18:1-4.)

38 Master Guide Portfolio

FUNDAMENTAL BELIEF #14: Unity in the Body of Christ
The church is one body with many members, called from every nation, kindred, tongue, and people. In Christ we are
a new creation; distinctions of race, culture, learning, and nationality, and differences between high and low, rich
and poor, male and female, must not be divisive among us. We are all equal in Christ, who by one Spirit has bonded
us into one fellowship with Him and with one another; we are to serve and be served without partiality or
reservation. Through the revelation of Jesus Christ in the Scriptures we share the same faith and hope, and reach
out in one witness to all. This unity has its source in the oneness of the triune God, who has adopted us as His
children. (Ps. 133:1; Matt. 28:19, 20; John 17:20-23; Acts 17:26, 27; Rom. 12:4, 5; 1 Cor. 12:12-14; 2 Cor. 5:16, 17;
Gal. 3:27-29; Eph. 2:13-16; 4:3-6, 11-16; Col. 3:10-15.)

FUNDAMENTAL BELIEF #15: Baptism

By baptism we confess our faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and testify of our death to sin and of our
purpose to walk in newness of life. Thus we acknowledge Christ as Lord and Saviour, become His people, and are
received as members by His church. Baptism is a symbol of our union with Christ, the forgiveness of our sins, and
our reception of the Holy Spirit. It is by immersion in water and is contingent on an affirmation of faith in Jesus and
evidence of repentance of sin. It follows instruction in the Holy Scriptures and acceptance of their teachings. (Matt.
28:19, 20; Acts 2:38; 16:30-33; 22:16; Rom. 6:1-6; Gal. 3:27; Col. 2:12, 13.)

Section III Spiritual Growth 39

FUNDAMENTAL BELIEF #16: Lord's Supper
The Lord’s Supper is a participation in the emblems of the body and blood of Jesus as an expression of faith in Him, our
Lord and Saviour. In this experience of communion Christ is present to meet and strengthen His people. As we
partake, we joyfully proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes again. Preparation for the Supper includes self-
examination, repentance, and confession. The Master ordained the service of foot-washing to signify renewed
cleansing, to express a willingness to serve one another in Christlike humility, and to unite our hearts in love. The
communion service is open to all believing Christians. (Matt. 26:17-30; John 6:48-63; 13:1- 17; 1 Cor. 10:16, 17; 11:23-
30; Rev. 3:20.)

FUNDAMENTAL BELIEF #17: Spiritual Gifts and Ministries

God bestows upon all members of His church in every age spiritual gifts that each member is to employ in loving
ministry for the common good of the church and of humanity. Given by the agency of the Holy Spirit, who apportions
to each member as He wills, the gifts provide all abilities and ministries needed by the church to fulfill its divinely
ordained functions. According to the Scriptures, these gifts include such ministries as faith, healing, prophecy,
proclamation, teaching, administration, reconciliation, compassion, and self- sacrificing service and charity for the
help and encouragement of people. Some members are called of God and endowed by the Spirit for functions
recognized by the church in pastoral, evangelistic, and teaching ministries particularly needed to equip the members
for service, to build up the church to spiritual maturity, and to foster unity of the faith and knowledge of God. When
members employ these spiritual gifts as faithful stewards of God’s varied grace, the church is protected from the
destructive influence of false doctrine, grows with a growth that is from God, and is built up in faith and love. (Acts
6:1-7; Rom. 12:4-8; 1 Cor. 12:7-11, 27, 28; Eph. 4:8, 11-16; 1 Tim. 3:1-13; 1 Peter 4:10, 11.)

40 Master Guide Portfolio

FUNDAMENTAL BELIEF #18: The Gift of Prophecy
The Scriptures testify that one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit is prophecy. This gift is an identifying mark of the remnant
church and we believe it was manifested in the ministry of Ellen G. White. Her writings speak with prophetic
authority and provide comfort, guidance, instruction, and correction to the church. They also make clear that the
Bible is the standard by which all teaching and experience must be tested. (Num. 12:6; 2 Chron. 20:20; Amos 3:7;
Joel 2:28, 29; Acts 2:14-21; 2 Tim. 3:16, 17; Heb. 1:1-3; Rev. 12:17; 19:10; 22:8, 9.)

FUNDAMENTAL BELIEF #19: Law of God

The great principles of God’s law are embodied in the Ten Commandments and exemplified in the life of Christ. They
express God’s love, will, and purposes concerning human conduct and relationships and are binding upon all
people in every age. These precepts are the basis of God’s covenant with His people and the standard in God’s
judgment. Through the agency of the Holy Spirit they point out sin and awaken a sense of need for a Saviour.
Salvation is all of grace and not of works, and its fruit is obedience to the Commandments. This obedience develops
Christian character and results in a sense of well-being. It is evidence of our love for the Lord and our concern for
our fellow human beings. The obedience of faith demonstrates the power of Christ to transform lives, and therefore
strengthens Christian witness. (Exod. 20:1-17; Deut. 28:1-14; Ps. 19:7- 14; 40:7, 8; Matt. 5:17-20; 22:36-40; John
14:15; 15:7-10; Rom. 8:3, 4; Eph. 2:8-10; Heb. 8:8-10; 1 John 2:3; 5:3; Rev. 12:17; 14:12.)

Section III Spiritual Growth 41

FUNDAMENTAL BELIEF #20: Sabbath
The gracious Creator, after the six days of Creation, rested on the seventh day and instituted the Sabbath for all people
as a memorial of Creation. The fourth commandment of God’s unchangeable law requires the observance of this
seventh-day Sabbath as the day of rest, worship, and ministry in harmony with the teaching and practice of Jesus, the
Lord of the Sabbath. The Sabbath is a day of delightful communion with God and one another. It is a symbol of our
redemption in Christ, a sign of our sanctification, a token of our allegiance, and a foretaste of our eternal future in
God’s kingdom. The Sabbath is God’s perpetual sign of His eternal covenant between Him and His people. Joyful
observance of this holy time from evening to evening, sunset to sunset, is a celebration of God’s creative and
redemptive acts. (Gen. 2:1-3; Exod. 20:8-11; 31:13-17; Lev. 23:32; Deut. 5:12-15; Isa. 56:5, 6; 58:13, 14; Ezek. 20:12,
20; Matt. 12:1-12; Mark 1:32; Luke 4:16; Heb. 4:1-11.)

FUNDAMENTAL BELIEF #21: Stewardship

We are God’s stewards, entrusted by Him with time and opportunities, abilities and possessions, and the
blessings of the earth and its resources. We are responsible to Him for their proper use. We acknowledge God’s
ownership by faithful service to Him and our fellow human beings, and by returning tithe and giving offerings
for the proclamation of His gospel and the support and growth of His church. Stewardship is a privilege given
to us by God for nurture in love and the victory over selfishness and covetousness. Stewards rejoice in the
blessings that come to others as a result of their faithfulness. (Gen. 1:26-28; 2:15; 1 Chron. 29:14; Haggai 1:3-
11; Mal. 3:8-12; Matt. 23:23; Rom. 15:26, 27; 1 Cor. 9:9-14; 2 Cor. 8:1-15; 9:7.)

42 Master Guide Portfolio

FUNDAMENTAL BELIEF #22: Christian Behavior
We are called to be a godly people who think, feel, and act in harmony with biblical principles in all aspects of personal
and social life. For the Spirit to recreate in us the character of our Lord we involve ourselves only in those things that
will produce Christlike purity, health, and joy in our lives. This means that our amusement and entertainment
should meet the highest standards of Christian taste and beauty. While recognizing cultural differences, our dress is
to be simple, modest, and neat, befitting those whose true beauty does not consist of outward adornment but in the
imperishable ornament of a gentle and quiet spirit. It also means that because our bodies are the temples of the Holy
Spirit, we are to care for them intelligently. Along with adequate exercise and rest, we are to adopt the most healthful
diet possible and abstain from the unclean foods identified in the Scriptures. Since alcoholic beverages, tobacco, and
the irresponsible use of drugs and narcotics are harmful to our bodies, we are to abstain from them as well. Instead,
we are to engage in whatever brings our thoughts and bodies into the discipline of Christ, who desires our
wholesomeness, joy, and goodness. (Gen. 7:2; Exod. 20:15; Lev. 11:1-47; Ps. 106:3; Rom. 12:1, 2; 1 Cor. 6:19, 20;
10:31; 2 Cor. 6:14-7:1; 10:5; Eph. 5:1-21; Phil. 2:4; 4:8; 1 Tim. 2:9, 10; Titus 2:11, 12; 1 Peter 3:1-4; 1 John 2:6; 3
John 2.)

FUNDAMENTAL BELIEF #23: Marriage and the Family

Marriage was divinely established in Eden and affirmed by Jesus to be a lifelong union between a man and a woman
in loving companionship. For the Christian a marriage commitment is to God as well as to the spouse, and should be
entered into only between a man and a woman who share a common faith. Mutual love, honor, respect, and
responsibility are the fabric of this relationship, which is to reflect the love, sanctity, closeness, and permanence of
the relationship between Christ and His church. Regarding divorce, Jesus taught that the person who divorces a
spouse, except for fornication, and marries another, commits adultery. Although some family relationships may fall
short of the ideal, a man and a woman who fully commit themselves to each other in Christ through marriage may
achieve loving unity through the guidance of the Spirit and the nurture of the church. God blesses the family and
intends that its members shall assist each other toward complete maturity. Increasing family closeness is one of the
earmarks of the final gospel message. Parents are to bring up their children to love and obey the Lord. By their
example and their words they are to teach them that Christ is a loving, tender, and caring guide who wants them
to become members of His body, the family of God which embraces both single and married persons. (Gen. 2:18-
25; Exod. 20:12; Deut. 6:5-9; Prov. 22:6; Mal. 4:5, 6; Matt. 5:31, 32; 19:3-9, 12; Mark 10:11, 12; John 2:1-11; 1 Cor.
7:7, 10, 11; 2 Cor. 6:14; Eph. 5:21-33; 6:1-4.)

Section III Spiritual Growth 43

FUNDAMENTAL BELIEF #24: Christ's Ministry in the Heavenly Sanctuary
There is a sanctuary in heaven, the true tabernacle that the Lord set up and not humans. In it Christ ministers on our
behalf, making available to believers the benefits of His atoning sacrifice offered once for all on the cross. At His
ascension, He was inaugurated as our great High Priest and, began His intercessory ministry, which was typified by
the work of the high priest in the holy place of the earthly sanctuary. In 1844, at the end of the prophetic period of
2300 days, He entered the second and last phase of His atoning ministry, which was typified by the work of the high
priest in the most holy place of the earthly sanctuary. It is a work of investigative judgment which is part of the ultimate
disposition of all sin, typified by the cleansing of the ancient Hebrew sanctuary on the Day of Atonement. In that typical
service the sanctuary was cleansed with the blood of animal sacrifices, but the heavenly things are purified with the
perfect sacrifice of the blood of Jesus. The investigative judgment reveals to heavenly intelligences who among the dead
are asleep in Christ and therefore, in Him, are deemed worthy to have part in the first resurrection. It also makes
manifest who among the living are abiding in Christ, keeping the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, and in
Him, therefore, are ready for translation into His everlasting kingdom. This judgment vindicates the justice of God in
saving those who believe in Jesus. It declares that those who have remained loyal to God shall receive the kingdom.
The completion of this ministry of Christ will mark the close of human probation before the Second Advent. (Lev. 16;
Num. 14:34; Ezek. 4:6; Dan. 7:9-27; 8:13, 14; 9:24-27; Heb. 1:3; 2:16, 17; 4:14-16; 8:1-5; 9:11-28; 10:19-22; Rev. 8:3-
5; 11:19; 14:6, 7; 20:12; 14:12; 22:11, 12.)

FUNDAMENTAL BELIEF #25: Second Coming of Christ

The second coming of Christ is the blessed hope of the church, the grand climax of the gospel. The Saviour’s coming
will be literal, personal, visible, and worldwide. When He returns, the righteous dead will be resurrected, and together
with the righteous living will be glorified and taken to heaven, but the unrighteous will die. The almost complete
fulfillment of most lines of prophecy, together with the present condition of the world, indicates that Christ’s coming
is near. The time of that event has not been revealed, and we are therefore exhorted to be ready at all times. (Matt. 24;
Mark 13; Luke 21; John 14:1-3; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Cor. 15:51-54; 1 Thess. 4:13-18; 5:1-6; 2 Thess. 1:7-10; 2:8; 2 Tim. 3:1-
5; Titus 2:13; Heb. 9:28; Rev. 1:7; 14:14-20; 19:11-21.)

44 Master Guide Portfolio

FUNDAMENTAL BELIEF #26: Death and Resurrection
The wages of sin is death. But God, who alone is immortal, will grant eternal life to His redeemed. Until that day death
is an unconscious state for all people. When Christ, who is our life, appears, the resurrected righteous and the living
righteous will be glorified and caught up to meet their Lord. The second resurrection, the resurrection of the
unrighteous, will take place a thousand years later. (Job 19:25-27; Ps. 146:3, 4; Eccl. 9:5, 6, 10; Dan. 12:2, 13; Isa.
25:8; John 5:28, 29; 11:11-14; Rom. 6:23; 6:16; 1 Cor. 15:51-54; Col. 3:4; 1 Thess. 4:13-17; 1 Tim. 6:15; Rev. 20:1-
10.)

FUNDAMENTAL BELIEF #27: Millennium and the End of Sin

The millennium is the thousand-year reign of Christ with His saints in heaven between the first and second
resurrections. During this time the wicked dead will be judged; the earth will be utterly desolate, without living human
inhabitants, but occupied by Satan and his angels. At its close, Christ with His saints and the Holy City will descend
from heaven to earth. The unrighteous dead will then be resurrected, and with Satan and his angels will surround the
city; but fire from God will consume them and cleanse the earth. The universe will thus be freed of sin and sinners
forever. (Rev. 20; 1 Cor. 6:2, 3; Jer. 4:23-26; Rev. 21:1-5; Mal. 4:1; Eze. 28:18, 19.)

FUNDAMENTAL BELIEF #28: New Earth

On the new earth, in which righteousness dwells, God will provide an eternal home for the redeemed and a perfect
environment for everlasting life, love, joy, and learning in His presence. For here God Himself will dwell with His
people, and suffering and death will have passed away. The great controversy will be ended, and sin will be no more.
All things, animate and inanimate, will declare that God is love; and He shall reign forever.
Amen. (Isa. 35; 65:17-25; Matt. 5:5; 2 Peter 3:13; Rev. 11:15; 21:1-7; 22:1-5.).

Section III Spiritual Growth 45

5. Choose one of the following:
SIGNATURE DATE
a. Teach a three-month Bible
class/baptismal study

b. Teach five of the following beliefs at a church-approved program:

i. Creation

ii. The Experience of Salvation

iii. Growing in Christ

iv. The Remnant and its Mission

v. Baptism

vi. Spiritual Gifts and Ministries

vii. The Sabbath

viii. Christ’s Ministry in the

Heavenly Sanctuary

ix. The Second Coming of Christ

x. Death and Resurrection

6. Choose one of the following and do two Share Section options (see page 1).:
a. Have or earn the
Sanctuary honor.
b. Attend a Conference approved
workshop about the Sanctuary.

7. Choose one of the following and do two Share Section options (see page 1).:
a. Have or earn the Adventist
Pioneer Heritage honor.

b. Watch the series Tell the World.

c. Watch the series Keepers of
the Flame.
d. Read or listen to a book on church
heritage approved by your
Conference.

e. Share Section Option

(see page 1).

46 Master Guide Portfolio

Reviewing Conference Master Guide Committee Use ONLY
I have reviewed Section III of the candidate’s Portfolio and have found that he/she has completed the
requirements for this certification.

Reviewer's Completion Date:

Reviewer's Name:

Reviewer's Contact Phone Number:

Reviewer's Email:

REVIEWING INSTRUCTIONS:
In the event the candidate has not met all the requirements as outlined for Section III the Conference Master
Guide Committee designee should return the Portfolio to the participant along with a written explanation
outlining what additional work and/or documentation must be provided or completed in order to fulfill the
requirements for this section.

REVIEWING MASTER GUIDE DISCLAIMER:

Completion of this training curriculum does not guarantee the bearers overall qualifications to lead, nor does it
give a guarantee of ability, aptitude or placement. It simply marks a completion of a training curriculum.
Comments:

Signed: Date:

Section III Spiritual Growth 47

NOTES

48 Master Guide Portfolio

 SECTION IV
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT (FAVOR WITH MAN)

SIGNATURE DATE

1. Have or earn the Personal

Evangelism honor.
2. Have or earn three of the following honors:
a. Cultural Diversity Appreciation

b. Peacemaker

c. Social Media
d. One Outreach honor not
previously earned
e. One Household Arts honor
not previously earned
f. Participate in organizing three
social/fellowship events with
your local church.
i. Event 1
ii. Event 2
iii. Event 3

3. Choose one of the following and

when possible, involve your club
or youth group:
a. Meet with your local church ACS/ADRA Coordinator, local government agency, non-profit or
other organization and participate in a community service project.
b. Work in an outreach initiative with your local ACS/ADRA coordinator for a minimum of three
months.
c. Complete the Disaster Response Training through Adventist Learning Community or any other
disaster training provided through ACS/ADRA and/or your local government.

Section IV Community Development 49

Reviewing Conference Master Guide Committee Use ONLY
I have reviewed Section IV of the candidate’s Portfolio and have found that he/she has completed the
requirements for this certification.

Reviewer's Completion Date:

Reviewer's Name:

Reviewer's Contact Phone Number:

Reviewer's Email:

REVIEWING INSTRUCTIONS:
In the event the candidate has not met all the requirements as outlined for Section IV the Conference Master
Guide Committee designee should return the Portfolio to the participant along with a written explanation
outlining what additional work and/or documentation must be provided or completed in order to fulfill the
requirements for this section.

REVIEWING MASTER GUIDE DISCLAIMER:

Completion of this training curriculum does not guarantee the bearers overall qualifications to lead, nor does it
give a guarantee of ability, aptitude or placement. It simply marks a completion of a training curriculum.
Comments:

Signed: Date:

50 Master Guide Portfolio

 SECTION V
DOCUMENTATION

Documentation and Investiture Requirements

1. The Master Guide curriculum must be completed on a minimum of one year and a maximum of
three years.
Candidates that require accommodations because they have a documented Individual Educational plan (IEP) or
a 504 Plan can have an additional year to complete their requirements but it should not exceed four years.

Master Guide Start Date:

Master Guide Completion Date:

Master Guide Candidate’s Signature:

Master Guide Mentor’s Signature:

If there are reasons why Master Guide requirements completion has taken longer than 3 years, please list them
below.

2. Candidates must document all work in a portfolio.

Portfolio Submission Date:
Portfolio Review Completion Date:

Reviewer's Signature: and Role:

Reviewer's Signature: and Role:

Reviewer's Signature: and Role:

Reviewer's Signature: and Role:

Section V Documentation 51
3. Curriculum completion is under the supervision of the Conference Youth, Pathfinder or Adventurer
Director or their designated Master Guide representative.

I attest that I have reviewed the portfolio of

the Master Guide candidate , and I find

that they have satisfactorily completed the requirements set forth by the North American Division. It is
my great privilege to declare them ready for investiture as a Master Guide and to welcome them into club
ministry leadership in the ___________________________ Conference.

Conference Director’s or
Designated Representative Signature:

Date of Review:

Final Investiture Check Off List

• Have a written recommendation from your local The Master Guide program must be
pastor, head elder or church clerk, stating that you completed in a minimum of one year and a
maximum of three years. Any requirements
are a baptized member in regular standing.
fulfilled outside of the three-year limit
• Complete all requirements of the Master Guide must be repeated. This time limit does not
apply to honors previously earned or to
curriculum and pass a Portfolio review (see Manu-
candidates who require specific physical or
al) conducted by your Conference.
medical accommodation.
• Have a current Child Protection Course and back-
ground check, be approved by your Conference.

52 Master Guide Portfolio

 GLOSSARY

1. Conference: Refers to the Conference Youth Director or their designated

2. Mentor: Any Master Guide or leader authorized by your Conference to guide you through the completion
of Master Guide requirements. This mentor should be accessible for assistance and questions.

3. Portfolio: Collection of physical or digital evidence showing the completion of all requirements,
documented in the order of the card.

4. Workshop: Meeting to receive training and discuss a particular topic; should be 75-90 minutes in length.
Instructors must be Conference approved.
5. Master Guide Curriculum Manual: Provides resources for
candidates, mentors, and workshop instructors, and should be And Jesus grew in wisdom and
consulted for more information. stature, and in favor with God
and man.” Luke 2:52, NIV
6. Physical/Medical Accommodation: A mentor may adjust
requirements with the approval of the Conference.
7. Academic Equivalency: Official academic classes may fulfill some requirements of this curriculum under
the following conditions:
a. The academic class covers all parts of the one requirement being fulfilled within the Master
Guide curriculum
b. The candidate completes the class with a composite grade of 70% or higher, or the grade ap-
proved by your Conference
c. A copy of the syllabus and academic transcript is included in the Portfolio
d. Approval is determined by the mentor under guidelines of the Conference
8. Master Guide Uniform: Invested Master Guides may wear the Master Guide Scarf (with or without level
strips), Master Guide slide, Master Guide pin, Master Guide name strip and either the Master Guide Star
with Pathfinder chevrons (if all levels have been completed), Master Guide star with Adventurer chevrons
(if completing the Adventurer Club requirements) or the single Master Guide star (if not completing the
Pathfinder levels or completing the Youth requirements). Lastly, follow conference guidelines.

9. Investiture Achievement and/or Adventurer levels: Completion is not required as a prerequisite to start
this curriculum, nor is it required at the time of the Master Guide Investiture.
10. Investiture is under the Direction of the Conference: The Conference establishes protocol for the
completion of Master Guide. There are variations in protocol. The candidate’s mentor helps ensure the
specific protocol of a conference is properly completed. The Conference reserves the right to withhold
recognition of a Master Guide if they work independently of their Conference.

Glossary 53
54 Master Guide Portfolio
 APPENDIX

Adventist Screening Verification

Adventist Screening Verification is a system utilized to ensure that children in the church are safe. All adults 18
years of age or older who serve within our church or organization must complete a child protection course, a
criminal background check every three years.

Why a background check?

“Church should be a safe place to bring our children. Everyone involved in work with children who are minors must
meet all Church and legal standards and requirements” (Church Manual, Edition 18, pp. 168-169).

It is expected that all Master Guide candidates over 18 years of age, complete the Child Protection Course
and designated background check as established by their conference. It is also recommended that all minors
between the ages of 16-17 complete the child protection course, and eventually the background check prior to
investiture.

Visit [Link]/ASV for more information and to complete the screening.

Appendix 55
 CHILD PROTECTION PLAN RESOURCES
Seventh-day Adventist Church in North America

NAD - YOUTH/CHILDREN’S MINISTRY VOLUNTEER CODE OF CONDUCT

Acknowledgment
Because I want the best possible environment for our children and youth to grow up in, it is important that those working
with children have guidelines for conduct in order to protect both themselves and those under their care. As a ministry
volunteer, I want parents and others to feel comfortable and confident with me.

My Commitment to Volunteer Ministry

As a Youth/Children’s Ministry Volunteer, I will:

1. Provide appropriate adult supervision at all times for the children for whom I am responsible.

2. Have at least one other adult, eighteen (18) years of age or older, to help with the supervision of children. If I find
myself in a situation where I am the only adult present, under no circumstances will I allow myself to be alone with
one child (the “two-person rule”). This protects the child as well as protecting the adult from possible allegations.

3. Ask a child’s permission before physically touching him/her anywhere, even when responding to an injury or
problem. This is especially true for any areas that would normally be covered by a T-shirt and/or shorts. If an injury
is within this area, make sure another adult works with you as care is provided.

4. Refrain from physical and verbal attacks and corporal punishment which are inappropriate behaviors and should
never be used as discipline. “Time outs” or “sit-in-that-chair” may be helpful discipline methods to use with children.

5. Affirm children with appropriate touching by keeping hugs brief and “shoulder-to-shoulder” or “side-to- side.” I will
keep hands at (not below) the shoulder level. For small children who like to sit on laps, I will encourage them to sit
next to me.

6. Provide extra care when taking small children to the restroom. I will take another adult along, or leave the door
open.

7. Be aware of conducting activities in rooms that do not have an interior viewing area, or I will leave the door open
during the activity to allow easy observation by others.

8. Cooperate with the volunteer screening process and complete the Volunteer Ministry Information form, as required
by the church.

9. Be aware of the signs and symptoms of child abuse and aware of the legal requirements for reporting suspected
cases of abuse. In addition to any legally required reporting, I agree that if I become aware of any behavior by

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© Adventist Risk Management, Inc

56 Master Guide Portfolio

 another individual which seems abusive or inappropriate towards children I am supervising, I will report that
behavior to the church pastor, elder, or directly to the Conference Treasurer’s or Risk Management Director.

10. Cooperate with church leadership in conducting children and youth ministries by being a volunteer who is loving,
kind, firm, and always a thoroughly professional person. Working with children and youth is not only a privilege; it is
also a serious responsibility that must be approached with utmost care.

11. Participate in orientation and training programs conducted by the church.

12. Uphold the standards of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

* In the event I find it impossible to comply with the above, I will comply as closely as possible with the Code of Conduct and
act in good faith for the welfare of the people involved.

Thank You for your service as a Youth/Children’s Ministry Volunteer

Please retain a copy of this document and keep it for reference.

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© Adventist Risk Management, Inc

Appendix 57
“THE PROPHET SAMUEL CREATED THE SCHOOL OF THE PROPHETS,
GATHERING YOUNG PEOPLE FROM ISRAEL, TRAINING THEM IN
A SMALL COMMUNITY OF FAITH, TRUST, AND FELLOWSHIP, THEN
SENDING THEM TO ACCOMPLISH THEIR MISSION.”
(1 Samuel 19:20; EDUCATION by Ellen G. White, pp. 45–51)

The Master Guide Club focuses on leadership development, discipleship, outreach, and evangelism.
Members of the club will:
• Emphasize spiritual and personal growth for a more intimate relationship with Christ.

• Provide Master Guide Leadership Training based on the North American Division’s Master
Guide Curriculum.

• Assist with Adventure and Pathfinder Club Ministries, Youth Ministries, and church ministries in
their leadership, discipleship, and outreach endeavors.

• Involve Master Guide Club members in the church community through social activities that
foster Christian friendship and mutual support.

• Teach and promote an integral healthy lifestyle.

Participate in local Conference, Union, and North American Division-sponsored events.

This manual outlines the philosophy, structure, and steps in organizing a Master Guide Club. Included
are sample programs, budget details, job descriptions, and much more.

For more information visit [Link]/MasterGuides