8. What is the purpose, role, and function of Ellen White in the Seventh-day Adventist church?

Whether addressing members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church or the public at large, White’s overriding concern was the salvation of men and women, boys and girls. She sought continually to bring people into a closer relationship with Jesus and to help them understand the enormity of God’s love for the sinner. Not only did she write and preach that the gospel brings spiritual, social, and physical restoration, she also demonstrated those principles through acts of sacrificial service to others throughout her lifetime. JTL21 9.1

Recognizing the authority vested in her ministry as a non-canonical prophet, she gave counsel, rebuke, and encouragement to both leaders and laity. Her guidance was based on the insights God gave her to help prepare others for Jesus’ return. Her counsel prevented the church from falling into fanaticism and serious theological errors, as well as focusing the denomination on the beautiful biblical truth of righteousness by faith in Christ. JTL21 9.2

Since the very first publication, A Word to the “Little Flock” in 1847 by those who would later become Seventh-day Adventists believers have affirmed their faith in spiritual gifts, and especially the gift of prophecy as manifested in the writings of Ellen G. White. JTL21 9.3