Adventist Leaders Approve Reorganizations in Key Church Divisions

Newly reorganized regions across the Philippines, Africa and Central America were voted recently.

October 22, 2024 | Silver Spring, Maryland, United States | Jeanne Damasio, Adventist News Network

On the final day of the 2024 Annual Council at the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s headquarters, leaders approved significant organizational restructurings in various regions, aimed at strengthening ministry and outreach. These changes, effective January 1, 2025, were presented, voted, and accepted by the Executive Committee, signaling a major shift in how the Church will manage its resources and address regional needs.

North Philippine Union Conference Reorganization

In the Philippines, the North Philippine Union Conference will be divided into two new unions: the North Luzon Philippine Union Mission and the South Luzon Philippine Union Mission. The restructuring is designed to improve ministry efforts by increasing the accessibility of outreach initiatives in northern and southern Luzon. The North Luzon Mission will manage five mission fields and six institutions, while the South Luzon Mission will oversee five mission fields and three institutions. The aim is to ensure that both regions can address the specific needs of their growing membership and further the Church’s mission.

General Conference leaders vote on new reorganized territory in Africa, The Philippines, and Central America, during the 2024 Annual Council, in Silver Spring, Maryland, United States, earlier in October. [Photo: Lucas Cardino/AME (CC BY 4.0)]

Northern Ghana Union Reorganization

In Ghana, the Northern Ghana Union will be reorganized into the Greater Accra Union Conference and the North Central Ghana Union Mission. This change will decentralize leadership and enhance outreach in the northern territories, where there are significant challenges to the Church’s mission. The division is intended to provide localized leadership and more direct support for church members in both regions.

Togo Union Mission Reorganization

The Togo Union Mission will also undergo reorganization, resulting in two separate unions: the More East Togo Union Mission and the West Central Togo Union Mission. This change reflects the Church’s growth in Togo, where there currently is an increasing Adventist presence. The reorganization will allow the Church to better support mission efforts and expand its reach in the region.

Sudan Realignment

In a notable shift, Sudan will be detached from the Middle East and North Africa Union and attached to the East-Central Africa Division. This decision was driven by geopolitical challenges and ongoing conflicts in Sudan, which have made it difficult for Egypt to provide support. Aligning Sudan with South Sudan will offer better leadership and growth opportunities for both countries, allowing the Church to strengthen its work in these territories.

Samuel Saw, associate secretary at the General Conference, presents the reorganization items at the 2024 Annual Council.

South Central American Union Mission Reorganization

In Central America, the South Central American Union Mission will be reorganized into the Costa Rica Union Mission and the Nicaragua Union Mission. These changes are designed to address the specific needs of each region, with Costa Rica and Nicaragua seeing steady growth in membership and mission outreach. The division will enhance the Church’s ability to serve its congregations more effectively and advance its mission in both countries.

Annual Council Concludes with Approval of Global Church Reorganizations

In response to these structural changes, General Conference President, Ted Wilson, remarked, “We congratulate all these reorganized areas. This shows the progress of God’s Church.” After his remarks, Wilson led the attendees in prayer, marking the close of the Annual Council, with this being the final item discussed.

The reorganization of these divisions, approved by the Executive Committee, is intended to support the Seventh-day Adventist church’s global mission and address the evolving needs of its growing membership. These changes reflect the church’s efforts to adapt its structure to better serve local regions and enhance ministry outreach.