Global Seventh-day Adventist Church leaders opened and called to order this year’s Annual Council session, themed “Integrated for Mission,” at the General Conference (GC) headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland, United States.
Here, more than 230 global leaders representing over 24 million members of the Adventist Church have gathered to be inspired, equipped, and challenged for mission.
Annual Council is the principal yearly meeting of the GC Executive Committee, held between General Conference Sessions. Members and invitees from around the world address agenda items, policies, budgets, and reports, alongside worship that keeps the denomination’s mission in focus.
In his opening remarks, GC President Erton Köhler outlined two special emphases for the week—business and inspiration—affirming that Annual Council is where the Church addresses agenda items and votes while also renewing its spiritual focus.
“As a church, we are here for inspiration. As a church, we are here to renew our commitment to the Lord, we are here to renew our commitment to His work and His mission, to pray together for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, to renew our hearts for the blessed hope that Jesus is coming soon,” he said.
Köhler recognized two special Executive Committee members: Ted Wilson, who represents 15 years of church leadership (2010–2025), and Jan Paulsen (1999–2010). According to Köhler, both leaders gave a great contribution to the church.
“Our church has a strong gratitude to your leadership,” he said.
Underscoring this year’s theme, Köhler noted integration as a practical expression of unity across regions, departments, and ministries.
“Integration is unity,” Köhler said. “United we are stronger, we can go further, and we can arrive faster.” He added, “The foundation of these meetings is to become grounded in the Bible and focus on the mission.”
Rick McEdward, GC secretary, welcomed new Executive Committee members from around the world, encouraging them to stand.
“You represent the men and women circling the globe of the remnant church, and that each one of us is to do the business of God’s mission.” He added, “May God be with you and give you wisdom and insight while you serve on this committee.”
Köhler also noted the global character of the gathering, “When you arrive here representing all the beauty of our worldwide church family, our building comes to life.”
“What a privilege it is for us to be called by God to be his leaders of his church at this time,” Douglas said. He also introduced the devotional speaker for the week, Shane Anderson, pastor of Pioneer Memorial Church at Andrews University.
During his first devotional, Anderson discussed the purpose of the Seventh-day Adventist Church and its calling. He defined Christian passion as being willing to suffer for something you're passionate about before posing the challenging questions, “How passionate are you to see the people of the world know Jesus Christ? Are you willing to suffer [for them]?” he asked.
He encouraged delegates to become passionate in their prayer lives, sharing two truths about prayer. He said an individual’s level of passion for Christ is often most clearly revealed when they pray. Secondly, honest prayer is often where passion is reborn and strengthened, he added.
The session concluded with a prayer offered by Deputy General Counsel Todd McFarland.
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