The Wisconsin Conference of Seventh-day Adventists held its 40th Constituency Session on October 18, 2026, at Wisconsin Academy Church in Columbus, Wisconsin. Delegates gathered to review the Conference’s ministry during the 2022–2026 quadrennium, hear reports, and elect officers and departmental directors for the next four years. Of the 329 regular delegates selected to attend, 220 had registered when the meeting confirmed that a quorum was present.
The session opened with a time of worship, including congregational singing and special music from the Wisconsin Academy choir. Elder Ted Huskins, executive secretary of the Lake Union Conference, offered the invocation, and Elder Elden Ramirez, Lake Union Conference president, led a prayer of dedication. Conference President Titus Naftanaila shared a message based on Zechariah 4:10, encouraging delegates not to underestimate what God can accomplish through a smaller conference with limited resources. He emphasized the importance of remaining rooted in Christ, developing Christlike character, loving others, and working together in mission. Dr. Rohann Wellington, assistant to the North American Division president, represented the division, and Todd McFarland, general counsel for the General Conference, served as parliamentarian.
President’s Report
Reflecting on the past four years, Naftanaila acknowledged both the opportunities and challenges the Conference had experienced. Rather than focusing only on accomplishments, he encouraged delegates to recognize God’s faithfulness throughout the journey and give Him the credit for what had been accomplished.
The Conference’s strategic priorities continued to guide its work: discipleship and revitalization, leadership development, educational excellence and growth, youth ministry, and reclamation, evangelism, and community involvement. These priorities included helping churches and pastors deepen their relationship with God, equipping paid and volunteer leaders, strengthening educational opportunities, reaching young people through ministry and evangelism, and encouraging churches to engage their communities.
During the quadrennium, 852 individuals were added to the Church through baptism or profession of faith. The Conference also reached a membership milestone of 8,000. Naftanaila noted that the Conference had reached 7,000 members 14 years earlier and expressed hope for continued growth as the Church looks forward to Christ’s return.
The report also highlighted developments in education and camping ministry. The Frederic community revived its Adventist school, and the Wisconsin Conference partnered with the Indiana Conference to provide a virtual academy for students who cannot readily access a traditional Adventist school. At Camp Wakonda, significant improvements included updated buildings for the children’s and youth divisions, a first-aid station, an ABC and camp store, a snack shack, and Cedar Lodge. Naftanaila recognized the volunteers and special donations that helped make these improvements possible.
A video presentation marked the 50th anniversary of Spanish-language Adventist ministry in Wisconsin. The ministry began in October 1975 with a Sabbath School class meeting in the fireplace room of the English-speaking Milwaukee Adventist Church. The first Hispanic Seventh-day Adventist congregation in the state was officially organized on October 17, 1977. By 2026, the ministry had grown to 21 congregations statewide, including three recently organized churches in Green Bay, Madison, and Beloit.
The anniversary celebration took place during Hispanic Brotherhood Day on May 30. In the weeks leading up to the celebration, evangelistic campaigns were held at Hispanic churches across the state, with the involvement of theology students from Peru and other guest evangelists. The anniversary gathering drew more than 1,300 people, requiring additional space to accommodate the attendance. The presentation reported that 65 people accepted Jesus as their personal Savior through the evangelistic efforts and related meetings.
Naftanaila concluded by expressing gratitude for the work of Conference employees, school and camp staff, local church leaders, and volunteers. He emphasized that the Conference’s ministry depends on working together and trusting God’s leading.
Election of Officers and Directors
Delegates voted on nominations presented by the standing Nominating Committee, electing leaders to serve the Wisconsin Conference for the next four-year term. Titus Naftanaila was reelected as president. Justin Perrone, who began serving as Executive Secretary/Treasurer in June 2026, was elected to continue in that role.
Other elected leaders include Katrina Baun, Superintendent of Education; Bill Ochs, Planned Giving and Trust Services Director; and Pastor Kevin Moreno, Youth Director. Moreno has served as senior pastor of the Green Bay Seventh-day Adventist Church since 2024 and previously served as a youth pastor there from 2020 to 2024. After electing Pastor Kevin Moreno as Youth Director, delegates moved to reconsider the vote. Delegates briefly addressed the motion and received clarification on the parliamentary process before voting. The motion to reconsider was not approved, and Moreno’s original election stood.
Delegates also voted on the Executive Committee, which serves as the Conference’s Board of Trustees, as well as the standing Nominating Committee and other committees that support the Conference’s governance during the next quadrennium.
Membership Report
The Secretariat report provided an overview of the Wisconsin Conference’s churches and congregations. The Conference is made up of 64 churches, 12 companies, and 11 groups, representing communities throughout the state.
The membership milestone highlighted in the President’s report reflected the addition of 852 individuals through baptism or profession of faith during the quadrennium, bringing the Wisconsin Conference to 8,000 members.
Financial Report
The Treasury report reviewed the Conference’s financial activity during the 2022–2025 period, including tithe, budget allocations, and the Conference’s financial position. In 2025, the Conference retained $7,407,112 in tithe. Of that amount, $3,569,100 (48.18%) supported church programs, $1,498,412 (20.23%) supported education, $1,046,635 (14.13%) went toward support, $1,097,865 (14.82%) toward retirement, and $183,375 (2.48%) toward special allocations. An additional $11,512, or 0.16%, was listed as retained.
The 2025 Wisconsin budget distribution totaled $378,127. Of this amount, $248,193 (65.64%) supported Wisconsin Academy operations, $65,017 (17.19%) went toward financial assistance, and $52,006 (13.75%) supported evangelism. Additional allocations included $5,900 for Camp Wakonda capital expenses, $4,628 for Wisconsin Academy capital expenses, and $2,383 for church capital expenses.
The report also included an interim financial statement through July 2026. At that point, total income was reported at $7,970,558, with expenses of $8,489,804 and total net assets of $3,320,871. Justin Perrone explained that the report reflected the financial position through July rather than a completed year. He noted that the Conference typically experiences higher expenses during the first part of the year and receives more income in the final quarter, so the figures did not represent the final year-end results.
Auditor’s Report
Chris D’Souza, regional manager for the General Conference Auditing Service serving the Lake Union territory, presented the auditor’s report for the 2022–2025 constituency period. The audit covered the Wisconsin Conference and Wisconsin Corporation financial statements, including the corporation that holds the Conference’s property. Wisconsin Academy’s financial statements were excluded because the school is audited separately.
D’Souza reported that the General Conference Auditing Service issued an unmodified, or clean, opinion on the four-year financial statements. He explained that the statements were fairly presented in all material respects and prepared in accordance with the accounting principles adopted by the Seventh-day Adventist denomination.
Wisconsin Academy Report
Wisconsin Academy Principal Derek Timms reported that enrollment had reached 93 students for the 2026–2027 school year, the school’s highest enrollment in 12 years. This represented an increase from 80 students in 2025–2026 and 72 in 2024–2025. Of the current students, 42 were new and 51 were returning.
Timms presented the school’s vision of being a “Relevant, Enthusiastic, Authentic, Christian, Home.” He also emphasized the importance of students inviting other students and becoming active participants in ministry. The goal, he explained, is not simply ministry to students or for students, but ministry with students.
Future priorities included developing the Wisconsin Academy Alumni & Friends Endowment, addressing the gymnasium roof, and improving transportation. Timms also invited delegates to participate in the endowment appeal. Each dollar donated that day would be matched by two additional dollars from donors who had committed to the effort. The matching opportunity was intended to help the endowment reach its goal a year earlier.
Looking Ahead
As the session concluded, Naftanaila directed delegates to the Wisconsin Conference’s strategic focus for 2026–2030 and encouraged them to continue sharing the gospel throughout the state. He emphasized that each generation must find ways to reach its own communities, beginning with the people and places closest to home. The Conference’s mission, “Rooted in Christ, Reaching Wisconsin Together,” reflects its commitment to remaining grounded in Christ while reaching individuals and communities across Wisconsin.
The session closed with a prayer offered by Pastor Bill Ochs, who prayed for the newly elected leaders, delegates, pastors, churches, and ministries throughout the state. He asked for wisdom, courage, humility, and unity as the Conference moves forward in its mission. As delegates departed, the focus turned toward the next four years and the opportunities ahead to continue sharing God’s love throughout Wisconsin.
