The lunchtime hour at the 62nd General Conference Session offers more than physical nourishment. It’s also a time of spiritual and ministry growth.
In Room 255, a classroom just above the Exhibit Hall, the Sabbath School and Personal Ministries department is hosting a series of dynamic training sessions each day from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m CST.
These hands-on workshops are designed to equip attendees with practical tools for disciple-making in the local church. So far, participants have explored tools like the new Alive in Jesus children's Sabbath School curriculum and the inVerse Bible study series for young adults. Upcoming sessions will highlight strategies for Sabbath School leadership and church-wide disciple-making.
“I believe the greatest potential for the mission of the church lies in mobilizing members to make disciples,” James Howard, GC Sabbath School and Personal Ministries director, said. “Sabbath School is perfectly suited for that — it brings together Bible study and prayer, fellowship and mission.”
Each session focuses on a distinct area of ministry, offering professional-quality resources, guided instruction, and a deeper vision for integrated discipleship. The goal is not just to inspire attendees but to send them home equipped and ready to lead.
Howard emphasized that Sabbath School should be a tool for growing the church, not merely sustaining it. The three-part focus of Bible study and prayer, fellowship, and mission forms the foundation of a unified approach to disciple-making.
“In places where Sabbath School is dying, it’s because it’s lost its evangelistic purpose,” he said. “When Sabbath School becomes internally focused, with little to no planning for outreach beyond the class, you strip away its vitality.”
On July 6, 2025, attendees received an overview of Alive in Jesus, the new global curriculum designed to help parents, caregivers, and leaders nurture faith in children from birth through elementary school.
“We want to equip our world leaders and members who are here with a deeper understanding of this new curriculum so they can take that knowledge and be inspired to share it in their divisions,” said Nina Atcheson, curriculum manager and senior editor for Alive in Jesus. “This is really about affecting change as we roll it out globally.”
On Monday, July 7, participants explored inVerse, a Bible study series crafted to engage young adults through real-life application, small group interaction, and digital integration. Tuesday’s class featured Sabbath School Alive with tips for teachers of adult Bible study groups.
Remaining Training Schedule
Thursday – Global TMI: Tools for Disciple-Making in Every Church
Presenter: Daniel EbenezerFriday – Alive in Jesus: Exploring Babies, Beginners, Kindergarten, and Primary
Presenter: Nina Atcheson
Attendees receive free resources and practical instruction, ensuring they leave each session with something they can use right away. These workshops reflect the church’s commitment to empowering members for Spirit-led, mission-driven ministry.
Whether you're a delegate or a guest, there’s still time to join the remaining sessions in Room 255 from 12:30–1:30 p.m. and return home equipped to lead.
Presentation handouts, slide decks, and downloadable resources from the training sessions will soon be available at the SSPM site. In addition, all Sabbath School study guides — for every age group — are accessible digitally through the Sabbath School and Personal Ministries app, available for both iOS and Android devices.
“Sabbath School itself is an evangelistic tool to help enlarge the church,” Howard said. “We just have a great burden for mobilizing members for ministry and encourage you to be mission minded.”
Featured Resources
inVerse Bible Studies
A 13-part Bible study series, inVerse is designed especially for young adults (ages 18–35+), including university students, working professionals, and younger parents. It’s ideal for Sabbath School, small groups, prayer meetings, or personal devotion. The studies are rooted in Scripture and tailored to real-life faith questions. Supporting resources include a podcast, blog, and downloadable guides. Find tools and weekly content at inversebible.org.
Sabbath School Alive
Sabbath School Alive is a global initiative designed to revitalize local Sabbath Schools by focusing on three essential pillars: Bible study and prayer, fellowship, and mission. This model inspires leaders to recapture the original purpose and power of Sabbath School through intentional engagement. Learn how churches around the world are using this strategy to grow vibrant Sabbath School communities. Explore training and resources at sspmadventist.org.
TMI Disciple-Making Plan
The Total Member Involvement (TMI) Disciple-Making Plan is a step-by-step approach to biblical evangelism and intentional disciple-making. Participants are introduced to practical tools like the new My Disciple-Making Journal and planning resources that guide both personal and church-wide outreach. Planners and guides are available for free download at globaltmi.org.
Free TMI Resources
From personal revival to community outreach, the General Conference offers a wide range of free TMI resources. Topics include Revival and Reformation, Back to the Altar, Health Evangelism, Mental Health and Discipleship, and The Great Controversy Project 2.0. New initiatives like Messiah 2027 prepare churches to commemorate Christ’s baptism 2,000 years later. Access materials and downloads at globaltmi.org/resources.
Alive in Jesus
The Alive in Jesus Sabbath School curriculum equips parents, caregivers, and teachers to nurture a love for Jesus and the Bible in children and youth. A standout feature is the new Babies program for ages birth to 12 months, offering simple spiritual programming and supportive parent engagement. The curriculum for Babies and Beginners is now available, with more age levels coming soon. Learn more at aliveinjesus.info.
For more coverage of the 2025 General Conference Session, including live updates, interviews, and delegate stories, visit adventist.news and follow ANN on social media.
