The Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD) outlined a mission-centered financial plan for 2027 during its Treasury report at the SSD Year-End Meetings, emphasizing that budgets should reflect the church’s spiritual priorities rather than function only as administrative documents.
The proposed operating budget totals approximately US$15 million and supports division operations, strategic departmental programs, missionaries, appropriations to unions and missions, and OneVoice27 evangelistic activities.
“If something is truly a priority, it should not appear only in our speeches,” said Pastor Jacinth Adap, SSD treasurer. “It should also appear in our budget.”
Leaders said the proposal represents a modest increase over the previous year and remains balanced through projected tithe income, General Conference appropriations and allocated reserves. The plan also accounts for updated wage and cost-of-living provisions for Philippine-based personnel.
Giving reflects members’ commitment
The report recognized church members whose giving sustains ministry across the division. From January through August 2026, members contributed more than US$100 million in combined tithe and offerings.
“Behind every dollar is a story of faith, sacrifice and trust in God,” Adap said.
Leaders stressed that the funds did not begin in the Treasury Department but in the hearts of members, including professionals, farmers, teachers and workers worshipping in congregations of every size.
The division reported a stable overall financial position, with working capital above the recommended minimum. Liquid assets remained slightly below the recommended level, prompting leaders to call for continued prudence.
“Our message is not, ‘We have money; let us spend,’” Adap stressed. “Our message is, ‘God has provided; let us manage wisely.’”
SSD also reported that its audits are current through 2025, with the completed report expected by December. Leaders described timely audits, reliable financial reporting and proper controls as essential expressions of Christian stewardship.
Resources support people and ministry
The report highlighted investments in Adventist heritage, education, leadership development, community facilities and pastoral training.
SSD has supported the preservation of the historic Adventist Village in Battle Creek, Michigan, and continued development of an Adventist Heritage Village at Mountain View College. Leaders said such projects help younger generations understand how God has guided the church.
The division also continues to support scholarships, bursaries and leadership-development programs involving nearly 200 participants. One sponsored student is preparing for missionary service in Indochina.
More than 3,200 pastors attended the 2026 Ministerial and Stewardship Summit in Jakarta. The treasurer described them as “mission multipliers” who can help members understand that biblical stewardship begins with a living relationship with Jesus Christ.
Facilities were also presented as potential centers of influence. These include a multipurpose community center used for evangelism in the central Philippines and the large church under construction in front of SSD headquarters, which is about 80% complete.
Leaders said the church building should serve worship, discipleship, evangelism, youth and family ministries, and the surrounding community.
“Its real success will not be measured by the size of the structure,” Adap said. “It will be measured by the lives changed through its ministry.”
Mission must guide financial decisions
The proposed budget gives particular attention to OneVoice27 and three mission settings: the 10/40 Window, rapidly growing urban communities, and post-Christian or postmodern societies.
Rather than treating mission as a remaining expense after other obligations, the treasurer urged church organizations to build it into their plans from the beginning.
“Mission should not receive the leftovers,” he said. “Mission should help shape the budget from the beginning.”
He encouraged unions, missions and institutions to organize their financial planning around four actions: identify the people and mission fields they seek to reach, allocate appropriate resources, collaborate beyond organizational boundaries and measure the resulting impact.
The report concluded by contrasting two perspectives: The September financial statement showed where the division currently stands, while the proposed 2027 budget showed where its leaders intend to go.
The remaining question, the treasurer said, is whether that direction clearly reflects the mission God has entrusted to the church.