During challenging economic times, Northwest Adventists are more apt than ever to ask if the North Pacific Union Conference and the six local conferences within its territory are helping or hindering the church's mission in the Northwest. On May 5, 2010, the NPUC executive committee voted to "appoint an ad hoc advisory study group to present findings to maintain the focus on mission by addressing operational efficiencies and cost effectiveness within the NPUC." Dennis Carlson, Walla Walla University vice president for advancement, was named chair of the 20-member group of which 50 percent were lay members. It focused on five key areas:
Advancing the mission of the church
Communication to members
Efficiencies in the use of funds and personnel
Church structure and organization within the NPUC
Adventist education
A brief summary of the report is in this issue, on pages 32 and 33. A more in-depth report is linked HERE. Use your mobile device to access it via the mobile access code here.
In the next few pages, five key members of the committee share their perspectives on the process.
