General Conference Spring Meetings: Notes from April 10, 2024
11 April 2024 |
The General Conference (GC) Spring Meetings began day two of business on April 10th in Silver Spring, Maryland. These meetings included a series of presentations, updates, reports, and discussions on future plans for the Adventist Church, providing key insights into the church’s strategic direction.
The following are a few key notes from the meetings, adapted from articles by ANN regarding the three new department directors voted into office, and a new General Vice President, along with working documents that outline upcoming books and videos to combat errant theologies in the church, and recommendations to have more influence on the training and employment of faculty in Adventist schools.
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Three New Directors Appointed by the General Conference Executive Committee
Zeno L. Charles-Marcel – New Director of Health Ministries
– Born in Trinidad, Charles-Marcel is a seasoned physician and health-care leader.
– Before his latest appointment, he served as associate director of the Health Ministries department since 2015, and previously as vice president of Medical Affairs at Wildwood Lifestyle Center and Hospital.
– He has been involved in health evangelism internationally and served as interim director at International Health Center: Vida Sana in Mexico.
– Charles-Marcel expressed gratitude for his appointment and the opportunity to transition with outgoing director Peter Landless.
Galina Stele – New Director of Women’s Ministries
– Stele, originally from the Russian Federation, has extensive experience in church roles, including professor of theology and various leadership positions within the Euro-Asia Division.
– She joined the General Conference Office of Archives, Statistics, and Research in 2012 and was an associate director of Women’s Ministries since October 2023.
– Stele, the first woman to earn a doctorate in ministry from Andrews University in 1996, has authored numerous publications.
– She emphasized the honor of her election and her intent to continue advancing the mission of Women’s Ministries.
Héctor Otoñiel Reyes – New Director of Planned Giving and Trust Services
– Reyes, a Mexican-American, has a background in development and advancement roles at various educational and church institutions, including Southwestern Adventist University and Montemorelos University.
– He served as the associate director of Planned Giving and Trust Services at the General Conference before his current appointment.
– Reyes highlighted the importance of stewardship and planned giving in his address to the EXCOM members, stressing the need for church member engagement and resource mobilization for the church’s mission.
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Pierre E. Omeler Elected as General Vice President of the GC
Born in Haiti, Omeler moved to the U.S. in 1981 and studied at Oakwood University and Andrews University. He is married to Myra Norman, a registered nurse, with whom he shares a strong partnership in ministry. Omeler previously served as the President of the Atlantic Union Conference. His earlier roles include Executive Secretary and Vice President of the same union, as well as Director of Haitian Ministries and senior pastor in the Northeastern Conference.
Omeler is committed to evangelism and strategic planning within the church and is known for his humility and spiritual focus. He initiated a significant evangelistic conference shortly after becoming union president. His leadership has been praised by Ted Wilson and Alex Bryant for his approach in bringing people together and focusing on the church’s mission.
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Proposed Content Creation to Combat Errant Theologies within Adventist Populations
Several educational initiatives have been suggested to address and reform any misguided theological beliefs identified within certain demographics by the General Conference. These include the creation of books, videos, social media content, and television programs aimed at both Adventist and non-Adventist audiences.
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GC Recommendations on Training and Employment of Faculty in Adventist Schools
The GC has recommended strategies to educate and prepare faculty for the future, including establishing hiring criteria and a strictly managed core curriculum, as well as safeguarding salaries against the impact of declining enrollment.
Videos for the GC Meetings can be viewed on the GC website page here.
