The last EUD executive committee meeting before the General Conference Session in Atlanta took place in Krattigen, Switzerland, on May 25 -27. The committee was composed of the fifty regular participants and some additional guests. Committee members serve for the five year period between the General Conference sessions. Members include division administrators, departmental leaders and regular members representing laity and pastors. Some members are elected and others participate in the committee’s work by virtue of their positions (presidents of unions and leaders of institutions). When a union elects a new president, that person automatically replaces his predecessor as a member on the committee.
At this meeting, the committee welcomed two new members: recently elected president of the Adventist church in Bulgaria, Elder Ventsislav Panayotov, and the recently elected president of the church in Italy, Elder Franco Evangelisti. In addition to welcoming these new members, the committee chairman, Elder Bruno Vertallier, recognized and expressed gratitude to those who will resign from the committee after the upcoming General Conference session.
In his report, Division President Bruno Vertallier summed up one and half years in office by expressing his gratitude for the work accomplished and for the excellent collaboration. He identified several areas where the progress of the church in the Euro-Africa region is evident and showing results: the use of TV and other media, small group evangelism, evangelistic literature and programs of spiritual development for children (Kids in Discipleship). He also enumerated some challenges that we need to address: unity in a very diverse community, accomplishing the mission of the church and developing a climate of tolerance and inclusiveness in our local congregations. Throughout the meeting, Pastor Vertallier stressed the fact that we are “people of the Book” and that the Bible must be our guide and companion.
Elder Gabriel Maurer presented the secretary’s report. He emphasized the progress of the division's work in territories outside of Europe, territories in the so called 10/40 geographical window. This progress is a token of God’s grace and a reason for gratitude. Another area that is cause for rejoicing is volunteer service. The number of volunteers and, therefore, the impact of their services have been increasing. In addition to these positive reports, the presented statistical overview also evidences several challenges. The committee took time to discuss some of these challenges. For example, the number of people leaving our church invoked a passionate discussion about the evangelistic and pastoral emphasis of the church and their effectiveness. It is clear that the committee will need to deal with these issues in the near future by developing a thorough analysis of the situation and establishing strategic plans in order to reverse these negative trends.
The treasurer, Peter R. Kunze, introduced and explained the financial situation of the division. Financial conditions are encouraging in spite of the economical crisis. He also furnished the committee with detailed information concerning the sale of part of the food factory in Germany that belonged to the division. Finally, the committee members received detailed technical information about the General Conference session that will soon take place in Atlanta, Georgia.
The departmental directors presented not only their usual reports but also their reflections and suggestions concerning the individual departments and their optimal functioning, recapitulating their activities, challenges, current projects, future orientation and recommendations.
The strongest emphasis during the committee session was the practical accomplishment of the mission of the church. Our church, on all levels, needs to recapture its vision and enthusiasm for mission and evangelism. Administrators have to lead by personal example and by providing support and necessary materials. We need to rethink and re-evaluate our methods and approaches. Evangelism should remain the focus of all of our activities.
The next committee meeting is scheduled for the beginning of November at which time the newly constituted governing body of the division will lay plans for the next five year period.
Photo: Elí Diez-Prida