October 30 marked the second day of the 2026 North American Division (NAD) Annual Council, held at the NAD headquarters in Columbia, Maryland. Though this was a business session, it still conveyed a spiritual foundation and upheld the complementary themes of “All Things New” and “Together in Mission.” This tone was set by Pacific Union Conference president Marc Woodson’s devotional thought, which detailed the qualities of a waiting church.
Before diving into the day’s agenda, G. Alexander Bryant, NAD president, emphasized a four-point focus — prayer like Jesus, serve like Jesus, share Jesus, and follow Jesus — for the division as it seeks to emulate the disciples’ example in preparing for Pentecost. This includes expressing sorrow and seeking forgiveness for not making the most of being in Christ’s presence, confessing faults one to another, and putting aside all differences to thus make room for the Holy Spirit.
Erton Köhler, General Conference president, affirmed the world church’s support of and integration with the NAD and the other 12 divisions. He commended the unions and conferences for their dedication to the mission and encouraged everyone to continue to make it the top priority. “Everything we have [money, structure, institutions, theology, identity, etc.] and everything we are is for the mission of the church,” Köhler asserted.
Bryant then commenced with the president’s report. A point of emphasis was the need to adapt the approaches to reaching people in a decreasingly religious-minded territory—different bait for different fish. An exclamation point on the report was Bryant’s articulation of the essence of the “All Things New” theme: “‘All things new’ is about lifting up Jesus!”
Wendy Eberhardt, NAD vice president for ministries, shared highlights of activities and accomplishments among the Children’s, Youth and Young Adult, Women’s, Family, and men’s ministries. One particular highlight was the various efforts to nurture and disciple Adventist students in public schools. She stressed the theme of togetherness among the individual ministries. “We are not separate departments, but an interconnected family,” said Eberhardt.
Garrett Caldwell, mission integration vice president for AdventHealth, and John Sackett and Costin Jordache, president and senior vice president, respectively, of Adventist HealthCare, reported on how God’s kingdom is advancing along the medical front. Sackett shared an intriguing testimony of his interaction with a famous musician. Approaching the final moments of his sordid life, he yearned for the hope of eternity, and Sackett extended to him the Bible’s rock-solid message of hope.
Next was a special presentation by the Public Affairs and Religious Liberty (PARL) team, which produces Liberty Magazine. This is a banner year for the magazine as it celebrates its 120th anniversary. Bettina Krause, editor of Liberty and associate director of NAD PARL , indicated this is rarified air for any magazine to last this long. She provided examples of how Liberty’s positive influence has entered the public sector, including its recognition and endorsement by prominent civil leaders.
Orlan Johnson, NAD PARL director, showcased a citation from Maryland’s governor lauding Liberty for “120 years of integrity and ability.” He underlined the bedrock of the magazine and its reason for being. “We have to understand that faith has to be free, and that conscience can never be coerced,” said Johnson, adding that this must apply to everyone of every faith or even no faith at all.
Melissa Reid, associate editor for Liberty and NAD PARL associate director, advocates for the religious freedoms of Adventist members and the church at large. Reinforcing the magazine’s influence, she quoted a noteworthy sentiment from a state legislator: “Liberty magazine — it’s the only publication that I allow in my waiting room.”
Several other organizations, ministries, and entities were represented during the session. Ruth Horton, NAD Adventist Education vice president was among the leaders from the NAD’s education and ministerial departments who presented a video report. These reports along with reports from the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary, the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Canada, Oakwood University, Guam-Micronesia Mission, and the Southwestern Union and its conferences all underscored the gospel’s spread through their respective spheres, including among many Indigenous communities.
The session was capped off by some announcements, including details pertinent to the evening’s agape feast and Communion service.
The council will convene on Sabbath with a sacred program and get back to business on Sunday. Follow the livestream here, on the NAD Facebook page, or the NAD YouTube channel.
