History of Islam

According to Islamic tradition, Muhammad — an Arabic pagan trader from Mecca born 570 A.D. and died 632 A.D. —  began receiving visions from God through the angel Gabriel around 610.

Gabriel told Muhammad to recite the messages given to him because Muhammad could not read or write. The first people to believe that Muhammad was a prophet were his first wife, Khadija, and Abu Bakr, a close associate. Muhammad continued to gain followers in Mecca, many of whom followed him in 622 to Medina.

By 629, Muhammad gained control of his birthplace, Mecca, through armed conflict and political maneuver. Muhammad died soon after in 632 which precipitated a crisis of succession. Abu Bakr became the first caliph — meaning successor — of Muhammad as the chief Muslim civil and religious ruler.

Islam spread throughout the Middle East by conversion and largely by military power. By 750, Islam had spread to present-day Spain and northwest Africa along the Mediterranean basin into Egypt, Syria, Persia and Afghanistan. By 1250, Islam had spread to large parts of Africa, India and into Greece, the Balkans and significant parts of today’s Russia.

This, of course, put Islam into direct confrontation with the Eastern Christian Roman Empire with its capital in Constantinople. The Ottoman Turks rose as a conquering power in the 1300s. They overran the Balkans and Greece and captured Constantinople in 1453.

In the west, the Spanish monarchy slowly expelled the Muslims from 1492 to 1610. During the Ottoman conquests, its head of state held the title of caliph until the title was abolished by Ataturk in 1924. Isis was a modern-day attempt to re-establish an Islamic caliphate. 

Quran, Koran or Qur'an 

Quran, Koran or Qur’an are all variant English spellings for the same Muslim holy book. Traditionally, it is believed that the revelations given to Muhammad were written down by his followers beginning in the year after his death. 

The Quran is divided into 114 chapters, called surahs, with each surah comprised of numbered verses. Muslims believe the Quran is the literal word of God, dictated by God, given in Arabic — the language of heaven — and therefore translations can never be adequate. 

Some scholars dispute that the surahs were collected shortly after Muhammad’s death. Some scholars even dispute the existence of Muhammad as a historic figure. See the work of Jay Smith, Christian apologist, available on YouTube and in his course books called Radical Evangelism to Muslims if you would like to learn more.

Arabic is the only language in which Muslims are allowed to recite the Quran in their mosques, even though many followers of Islam are not Arabic speakers. There are, however, translations of the Quran into other languages. In fact, one can even get a free English Quran at this website.

In addition to the Quran, there are the hadiths — writings about the life of Muhammad that Muslims believe are authoritative. Some of the hadith are considered reliable and some less so, but all of them describe Muhammad as the model man, even though he did some pretty outlandish things according to understanding.

For example, according to the hadith Sahih Bukhari 5:58:236, Muhammad married Abu Bakr’s daughter, Aisha, when she was 6 or 7 and consummated the marriage when she was 9 years old. Muhammad was also given divine permission to marry his adopted son’s wife (Surah 33:36–38). Though Muslim men may only have four wives (Surah 4:3), Muhammad was given divine permission to have more than four (Surah 33:50).

Muhammad is revered as a prophet and believed by his followers to be the final prophet given to the world whose revelations supersede the revelations in the Old and New Testaments. Muslims believe the Old and New Testaments are authoritative but were corrupted.

For those challenged by a Muslim regarding the reliability of scripture, the study of how the Jewish Masoretic text compares to the second-century Dead Sea Scrolls is a fruitful study as well as the works of Dan Wallace, Dallas School of Theology textural critic. 

Western readers will most likely find the Quran a strange amalgam of sometimes rather disjointed and sometimes absurd sayings such as God causing those who broke the Sabbath to become apes as referenced in Surah 2:65; 4:47; 5:60; 7:163–166.

In addition to some far-fetched sayings, there are many surahs from borrowed sources that show up in the Quran — some of them very absurd sounding, such as the story of Jesus speaking from the cradle and then later molding a bird out of clay and bringing it to life. This story can be found in apocryphal Christian writing: The First Gospel of the Infancy of Jesus Christ (fifth century A.D.) and the Infancy Gospel of Thomas (second century A.D.). 

Sunni, Shia, Sufi or Ahmadi

During the life of Muhammad, great strides were made in taking over territory by conversion or more likely by conquest. After Muhammad’s death, there was a crisis of succession. Sunni Muslims, the present-day majority, believe that legitimate succession should be by Muslim choice, while Shia Muslims believe that rightful succession belongs to the line of Mohammed.

Two large sects you may encounter are the Sufi and Ahmadi. Sufis try to reach oneness with God through physically active meditation such as swirling and repetition.

Ahmadi Muslims believe their founder, Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, was a prophet, thus a direct contradiction of one of the major tenets of Islam that Muhammad is the final prophet. Ahmadis are also proponents of the peaceful spreading of Islam and are often persecuted in the Islamic world.  

Jesus, Abraham and Ishmael

There is significant overlap between Muslim and Christian beliefs but some distinct differences. Muslims accept Jesus — Isa in Arabic — as a venerated prophet. They believe in His virgin birth, performance of miracles, that He was brought to Heaven and that He will return to the earth before Judgment Day. However, Muslims do not believe Jesus actually died on the cross and do not accept Jesus as God.          

Muslims accept Abraham as a prophet and a progenitor of the Arabs. Muslims agree that Abraham and Sarah were husband and wife. They also acknowledge that Ishmael was the son of Abraham through Hagar, Sarah’s Egyptian handmaid but believe that Abraham was directed by God to sacrifice Ishmael, not Isaac.

Muslims agree that Hagar and Ishmael were sent away. A distinctive Muslim belief is that, after Hagar and Ishmael arrived in Mecca, at some point Abraham and Ishmael rebuilt the Kaaba — Islam’s holy place in Mecca — together. Muslims believe the Kaaba is the house of God, and they direct their prayers to the Kaaba five times a day. 

Pillars of Islamic Belief

Islam means submission. A Muslim is one who submits his will to God. There are 5 pillars of Islam:

1. Reciting the Shahadah with conviction. “I bear witness that there is no god, but Allah and I bear witness that Muhammad is the messenger of God.” Reciting the Shahadah makes one a Muslim.
2. Salat or prayer. Five times a day, a devout Muslim prays toward Mecca. The prayers begin with the Exordium in the first Sura of the Quran: "Praise be to God, Lord of the Creation, the Compassionate, the Merciful, King of the Last Judgment! You alone we worship, and to You alone we pray for help. Guide us to the straight path, the path of those whom You have favored, not of those who have incurred Your wrath, nor of those who have gone astray.”  Unfortunately to many Muslims, Jews have incurred the wrath of God and Christians have gone astray. They are reminded of this wrath of God against Jews five times a day. A quick search of the internet will convince readers that many Muslims believe Jews have incurred the wrath of God and that Christians have gone astray. 
3. Alms. A prescribed portion of income is donated to needy community members or designated for worthy projects such as hospitals, schools and mosques.
4. Fasting. Fasting is obligatory for all healthy adults during the daylight hours during the month of Ramadan. After sundown, food is allowed. 
5. Pilgrimage known as the hajj. Every healthy Muslim who can afford the trip must make at least one visit to Mecca lasting five days. Most walk around the Kaaba seven times and participate in other traditions while in Mecca.

Theology of Islam

Islam does not have a central religious authority such as the pope for the Catholic Church. Teaching power is centered in the local mosque, and an imam is generally the person in the local leadership position. Islam theology looks to the Quran and the hadiths for its teachings.

In the Quran, God is described as an all-knowing, all-powerful, creator of all. However, God seems to delight in war and fighting. Sura 2:216 for example says, “Fighting is obligatory for you, much as you dislike it. But you may hate a thing although it is good for you, and love a thing although it is bad for you. God knows, but you know not.”

While an understanding of the Great Controversy between God and Satan is central to Seventh-day Adventist theology, the Quran has a widely different explanation of the subject.

Surah 15:23-41: “We created man from dry clay, from black moulded loam, and before him Satan from smokeless fire. Your Lord said to the angels: ‘I am creating man from dry clay, from black moulded loam. When I have fashioned him and breathed of My spirit into him, kneel down and prostrate yourself before him.’ 

The angels, one and all, prostrated themselves, except Satan. He refused to prostrate himself with the others.

‘Satan,’ said God, ‘why do you not prostrate yourself?

He replied: ‘I will not bow to a mortal whom You created of dry clay, of black moulded loam.’

‘Begone,’ said God, ‘you are accursed. My curse shall be on you till Judgment day.’

‘Lord,’ said Satan, ‘since You have thus seduced me, I will tempt mankind on earth: I will seduce them all, except those of them who are your faithful servants.’"

Other profoundly different practices are that Muslims gather at their mosque on Friday afternoon for prayers but do not appear to have a 24-hour day of weekly rest (Sura 62:9).

All quotes from the Quran are from the translation by N.J. Dawood and published by Penguin Books in 1995.

Traditions You Should Know About 

Islam stretches from its birthplace in present-day Saudi Arabia through Africa, to India, Pakistan, the Far East, Indonesia and the Philippines to name just a few countries.

Islam does not generally treat women as equal partners although considering its vast geographic and cultural spread, there are differences among the various groups. Horror stories about women being murdered by family members to maintain the honor of the family abound. Marriages are generally arranged, sometimes without female consent.

Domestic violence is condoned by the Quran as seen in Sura 4:34-35: “Men have authority over women because God has made the one superior to the other, and because they spend their wealth to maintain them. Good women are obedient. They guard their unseen parts because God has guarded them. As for those from whom you fear disobedience, admonish them and send them to beds apart and beat them. Then if they obey you, take no further action against them. Surely God is high, supreme.”

One of the most horrific treatment of women deals with female genital mutilation, a practice found in some communities in India, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Maldives, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Yemen, Iraq, Iran, Jordan, Somalia, Sudan and Egypt. Though outlawed in some countries, female genital mutilation is still practiced. See hrw.org and fgmcri.org for full information on female genital mutilation.  

Reaching Out

Perhaps because they believe they have God’s final word on religion and perhaps because they have never been challenged, devout Muslims are generally open to talking about their faith. This is certainly one of the best avenues to religious discourse. The primary thing is not to be reticent in presenting the gospel to a Muslim.

On a very practical level, newly immigrated Muslims in the U.S. may need physical help and honest advice about how to navigate this new culture. Some may need help learning English via ESL classes, some children may need tutoring and some may need help accessing the legal system to escape an abusive relationship.

A dear faithful Christian man once gave me some sterling advice: If your friend lives in a dilapidated house, there is no need to point it out; start building a beautiful house next to her dilapidated one and soon your friend will leave the dilapidated house and move into your beautiful house.

(However, should it be absolutely necessary to point out the cracks in her house there is abundant help available — See advice below for “How to be respectful to a Muslim.”) 

Ayaan Hirsi Ali, born into a Muslim family in Somali Muslim and subjected to female genital mutilation at a young age, fled to Holland in 1992 to avoid an arranged marriage.

In Holland, the 23-year-old Ali had a new world opened up to her, a world where women were of equal value to men and women could have the advantage of an education.

Though at one time a member of the Muslim Brotherhood, Ali disavowed Islam and embraced atheism. In 2004, to represent the experience of Muslim women, Ali wrote the script for a short movie directed by Theo Van Gogh called Submission.

Angered by the film, Mohamed Bouyeri, a Dutch-Moroccan, murdered Van Gogh. One can see why Ali turned from Islam to atheism. However, in a recent interview on Unherd, Ali explained she now identified as a Christian.

Amid a personal crisis, she saw a number of therapists but with no final resolution to her crisis. A new therapist challenged Ali to consider whether she was having a spiritual crisis and whether she would be willing to explore her issue spiritually. Ali agreed. Knowing that Ali had a terrible view of God, the therapist asked her to describe what God would be like if she, Ali, were to design God’s character in the way that she would like Him to be. Ali went through the exercise and then realized that she had described Jesus. Watch as Ayaan Hirsi Ali explains during an interview how she accepted Christianity.

Many Muslims have a picture of God that is extremely unlike the God that we know and love. Let’s challenge ourselves to respectfully convey a picture of our loving God to the people around us — including our Muslim neighbors.

How to Be Respectful to a Muslim

Islam is a way of life that is very rule-oriented. If we are to reach Muslims, we don’t want to break any of the rules that are so dear to their culture.

NEVER

• NEVER shake hands with your left hand.
• NEVER sit with crossed legs while talking to a Muslim.
• NEVER inscribe a name that should be respected or reverenced on the floor where it can be stepped on. (Some churches used floor mats with the church name inscribed on them.)
• NEVER use Muhammad’s name without using “prophet” in front of it. Using “your” prophet would probably be non-offensive to either a Christian or Muslim.
• NEVER put the Quran or the Bible on the floor or under other books.
• NEVER allow your Muslim visitors to stand at your door without being immediately welcomed into the home.

ALWAYS

• ALWAYS greet a Muslim friend with these words: As-salamu alaykum (the peace be upon you).
• ALWAYS use a respectful title when speaking with an elderly person.
• ALWAYS take off your shoes when visiting a mosque.
• ALWAYS attempt to invite a Muslim person to your home in order to show friendship.
• ALWAYS smile and welcome your Muslim visitors when they come to visit you — make them feel especially welcome.
• ALWAYS offer your Muslim guests something to drink as soon as they arrive.
• ALWAYS introduce yourself as a part of the People of the Book, a non-drinker, non-smoker, non-eater of unclean meat.

Continued Learning

Learning About Muslims:

• Global Center for Adventist-Muslim Relations
• Crescent Project — founded by Fouad Masri, Lebanese-born pastor, to help Christians understand Islam
• Al Fadi’s Story — the story of Al Fadi, Saudi Arabian, becoming a Christian
• Nabell Qureshi Apologetics — Nabeel Qureshi converted to Christianity from Islam and speaks on the crucifixion.
• Apologetics 315 — David Wood, friend of Nabeel Qureshi ,takes a different, sometimes abrasive approach to evangelizing Muslims. He believes Muslims respond better when they know you are wholeheartedly serious. It seemed to work with Nabeel.

Outreach to Muslims:

• Jesus Film Project — Many former Muslims attribute their conversion to watching the Jesus movie in their own language — 2095 languages are listed.
• Refugee Assimilation Project — Paradise Valley Adventist Church has ESL programs, community gardens and a thrift store in San Diego, California.
• World Bibles — Help your new friend find a Bible in his or her own language.

Arabic Resources Online:

• Adventist World Radio in Arabic
• Loma Linda broadcasting in Arabic 
• Hope Channel MENA — programming in harmony with Adventist teachings
• Amazing Facts Storacles
• Bible Universe / Amazing Facts Study Tools
• Adult Sabbath School Study Guides in Arabic
• Sharing Literature — Steps to Christ, Desire of Ages and other titles available in Arabic
• Appealing to Muslims — Website designed by Rudy Harnisch, Adventist, to appeal to Muslims through validation of practices and Islamic understandings that are in alignment with Christianity.

Islam and Prophecy:

• Daniel 11 Seminar — Dan. 11 yearly seminars held in Berrien Springs, Michigan
• Islam and Christianity Seminar — Tim Roosenberg, Adventist evangelist, has a series of videos on Dan. 11 explaining his understanding of the role of Islam in prophecy. 

Anilce Castillo Osejo

Bioengineering graduate, 2023

Improving women’s health is a life goal for Anilce Castillo Osejo, WWU 2023 bioengineering graduate currently in her first year of medical school at Loma Linda University School of Medicine. “Women are a major part of our population, and their health is continually underfunded,” said Castillo Osejo. 

While Castillo Osejo is very passionate about women’s healthcare and reproductive health, determining a focus for her capstone research project at WWU was challenging. After many discussions with Janice McKenzie, WWU bioengineering professor, Castillo Osejo recognized a gap in the field of female tissue engineering she felt she could explore. She is grateful the Edward F. Cross School of Engineering was able to fund her project and allow her to contribute to a cause she feels so strongly about. 

Castillo Osejo dove into the current literature about tissue engineering and its use in women’s healthcare. She was fascinated to find an idea presented about how tissue engineering could be used to support ovarian tissue and potentially restore fertility. One application for the technique would be to replace damaged ovarian tissue in women who have undergone cancer treatment. 

Completing her project gave Castillo Osejo a renewed respect for researchers and an appreciation for building good connections in the scientific community. With the help of a few classmates and professors, she believes the project taught her many skills she wouldn’t have been able to gain otherwise. “I had a wonderful experience during my project and was also able to build a great connection with McKenzie,” said Castillo Osejo. 

Using her talents to aid others was a theme that stretched beyond Castillo Osejo’s research work. During her time as a WWU student, she worked as a project specialist for the Center for Humanitarian Engagement, leading a program focused on practicing kindness and community-building. She also served as co-leader of Hispanic Ministries, a campus ministry with the goal of creating a welcoming worship space for Hispanic and non-Hispanic students. An outspoken advocate for diversity and inclusion, Castillo worked directly with the Office of Diversity and Inclusion at WWU as a champion for various initiatives. 

While Castillo Osejo’s academic and research work taught her invaluable skills for her future, it's perhaps her clear commitment to Jesus and helping others that best equip her for an impactful career in medicine.

Isaac Peterson

Senior theology major

Isaac Peterson, WWU senior, didn’t follow a straightforward path to WWU, working a variety of jobs in several states. Being trained as an EMT with intentions to join the military, he decided to study theology to find a practical way to share the gospel. “I wanted a further understanding of biblical knowledge to implement it well in the service of my community,” he explained. 

As a theology student, thanks in part to generous support from NPUC's NextGen scholarship, Peterson is jumping into that call to serve his community. Last year, he participated in the WWU Pastoral Mentorship Program, a graduation requirement for theology majors that matches students with seasoned pastoral staff and immerses them in ministry experiences.

Peterson was assigned to Eastgate Adventist Church. The internship requires a commitment of at least eight hours a week, but he quickly found a love for the work and would often spend significantly more time at the church. The most impactful hours were the weekly meetings with his mentor, Eric Saylar, Eastgate Church pastor, who provided immediate feedback on Peterson’s own experiences in ministry. 

Much of his work with the multigenerational church was new to Peterson. Before the internship, his ministry expertise was limited to working with youth. So, while the internship did initially challenge him, Peterson appreciated the opportunity to expand his ability to minister to all age groups.

“Listening to the wisdom and insight of the older members has given me a whole new perspective,” he said. “The connections I was able to make during my time were the greatest things to come out of the experience.”

Recently, Peterson interviewed with Upper Columbia Conference and has been offered a full-time pastor position at Eastgate Church. He said being a student pastor, seeing the many components of pastoral ministry and having that hour every week with an experienced mentor like Saylar solidified his decision to work in pastoral ministry. “Soon, without the restriction of school and homework, I am looking forward to seeing what I will be able to accomplish," said Peterson.

Nicole Price

Sophomore nursing major

The medical field holds a special place in the heart of Nicole Price, WWU sophomore. “I always knew I wanted to go into the field early on, and being a nurse seemed like a better option than becoming a doctor,” she explained. With a mother who is a nurse practitioner and a father and brother who are both firefighters, Price’s curative calling stemmed from watching her family make a palpable difference in people’s well-being.

Nursing is a unique opportunity to care for those who are vulnerable, but the learning process can be challenging. WWU’s School of Nursing is transitioning to competency-based programs and continues to focus on hands-on learning opportunities. 

Price noted, “The new sim labs from grants are set up like real hospital rooms with mannequins that talk to you.” In these labs, students spend around four hours a week learning skills, which are followed up on the next week. Additionally, students complete around 20 independent practice hours outside of lab hours. This repeated practice has helped Price retain the skills she learns more so than learning about them in a classroom setting, especially when “the instructor explains the reasoning besides just showing them.”

Because of this comprehensive program, Price feels confident in dealing with real-life medical situations. She said, “When I am able to physically practice and then have my procedures checked off by an instructor, I know that I did it correctly … I can safely say that I am more prepared for real life when I am able to perform hands-on practice under the supervision of our instructors.” 

Her confidence extends to her ability to connect with her patients. She said, “[I have learned to] understand other cultures and how to interact with people with fewer privileges than we have, and how important it is to reach out to other people as teachers and educators.” 

While Price will get the opportunity to try different disciplines of nursing during her rotations in her junior and senior years, pediatric oncology is one of the specialties she would like to explore. However, it is evident that no matter what discipline she pursues, her experiences at WWU have provided her with the tools needed to help heal her community.

Garret Thorn

Senior business major

Garret Thorn, WWU senior, affirms that combining an internship with a liberal arts education is extremely valuable. “You get to see the tangible results of the skills you learned in the classroom come to life and apply to real-world situations,” he explained.

This past summer, the business administration student applied his skills to team projects through an internship with Whitman Group, a small asset management firm focused primarily on real estate. Thorn’s work there allowed him to do what fills his cup most — take initiative to support others.

​Thorn’s internship, under the chief operating officer of AXCS Investments LLC, included extensive use of Power BI, a business analytics software. Mastering the logistics of Power BI offered him a chance to put his skills to work in a new, meaningful way and to contribute to larger ventures. Using Power BI, Thorn was able to pull large amounts of data from different sources and format it coherently. 

Navigating Power BI wasn’t always smooth sailing. “My internship taught me how to adapt and persevere,” Thorn said. “I learned to not become discouraged when problems come up, but to put in the work to find solutions.” Thorn developed a strong tenacity that helped him excel in solving problems as they arose. This perseverance will serve him well as he adapts to future changes in business technology.

​Thorn’s desire to be a dependable contributor, no matter the challenges, began in part during his military service. Merging his passion for problem-solving with his commitment to serving his country, Thorn is passionate about cybersecurity and hopes to enter the field of defense contracting. He believes his internship laid the technology groundwork he needs to pursue his goals in cybersecurity, where he hopes to protect organizations from attacks on privacy and security. 

​Thorn’s advice for students pursuing an internship is to choose a position that truly interests them rather than just the first option to come along. An internship can be so much more than checking off a box. “You are definitely there to learn, but really push to make yourself an asset,” said Thorn. “Challenge yourself to contribute as much as you can.”

Ryan Smith

Junior film and marketing double major

The world of film is a way to connect with people by communicating messages and emotions beyond language for Ryan Smith, WWU junior. Beginning as a marketing major, Smith added film as his second major last winter. He expressed why he chose to go into film and take on the task of a double major, and said, “My uncle would make short films with us. It’s universal. You can communicate a lot of emotions through film.”

Since joining the film program, Smith has already begun helping with student productions, but Smith’s first serious round of practical training came in the form of a summer project in 2023, which involved two weeks of around-the-clock dedication as a production assistant with a close-knit team.

“Walkies were one of my things,” Smith said, describing how he aided crew communication and collaboration. “It was a bonding experience. We’d go to work, go home, sleep. My family didn’t see me that much.” With this type of experience, Smith said, “I learned more than I thought I would. I think I had a different view of production. It was really good to see what it is in real life.”

Smith believes classroom learning and practical training should go hand-in-hand. Because Smith joined the major a little later in his academic career, he thinks people who started in the film major most likely got even more out of the summer project because they were better able to put their knowledge into practice. 

“For a career like film, it’s very important to have hands-on experience, a lot more than any other majors,” Smith shared. Smith gained confidence in himself from his time on set. He said, “If something challenging comes up, it’s like, oh, I can do this because I remember how we did it in the project.”

During the past year in the film department, Smith believes he has gained the knowledge and skills to use film in tandem with his marketing major. His film project has provided a distinct perspective on the planning and project management behind the art, which Smith believes is useful as film has become more prevalent in marketing and promotional projects. As Smith moves forward in the program, more hands-on projects will continue to help him learn to communicate emotions through the visual language of film.

¹White, Ellen G. True Education (Nampa: Pacific Press Publishing Association, 2000), 8.

Angels, stars, ʻiʻiwi birds and nail-scarred hands crafted in light-shattering, inch-thick glass have textures and colors so brilliant your eyes forget to blink.

Place the masterpiece in the wall behind a pulpit or at the top of a long staircase. Illuminate it during the day with full-on sunlight, and light it at night from inside the building with the brightest LED lights you can afford.

Now, stand nearby and watch as worshipers of all ages bow in awe or stare in wonder.

Many churches across North America have stained-glass windows conceived and created by Oregon artists Clinton Conley of Cottage Grove and Monte Church of Boring.

They are the artists associated with Church Glassworks. Conley does most of the original artwork. Church turns the design into glass. Not only are these windows a thrill to view, but they are also a satisfying legacy for the artists.

“It’s not about the glass or even the design,” Conley smiled from above his crystal-white worktable, “it’s all about giving light a chance to sing.”

Conley has spent his life making windows for God and placing them where people will see God’s stories etched in light for years to come. It’s a many-step process that often starts with a call from the chairperson of a building committee.

People ask:

• “We’d like to tell the story of creation on the wall of our new summer camp nature center. Could you help us with that?”
• “When we built our new church 13 years ago, we put a clear glass window behind the pulpit. But we always wanted a huge stained-glass window that tells the story of God’s grace. We finally have the funds and would like you to give us some design options. How soon could you work on this with us?”
• “We need your help with a very special project. We're building a new union office and would like a giant stained-glass window at the top of the stairs — a window that shows how God is working in each of our conferences.”
• “This church needs a window that speaks clearly of how God loves America’s Native people. Monte, you have Native blood. What would you include in the design?”

Conley loves to draw the “possible,” and often starts work before the phone call ends. Once he has the basic details — horizontal and vertical dimensions and theme colors — he begins to dream and draw.

Then he calls Church and the men begin putting the details together. Conley draws and gives Church full-sized plan sheets. Church orders the glass dowels, cuts the colors to match the design and sets them in place. Then Conley and a handful of helpers come to Church’s workshop for days of mixing, pouring and sanding the cement that will hold the design in the window.

There’s much more, including multiple conversations with the building committee to make sure everyone is in love with the design, colors and message. Don’t forget the wonderfully long hours of chipping facets out of the glass so light will fracture into mini rainbows.

“My favorite part of this work is watching as people walk into the room and see their dreams come to life in living color for the first time,” said Church.

Their most recent Oregon masterpiece is the story of Christ’s Second Coming, which shines behind the pulpit in the Seventh-day Adventist church in Brookings, Oregon. The lower frames of the window show the ocean rocks at nearby Natural Bridges and the colors draw you to the face of Christ who is coming to bring His children home.

“We waited 13 years for this window,” said the chair of the building committee, “and now it’s here, promising the return of Jesus, brilliantly! We are so pleased!”

The light story currently on Church’s workshop table uses green leaves, a waterfall, bright flowers and joyful angels to tell the story of God’s creation and love. This window is being crafted for a church on the Hawaiian island of Kauai.

“I love each of the windows we’ve created,” said Conley. “When I see them, my eyes fill with tears. It’s just God’s light shining through colored glass, but I love the stories they tell.”

God’s presence often shows up in unexpected ways — beyond Sabbath sermons, food banks, special music, Pathfinders and special church events. His voice also speaks through your church building’s architecture, the quality of your church’s landscaping and the cleanliness of your parking lot.

Just as light refracts through the intricate beauty of stained glass, God's love is clearest when we come together to create a tapestry of light, guiding us toward a shared future filled with His grace and truth.

Reflection Questions

1. How can each generation in your church community find ways to let their light shine for Jesus?
2. What are the unique gifts and talents that each generation brings to the table?
3. How can the different generations in your church community collaborate to ensure that the timeless message of Christ is communicated effectively and creatively to a rapidly changing world?
4. What innovative approaches can your church use to bridge generational gaps as you seek to share God's light?
5. How can your church encourage each generation to find their unique voice and role in advancing the Kingdom of God? With your family, small group or Sabbath School class, share practical ideas for fostering a sense of purpose and belonging among all age groups.

Trust God, and LIVE! — David Candler

I am the oldest. I’ve learned to love and respect all people and keep a positive attitude! — Ramona Seath-Lubke

Faith, regardless of the difficulties life throws your way. — Ryan Ryan

The power of prayer and wisdom. — Erik Sweitzer

No matter your age or ability, God still adds purpose to your life. — Carrie Ferguson

God our Father will leave you in “total awe” — Sabreehna S. Essien

Next question: What inspires you the most when seeing the world through a child's eyes?

Respond on Facebook or email talk@nwadventists.com.

8:00 a.m. — Prepping for the Day

Kelly Kessinger, Adventist Health Glendale chaplain (center), arrives at the hospital and begins preparing the census for the day. This involves identifying newly admitted patients she and the team of chaplains will visit, taking note of patients who have requested a visit from a chaplain and identifying patients the chaplains have seen before who may benefit from a follow-up visit.

8:30 a.m. — Starting With Prayer

Kessinger and the rest of the Adventist Health Glendale spiritual care team meet to discuss plans for the day and pray about the work ahead.

9:30 a.m. — Sharing a Good Word

John King, Adventist Health Bakersfield chaplain, writes a daily devotional thought for the hospital staff. King’s devotions are based on the mission and values of Adventist Health blended with events that happen at the hospital.

9:45 a.m. — Meeting With Colleagues 

Kessinger and the Adventist Health Glendale spiritual care team join the daily safety huddle with the hospital executive team and department directors where they share a devotional thought and prayer and discuss the day ahead, including the number of patients, planned procedures and surgeries, and any patient safety concerns.

10:00 a.m. — Supporting Hospital Staff

Chaplains at Adventist Health Glendale begin meeting with patients. As they make rounds, they also check on hospital staff. Supporting the well-being of nurses and other care providers is an important part of chaplaincy and a key element in helping healthcare providers bring the best possible care to patients.

Through interactions with the spiritual care team, nurses and other staff members also learn about ways chaplains can help patients and family members who are struggling. The majority of a chaplain’s day is focused on providing spiritual care and helping patients work through fears and anxieties so they can receive the medical care they need.

10:00 a.m. — Keeping Morale High

Sidany Barclay, Adventist Health Portland chaplain, delivers donuts and a card from the family birth center team to the ICU team, which was having a particularly difficult time. Barclay started this gift-giving initiative and facilitates all the details to help boost staff morale.

It’s a win-win-win: The unit doing the giving feels good about making a difference for another team, the unit receiving the gift feels supported and the spiritual care team knows that hospital staff are being cared for.

Noon — A Little Self-Care

Chaplains at Adventist Health Glendale take time midday to unwind, chat with fellow spiritual care providers and rejuvenate. Conversations range from lighthearted topics to deep theological issues or helping one another process a difficult patient visit.

After a break, chaplains are back on the floors visiting patients and talking with hospital staff. Chaplains chart all patient visits immediately after they take place.

1:00 p.m. — Part of Jesus’ Healing Ministry

Barclay leads out in the Blessing of Hands at Adventist Health Portland, a ceremony for new graduate residents as they begin their careers in caregiving. The service reminds them of their call to be part of the healing ministry of Jesus.

1:45 p.m. — Making Difficult Decisions

A meeting of the healthcare decision-making team is called at Adventist Health Portland. The team includes the physician who is the chair of the hospital ethics committee, the physician who asked for the meeting, representatives from risk management, social work and the spiritual care department, and a community member.

An HDT meeting is called when a patient’s care requires a medical decision, such as a necessary procedure, removal of life support, etc., when the patient is unable to make the decision themselves due to their condition, and when there is no family member or legal power of attorney to make the decision for them.

2:00 p.m. — Cross-Sectional Expertise

King participates in an interdisciplinary meeting with the palliative care and social work teams at Adventist Health Bakersfield to discuss changes in a patient’s care. Interdisciplinary meetings may also address any spiritual or religious needs of a patient that are important to providing the best medical support.

2:00 p.m. — Nurturing the Next Generation

Barclay presents a devotional message for a group of students at Adventist Health Portland focused on living God’s love by inspiring health, wholeness and hope — the mission of Adventist Health.

3:30 p.m. — Alleviating Fears

King takes part in interdisciplinary ICU rounds along with other hospital teams at Adventist Health Bakersfield. His role is to contribute to the whole-person care of patients and family members by providing pastoral support, such as prayer and comfort, but also to help assess and meet spiritual needs that can impact medical care. These include refusal of treatment based on fears and anxieties, which King works to alleviate.

4:00 p.m. — Focusing on the Heart of Mission

Chaplains sit on various hospital committees, and today Kessinger meets with the employee well-being committee at Adventist Health Glendale. At committee meetings, chaplains provide input from a mission and spiritual care perspective and often open meetings with prayer.

4:00 p.m. — Supporting One Another

Back at Adventist Health Portland, Barclay prays with a local priest. “This was the most moving for me,” said Barclay. "The local priest stopped by the chaplain’s office just to talk about the difficulties and joys of ministry. Then he asked us to pray for him."

5:00 p.m. — Finding Meaning and Hope

The mission story board helps keep the spiritual care team at Adventist Health Bakersfield engaged in the practical ways they impact medical outcomes.

While chaplains support, comfort and pray for patients daily, this board records the ways they have helped improve care specifically by improving communication, preventing departures against medical advice and supporting what they call “transformational experiences” — times when they help patients reconnect to their faith and find new meaning and hope.

7:00 p.m. — Meeting for Inspiration

Barclay participates in First Friday, an inspirational community event led by a local church partner of Adventist Health Portland on the first Friday of every month. Barclay said, “It is so good to see people just show up to be inspired with no strings attached.”

Celebrating Growth

When Idaho Conference leaders heard the NPUC’s offer of a 12- to 18-month evangelism partnership along with a $150,000, they prayerfully jumped at the opportunity.

“One evangelist can make a real dent in our evangelism budget for the year,” explained Don Klinger, Idaho Conference assistant to the president who oversees evangelism activities. “I’ve worked in small conferences throughout my 50-year career; this [funding and resource offer] helped us feel like we were part of a bigger conference.”

“In a small conference most of our churches are multi-church districts, we have a smaller pastoral team and we have limited budgets,” said David Prest, Idaho Conference president. “This partnership meant we had an infusion of $150,000 to equip and empower our members, our pastors and our church leaders to be able to better fulfill the mission.”

Idaho Conference embarked on Operation Exponential Growth in 2021, a plan to involve every interested church in evangelism through broadcasted meetings presented by McClendon and Tyler Long, an evangelist from Washington Conference. Then in 2023, Idaho partnered with It Is Written for The Great ReSet.

“We haven’t required our pastors or churches to do soul-winning and evangelism,” said Prest. "We've invited them to do anything that’s ethical and biblical to reach their community for Jesus Christ.”

Idaho Conference’s territory spans southern Idaho and eastern Oregon. The largest concentration of Adventists are in the Treasure Valley, encompassing Boise, Caldwell, Eagle, Emmett, Kuna, Meridian, Middleton and Nampa. South of the 45th parallel in Idaho, the conference is also responsible for six eastern counties of Oregon (Baker, Grant, Harney, Malheur, Union and Wallowa).

“Our geography is one of our greatest challenges,” Klinger said. “We have a widespread territory with rather large districts and very small communities. Outside of the Treasure Valley, there aren’t a lot of large communities to reach, and the smaller communities have their own unique challenges. With the meetings we had with John Bradshaw, Wes Peppers and others, even small churches could participate in the livestream.”

“When you look at all the churches in the Idaho Conference and those involved in The Great ReSet, we had just under 50% of our churches engaged,” Prest added. “This hasn’t ever been done, at least in recent history, in Idaho Conference.”

The eight Hispanic churches in Idaho Conference territory also worked together to be involved in evangelism and found a new sense of unity. Boise Hispanic Church notably had ten professions of faith. Typically, baptisms at the eight Hispanic churches account for 25% of baptisms within the conference.

Through the process of Operation Exponential Growth, Idaho Conference’s membership grew to more than 7,000.

“The growth to 7,000 members wasn’t our focus or our mission,” said Prest. “Our focus and mission is to share the gospel of Jesus Christ throughout southern Idaho and eastern Oregon. Operation Exponential Growth gave us resources to help us [do that].

Prest continued, “While we feel blessed and are thrilled with 7,000 members, by God’s grace we are on our way to 8,000! It’s not that numbers are important, but they do represent people we have reached for God’s Kingdom.”

Idaho Conference has a vision — which comes from the biblical teaching about the priesthood of all believers — for churches to be pastor-coached and lay-led to have members equipped for soul-winning. To encourage this process, Idaho Conference offered SALT — Soul-winning And Leadership Training offered in partnership with the evangelistic ministry of It Is Written — for 17 interested members to receive Bible worker training.

“We have people who are able to do things [as a Bible worker] that they weren’t able to do before,” Klinger said. “It’s a lot more effective [in] evangelism when you have lay people who are on fire and are supportive. They can say things that maybe the pastor can’t say and urge people in a way the pastor can’t urge them.”

So what’s next for Idaho Conference? More evangelism! Operation Exponential Growth and The Great ReSet gave Idaho Conference a foundation for future growth as a now mid-sized conference.

“My prayer is: ‘Lord, show us how to keep moving forward,’” Prest said. “We can’t do one-and-done evangelism; we need a cycle of evangelism. By God’s grace, we’ve demonstrated that public evangelism does work. However, we also recognize that we can’t just do public evangelism because there are segments of our population we aren’t reaching."

Prest continued, "We need to diversify our approach and find some creative methods. We’ve got to pray about this, experiment and learn from others about reaching a variety of generations and cultures.”

Revitalizing Evangelism

When Ken Norton and Jim Jenkins began their leadership roles in Montana Conference just over two years ago, there were seven pastoral districts filled and eight districts without a pastor.

The focus for the last two years has been getting to know the 38 — now 40 — churches in 15 districts across Montana, filling pastoral roles, building trust and casting a vision for renewing faith (revival) and restoring hope (evangelism).

The infusion of evangelism monies from NPUC came at the right time to kickstart a Grow Montana initiative.

“I’d like to say thank you from Montana Conference to the larger conferences,” Norton said. “We know they are the ones who helped fund this evangelism initiative for Alaska, Idaho and Montana. We recognize this is a sacrifice from other people to help grow the work that isn’t even in their territory, and it is much appreciated.”

“We turned [this evangelism funding opportunity] over to our pastors, and told them, ‘Dream big, this is a special year. Dream it, and we’ll fund it,’” Norton added.

“We’ve had fun turning our pastors loose with evangelism and watching churches come up with ideas,” Jenkins said. “For this particular season, this is the first time the whole state — every district — is involved in evangelism in a real way. They’ve talked with their boards and made plans.”

Jenkins continued, “In the past, we could maybe afford two series. This time, every district is planning some form of evangelism. This is a first for Montana.”

“When you can tell pastors money isn’t an object, it’s fun to approve the requests,” Norton said. “We’ve added our stash of evangelism funds to the mix for a total budget of about $350,000. We’re fueling their dreams.”

All across Montana, Adventist churches are making evangelism plans to help revitalize their church and community. These plans include gym nights, county fair outreach, financial literacy training, single parent ministry, elder care, podcast ministries, young adult church plants, Discover Bible Schools, Bible workers, mission trips, Christian concerts and low-powered radio ministry.

One of the biggest needs within Montana was to simply connect the congregations with one another. After listening and brainstorming, the conference put together a media package with a Mac Mini, a television stand and a 75-inch television for each church. NPUC helped with half the expense.

“This allows us to do major trainings and preparations,” Norton shared. “We can now do a Friday night training across the conference, and we’re 80–90% done setting up these systems. We are so spread out that technology is a key piece for connecting us.”

Sometimes, outreach isn’t so much about securing funding, but about being available to God’s leading.

In one unique opportunity, a pastor was invited to preach each Sunday at a local Methodist church after they lost their pastor. After nine months, the church asked him to teach them about Bible prophecy. The pastor held an evangelistic series in their church and the entire church now meets on Sabbath only. Several members have become Seventh-day Adventists with more studying for baptism.

“We’re on the front side of Grow Montana,” said Norton. “We don’t know the exact impact of it all yet.”

The Montana Conference office team, consisting of five full-time staff and one part-time staff, is praying about the future impact.

“We’ve started praying for one new family to join each of our 40 churches,” Jenkins said. “If you have an average attendance of 20-30, and they have just one new family who starts coming to church, it can make a tremendous difference to that church community. It will be a cool thing to see how God answers what we’ve been praying for.”

Montana leaders have an extra prayer: “We’re praying for God to raise up workers for His harvest.”

With 15 pastors to cover 40 churches, Montana Conference is trying test groups where the pastor serves as pastor-evangelist and the elders serve as church managers so ministry can continue to grow and thrive even if the pastor is not present.

One gentleman in eastern Montana began demonstrating the possibilities of this ministry model years ago. He started by popping in a sermon video to stand in for a church service by himself. He did this for years — he would watch and pray. Today, there are 20-plus people in attendance.

“My prayer is that this will be a new start; an encouragement to get back to doing what God’s called us to do,” Jenkins said. “I’m praying that God blesses in a way that encourages districts to keep doing evangelism, that this isn’t a one-time deal, that’s fun and a direction we want to keep going with evangelism and ministry.”

Finding Friendships

Everything in Alaska is an adventure — the geography, the boat-or-plane-only access to some areas, the rhythm of life, the extreme cost of living and the diversity of culture. Even ministry and evangelism are an adventure for the 36 congregations in this territory.

“We have to play a longer game here in Alaska,” said Kevin Miller, Alaska Conference president. “It’s not that we can’t do public evangelism, we just have to approach it differently. We have to look at evangelism in an integrated, long-term kind of way.”

Alaska leaders find the best ministry response when missionary-minded people enter a village of 500-800 people to live, be present, make friends and share their faith.

“Christ’s method alone is our mission in the bush,” said Tandi Perkins, Alaska Conference development director. “We try really hard to have people integrate into the village, who live there and are generally bi-vocational which provides an opportunity for friendships to develop and networks to be made.”

“You’re not going to come in, set up shop, present a Bible prophecy seminar and leave,” Miller said. “They want to know who you are and that you care about the community.”

One of the ways Daniel Jean-Francois, Alaska Conference ministerial director, and his wife, Laura, are investing in their neighborhood is by baking cakes to share with neighbors. Now their neighbors are giving back acts of kindness.

Jean-Francois, who additionally serves as pastor of Community Church and Northside Church in Anchorage, tells his church members to find simple, creative ways to interact with people they see on a regular basis.

“Those who are closest to you are who you are going to connect with ahead of an evangelism series,” he said. “We want to show the love of Christ and let people see who we are as Christians.”

On St. Lawrence Island, a mere 35 miles from Russia, the high levels of war- and family life-related anxieties are providing an opportunity to speak peace into anxious minds worried about alcoholism, harassment, abuse and more.

Ryan Rogers, Palmer Adventist Church pastor, was invited last fall to visit Gambell on the northern tip of St. Lawrence Island. Among other activities, he ended up playing basketball at the public school and hanging out with students.

“They just really wanted to talk with someone about how to have confidence when things are really scary,” Rogers said. “You couldn’t put a soft answer on it. It really challenged me to apply the gospel.”

On the same island, the church presence in the village of Savoonga just celebrated 10 baptisms after 10 years of ministry outreach.

“I don’t sense a big barrier to Adventists in general,” Rogers said. “Even though they may not be asking for it, with their deeply independent culture, we find people are starving for community. In the villages, if the church does something positive, the whole community feels it.”

Yet there is one large drawback in community building: Alaska’s transient nature fuels a lack of trust.

“People don’t expect me to stay,” Rogers said. “Evangelism doesn’t work well without good culture. When you go to villages, they don’t think you’re staying — and you don’t. There’s this mindset that you’re just going to leave them. We’re trying to build a culture where we are here to stay.”

Friendship evangelism is the strategic basis for NPUC-funded evangelism activities. Alaska Conference is providing virtual evangelism training to churches, hosting church revitalization trainings, and preparing for the arrival of the It Is Written ministry team in 2024. Nearly every church is connected for monthly Zoom training sessions.

"Pray, Plan and Prepare is the new Alaska conference evangelism strategy and motto, as we look forward to our 2024 Revelation Today spring evangelism series with John Bradshaw and It is Written," shared Ashwin Somasundram, Alaska Conference vice president for administration. "It will be both a conference-wide and statewide event and our hope is for over 100 new souls to be won for God’s kingdom."

This is an unusual opportunity in more than one way, and one which takes great preparation, Alaska leaders noted.

“Most of Alaska is off the grid,” Perkins said. “Much of our internet stability is questionable in the bush.”

With the introduction of Starlink internet service, this will be the first time every Adventist church in Alaska will be connected online. This growing infrastructure is already allowing nearly every church in the conference to connect for monthly Zoom trainings.

“Our people up here want to do good things for Jesus, so the response to evangelism training has been healthy and robust. They want to be a blessing to Alaska,” Miller said.

“We would be incredibly challenged to be out in the villages doing what we’re doing without the support of the Union, the North American Division and the General Conference,” Perkins said. "There are benefits to being a small conference and there are certainly challenges. One of them is that we cannot do it all ourselves. We need mission-minded people.”

“We still have 200 villages we’ve got to bring the three angels' message to,” Miller continued. “We have to grow in our innovative thinking. We have to be in the moment, in the present, looking to the future and not dragging our feet in the past.”

“My prayer going forward is to remain faithful to God and what He is doing,” Miller concluded. “Our tithe is growing, our ministries are growing, our schools are growing, the Arctic Mission is growing. There are a lot of things happening here and the Lord is telling us we’re moving in the right direction.”

5 Steps to Revitalizing Church Growth

Wherever your church is located and whatever size your congregation, there are opportunities to invest in church growth and revitalization. Here are five steps for getting started:

1. Start with Prayer. Begin with a dedicated season of prayer, seeking the Holy Spirit’s guidance and blessing for the church's growth and revitalization. Engage in a prayer session lasting 10, 21, 30, 40 or 100 days, fostering a deep reliance on God's wisdom and power. You and your church could also engage in prayer-walking in specific neighborhoods.
2. Survey Your Community's Needs. Conduct a community interest survey to better understand the needs and aspirations of the community. Utilize various methods such as door-to-door interviews, public events, online surveys, windshield surveys, driving through the community or arranging conversations with city and community leaders. Pray through the results.
3. Create a Missional Vision: Formulate a clear vision which incorporates the insights gained from the community survey. Engage the leadership and congregation in prayerful dialogue to develop a compelling vision which aligns with the community's needs and inspires a collective commitment to growth.
4. Develop an Action Plan: Based on the community survey findings and the church's vision, create a detailed action plan outlining specific steps, initiatives and measurable goals. This plan should encompass strategic outreach, relevant programming, community engagement, discipleship opportunities and empowerment of leaders to carry out the plan effectively.
5. Invest in Long-Term Discipleship: Empowering leaders, utilizing spiritual gifts, cultivating passionate spirituality, establishing effective structures, inspiring worship, fostering holistic small groups, engaging in need-oriented evangelism and nurturing loving relationships are all components of nurturing a healthy, thriving and impactful church community.

Alaska: Sergio Vasquez

Sergio Vasquez, youth pastor at Hillside O’Malley Adventist Church in Anchorage, Alaska, shared that being a young adult in ministry has allowed him to relate to other young adults in a special way.

Vasquez, who originally grew up in Georgia, began attending church regularly at the age of 12, and decided to be rebaptized and grow in his walk with God at the age of 17. While attending Southern Adventist University, Vasquez heard many powerful testimonies, which inspired his continuous prayer for God to make him into someone who inspires others.

“I accepted the call to ministry because the Lord saw that only through serving would I be saved,” shared Vasquez. “When I got the call to Alaska, it was my prayer to learn complete dependence on God. Being far from my family and friends has been challenging, but I’ve had to depend much more on prayer and His word. The result has been a more intimate walk with God.”

In addition to leaning on God for support while away from his loved ones, Vasquez has been able to build relationships with the young adults in his church. “I am able to listen to their stories and share with them biblical counseling, thus creating great friendships,” he said. “The young adults in Alaska are enthusiastic and have a great desire to serve.”

Anchorage hosts an active chapter of Adventist Young Professionals, a Christ-centered community of young adults seeking to engage and form connections. “Adventist Young Professionals is a ministry that is growing here in Alaska. It gives young adults a space where they can make friendships and worship God together,” said Vasquez. “The young adults lead this ministry, and as a pastor I support and motivate my churches to become involved in this ministry.”

The importance of young adults in ministry is something Vasquez works to emphasize. “It is important for young adults to be involved in ministry because they are the present church,” said Vasquez. “They are the ones who will finish the work the Lord bestowed to us so long ago.”

Vasquez went on to say that young adults are leaving the church at large because of the failure to make the church a home for them. “The older generation, many times, fears change within the church,” he said. “They are unwilling to pass down the leadership positions to the ones who should be leading at this point. There is a great need for mentoring and genuine relationships. If every member was intentional about developing a real friendship with a young adult, then we would find consistent attendance from them.”

Idaho: Matthew Kontra

While Matthew Kontra currently serves as a pastor in Idaho Conference, he didn’t initially see himself in a pastoral role. “I still often wonder why He called me, but I think those who are the least qualified have to take the job most seriously,” said Kontra.

Kontra grew up in Corvallis, Oregon, and spent summers working at Camp Ida-Haven as waterfront director and a counselor. He later went on to study religion at Walla Walla University and minored in global development with the intention of doing charity work overseas. However, God had other plans. “I felt confident that God was calling me here, and instead of fighting it, I allowed my heart to listen,” he said.

In his current position, Kontra serves a district of two churches. He works as associate pastor at Caldwell Adventist Church alongside Lou Fitting, senior pastor. Additionally, as the sole pastor at Gem State Adventist Academy Church, Kontra focuses on mentoring and engaging with high school students.

“Young adults bring life and new ideas to all areas of ministry,” reflected Kontra. “They are the bridge. They’re youthful enough to be connected to today’s world and open to new trends, yet mature and tactful enough to implement them reverently.”

As churches expand and their members grow older, young adults are often pushed to the sidelines and not given opportunities to be involved. Kontra emphasized that having young adults take part in ministry gives the church a future.

“It’s hard to care for something if you haven’t invested anything in it. A young adult is the perfect age to start taking on big responsibilities,” shared Kontra. “If we are willing to invest in our young adults and put them in places of leadership, they will naturally make it a place more inviting for everyone.”

“Many people are worried they will mess things up or make mistakes,” he added, “but it’s for this very reason that we need so desperately to get them involved. Let them make mistakes while wise mentors are still around to help.”

Montana: Matthew Leffler

While some individuals have been called to serve within their conference borders, God led Montana Conference member Matthew Leffler to serve as a missionary in Thailand.

“Although I was active in my local church and conference, as I learned about the tremendous spiritual needs in Asia, I became convinced that more workers were needed there,” shared Leffler.

In Leffler’s many roles at his local church — Sabbath School teacher and superintendent, deacon and elder — he sought out to provide a young adult’s influence and perspective. This goal carried through during his time served on both the Montana Conference board of directors and the NAD executive committee as well.

“As young adults, we can influence people no one else can, and we have greater agency over the direction of our lives than almost any other time,” said Leffler. “It was young adults who started the Adventist Church, and the work will not be finished without young adults in active service for God.”

The province Leffler and his family are serving in central Thailand has approximately the same population as the state of Montana, yet has no Adventist pastors, churches or schools. In his efforts to establish a church, Leffler is actively learning Thai to communicate with the local people. Additionally, he shares Thai literature whenever possible to touch their hearts and begin growing the Adventist community.

“Faith is caught more than taught. Service for Christ is the spirit of the gospel,” shared Leffler. “I don’t think I would be an active Adventist today if my parents hadn’t left their comfortable life to church plant in a dark county in Illinois when I was a kid.”

“I saw God provide for our needs; I saw people who wanted something better find hope; I saw the beautiful consistency of our Adventist message; I saw the joy of people loving Jesus,” he continued. “There was no question in my mind that this was real and it was valuable.”

Leffler’s call to minister in Thailand makes it evident that young adults are willing to serve and share the gospel if given the opportunity and support. “Put us to work,” Leffler advised. “Give us opportunities to learn faith by practical experience. Show the power of the gospel over addictions, fear and selfishness. Help us find joy in service.”

Oregon: Eliezer Martinez-Palafox

Eliezer Martinez-Palafox’s involvement in Forest Grove Spanish Church began when his family moved from Arizona in the spring of 2005. As a second-generation Adventist, Martinez-Palafox’s parents instilled a sense of leadership within him.

Martinez-Palafox said his first involvement with ministry was back in Arizona when he participated in a child preaching event in Phoenix. “I suppose I was not unfamiliar with ministry, but it has always been a sort of performance,” he said.

He continued to be drawn to ministry within Oregon Conference, and was eventually called upon by Saul Wade, who was then serving as Forrest Grove Spanish Church media director, to learn and run EasyWorship, a software used to present church media. This sparked his initial interest in media ministry.

During his teenage years, Martinez-Palafox was mentored by Tracy Wood, former Oregon Conference pastor and current NAD youth and young adult ministries director, and Gary McLain, former Oregon Conference communication director. They invited Martinez-Palafox to attend, participate in and assist with events like Pathfinder fairs, education conferences and camp meetings.

Martinez-Palafox shared that Les Zollbrecht, Oregon Conference youth ministries and Big Lake Youth Camp director, and Benjamin Lundquist, Oregon Conference young adult ministries director, both impacted the way he does media ministry today. “During my college years, I spent four wonderful summers teaching children how media can be a storytelling tool that allows us to paint wonderful stories with light,” said Martinez-Palafox. “That was the dream job. Not necessarily because I didn’t have to do the hard labor of the kitchen, but because I saw how media can be used as a tool to communicate the intangible feelings that we hold so dear.”

As media director of Forest Grove Spanish Church for the past four years, Martinez-Palafox has continued to grow in his passion for media ministry by directing the live stream and scripted productions and leading social media outreach. Additionally, he does contract work with Oregon Conference as a video producer for camp meeting and other events.

“My work with ministry is not the primary function of my work, it is simply the result of various communities that embraced me and fostered my skills at every turn,” shared Martinez-Palafox. “In short, I was seen for what was valuable in me and so I felt loved by people who cared to see me. I believe that we are not lacking workers for ministry, but we lack mentors who are willing to see the value in young adults.”

“Young adults don’t stay because of the music, programs, food or even the sermons,” he continued. “Young adults stay because they see Jesus in the people they meet. If a church wants to see more young adults, they need to see more young adults. This is the reason I stayed.”

Upper Columbia: Lauren Larson

While Lauren Larson grew up attending Adventist schools and church, she didn’t recognize God’s impact on lives until she was in junior high.

After seeing God transform the life of a close friend, Larson began a journey that led her to becoming a student missionary, doing community outreach, touching lives at Camp MiVoden and ultimately deciding to pursue a degree in education. “I decided I wanted to teach so I could show daily love for and confidence in my students in hope that they will know they are not alone,” shared Larson.

Larson’s love for Camp MiVoden started when she attended as a camper. She went every summer and shared that the camp staff and their kindness made MiVoden feel like a home away from home, later leading to her wanting to be involved in a new capacity.

“I felt intense spiritual highs there and through every experience I knew I wanted to be part of camp as much as possible,” she said. “As I've grown, I now recognize camp as a deeper ministry and I continue to go back because I want to create a space that embraces all people like camp embraced me, no matter the challenge they're facing, their background or their identity.”

When Larson was in high school, she attended the returning missionary vespers program at Walla Walla University. “I felt the call to go experience more, to stretch my limits and to put myself in a more direct form of service,” said Larson. After three years of twists and turns, she ended up serving as a missionary in Yap, Micronesia, teaching ninth grade.

“I truly think ministry is the act of planting seeds you may never see grow,” she said. “Much of the time I've spent at camp and as a student missionary has felt that way — I've worked with campers and students and I've loved them the best I know, but I don't always see the result.”

Larson noted that churches and young adults can benefit from each other in a symbiotic nature. “There are countless reasons why being a part of a church community is beneficial, especially when you see God through the process and feel fulfilled through service,” she said. “However, it is just as impactful and important for the church to have active young adults and to protect that involvement.”

“It's hard to stay in a place where you constantly feel accused, inadequate or just plain judged and unwanted,” she continued. “When young adults are respected, are actively cherished and are invited to be a part of the church in the ways that they feel called, there is no greater blessing to a community than the fresh wind Jesus blows through them.”

Washington: Kenneth Martinez

Kenneth Martinez grew up in a Christian home in Mexico and decided to follow Jesus at the age of 14 — a decision he says changed his life forever.

“I found purpose, hope and friendship in Him,” shared Martinez. “Since that age, I knew I wanted my friends to come to know the Jesus I loved.”

Despite the call he felt toward ministry, Martinez instead pursued a degree in computer science. That said, he still became actively involved as a lay person in young adult ministry.

When he began working for Microsoft as a software engineer in 2011, Martinez also followed his passion for ministry on the side by working with youth and young adults at a local church plant. This passion led Martinez to obtain a master’s degree in theology.

In 2017, Martinez submitted a proposal for a church plant to Washington Conference, outlining a plan to bring his peers in tech to learn more about Christ. The plant was approved, and Martinez came on board as a lay pastor. In May 2023, the plant, now known as Refuge Church, celebrated their five-year anniversary and obtained church status.

Martinez began working toward a doctorate of ministry degree, and was later called by Washington Conference to become a full-time pastor. He felt God was calling him to minister full time to those his age and younger, and he resigned from his position at Microsoft to expand his role at Refuge Church and extend his efforts to Triumph Church.

“Both my churches are big on community, since they are young,” shared Martinez. “Young adults crave Jesus, even if they don’t know it. They crave community, purpose, hope, impacting their community; Jesus is the way to all those.”

“Young adults and youth have been taught to love values such as inclusion, diversity, social justice and authenticity,” he continued. “To the extent our local ministries can inform or leverage such values, young adults will find familiarity in the church.”

“Doing effective ministry for young adults is not so much about being creative and innovative,” said Martinez. “Instead, it's about getting out of the way, and letting them come to Christ unhindered, coming to Christ in their context, cultural milieu and generation-specific form.”

Young adults are not only the future of the Adventist Church, they are also the present. Providing young people with a safe space to grow in ministry and connect with others will help them build a long-lasting relationship with the church and additionally assist in the guarantee of the church’s longevity.

These six Northwest young people are prime examples of what can happen if young Adventists are given the opportunities and guidance to grow in ministry. By providing a young adult with a chance to lead, other young adults will follow, in turn building and enriching the church community.

Jared Beaubien

Amazing Grace Academy

Jared Beaubien has been a student at AGA for seven years. In those years, Jared has grown as a leader among his peers and the younger students who look up to him. He has been a student association officer for two years, working with a small team of students to plan activities and events.  

Jared’s thoughtfulness and leadership shine through as he’s working with the younger students in his family group or cleaning the halls of the school building.  

Jared is typically found with a guitar in his hands on Friday mornings as he leads out in music for school-wide worship. This year, he was the captain of the volleyball team and encouraged his teammates to work together and do their best.  

Jared’s leadership is not only seen at school, but also in his church family and community. He went to Ica, Peru, on a mission trip and helped build a church and school. He has helped with Vacation Bible School, is part of the music leadership team at church, is consistently helping with the audiovisual and sound needs at church and school, and is the captain of a local competition rock climbing team. He recently placed third in the intermediate level Alaska Piano Competition.  

We are looking forward to seeing how God continues to work in Jared’s life and how He will continue to lead him to impact others positively.

Natalia Pons

Auburn Adventist Academy

Natalia Pons, AAA junior, is a thoughtful, diligent and responsible spiritual leader on campus. As the Project Unity coordinator, she uses her leadership qualities to promote the amazing cultural diversity found at Auburn.

Kilikina Vega Richards, AAA English teacher, said, "Natalia is always willing to do anything I ask with a cheerful and willing spirit. She finishes everything with her best effort.” Other teachers have noted her strong core values and high ethics. Eddy Darisme, AAA chaplain, said, “She is a leader that I never worry or stress about because she is so dependable.”

Natalia has many other strengths, such as kindness, genuineness and open-mindedness. “Her heart is big and she is kindness personified,” said Nikki Kiger, SEEKToday president. The genuineness and open-mindedness she displays has been deeply felt through her influence and leadership this school year.

Natalia strives for excellence, pushing herself in whatever comes her way, whether it be drama club, Campus Ministries, her class office or her on-campus job. The faculty and staff are honored to be a part of her journey and celebrate Natalia as the recipient of the Caring Heart Award.

Madeline Jokela

Columbia Adventist Academy

If you come early to CAA or stay late after most students have left, you’ll meet someone with a smile on her face and a sparkle in her eyes. She will say “hi,” ask you how you’re doing and if there’s anything she can do to help. From sharing dark chocolate to running SA senate, Madi Jokela is looking for ways to make CAA and anyplace she goes a little better.

Madi is a strong voice for those who have lots of friends and those who have few. She has a love for understanding psychology and how the brain works, and this underlies her desire to understand and help others. She is a solution-seeker having care, compassion and integrity. 

Madi’s life reflects Christ’s. Well-balanced socially and emotionally, she has an optimistic attitude, finding the best in every situation and person. Her work ethic is excellent, exhibited in both schoolwork and jobs, including class and SA offices, National Honor Society and volunteer projects.

One project she recently volunteered for was CAA’s fundraising to make the music tour to Washington, D.C., a reality. She helped, outside of school hours, with all phases of planning, which allowed more than 70 students to bless the lives of many.

Madi has a caring heart that blesses others and brings glory to God. We are proud to have her represent CAA for the Caring Heart Award.

LuzYaneth Silverman

Cascade Christian Academy

God used Google Maps to lead Luz Silverman to CCA. She and her family had recently moved from California to Wenatchee, Washington, and Luz was enrolled at St. Joseph’s Catholic School. A teacher there told Luz’s parents that she would have to find a different school to attend the following year, since St. Joseph’s only went through the fifth grade. She recommended a school in the valley that Luz and her parents had never seen.

One day, Luz and her parents decided to use their phone to try to find the school. Luz put in the name of the school on their cell phone and they started out on their adventure. However, they lost the connection several times and ended up in the middle of nowhere. They kept driving around until finally they got a connection and continued on their way with Google Maps.

When they finally drove up to the school, they realized it was not the school the teacher told them about or that Luz had entered into Google Maps. Instead, it was CCA. Luz’s parents felt impressed that this was the school she should go to. A few days later, with help from Julie Savino, registrar and vice principal, she was enrolled at CCA for the following school year. Luz later said she believes God led her to CCA for a reason.

Now, Luz is a senior preparing to graduate. A dedicated student, she not only excels academically, but also is always willing to help and encourage her classmates. In addition, during a recent health crisis in her family, she served as their interpreter, even moving with them to be closer to the hospital. During that difficult time, she continued her studies online with CCA for almost a full quarter.

Back in person on the CCA campus, she stays busy with her family, classes and church. Each week, she does community service and cares for the children entrusted to her through the church community. She says that in her confirmation classes, she has learned helping others is being a messenger of God. There is no doubt that Luz will continue to live her life as one of God’s messengers.

Everett Stone

Gem State Adventist Academy

Every day, you can hear Everett Stone ask, “Do you need help?” He is a junior at GSAA, possessing a huge heart that he willingly shares with his family, classmates and teachers. He went the extra mile this year, hosting an early morning worship that is open to all students and staff.  

He knows prayer is vital for not only his spiritual life, but for that of the school. Everett works hard academically, on the basketball court and on the baseball field. He has served as historian all three years at GSAA, contributing wholeheartedly as a class officer.  

During spring break 2022, Everett participated in a mission trip to Alaska. While on the trip, he gained a new appreciation for giving to others and growing closer to the other participants. He enjoyed the children who attended VBS and was an appreciated part of the team helping with the puppet shows, music and the program’s overall success. He loves making special meals for his family and also working at Camp Ida-Haven, where he plans to share Jesus for many more summers.

Everett is considering attending Walla Walla University to become a secondary history teacher, so he can witness daily in the classroom and make service a continued extension of his life. 

Alexander Dryden

Livingstone Adventist Academy

Alexander Dryden, LAA junior, serves as the junior class president and student body athletic director. He is a servant leader and can be found helping students with homework and even carrying bags and backpacks for fellow students.

Whenever there is a big task to be done, Alexander is the first to jump in and help. He notices when someone could use a hand, never complains and always sees a job through to the end.

Athletics are a huge part of Alexander's life, and he can be found participating in any activity on campus, including soccer and basketball. He enjoys planning events for students, including helping with track and field day.

Alexander is a person who perseveres. He can be found working hard no matter the task given to him. He is always willing to help with a smile. His reliability and kindness have been felt by the entire school.

“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him”  (James 1:12).

Luke Alder

Milo Adventist Academy

As the recipient of Milo’s 2023 Caring Heart Award, Luke Alder models a Christ-like character with his quiet and observant ways over situations and people, looking for how he can help and be a team player in getting a job done.

With a heart of service for others, a strong work ethic and a love of the outdoors, he is known for his hard work and dedication to any task at hand. He will often step up and go above and beyond his own responsibilities to help others by volunteering to lighten their load.

One example is that he has been known to fill the sawdust bin at the boiler during home leaves when everyone else is busy or away. He sees it as an opportunity to help out the staff who would usually be responsible for it. When someone in the community needs help with yard work or other outdoor tasks, Luke is eagerly sought after and called.

Even before Luke moved to Milo with his family from Palmer, Alaska, he was active with mission work and helping others at a young age. He participated in mission trips to Bolivia with his grandparents, as well as to Colorado and Arizona with Milo.

Over his four years of high school, Luke has developed his leadership skills by holding a class leadership position each year, including his current role of senior class president. Whether in the classroom, on the basketball court, taking a group for a horse trail ride, working in the auto shop or running machinery for the Academy’s heavy equipment class, Luke’s classmates know they can count on him to always be there for them.

This summer he is looking forward to fishing in Alaska and then spending the end of his summer working at Big Lake Youth Camp for bonus weeks before heading to Walla Walla University in the fall to take aviation classes to get his pilot’s license. He plans to let God lead him in his next steps of life.

Jim Hanson

Mount Ellis Academy

Jim Hanson goes about life with a rare sense of earnesty. It is true that not all dictionaries include the word earnesty, but I think we should use the word more often. Maybe the word is so rare because those who demonstrate the value of earnesty in their lives are similarly rare. Earnesty is a good value, and it is worth recognizing Jim in light of this rare trait.

At first, Jim stressed a lot about how he would do in high school and about his grades. In the intervening years, Jim repeatedly harnesses his sincerity and drive to improve himself and greatly benefit the lives of others.

Whether playing a game of capture the flag or running the sound system, he is all in. The way he learns, interacts with classmates and approaches life in general is all in earnest. It’s a credit to his choices and sense of values that his talents are used effectively for Christ. It’s a fine way to live. 

If you want someone on your team who you can trust to commit at the highest level, Jim is your man. 

Sadie Kongorski

Orcas Christian School

Sadie Kongorski lives with her family on Lopez Island. She is probably the only student who commutes by ferry to school on Orcas Island and to church on San Juan Island.

Sadie has a big heart for service throughout all the islands, especially at school. She has a heart for God and strives to be an example of Jesus’ grace and compassion. For the last two years, she has taken leadership in the school praise band and has been a genuine friend and mentor to younger students in the band. She is always willing to travel on weekends to other churches with the band.

In addition to her leadership in the praise band, Sadie is an example to the other students by her willingness to wholeheartedly throw herself into any service project that the school puts in front of her. This year our school and church put on a community dinner and fed more than 300 people. Sadie not only invited friends and family, but made arrangements to spend the night so she could work until the last dish was washed and the last table cleaned and put away.

Sadie is looking forward to studying music and business at Walla Walla University next year and she will be a positive addition to campus life there

Lindsey Monterroso

Portland Adventist Academy

From the moment Lindsey Monterroso stepped onto campus as a freshman, she has lived out the Christ-centered and character-driven motto of PAA.

As a freshman, she quickly showed a true desire to know God and connect with her classmates. Not only was she an active participant in discussions about God and Christianity, but was also clearly living out her beliefs. Even during distance learning during the pandemic, Lindsey was actively connected and involved with Campus Ministries, helping with Zoom chapels.  

Lindsey is a spiritual leader on campus, boldly, transparently and vulnerably sharing her testimony. Her comments consistently serve as a warm invitation to lean deeply into the love of Jesus. On occasion, she brings a worship thought to read at the beginning of a class or volunteers to read a prepared one. She loves to make insightful comments about worship. It seems to be her favorite part of class.

Even in a school project, Lindsey's heart of care for others is evident. For her senior project, she created a podcast called Living Abundantly in which she skillfully interviewed professionals with the goal of helping high school students live healthier and happier lives.

Lindsey is a beam of sunshine. Her peers trust her as a leader, as evidenced by her serving as the president of her class for three years. She is a skilled musician who leads worship music at school and church, but she doesn't just lead in the public sphere. Her interactions with individuals are genuine and real. She actively listens, and students and staff alike leave conversations with Lindsey feeling encouraged and valued.

Her caring heart leads her to pursue a dream to become an elementary school teacher.

Samuel Mesfin

Puget Sound Adventist Academy

Samuel Mesfin was selected by the staff of PSAA because he has often been proactive to help staff and other students. Sam is known to smile and joke often on our campus. He is a fun person to be around and takes the opportunity to make others feel welcome.

Throughout his four years on campus, he has demonstrated this heart of service countless times. Staff and students have witnessed these acts of service. Many times he has taken the initiative to ask staff and students if help is needed on a current project they are working on.

His desire and dependability to take initiative is a key reason for his nomination. Sam stands out as a student who truly cares about his school and community. He has made a noticeable impact on PSAA, and we know that he will continue to do so wherever he goes. For these reasons, we are pleased to recognize Sam as this year’s Caring Heart Award recipient.

Hannah Caldwell

Rogue Valley Adventist Academy

Hannah Caldwell is a senior at RVAA. She joined the RVAA community at the beginning of her junior year and made quite an impact. She gives wholeheartedly in everything she pursues, whether it be in sports, academics, art or student association.

As this year's senior class president, she has worked hard to make sure this class will have a year to remember. Hannah has also taken on the task of being the elementary art teacher for all the students in pre-kindergarten through sixth grade. With her mother assisting her, she has made art fun for so many of our youngest learners.  

Hannah enjoys rock climbing with her dad and all sorts of outdoor activities. She is quite the gifted artist and took it upon herself to add some beauty to the walls of our art classroom. Hannah currently plans to attend University of Oregon next year. We are confident that whichever road Hannah chooses she will master her goals with confidence and kindness.

Damion Countryman

Skagit Adventist Academy

SAA is pleased to nominate Damion Countryman as the 2023 recipient of the Caring Heart Award. Damion is a junior and serves his fellow students as an ASB and class officer.  

Damion has a heart for the gospel. He shares this love by regularly sharing sermons in his home and surrounding churches. He has a unique story and looks for ways to share his connection with God with others. He has participated as a presenter in our student-led week of worship and will be traveling with SAA to Belize this spring to take part in the school mission trip.

SAA staff and students look forward to one more year with Damion sharing his spiritual gifts before he graduates in June 2024. Thank you, Damion, for your unique leadership and for letting God use your voice.

Asher Mack

Upper Columbia Academy

Asher Mack is a real-life definition of caring. He has been at UCA for four years and has been a blessing every step of the way. During his time at UCA, Asher has consistently been a person others seek to relate to. The way he carries himself makes people feel comfortable approaching him whenever they need a listening ear.

One of Asher’s gifts is kindness. Whether hanging out with friends or checking in on someone to encourage them, Asher approaches his interactions sincerely and carefully. He is often found darting at full speed all around campus, dashing to class, work or to check on someone who may need him. He is in constant motion.  

Whatever he finds to do, he puts his all into it. Giving his all during work, planning a Sabbath hike or grabbing his backpack of golf discs and playing the course at UCA, he is interested in making every opportunity count and not wasting a moment.

Students and staff appreciate Asher; his can-do spirit and readiness to help in any situation or task is a jewel of blessing to all. Asher daily lives his faith, and Jesus shines brightly out from him to others. His servant spirit is a treasure that he shares warmly with others.

UCA is proud to share this year's Caring Heart Award with Asher. His walking influence has made our campus a better place.

Juan-Manuel Lopez

Walla Walla Valley Academy

Juan-Manuel Lopez is a four-year senior at WWVA. He is a lifelong Pendleton, Oregon, resident who travels to Walla Walla daily to attend school.

Although he describes himself as shy, Juan's remarkable voice is a gift that he loves to raise in song, and he has anchored the bass section of the school choir since his freshman year. He says he may want to pursue a music career.

Juan works at WWVA in the maintenance department. His beautiful voice can be heard practicing a choir song as he works, ensuring he gets it just right. Juan has been a reliable and dedicated asset to the department.

Juan frequently helps out at Pendleton Christian School, where his mother teaches. He helps with cleaning or doing whatever the school or his mother needs help with. He is very family-oriented, and it shows in his relationships with his classmates and teachers. His willingness to help and his kindest makes him endeared to all the faculty and staff at WWVA.

One of Juan's teachers describes him as "among the kindest, sweetest students any of us have ever been around."

Adventist schools across the Northwest create active opportunities for Christian growth. Find a Northwest Adventist school near you at npuc.org/schools.

• Revitalize Churches 
• Engage Youth and Young Adults 
• Advance Adventist Education 
• Cultivate Excellence in Leadership 
• Herald the Mission 

Continue Reading

• Church Planting is Still Essential for God's Mission in UCC
• Church Planting Takes Root in Washington
• Oregon Fosters Innovative Church Plants to Reach Communities

Common Ground is an outdoor-based church plant based in the Bend, Oregon, area. Randy Folkenberg, Common Ground pastor, tells their story this way:

"The journey of this new faith community, now called Common Ground, started a little over a year ago with a series of conversations on what it might look like to form a local body of Christ intentionally structured to engage in the reflecting of Jesus to the post-religious outdoor community of Central Oregon. This demographic consists of people of various ages who center much of their life around one or more outdoor pursuits. For a host of reasons, these individuals, while often interested in intentional spirituality, do not look to traditional systems or structures of 'religion' as spaces conducive to spiritual growth, processing through life's deepest matters, and finding a life-giving community. Common Ground's mission statement is, 'To grow a movement of Jesus followers who reflect His heart in the outdoor community of Central Oregon.' We do this through weekly house-churches and Bible study groups, monthly worship programs, monthly service opportunities in the local outdoor community and several annual retreats focused around specific outdoor pursuits. We continue to celebrate and be awed by how God is using Common Ground to bless and reflect His love to people who have never before encountered the good news of a God that looks like Jesus. Additionally, it has been encouraging and truly miraculous to see people re-engage in the body of Christ through Common Ground after being completely disconnected for many years."

It's important to note that in Central Oregon outdoor activities such as rock climbing, hiking, biking and many others are a major uniting factor in the population at large — and have often served as an unofficial place of worship and finding community. But the circumstances and needs around each church plant vary greatly.

In Oregon City, a very different type of church plant emerged in the midst of the pandemic, and now meets every Sabbath in Oregon City Elks Lodge.

"Unofficially we started in a backyard in mid-2020 after COVID-19 shut down churches," said Jim Reynolds, a lay leader for the group. "Our goal has been to reach people that are not connected to a church. So far we have several members that had either dropped out of a church or had never been a part of one at all. There was a breakfast for the un-housed under the bridge by the church. Multiple times I had talked to the people and invited them to church with no response. One Sabbath I started pouring out my heart to Jesus, I wanted badly for our church to be full. A big homeless man walked into our building and asked, 'Is this a church?' I said 'Yes, welcome friend.' He turned to go and said, 'I will be back with friends.' A few minutes later he came back with six people from the breakfast."

In Fairview, Oregon, Crosswalk PDX has partnered with another local Christian church to share a building, and, after several pop-up services, officially launched their weekly program in October 2021. "We are open to all, but our initial target group includes those that have disconnected or walked away from church, for whatever reason," shared Paddy McCoy, Crosswalk PDX pastor.

Many church plants from the past several years have already begun to blossom, including second-generation English-speaking church plants supported by the Oregon Conference Hispanic ministries department.

Vivid Adventist Church began as a church plant in the Salem/Keizer area led by Sam Moreno, pastor, and is now in its seventh year.

"A lot of young people in the Hispanic and Latino communities need people who understand where they're coming from," said Pochy Montes, current Vivid Church pastor. "They often can disconnect when sermons and Sabbath school don't feel relatable to their experiences, and they don't always understand the expectations that come with church. We offer a safe space to listen to them and have honest conversations. They can be themselves and still learn about our faith without losing their culture."

Dan Linrud, Oregon Conference president, has a high commitment to church planting. As a pastor, he has been an effective church planter, and through the years has been a church planting trainer with the NAD SEEDS church planting movement and a church plant coach. Linrud is helping to personally spearheading the conference church planting initiative, working with pastors and lay persons who sense God's calling to plant new churches and ministries in our territory. The conference has a strong passion for multiplying churches across our field.

Linrud often references Jesus' teaching on wineskins in Matt. 9 and Mark 2, making the point that while existing churches are able to effectively reach people with religious backgrounds, "new wineskins" are needed — in the form of new churches and ministries — to reach the vast population of those from irreligious backgrounds.

"The church is called to help people from all backgrounds come into relationship with Jesus now and for eternity," shared Linrud. "This requires new modalities to share the timeless message of relationship with Jesus."

In the coming five years, church planting will be an increasingly major priority in Oregon Conference. This bold vision necessitates building a strong church planting system and structure for recruiting, training, resourcing and coaching church planters.

Linrud shared that the real goal is not multiplying church plants, but multiplying trained church planters. Church planters, plant new churches.

The conference is engaging with the NAD Evangelism Institute to implement their ACTS system. The first cohort for this begins April 17–19, 2023, and will consist of those who have already planted churches/ministries to focus on collaborating as trainers and coaches for future planters.

"It's always thrilling to respond to the Holy Spirit's calling to be in the middle of God's will to create as many pathways as possible to sharing abundant life in Jesus!" said Linrud. "That's what church planting is about."

When our pastors returned from attending the boot camps, we created a church planting launch plan for Washington Conference.

Church planting takes money, so we knew we'd have to invest to help these new churches grow. To know what's important, consider what you pray for and where the money goes. We have intentionally funded each church plant at $10,000 annually for three years.

If you have ever given to support evangelism within Washington Conference, then you have played a part in helping these 18 church plants.

In 2023, the Washington Conference teamed up with North American Division Evangelism Institute. We are coaching 15 pastors and lay leaders to be church planters and to coach others to plant churches.

In fall 2023, we will be hosting a Church Planting SEEDS Conference, which will help to inspire future church planters.

We believe the local church is the world's hope, and our greatest resources are pastors and lay leaders who are on fire for God. We believe everything rises and falls with leadership. Therefore, we want to invest in our local leaders.

Studies show new churches gain 60–80% of members from people not attending an Adventist church. Older, already established churches gain 80–90% of their new members by transfers from other congregations. Many of our church plants are made up of young professionals.

I recently held a mental health seminar at LifeBridge in Tacoma, and although I am in my mid-40s, about 90% of those at church were younger than me.

We see the same thing happening in our different language churches. Second and third-generation young adult professionals want to reach other young adults, so they have church services in English rather than their native tongue.

Our goal in 2023 is to start four new churches in Washington Conference, and by God's grace, we believe we can accomplish this. With our church plants, we are not looking for another church in the community but a church with and for the community.

In Washington Conference, churches need to grow in quantity and quality. People love Jesus because Jesus loved people! Our goal is to plant churches that love people regardless of their baggage. All of us carry baggage, and we all need Jesus.

Alaska Conference

Celesta Babb: Putting in the Work

Utqiagvik Church in Alaska is the northernmost Adventist church in the world. Though Adventists have been present in this small native village for over three decades, other denominations have been there longer, and Adventism is not very well known.

Celesta Babb, pastor of the Utqiagvik, North Pole and Delta Junction churches, has worked with her churches to expand local understanding and awareness of who Adventists are. For Utqiagvik Church, this included acquiring an actual church building, no small feat in an area where property is almost never for sale.

Delta Junction Church started Ministry Sabbath, a monthly event where members walk through the community, engaging with their neighbors, giving away baked treats or flowers and offering to pray with those they meet.

Another of Babb's churches also began hosting Blue Christmas events, an opportunity for the community to come together and share their grief over those lost during the year and ask for God’s healing in a season when losses are particularly keen.

“This focus is not about converting the community,” Babb clarified, “it’s about following Christ’s method of showing care.”

Even before Babb arrived, church members had begun developing friendships and were getting to know the people of the community, laying the groundwork for introducing them to Christ and the church. This active engagement is key.

“How are we going to minister to our community if we’re not in it?” Babb said. “It’s hard work, yes, but every time I second guess or doubt our efforts, God clarifies and reinstates the peace. We’re on the right path as long as we’re following Him, and I look forward to seeing where He takes these churches next.”

Idaho Conference

Jill Cornforth: Meeting the Needs of the People

One day during the COVID-19 pandemic, Jill Cornforth, Cloverdale Church member in Boise, Idaho, helped a church member carry items to their car. When they opened the trunk, she noticed a large box of food from a local food pantry.

“I had no idea we had food insecurity in our own church,” Cornforth remembered. “This weighed on me heavily.”

After some research, Cornforth discovered Cloverdale Church’s location was in the middle of a food desert. She launched into action, rallying fellow church volunteers to open what was, at the time, the only operating food pantry and thrift store, which remains thriving today.

This spring, the church hopes to open the doors to their new community center, which will not only house the shop and pantry, but also a large kitchen, meeting rooms and a set of bathrooms with showers. They’ve dubbed the 11,000-square-foot building HUB 365. They hope to soon start a meal program, health classes, health screenings, cooking classes and after-school tutoring.

“We don’t know what the community needs are going to be,” Cornforth said, “but God helped us come up with this building plan, so we trust He knows.”

Cornforth points out that she and other Cloverdale Church members were not immune to the feelings of depression, anxiety and hopelessness that accompanied the pandemic.

“This ministry has truly saved us,” said Cornforth. “It gave us purpose in such a dark time. We are called to serve our fellow humans, and in doing that, we are transformed, as well.”

Montana Conference

Kebrina Vinglas: Filling the Gaps

As a board member at Mount Ellis Academy, Kebrina Vinglas knew the school staff and faculty were “a stellar group of individuals who are incredibly like-minded in their sense of purpose and ministry.” She also knew there just simply weren’t enough of them, and she wanted to help.

“I remember thinking, ‘If this is what the Lord wants, someone will ask me to help,’” she said. “I finally realized I had to be the one to speak up.”

After much discussion and prayer, Vinglas and her husband decided she could volunteer 20 hours per week at the school. After approaching the principal, right away she was given a list of development projects needing followup, and it didn’t take long for her to realize there was far more work to be done.

In February 2020, Vinglas quit her physical therapy career of 21 years and became a full time volunteer staff member at the academy. She put together a group of teachers and staff who met weekly to brainstorm marketing ideas and took a more active role in the marketing and development efforts of the school.

“It took a lot of faith to walk this path,” Vinglas admited, “but I truly believe this is exactly what I need to be doing, when I need to be doing it.”

Last year, the academy board voted to fully fund the position, and, as of July 2022, Vinglas is officially serving as the paid director for development and alumni relations at MEA.

“Anything that happens here is not a result of anything I have done, but what God has done through my prayers and willingness to follow His leading in my life,” she said. “Having the opportunity to participate in part of God’s greater plan for the academy and future generations is incredibly humbling, and, I feel, one of the greatest things I could possibly do.”

Oregon Conference

Kara Johnsson: Making Space at the Table

“Growing up, I moved a lot, and I know what it’s like to be on the outside,” said Kara Johnsson, Oregon Conference vice president for administration. “I experienced being invited to the table, and sometimes I experienced not being invited to the table. I’ve felt both acutely, and this has driven my passion for hospitality.”

Despite her proclivity for organization and her previous experience as a teacher and pastor, Johnsson never saw herself in church administration.

“As a woman in ministry, I was grateful for the opportunity to pastor and absolutely loved serving my congregations,” she said. Even when she knew her name was being considered, she didn’t expect to be named for the position. There had never before been a female in an administrative role at Oregon Conference, so Johnsson felt like she was in an “unexpectant zone.”

After a pause, she added, “The flip side is that when I was asked, it felt like a God thing.”

The brilliant part is that within her new role there is plenty of opportunity for Johnsson to utilize her passion for hospitality — what she points out is, from a biblical perspective, simply “loving the other.”

“I want to utilize the influence God has given me to create space at the table for all in His kingdom,” Johnsson said. “My primary goal in this role is to serve with excellence, mindfully allowing God to work through me. To be intentionally in tune with God, rather than doing my own thing. That is, I feel, the absolute best I can do.”

Upper Columbia Conference

Natashia McVay: Connecting Church and Campus

If you were to visit Natashia McVay, Moscow Church pastor in Idaho, and her husband, Marshall, at home on a Friday evening, you would enjoy a meal and Bible study with a group of local college students. On another day, you might find them in the middle of a game night or out skiing with a group of students.

“Over the six years we’ve been here, we’ve had well over 400 different kids come through our home,” McVay said. “We try to create a safe space for them, especially during Sabbath hours, as most have no options for God-focused activities available to them.”

Moscow is home to the University of Idaho, a campus of 25,000, and is 15 minutes away from Washington State University, a campus twice as large. McVay was specifically hired to reach out to the students in the area, which she has done by establishing Adventist Christian Fellowship as an official club on each campus. Through ACF they can hold campus events, hang posters and generally establish a visible presence.

“We can’t make people do things they don’t want to do,” she pointed out, “but if we provide opportunities for them to be involved and meet other young people their age interested in spiritual things, we give them a chance to continue or start a relationship with them and with God.”

"These efforts, completely funded by the church, have impacted the congregation, as well, who have become more open to new things such as guitars up front and young people involved in the service — a significant shift for a smaller, more rural church," said McVay.

“It has been incredible to see church members talk to every student who comes on Sabbath, instead of just letting them sit in the back, unseen,” McVay said. “We love seeing older generations not just acknowledging the importance of this ministry, but loving it and being excited about what’s happening. We want to see that continue well into the future.”

Washington Conference

La-Dana Manhertz Smith: Equipping and Empowering Young People

LD, as she is called on campus, fills a unique role as well-being coordinator at Auburn Adventist Academy, a position cultivated in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“To best serve the diverse needs of our students, we knew we had to nurture an environment which makes seeking help a priority and taking care of ourselves a way of life,” she explained.

Some of this is as simple as providing snacks and comfortable seating. She has space for games and other activities, displays a selection of live-cam feeds of various animals and nature scenes, and plays music.

In addition to curating this “wellbeing space” for rest, relaxation and refocusing between classes, Manhertz–Smith makes herself available for short-term crisis management.

“I use the term ‘crisis’ because for the teen, that’s how it feels, no matter how ‘small’ we as adults may think it is,” she explained. “Here they can talk it through and get tools and strategies to navigate not only whatever they may be facing at the moment, but in all of school and life.”

Manhertz–Smith channels her own teen years when talking with students, imagining what could have been helpful for her at that age, and then proactively filling those gaps for her students. She coordinates Mental Health Mondays with freshmen, visits with senior classes to reduce their fear of life after high school, educates parents on mental health, provides resources and tools for faculty, and teaches students how to advocate for themselves. Manhertz–Smith has also created a mental health referral network for students who need additional support.

“The whole point of my job is to create equipped and empowered young people,” she said. “God has given us the tools to take care of ourselves and each other, and the more we equip leadership with the skills to hand these tools to our kids, we broaden the support we can offer — that is an overwhelming win.”

They may come from different angles, but their focus is the same: service, love, inclusion and ministry.

These women are inspiring; the work they do is powerful. And they are only a small sampling of those serving in various ways and places across NPUC and beyond, impacting their world for Christ. If you haven’t stepped up yet, consider this your invitation. Use your gifts, your skills, your opportunities to serve, to love, to minister. All it takes is one small word: Yes!

“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another” (1 Peter 4:10).

“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people” (Gal. 6:10).

Isaac Hammond

Amazing Grace Academy

Isaac Hammond joined the Amazing Grace Academy family this year and has actively sought out ways to be kind to others and be a positive leader. He has a love of music and has led out in our daily morning worship. His music leadership has extended to the Palmer Church as well, where he shares worship music frequently.   

When Isaac came to AGA this year, he immediately started setting an example of being kind to others and being careful about what he says about others. When working with younger students in family groups, he is patient and gentle with the young students while helping them follow directions and work together. 

Isaac’s positive sportsmanship has been a great asset to the volleyball team and any intramural activities he’s involved in. Isaac has shown thoughtful leadership as the spiritual vice president of the student association.

We are looking forward to seeing how God continues to work in Isaac’s life and how He will continue to lead Issac to positively impact others.

Isabella Branson

Auburn Adventist Academy

Isabella Branson, a junior at Auburn Adventist Academy, is a kind, motivated, hard-working leader. As the associated student body social vice president, she uses her leadership qualities to help create activities that bring the student body together.

Isabella was instrumental in bringing back an all-school banquet, which had not taken place since 2019 due to COVID-19. Stephanie Brito, assistant girls’ dean, shared this about Isabella. “She was very self-sufficient and proactive. She could see what needed to be done and would do a great job doing it.”

Joy Fackenthall, Spanish teacher said, “Isabella Branson always strives for excellence! She is also willing to use her understanding [of a subject] to help any student around her who needs extra support.”

Her kindness toward others who need extra support resulted in her co-founding a student mentorship club on campus. Isabella was described by Eddy Darisme, AAA chaplain, as a “strong critical thinker in the classroom and loves to debate. She is respectful of perspectives that are different from hers and strives to do her best.”

These qualities are also evident in her work ethic as a student employee. Bryce Sampsel, science and math teacher, said, "She is responsible and helps a lot with organization. I appreciate her willingness to do any classroom task without complaining — from cleaning to data entry. She is also kind and works well with co-workers."

Her cheerfulness, willingness to take on new challenges, strength, creativity and a great attitude are her many attributes. For these reasons, the faculty and staff at AAA are honored to recognize Isabella Branson as the recipient of the 2022 Caring Hearts Award.

Josué Mendez

Columbia Adventist Academy

From a very young age, the desire to know God has played an integral part in directing the path Josué has chosen. His desire to know God leads to caring for and blessing others and glorifying God. With a heart for God, family and friends, and a great admiration for his mother as his first spiritual mentor, he has taken advantage of every opportunity to develop his devotional life and become a humble, earnest student of Scripture with Spirit-led depth.

Always anxious to do what is right, this desire is exhibited wherever he goes, whether in a church leading worship in singing and speaking, in his community helping and caring for others or on the field playing soccer. Quick to offer friendship, he is uplifting, encouraging and a role model and mentor to all. He has been the student chaplain for three years at CAA, taking initiative and ownership beyond most.

Aaron Payne, mentor and CAA chaplain said, “Not only does Josué have a heart for Jesus, but he ‘gets’ ministry and is always searching for ways to grow: watching sermons, talking with pastors and reading books.”

Some might be surprised that a high school senior is such a great leader. But as a family friend once said, “If you’ve ever heard his mom pray for him, it's no surprise.”

His internship with Crosswalk Church this summer will continue to shape him. And while we will miss his presence and friendship on our campus, his influence and spirit will continue. For that, we thank him and give praise to God.

Stuart McPherson

Cascade Christian Academy

Caring and committed are two words that describe Stuart McPherson, Cascade Christian Academy senior and Caring Heart Award winner. Stuart is a student who is always ready to help out.

Quiet and hardworking, Stuart shows his love for Jesus more through his actions than through his words. Recently, Stuart spent 10 days on a school mission trip laying pipe, pouring foundations, staining wood, and doing yard work and repairs at Camp Waianae in Oahu, Hawaii. When he returned, he was one of the student speakers for the K–12 week of worship.

A member of cross-country and track, he is always on the run. He is a French horn player in the advanced band and a part of the high school hand bell choir. He is also the photo editor for the yearbook.

“Stuart puts his heart and soul into everything he does,” said Kyle Pepple, senior sponsor and math teacher. “He leads by example and is respected by all students and staff. Whether he is speaking for week of worship, attacking the hurdles at a track meet or leading a work crew on our mission trip to Camp Waianae, Stuart brings a fearless, can-do attitude to the table."

Next year, he plans to attend Walla Walla University and study engineering. Pepple said, "Good luck at Walla Walla, Stuart. The engineering department is lucky to have you."

Ivy Baltazar

Gem State Adventist Academy

Ivy Baltazar, a junior at Gem State Adventist Academy, has a big heart and would do anything for her family and friends. She is very artistic and a hard worker in class, always doing her part and never too busy to assist and inspire others. This year, Ivy is the spiritual vice president for her class and has served well in that position planning vespers, Sabbath School programs and giving a sermon during student week of prayer.

During spring break 2022, Ivy participated in a mission trip to Alaska. To help raise funds for the trip, she put her artistic talent to work and sold commissioned original artwork. While on the trip, group leaders appreciated her quiet care for everyone around her, from phoning home every day to talk to her little sister to sharing food with her teammates and caring for them all. In addition, she interacted well with the local children attending the Vacation Bible School and was an appreciated part of the team.

Ivy believes that missionary work may be part of her future after finishing academy. She is prayerfully considering the paths on which God may lead her.

Rachael Littman

Livingstone Adventist Academy

Rachael Littman is a junior at Livingstone Adventist Academy in Salem, Oregon.

As a class officer, a spiritual leader and a music leader, Rachael is very involved in campus leadership. She is a dedicated student, and she helps her class stay organized and on task. She is frequently seen encouraging students in all classes. She was also instrumental in helping plan week of prayer activities on campus.

At her home church in Eugene, Rachael plays piano for Sabbath School and helps lead music with a praise team once a month. She also plays piano at school and works to include others in music-making endeavors.

Rachael is a person who can always be counted on to get things done. No matter who needs help, she is always one of the first to step up and provide assistance. She is very organized and accomplishes challenging tasks with the spirit of Col. 3:23: "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters."

Thank you, Rachael, for your godly spirit and caring heart.

Zechariah Heston

Milo Adventist Academy

With his infectious laugh, energetic attitude and a bounce in his steps, Zechariah Ethan Montgomery Heston, a Milo Adventist Academy senior, has made a lasting impression on the entire staff and student body during his three years at Milo. He has shown himself to be a loyal friend and strong supporter of his peers with his listening ear. He has earned the trust and confidence of so many through his concern for their well-being.

Zech’s care and concern for others have especially been felt through his role as a student chaplain. His enthusiasm and advice for living a life of meaning and purpose for others can best be summed up in his own words. During a talk to his fellow students earlier this year, he said, “Vibe as who you are, which means to be a cool kid, be a genuine person.”

Putting his own advice into practice each week, Zech prepares and sets up the tools and vehicles for Milo’s weekly service-day outreach. The program serves the local community every Friday morning. It is not uncommon to hear Zech cheerfully whistling or singing down the hallway as he prepares and organizes everything needed to run the program smoothly.

Zech's mission to help people while also utilizing his artistic talents and skills are attributes Zech hopes to use in a future career in art and computer animation. He is anxiously awaiting the doors God opens for his educational path. His parents are Mark and Lydia Heston from Stites, Idaho.

Shelby Waller

Mount Ellis Academy

Shelby Waller was born in Washington and grew up in Montana and Colorado. Shelby enjoys family, the great outdoors, horses, music, and helping friends and classmates with class work or issues they might be dealing with. 

Shelby completed her first three years of high school at Campion Academy in Colorado. There, she excelled academically, was involved in a small worship group and became a Teen Leader in Training (TLT) in the Loveland Pathfinder troop. Shelby met friends who challenged her to grow in her relationship with God and to begin her thought process of a life in ministry.

Shelby transferred to Mount Ellis Academy her senior year. She joined with other students from each grade level to take on chaplaincy duties for the school in the absence of a staff chaplain. As the senior class chaplain, she assisted in starting small group Bible studies, she organized and presented for week of prayer — both at the academy and elementary school — and preached when needed.

After graduation, Shelby plans to continue leading as a TLT. She will also continue to cultivate her desire for ministry, with a focus on foreign missions. She looks forward to a future of working for Jesus wherever that may take her. "Anywhere with Jesus I can safely go," she says.

Alexander Diego Rivera

Orcas Christian School

Whether you are looking for help running a station at a school event, serving food at a community dinner, playing worship music at chapel or moving the contents of a classroom across campus after a pipe bursts, Alexander Diego Rivera will be there ready and willing to help. His quiet strength, confidence and natural affinity for leadership have made him an asset to Orcas Christian School. For four years, OCS has been blessed to have him in the classroom, on the basketball court and at church.  

Not only does Diego work hard to serve others, he is also a member of the National Honors Society, first in his graduating class and is pursuing his private pilot certificate. In the classroom, he is engaged, inquisitive and ready to help support others’ learning.

Most recently, Diego showed his caring heart by attending the school’s mission trip to San Pedro, Belize. Despite having no prior building experience, Diego was not deterred from helping expand the roof of the school’s pavilion. He jumped into the project without hesitation, eager to help and eager to learn.  

It has been OCS's privilege to teach and encourage Diego for four years. The OCS teachers and staff pray that God continues to use Diego’s hands to bless others.

Shamara Daniels

Portland Adventist Academy

Shamara Daniels is a self-sacrificing, humble and dedicated Christian. Shamara has made a strong impression during her four years at Portland Adventist Academy.  

She is a compassionate listener who provides unwavering support to other students. Shamara has exemplified the loving character of her Creator. She seeks to find the best in others and can pull out the hidden strengths found in those around her.

In a school community where students are encouraged to make a difference in the lives of others, Shamara has provided support to her family, her church community, and the students and staff of Portland Adventist Academy. Shamara’s core foundation is to live a life filled with a gentle spirit, which shines with the light of Christ. She is an outspoken witness to her walk with God and is loyal to Him above all else.

Shamara is a caretaker to her peers. She seeks to lift up those who are hurting. She celebrates those who are striving to reach a goal. She brings out the best in others. Shamara lives her life like the widow who put her money quietly into the collection plate. She seeks no reward or accolades for her actions or service, and she works for the Lord unapologetically. Shamara leaves a legacy at PAA for others to follow. It is a legacy of strength in the foundation of her salvation-seeking joy, a loyalty to her peers and Christ-centered compassion, offered to all.

Tyler Sing

Puget Sound Adventist Academy

Because Tyler Sing is eager to help his fellow students and the staff at Puget Sound Adventist Academy, he was selected, by teachers and staff, to receive this year's Caring Heart Award. Throughout his four years on our campus, he has demonstrated this heart of service countless times. Staff have often witnessed these acts of service and have noted how he does so quietly, showing no desire for congratulations. Many times, he has taken initiative to ask staff and students if help is needed on a project they are working on. 

Tyler stands out as a student who truly cares about his school and community. His desire and dependability to take initiative have made a noticeable impact on PSAA, and we know that he will continue to do so wherever he goes. For these reasons, PSAA is pleased to recognize Tyler Sing as this year’s Caring Heart Award recipient.

Jeremy Haddad

Rogue Valley Adventist Academy

Jeremy Haddad is a believer in community service. He recognizes and responds to those in need, whether it be on a school-sponsored mission trip, in his local community or in his daily interactions with others.

The Rogue Valley Adventist Academy staff can always rely on Jeremy to lend a helping hand. The community service coordinator appreciates Jeremy for seeking him out to ask if there is anything he can help with.

Jeremy is the son of Dr. Haitham and Sheila Haddad. He has an older sister, Jasmine, and a twin brother, David. Jeremy has lived most of his life in Grants Pass, Oregon, where he also attended Grants Pass Adventist School throughout his elementary years. He joined Rogue Valley Adventist Academy his freshman year. Currently, he plans to attend Walla Walla University this fall.

Being kind is a quality Jeremy extends to everyone he meets. It is easy to recognize his caring heart because of his desire to serve, care and help those in need. It is for these reasons the staff and teachers at RVAA are privileged to extend the Caring Heart Award to Jeremy Haddad.

Shayla Mountain

Skagit Adventist Academy

Skagit Adventist Academy is pleased to nominate senior, Shayla Mountain, as this year’s Caring Heart Award recipient. Shayla’s caring and thoughtful spirit is seen during outreach activities at her local church. She is known for helping at Vacation Bible School and Children’s Church, joining the youth to invite the local community to meetings at the church and doing yard work and cleanup for housebound seniors. 

SAA has been blessed with Shayla’s creativity as a two-year member of the yearbook staff. She shared her artistic talents last year by designing the 2020–2021 yearbook cover. During the pandemic days of distance-learning, Shayla used watercolors to illustrate encouraging Bible verses that brightened the lives of others who were stuck inside. In addition to her creativity, Shayla has been involved in intramural activities and the school’s football team. She was a part of football tournaments in 2019 and 2020. 

Her career goal is to be an art teacher. Shayla is contemplating starting at her local community college to fulfill her prerequisite classes and then finishing her four-year degree at Walla Walla University. Her parents are Aaron and Rachel Mountain.

Calina Prouty

Upper Columbia Academy

Calina Prouty is a shining example of Christ-like character and genuine kindness. Within her large family, she is a pillar of positivity as she cares for five younger siblings as well as her parents and grandparents. At school, she is always full of joy and will go out of her way to serve anyone around her that needs help or a word of encouragement.

Calina grew up in a variety of different faiths as her family moved around. It wasn’t until they spent some time living with her grandparents that she was introduced to the Adventist Church and found peace and a closer walk with God. She has grown in her shining witness of Christian values and authenticity and often talks about her relationship with God and how much her faith has supported herself and her family through challenging life experiences.

It has been an absolute pleasure to have Calina as a student at Upper Columbia Academy. Her soft-spoken nature impacts her volunteer work. She actively helps staff and students alike with any task or emotional support that might be needed. Even on hard days, Calina sacrifices her time and resources to improve the day of those around her.

UCA is proud to share this year's Caring Heart Award with Calina Prouty. May everyone learn to love like Calina and Jesus!

Raymond Trees III

Walla Walla Valley Academy

Raymond Trees III, Walla Walla Valley Academy graduating senior, loves airplanes. You will always find him looking up whenever one flies over. He plans to become a pilot and learn how to do some repairs if needed.

Ray is also a very talented trumpet player. He started playing trumpet during his 5th-grade year at Rogers Adventist School, following in his fraternal grandmother's footsteps — a trumpet player in school and beyond. He has been the leading musician in the trumpet section since junior high, and all four years in high school. Ray is involved in the community by playing with the Walla Walla Valley Bands and the Inland Northwest Musicians, under the direction of Lee Friese. As a leader in the school band, Ray has encouraged and helped his peers to always strive to do their best and give one hundred percent. 

Ray is always willing to help out whenever asked. He has used his talents with audio/visual and computers for the many plays and events held at WWVA. Throughout the pandemic, Ray helped with the live-streaming of classes and various events.

Ray is also a member of the National Honors Society, and volunteers in community outreach with his peers. Ray joins local food drives, helping with sandbags during the flooding of 2020 and various sporting events. Ray has participated in baseball all four years of high school, was a senator for his class as a sophomore and junior, and is currently the senior class president.

Ray's life has exemplified Walla Walla Valley Academy's mission — Spiritual Awakening, Academic Distinction, Teamwork and Collaboration, Community Connection and Service and a Culture of Gratitude. WWVA will miss Ray, but knows he will be doing great things in the future.

Priorities:

• Youth and Young Adult Involvement
• Adventist Education Support
• Cutting-edge Evangelism Emphasis 
• Small Conference Collaboration
• Leadership Development

Our Special Role

Headquartered in Ridgefield, Washington, the NPUC facilitates the work of the Seventh-day Adventist Church throughout Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington. We provide services and resources for more than 100,000 church members in more than 500 churches and companies throughout our territory, as well as 125 elementary and secondary schools, one university, eight summer camps and many community outreach ministries.

Since becoming the North Pacific Union president, I've worked with our executive committee to hone our purpose. Our vision to live out our mission is this: As Christians looking for Jesus soon return, we will reflect His character, show His unconditional love for all people and passionately share the gospel. 

There is power in God’s unconditional love. That stands in stark contrast to how the world views power. The world has a love of power, and it is tightly grasped to control others.

Unlike the world, Jesus laid out a different example for us in the form of service. A servant’s heart can harness untold power when we love the way God loves. Here at the union, our special role is to serve our six conferences in ways that enable our ministry to thrive and grow in the local church. We have placed a strong emphasis on the value of servant leadership and collaboration with our local conferences.

In our efforts to lead and collaborate, we’ve trimmed our operations to allocate as many resources as possible to the local conference. We’ve accomplished this while still fulfilling the vital duties assigned to unions in our interconnected church structure.

I’m very proud of our efficient team. Tasks like pastor and teacher credentialing, curriculum development, member and public communications, legal review and financial oversight and training are performed with excellence. We are the smallest team of any union in North America, even though we represent more members than several other unions.

Remembering His Leading

I’m grateful for the many ways I have seen God at work since 2016. Even though we’ve been through some very challenging times, remembering God's blessings and leadership gives us the courage to move forward in faith.

In early 2020, COVID-19 thundered across the Northwest, causing one of the most dramatic ministry shifts in the past century. I was preaching evangelistic meetings at the time. It was so painful to make the decision to cancel meetings and close the church doors just when people were engaged and excited about all they were learning from the Bible. 

My meetings were not the only ones affected by the pandemic. Dozens of churches were forced to shut down. Churches and schools faced significant challenges to alter their ministries. It was a discouraging time.

Despite the radical overnight shift our churches and schools faced, God provided strength, wisdom and resilience to enable education and church community to continue. I am incredibly proud of our pastors, teachers and church leaders across the union who made heroic contributions to ensure ongoing ministry. 

At the union, we quickly retooled and began regular remote meetings with conference leaders. Our staff found new ways to encourage and support those we serve. In-person training events shifted to virtual conferences. The 2020 Children’s Ministries Convention, Urban Ministries Convention and several other online conferences supporting pastoral staff, provided valuable resources to our members both in English and Spanish. These virtual platforms enabled more attendees than ever to access this training.

I’m grateful we were able to partner with the North American Division to provide additional financial support to our conferences during the pandemic.

Another pandemic blessing was the continued faithful giving by members across the Northwest. We experienced strong tithe gains despite the shutdowns. Many took greater advantage of online giving options to share their tithe and offerings with the local church and conference. Today, approximately 60% of members give online.  

Pandemic Conference Support

• Alaska Conference: $84,284.33
• Idaho Conference: $95,289.18
• Montana Conference: $84,156.14
• Oregon Conference: $298,958.74
• Upper Columbia Conference: $246,984.76
• Washington Conference: $217,003.95
• Total: $1,026,677.11

A Time of Renewal

God’s faithfulness and leading have been so evident. He has empowered our faith community through some very challenging times. Just like Jehoshaphat in 2 Chron. 20:21, I invite you to praise God for His enduring love and faithfulness. We have so much to be thankful for.  

While I am awed by God’s leading, I feel an urgency. The world, in turmoil around us, is looking for answers and meaning. Now more than ever, I feel the need to reflect God’s love. A focus on Jesus and His matchless love opens our hearts to receive the anointing of the Spirit. 

We desperately need the baptism of the Holy Spirit. The outpouring of God's Spirit is what will empower us to overcome the challenges our church faces as we emerge from the pandemic.

Refocusing on the Future

As churches and schools find a new normal, it is vital to refocus on the future and the opportunities for outreach ahead. As we look to the future, there are several main areas the NPUC plans to prioritize.

First, we plan to continue placing priority on youth and young adult engagement. Our church needs strong committed leadership today and tomorrow. Priority must be given to finding, equipping and mentoring young leaders. 

Our work with the Growing Together initiative across the union during the past quinquennium specifically targets this vital need. It brings members of all ages together to build a thriving multi-generation church ministry team.

In addition to the Growing Together work, we’re continuing to fund education opportunities at Walla Walla University for NPUC students not currently attending Adventist schools. We’ve already committed $1 million for this cause with more to come. 

In addition to young adult engagement and mentorship, the NPUC plans to continue working to build up the outreach efforts of our three small conferences. We began this work in Idaho with exciting results. In 2020, plans were made to begin a major evangelistic effort in Idaho in 2021. Dozens of meeting sites were selected and speakers booked. 

In the final days of 2021, Idaho led the union in baptisms for the year and celebrated its second-highest number of baptisms on record. This outstanding effort was successful due to the collaboration between the union and our large conferences. The Oregon, Upper Columbia and Washington conferences not only share a portion of their tithe to support growth in the smaller conferences, but they also have committed their evangelist teams to provide one campaign a year in each of the three conferences. 

Evangelism is not the only place we’re working to build and focus on the future. Every year, the NPUC works with our conference leadership to provide customized leadership development to officers, directors and pastors. We provide coaching, training and resources to equip and grow our leadership team. We’ve worked with the North American Division by using some of their resources as well as developing some of our own.

Acting Through Faith

Here’s where things get real. This is where you and I talk about what’s going to take our faith community beyond serving ourselves and into the realm of truly making a tangible impact for Christ. 

We can make all the plans in the world, but they won’t achieve any lasting results unless we’re intentional. The Internet and social media have enabled people to spot fake news faster than ever before. You know what? That's exactly what they'll see in us unless we actively seek Jesus.

Let’s intentionally seek to know Jesus and reflect His love in all our interactions with others. We have to choose the things that He wants in order to be more than a hollow Christian. When we daily seek to learn about Jesus and study how He lived out God’s love here on earth, that’s when people will begin to notice. 

Jesus said, “And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself” (John 12:32, ESV).

When people see Jesus, and when they see God’s love lived out through us, that’s when real power will begin to flow through the church. That’s a goal worth working toward. Won’t you join me?

It has been a real honor to serve you this past quinquennium. I look forward to seeing how God will lead and guide the NPUC as we move forward together in His power and might!

Fast Facts

• For the first time in our history, the membership of NPUC crossed the 100,000 mark in 2016. NPUC currently ranks 6^th in size among the nine unions that make up the North American Division.
• Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, 2020 experienced a net loss of membership for the first time in almost 100 years.
• Six conferences make up the NPUC territory: Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Upper Columbia and Washington. Oregon is the largest conference with 36,589 members, while Alaska is the smallest with 3,870 members.
• While Washington is geographically the smallest conference, it is the fastest-growing.
• In June 2019, the NPUC hosted and helped sponsor a meeting with 13 General Conference Division Secretaries from around the world in hopes of better understanding how we are carrying out the mission in NPUC.

Ranking of NPUC among NAD Unions

(Based on membership for 2020)

• Southern: 308,337
• Pacific: 220,791
• Columbia: 148,963
• Atlantic: 127,771
• Southwestern: 124,722
• North Pacific: 102,579
• Lake: 88,505
• Canada: 73,471
• Mid-America: 64,787

Accomplishments:

• Leadership Transitions: This quinquennium has brought an unusually large number of conference leadership transitions. The NPUC administration has worked with local executive committees and standing nominating committees to provide an efficient and smooth officer selection process to fill these vacancies.  
• Leadership Development: We have developed and performed comprehensive midterm and end of term performance evaluations for conference officers and departmental directors. 
• Church Attendance: Accurate attendance figures have been taken for 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 in all six conferences in the North Pacific Union (see graph below). The total average church attendance figures on any given Sabbath for the four years combined is 39.68 percent of NPUC church membership. Due to the pandemic, we did not take church attendance in 2020.
• Union Operations: We have made significant changes in ministry and support services throughout this quinquennium, resulting in inefficiencies that have allowed us to reduce the number of full-time employees by nearly 15%.

Attendance

• 2020: None was taken due to the pandemic
• 2019: 39%
• 2018: 40.6%
• 2017: 40.6%
• 2016: 40.8%

Opportunities:

• We have an opportunity to focus on renewing membership growth.
• Attendance is waning. What are the ways we can rebuild member participation?
• We must continue to focus on diversity, equity and inclusion.

Fast Facts:

• The North Pacific Union received a clean, unqualified audit opinion by the General Conference Auditing Service each year during this quinquennium.
• From 2016–2020, a total of $21,114,273 was given to Walla Walla University by the NPUC and its conferences.
• During the past five years, $7,656,949 was expensed and appropriated for Evangelism by the Union office.
• $946,800 was given by the NPUC for Hispanic Scholarships within the K–12 educational program — a 40% increase compared from the previous five years.
• Tithe received in 2016 through 2020 amounted to $484,152,106. The Union office retained 9% for operations.

Accomplishments:

• During the past years, we have assisted all six local conferences in the use and development of our accounting and payroll software package from the North American Division office. Annually, we conducted a treasury council for all conference treasury personnel and academy vice presidents for finance. In this setting, we have discussed changes and developments of church accounting practices and policies, and we created a forum for interactive training. The NPUC mentors its local financial leaders in communicating financial data clearly and distinctly to its constituents.  
• Each month, we provide a monthly financial statement and report highlighting key indicators and provide tools for financial analysis to our executive board members and departments.  
• Every year, finance and audit review committees met two or more times to review current finances, audits and budgets, and to make financial recommendations to the executive board.
• Despite the pandemic years (2020–2022), we maintained operations as well as office hours. Contingencies were developed in preparation for a financial downturn due to pandemic challenges. With the decline of travel and meetings, we were able to use a virtual platform for communications. This has reduced travel and meeting expenses.  
• Budgets have been developed and provided in a timely fashion each year and month. Participation with the development of the budget is enhanced by officers and department directors. Each department gives input regarding income and expense items for the year.   

Opportunities:

•  Additional funding is needed to help meet the growing diversity in our church. There are capital needs to update and/or provide a place of worship for our growing ethnic groups and companies. Many of our ethnic families cannot afford to send their children to Adventist schools. Changes need to be made to provide elementary and secondary education for all of our members’ children.
• There is a growing need to increase our funding for internships in all areas of the church. There is a decline of students wishing to enter the ministry or other church employment, such as treasury.
• Capital Improvements — How do we provide funding for aging physical plants, within areas of ever-increasing costs and property values?
• Economics — We must prayerfully find ways to decrease expenditures without undermining essential programs and supportive services.

Fast Facts:

• 6,608 students were reported in the opening K–12 enrollment for last school year (2021–2022), the highest student enrollment in twelve years (since 2009).
• 731 children on average over the last five years have been educated and cared for in 41 NPUC Early Childhood programs/centers.
• 524 educators have NAD Educator certificates issued/maintained by the NPUC Office of Education Registrar.
• 70% increase in funding for teacher affirmation and appreciation activities was provided during the last two pandemic school years.
• $1.12 million is provided in direct operating subsidies to senior academies and small remote schools annually in an NPUC-unique funding program.

Accomplishments:

• Provided guidance and support for the recognition of the first senior academy in the Alaska Conference, Amazing Grace Academy (K–12) in Palmer, Alaska.
• Collaborated with WWU in sending a joint academy-university marketing mailer to highlight the value of Adventist education to early teen (junior high) students.
• Led in the training and implementation of the new ENCOUNTER Bible course curriculum across all grades K–12.
• Chaired curriculum committees each summer writing and editing learning standards in various subject areas across the grades.
• Facilitated the adoption, training and implementation of a new annual student assessment program.
• Participated in the redevelopment and publication of NAD Handbooks for school boards, conference superintendents, principals and teacher certification.
• Collaborated in the strategic development and led early implementation steps for standards-referenced student learning and assessment.
• Supported a teacher coaching program and established curriculum coaching to assist in the implementation of a standards-referenced learning program.
• Reviewed, revised and updated the complete NPUC Education Code (updated for the first time in 30 years).
• Funded a major portion of the expenses for all available NPUC educators (450+) to attend the August 2018 NAD Teachers Convention in Chicago, Illinois, and a virtual denominational leadership conference with the Association of Seventh-day Adventist School Administrators (ASDASA) in February 2020.
• Introduced CoreStrengths assessment and training and other leadership programs for conference and school administrators.
• Increased coordination and leadership of an emerging collaboration of Early Childhood Education programs (quarterly newsletters, biennial workshops, consultations on governmental regulations, curriculum development, etc.).
• Hosted and facilitated Zoom leadership conversations as conferences and schools transitioned to virtual learning and responded to new pandemic protocols.
• Increased funding for annual teacher affirmation events during the pandemic and highlighted social/emotional health resources for students and teachers.
• Implemented a completely digital school accreditation protocol and reporting process across all schools.
• Led and facilitated in the transition and requisite training for a new regional accrediting partnership with The National Council for Private School Accreditation (NCPSA) and Middle States Association Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS).

Opportunities:

• Significantly reduced interest and availability of qualified educators.
• Increasing government intrusion into operations via health/safety and employment regulations/statutes.
• Responding to a chaotic educational landscape that is requiring more of teachers' personal, social-emotional and spiritual reserves.
• Funding needs for programs and personnel that exceed projected income from regular operating sources.
• Clearly communicating the value proposition of Adventist education to Millennial and GenX parents.

Fast Facts:

• Churches and Groups: 11
• Membership: 3018
• Tithe: $ unknown
• Pastors (full and part-time): 10
• K–12 Teachers: 6

Development Initiatives:

With the collaboration of pastors, lay leaders, conference and union leaders, several targeted organizational changes and programmatic initiatives have been instituted to support new growth and stop membership decline.

• The Union Regional Advisory Committee (which meets twice yearly) is composed of representatives from each conference and includes gender and cultural diversity and persons representing important institutions such as K–12 Education, Walla Walla University and Adventist Health, as well as auxiliary organizations such as the Northwest Adventist African American Local Elders Federation and Daughters of Zion.
• Local Conference Regional Advisory Committees are active in the larger conferences.
• Regional Growth funding is available to conferences that have Regional churches.
• A union-wide strategic plan has been developed, highlighting 5 Elements: Major Reaping Evangelistic Meetings, Church Planting, Congregational Revitalization, Church Building (construction) and K–12 Education.

Operational Leadership:

• Volunteer Coordinators have been recruited to focus on specific ministries including: Youth Ministry, Young Adults, K–12 Adventist Education, African American Health, Regional Development Fund, Evangelism, Church Planting and Church Building.

Accomplishments:

• Major reaping evangelism scheduled for the Seattle and Portland 2022–2023.
• Fall 2021, local church reaping evangelism involving 6 churches netted 24 baptisms.
• COVID response activities: Community food distribution increased at churches in Seattle and Tacoma, Washington and Portland, Oregon. Seattle churches hosted vaccination and testing activities.
• Church plants in progress, now or in the near future: Seattle Ghanaian; Missoula Community; Walla Walla Valley; Ethiopian Oromo Group and Boise, Idaho.
• Church Buildings in progress: Portland Oromo Church and Anchorage Community Church
• 46th Annual Regional Convocation theme and focus: “I Will Go – Mission Together” 
• A weekend Youth Ministry Spiritual Revival was held with 72 youth and leaders in attendance.
• Pastoral Transitions due to retirements and moves: 10 churches affected
• Visitation of NPUC students at Oakwood and Walla Walla Universities.

Alignment:

We have worked to strengthen the collaboration and engagement with the following:

• NPUC Ministries: K–12 Education, Youth and Walla Walla University 
• NAD ministries: Evangelism, Adult Ministries, Health Ministries
• Office of Regional Conference Ministry resulted in:
  • Enhanced funding for Church Building and Educational Scholarships
  • Collaboration on funding summer Business and Ministerial Internships for 2023 and 2023.
  • Sharing of personnel for reaping evangelism.
• West Coast Black Administrator’s Caucus resulting in:
  • Planning for the West Coast Youth Conference scheduled August 9–13, 2023
  • Planning the West Coast Pastor’s Conference
  • Summit to develop new ideas to improve ministry among West Coast conferences.

Opportunities:

• Support major evangelistic meetings in Portland and Seattle.
• Growing four church plants to church status.
• Completing the construction of two new church buildings.
• Growing the Regional Development fund and the initiatives it supports.
• Recruiting more Black students and teachers to Adventist K–12 schools.
• Building connection and engagement with young adults in our colleges and churches.
• Support over 100 Northwest youth to attend the West Coast Youth Conference.
• Document the history of Regional Ministries in the Pacific Northwest.
• Support the recruitment of faculty and students at Walla Walla University.

Fast Facts:

• There are 105 Hispanic churches & companies being served by 40 Hispanic pastors
• Provided evangelistic appropriations for the Hispanic work in the amount of $200,000
• Hispanic Capital Funding has assisted several churches in acquiring and remodeling church buildings in the amount of $310,000

Baptisms

• 2016: 13,731
• 2017: 14,257
• 2018: 14,627
• 2019: 15,144
• 2020: 15,271

Churches:

Accomplishments:

• Baptisms — Membership grew from 12,456 to 15,271 in this quinquennium, with 2,815 baptisms during this period. Presently Hispanic members represent 15.3% of the NPUC membership.
• New Work — 26 new companies and churches were established
• Real Estate — Seven church buildings were purchased with the assistance of the union capital funds
• Stewardship — Tithe grew to $4,784,400.08 in the last five years
• Marriage Retreat — A marriage retreat took place in Portland with 225 couples in attendance 
• Advisory — Aided conferences in the process of vetting and hiring pastors and church workers — Mentorship and counseling was provided to pastors and family members

Opportunities:

• Plant 40 new churches in the next five years
• Increase by 50% lay participation in preaching, training and baptisms
• The new matrix for evangelism growth is mission-focused disciples who are involved in fulfilling Christ’s commission
• Purchase of 10 new church buildings

Challenges Ahead:

• Purchase of Buildings — Acquire resources to purchase new places of worship in a frenzied market
• Adventist Education — Identify resources to facilitate Christian education for children and young people so they can adopt the vision and mission of our Adventist movement
• Mission Focused Disciples — Implement practical methods to train and equip mission-focused pastors and laity

Objectives:

• Provide opportunities for women to deepen their faith through spiritual growth and renewal
• Address concerns unique to women 
• Build networks of meaningful relationships among women
• Provide servant-leadership lifestyle training to inspire women to recognize their spiritual gifts and actively use them in the home, church and community.
• Promote and provide service opportunities
• Mentor young women

Accomplishments

• Small group Bible studies, conference and church spiritual retreats, women’s Sabbath School classes and an annual women’s devotional book
• Annual Summit on Abuse, seminars targeting specific needs (i.e. single moms, widows, women’s health, etc.)
• Retreats, local church activities, support of deaf women’s ministries, NAD, NPUC and conference women’s ministry websites
• Leadership workshops, directors’ advisories, NAD ministries convention and NAD women’s ministry convention
• Camp meeting “God in Shoes” activities, retreat outreach opportunities and community-impact opportunities
• Gorgeous2God Instagram & Facebook pages, young women’s retreats, Adventist university scholarship program

Opportunities:

• COVID-19 has given us an opportunity to grow in ways we did not foresee. Virtual seminars and retreats have allowed us to reach far beyond our NW borders, and the numbers of “attendees” have far surpassed expectations. But of course, nothing can replace in-person fellowship. In the future, our objective will be to provide both. 
• Sadly, there are still small voices who believe that women’s ministry is all about tea parties, dividing families, ordaining women, husband-bashing or belaboring the woes of the woman’s plight. They have not yet recognized the beauty in seeing a woman finally “get" that she was created in God’s image, and to be like Him is to live a lifestyle of servant-leadership, as Christ did. We want to continue to inspire, educate and motivate!
• More can be done to mentor and involve young women. We will continue to broaden our focus.
• We want to be open to and watch for new possibilities — to see a “shut door” as God’s opportunity.

Accomplishments:

• Ministry/cross-cultural seminars have been conducted for interested churches such as Poulsbo, WA and Plummer, ID. Another example was a weekend seminar for those working with Native people at Upper Columbia Conference. Other Unions have requested our services.
• We established a relationship with ARISE Bible training program, formerly in Jasper, OregonR, to enable interested long-distance workers to take the ARISE course online to strengthen our workers’ ministries. The course is now globally available online.
• We have established a relationship with Adventist Frontier Missions in Berrien Springs, Michigan. They voted to help us reach the Assiniboine and Sioux Nations in Poplar, MontanaT. A couple has just begun their ministry there. A Memorandum of Understanding with Washington and Montana conferences is in place with AFM. This is the first project for AFM in America, helping us reach remote and unreached Native people. They have allowed us to send prospective workers to their yearly, three-month summer missionary training program. Five people from the NW graduated in the fall of 2021.
• A leadership weekend is held annually in Anchorage, Alaska. It brings in Arctic Mission Adventures leaders for training in various areas of church life, such as how to care for members, addiction recovery, how to lead a church and more.
• Nine Native camp meetings throughout the Northwest territory are held each year.
• After the first Bible study DVD series — with matching guides on coming to Jesus and learning His great truths — we have been developing and filming a second series called Native New Life. This series focuses on how to live a vibrant life daily with Christ. We are ready to film #19 in the series. Between the two series, our films have won three Grammy Awards and five Telly Awards.
• Annually, we hold one evangelistic series/revival series in such places as Bethel, Alaska where there were eight baptisms, and Barrow, Alaska where there were 13 baptisms.
• The Baptist Conference of the Midwest has reached out to our department for speaking and training their pastors. Three of the pastors are now keeping the Sabbath. The Native Baptists and Native Adventists have met together for several camp meetings featuring special speaker, Monte Church.
• The State of Alaska and the Presbyterian Church of America invited Monte Church to speak in Alaska for their reconciliation ceremony to encourage healing from painful treatment. 

Opportunities:

• There are deep cultural misunderstandings between White Americans and Native Americans.
• While we have a presence in 11 of the 220 Native villages in Alaska, we have plans to reach additional villages. But plans can only be realized with the help of balanced, willing members who answer the call, as well as financial gifts to reach the Arctic Mission Adventures goal.
• We need more trained Native pastors. 
• In the lower states of the NW, there are 49 federally recognized reservations and there is an Adventist presence in 12 of them. The opportunities for service abound.
• We support the Alaska Conference’s push to plant more Adventist radio stations in Native villages. In addition, we desire to plant low-power radio stations on reservations in the lower states of the NW.
• From time to time, we face challenges with offshoot groups and imbalanced influences. We are quick to confront them as we protect the Adventist message and ministry.

Too daunting of a task? Absolutely not — for we have a God on the move with His leadership and resources! The gospel breaks down every barrier! 

Fast Facts:

• More than 3,500 campers served each year at six ACA accredited camps across the Northwest
• 750+ Pathfinders and staff attended the 2019 Oshkosh Pathfinder Camporee 
• More than 100 churches are involved in Growing Together 
• Annual NPUC Leadership/Discipleship Summit trains and equips young people
• Three Northwest summer camps offer DiscipleTrek spiritual training programs

Accomplishments:

• DiscipleTrek
• Sabbath School Training
• Children’s Ministries Convention
• Adventurer training and club growth
• Pathfinder training and club expansion
• Growing Together

Opportunities:

1. Engaging churches in the Growing Together cohort learning journey to bring about positive Christ centered culture change for all generations.
2. To engage young adults in the life and mission of the church
3. Focusing on intentionally fulfilling the Gospel commission of discipleship by collaborative efforts in all ministries and developing discipleship opportunities for deeper growth to fill gaps — example DiscipleTrek.
4. Adapting and thriving in the midst of COVID losses while rebuilding ministries that have fragmented
5. Developing thriving youth Sabbath schools
6. Establishing more Adventist Christian Fellowships to support and disciple Adventists who are attending secular universities in our territory

Fast Facts:

• Established in 1906, the Northwest Religious Liberty Association (NRLA) serves as the office of Public Affairs & Religious Liberty for the NPUC, and is the oldest religious freedom advocacy organization in the northwest.
• NRLA works in the areas of legislative, civic, judicial, academic, interfaith and corporate arenas on behalf of the church and all people and institutions of faith.
• Since the last constituency session (September 2016), NRLA has mediated and/or advocated on behalf of 492 individuals in the corporate workplace and other public venues.

Accomplishments:

• Mediation Cases — Workplace issues, Sabbath accommodation, labor unions, US citizenship, prison and school sports.
• Government Relations — Federal, state, county and municipal levels, with legislative advocacy among our team of capitol pastors.
• Educational Advocacy — Preaching assignments and presentations to churches, camp meetings, civic groups, academic symposiums and radio/podcast appearances. 
• Liberty Campaign — Subscription processing, mailing, donor letters and fundraising.

Opportunities:

• Government Overreach — Monitoring and, when necessary, advocating on matters impacting the church and its members.
• Executive Actions and Judicial Decisions — Monitoring regulatory actions and court rulings in the five states within the NPUC territory.
• Engaging Government Agencies — Maintaining connections with elected officials and agency directors.

Fast Facts:

The NPUC Office of General Counsel provides guidance and support to the NPUC as well as the six conferences in the territory for compliance with federal, state and local laws and denominational policies.

Topic areas include: COVID-related regulations, private education, contracts, disability accommodation, employment matters and premises liability.

Who is André Wang?

• Wang has served as NPUC General Counsel since 2015.
• He is an alumnus of Portland Adventist Elementary School, Auburn Academy and Pacific Union College.
• He is principal second violinist of the Sunnyside Symphony Orchestra at Sunnyside Church in Portland Oregon.
• He is an adjunct instructor at Walla Walla University and Mt. Hood Community College teaching education law and business law, respectively.

Accomplishments:

• COVID Response — Daily COVID briefings with leaders and administrators at the height of the pandemic to advise on latest restrictions, regulations and mandates relating to churches and schools.
• Human Resources Support — Assembled an advisory team comprised of the HR directors of the local conferences to navigate complicated employment rules and workplace regulations. 
• Government Relations — Established connections with government officials and staff and brought voice to the interests of the Adventist Church in the northwest.
• Communication Updates — Regular communiqués to conference leaders and Gleaner articles to church membership on issues of legal importance.
• Risk and Liability Assessment — Assisted local administrators, pastors and principals in finding the proper balance between legal compliance and advancing ministry in their churches and schools.

Opportunities:

• Monitoring COVID Regulations and Mandates — The rules are constantly changing and are unique to every county and from state to state.
• Monitoring Court Decisions — Courts in each state, as well as federal courts, issue rulings that impact churches and private schools.
• Engaging Government Agencies — Maintaining connections with elected officials and agency directors.
• Emerging Legal Issues — Staying current of legal developments in the areas of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Title VII religious exemptions, and growing liability exposure for churches and schools.

Fast Facts:

• No other union conference has such a resource
• This department regularly visits more churches and schools than any other NPUC department
• The museum contains a number of world-class fossils and mineral specimens, like a giant camarasaurus leg bone, as well as a leg bone of an adult mammoth
• We sponsor teachers and students annually to participate in a “DinoDig” where they are able to excavate dinosaur bones in one of the richest fossil beds in the world. 
• We have distributed books and videos on creationism to every pastor in the NPUC

Accomplishments:

• Constructed and furnished the creation museum
• Produced and distributed a creation lecture series on DVD to every NPUC pastor
• Raised grant money for the production of an advanced website: creationstudycenter.com
• Joined forces and funding with the Geoscience Research Institute to operate a huge booth at the Oshkosh Pathfinder Camporee, educating over one thousand visitors on creation; we also taught hundreds of Pathfinders honors in geology, rocks, meteorites, the Biblical flood and more.
• Began work on the first Adventist-produced for-Adventist churches origins seminar, complete with PowerPoint slides, full scripts, instructions and videos of interviews with experts.

Opportunities:

• Continuing and expanding resource production as science discoveries develop
• Replacing Stan Hudson as he retires/or reduces his involvement

Fast Facts:

• Manage approximately 100 loans totaling approximately $25 million.
• Manage approximately 500 depository accounts totaling approximately $40 million.
• Loan amounts have ranged from $6,000 to $2.57 million.
• Over half of the depository funds have come from churches, conferences and schools.
• The Revolving Fund opened in January 1978.

Accomplishments:

• Transferred the administration of our Trusts to Western Adventist Foundation as of January, 2020.  With this transfer and retirements and relocations, staffing has been reduced in the department.
• Initiated the availability of paperless statements for both loans and deposit accounts for those that choose to receive them that way.
• Changed our investment advisor to a local firm.
• Mandated all new loans to entities, as of 2018, to be paid via ACH. Encouraged pre-2018 loan holders to sign up for ACH payments as well. Currently, approximately 65% of loans are paid via ACH monthly.
• Encouraged depositors to receive their quarterly interest payments via direct deposit. This resulted in approximately 93% of quarterly interest payments paid to depositors via direct deposit.
• Loaned over $14.6 million to churches, conferences and schools within the North Pacific Union.

Opportunities:

• Investing non-loaned funds to get the highest possible returns while still following investment policy the guidelines.
• Managing the balance between loans and deposits to avoid too many excess deposits while still having enough to service loan requests as needed.
• Signing up more loan holders to remit their monthly payments via ACH.
• Getting more account holders to go to paperless statements. 

Fast Facts:

• There are 349 pastors in six conferences tending to a membership that spreads through five states and six conferences.
• Ministry modality has shifted from pulpit dependence to the establishment of organic relationships in search of meaningful spirituality.
• People are seeking spiritual development in many other places except our churches.

Accomplishments:

• Leadership Development — Assisted conference counterparts in designing and conducting continuing education programs and events for pastors, including the support and promotion of the Andrews University off-campus intensives, held at our NPUC office, for the educational advancement of ministerial workers through the MAPM degree (in both Spanish and English).
• Partnership with WWU — The ministerial department collaborated and financially assisted Walla Walla University School of Theology and worked closely with professors to coordinate the functions and training for the junior class internship program.
• Summer Ministerial Internship — Establishment of a summer ministerial internship program for WWU theology students, exposing them to 10 weeks of ministry mentorship and hands-on experiences in the areas of church administration, church liturgies, youth programming and soul-winning.
• Ministerial Retreats — Facilitated training and continuing education for conference ministerial directors, evangelism directors and evangelists during the annual Ministerial Networking Retreat. This retreat facilitates interfacing experiences of several conference departments and administrators.
• Ministerial Services — Mentoring and advising administrators, department directors and pastors in the areas of leadership, family, ministerial, finances etc. Encouraging cards are sent to conference administrators, NPUC staff, Hispanic Coordinators and their pastors and spouses for BD and wedding anniversaries.
• Leadership Newsletter & Gleaner — The department was responsible to manage, write, and provide monthly articles for the NPUC Leadership Newsletter and the Gleaner magazine.
• Evangelistic Mission Trip — The department organized a mission trip to Guatemala for WWU theology students, newly hired pastors and conference administrators to hold an evangelistic series in different churches in the Southern Guatemala.

Opportunities:

• Mission Focused, Equipping Pastors — Pastors and the churches they serve will benefit exponentially by being intentional about training and equipping every church member to become a mission-focused disciple that makes mission-focused disciples.
• Emotionally Healthy Spirituality — It is critical that we assist and empower our pastors to stay mentally healthy and spiritually strong as they face the post-pandemic lethargic condition of many and the drastic decline in regular church attendance.
• Social Media Outreach — Our pastors will need to adapt to the new rules of ministry engagement. They will need to become increasingly savvy and creative in the use of social media platforms, the latest streaming software and realize the church needs to leave the four walls of our buildings and go to the marketplace where people are living their lives.

Fast Facts:

• Research by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention​ shows one in five Americans was sexually molested as a child; one in four was beaten by a parent to the point that a mark was left on their body; one in three couples engage in physical violence; a quarter of Americans grew up with alcoholic relatives; one of eight witnessed their mother being beaten or hit.
• Parents exhibiting emotionally-healthy spiritual lives are more successful at raising mentally, emotionally and spiritually healthy children who will remain rooted in Christ when they transition into adulthood and begin their own families.
• Empowering parents to become mission-focused disciples will change the way they live out their marriages and the way they parent and disciple their own children.

Accomplishments:

• Family evangelism — Christ on Display seminars have been presented around the NPUC to train and empower parents to intentionally disciple their children into a transformational relationship with Jesus.
• Men’s Ministry Leaders Training — the first NPUC Men’s Ministry Leaders Training Weekend has been scheduled to empower men from the ages of 18–99 to better reflect Christ in their roles as sons, husbands, fathers and grandfathers. 
• Resources, support and empowerment have been provided to Conference Family Life Ministry Directors.
• Funding was provided for mission-focused family evangelism meetings offered to the community .
• Marriage Festival Weekend, an NPUC mission-focused event in Portland with the goal of strengthening families, was attended by 220 couples.
• Coaching and mentoring to ministry couples and families — when emotionally broken spiritual leaders (professional and lay) seek emotional and spiritual healing, they are better prepared to effectively disciple their own family, their church and the families in their community.

Opportunities:

• Appoint mission-focused, family life and men’s ministry leaders in all six NPUC conferences.
• Provide on-demand training and resources to our conference family life and men’s leaders.
• Reach those experiencing hurt and oppression. Increasing social turmoil is causing higher levels of stress and trauma in families. Children and teens are absorbing the stress and experiencing increasing rates of anxiety, loneliness, depression, suicide and addictive behaviors. These realities must be addressed more openly and more frequently in our spiritual communities, so we can provide the hope and healing found in the center of the Good News Jesus lived and preached.

Fast Facts:

Teams and Zoom Meetings

• Average number of monthly online meetings — 370* 
• Average monthly total attendee meeting minutes — 160,000* 
• Attendee client systems — 50% Windows, 19% Mac, 15% iOS, 8% Android, remaining other

Average Ransomware Payouts^‡

• Average ransom payment — $220,298
• Median ransom payment — $78,398

Thankful For:

• The IT staff has survived COVID-19 — literally and figuratively! 
• Resources to deploy over 115 new staff computers throughout the North Pacific Union territory. 
• New internet connectivity solution for Big Lake Youth Camp. 
• Leadership that understands the importance of doing IT well. 
• Opportunity to serve the technology needs of NPUC and area conferences.

Pray For:

• Cybersecurity wisdom for all staff. The bad actors are constantly trying to find our weaknesses. Pray that we find them and act on those discoveries before they do. 
• Transition to the Zero Trust model. Doing things in a new way can be extra challenging. Please pray that we all work towards being #CYBERSMART. 
• Resources to replace lots of aging IT infrastructure (servers, wired/wireless network hardware, phone system, etc.) and being able to acquire them. With supply chain issues, some hardware is a year out at the time of writing this. 
• Our schools — especially small schools — and finding a way to help them manage the technology they need to prepare students for service to mankind in the 21^st Century. 
• Our church, state and world leaders.

* Estimated meetings from all North Pacific union and conference offices based on actual numbers from a portion of North Pacific offices. Does not include meetings hosted by local churches or schools.

‡ coveware.com/blog/ransomware-attack-vectors-shift-as-new-software-vulnerability-exploits-abound

History:

Urban Ministry is not really a new player in the arsenal of Adventist ministries in the North American Division. It was practiced and prevalent in the early 20th century in cities such as Chicago, New York and San Francisco. However, its emphasis diminished until a brief revival in the 1970s and now is defined as “Inner-City Ministries.” That emphasis also petered out again. Today, the General Conference Urban Mission Center and the North American Division Adventist Community Services have initiatives to renew the Adventist Mission for, to and within cities where a majority of the American population resides.

Current Program:

The NPUC office of Urban Ministry began in 2019, and has been engaged in the following activities:

• Educating church, conference and union leaders regarding the opportunities and challenges of urban ministry.
• Establishing an Urban Ministry Advisory Committee with representation from each local conference to advise and plan future initiatives.
• Organized and implemented the NPUC Urban Ministries Convention, held virtually Sept. 16-18, 2021, offering dynamic speaker presentations and 35 breakout seminars, including tracks on ACS, Children’s Ministry, Conscience and Social Justice, Disaster Response, Health Ministries, Prison Ministries, Thrift Ministries and Urban Ministries. Presentations may be found on the union website.
• Seeking to provide alignment of purpose and program with the GC, NAD, local conferences and churches. Since each level of church governance identifies needs and appropriates resources differently, there is a need to better coordinate expectations and activities between the levels to achieve smooth operation and maximize the impact of the church in communities.
• Support Urban Ministry initiatives such as:
  • Renew Spokane: A GC/NAD/NPUC/Upper Columbia Conference financed a pilot collaboration of innovative and effective ministries in the Spokane, Washington area. Its purpose is to create a collective sphere of influence to meet the needs of disadvantaged families, share the true love and image of Jesus and collaborate in planting churches in areas where there is minimal or no Adventist presence.
  • HOPE House: A transitional housing facility in Tacoma, Washington is for “returning citizens” who have been incarcerated in the prison system. See the Prison Ministry Report for more information on this endeavor.

Opportunities:

• Foster greater cooperation, collaboration and coordination between Adventist entities in specific geographical areas. No one church has all the knowledge and resources to address the needs.
• Re-educate Adventist churches and members regarding the overwhelming admonition and support for urban ministry found in Scripture and Ellen White’s writings.
• Continue to look for collaborative opportunities with local and national organizations of good reputation and goodwill, such as World Vision and the Christian Community Development Association. 
• Design and convene an Urban Ministry Immersion Experience for young adults.
• Offer preaching and seminars to interested churches.
• Convene a union-wide Urban Ministry Leadership Summit.

Perspective:

Urban Ministry is complex. It is a marathon, not a sprint. The goal must be impact and sustainability. It cannot be done with a Lone Ranger mentality. It must be wholistic and comprehensive to address all four areas of community service: relief, economic development, systemic change and community action. Relief is giving a hungry man a fish to eat for a day. Development is teaching that man to fish for himself and take care of his personal needs. Systemic change is making sure the lake is healthy, has healthy fish or identifying why it doesn’t. Community action involves educating and mobilizing that man’s wider community to make necessary changes to support family and community rehabilitation and transformation. The goal is to fulfill the work of Jesus expressed in John 10:10. “A thief comes only to rob, kill and destroy. I came so that everyone would have life, and have it in its fullest.”  

Fast Facts:

• More than 100 vibrant community service efforts continue to serve across the Northwest including thrift stores, food pantries and health clinics.
• In the wake of growing fire activity, Oregon, Upper Columbia and Washington conferences have all been heavily involved in fire relief efforts.
• The demand for ACS food aid and free health care has significantly grown following the outbreak of COVID-19.

Accomplishments:

• Fire relief efforts continued across the Northwest. 
• Flood response provided aid to affected communities.  
• Disaster drills helped communities and organizations build preparedness. 
• ACS Training equipped volunteers to respond appropriately when needed. 
• Government relations efforts contintue to pave the way to help in times of crisis. 

Opportunities:

• Increasing disasters — More disasters are occurring on a regular basis. There is more need than ever before for our relief efforts.
• Preparedness — We must be ready to relieve suffering from disasters whenever and wherever they happen. Personal, family, community and institutional preparedness requires a plan, trained personnel, equipment and resources.

Our Team:

Byron Dulan, ACS director
Larry D. Mays, NPUC diaster relief coordinator
Pattric Parris, ACS administrative assistant

Fast Facts:

• More than 14.2 million pages are printed and mailed each year to provide the Gleaner to Northwest Adventist homes.
• During 2016–2020, the Gleaner received national recognition from sister organizations for excellence in content and design. 
• Adventist media touches more than 250,000 listeners/viewers each week in the Northwest.

Accomplishments:

• Websites — nwadventists.com has pioneered regularly updated news, articles and opportunities for Northwest member interaction.
• Newsletters — the weekly NPUC newsletter more than doubled its subscriptions in 2020. Additionally, we worked with two conferences to start producing regular digital newsletters.
• Enhanced content — a redesign and rebrand of the print and online Gleaner format in 2020 has allowed for more immediate online stories, expanded perspective articles and visual appeal in print.
• Active social media — member stories, conference events, world church news and daily Bible verse posts make up the vibrant active Facebook, Instagram and Twitter feeds. Social media is a key component of the publishing plan.
• Central information source — the NPUC and Northwest Adventists websites have provided a common point for immediate information — to the farthest reaches of Alaska or Montana and around the world.

Opportunities:

• Member connections — we have an opportunity to improve how our publishing channels connect Adventists of differing ages with the church’s mission.
• Online updates — the NPUC and Northwest Adventists websites must be regularly updated to remain on the cutting edge of effective online communication and 24/7 mobile access technology.
• Public awareness — We must find more productive ways of connecting our church’s mission to meet the real needs within our Northwest communities — sharing these partnerships effectively.

Lowell Cooper, a retired General Conference vice president, described our system this way: “The world Seventh-day Adventist Church is really a rather complex organization. We have some 90,000 churches. We have institutions, schools, hospitals, clinics, publishing houses and many different ecclesiastical units: local missions, local conferences, unions, divisions, etc.”

The Adventist Church structure can most accurately be described as interlocking and interdependent. Yet, many Adventists tend to think of the church as a pyramid, with the local church at the bottom and the General Conference at the top. In a way, this is correct. 

The local church is the foundation that the rest of the Adventist Church is built upon. It's where church membership is held. This is where members are allowed to vote on church business matters and can also be elected to church leadership roles. When someone wants to get baptized or join the Adventist Church, it's the local church who is responsible for membership matters.

Next is the local conference layer. This is made up of groups of churches in a particular territory — usually either a state or geographical region. The local conference employs pastors and teachers in each territory, and this is also the layer that collects tithe — money used to maintain the church.

A group of conferences makes up a union, such as the North Pacific Union. Not only do unions support the conferences in their territory, but they also oversee Adventist colleges and universities and the operations of clinics, hospitals, media ministries and other special entities.

The final layer is the General Conference. This is the Adventist Church's global leadership body. It is split into 13 divisions that oversee different parts of the world. The divisions aren't technically their own layer but are a working part of the General Conference.

The General Conference Session is a decision-making event occurring every five years. This is when important decisions are made — electing officers, voting on changes to the official church manual and approving modifications or additions to our official fundamental beliefs.

To understand how all of these layers come together, I'll use my church as an example. My local church, in Hillsboro, Oregon, belongs to the Oregon Conference, which oversees churches and schools in Oregon and a few in Southern Washington. The Oregon Conference belongs to the North Pacific Union, which includes the Washington, Montana, Idaho and Alaska conferences. The NPUC is part of the North American Division of the General Conference, which supports unions in the United States and Canada, as well as other territories like Guam and Bermuda.

It's easy to see why people might visualize the Adventist Church structure as a pyramid. But is that really an accurate representation? Are the people on top of the pyramid in charge of the people below? Or is it an inverted pyramid with the power resting at the local church? 

In reality, the Adventist Church structure is more like an interdependent ecosystem.

A Finely Balanced Ecosystem

The Adventist Church is an interconnected global community of organisms and systems that influence each other directly and indirectly. If one part of that ecosystem fails or takes over, the system can have serious issues. A good starting point for figuring out how the Adventist Church works is to look deeper at how your local church operates.

When asked about church structure, G. Alex Bryant, North American Division president said, “If you understand how things are at the local church level, it's almost identical at every other level of the church. For example, we use a nominating committee process to elect a local church deacon, a local church usher and a local church youth leader. We use the exact same nominating committee process to elect the General Conference President and all positions in between.”

Committees and constituency sessions allow for a certain amount of accountability and democracy that a top-down system wouldn't. When our system works as it was designed, decisions around church policy are made collectively by the people we choose to represent us.

Tipping The Scale

Even though our church structure provides accountability and democratic choice, there are challenges when things get out of balance. For example, if elected  positions are taken up by, say, people of a certain age group or racial demographic, does it make room for new ideas? If people are nominated to fill these positions because they agree with how the church is already working, how can we challenge the system when things aren't going well? What happens when there is a growing generation gap between church leaders and younger generations, like Millennials and Gen Z?

These aren't mere hypothetical questions. Our church is facing a potential crisis. Bonita Shields, North American Division interim associate secretary, said, “Somewhere around 66% of pastors are eligible to retire. So we're looking at a big change, and I think that's going to force us to look at how we do ministry, and also how our church is structured.”

There are other ways that demographics of leadership and decision-makers don't accurately reflect the church, as well. For decades, Black Adventist leadership was kept out of decision-making conversations, committees and constituencies. 

We are doing much better at including Black leaders than we were a hundred years ago. Still, many Adventist administrators tend to be white men. That is despite the demographic data of the North American Division showing that only about 40% of churches are historically White.

While the NAD has an intentional drive to have diverse administrative leadership teams, the truth of the matter is that White men are still far more likely to have access to the mentorship and support that feeds the leadership pipeline.

Another area of imbalance is gender equality. Although there are some groups of Adventists who believe women are not biblically allowed to be pastors, the General Conference officially supports women as deacons, elders, pastors and administrators. However, it does not allow for women to be ordained as their male counterparts. Instead, they're commissioned.

Officially, all pastors are paid on the same pay scale regardless of conference position, race or gender. But because certain leadership positions can only be held by ordained ministers (mainly conference, union division and general conference presidential positions), female pastors are barred from the positions of leadership that their male counterparts can access. They often face continuous and constant scrutiny through many levels of their ministry calling.

The Adventist system of representative governance, then, still remains socially and systematically limited by demographic restrictions.

While problems aren't difficult to find in our current system of governance, there are positive aspects of the system easily overlooked. One such benefit is how our church handles business meetings.

The Adventist Church isn't the only denomination to use a representative form of governing for business meetings. In some other denominations, delegates are responsible for their own expenses. In others, that burden falls to the delegate's local church.

In the Adventist Church, there is a unique difference. Delegates to any church business meeting, from the conference on up to the General Conference, have their travel costs covered for every meeting.

At first glance, paying for delegates to travel may seem like a waste of church resources. However, making sure delegates don't personally foot the bill ensures we have delegates from every Adventist territory and differing socioeconomic backgrounds in attendance to make decisions for the worldwide church. Ideally, this levels the playing field for representatives with a wide spectrum of financial resources. 

Start Local

With all of these overlapping factors and details about how the church is organized, the question remains, “How can the average member participate in creating change in a large global church?”

According to Bryant, change starts at your local church. “What I encourage young people to do is to try to get involved," he said. "When you get to the division level, there are 1.2 million people in the North American Division. So you're one of 1.2 million, and the chances of getting involved in the vision and process are less likely… at your local church level, you may be one person among 200 or 300 people, but the process is the same, and it's a great learning opportunity on how the church operates. Once you get that experience, or you sit on that board with a pastor or local conference president, they may be looking for someone — because people are saying, ‘We need to get young people involved,’ at every level of the church! So the easiest place to get involved is the place that's closest to you, whether it's at the local church or the local conference.”

For anyone wanting immediate change, feedback like this can feel overwhelming. It can be a lifelong commitment at a local level before the possibility to participate beyond it arises. And yet, there's a reason to hope. Each of us can have an immediate voice by connecting with our elected delegates at the conference, union and division levels. Build relationships and participate in meaningful conversations to help those chosen representatives make informed decisions.

Why Not Change?

Being a part of organizational decision-making and change can take a lot of time, energy and prayer. At times, it can be incredibly frustrating. Sometimes it's easy to be discouraged and ask why we continue using such a system?

For all of its issues, our model of governance also offers a level of resistance to autocratic and erratic leaders that might, in another model, be able to take the Adventist Church in their own direction. Church policy, while a dry subject to read about, protects the church from hasty decision-making that could potentially cause incredible damage.

Though the process is slow, even the policies that shape church organizations can be changed through our voting process if given enough time and interest. Kyoshin Ahn, NAD undersecretary, explained a little about how policy works to benefit us. “A recommendation for a new policy or the revision of an existing policy comes to us from every direction," said Ahn. "It comes from local conferences or unions or various denominational entities. The reason I'm saying that, is that policy is dynamic. It is not fixed, although it is fixed in writing — it is dynamic and can be amended.”

Historical Perspective

In the early iterations of our church, there was a time when Adventists did not want an organizational structure of any kind. As a people who were pushed out of their former churches for their beliefs in the second coming of Jesus, abolitionism and other movements, they were incredibly sensitive to the ways institutional baggage could become an obstacle to the urgent mission they believed God had set before them. But they soon realized that an established organization would help them carry out God’s mission in the coming years.

For example, in order for Adventists to receive conscientious objector status during the Civil War — to avoid bearing arms against their fellow man — Adventists had to belong to an official religious organization. To run their publishing houses, they needed to purchase property and equipment and register their publications.

As the church organization grew it became complex. Today, with more people operating across the globe, the Adventist Church’s decisions must be made with increasing care for the massive spectrum of humanity they serve. Policies, leadership and decision-making bodies are a vital part of that process in our modern-day, and they remain an important way a local church member can participate in shaping the Seventh-day Adventist Church for future generations..

This article was adapted from episode 3 of How the Church Works, a podcast written and produced by Heather Moor, Nina Vallado and Kaleb Eisele, and sponsored by the Adventist Learning Community. To listen to the full episode, hear interviews with the administrators quoted in this article or to learn more about the podcast, visit howthechurchworks.com.