In January 2024, Gary Parks, Oregon Conference relational ministries director, announced his departure from Adventist ministry after approximately 38 years.
“I’ve dedicated my entire ministry to helping people understand how the gospel of Jesus impacts us practically through improving our ability to love well through relational and emotional wholeness,” he shared. “I’m amazed that I have an opportunity to take this ministry passion and serve others in a broader context.”
Parks came to Oregon Conference in 1998 to lead East Salem Adventist Church. Since then, he served as a trust officer before spending the last few years in the relational ministries department.
Dan Linrud, Oregon Conference president, noted, “It’s always exciting to see how the Holy Spirit directs our paths. When it comes to Parks, the Spirit led to the development of the new relational ministries department, walking with churches, ministries and members in growing healthy, loving relationships."
"Parks' ministry has helped churches to turn around, by addressing ways in which they were previously relationally stuck," continued Linrud. "I will always be grateful to Parks for pioneering this ministry in Oregon Conference. He has also served a long and distinguished career in pastoral ministry, pouring into youth and young adults, as well as being a beloved lead pastor. Parks will be greatly missed by our conference team and by our field. We wish him God’s abundant blessings as he retires from vocational denominational ministry and moves forward into the next things God has called him to.”
