The conference office was busy in February, restarting major committees and activities for the new year.

I had the opportunity to meet with all of our pastors individually during the conference alongside Pastor Adam Case. This annual, one-hour, visit is designed to help us become familiar with the status of our churches, mission projects, and the challenges we face in our territory. At the same meeting, we listened to the suggestions that they made for the conference.

We have a dedicated group of colleagues, and we invite all constituents to support their ministries and be a part of their leadership teams.

The annual training for conference presidents from the United States and Canada provided an opportunity for collaboration and learning. This year’s focus was promoting unity within diversity, avoiding legal pitfalls, crisis management, and utilizing resources provided by the North American Division for local missions. Coordinating an organization such as a conference entails more than our education system or administration of our ministry in Wisconsin. It takes a larger organizational system that works synergistically for the benefit of a larger territory than our state. 

I had the honor of being invited by Pastor Eric Anderson to meet with the board members of the Rhinelander District. During the meeting, I was able to present various aspects of the Wisconsin Conference’s operations and how it serves our constituents. The board members showed a lot of interest and support by asking multiple questions and having a productive debate.

Pastor Adam Case and I met with the Green Bay and Portage districts to select their respective pastors. When calling a new pastor into a new ministry setting requires prayer and collaboration between the conference personnel committee and local churches.

The Board of Education has recently convened and carried out several routine activities, such as changes to the school calendar and handbook, approval of class trips, and other school-related projects. The major highlight of the meeting was the Adventist Online Learning program, which is a new online educational system that the Conference will oversee in collaboration with the Illinois and Indiana Conferences. The program is designed to offer Adventist education to students who live far from an Adventist school and is available for students in grades one to eight.

Former Green Bay Senior Pastor, Delmar Austin, was the guest speaker at the joint meeting of our pastors and teachers. He shared his inspiring testimonies and wisdom from his life and ministry.

The Executive Committees convened and deliberated on various issues concerning our ministry in Wisconsin. As a result, Pastor Justin Spady was chosen to take on the role of Public Affairs and Religious Liberty Coordinator for the Conference. Pastor Jonathan Fetrick, who had served as the Coordinator for over four years, stepped down from his position to concentrate on other aspects of life and ministry.

Robert Egger was chosen as the Lighthouse Coordinator following Jim Parish’s transfer to full-time pastoral ministry.

During the meeting, a vote was taken to discuss the possibility of setting up a Center of Influence in the Milwaukee region. The primary objective of the center would be to create an urban mission center that caters to the specific needs of the community, following Jesus’ holistic ministry example. The committee will receive a more detailed organizational and business plan, which will be submitted for approval.

Pastor Adam Case has introduced a three-year evangelistic program. Many churches have already signed up to participate. As part of the program, lay members, pastors, and professional evangelists will present the Gospel messages in a consecutive order. The Conference will provide the sermon sets and cover two-thirds of the costs of the campaigns up to certain financial limits.

Wisconsin Academy administration also made a presentation where they provided reports on the major events and programs at the academy. They emphasized the campus’s capital improvements and spiritual and educational initiatives. A financial report was presented as well.

Dr. Amir Gulzar proposed a financial initiative on behalf of the Finance Committee to establish a quasi-endowment fund for the Wisconsin Academy. This fund will be invested, and the proceeds will be used to support the Academy’s operating budget. The details regarding this initiative will be announced very soon.

Please pray for us as we finalize the 2024 budget proposal, which aims to support major church, educational, and evangelistic programs. We also continue to pray for you and your ministry within your specific context.

 

Titus Naftanaila, president