NIGERIAN DELEGATES LIGHT UP ST. LOUIS AS ADVENTIST GC SESSION BEGINS TODAY

By Ekpor Temple

While football fans around the world are glued to the ongoing FIFA Club World Cup, with matches lighting up cities from Philadelphia to Los Angeles and Atlanta to the grand finale in New Jersey on July 13, another major global event is unfolding today in the heart of America. The city of St. Louis, Missouri, plays host to the 62nd General Conference Session of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. A ten-day international gathering that begins today, July 3, and continues through July 12, with thousands of delegates, leaders, and members from across the globe.

Those who went there weeks ago, in a chat with our media channels, testified that the city is a beehive of activity as airport terminals, hotel lobbies, parks, and eateries welcome a surge of guests. Over 2,800 delegates from more than 210 countries and territories will gather for the GC Session. An estimated 100,000 visitors are expected to attend this major event, held every five years. It is the Church’s highest decision-making meeting, with 23 million members worldwide.

From humble beginnings  to a global event

The General Conference Session began in 1863 in Battle Creek, Michigan, when just 20 church leaders came together to officially organize the Seventh-day Adventist Church. It started as a small meeting and has now grown into a major global event that reflects the Church’s growth and development over the years.

Some past sessions brought important changes. For example, in 1888 (Minneapolis), the Church emphasized the teaching of righteousness by faith, the idea that we are saved by trusting in Jesus, not by our own efforts. In 1980 (Dallas), the Church officially listed its core beliefs, called the Fundamental Beliefs. Then, in 2005 (St. Louis), a new belief called “Growing in Christ” was added, which shows the power of spiritual growth and victory through Jesus.

Now, in 2025, the Church continues to move forward, guided by the Bible, focused on mission, and always working to meet the changing needs of its members around the world.

Why St. Louis?

This is the third time the General Conference Session is being hosted in St. Louis, Missouri; the first was in 2005, and the second in 2022. This year’s session is attracting not only Americans but also international delegates, including a number of Nigerians. Sadly, more Nigerians would have attended, but many church leaders were denied visas. Still, our people are not left out. Many who made it will wake up this morning in St. Louis, ready to join thousands of others as the event officially begins. These delegates will take part in important decisions, such as voting on Church policies, electing leaders for the General Conference and its 13 world divisions, and helping to shape the Church’s global mission for the next five years.

In preparation for the session, the seven Adventist churches in St. Louis, with a combined membership of about 2,500 people, have gone the extra mile to welcome visitors. They have organized special programs like community outreach, free healthcare services, and other acts of kindness to make guests from around the world feel at home. Research shows that the city of St. Louis is alive with Adventist presence, billboards display church messages, buses carry Adventist ads, and even local bakeries are paid to offer “Special” meals for visitors and residents alike.

The event will be staged at the 21,550-square-metre exhibit hall (Dome), which has been turned into a global village of Adventist mission. Organizations, departments, ministries, and individuals from different countries have set up colorful booths to showcase their work in areas like health, education, evangelism, media, and community service. Visitors can ask questions, collect materials, and interact with others to learn new ideas, build connections, and discover new ways to serve their churches and communities back home.

To add to the experience, there will also be daily musical performances from different cultures and countries. Three concerts will hold every day, just before the business sessions begin. These music moments are meant to lift hearts, encourage worship, and remind everyone of the unity of the Church despite our many differences. The exhibit hall will truly be a place of learning, inspiration, worship, and fellowship.

 Beyond the Ballots

Yes, during the General Conference Session, delegates will spend long hours in meetings. They will review church policies, discuss important issues, vote on motions, and elect new leaders. But beyond all the official business, there is something even more meaningful happening. Every song sung in another language, every prayer offered in a different accent, and every handshake between people from different nations is a powerful reminder that the Seventh-day Adventist Church is not just a global organization but a worldwide family with shared identity and mission.

According to Prof. Robert Osei-Bonsu, the President of the West-Central Africa Division (WAD), this event is far more than a formal gathering.

“This is not just a business meeting; it’s a spiritual convocation that brings the church together. In 12 days, we shall worship, discuss the vision, and mission for the future.”, he explains.

In other words, this session is a time for the Church to come together in prayer, worship, and to make key decisions that will guide the future of our mission as a Church.

What Should We Expect as Church Members?

If you’ve been following the buzz on social media before today Session began, you’ve likely seen the excitement. Many are talking about the joy of meeting old friends, while others are asking, “What’s next for our Church?” These early conversations show that people have different expectations about what this important event means.

For some delegates, this Session is a time to reconnect with friends, meet church leaders, and spend time with fellow believers from other parts of the world. For others, it’s all about serious church matters such as voting on leadership, discussing important issues, and making big decisions that will shape the Church's direction in the coming years.

But not everyone comes with the same mindset. Some, like a friend of mine arrive with personal goals and strong opinions, hoping to push specific ideas or changes. She told me that a few persons are already complaining about event planning or logistics, even before the Session began today.

But seriously, whether you're attending in person or watching via various platforms from home, it’s a good time to ask yourself:

What are your expectations as this historic event begins today in St. Louis, Missouri, United States?

And more importantly, what is God expecting from us as His Church?

In less than two weeks, the session will end. Delegates will return to their regions, reports will be filed, and headlines will fade. But the mission will remain with hopes of reaching our dying world.