On March 25, 2026, the Parkarena Winterthur hosted the 123rd Annual Conference of Seventh-day Adventists in German-speaking Switzerland. The event, which coincided with the region's 125th anniversary, drew approximately 800 in-person attendees, 200 via livestream, and 400 children and youth. The proceedings featured multilingual simultaneous interpretation and specialized programming for younger participants.
Commemorating 125 Years of History
The conference commenced with a historical retrospective led by Pastor Fabian Looser Grönroos. Joined by former administrators, his session traced the 125-year trajectory of the Adventist movement in German-speaking Switzerland, highlighting the pioneering spirit and rapid growth that defined its foundational years.
During the divine service, Reinhard Schwab, president of the Austrian Union of Seventh-day Adventists, delivered a keynote address titled "From Trunk to Life – Why Being Right is Not Enough." Utilizing the metaphor of a tree, Schwab outlined three essential components for a viable church community:
The Roots – Representing a spiritual foundation and connection to the divine.
The Trunk – Symbolizing biblical doctrines that provide stability and orientation.
The Branches – Representing active faith, innovation, and missionary outreach.
Strategic Focus: Discipleship and Future Growth
The afternoon sessions featured Alexander Kampmann, vice president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Germany, who addressed three strategic pillars for the denomination's future.
The first pillar, “Developmental Discipleship”, characterizes spiritual growth as a refined process requiring time, mentorship, and shared experience. “Responsibility as a Catalyst”, the second pillar, emphasizes that personal and communal growth is predicated on empowering individuals within their specific developmental stages. The final pillar, “Structural Evolution”, draws on historical precedents to argue that sustainable growth requires moving beyond the maintenance of existing structures toward the active creation of new communities.
Stephan Sigg, president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in German-speaking Switzerland, concluded the formal presentations by reminding attendees that congregational growth is ultimately a divine endeavor, calling for a renewed focus on the hope of the Second Advent.
Cultural Conclusion: A Shared Sense of Home
The anniversary celebration concluded with a concert performed by the Zürich IV Angolan Adventist Church. Exploring the theme of "Home," the multi-generational choir utilized music and drama to reflect on both earthly and celestial identity. A notable highlight of the performance was a traditional yodeling piece, prepared in collaboration with a professional yodeler, symbolizing the integration of diverse cultural backgrounds within the faith community.
To read the original article, please go here.
