Miami, Florida, United States…[Libna Stevens/IAD]
Seventh-day Adventist Church leaders from the Inter-America Division (IAD) territory met recently to evaluate strategic plans, exchange ideas and report on the progress of each department of the church in their respective union or region. The meetings began April 19 near the IAD headquarters in Miami, and are scheduled to conclude April 27.
“Having an advisory at the Inter-American Division is what we value here,” said Pastor Israel Leito, president of the church in Inter-America, as he spoke to church leaders on the first day. “The departmental ministry is an aspect of church life that the Inter-American Division cannot live without,” he said.
Explaining the purpose of the advisory meetings, Pastor Leito emphasized to the gathering that the meetings were not a workshop.
“We have invited you to share with us, this [meeting] isn’t to instruct you. We are here to evaluate our strategic plans and get your input. All we want is to do the best for God’s church,” he added.
In a letter included in a special presentation folder given to all leaders, Pastor Leito stressed the importance of continuing the positive trends that have benefitted the church in Inter-America such as membership growth and financial stability.
“People must continue to be warned about the imminent return of our Lord and Savior,” he said. “The best way for all these to continue to be a reality in Inter-America is to have a vibrant and vigorous departmental ministry.”
The advisory meetings will include department directors at the Adventist World Church in Silver Spring, Maryland, who shared strategies which were recently discussed at the General Conference headquarters during its department advisory meetings.
Leaders present at the meetings are representatives of the following church departments: Communication, Health Ministries, Chaplaincy, Trust Services, Adventist Development and Relief Agency, Sabbath School/Personal Ministries, Stewardship, Women’s Ministries, Youth Ministries, Children’s Ministries, Family Ministries, Ministerial Association, Public Affairs/Religious Liberty and Shepherdess Ministry.
