Spring Meeting--2026

[Gregory Matthews]

The General  Conference has just concluded an important meeting.  The following article informs on what occurred..

https://spectrummagazine.org/news/gc-executive-committee-reviews-finances-approves-germany-reorganization-advances-onevoice27-at-2026-spring-meeting/

One aspect of the meeting, interesting to me dwelt with finances.  See:

"Audited figures showed total assets reaching about $677 million, with net assets increasing by roughly $32.7 million and an operating gain of approximately $25 million. Much of the surplus was driven by investment income, which contributed about $27 million, while tithe remained stable at around $89 million. Expenses rose modestly to about $281 million, with nearly 80 percent directed toward mission activities."

 

I found other aspects of the meeting to be of interest.  I found it interesting that the former President Wilson attended and participated by sharing his views on life and Adventist policy.   Personally, I would prefer that former Presidents go into retirement and leave the operation of the Church to the new administration.  President Wilson had his time in office.  Now, give others the full freedom to reign.

[Asia Joe]

On 4/18/2026 at 8:56 PM, Gregory Matthews said:

   Personally, I would prefer that former Presidents go into retirement and leave the operation of the Church to the new administration.  President Wilson had his time in office.  Now, give others the full freedom to reign.

I think it is to provide continuity. So as not to get a whiplash effect.

Quote

The whiplash effect in politics refers to the rapid and often unpredictable changes in government policies and regulations, which can create instability and confusion for individuals and businesses. This phenomenon is particularly evident during transitions between different political administrations, where previous policies may be quickly reversed or altered.

He also has an office in the GC. Probably a secretary too. 

I think it is a respectful thing to do. 

[Asia Joe]

Quote

During the discussion, former GC president Jan Paulsen raised a question [ I had forgotten about him ]  ..... 

....Former GC secretary G. T. Ng and former president Ted N. C. Wilson also voiced support for the treasury report,..

Many former people involved.

[Asia Joe]

Quote

The move also reflects longer-term concerns about growth and sustainability in the region. In a video presentation explaining the rationale behind the merger, leaders acknowledged that the church in Germany “has not grown over the last ten years,” making it important to act while financial resources remain stable. A single union structure, GC Associate Secretary Karen  Porter said, “will provide clear organizational structure, improve the ability to respond to demographic and societal changes, and support a more agile and mission-focused use of human and financial resources.” If approved by the global church, the merger will formalize what leaders say is already happening in practice, as the two unions already function and act as one union in reality.

They only have 15,000 and 18,000 members.  Combining them is only 34,752 , for a union with 6 conferences.  Germany has become very secular. 

[Asia Joe]

GC EXCOM voted to confirm the dates for the 63rd GC Session, scheduled for June 20–29, 2030, in Indianapolis, Indiana. GC President Köhler said the dates were set slightly earlier than usual to reduce travel challenges and avoid major holidays and peak travel periods. The goal, he noted, is to ease flight congestion, lower costs, and improve logistics for international delegates attending one of the denomination’s largest global gatherings.

The decision also builds on earlier plans for Indianapolis to host the 2020 session, which was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. At the time, preparations were already underway. “We were just a few short months away[…]and then COVID-19 shut down everything,” GC Associate Treasurer Sabrina D’Souza recalled while presenting the motion. She framed the 2030 session as both a return to those plans and a continuation of the church’s regular global meetings.

During the discussion, a question was raised about whether future sessions could be held outside the US. Responding, Köhler said leaders are already considering options for the 2035 session. “We are evaluating different locations[…]United States [and] outside of the United States,” he said, noting that decisions will take into account visa access, transportation, costs, and infrastructure. He added that, as a global church, future sessions will aim to better serve members from all regions.

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There were many problems leaving the last session from that small airport. Many complaints.  By 2035 two giant airports will be open in Asia. One in the Philippines is under construction and it is planned to have 4 active runways. The largest amount in the world.