Wednesday June 23rd & Thursday June 24th

Fifteen delegates from the UK and Ireland joined with more than 2,400 delegates, and tens of thousands of Adventists from around the world in Atlanta, USA for the 59th World Session of the Seventh-day Adventist Church under the theme,'Proclaiming God's Grace'. Over ten days delegates debated and discussed the business of the Church and elected leaders for the World Church and its 13 divisions for the next five years. Amidst all this, delegates and visitors were invited to feast on a rich variety of music, preaching and a diverse worship experience along with meeting and greeting friends and acquaintances.
The British contingent who numbered approximately 2000 people from the length and breath of the British Union Conference (BUC) arrived in the city of Atlanta to sweltering heat and humidity with temperatures reaching 102 degrees Fahrenheit, but this did not dampen their spirits. The programme for the session included music, preaching, teaching seminars, exhibitions along with voting, debate and discussion. As the session was opened and the delegates given the necessary orientation, business began in ernest. With the selection of the nominating committee and its subsequent acceptance by the delegation the gathered audience listened to Pastor Jan Paulsen give his presidential report. As the sun set on another day the Adventist world awaited the report of the nominating committee to come in the morning.

Friday June 25th

By 11:30 am local time on Friday 25th June 2010 the Nominating Committee recommended the name of Ted N. C. Wilson, a vice president of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists and son of a former GC president to serve as president of the world church. Pastor Wilson comes to the office with a wide range of experience and is well regarded and respected around the Adventist world. In a short address accepting the nomination Wilson stated, "This is not just an organization, this is not just another denomination. This is God's remnant church,... "and we pray that the Holy Spirit would bring us revival and reformation." Pastor Wilson, 60 years old, was elected as a general vice president of the Adventist Church in 2000 during the General Conference Session in Toronto. His 36 years of denominational service include administrative and executive posts in the Mid-Atlantic United States, Africa and Russia.
Wilson began his church career as a pastor in 1974 in the church's Greater New York Conference. He served as an assistant director and then director of Metropolitan Ministries there from 1976 to 1981. He went on to serve in the church's then Africa-Indian Ocean Division, based in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire, until 1990. There he served as a departmental director and later as executive secretary.
Following his post in West Africa, he served at the church's world headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland, United States, as an associate secretary for two years before accepting the position of president of the church's Euro-Asia Division in Moscow, Russia, from 1992 to 1996. Wilson then came back to the United States to serve as president of the Review and Herald Publishing Association in Hagerstown, Maryland, until his election as a General Conference vice president in 2000.
An ordained minister, Wilson holds a doctorate degree in religious education from New York University, a master of divinity degree from Andrews University and a master of science degree in public health from Loma Linda University's School of Public Health.
Pastor Wilson is married to Nancy Louise Vollmer Wilson, a physical therapist. The couple has three daughters.

The list of the top officers for the World Church reads as follows:

President -- Ted N. C. Wilson
Secretary -- G. T. Ng
Treasurer -- Robert E. Lemon
General Vice President -- Delbert W. Baker
General Vice President -- Lowell C. Cooper
General Vice President -- Geoffrey G. Mbwana
General Vice President -- Armando Miranda
General Vice President -- Pardon K. Mwansa
General Vice President -- Michael L. Ryan
General Vice President -- Benjamin D. Schoun
General Vice President -- Ella S. Simmons
General Vice President -- Artur A. Stele

Officers for the Trans-European Division are as follows:

President -- Bertil A Wiklander
Secretary -- Audrey Andersson
Treasurer -- Johann E Johannsson
DIRECTORS (in Departmental alphabetical order)
Nenad Jepuranovic: Associate Treasurer
Dean Papaioannou: Associate Treasurer
Stephen Cooper: ADRA, co-ordinator for Ingathering & Community Services
Miroslav Pujic: Communication
Clair Sanches: Children & Women's Ministry, Associate Director Family Ministries
Daniel Duda: Education, Associate Director Ministerial Association (Theological research/Education) AMiCUS
John Sanches: Family Ministries, Health & Stewardship Ministries
Raafat Kamal: Field Secretary, & Assistant to the President in Administration, Adventist Mission, & liaison for AMR & AJF, Public Affairs & Religious Liberty
Bertil Wiklander: Leadership Development Services
Janos Kovacs-Biro: Ministerial Association Secretary, Pastors & Evangelism, Personal Ministries and Publishing
Michael Hamilton: Personal Ministries (Associate Director), Spiritual Formation, Prayer Ministries, Sabbath School, & Bible Correspondence Schools, Chaplaincy Ministries
Jóhann Jóhannsson: Planned Giving & Trust Services.
Paul Tompkins: Youth Ministries & Adventist Volunteers

Sabbath June 26th

The first Sabbath June 26th of the GC Session drew to the dome appoximatly 50,000 people, the outgoing Secretary, Matthew Bediako spoke passionately and practically about what we need to do as a church in the 21st century.
In the afternoon Asher McKenzie a 17-year-old student from London co-presented the Global Mission Programme with Emily Beth Bond. The Global Mission programme is one of the major features of the first weekend of the World Church Session. Asher McKenzie, a former head boy at John Loughborough School was confident and competent in his role and came across exceptionally well. Asher, a member of the Stoke Newington Community SDA Church is also a much travelled lay preacher having preached in Europe and across the Caribbean. Asher has been preaching since he was 11 years old.
Sabbath evening saw the commencement of the reports from the 13 World Divisions, with reports from the Southern Africa-Indian Ocean and the North American Division. Reports were received every evening from each division, ending on the evening of Thursday 1st July.

Sunday June 27th

On day 5 the church met for business here are the major points: There was a proposal to have the Associate Directors of the GC to be elected at the Autumn Council by the GC Executive Committee because, it was felt that at the session there would not be enough time for the Nominating Committee to do a through job and further it was felt that this would give time to the GC Directors to suggest the names of possible associates outside the pressure of a session. Quite a spirited discussion ensued as many felt that such a move would take away the power of the 2,400 plus delegates and give it to a smaller group of 300. This proposal needed a
constitutional amendment, which requires a 2/3rd majority (approximately 1,400 votes). The proposal received 828 votes and was soundly defeated. This seemed to be a major defeat.
In the afternoon the delegates began to address the 95 additions or deletions from the Church Manual. Two elicited significant discussion and both, on close votes, were referred back for more work. The first stated that the Church Manual "is to be followed by every church ['organization' – this was deleted in an amendment from the floor], congregation, and member." The second proposed addition stated: "No Church organization or institution assumes responsibility for the liability, debts, acts or omissions of any other Church organization simply because of its Church affiliation." The point was to avoid the higher organization being part of the "deep pocket" in a legal suit.
In other major highlights of the day were the release of the following statements: 1) On Nurture and Protection of Children; 2) Creation: The Bible's Worldview; 3) Seventh-day Adventists speak up for ending violence against women and girls; 4) Seventh-day Adventist on freedom of Speech and "defamation" of religion; 5) Seventh-day Adventist Statement on Global Poverty. One paragraph states: SDA "believe that the biblical events recorded in Genesis 1-11, including the special creation of human beings, are historical and recent, that the seven days of creation were literal 24-hours forming a literal week, and that the Flood was global in nature." Another paragraph stated: SDA "recognize that the biblical record of creation does not answer all questions that can be asked concerning origins. Our comprehension of such mysteries is limited. We anticipate that continued study of both the Bible and nature will deepen our understanding of God's power and strengthen our faith in His Word and the creation account it contains."
One of the great highlight of the day was a speech by the United States Surgeon General, Dr. Benjamin. She received numerous applauses during her brief speech and a standing ovation at the end.

Monday June 28th

The decision was made prior to the GC Session that the question of Women's ordination would not be discussed this year. However, On the morning of the 28th June there was a recommendation to change the Church Manual in one area. This discussion began with a proposal for deaconesses to be ordained in Divisions that allow it (just like it is allowed for local Elders). The chair first read a quotation from Ellen White (Review and Herald, July 9, 1895) in which she clearly said that deaconesses should be set apart by the laying on of hands. Immediately there were lines at the microphones to speak to the motion. John Brunt was the first to speak and made a long speech in favor, and a plug for affirming women in ministry as well. But after that a long line of delegates from the African Divisions spoke strongly against the motion. They were concerned that this is an "ambush" and an attempt to ordain women as pastors. There was an amendment to the motion to refer it back to the Church Manual Committee (CMC). But that was overwhelmingly defeated. The delegation wanted to have the discussion on the floor. After much debate and discussion Israel Leito president of the Inter American Division moved that we table the motion and bring it back later in the session. This was defeated.
Delegates then voted to amend the motion to ordain deaconess without the statement that the Divisions make the decision. It was overwhelmingly passed! What is significant is that the proposal by the CMC favored the Africans and those who did not want ordination in their territories. It would give them the latitude not to allow it in their territories. Instead, the Manual now reads: "A… service should take place for ordination of deacons and deaconesses." By accepting the amendment the delegation voted down the following: "Deaconesses may be ordained in divisions where the process has been approved by its executive committee."
One other significant comment that came from Armando Miranda, chair of the Church Manual Committee and Vice President of the General Conference: He noted that the church will decide in the future whether EGW statement applies in principle to all who serve (elders and pastors) the church in ministry. This might open the way for the church to finally ordain women in all ministries.
The evenings reports was given by the Northern Asia-Pacific Division which include mainland China. They had 9 delegates from that country – the first in 65 years to attend a GC. There the church is growing very fast and the women pastors are ordained. One such pastor is the senior pastor of a 7000 member church – the largest SDA church in the world!

Tuesday June 29th

The morning brought with it lots of Church Manual business today. One proposal that took up a bit of time was over how often the local church business meeting should be held. It was recommended that it be at least once per year. Some wanted it at least 4 times, and some 2 times. Both were defeated after a long debate. The other long debate was over the proposal that Union Executive Officers be allowed to attend the local church business meeting. Some wanted other officers in the Conference or Union to be able to attend. Many of the amendments were defeated. Finally the amendment that included "or designee" was voted.

Wednesday 30th June

The day began with a discussion on an item that was not in the original GC agenda, but with the change of regime it was added. It was on the issue of Creation and Fundamental Belief 6 that was voted in1980 in Indianapolis . There was a motion to reaffirm the more extensive 2004 Statement and to initiate the process of integrating both Statements. The fact is that the 6th Fundamental Belief does not include a recent, 24-hour literal day Creation, and the 2004 Statement does. Ted Wilson spoke at length to this. So the proposal was to begin a 5-year process to change Fundamental Belief 6.
The President of Southern Adventist University Gordon Bietz moved that they separate the motion into two parts. He supported the 2004 Affirmation but did not support changing the Fundamental Belief. Of interest during the discussion was Elder Charles Bradford's emotional appeal to the chair to answer a certain request that came as a Point of Order [but wasn't]. The chair finally backed down. (Some of you will remember 5 years ago when Elder Bradford got on the floor and spoke vigorously to an issue, and the chair ruled him out of order because he was a guest and not a delegate. It caused quite a stir. Many thought it was a shame that a well respected Adventist sage and former President of the NAD could not speak! Very quickly they gave him delegate status. They didn't make the same mistake this year; though they almost got it wrong again.
The advisors around the chairperson quickly told him to respect Elder Bradford's appeal, even if it did not fit the parliamentary rules.) Both motions on Creation passed overwhelmingly and the delegates affirmed the strong 2004 Statement and voted to begin the 5 year process to change Fundamental Belief 6 to express less ambiguity as to the literal creation event.
Couple other things of the day: The issue of the lack of young adults at the GC as delegates, and being elected, was raised a number of times. It was recommended that there be a defined quota of delegates between 18 and 30 years old.

Thursday 1st July

The first day in the month and the ushering in of the second half of the year brought with it a delegate moving an amendment to change the following proposal: "Marriage … is a monogamous, heterosexual relationship between one male and one female" to "…it is between 2 mutually consenting adults." There was a huge emotional debate. The amendment was overwhelmingly defeated.
Another motion was made to include the phrase "consenting adults" so as to not allow child marriage. It passed. But it caused a problem; because the age of adulthood varies from country to country. So the Church Manual Committee moved that they reverse the vote. The chair didn't want to reverse it. There was a stalemate between the platform officials. The church will be in a lot of legal problems if we went with the voted amendment. There was then a motion to reconsider. It was overwhelming voted to reconsider and not insert the words "consenting adults" and refer the matter back to the committee for study.
So what finally happened with all of this is that the original proposal by the CM committee was passed.
In the afternoon the Nominating Committee brought its final report. The one item that elicited a long discussion was the Ministerial Association. Jerry Page, President of Central California Conference was elected, and his wife Janet as Associate.
President Ted Wilson asked the Nominating Committee to hold off on choosing the other Associates. Wilson wants Page to choose a team that will bring a level of spirituality, revival and reformation to Ministerial. There was a long discussion. Many wanted the selections be made at the session; but many made supportive speeches for Page and Wilson and their desires. Their proposal was voted in the affirmative.
The Church Manual Committee brought back several items that were refer back for them to reconsider. The first was for them to reconsider this statement: The Church Manual "is to be followed by every church organization, congregation, and member." Here is the essence of the change: The Church Manual is applicable to every church organization, congregation, and member; recognizing the need of variation in the worldwide church.
Then the Steering Committee brought back a report of their discussion regarding delegates who are under 30 years old. The stats were interesting. There are over 2200 delegates. They have demographic information for 2033: 1701 males; 332 females. Under 30, = 43; 30-39, = 226; 40-49, = 580; 50-59, = 800; 60-69, = 321; above 70, = 38. There is a push to increase both under 30 y.o. and females in the official delegation.

Friday 2nd July

The Steering Committee met on this morning and discussed a couple issues that the delegates constantly raised. First, the issue of more involvement of youth and women: They committed themselves to involve more youth and women in leadership; to have more mentoring of them to prepare them for leadership; and to form a committee to do further analysis on how to involve more youth and women in the structure of the church. Second, they recognized that the function and practice of ordination is an important fact of church life.
The GC administration commits to establishing a process to review this subject and will report to Annual Council during the next 5 years. Most of the rest of the business was dealing with some minor constitutional changes. And thus the business of the 59th General Conference Session ended.

Sabbath 3rd July

On the final Sabbath of the 59th General Conference session approximately 70,000 people packed the Georgia Dome to listen to Pastor Ted Wilson address the World Church and outline his vision for the future.
But before the sermon Pastor Wilson read a letter of welcome from the President of the United States Barack Obama, the reading of which was greeted with rapturous applause.

In a powerful, hour long sermon entitled 'Go Forward!', Ted Wilson, the new General Conference President, outlined where he wants the church to go under his leadership.  He began by emphasizing that Jesus was coming very soon. He then went on to repeat this refrain in about a dozen different languages. He asked that people listen to the message and not the messenger and urged that if you agreed with a point in the sermon that you refrain from clapping but rather say 'Amen!'.  He outlined many signs that he believes indicates that Jesus' coming is very soon.

1.The Bible gives an accurate account of creation. God created the world in six literal contiguous days ending with the Sabbath. Genesis 1-11 is correct in every detail.
2.We are the remnant church
3.Ellen G. White is God's inspired prophet to the Adventist church and is just as relevant today as when she lived.  My impression was that he quoted from Ellen White more than from the Bible.
4.The three angel's messages must be taught and applied.
5.We are saved by God's grace.
6.We are not just another denomination but a special gift of God.
7.As we teach the special truths of Adventism we must seek to do so in the most loving and winsome ways.
8.Revival should be our first work. Ellen White called for reorganization and revival at the 1901 General Conference. The reorganization took place but not the revival.
9.Quoted from Christ's Object Lessons, page 69, that when the character of Christ is perfectly reproduced in His people, He will come.
10.God led Israelites out of Egypt and He will lead the Adventist Church into heaven.
11.The Israelites kept looking back we must look forward.  That was one of his key points: Looking forward and not looking backwards.
12.Then he sounded a series of warnings: Beware of new styles of worship; do not go to seminars put on by mega churches; beware of prayer leaders who talk about centering and contemplative prayer; beware of too much emotion in worship services; don't listen to people with complicated charts; beware of the historical-critical method when interpreting the Bible.
13.Make sure you are lifting up Christ and not yourself.
14.Do not accept theistic evolution and hold your pastors and leaders accountable if they stray from these truths.
15.There is nothing antiquated about the Spirit of Prophecy; it is just as relevant today as when she wrote. This came out over and over again.   He ended with a moving story about a police officer who became an Adventist at the risk of losing his wife, his parents, and his job (because of the Sabbath). In the end God worked everything out successfully.
This was a moving and no holds barred sermon that sets the course for the future.

To end the day it is a tradition to have a Festival of Nations celebrating the diversity and the various rich cultures that make up the Seventh-day Adventist church. With flags waving and people cheering the curtail came down on the 59th General Conference Session hosted by the city of Atlanta. See you in 2015 in San Antonio, Texas for the 60th General Conference Session, if the Lord has not come.
Come Lord Jesus quickly come!

Dr. Richard de Lisser & Dr. Pedrito Maynard-Reid