Roanoke, USA—The General Conference Council convened at the General Conference headquarters in Roanoke, Virginia, from September 9-15. This was the second time the Council convened this year, after its first meeting in March immediately after the delegation session in Barbosa, Colombia.
Reports were given and plans presented. The new officers are adjusting into their new roles and looking forward to the years of service ahead. Administrative matters were discussed, including budget, working policy, bylaws, dates for the following councils, and modification of certain committees. The plans from the delegation session’s temporary plans committee were also analyzed at this time.
Looking Ahead 2025-2030
To unify the work across departments and regions, the Council decided to continue developing the theme “Arise and Shine” based on Isaiah 60 and introduced at the General Conference in Medellín at the beginning of the year. The objective is: to spread the gospel in a practical manner that transforms lives, by inspiring, equipping, and mobilizing members worldwide to live and share their faith in tangible, Christ-centered ways. In 2026, special emphasis will be given to Cultivating Light at Home and initiatives by the Family Department.
Further decisions included:
Initiatives by the Children’s Committee
WHEREAS the GC Council considered the proposal to make the publication of the Children’s Week of Prayer an annual recurring publication along with the adult Week of Prayer and following the same theme, it was RESOLVED, to accept this proposal, and publish a Children’s Week of Prayer annually alongside the regular adult Week of Prayer, following the same theme.
WHEREAS a proposal was made to have a yearly Children’s Sabbath that would be dedicated specially to ministering to the spiritual needs of our children, it was RESOLVED, to hold a special Children’s Sabbath every year on the first Sabbath in June.
General Conference 2030
WHEREAS the dates April 3 to April 17, 2030, were proposed for the 2030 GC Delegation Session, and WHEREAS a vote by a show of hands was taken, with the majority in favor of these dates, it was RESOLVED, to approve the dates April 3 to April 17, 2030, for the 2030 GC Delegation Session.
WHEREAS the dates April 18 to April 21, 2030, were proposed for the 2030 GC Public Meetings that will follow the GC Delegation Session, and WHEREAS a vote by a show of hands was taken, with the majority in favor of these dates, it was RESOLVED to approve the dates April 18 to April 21, 2030, for the 2030 GC Public Meetings.
The 2025 Fall Council ended with a public relations seminar presented by Brother Jaime Campos (GC Public Relations Officers) and Sister Larissa Gessner (Media and Communications Committee Chair). While these activities conclude the Council meetings for this year, the work continues steadily to implement the plans and initiatives discussed. Let us keep the church leadership in our prayers as they carry out God’s work in His vineyard.
