Secretariat is one of three administrative units of the General Conference, the other two being Presidential and Treasury. The work of Secretariat revolves around three broad areas of responsibility:
- Provides support, promotion, and strategic input for the mission program of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, including selection and appointment of international service employees and volunteer personnel for all calls between divisions.
- Writes and preserves agendas and minutes of major General Conference administrative committees. Associated with this responsibility is coordinating the development and review of General Conference Working Policy as well as those of the Seventh-day Adventist Church Manual.
- Serves as the administrative liaison office for the General Conference to all world divisions.