Members of the Seventh-day Adventist executive committee have chosen Robert E. Lemon as treasurer of the world church. The unanimous vote came April 18, the second day of the church’s Spring Meeting of international church leaders. Lemon replaces Robert Rawson, treasurer since 1995, who has announced his intention to retire.

Speaking to committee members after his election, Lemon said any call to leadership in the church—whether in local church office or in full-time ministry—is a “sobering and humbling experience.” He emphasized the need to make God and the mission of the church the central focus of all planning and activities. “What is important is not for us to ask God to bless our plans,” said Lemon, “but to ask Him to guide us to know what His plans are.”

Lemon, undertreasurer of the world church since 1998, has served the church in finance-related positions for some 30 years. From 1995 to 1998 he worked as associate world church treasurer. Lemon spent more than 10 years of his career in Africa, first based in Zaire, and later the Ivory Coast. He and his wife, Sherry, have two grown children, Tami and James.

Robert Rawson retires after more than 44 years working for the Adventist Church in a variety of treasury-related areas in six states of the United States, as well as Singapore, Japan and the Philippines.

“I leave with a sense of profound gratitude that the Lord has allowed me to serve His church for so many years,” he told delegates in his final report as General Conference treasurer. “As I lay down my responsibilities, I do so with a quiet confidence in the future.”

“God has called Carolyn and I to a different ministry on a smaller stage,” Rawson added. “Over the years I have found that life is most rewarding when we accept His call.” He also gave a spiritual challenge: “Let us take time on our knees and delve deep in the Word.”

Pastor Jan Paulsen, president of the Adventist Church, paid tribute to Rawson, thanking him for his years of service. Paulsen also welcomed Lemon as the new treasurer, noting his extensive knowledge of the world church and his strong commitment to the church’s mission.

Steven Rose, currently associate treasurer for the world church, was chosen to fill the position left vacant by Lemon. Jose Lizardo, currently working at the church’s Eastern Africa headquarters, will come to the Adventist world headquarters to be associate treasurer.