General Conference Session is a pivotal event for the worldwide Seventh-day Adventist Church — a time when leaders are elected, important decisions are made and the global community gathers in worship and mission.
Whether you’re attending in person or following from afar, understanding what’s happening and why it matters can deepen your connection to the church’s mission.
In this series, we’ll walk through some key questions about GC Session — from who’s here and what’s on the agenda to what’s coming next. Consider this your insider’s guide to one of the most significant gatherings in the life of the church.
What’s It Like to Be At GC Session?
In a word, bustling!
There are lots of people!
GC Session brings together a vibrant cross-section of our global church family. Picture this: 2,804 official delegates, plus their family members, hundreds of additional attendees and dedicated support staff all converging in one place. On weekends, the number swells dramatically — America’s Center Convention Complex in St. Louis, Missouri, is expected to welcome up to 100,000 guests for worship services alone!
There are lots of greetings!
It’s not just a massive event — it’s a reunion. Everywhere you turn, you're likely to spot someone you know from college, previous ministry work or mission trips. You’ll also experience that unique dynamic of parasocial relationships: you’ll recognize key leaders from across the world church, even if they don’t know you personally. And sometimes, that recognition leads to meaningful new conversations.
There are lots of ministry resources!
The exhibit hall is a ministry playground! With displays from around the world, this massive space showcases frontline tools, global initiatives and newly launched resources designed to strengthen mission and ministry. One highlight: the 5,000-square-foot Adventist Book Center, full of books, curriculum and media for all ages.
There are many nuances to church business!
Church business sessions may appear formal — and they are! Delegates follow GC Rules of Order, which provide structure for making motions, proposing amendments, asking questions and sharing statements. With nearly equal numbers of first-time (863) and returning (847) delegates — based on a self-reported survey of 1,710 respondents — there’s a natural learning curve. For newcomers, navigating the business floor means learning not only how to raise your voice, but also how to do so effectively within the process.
Delegates voting on the agenda. The 62nd General Conference Session of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, America’s Center Convention Complex, St. Louis, Missouri, USA, July 3–12, 2025.
What’s on the Agenda?
The primary task of a GC session is to elect a new slate of global and division-level church leaders. Nearly 120 elections are expected to take place. In addition, delegates will consider 29 proposed updates to the Church Manual and 6 proposed revisions to the Constitution and Bylaws.
The Church Manual updates generally fall into four key categories: stewardship and finances, disciple-making, the role of the pastor and membership management.
The four parts of the agenda — the general agenda; the Nominating Committee agenda; the Church Manual agenda; and the Constitution and Bylaws agenda — were officially voted and approved by delegates on Thursday, July 3, 2025, at 5:29 p.m. (CDT).
To facilitate orderly and timely discussion, delegates have a two-minute limit for speeches and three minutes for voting using the Election Buddy electronic system. Voting by raising cards is also available as an option.
Amireh Al-Haddad, GC delegate-at-large and Public Affairs and Religious Liberty director for Southern Union in the North American Division, drew from her years of experience working in the immunization field, noting that a vaccine accommodation has never been refused, regardless of the church’s statements on immunization.
What’s Not on the Agenda?
Although a wide range of issues are being discussed, some topics are not part of the official agenda. One example is a motion to revisit the Church’s 2015 immunization statement. Delegates raised concerns about a perceived shift toward human tradition over biblical doctrine, the need for sufficient time to research and prepare any updated statement and the overall process of making such statements.
Ted Wilson, GC president, was invited by the session chair to share extended comments on the topic. Wilson cautioned against misinformation within the church.
“My brothers and sisters, I would urge you not to get involved in conspiracy approaches,” Wilson said. “Suggesting that the GC and the world church is receiving instructions and is under the thumb of the United Nations is a complete fallacy.”
This amendment was voted down 310 to 1,662.
Following Wilson’s speech on July 3, church officers were made aware that the immunization statement posted on the official Seventh-day Adventist Church website for the past 10 years was not the version actually voted in 2015.
This revelation prompted the following motion:
“Motion to reconsider the failed motion to amend the GC Session agenda to include a review and discussion of the 2015 GC Administrative Committee statement on immunization, specifically its claim regarding peer-reviewed scientific literature, in addition to the Bible and the writings of Ellen G. White.”
Some discussion ensued among the delegates; however, the new motion was ultimately rejected by a large majority through a vote by card.
Who’s on the Nominating Committee?
Before the GC Session officially begins, each of the 13 world divisions holds a caucus to select a designated number of delegates to serve on the Nominating Committee. These selections represent a broad mix of leadership, with each delegation including representatives from the unions within their division.
For the North Pacific Union, our representatives are John Freedman, NPUC president, and Erna Marquez, a human resources professional and lay leader from Upper Columbia Conference. Marquez also serves on NPUC Executive Committee.
In total, the Nominating Committee includes 277 delegates. A full list of members is available on the GC Session app.
Learn more about how the Adventist Church elects its leaders
Delegates listen attentively during ministry reports, worship presentations and important procedural discussions at GC Session.
What’s next?
Look for the Nominating Committee to begin sharing initial reports with their leadership recommendations.
Join in unified worship during the Sabbath broadcast, bringing the global church together in praise and prayer. The livestream is available in multiple languages.
And don’t miss the inspiring evening program featuring Stories of Hope — real mission stories that highlight the power of faith in action.
