In such a polarized environment, Wilson’s sermon brings to the fore three fundamental issues which I respectfully raise, writes Admiral Ncube.

spectrummagazine.org/views/2023/whe… 1. Scratching Where It Does Not Itch

While it is important to have our doctrines clarified, it should not be done at the expense of progressive biblical scholarship and present-day awareness.

The afternoon business meeting has begun and Paul H. Douglas, GC treasurer, gives his report. From 2015–2019, total assets rose 5.6%. In 2020 there was a financial dip due to COVID-19, but 2021 brought a rebound. #GCSession Much of the financial information has also been shared at previous church business meetings. The church braced for a storm at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, but after an initial dip, tithe and overall finances have done better than many expected. #GCSession

Erton Köhler kicks off his Secretariat report with a dramatic short video and a direct message that all that he does is for mission. Speaking forcefully, he emphasizes “urgency” and “efficiency.” Erton Köhler introduces past GC Secretaries and invites members of the Secretariat on to the stage present. #GCSession

The 111-page 2022 GC Session agenda focuses on changes to church policy. This thread offers a summary of Tom de Bruin's article, What Is On The GC Session Agenda... And What Is Missing. #GCSession spectrummagazine.org/views/2022/wha… The agenda has adjusted the language of the guest speakers policy. While before it gave specific criteria for who could not speak, the new policy gives rules for who is allowed to invite speakers.

The nominating committee is back, with a partial report. Ted Wilson is nominated for another term.
#GCSession Lowell Cooper, retired GC vice president, is chair of the nominating committee and describes the initial work of the committee. #GCSession

Next is adding the gender-neutral "deaconate" to the Church Manual instead of "deacons." (Curiously, the word is most often spelled "diaconate.") Delegate Gerard Damsteegt objects, saying it will "depart from the Bible's specific direction than an elder must be male."#GCSession Another sticking point for some delegates calling for the amendment to be sent back to committee is a clause that says when a local church elects new elders, it also "authorizes their ordination." #GCSession

Before the #GCSession agenda is accepted, Jonathan Zirkle, a lawyer and lay church member, asks to add discussion on the church's statements on vaccines from 2015 and 2021 to the agenda. adventist.news/news/reaffirmi… The statement has "been very detrimental," Zirkle says. Artur Stele responds that there is no second for Zirkle's motion. Zirkle asks to "appeal this decision" and says he knows of remote delegates trying to second the motion. Stele continues to move the business along.

During the President's Report Ted Wilson will perform a surprise baptism. This connects to a 2021 Adventist World Radio story about a group of Leftist Filipino rebels hearing about Adventism, attending evangelistic meetings, and joining the church. #GCSession These photos from Sunday, before the start of the #GCSession show the mobile baptismal “pool” being prepared.

Your Spectrum crew in St. Louis just took an evening stroll inside the America’s Center Convention Complex where the #GCSession will take place. Here’s a little photo essay 🧵. That’s executive editor Alexander Carpenter (left) & managing digital editor Alex Aamodt (right). As you saw behind us in that photo, this is a model of the complex. The Dome (right) is the 67,000 seat stadium where the business meetings will run throughout each day. Its floor will only be accessible to delegates. The rest of the seating will be sparsely used until Sabbath.

David Trim, Director of @AdventArchives, is up now with some church stats and trends. #GCAC19 @AdventArchives The trend of church membership is going the way we want, says Trim. #GCAC19