“Let Us Be Bold, Let Us Be Faithful!” GC Secretary Urges Mission Leaders
Rick McEdward entreats mission frontline workers to engage with unreached communities.
June 24, 2026 | Bangkok, Thailand | Edward Rodriguez, Southern Asia-Pacific Division, and Adventist Review
The Seventh-day Adventist Church’s commitment to reaching every nation, tribe, language, and people remains as relevant today as ever, delegates heard during a Friday evening service message presented by General Conference executive secretary Rick McEdward at the Mission Refocus Conference in Bangkok, Thailand, June 12.
The gathering brought together church leaders, Adventist Mission directors, and field workers serving in diverse regions around the world, particularly in areas where access to the gospel remains limited. The conference focused on strengthening the church’s commitment to sharing Christ’s love among populations that have yet to be fully reached.
Rick McEdward, General Conference secretary, presents during the Mission Refocus Conference in Bangkok, Thailand, June 12. [Photo: Marcos Paseggi, Adventist Review]
Drawing from decades of missionary experience, McEdward reflected on his own family’s journey in mission service and highlighted three significant global mission challenges facing the church today: the 10/40 window, the post-Christian window, and the urban window.
“The challenge before us is significant,” McEdward said as he described the vast populations still waiting for an opportunity to learn about Jesus.
He reminded delegates that mission work requires both courage and compassion, emphasizing the importance of building authentic relationships with people from different cultural and religious backgrounds. He encouraged church members and leaders to intentionally engage with communities beyond their own circles of faith.
“Are we only mingling with fellow believers, or are we building meaningful friendships with those who have not yet heard the message of hope?” he asked.
McEdward also highlighted the importance of careful and intentional discipleship. He noted that individuals exploring faith often face unique challenges and require thoughtful spiritual support as they grow in their relationship with Christ.
More than 400 delegates to the Mission Refocus Conference listen to the June 12 special message by General Conference secretary Rick McEdward. [Photo: Marcos Paseggi, Adventist Review]
“We do not want to lose anyone along the journey,” he said. “We must be intentional in helping people become strong disciples.”
Throughout his message McEdward emphasized that the church’s mission is not simply to expand its presence but to faithfully reflect the character of God.
“We have a God to display—a God who forgives and a God who saves,” he said. “People deserve the opportunity to make an informed choice about Him.”
He noted that rapid global changes, including population growth in major cities and the rise of digital communication, are reshaping how mission is carried out. As a result both personal relationships and digital platforms present valuable opportunities for believers to share their faith.
McEdward encouraged attendees to utilize every available avenue to connect with people, whether through personal interactions, community engagement, or online ministry.
“Let us be bold. Let us be faithful!” General Conference secretary Rick McEdward said during his keynote address at the Mission Refocus Conference in Bangkok, Thailand. [Photo: Marcos Paseggi, Adventist Review]
As the message concluded he called on church leaders and mission workers to continue serving with conviction despite the challenges before them.
“Let us be bold,” he urged. “Let us be faithful!”
The Mission Refocus Conference continues to equip leaders and frontline workers with strategies, resources, and encouragement as they seek to advance the gospel in some of the world’s most challenging mission territories, church leaders explained. “The gathering reaffirms the Adventist Church’s ongoing commitment to reaching people groups and communities where Christ’s message remains least known, while demonstrating His love through compassionate service and intentional discipleship,” they said.
The original version of this story was posted on the Southern Asia-Pacific Division news site.