Southern Asia-Pacific Division

General Conference Approves Reorganization of the Adventist Church in the North Philippines

Two new union missions will launch in 2025.

October 25, 2024

Philippines

Edward Rodriguez, Southern Asia-Pacific Division

Figure 1. Map showcasing the newly reorganized territories of the North Philippine Union Conference, effective January 1, 2025. The two new union missions—Northern Luzon Philippine Union Mission (highlighted in blue) and Southern Luzon Philippine Union Mission (highlighted in yellow)—will enhance the Seventh-day Adventist Church's mission, leadership, and discipleship efforts across the Philippines.

[Photo: SSD Communication Department]

The Executive Committee at the General Conference (GC) during its Annual Council on October 16, 2024, recently approved the reorganization of the North Philippine Union Conference (NPUC) into two separate union missions, set to take effect on January 1, 2025. The reorganization comes after significant growth in membership, financial contributions, and mission activities across the region.

It was recommended to the GC Executive Committee to reorganize the North Philippine Union Conference (NPUC) in the Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD) into two union missions, effective January 1, 2025, as follows:

1. Northern Luzon Philippine Union Mission, comprising the Central Luzon Conference, Central Luzon Provinces Mission, Mountain Provinces Mission, Northeast Luzon Mission, and Northern Luzon Mission. Its headquarters will be based in Manila City, Philippines.
2. Southern Luzon Philippine Union Mission, consisting of the Cavite Mission, Mindoro Island Mission, Palawan Mission, South-Central Luzon Conference, and Southern Luzon Mission. Its headquarters will be located in Lipa City, Philippines.

The GC Survey Committee convened on August 5-6, 2024, in the Philippines, with leaders from the GC, SSD, and NPUC in attendance. The leaders diligently collaborated to ensure that the reorganization would enhance the Church's mission, increase efficiency, and provide stronger support to local constituencies.

NPUC has experienced remarkable financial growth over the past six years, with a tithe increase of over 62 percent and offerings rising by 59 percent. Sabrina De Souza, an associate treasurer at the GC, commended this achievement, noting how these contributions reflect the faithfulness and dedication of members in supporting the mission of the Adventist Church.

The decision to divide NPUC into two separate organizations is rooted in key factors, including expanded mission opportunities, fostering spiritual growth, and maximizing leadership potential within the region. Additionally, the reorganization is designed to strengthen nurturing and discipleship efforts, allowing for more focused and effective ministry at the local level. By creating two distinct unions, the church aims to better address the growing needs of members and improve support for mission-driven initiatives.

GC President Ted Wilson expressed his gratitude and encouragement for the newly reorganized unions, saying, "We congratulate all these reorganized areas. This shows the progress of God's church. You have been extraordinarily patient, and you deserve a very special blessing. As Psalm 34:8 says, 'Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him.”

In addition to the NPUC restructuring, several other regional organizations were also recommended for reorganization. These include the Northern Ghana Union Conference, Cameroon Union Mission, South Central American Union Mission, and the South Philippine Union Conference. All recommendations were approved, with the transition expected to commence on January 1, 2025, marking the next phase of the Church’s global mission expansion.

This reorganizations marks a significant step in the advancement of the Seventh-day Adventist mission in the Philippines, paving the way for even greater outreach and service in the region.

The original article was published on the Southern Asia-Pacific Division website.