In a rapidly changing world where social, cultural, and spiritual landscapes continue to evolve, the need to equip and strengthen leaders has become increasingly important. Church leaders say that now more than ever, preparing administrators and ministry leaders to navigate these shifts is essential as the Seventh-day Adventist Church continues its mission across diverse communities.
Recognizing this need, leaders of the Adventist Church in the Southern Asia-Pacific region gathered in Bangkok, Thailand, on March 3 for the opening of the Leadership Summit 2026, a five-day gathering designed to strengthen collaboration and advance the mission of the church. The summit, which runs until March 7, carries the theme “Integrated for Mission.”
The event brings together administrators, departmental directors, institutional leaders, and mission workers from across the Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD) to reflect on strategies that align ministries and organizations toward a unified purpose—sharing the message of hope and salvation throughout the region.
The summit also welcomed guests and representatives from the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists and other church entities, highlighting the importance of global collaboration in advancing the church’s mission. Among the visiting leaders are Pastor Erton Köhler, president of the General Conference; Pastor Rick McEdward, executive secretary; Pastor Magdiel Pérez Schulz, assistant to the president; Pastor Saw Samuel, vice president; Pastor Elber Kuhn, associate secretary; and Pastor Alexander Ott, associate secretary.
Other attendees from the world church and partner institutions include Todd McFarland, general counsel of the General Conference; Silvia Sicalo, event planner; Dr. Orathai Chureson, director of Children’s Ministries; Marcos Paseggi, news correspondent for Adventist Review; and Ben Thomas, IT director of the South Pacific Division.
Their presence reflects the global church’s support for the initiatives and mission priorities of the Southern Asia-Pacific Division, particularly as the region continues to play a vital role in sharing the gospel across countries located within the 10/40 window.
During the opening night keynote message, Pastor Elber Kuhn, associate secretary of the General Conference, reminded leaders of the calling and sacrifices required in ministry. Speaking to administrators and ministry leaders gathered for the summit, Kuhn emphasized the importance of understanding both the purpose of their mission and the sacrifices often required to fulfill it.
He encouraged leaders to remain focused on God’s calling as they serve in diverse and often challenging mission territories throughout the region.
“If we know where we are going, the sacrifices make sense,” Kuhn said, underscoring the importance of clarity in mission and commitment to service in the Lord’s vineyard.
Organizers explained that the theme “Integrated for Mission” emphasizes the importance of working together across departments, institutions, and mission fields to effectively fulfill the church’s calling. The concept of integration highlights how various ministries—such as education, health, youth, communication, and evangelism—can collaborate to strengthen outreach efforts and discipleship initiatives.
In addition, the Southern Asia-Pacific Division leadership emphasized that the summit serves as a platform to deepen leaders’ understanding and participation in the upcoming OneVoice27 initiative of the global church. Through this gathering, SSD administrators aim to amplify the immersion of leaders in preparation for the worldwide initiative, which is scheduled to launch on September 27, 2026, and continue into the following year.
The OneVoice27 initiative commemorates the baptism of Jesus and the beginning of His earthly ministry 2000 years ago, inviting church members around the world to unite in proclaiming the gospel with a shared voice and renewed commitment to mission.
Throughout the week, the summit will feature devotional messages, leadership presentations, strategic discussions, and collaborative sessions designed to equip leaders for ministry in the diverse and often challenging territories of the Southern Asia-Pacific region. Participants will also review ongoing initiatives, exchange experiences from their respective mission fields, and explore practical ways to strengthen partnerships that support evangelism, discipleship, and community engagement.
The gathering takes place at a time when the Adventist Church continues to expand its outreach in the region, where many communities have yet to hear the gospel message. Leaders believe that stronger integration among ministries and institutions will help accelerate the church’s efforts to reach people in both urban centers and remote areas.
Organizers expressed hope that the Leadership Summit will serve as a platform for renewed commitment among church leaders to work together in advancing God’s mission. As meetings continue through March 7, participants are expected to identify practical steps that will further strengthen collaboration and mobilize church members across the region to participate in sharing Christ’s message of hope.
The Leadership Summit forms part of the division’s continuing efforts to equip leaders and strengthen networks across the Southern Asia-Pacific territory as the church seeks to reach more communities with the message of Jesus.
