Inter-American Division Grants Commissioned Minister Credentials To 10 Employees

Leaders highlight mission, service, and the role of professionals in ministry.

May 4, 2026 | Miami, Florida, United States | Libna Stevens, Inter-American Division

The Seventh-day Adventist Church in the Inter-American Division (IAD) Headquarters Office granted Commissioned Minister Credentials to a group of its employees during a special ceremony held May 2, 2026, in Miami, Florida, United States.

The ceremony brought together dozens of church leaders, department heads, union administrators, and family members who gathered who gathered to witness and celebrate the occasion, recognizing the role of those serving the church.

“This is a special ceremony… people who have accepted the call and are already involved in fulfilling the mission,” said Pastor Abner De los Santos, president of the IAD.

The ceremony marked the first such commissioning service in over 15 years and the fourth held by the IAD leadership since 2005.

“A commissioned minister is an gospel worker who has demonstrated a divine calling and the necessary preparation, and is formally recognized by the Seventh-day Adventist Church—in this case, the Inter-American Division,” explained Pastor Josney Rodríguez, ministerial association secretary of the IAD. “The individual is entrusted with authority to perform pastoral functions within a defined territorial scope, and this recognition is granted through the commissioning credential.”

According to the church’s working policy, when an employing organization deems it appropriate to grant commissioned minister credentials, a ceremony is held to formally recognize and affirm the individual’s service.

To be considered for the commissioned minister credential, the employee must be in regular standing in the Seventh-day Adventist church with more than five years of service and must demonstrate proficiency.

Commissioned ministers may serve as associates in pastoral care, Bible instructors, Division, union and local conference/mission treasurers and departmental directors including associate and assistant directors, institutional chaplains, presidents and vice presidents of major institutions and auditors. (Working Policy BA 0510).

The ceremony included Inter-American Division employees Sandra Pinto, women’s ministries and children’s and adolescents ministries director; Janelle Scantlebury-Smith, associate secretary; Libna Stevens, assistant communication director; Abilio Cima, undertreasurer; Juan José Morán, associate treasurer; Franck Généus, health ministries director; and Rubén Ponce, ADRA Inter-America director; as well as Inter-American Division Publishing Association (IADPA) employees Clara Spengler, vice president of sales; Mónica Díaz, editor; and Elías Peiró, vice president of production.

A Calling Rooted in Mission

In his remarks, Pastor De los Santos emphasized that those recognized were not present by coincidence, but by divine calling.

“None of us is here by chance…we are here because we have been chosen by God for a special mission,” he said.

He also underscored the importance of spiritual transformation in service, noting that God continues shaping individuals for mission as they seek His presence.

“God invites us into His presence to continue transforming us,” he added as he addressed the congregation.

Service Defined by Love and Commitment

During the ceremony, Pastor Israel Leito, former president of the IAD, delivered a special message centered on the meaning of service, drawing from Romans 15.

Leito challenged attendees to view their roles not as employment, but as a calling rooted in love and dedication to God.

“The value of service is not the issue—the privilege is the issue,” he said. “True service is not motivated by compensation, but by commitment to God’s mission,” he added.

Leito also highlighted the central role of the church in sustaining ministry, pointing to the importance of prayer and collective support.

“Everything you have done is because the church has been praying for you,” he said.

Commissioning for Ministry

In a prayer of consecration, Abner De los Santos asked God to empower those commissioned with His Spirit and guide them in their ministry.

“We implore the baptism of Your Holy Spirit upon each one of them,” he prayed.

Following the prayer, Pastor Pierre Caporal, executive secretary of the IAD, formally charged the individuals with their responsibilities as commissioned ministers.

“You have been commissioned for the service of God in His church,” Caporal said.

Addressing the group, he reminded them that their professions are an extension of Christ’s work in the world.

“You are the hands and feet of Christ expressed through your unique vocations,” he said.

Caporal encouraged those commissioned to integrate faith into every aspect of their work. “Do not see your work as secular and your faith as separate… do it all to the glory of God,” he said.

Commitment to Ongoing Service

Leaders throughout the ceremony emphasized that ministry extends beyond traditional pastoral roles, highlighting the importance of integrity, humility, and character in every field of service.

“Be patient when the work is difficult. Be humble when you find success… let love be your highest motivation,” Caporal said.

He concluded by reminding participants that their daily work reflects their spiritual commitment.

“Let your service be a reflection of your character, marked by integrity, excellence, and selflessness… let your work be your worship,” he said.

The ceremony concluded with a collective affirmation, as those commissioned accepted their responsibility to serve and continue advancing the mission of the church.

Leaders noted that the recognition represents not only past service, but a continued commitment to ministry.

Commissioning Affirms Years of Service

For those recognized, the ceremony marked both a milestone and a renewed commitment to service.

“For me, being commissioned is both a humbling honor and a solemn responsibility,” said Abilio Cima, IAD undertreasurer with nearly 40 years of service. “It represents a recognition of God’s faithfulness more than my own efforts.”

Janelle Scantlebury-Smith, associate secretary with more than 19 years of service, described the moment as a reaffirmation of her calling.

“It is a sacred affirmation of the call God placed on my life… and it deepens my commitment to serve with humility, courage, compassion, and faithfulness,” she said.

Sandra Pinto, women’s ministries and children’s and adolescents ministries director, with more than 18 years of service, said the recognition brings both gratitude and responsibility.

“I don’t see this as a personal achievement, but as confirmation of a calling God has been shaping in my life,” Pinto said. “It challenges me to serve with the attitude of Christ and to deepen my commitment each day.”

For Rubén Ponce, ADRA Inter-America director, with more than 18 years of service, the recognition carried deep spiritual meaning.

“I receive it with humility… not as a personal achievement, but as a reminder that God continues to call me to serve,” Ponce said, adding that the experience will lead him to be more intentional in his service.

“For me, it means looking back and seeing that it was worth it, and looking ahead to continue serving with the same spirit,” said Mónica Díaz, editor at IADPA with more than 16 years of service.

Elías Peiró, IADPA vice president of production, with over 14 years of service, expressed gratitude for the church’s trust.

“It represents a meaningful vote of confidence and encourages me to continue serving with humility and commitment to the mission,” he said.

Clara Spengler, IADPA vice president of sales, with more than 18 years of service, said the recognition reinforces her commitment to ministry through literature.

“It reminds me to keep expanding the reach of our materials so more people can be impacted and grow spiritually,” she said.

Across several regions of the Inter-American Division territory, men and women have been granted commissioned minister credentials, including in the Caribbean, Jamaica, and Dutch Caribbean unions.

About the IAD

The Seventh-day Adventist Church in the Inter-American Division has more than 3.7 million members worshipping in over 25,000 churches and congregations. The church operates hundreds of educational and healthcare institutions, including schools, clinics, and health food companies, across its 25 unions.

To learn more about the Inter-American Division’s mission initiatives and activities, visit interamerica.org.

To view a photo gallery of the event, click HERE