The church’s Executive Committee (EXCOM) of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists met from April 14 to 15 at its headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland, bringing together global leaders both in person and virtually. The hybrid meeting was also streamed online.
Top agenda items included audited financial reports, governance decisions, and strategies to advance the church’s global mission, with a growing focus on the role of technology in coordinating international work.
According to the treasury report, the church closed 2025 with a surplus despite global economic pressures such as inflation, geopolitical tensions, and currency fluctuations. Total assets reached $677 million, with net assets increasing by $32.7 million. Operating gains stood at $25 million, while investment income reached $27 million. Tithes remained steady at nearly $89 million, and total expenditures hit $281 million, about 80% directed toward mission-related activities.
Associate Treasurer Timothy Aka warned of ongoing risks including rising fuel costs, inflation, and global political uncertainty. Former church president Jan Paulsen raised concerns about ethical investment practices, while Treasurer Paul Douglas said internal committees and strict guidelines are used to oversee investments.
Retired leaders G. T. Ng and Ted N. C. Wilson praised the report, attributing the surplus to sound financial management.
In administrative decisions, the committee approved the merger of the North and South Germany Union Conferences into a single Germany Union Conference by 2027. General Conference Vice President Thomas Lemon said the move aims to streamline governance and strengthen mission efforts, while Associate Secretary Karen Porter noted it would improve resource efficiency and adapt to social changes.
The committee also confirmed dates for the 63rd General Conference Session, scheduled for June 20–29, 2030, in Indianapolis, Indiana. Church leader Erton Köhler said the decision aims to ease travel challenges, while Associate Treasurer Sabrina D’Souza recalled that the 2020 session was disrupted by COVID-19. Early discussions are also underway for a potential 2035 session outside the United States.
The meeting further highlighted the global evangelism initiative OneVoice27, a coordinated campaign set for September 2027, with its launch planned for September 5, 2026. Associate Treasurer Richard Stephenson outlined implementation timelines, while Ministerial Secretary Ramon Canals emphasized the importance of prayer and spiritual preparation.
Communication Director Alyssa Truman introduced the campaign theme, “All Things New: Hope Starts Here,” and Global Mission Director Chanmin Chung stressed the need to focus outreach efforts on major urban centers.
Financially, the initiative has surpassed its initial $27 million target, reaching $42 million in contributions from various divisions. Associate Treasurer Gideon Mutero said the funds will be managed under a structured system to ensure effective mission delivery.
Closing the meeting, General Conference Secretary Richard McEdward said the world is facing mounting challenges and called on members to actively participate in spreading a message of hope.
