In a unique teleconference with some 3,000 church leaders and laity on six continents Jan. 3, Jan Paulsen, president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, wished the church “to do well and for the Lord to be appealing and attractive through everything we are and do as a church.” [see text, listen to audio]

True to its creative use of communication technologies, Adventist leadership communicated instantly a personal message from the church world leader. In a series of six 12-minute calls, the teleconference covered all time zones and Paulsen was heard in such diverse places as Mongolia and Jamaica, Pakistan and Israel, Bolivia and Iraq, and Lapland and Mexico.

In his message Paulsen shared four wishes for the world church at the outset of the new year and early in the new millennium.

Referring to the three principal values of the Seventh-day Adventist Church—growth, unity, and quality of life—he spoke of a need for “you as leaders to take time to look after your own personal spiritual needs.”

He also referred to the church’s principal task of clearly articulating the vision of the church to its members. “It is important that this vision for the church does not die or need to be rediscovered every time we ‘turn around’ or elect new leaders.”

Paulsen called for greater inclusiveness within the church. “I am referring particularly to the trust and roles we give to the youth, young professionals, and women in our churches. There is so much creative energy,” he said. “The church needs them. Bring them in from the spectator stands and let them function—let them lead—in the life of the church.”

The Adventist world president also appealed for the church to become more visible in society at large. He listed the church’s contribution to society including education, health, personal and religious freedom, justice and aid to the poor and developing countries. “But beyond that we have a message from God to bring, and that surely must make us bold and unapologetic.”

Recognizing limitations of one-way communication, Paulsen invited leaders to communicate and respond to him directly. “We need to know how you see the church, placed as we are in a secular or multi-religious culture, with a God-given mission,” he said.

“The phone is not new but unlike the more fashionable media still carries a personal message effectively,” said Ray Dabrowski, Adventist world church communication director. “The linkup demonstrated in a tangible way the global nature of the Adventist Church organization and brought together Adventist administrators, pastors and lay people in a direct person-to-person manner.”

The teleconference was facilitated by Genesys Conferencing of Reston, Virginia, United States. “It first began as a concept and then it developed and turned into a successful, global event,” said Bob Schup, national account manager at Genesys Conferencing. “It was thrilling to be involved, to watch it develop, and what a great way for all to start a new year.”

Bronwyn Mison, communication director for the church in the South Pacific, said the impact of the message was positive. “I like the way Jan Paulsen referred to it as his wish list,” said Mison. “The president made it personal.”

“The message was short, clear, precise, and to the point,” said Luka Daniel, president of the church in the African Indian Ocean region. “It was also pastoral as well as spiritual.”

Concluding his message, Paulsen said, “The last three to four months have been very unsettling for the whole world. In spite of that I hope that we are able to meet the future without anxiety. The church will succeed; not because we are so wonderfully able, but quite simply because this is of the Lord.”