The following Strategic Study Items are being presented to the delegates of the 30th North Pacific Union constituency session for consideration and discussion.
Through the regular agenda process outlined in NPUC bylaws, constituent organizations submitted proposals that were reviewed by the agenda committee and recommended to the NPUC executive committee for inclusion on the constituency session agenda. The executive committee then voted to recommend the following proposals for delegate consideration.
These proposals would authorize representative study groups to evaluate important organizational, missional, financial and educational matters and provide written reports to delegates by the close of 2028.
STRATEGIC STUDY ITEM NO. 1
Missional Focus, Effectiveness and Efficiency Study
One of our conferences submitted a proposal requesting a comprehensive review of organizational structure, operational alignment and opportunities for increased effectiveness and efficiency across the union and local conferences.
The proposal reflects a desire to thoughtfully evaluate the respective roles and responsibilities of the union and local conferences, clarify areas of mission and operational alignment, reduce duplication of services and identify opportunities for increased effectiveness, efficiency and long-term sustainability in support of the Adventist Church’s mission.
Recommended Motion (voted by the executive committee on May 12, 2026):
Moved, that the NPUC constituency direct the executive committee to appoint a study commission to evaluate organizational structure, clarify roles between the union and conferences, and identify opportunities to reduce duplication and enhance operational efficiency. The original submission (see Appendix A) shall serve as advisory guidance to the commission, underscoring the intention for considerable organizational change and significant savings.
Further moved, that the commission submit a comprehensive report, including financial and structural implications, to the executive committee, with a written final report to the delegates by the close of 2028.
STRATEGIC STUDY ITEM NO. 2
Secondary Education Financial Viability Study
Another conference submitted a proposal to study the financial and infrastructure challenges facing Adventist secondary education across the union — including boarding academies and other models of secondary education — and to develop recommendations that support long-term financial viability and educational effectiveness.
Recommended Motion (voted by the executive committee on May 12, 2026):
Moved, that the NPUC constituency direct the executive committee to appoint a task force to study the financial and infrastructure challenges facing Adventist secondary education across the union and to develop recommendations that support long-term financial viability and educational effectiveness.
Further moved, that the task force report its recommendations, including any financial and structural implications, to the executive committee, with a written final report to the delegates by the close of 2028.
APPENDIX A
Original Conference Agenda Proposal Submissions
The following text reflects the original agenda proposal language submitted by our conferences and distributed for review through the agenda committee process. These materials are provided for delegate reference and historical context.
Agenda Proposal No. 1
Concerning Missional Focus, Effectiveness and Efficiency
Whereas the Adventist Church is called to faithfully steward all the resources entrusted to it, including the tithes returned to the church as storehouse;
Whereas there is a recognized need to address redundancy and duplication within denominational structures, in order to improve efficiency, reduce administrative overhead and maximize resources for direct ministry and mission;
Whereas the vitality of the Adventist Church is found in the local congregation and organizational structures should be designed to support and empower local church ministry;
Whereas consolidating organizational support functions at the union level and focusing local conference resources on ministry support is expected to yield significant cost savings and operational efficiencies, without diminishing representation or requiring constitutional changes;
Be it resolved, that the NPUC constituency authorize the development of a detailed plan for reorganizing the relationship between NPUC and the local conferences, with the following objectives:
To coordinate and consolidate organizational support functions (such as HR, accounting, IT, risk management, communication, trust services and legal) at the union level, eliminating duplication at the conference level.
To focus conference staffing and resources on ministry support functions that directly empower and equip local church leaders and congregations.
To clarify the missional focus of each organizational unit, reducing overlapping structures and initiatives, while enhancing member engagement.
To establish clear metrics for efficiency, cost savings and effectiveness, with a target of achieving at least 9% system-wide savings in tithe-funded operations.
Furthermore, be it resolved that NPUC administration report back to a specially called NPUC constituency meeting in fall 2027 with a comprehensive implementation plan, including timelines, financial projections and recommendations for necessary policy and structural adjustments.
Agenda Proposal No. 2
Secondary Education Financial Viability Task Force
Whereas conferences within NPUC are facing significant financial challenges in maintaining boarding schools within their territories,
It is moved that NPUC establish a dedicated task force to study financial and infrastructure issues facing Adventist secondary education across the union and make such recommendations to the executive committee and its constituent conferences that will ensure financial viability and a commitment to excellence in Adventist education for the future.
Closing Statement
These Strategic Study Items are intended to provide a thoughtful and orderly process for evaluating significant issues affecting the future mission and ministry of the Adventist Church within NPUC. Delegates are encouraged to review the proposals carefully and prayerfully as part of the constituency session deliberations.
