Leaders of the Seventh-day Adventist Church across the Southern Asia-Pacific region opened the 2025 Annual Council at the division headquarters, gathering under the theme “Integrated for Mission.” Delegates from unions, missions, institutions, and departments convened to align regional priorities with the global church’s strategic focus, reinforce collaboration, and strengthen frontline evangelism and discipleship.
Morning Devotional: Importance of Integration
The morning devotional set a reflective tone. Pastor Richard McEdward, Executive Secretary of the General Conference, called leaders to deeper dependence on the Holy Spirit and to visible unity in purpose. He challenged delegates to measure every agenda by faithfulness to Christ and the clarity of the church’s witness. His message stressed that mission flourishes when leaders listen to God together and move forward in step with Scripture.
Prayer Amid a Looming Typhoon
As sessions began, the Philippines readies for a severe typhoon forecast to affect parts of the Philippines in the coming hours. The council paused for prayer for communities in the projected path and for responders preparing for landfall. Organizers said meetings would proceed with appropriate caution, adding that intercession for those at risk would remain part of daily worship.
Central Focus: Advancing the “I Will Go” Strategic Plan
Council deliberations will center on the “I Will Go” Strategic Plan of the General Conference, a framework that calls every member and leader to live out four priorities: Communion with God, Identity in Christ, Unity through the Holy Spirit, and Mission for All. Leaders will discuss how these pillars strengthen worship life, doctrinal clarity, collaborative leadership, and outward-focused ministry.
Deepening Communion, Strengthening Identity, and Promoting Unity
The meeting will examine ways to deepen Communion with God through intentional discipleship rhythms, including local church prayer movements, small groups, and family worship resources. Discussions on Identity in Christ will highlight Bible teaching and pastoral care that anchor members in Adventist beliefs while inviting seekers into a hopeful, grace-filled community. Sessions on Unity through the Holy Spirit will address teamwork across departments and fields, conflict resolution practices, and leadership development that fosters trust, transparency, and accountability. Under Mission for All, presenters will outline plans to equip every member to share their faith, serve their neighbors, and support cross-cultural mission across the 10/40 window.
Harnessing Media for Mission: The OneVoice27 Campaign
Delegates will also receive the OneVoice27 Campaign, a coordinated global effort that mobilizes all media and communication platforms—broadcast, print, web, social, and digital tools—to present the gospel consistently and accessibly. The initiative underscores that every believer’s voice matters and that technology can amplify faith-based storytelling to reach people who may never step inside a church. The council will also explore training opportunities for local communication leaders to produce Christ-centered content in multiple languages and formats.
Regional Mission Alignment: The REAPS Campaign
The Southern Asia-Pacific Division’s response to the global initiative—the REAPS Campaign—will also be part of this council’s discussion. REAPS stands for Reach, Expand, Advance, Proclaim, and Seek, Save, and Disciple. Departmental leaders will present reports on how these five pillars are being lived out through local evangelism, church planting, health ministries, and digital outreach. The campaign aims to inspire every Adventist member to participate actively in sharing the gospel and nurturing new believers across the region.
Election of New Leaders
During the meeting, the Southern Asia‑Pacific Division (SSD) will also approved the election of new officers for several of its union administrations. The nominations and subsequent votes will reflect the church’s intent to align leadership with strategic mission priorities and to bring fresh vision into the region’s operations. Among these, newly organized unions will select their inaugural presidents, secretaries and treasurers—leaders who will steer mission efforts in culturally rich and challenging territories.
Strengthening Structure: Discussion on New Unions
A major milestone in this year’s council will be the approval of new union organizations within the division, reflecting significant growth in membership and mission opportunities. These proposed unions are designed to enhance administrative efficiency, bring leadership closer to local fields, and accelerate mission impact. Leaders will discuss readiness indicators such as leadership capacity, financial stability, and the strength of evangelistic initiatives before voting on formal recommendations.
Collaborative Leadership and Departmental Synergy
Throughout the week, officers, departmental directors, and institutional heads will present reports on mission strategies, membership trends, retention strategies, and unentered territories. Presentations will highlight cross-departmental initiatives demonstrating how coordinated efforts between ministries—such as health, education, publishing, youth, and communication—create holistic approaches to mission. Delegates are expected to share testimonies of how teamwork and innovation have opened doors for gospel work in challenging environments.
A Week of Prayer, Planning, and Purpose
Daily worship, devotionals, and evening reflections will anchor the schedule. Leaders will continue to pray for families, communities, and mission fields across the division. Each session aims to keep Christ at the center, ensuring that every report and plan reflects the gospel’s transforming power.
As proceedings continue, the atmosphere remains one of hope and faith. Delegates reaffirm that integration in mission is not merely organizational but spiritual—a shared commitment to advance God’s work with courage, unity, and love.