Spring Meeting 2025

Amid “the highest economic policy uncertainty ever,” the financial officers of the General Conference (GC) of the Seventh-day Adventist Church said they are thankful to God for what they called His intervention in the financial affairs of the church.

“We praise the Lord for the strong financial position of the church, considering the prevailing global economic conditions,” said GC Treasurer Paul H. Douglas at the 2025 Spring Meeting of the denomination in Silver Spring, Maryland, United States, April 8. 

Douglas reported that the GC ended the financial year with approximately US$338 million in net assets, 94 percent of which was in cash and investments.

“We have been faithful stewards of the resources God has provided to advance the cause of His kingdom,” he said. At the same time, he emphasized that the financial strength of the GC “is not because of our own accomplishment—it is rather God’s divine purpose to provide us what we need to do His work.” 

A report presented at the 2025 Spring Meeting to the General Conference (GC) Executive Committee highlighted The Great Controversy Digital Advertising initiative, which includes the development of the Global Bible School. This effort aims to teach and make biblical truth accessible worldwide.

Almir Marroni, director of the GC Publishing Ministries, opened the report by highlighting what division support has helped accomplish within the project.

“We began the project with 74 languages available,” said Marroni. “In 2025, we now have more than 130 languages available.”

He shared that one publishing house reported printing seven million copies of Ellen White's The Great Controversy over a 100-year period. By contrast, 27 million more copies have been produced in the past two years.

The General Conference (GC) Executive Committee has approved several updates to the Rules of Order that will govern proceedings at the upcoming General Conference Session. The revisions address key procedural aspects, including points of order, voting methods, and quorum rules.

"These rules of order are intended to be used with a sense of reverence for the divine purpose," said Ted Wilson, president of the GC, quoting from the document's introduction written by the late Dr. Bert Beach. "They are not intended to provide for quick or dilatory parliamentary maneuvers."

Todd McFarland, GC deputy general counsel, presented the changes and explained that points of order—a significant challenge during the 2015 GC Session—now have a clearer definition and process. "This also makes it more explicit that a chair is to ask a person sooner rather than later to make their point of order if it is not immediately evident," McFarland noted.

Other updates include making the document gender-neutral and clarifying that abstentions never count in vote totals.

The second day of the 2025 Spring Meeting of the General Conference (GC) concluded with the Executive Committee voting to approve guidelines for House Groups.

The conversation about House Groups began at the 2024 Annual Council. It was then decided to refer the term to the Church Manual Committee to develop official guidelines for such groups.

Gerson Santos, associate secretary of the GC, presented the Church Manual’s new guidelines on House Groups, noting that while the terms 'House Groups' and 'House Churches' will be used interchangeably within the manual, 'House Groups' will be the preferred term.

Santos explained that the guidelines are intended to reach as many people as possible with the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s proclamation of the Three Angels’ Messages, acknowledging that church gatherings may vary based on regional context.

The General Conference (GC) Executive Committee has voted on guidelines for digital ministry expansion in Seventh-day Adventist churches worldwide, addressing the expansion of online church activity following the COVID-19 pandemic.

"In today's digital age, expanding our mission through online platforms is both an opportunity and a necessity," said Ramon Canals, GC ministerial association secretary, who led the development of the guidelines.

The document establishes a three-phase approach for Adventist congregations: creating digital platforms (websites, social media, podcasts), streaming services, and providing comprehensive online spiritual care. While encouraging churches to embrace these digital opportunities, the guidelines emphasize that physical gathering remains essential.

"A church must have a physical gathering to qualify as a Seventh-day Adventist Church," the document states, noting practices like baptism and communion require in-person participation. It references Hebrews 10:25, which encourages believers not to forsake assembling together.

The General Conference (GC) Education Department reported that Seventh-day Adventist schools have largely rebounded from the COVID-19 pandemic, with primary education recovering more rapidly and secondary education still regaining momentum. They now enroll more than 2.3 million students worldwide in 120 colleges and universities and approximately 10,500 schools.

"We take this opportunity to salute the educators at the front lines who every day are carrying out mission in classrooms," said Lisa Beardsley-Hardy, GC education director, during her report to the Executive Committee.

The department highlighted four "Educating for Mission" conferences held over the past 18 months in Indonesia, Europe, Peru, and Africa to equip educational leaders for mission work.

School baptisms continue to demonstrate the evangelistic impact of Adventist education, with institutions reporting 40,204 baptisms in 2022 and 46,003 in 2023.

The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) introduced its new president, Paulo Lopes, to the General Conference (GC) Executive Committee during the 2025 Spring Meetings. Lopes, who assumed leadership on April 1, succeeds Michael Kruger, who has transitioned to a new position in Adventist healthcare.

During the introduction, GC president Ted Wilson emphasized ADRA's critical mission and addressed unfounded allegations about the organization's work on social media. Outgoing president Kruger specifically refuted claims that ADRA facilitates illegal immigration or provides improper compensation to board members.

Lopes brings over 30 years of experience with ADRA to his new role. He most recently served as Regional Director for South America, where he led significant growth in humanitarian impact. Lopes expressed commitment to the organization's faith-based identity, stating firmly that "ADRA cannot exist without the Seventh-day Adventist Church."

The leadership transition comes at a challenging time as ADRA faces reduced funding from USAID following recent U.S. government policy changes. Despite these obstacles, Lopes conveyed confidence in the organization's resilience, affirming that "God has always provided for ADRA, and He always will."

The Publishing Department report presented at the annual Spring Meeting utilized a video to highlight the strength of literature evangelism worldwide. 

Almir Marroni, Publishing Department director at the General Conference, shared that the story of two evangelists in the video symbolizes the work being done in door-to-door ministries. 

The first story focused on a woman named Elena in Russia, whom God pushed to spread the good news of Jesus to the entertainment elites of her city. She regularly stands outside the entrances and exits of stages to distribute copies of Adventist pioneer Ellen White’s The Great Controversy and The Desire of Ages. According to the video report, she has distributed over 250 books to actors, artists, and influencers in Russia. 

Story two crossed the border into Ukraine, highlighting the story of Irena. On April 22, 2022, two months after the Russian invasion began, she walked to her city's city hall to speak with the Mayor. There, she suggested the book could give a unique perspective to the war. Through the work of God, the mayor asked Irena to bring 517 copies of The Great Controversy to city hall to be distributed to their employees. 

Day two of the annual Spring Meeting opened with the Executive Committee approving the Steering and Standing Committees for the 2025 General Conference (GC) Session. 

Hensley Moorooven, GC undersecretary, presented the three committees being voted, including:

1. GC Steering Committee

2. Church Manual Committee

3. Constitution and Bylaw Committee

Moorooven explained that the Church Manual Committee would only meet during GC Session should the need arise. 

The General Conference (GC) Executive Committee approved a plan from the Spirit of Prophecy (SOP) Committee to translate the writings of Ellen G. White (EGW) through a new initiative titled Sharing the Gift of Light 2.0.

The plan, presented by Merlin Bert, director of the EGW Estate, and Michael Sokupa, associate director, aims to make White’s writings accessible to as many people as possible worldwide through the use of artificial intelligence in translation efforts.

“Ellen White herself was very intentional about the importance of her writings being translated into other languages,” Bert said. “Beginning in 1899, she devoted her royalties for international publications entirely to translation.”

The first day of the 2025 Spring Meeting of the General Conference (GC) Executive Committee concluded with a special recognition of Ann Hamel, a psychologist and mental health provider with the GC, for her lifelong commitment to mission work.

“What a privilege to have people who dedicate their lives to helping others,” said GC president Ted Wilson during the presentation. 

Amy Whittset, International Service Employee care and support manager for the GC, gave a short presentation highlighting Hamel’s contributions to the Adventist Church, including her mission service in Burundi and Rwanda.

Tragically, while serving in Rwanda, Hamel and her family were involved in a deadly car crash that claimed the life of her husband and left her and her youngest child critically injured. The experience raised deep and painful questions, but as Hamel wrestled with grief, she was surrounded by people who reminded her of God’s presence.

The General Conference Executive Committee has voted to accept seven recommendations from the Appropriations Study Committee that will transform how financial resources are distributed to world divisions beginning in 2026.

The committee, chaired by Tom Lemon, GC vice president, with Paul H. Douglas, GC treasurer, serving as vice chair, conducted a comprehensive study categorizing divisions into four financial strength groups.

Key recommendations include a new calculation method based on financial strength and mission focus, limits on administrative expenses, development of financial roadmaps through 2030, currency choice options, coordinated resource allocation, strategic distribution of surpluses, and bylaw updates.

The plan features a $2.4 million base appropriation per division with additional funds distributed according to financial condition, reporting compliance, and mission results.

The General Conference (GC) treasury and Stewardship department have partnered to enhance member engagement in supporting the church's mission.

"Our primary focus must be faith-raising rather than fundraising," said Paul H. Douglas, GC treasurer.

The partnership was initiated in response to feedback during the last GC Session. Leaders worked together to develop a document outlining five key principles: stewardship is about raising faith, valuing members' trust, applying stewardship to daily living, growing relationships with God, and making stewardship relevant for everyone.

The document includes implementation actions across all church levels, encouraging transparent financial communication and sharing mission advancement stories.

During the Spring Meeting of the General Conference (GC) Executive Committee, Paul H. Douglas, GC treasurer, presented a comprehensive financial report highlighting the organization's fiscal stability despite earlier concerns.

"What we projected was not realized. God had a different plan and we praise the Lord for that," Douglas stated.

Douglas reported operating fund surpluses in recent years, attributing these positive results to several factors: controlled costs in technology and data centers, contained travel budgets below pre-COVID levels, renegotiated contracts, and personnel reductions that were not replaced following COVID-19 adjustments. Additionally, World Mission offerings exceeded expectations, though Douglas emphasized a cautious approach to resource planning as tithe contributions begin to flatten.

The presentation included a comparative analysis of available working capital across world divisions, with figures ranging from 9 months (North American Division) to 180 months (Southern Asia-Pacific Division), compared to the policy expectation of 6 months. Douglas also noted that 10 of the 13 world divisions have achieved financial self-support.

During the 2025 Spring Meeting, Paul H. Douglas, General Conference (GC) treasurer, reported that the GC's financial position as of Dec. 31, 2024, is "strong," with net assets totaling approximately $338 million, 94% of which are held in cash and investments.

"We are strong because our God is strong," said Douglas. "The financial strength of the GC is not because of our own accomplishments. It is rather because of God's divine purpose to provide us what we need to do His work."

Tithe income reached $86 million, exceeding budget projections by approximately $4 million and surpassing the 2019 pre-pandemic benchmark by $3 million. More notably, offerings exceeded tithe for the first time, with 2024 offerings reported at $31 million, more than the 2019 reference year.

Douglas noted this shift suggests "an interest in the global mission of our church is being reignited in the hearts and minds of our church members." He added that this attention to global work will have a "reflex influence" to make local church work "more prosperous."

At the 2025 Spring Meeting of the General Conference Executive Committee, Gina Wahlen, editor, Social Media manager, and General Conference Presidential team member, delivered the first morning worship on why she remains a committed Seventh-day Adventist. Through personal stories and spiritual insights, she invited listeners to reflect on their faith journeys and why they are part of this global movement.

Despite a difficult childhood marked by her parents’ separation, she shared how the Adventist Church became a source of strength and belonging. From her earliest days in Sabbath School to years spent in Adventist education, Pathfinders, and church service, she described a nurturing spiritual environment that shaped her faith.

She also reflected on the moment she realized the Adventist Church's global scope—at the 1990 General Conference Session in Indianapolis. Surrounded by fellow believers from countries around the world, she experienced the joy of belonging to a diverse and united spiritual family. “As an only child, that was a wonderful revelation—here’s my family,” she said.

The Seventh-day Adventist Church’s leadership will gather for the 2025 Spring Meeting, scheduled for April 9-10 at the General Conference (GC) headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland, United States. 

“This meeting is critical as we approach the 62nd General Conference Session,” said Ted N.C. Wilson, president of the GC. “It is an opportunity to assess the church’s mission progress, align our strategies, and ensure we remain faithful stewards of the resources entrusted to us.”

As one of the church’s two annual business sessions, Spring Meeting convenes members of the GC Executive Committee (EXCOM) to review audited financial reports and to discuss other key business matters. The meeting will follow the theme "I Will Go and Proclaim Christ’s Second Coming," inviting church leaders and members alike to reflect on their spiritual commitment and collective mission.