During the General Conference Session, emotions run deep. Leaders walk in with years of service, unsure if their names will be called again. Some are newly elected, stepping into unfamiliar responsibility overnight. Others quietly step back, sometimes in pain, after hearing that their service has come to an end.

This year, for the first time, the Seventh-day Adventist Church has placed chaplains on standby specifically for delegates, recognizing something rarely said aloud: even pastors need pastors.

Behind the voting sessions and official proceedings, this small but powerful ministry offers confidential spiritual care to those navigating uncertainty, loss, or overwhelming change, with prayer, presence, and peace.

A Personal Story that Sparked a Ministry

For Ivan Omaña, GC Chaplaincy Ministries director, the idea of offering support during Session is deeply personal: 

“My father served this church for 45 years. He came to one of these Sessions prepared to continue in ministry, but the nominating committee went in a different direction. There was nothing in place to support him.”

He continued, “You come here as a leader of the church knowing that nothing is guaranteed. And while that’s how our structure works (and it has worked), it doesn’t take away the pain. For the mental, spiritual, and even physical health of those in transition, we need to offer support. A chaplain may not be able to resolve the situation, but when someone helps you put it into perspective, healing begins faster.”

What Do Chaplains Actually Do?

Asked to describe the specific type of support chaplains offer, Omaña smiled and said: 

“That’s a great question, especially coming from someone who wants to explain this to readers beyond our church. Chaplains are specialized ministers who provide care in the midst of crisis. I was a hospital chaplain for 16 years. When everyone else backed away from the emergency, I went in. Because that’s when people need someone the most.”

This is not achieved by last-minute training or a one-time seminar. Chaplains serving at Session are deeply trained professionals. Some serve in hospitals, others in the military, at universities, in law enforcement, or with government agencies like the US’s Federal Bureau of Investigation.

“One of our Adventist chaplains serves with an FBI unit. When the tragic school shooting happened in California last year, he was there ready, trained, trusted. He offered care to families, because he was already part of the response team,” Omaña said.

Chaplains are equipped to support people through life’s transitions: illness, trauma, grief, or, as in this case, for some, unexpected change in ministry.

“Whether they are in intensive care units, military zones, fire departments, campuses, chaplains know how to hold the space when life no longer makes sense,” Omaña added.

What about Leaders Who Feel They Don’t Need Support?

When asked how he approaches leaders who believe they should be strong enough to handle everything on their own, Omaña didn’t hesitate.

“Yes, we do encounter that. Some leaders feel they must always be composed and in control. But we don’t push—we simply offer presence. Sometimes, the most healing words are: ‘I don’t have the answer to your problem, but I’m here with you.’ ”

This non-intrusive, deeply relational approach is part of what makes chaplaincy unique. It’s not about fixing, it’s about accompanying.

While the need is acute during election periods, Omaña hopes this ministry won’t end here.

“There’s enough research to show that people recover more fully when they receive emotional and spiritual support during crisis. Why wouldn’t we offer that to our own leaders?”

The impact of chaplaincy doesn’t always show up in reports or press releases. It happens in hushed corners of the convention center, in tearful prayers, in conversations that bring unexpected peace.

📍 To connect with a chaplain during the session, look for their badge or visit the Chaplaincy Ministries booth 1201-22 in the Exhibit Hall. All conversations are confidential.

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.