Into life a little rain must fall—and if you live in England, as I do, you get more than your fair share. Well, the rain fell yesterday and it fell on St. Louis’ July 4 celebrations. 

It was quite a storm and the city didn’t deserve it. It has worked so hard to make this annual holiday memorable and the four-day ‘Fair St Louis’ has been quite remarkable.

But, the storm quickly passed, the sun broke through and the day ended once again with a spectacular firework display.

The downpour had little effect on the 58th General Conference Session of the Seventh-day Adventist Church taking place in America’s Center, although the church did experience a few squalls of its own. As the delegates soldiered through the minefield of business matters, occasional questions to the chair and points of order raised the temperature.

At times, the body language of those on the platform suggested frustration and one chair begged delegates to discipline themselves to focus on the motion.

As business sessions proceed, the ebb and flow of Adventists continues through the corridors, concourses and halls. And as friends, old and new, meet and greet one another with characteristic hugs, handshakes and good humor, the occasional splinter group will find a quiet corner in which to chatter and challenge—about him or her, this or that, now and then. People expressing concerns, offering opinions and, while not putting the world to right, make every effort to put the church to right.

But, it’s all part of conference life and healthy rather than harmful. Grey clouds will occasionally pass over a democratic church, but engaging Adventists in the issues, promoting discussion and debate, encouraging dialogue within our diverse church communities and firing enthusiasm is no bad thing.

And let us not forget that the fall of rain is usually the prelude to remarkable growth in God’s good earth. Storms abate and life blossoms and the cut and thrust of debate within the Edward Jones Dome here in St Louis can do much to strengthen the church. It could also further promote the growth that has seen the number of Adventists increase by 5 million since the faithful last chatted and challenged in Toronto.

Editor’s Note: John Smith was a BBC producer and broadcaster for 14 years and part of the team that won a Sony Gold award for the radio coverage of the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales. He is serving as operations manager for the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s communication team at the St. Louis meeting. Views expressed in this column do not necessarily reflect those of Adventist News Network or the Seventh-day Adventist Church.