The Seventh-day Adventist Church’s leadership will gather for the 2025 Spring Meeting, scheduled for April 9-10 at the General Conference (GC) headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland, United States.
“This meeting is critical as we approach the 62nd General Conference Session,” said Ted N.C. Wilson, president of the GC. “It is an opportunity to assess the church’s mission progress, align our strategies, and ensure we remain faithful stewards of the resources entrusted to us.”
As one of the church’s two annual business sessions, Spring Meeting convenes members of the GC Executive Committee (EXCOM) to review audited financial reports and to discuss other key business matters. The meeting will follow the theme "I Will Go and Proclaim Christ’s Second Coming," inviting church leaders and members alike to reflect on their spiritual commitment and collective mission.
This year’s session will be conducted in a hybrid format and will serve as the final business meeting before the upcoming GC Session in July.
A Legacy of Governance and Mission Planning
Held each April, the Spring Meeting is a vital part of the Adventist Church’s administrative structure, Adventist Church leaders say.
“Spring meetings allow us to evaluate how the church is using its financial resources to advance the gospel worldwide,” said Paul H. Douglas, treasurer of the GC. “Every resource must be dedicated to the mission, and our discussions will reflect a sense of urgency as we anticipate the soon return of Jesus Christ. This sense of urgency compels us to think and act differently in how we mobilize resources for mission.”
While the exact origin of Spring Meeting is difficult to pinpoint, records from the GC Committee, the precursor to today’s Executive Committee, indicate that leaders have long convened for major meetings in the spring.
According to the Adventist Church’s archives, what was once referred to as “Spring Council” can be traced back to at least 1892, and the term “Spring Meeting” appears in official church minutes as early as 1924. Over time, this gathering evolved from specially called meetings into a set, recurring event in the church's administrative calendar.
Over the decades, Spring Meeting has helped shape the church and ensured that its global operations remain financially sound and mission-focused.
Past sessions have included discussions on global outreach initiatives such as Total Member Involvement, the expansion of digital evangelism, and the distribution of Adventist resources worldwide.
For example, in 2024, the Spring Meeting featured a recommendation to establish a new Ellen G. White Research Center at the Asia-Pacific International University in Thailand. The proposal sought to increase access to the prophetic ministry of Ellen White in Southeast Asia and provide theological education in the region.
That vision has now become a reality. In February 2025, leaders from the Ellen G. White Estate officially inaugurated the center, expanding the church's prophetic heritage and academic resources across the Southern Asia-Pacific Division.
Preparing for General Conference Session
This year’s Spring Meeting holds particular significance as the final preparatory event before the 62nd GC Session, scheduled for July in St. Louis, Missouri. Held every five years, the GC Session brings together more than 2,500 delegates from around the world to vote on leadership positions, church policies, and other matters impacting the global denomination.
In addition to formal votes, the session serves as a time for worship, global fellowship, and casting a vision for the next quinquennium.
While much of the attention centers on leadership and administrative decisions, these proceedings will ultimately shape the experience of local churches around the world. From Sabbath School resources to mission funding and global initiatives, decisions made at GC Session impact the day-to-day life of Adventist members everywhere.
“Spring Meeting provides an opportunity to ensure that every division and entity is aligned with our collective mission objectives,” said Erton Köhler, secretary of the GC. “It is a time for reflection, planning, and reaffirming our commitment to sharing the Adventist message worldwide.”
Engagement and Live Updates
In an effort to keep members informed, the Adventist Church will provide a Spring Meeting livestream, allowing members to follow key discussions and reports. ANN will also provide live updates from the Spring Meeting through its official X account and brand-new WhatsApp channel, in addition to its multilingual coverage on the ANN website.
Updates and engagement around the meetings will be shared using the official event hashtag #GCSM25.
“We’re excited to bring more people into the conversation through platforms they already use,” said Williams Costa Jr., director of communication for the GC. “Our WhatsApp channel allows members around the world to stay informed in a way that’s immediate and accessible.”
With the GC Session just months away, church leaders emphasize that the Spring Meeting will help the Adventist Church continue its mission work around the world. These discussions will ensure that the movement remains focused, strategic, and prepared for the future.
For live updates during the 2025 Spring Meeting, follow ANN on WhatsApp and X.