News

2025 Safeguarding Peace Training Empowers Attendees to Build Safer Churches
From February 9 to 11, 2025, a small but dedicated group of local church, conference, and union leaders, and lay members, met at the North American Division headquarters in Columbia, Maryland, for the NAD’s enditnow® Safeguarding Peace training on abuse prevention and response. Through presentations, pair and group discussions, and hands-on exercises, attendees were empowered to help make our churches safer spaces.

Monte Sahlin — Longtime Church Researcher, Administrator, Author, and Editor — Passes to His Rest
Monte Sahlin, one of the foremost researchers of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the North American Division (NAD) and a former pastor and church administrator, has passed away. He was 76 years old.

Oakwood University Announces the Selection of its 12th President
The Board of Trustees of Oakwood University is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Gina Spivey-Brown, Ph.D., RN, MSA, FAAN, FNAP, FADLN, as the 12th president of Oakwood University. The announcement concludes a comprehensive and prayerful search process.

Center for Youth Evangelism to Become North American Division Entity
On March 26, 2025, the North American Division (NAD) voted to receive the Center for Youth Evangelism LLC (CYE) as an official entity of the division as of May 1, 2025. This vote comes after the March 24, 2025, vote by the Andrews University board to transfer to the division the non-profit entity that has been part of the university since 1979 under the name of Youth Resource Center (it was renamed CYE in 1996).

La Sierra Sets Enrollment Goals, Maps Strategies for Success
As the winter quarter moves forward, La Sierra University is preparing a new, three-year budget and working on a strategic plan to position the university to reach near and long-term enrollment targets, culminating in 5,000 by 2035.

Maryland Governor, Officials Visit Frederick Church for Job Fair Supporting Displaced Federal Workers
The Frederick Seventh-day Adventist Church held a job fair on March 18, 2025, aimed at assisting federal workers affected by layoffs. Wes Moore, Maryland governor, April McClain Delaney, U.S. representative, and other state and local officials attended the event. More than 1,000 job seekers attended the event and connected with more than 70 public and private sector employers offering career opportunities.

Thousands Helped by Patmos Chapel’s Food Ministry
“Give us today our daily bread” (Matt. 6:11 NKJV). Members and friends of Patmos Chapel Seventh-day Adventist Church in Apopka are answering this prayerful request for hundreds of families in central Florida. The church’s mobile food giveaway has been cited as one of the largest distribution sites in Orange County, Florida.

120 Children’s Ministry Leaders Called to a "Reckless" Pursuit of God and Ministry
From January 14-18, 2025, roughly 120 participants, including Children’s Ministries directors and their teams, and children’s pastors, met at Falls Church, Virginia, for the annual North American Division Children’s Ministries retreat. Themed “Reckless,” the event encouraged attendees to pursue God and ministry goals with bold faith. For busy leaders, “Reckless” offered spiritual renewal, equipping, and fellowship through worship, practical training, and social activities.