How can the Seventh-day Adventist Church expand its reach in North America’s growing cities while continuing to serve rural and underserved communities? This question emerged during the North American Division’s (NAD) Annual Council on Nov. 2, 2026, as Adventist church leaders examined evangelism strategies, pastoral shortages, and new resources for local congregations.
David Trim, director of the General Conference’s Office of Archives, Statistics, and Research, presented a historical examination of Adventist urban mission, drawing on Ellen G. White’s repeated appeals for the church to engage large cities.
Trim traced the denomination’s changing approaches to urban evangelism and discussed the historical emphasis placed on reaching people in major population centers.
His presentation prompted discussion among executive committee members about the challenges of reaching increasingly diverse urban populations, including immigrant communities and people facing language and cultural barriers.
Delegates also raised concerns about smaller congregations in rural and remote territories, where geographic distances, limited resources, and pastoral shortages present different challenges.
Addressing Pastoral Shortages
With a growing number of pastors approaching retirement, NAD leaders are exploring ways to better prepare church members to support pastoral ministry.
Leslie Pollard, an NAD consultant for pastoral continuing education and mission, presented a report on the proposed Lay Minister Credential (LMC), a standardized training and certification framework for church members who volunteer in pastoral roles.
According to Pollard, 473 lay pastors currently serve across 59 conferences, but requirements for their training and authorization vary. The proposed credential would establish consistent training standards, continuing education requirements, and defined responsibilities for lay ministers serving under the supervision of a pastor.
The proposal comes amid concerns about future pastoral staffing. NAD president G. Alexander Bryant noted that approximately 2,000 pastors could become eligible for retirement within several years, while enrollment in theology and religion programs at Adventist universities remains comparatively low.
The credential would not replace seminary education, qualify individuals for ordination, or provide a pathway to paid pastoral employment. Instead, it would formalize training for church members serving in volunteer ministry roles.
Delegates voted to receive Pollard’s report, but did not approve the credential for implementation. Bryant clarified that existing policies governing lay pastors remain unchanged while the proposed framework continues to be developed.
Media Ministries Report on Evangelism Initiatives
Media ministries across the division also reported on resources and programming being developed for radio, television, and digital platforms.
Jesus 101 highlighted Jesus Wins, a Bible study resource available in English, Spanish and French that will accompany the OneVoice27 evangelistic initiative. Voice of Prophecy previewed an evangelistic series on the book of Daniel planned for spring 2027.
Other ministries, including LifeTalk Radio, Breath of Life, It Is Written, and Faith for Today reported on their broadcasting, digital programming, and evangelism activities. Presentations also featured media ministries serving audiences in Canada.
Union Reports Highlight Community Outreach
Regional church leaders also presented reports on evangelism and community service initiatives across their territories.
Mid-America Union Conference president Hubert J. Morel Jr. introduced a report highlighting community outreach initiatives in St. Louis, Missouri, including a mobile shower ministry serving people experiencing homelessness.
Developed through the collaboration of several local congregations, the initiative provides access to showers and personal care supplies. The trailer was dedicated October 17, 2026, with its first outreach scheduled for October 31.
The report also featured the I Am Called School of Evangelism and Discipleship, an initiative designed to equip church members to share their faith and disciple others.
Columbia Union Conference President Marcellus Robinson reported a record 7,097 baptisms and professions of faith in 2025, followed by another 4,147 through October 30, 2026.
David Jamieson, president of the Upper Columbia Conference, highlighted the Conference’s response to wildfires that swept through eastern Washington in August 2026, where 222 Adventist volunteers contributed a reported 37,000 hours of service, assisting 550 households. Conference leaders also announced plans to allocate $1 million toward outreach initiatives connected with OneVoice27.
Financial Reports and Ministry Recognition
Earlier in the day, NAD treasurer Judy Glass presented financial reports showing a tithe increase of approximately 1.5 percent through September 2026. Delegates also received reports on retirement administration and financial accountability.
NAD President G. Alexander Bryant also recognized Carolina Conference president Leslie Louie for 54 years of denominational service. Louie, who is expected to retire in 2027, was attending his final NAD annual council. Bryant thanked him for his years of leadership and service to the church.
