Cameron Reel
Conference Celebrates God’s Blessings and Growth
We are blessed, first, because of our members,” said Gary Rustad, Georgia- Cumberland Conference president, during the five midterm reports that took place throughout the Conference from November 16 to January 25.
Over the past three years, membership has increased by more than 5,000; seven churches have been established, along with eight companies and five mission groups; and several more churches, companies, and mission groups are ready for formal organization.
“If it wasn’t for what you all are doing, boots on the ground, out there meeting and bringing individuals, none of this would happen,” said Rustad as he addressed attendees.
During the reports, each of the five vice president members of the Administrative Committee (ADCOM), shared reports on ministries they oversee. With evangelism permeating through all ministries at the Conference, this past year a new position was created specifically focused on coordinating evangelism efforts between Conference ministries, churches, and schools.
One of the highlights during Rustad’s report was that, just in the last quarter of 2024, there were 55 evangelistic series across the Conference. Looking forward to Pentecost 2025, there are already 1,200 days of proclamation events, both at churches and schools, planned for this coming year.
Other highlights from Chester Clark, vice president for administration; Kurt Allen, vice president for finance; Kevin Kossick, vice president for education; and David Wright, vice president for pastoral ministries, pointed out the strength, growth, and diversity of churches and schools. Over the past three years, there have been more than 25 churches and schools purchased, built, or expanded. Every Sabbath, there are 15 languages spoken in churches by pastors and leaders from more than 15 countries. This strength is also reflected in schools, where enrollment is increasing and, despite the challenges of COVID-19, standardized testing scores are above the national average.
The reports ended with an opportunity for members of administration and Conference leaders to hear directly from members, and to answer any questions they had through a Q&A and one-on-one conversations.
Video reports showing how God has been blessing and leading across the Conference were also shown during the presentations, and are available on the Conference YouTube channel, www.youtube.com/GeorgiaCumberlandConference.
Georgia-Cumberland | March 2025
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