The first of four major priorities shaping the Inter-American Division’s mission for the next five years.
January 29, 2026 | Miami, Florida, United States | Roberto Herrera, Inter-American Division
It is no coincidence that the number one priority—of the four that shape the strategic plan of the Inter-American Division—is entitled “Communion with God.” This is intentionally significant and leads us to ask several questions: What does this mean for our church? What are the implications of embracing communion with God as a priority? And how does this strategic priority relate to each individual church member?
Let us first talk about what lies behind the concept. Communion with God is an idea that carries various meanings, but in every case, these meanings are spiritual and connected to our identity as Adventist Christians. The primary goal is to guide, motivate, and support each church member in their journey toward a personal and deep relationship with God, characterized by love, faith, obedience, and selfless service. From this perspective, communion with God envisions a church in which all members recognize God as the center of their existence and the only One they are called to worship and serve. This means that communion with God is primarily personal and spiritual in nature.
Another meaning of this concept for the church has to do with the fact that when each person enjoys communion with God individually, it naturally produces deep and participatory interaction with other believers who also practice communion with God. In other words, communion with God produces communion among us. Put differently, Christ is not only the center of each life, but also the One who gives meaning and permanence to the relationships among all who are part of the church.
That is why we say that communion with God is central to Adventist identity, because it not only portrays us as a community of people who love and serve God, but also as people who love one another, since our faith in God is the bond that unites us in a lasting way.
Secondly, when we speak of what communion with God entails, we need to note that this strategic priority has implications that affect several aspects of church life.
One of these aspects has to do with the devotional life of believers and the overall spiritual atmosphere of the church. By saying that communion with God is number one for us, we mean that the Word of God, the discipline of prayer, and public and private worship are central and essential. One cannot speak of communion with God while neglecting the study of the Bible or failing to keep the altar of prayer burning. Nor can there be communion with God when the church fails to give God the worship He deserves. This leads us to the next point in this reflection.
Communion with God must move from being a strategic priority to becoming a lived experience and daily practice. In this sense, there is a direct relationship between the concept of communion with God and each individual church member.
What is expected of each of us, first of all, is that we take our personal relationship with God seriously. Studying the Bible, being consistent in prayer, and regularly attending meetings promoted by the church should be seen as both a responsibility and a privilege for every church member. Communion with God is a matter that concerns all of us in the church, because it benefits every one of us. Therefore, we can say without exaggeration that koinonia, or communion with God, should undoubtedly be the natural environment in which the church functions.
Perhaps one example of the importance of giving communion with God first place, can be found in the words Jesus spoke to a woman named Martha, who welcomed Him into her home, as recorded in Luke 10:38–42. The Bible says that Martha had a sister named Mary, who sat at Jesus’ feet and listened to His words. But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she came to Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.”
And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is necessary, and Mary has chosen the good part, which will not be taken away from her.”
From the day Jesus spoke those words to Martha, not only she but all of us have been enlightened by His teaching about the importance of always giving God first place. Jesus made it clear that there are many things—some urgent, some important, and others just our preferences. But when it comes to what truly matters, only one thing is necessary: to do what Mary did—to sit at the feet of Jesus and listen to His word.
Over the next five years, we envision a church in Inter-America that seeks, loves, serves, and worships God above all else. We will work toward this vision in every union, every local field, every congregation, and with every member of our beloved church. The call is extended to all of us, but it must be accepted personally.
This is the moment when, with God’s help, you can redirect your life and put into practice the divine counsel:
“Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33).
Roberto Herrera is the stewardship department director for the Inter-American Division.